The Friday Read: The Best Smarwatches, A New Denim Shirt and The State of the Music Industry

Step on up and dive right in to this week’s Friday Read, packed with men’s style essentials aplenty to start your weekend off right. I’m looking forward to another early “Summer Friday,” (a perk of working in the NYC PR world!). This weekend, I’m planning on visiting the iconic Grand Central Station, enjoying some local coffee and neighborhood strolls, and checking out the lauded Brooklyn Museum! It’ll be a relaxing and enjoyable summer weekend, to say the least.  I truly can’t wait. The close of this week also means that we’re one week closer to Labor Day and the end of summer — how are you prepping for early fall? Might I suggest shopping some of my favorite menswear picks to make the transition? I hope that the below menswear reads are helpful to you as you shop, pack and plan. Without any further ado, here we go! Happy reading, happy shopping & wishing you a happy weekend.

  • Some guys are watch guys, and some guys just … aren’t. At least, not in the traditional sense. If you find yourself in the market for a new, tech-forward timepiece, just about the best thing you could do would be to check out my feature on the best smartwatches for 2018 over on GearMoose.
  • I’ll be sharing more thoughts on the best weekender bags in the season ahead, but for now, I’d say you’d do well to check out my latest piece for The Manual covering essential, stylish gear to pack up for your next trip out of town.
  • Let’s talk dependable, everyday style — with just a bit of edge thrown in, that is. The Flint and Tinder Bone Button Western Shirt keeps popping up on the site for good reason. It’s made with quality cotton in a rich indigo color, and it features a reliable fit for layering over everything from a grey slub tee to a long-sleeve thermal shirt (come early fall, that is). That’s why I’d recommend you catch up with our See Now, Buy Now series, and make the Bone Button Shirt work for you.

  • OK, switching tracks a bit here — I’m a huge fan of all things live music, from festivals to small Brooklyn club shows, so I found the big news out of the music industry this week both intriguing and alarming. That is to say, Paste Magazine and other outlets have reported that musicians received only 12 percent of the music industry’s $43 billion in revenue last year. YIKES. Give the article a read, and then buy a T-shirt the next time you see your favorite local indie artist, yes?

Can’t get enough menswear before the weekend? Shop these menswear must-haves before you go. Thanks for reading!

-Beau

See Now, Buy Now: The Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford Is A Daily Style Essential

A versatile Oxford shirt, shown here in one of four cool colors for early fall.

Pick a color, any color — with the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford, you’re getting a serious winner either way. It’s a classic Oxford shirt through and through, with the sort of styling touches and construction that you’d expect from a Style Guide favorite, made-in-America purveyors Flint and Tinder. If you follow along with us regularly here at the ole blog, you’ll know that we dig the work being done by the brand, from the rugged Flint and Tinder Bone Button Western Shirt to the essential fit & excellent styling potential of the Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Oxford. Given that long-running history of quality, it should come as no surprise that we’re all for you adding the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford to your rotation as soon as possible — particularly as August careens toward fall. The Garment-Dyed Oxford from Flint and Tinder is merely the latest men’s style essential worthy of your hard-earned dollars. It starts with the unique Picante color (one of four versatile color options) and carries right on through to the exceptional fabric with which the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford is made — as one might expect. We’re talking premium cotton that’s garment-dyed and washed for softness and comfort.

The Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford also features the exacting fit you need in a casual-yet-versatile shirt like this. That is to say, you can wear this Oxford shirt untucked with dark denim and classic suede chukka boots as readily as you can tuck it in and layer up with a tan herringbone blazer and wingtip boots for early fall. The rest of the details that you need in a classic Oxford shirt are there, too — the laidback buttondown collar, a chest pocket, a clean front placket.

So, all of the bases are certainly covered when it comes to the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford — heck, even the buttons are made in the U.S. Most importantly though, this is one shirt you can feel good about buying now, and then styling in plenty of ways through fall and winter. A grey crewneck sweater, tan chinos and brown leather chukka boots would pair well this fall with the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford, and more classic end-of-summer style combos should be in play, too (layer the Garment-Dyed Oxford from Flint and Tinder atop a slub tee, then add in light wash denim and a grey slub tee). To make a long story short: You need the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford in your wardrobe and on your back now.

