Tag / affordable men’s style

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Taylor Stitch Denim, Memorial Day Weekend and Pure Michigan

Folks, who else is amped for the official (or is it technically unofficial?) start of summer? And by a show of hands, who here is taking some styling inspiration from this week’s post on what to wear for Memorial Day weekend? I hope you found those tips and tricks handy — and I hope you checked out this week’s edition of The List, featuring a whole bunch of summer style essentials to shop for Memorial Day weekend. If all of that shopping hasn’t kept you busy enough, know that we’ve got a few choice #menswear reads below to help you kick off your weekend. I personally can’t wait for some much-needed time off. I capped off a PR event at my day job on Tuesday night, and I’m positively PUMPED to head back to my home state to see my  wonderful girlfriend, Laura! If you haven’t yet checked out Laura’s blog, I’d suggest you give it a read — her Playlist Friday posts are a particular favorite of mine! She also does a standout job covering women’s fashion on a budget — we all know I approve of style on a budget! As it were, I was in the Mitten last weekend for a trip with Laura’s family to Mackinaw City, and this coming weekend promises plenty of fun. On the agenda: A helping of Michigan craft beer, some easygoing backyard grilling and some exploration of Detroit — always a highlight! To keep up with all the fun, check out my Instagram, if you feel so inclined. For now, let’s get your weekend going with the below fun links. Cheers!

  • We’ll kick things off with a post that’s really of the essence here — Taylor Stitch is offering up a rare pair of slim light wash denim for your shopping pleasure. Namely, the brand’s Slim Jeans in 24-Month Wash come from Cone Mills — the legendary denim mill shut down last year, and the material the brand used in these jeans is one-of-a-kind. I’d get on it ASAP!
  • In the spirit of summer style, I rounded up the best summer T-shirts for men over at The Manual. Seriously, don’t doubt the style potential of a classic T-shirt — these picks are fit for layering under a rugged denim jacket or a slim blazer, or wearing all on their own. Trust me.
  • I mentioned this earlier, but if you glazed over that part of the post (shame on you!), then you’d do well to shop the latest edition of The List, covering essential summer gear galore — you’ve got no excuse now.

We’re going to close up shop just a bit early today, all in the spirit of enjoying some time off this weekend. Check back for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, and we’ll catch ya later!

by Beau H.

Shop These Memorial Day Sales All Weekend Long From Huckberry

Editor’s note: Purchasing from select links in this post will result in an affiliate commission. Thanks to Huckberry for partnering on this post, and thanks for supporting the brands that support The Style Guide! 

Your editor wearing a Flint and Tinder hoodie from Huckberry! You can get great deals on other standout gear from the site this weekend.  Also pictured: My WP Standard Officer’s Belt and slim Abercrombie & Fitch denim. Photo: Laura Henschke.

We’re coming in hot today with quite the list of stellar deals and steals on a range of summer style essentials from our friends at Huckberry for Memorial Day weekend. Perfect timing, ehh!? If you read The Style Guide frequently, you know that your humble editor simply loves the mix of rugged, casual and functional gear offered up by Huckberry. From the Proof Performance Oxford to the WP Standard Vintage Messenger, the site really can outfit you from head to toe. So, without further ado, check out the below Memorial Day weekend sales and shop ’em now!

The Best Memorial Day Weekend Sales to Shop Now from Huckberry:

That’s of course just a brief rundown to get things rolling for you. Enjoy the weekend, check back tomorrow for our Friday Read, and cheers!

 

-Beau

by Beau H.

The List: Shop for Memorial Day Weekend (And Beyond) With these Summer Style Essentials

My friends — we’ve rolled right through May quite smoothly and stylishly, haven’t we? It’s now on to Memorial Day weekend, which brings with it two things: 1) The proper start of summer and 2) The need for a bag packed full of summer style essentials (if you’re hitting the road this upcoming weekend, that is). Our #OOTD series will cover what to wear for Memorial Day weekend, but this edition of The List is all business — simply shop away.