The List: Tackle Transitional Style with the Best Men’s Gear to Shop Now

Perhaps the best wallet you can buy now — just one of today’s featured picks.

We’re going to get right down to the business of outfitting you with some of the best new menswear around today. Mid-August calls for some reflection and yes, some planning for early fall. That being said, you should focus on tough, timeless men’s style essentials to take you through the weeks ahead. Pieces like the perfect jacket for early fall, or a rugged men’s henley, or an everyday carry essential like a stylish leather wallet. Here we go. 

Secrid  Slimwallet — $90

Highly durable and functional — you won’t miss a beat with this wallet.

Here it is — the highly durable, highly stylish & highly rugged Secrid Slimwallet as seen at the top of the page. Surely one of the best men’s wallets to buy now, and then use every single day.
Timex Marlin Automatic Watch — $168.99

A sleek, hard-to-find watch that’ll upgrade every business casual look you throw at it.

There’s a great chance that by the time you read this, the sleek, super-stylish Timex Marlin Watch might be sold out. That being said, it’s a heck of a refined dress watch to wear with your next suit. More on your must-own fall suit in just a second …
Taylor Stitch Westport Jacket — $158

An exceptionally versatile layer that’ll only get better with age.

Fall is all about making style transitions that count — the Taylor Stitch Westport Jacket, with its versatile cut and rugged construction, is the perfect jacket for early fall. Wear it with … well, the stylish long-sleeve henley below.
Faherty Brand Slub Cotton Henley — $98

A classic white henley, made with classic slub cotton.

Every guy needs a rugged henley on his list of men’s style essentials — the Faherty Brand Slub Cotton Henley is ideal for wearing on its own with slim tan chinos and rugged leather boots, or layered up with a classic chambray shirt.
Hemel Tracker Watch — $340

A durable watch to throw on your wrist darn near every day.

The alternative to the Timex Marlin Watch is here. Looking for a rugged everyday watch to take you from August into fall? The Hemel 340 Watch is it. This tough field watch is easy to wear with everything from a white Oxford and dark denim to tan chinos and a grey henley.

Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket in Charcoal Herringbone — $228

The next — and best — addition to your fall closet you can make.

If you’re not yet acquainted with the tremendous style and versatility of the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit, you best hop on this train now. The Telegraph Jacket in particular works with dark denim, a white Oxford and brown wingtip boots — for starters, that is. Heck, get the full Telegraph Suit if you so please.
TOMS TRVL LITE High Sneakers — $84.95

Take everything you thought you knew about TOMS and toss it out the window.

Available for a heck of a price — under $90 — the TOMS TRVL LITE High takes the comfort you’d expect from this ethical and stylish brand, then injects that ethos into a fall-ready pair of high-tops.
Topo Designs Rover Pack — $139

A functional backpack that doesn’t look half-bad, either.

Less of a high-top sneakers guy and more of a rugged hiking boots type of guy? Well, the Topo Designs Rover Pack is the functional, understated and surprisingly stylish everyday backpack you need heading into fall.
Triumph & Disaster Rock & Roll Suicide Face Scrub — $29.98
Triumph & Disaster

A cool name, a cool label and an even better product.

We’re about more than just style essentials for the transition to fall — I’d wager men’s grooming essentials, especially from a well-done brand like Triumph & Disaster, will pack just the punch you need to upgrade your grooming game.
CIVIC Frank Chinos in Navy — $128

Crisp navy chinos in a futuristic fabric.

A pair of classic navy chinos — particularly a pair from Taylor Stitch partner brand CIVIC — are an essential you can wear starting now (thanks to the comfortable, stretch merino fabric) and then on into September & October.
Flint and Tinder Plaid Button Down — $74.98

As simple and classic as it gets — a tough plaid shirt from Flint and Tinder.

Now, now — what to wear with your classic navy chinos? Why, a well-made, rugged buttondown shirt from the ever-stylish team at Flint and Tinder. This is the perfect casual shirt to wear with dark denim or tan chinos, plus brown leather boots. Easy as that.
Danner Mountain 600 Enduroweave Boots — $160

Hiking boots that are durable yet lightweight? Well, that’s too good to be true — or is it?

We mentioned rugged hiking boots earlier, and the Danner Mountain 600 Enduroweave Boots fall squarely in that category. The fact that they’ll stand up to the rest of your summer and fall adventures off-trail is a big bonus.

Alright, my friends – we’re wrapped up with this edition of The List. It’s tough to pick favorites, but I sure loved the Hemel 340 Watch  … oh, and the always-excellent Telegraph Jacket— from the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit, of course. Happy shopping, and thanks — as always — for reading!

#OOTD: How to Dress for A Summer Bonfire

We sure do love a great, versatile #OOTD for summer — who doesn’t, am I right? And today, we’re getting just a little specific as we look toward the end of summer and the start of fall. That being said, there’s still some time to indulge in the finer pleasures of life, like throwing on a stylish zip hoodie (they exist!), cracking open a cold beer & enjoying a summer bonfire. It’s an oddly specific situation, to be sure, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reach for men’s style essentials to help you dress your best. That being said, I think I’ve pulled together a look here that’ll help you take on that backyard BBQ with stylish ease, and keep you casual and comfortable during an evening bonfire thereafter. It’s one of those situations where you can go casual, and yet still look stylish as all get-out. From easygoing SeaVees slip-ons to slim chino shorts to a stylish leather watch and a throwback-inspired T-shirt from the folks at Flint and Tinder, this #OOTD has you covered from A-to-Z in terms of essential off-duty style. If you ask me, that’s the perfect way to savor these last few weeks of summer — dressed in a look that’s laidback, yet great-looking, all the while enjoying the company of family and friends … preferably with a cold brew in hand. Enjoy, and cheers!

The upgraded way to enjoy a bonfire, from the stylish hoodie to a cool tee.

  • The Hoodie: Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie in Gray, $98 — There’s a good chance that the thermostat might drop a little bit when the sun goes down, so when it does, reach for the legendary Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie.
  • The Tee: Flint and Tinder City Slub Tee, $32 — Want to separate yourself from the pack with subtle style? A classic T-shirt like the unique Flint and Tinder City Slub Tee, featuring a throwback-inspired logo, does it.
  • The Shorts: Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts, $78 — Let’s make it three-for-three when it comes to Flint and Tinder gear here — the 365 Shorts are the slim chino shorts you need to close out summer.
  • The Belt: Cause and Effect Brindle Belt, $130 — Go vintage-inspired and eye-catching with a rugged leather belt from Cause and Effect — a great way to set this outfit apart from the everyday.
  • The Sneakers: SeaVees Huntington Middie in Dark Navy, $108 –Your stylish casual sneakers are really where you’re going to stand out, even at a bonfire — the SeaVees Huntington Middie is a surefire upgrade over plain old slip-ons or athletic sneakers.
  • The Watch: Hemel HFT20 Watch, $382.50 — Why wear a rugged leather watch like the Hemel HFT20 to a bonfire? ‘Cuz it’s a darn-stylish accessory and the perfect complement to this rugged, laidback outfit.
  • The Hat: Corridor NYC Cap in Natural Vege Suede, $45 — There’s really no way to go wrong if you’re shopping for gear from Corridor NYC — the Natural Vege Suede Cap is unique, subtly stylish and just plain cool to wear to an outdoor bonfire and BBQ.
  • The Essential: Taylor Stitch Camp Mug in Bear Print, $38 — What are you sipping around the bonfire? Perhaps a tasty homemade whiskey drink or the like — the Taylor Stitch Camp Mug is a durable, eco-friendly way to do it.

Should dressing for a summer bonfire be a priority in terms of style? Absolutely. It’s the small situations in life that can be the most fun to dress for, anyways — who wouldn’t want to throw on a stylish hoodie (like the Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie!), hang out around a bonfire and sip some beers with friends? That’s what this #OOTD allows you to do — from the Flint and Tinder City Slub Tee to the tailored-yet-casual 365 Shorts, this ensemble is all about keeping it laidback yet put-together. Crucial footwear like the SeaVees Huntington Middie drive home the casual-yet-functional vibe of this ensemble, as does a rugged leather watch like the Hemel HFT20. Don’t understate the value that stylish accessories, like the Natural Vege Suede Cap and the Cause and Effect Brindle Leather Belt, can bring to a casual style situation, either.  I’m telling you, there’s nearly no way you can go wrong when you reach for men’s style essentials that are easy to wear, subtly stylish and very, very well-made. Are you ready for your next summer bonfire yet? Just make sure it’s not the last — there’s still plenty of time to get your friends together … and plenty of time to look great! Thanks for reading — cheers!

The Friday Read: The Best Men’s Chukka Boots, MZ Skincare and the Best Men’s Chinos

It’s Friday — let’s talk shop! If I were you, I’d be looking forward to knocking back a cold one this weekend — it’s still a full-on heat wave out there, after all! Oh, and if you’re looking for a new brew to try — or at least, new beer-related gear to wear — you’d do very well to check out our latest edition of The List. It spotlights everything from the much-coveted Huckberry x Mikkeller Collection (featuring plenty of craft beer-themed garb!) to the excellent Bone Button Western Shirt from Flint and Tinder. Wearing your new favorite shirt while sipping on a new favorite beer? That’s as good as it gets. What’s on your agenda this weekend? I’m back in Brooklyn following two wonderful, lovely weekends on the road back in Pure Michigan (as you can perhaps tell by my Instagram account!). I took the chance to explore Ann Arbor last weekend, stopping at the terrific Shinola store downtown and enjoying some delicious pizza at the terrific Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery — I had the Bam Biere, a refreshing Sour Farmhouse Ale made with that signature Jolly Pumpkin touch. Both of those spots are surely worth a visit if you find yourself in the area! Which reminds me … if you’ve got a brewpub visit of your own coming this weekend, you’ll want to outfit yourself accordingly. Check out this rugged, casual #OOTD to start, then read on for a few shopping suggestions — enjoy yourself out there!

  • With their timeless silhouette and excellent durability, chukka boots are a style that’s easy to wear with practically, well, anything. I like to wear my classic suede chukka boots with rugged pieces like a slub tee and black denim, or else with an easygoing navy blazer and a light blue Oxford. How about you? Oh, and as to which ones you should be buying — read my picks for the best men’s chukka boots via The Manual!
  • I’m always on the lookout for subtle grooming upgrades that can make a big difference in terms of your daily look. I’ve lately added another product to my nightly routine, one I think you’d do well to pick up for yourself: The Hydra-Bright Golden Eye Treatment Mask from MZ Skin. They feature Nano Gold particles and are designed to minimize puffiness and fine lines — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Simply put them under your eyes for 15 minutes. I can’t recommend ’em enough.

In the way of other menswear writing pursuits, I also rounded up some of the best men’s chinos to buy now for GearMoose — I’d reckon you’ll recognize one, or two, or a heck of a lot more brands on that list.

We’re going to close up shop on today’s Friday Read — thanks for stopping by, and be sure to come back for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week!

Still on the hunt for men’s style essentials? Check out our series The List, covering some of the best men’s gear to buy now — from shirting to home goods to stylish boots & sneakers. 

The List: Your Menswear Wardrobe Needs These Upgrades to Close Out Summer

Read on for the inside scoop on why exactly we’re featuring this brew today.

First things first: As we move into August, we’re going to keep emphasizing the sort of “any-season” men’s style essentials that’ll put in just as much work now as they will come September and October. That goes, of course, for a great pint of beer — that’s never out of season. Hence, the new Huckberry x Mikkeller collaboration highlighted above and, well, down below. Let’s get to the best menswear essentials out there — bottoms up.

Flint and Tinder Bone Button Western Shirt — $128
Flint and Tinder

The right type of shirt to wear in August and through to September and October.

The fine folks at Flint and Tinder continue to deliver the goods in terms of standout style. This rugged, edgy and versatile Bone Button Western Shirt is going to take you through August into September with ease.
Huckberry x Mikeller Blue Hour — $15/4-Pack

A heck of a beer collaboration — plus, a bunch of other stylish gear.

Here’s the brew you first saw at the top of the page — but there’s a catch. This amazing-looking Huckberry x Mikeller Blue Hour Gose is only available in California … BUT, the rest of the Huckberry x Mikeller Collection, including stylish koozies and art, can be had via Huckberry NOW.
Timex MK1 Aluminum Chronograph Watch — $99

Durable, slightly rugged and effortlessly casual. Nice work, Timex.

A tough NATO strap watch is the versatile, stylish casual timepiece you need now — wear it with a slub white tee and navy chino shorts, then keep it on your wrist to team with indigo denim and a grey crewneck sweater later this year.
Wolverine 1000 Mile 1940 Boots — $415

Tough, durable leather boots, complete with the proper gear to care for ’em.

You get a heck of a lot of bang for your buck when you buy this particular pair of Wolverine 1000 Mile 1940 Boots, including leather creme and conditioner, plus the requisite shoe care gear. Certainly, these are a pair of stylish leather boots to buy now and wear all through fall.
Faherty Brand Short-Sleeve Stitch Stripe Henley — $98

The type of henley that looks great paired with chinos and sneakers right now.

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen this rugged indigo henley in action. From the pleasing stripe pattern to the rich indigo color, it’s a no-brainer to wear on its own this August, then layer up with come fall.
Wild Standard Flags — Prices Vary

Just one of the many neat options from Wild Standard — cool-looking and essential to upgrading your space.

Looking for a stylish home decor upgrade that can inject even a small space with some hometown love and personality? Wild Standard is the place to go, with cool and rugged-looking flags.
CIVIC Merino Socks — $22.50

Travel-friendly socks that look great with plenty of casual or more refined looks.

From the team behind Taylor Stitch comes CIVIC, a line of smart, subtly stylish & well-designed menswear — like the CIVIC Merino Socks.
Flint and Tinder Crossback Work Shirt in Denim Indigo — $138

A durable indigo denim work shirt, perfect for casual outings or, y’know, doing actual work outdoors.

Another day, another edition of The List, and another excellent-looking indigo denim work shirt from Flint and Tinder. Wear this with a heather grey tee on breezy August nights, then keep it handy for October yard work.
Mollusk Surf Shop Faded Navy Chinos — $98

Can’t beat classic navy chinos in a tailored fit.

Slim navy chinos, particularly the ones shown from Mollusk Surf Shop, are going to be a go-to now with a white Oxford and suede chukka boots, and then they’re going to work equally well with a grey cardigan later this year.
Tracksmith Horizon Tee — $42

A retro-inspired tee with modern running performance built in.

For those who value looking stylish on morning or evening runs, the Tracksmith Horizon Tee is for you. Just the right blend of retro style and modern performance.
So, my dear friends — which of these menswear essentials do you like the best? I’d personally love to get my hands on anything from the Huckberry x Mikeller Collection — especially that much-coveted beer!
Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page. Thanks for reading!

The Friday Read: Best Made Co., Faherty x Huckberry and Mo Pop Festival

As we close out another long, surprisingly busy summer week here at The Style Guide, I’m looking back on an amazing Michigan weekend at the excellent Mo Pop Festival … and I’m looking forward to another summer weekend back in the Mitten starting today! But about last weekend (which you surely saw if you follow me on Instagram!). I loved heading into Royal Oak — and staying at the chic Hotel Royal Oak, as it were — before heading to take in some festival action at West Riverfront Park. Heat and dry conditions aside, it was an amazing day at the festival, enjoying the blissful indie rock of Alvvays, the high-energy hip-hop of Vince Staples and the transformative power of Justin Vernon’s Bon Iver to close out the night — a highlight! Throughout the day, I enjoyed sipping on a special Mo Pop Golden Ale from Griffin Claw Brewing! Throw in some local Detroit food — including outstanding sandwiches from Hero or Villain — alongside some time spent with great friends, and you’ve got yourself an amazing weekend! I think we’ll definitely be back at Mo Pop next year.

I also enjoyed shopping around lovely Royal Oak, including a stop by the eclectic Rail & Anchor , which features everything from neat keychains to coffee mugs to local grooming products, all with a decidedly stylish and rustic vibe. With that being said, I’m looking forward to another amazing, enjoyable weekend back in my home state in the days to come — follow along on Instagram for more from my neck of the woods! Oh, and in the meantime, busy yourself with reading the below Friday Read or shopping for some menswear essentials. Cheers!

  • Looking for the perfect pair of work shorts, or perhaps the perfect shirt to take you through early August and on into fall? Then, my friends, you’re looking for Best Made Co. You can — and should! — read more about the brand via my latest feature for The Manual!
  • You know when you find a menswear collaboration you absolutely love, and simply can’t live without? That’s what got me about the Faherty x Huckberry Sequoia Sunset Collection, a new mini-capsule collection from my favorite E-commerce retailer that features everything from a stylish pocket tee to a classic pair of boardshorts. Read more at GearMoose!
  • Speaking of must-have menswear for the season, did you catch this week’s post covering the Taylor Stitch Point Shirt? It’s a seasonal essential that can be worn stylishly right now with rolled light wash denim and classic suede chukkas, and the Point Shirt from Taylor Stitch will easily layer over a thermal shirt, black jeans and tough leather boots come early fall.
  • One last time on the shopping front here, folks — if it’s casual weekend style you seek, I can’t recommend a stylish graphic tee enough. As in, the Huckberry Artist Series Tee as seen in last week’s Style Pick of the Week. Wear it with slim chinos, white canvas sneakers and a rugged denim jacket to grab some brews this weekend.

So, without further ado … that’s this week’s Friday Read! If you’ve got questions on all things menswear or just want to chat about craft beer or music, hit me up on Twitter and let’s keep this party rolling.

Thanks for reading!

The List: Enjoy August with the Best New Menswear to Buy Now

The J. Stark Prospect Briefcase is but one of the versatile essentials you should shop now.

See the J. Stark Prospect Briefcase above? It’s exhibit A in today’s post — everyday essentials to carry you through the month(s) ahead. August is an interesting time in terms of the menswear calendar. If you’re anything like me, you’ve got your eye on men’s style essentials to buy for fall, yet the temperatures outside might still read summer. What’a guy to do in that case? In the opinion of your humble editor, that means you should buy pieces that’ll work both in August and in September, or October, or November … and beyond. Like the Prospect Briefcase. So, let’s shop this week’s edition of The List, shall we?

Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos in Navy — $98

Classic navy chinos, done the Taylor Stitch way.

Every guy — you and me, and even that guy over there — can make use of classic navy chinos, no matter the season. Wear the Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos now with a charcoal Oxford shirt and stylish brown leather dress shoes.
GrowlerWerks Black Matte uKeg — $169

A uniquely stylish and great-looking growler for your home bar.

For when you’d prefer your beer is served in a manner that’s as stylish as your favorite pair of leather boots, there’s the handsomely appointed GrowlerWerks Black Matte uKeg.
Viberg Hiker Boots — $710

Astoundingly beautiful and well-made boots from Viberg.

The folks at Viberg are masters at making rugged leather boots — with a hefty price tag — that last and last, and look great while doing it. The Viberg Hiker Boots are certainly worthy of your hard-earned cash.
Bulletprufe Tobacco Brown Denim — $98

Unique denim in a rich multi-season color.

They’ve got a unique name (Bulletprufe??), a cool color and the versatility to be worn with everything from a white Oxford to a navy henley. The Bulletprufe Tobacco Brown Denim deserve to be worn both now and on into fall.
Timex Archive Waterbury United Watch — $120

A casual watch with a textured strap — made to work in August and into fall.

Is it possible to find a watch that works stylistically both in the summer and the fall? Yes, sir. The Timex Archive Waterbury United Watch, with a stone-washed cotton strap and easy-to-wear design, is that watch.
J. Stark Prospect Briefcase — $295

A durable and rugged everyday brief, made to work in every season — but especially right now.

As you’ve seen at the top of the page, the J. Stark Prospect Briefcase has exactly the right type of all-season style and dependability that you need — it’s a piece that’s going to work as handsomely this month as it will later this fall.
Taylor Stitch Legend Sunglasses — $175

The right blend of modern and classic, all from Taylor Stitch.

Can Taylor Stitch make sunglasses? They sure can. The Taylor Stitch Legend Sunglasses are exactly what you’d expect from these guys — just unique enough to stand out from the pack, blending modern and retro design. They’re quite possibly the perfect pair of sunglasses to buy now … and then wear on sunny fall days.
ArmorLux Short-Sleeve Breton Shirt — $55

A pure and simple, utterly classic tee to wear all the time.

What’s the one type of stylish T-shirt you can wear now? And then keep handy to layer up underneath a grey crewneck sweater on a chilly fall day? The ArmorLux Breton Shirt, of course.
Blind Barber 30 Proof Styling Cream — $18

A quality styling cream to keep your new haircut in place.

For under $20, you get a terrific Blind Barber styling cream that’s going to make your summer ‘do last well into fall.
Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Weekender — $98

Cool. durable and classic – – the perfect watch to buy right now, and then wear for months to come.

Another Timex? Absolutely. If you follow me on Instagram, you’re likely aware of how much I love my Form-Function-Form Weekender. This timepiece is no different. It’s a durable, rugged & stylish casual watch to buy now, my friends.
So, which of the above picks do you like — or love — the most? For me, it’s got to be the dependable style and rugged nature of the  J. Stark Prospect Briefcase — a piece to buy now, and then carry for months and months to come. Happy shopping out there, and feel free to catch up with me on Twitter if you like what you’ve read.

#OOTD: How to Wear Your New Favorite Denim Jacket

We always try to cover a lot of ground when it comes to our #OOTD series, from how to wear boots during the summer to the best way to style your chambray shirt. It all comes down to, as always, taking your favorite pieces and mixing up the formula, the fit and the styling. Such is the case with today’s featured #OOTD, my friends. It starts with a tried-and-true menswear essential — the rugged denim jacket — and features unique, summer-friendly styling touches, like the Taylor Stitch Hawthorne Shirt and go-anywhere classic suede chukka boots. These are items that work well on their own, and yet look even better blended into one ensemble. The resulting look is a different way to wear a piece (the stylish denim jacket) that you know and love. Between the laidback trousers and a pair of retro-inspired sunglasses, you’ve got an outfit that screams casual versatility, from brunch to the market to your favorite coffee shop. If you really want to beat the heat? Ditch the rugged denim jacket and wear the Taylor Stitch Hawthorne Shirt on its own — I’ll let you be the judge of how you ultimately want to make this #OOTD work for you, though.

Your favorite denim jacket, worn in an unexpected way.

  • Flint and Tinder Denim Trucker Jacket, $168 — Here’s the trusty, stylish denim jacket we mentioned earlier. The centerpiece of this outfit, the solid fit and pleasing mid-wash make it a winning summer layer.
  • The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Hawthorne Shirt, $125 — Beat the hot weather with the Hawthorne Shirt from Taylor Stitch, complete with short sleeves (to rid yourself of excess heat) and a seriously cool pattern.
  • The Pants: Life/After/Denim Harbor Pants, $148 — One way to stay casual and breezy this summer? The Harbor Pants from Life/After/Denim, featuring a tapered fit, a cotton-linen blend & a drawstring waist.
  • The Boots: Astorflex Greenflex Boots in Dark Khaki, $145 — We talked a couple weeks ago about how to wear boots this summer, and if you want to dip your toe in those waters, the Astorflex Greenflex are a great way to start. Fear not: These classic chukka boots are relatively light and very easy to wear.
  • The Socks: American Trench Mil-Spec Sport Socks, $12.50 — I’m an advocate of investing in classic items you love to wear — and that’s why I love the classic style and comfort of the Mil-Spec Sport Socks. With a no-fuss design & an array of color options, they’re the perfect complement to this #OOTD.
  • The Watch: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Weekender, $98 — Reach for a rugged, stylish casual watch to balance out the go-anywhere nature of this outfit. The Horween Leather Weekender from Timex checks all the right boxes.
  • The Sunglasses: Taylor Stitch Legend Sunglasses, $175 — Sure, you could reach for classic Aviator sunglasses with this ensemble, but the Taylor Stitch Legend Sunglasses are much more visually interesting and just … cool.
  • The Grooming Essential: Blind Barber 30 Proof Styling Cream, $18 — I love me a vintage-inspired ballcap as much as the next guy, but the Blind Barber 30 Proof Styling Cream will give your ‘do and your look a little something extra.

So, what exactly makes this outfit different from another summer #OOTD? Well, if you start with a timeless outer layer (in this case, the rugged denim jacket from Flint and Tinder), you can mix and match as you please. You’re ready for a breezy summer night or an in-between summer day in equal measure, especially when you pair the Flint and Tinder Denim Trucker Jacket with the Taylor Stitch Hawthorne Shirt for versatile layering. Easygoing pieces like the Harbor Pants from Life/After/Denim drive home the breathable, cool nature of this outfit. And both the American Trench Mil-Spec Socks and classic chukka boots like the Astorflex Greenflex add a dash of everyday style. Throwing on a rugged, casual timepiece like the Horween Leather Weekender from Timex keeps this outfit firmly in casual territory, while a grooming must-have like the Blind Barber 30 Proof Styling Cream takes your ‘do to the next level — to say the least. So, what’s your takeaway from this week’s #OOTD? Which piece is your favorite, at that? Join the conversation on Twitter.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

See Now, Buy Now: The Taylor Stitch Point Shirt Is the Versatile Layer You Need Now

A versatile shirt and overshirt from Taylor Stitch — all you need for multiple seasons of layering.

As we always talk about here on the blog when it comes to men’s style essentials, it can often feel counterintuitive to talk about gear that’s slightly out of season — yet, that’s perhaps the best time to consider stocking up. That’s what I mean when it comes to the rugged Taylor Stitch Point Shirt,  a tough organic cotton shirt that doubles as a lightweight jacket and will come in handy now … and later on come fall. It’s yet another essential that bears considering for your closet from Taylor Stitch, a brand that’s nearly at the top of your author’s personal rankings.  So, why the Point Shirt from Taylor Stitch, and why now? Is it the blend of organic cotton and hemp, made for durability and sustainability? Is it the cool Olive Drab color of the Point Shirt, wearable with everything from summer-friendly light wash denim to fall-ready black denim? Is it the patch front pockets and matching cats eye buttons on the Taylor Stitch Point Shirt that give it the feel of a classic overshirt? It’s all of the above, my friends.

The design expertise of Taylor Stitch means that you’re getting all of the great quality and durability, plus the stylish fit you expect from this lauded menswear brand. In short, that means you can layer the Taylor Stitch Point Shirt over everything from a white slub tee now to a long-sleeve grey henley when temperatures start to get chilly at a fall football tailgate. Yes sir, multi-season versatility is the name of the game when you’re looking at the Point Shirt from Taylor Stitch — the Olive Drab color is the perfect foil to either tailored navy shorts and white canvas sneakers now, or dark blue denim and classic suede chukka boots in a few months. And with that on-point fit and durable construction, the Point Shirt from Taylor Stitch is about as good as it gets, season after season. Invest now, wear now, and continue reaping the rewards later on. That’s what you get with Taylor Stitch.

Are you picking up the Point Shirt from Taylor Stitch soon?