Standard Deviation Beta Denim in Light Indigo — $98

A slim, light wash pair of jeans that are neither too slim nor too light in color.

A pleasingly light (but not too light!) wash, with a slim fit and an agreeable price — that’s a summer essential in my book.
Red Wing Heritage Rover Boots — $269

Tough boots that are still worth keeping around for the summer.

Don’t you dare think about stowing your stylish boots for summer — there’s still a time and a place for the rugged-yet-easy-to-wear Red Wing Heritage Rover Boots. Try ’em with light wash jeans and a short-sleeve henley.
Mollusk Surf Shop Benetau Windbreaker — $180

A bit of retro styling and a whole lot of durability through spring and summer rain.

Rather than throwing on a flimsy, store-bought poncho when it gets rainy or chilly on the water this summer, reach for a stylish rain jacket — the retro-tinged, cool-as-heck Benetau Windbreaker from Mollusk Surf Shop. Mission accomplished.
Flint and Tinder 365 Pants in Slim Fit — $98

Done up in a tailored Slim fit, these are your new pair of everyday, go-to pants.

The fine folks at Flint and Tinder don’t skimp on quality or standout construction — take the recently upgraded Flint and Tinder 365 Pants. The versatile Earth color on these stylish pants for summer make ’em a big-time winner.

Taylor Stitch The California Shirt in Blue Everyday Chambray — $118

As classic as it gets. A worthy essential any time — but especially with summer approaching.

What are you wearing with your Flint and Tinder 365 Pants? The always-classic, never-not-in-style Taylor Stitch California Shirt in Blue Everyday Chambray. The best chambray shirt for men? Possibly? You decide.
Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Polo — $58

Crisp, classic and easy to wear — the perfect summer polo.

Yep, more gear from Flint and Tinder. To wit: Looking for a stylish summer polo that’s going to be affordable, durable and versatile no matter what? The Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Polo is your pick. Try it under a khaki blazer with rolled light wash denim and leather loafers.

WP Standard Vintage Messenger — $295

A leather bag that’s quite simply worthy of your hard-earned cash.

You can always, always count on WP Standard to make stellar style essentials — this Vintage Messenger is like a mobile work of art that’ll get better with age.
Levi’s Aberdeen Belt — $38

Just your average leather belt? Not quite. This one is made by the makers of your favorite denim.

Every guy needs a stylish leather belt he can reach for time and time again — the Levi’s Aberdeen Belt is the perfect complement to your favorite pair of light wash denim (Editor’s note: Click here for a pair of light wash jeans to buy now).
Redux Courg: Type A Watch — $319.98

A tough-as-nails timepiece that was practically made for summer.

Redux watches, simply stated, mean business. The Redux Courg: Type A Watch is a stylish casual timepiece fit for laidback patio beers or some serious off-road exploration in the warm months ahead.
 
Taylor Stitch Democratic Chinos in Ash — $98

Perfectly cut chinos to wear with your perfectly cut chambray shirt — for Memorial Day and beyond. Ya dig?

Stylish grey chinos are an underrated, secret style weapon. Wear ’em just like you might a navy or khaki pair, yet revel in the knowledge that you’ve added more versatility to your wardrobe with these Taylor Stitch Democratic Chinos.

Have any feedback on the latest edition of The List? What’s your favorite pick? I’m all about stylish boots for summer, so I can’t get enough of the Red Wing Heritage Rover Boots. Feel free to chime in via The Style Guide Facebook page. Cheers!

 

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Rugged Men’s Henley, Favorites from Shinola and A Michigan Weekend

 

Snapped by my amazing girlfriend Laura — a heck of a talented photographer — exploring Detroit recently. I layered up with my Grayers Edgeware Cotton Moto Jacket!

We made it to Friday, and another Friday Read— cheers! For me as of late, the week’s end has been especially fun and meaningful — Friday has often meant a trip back to the Midwest (to The National Homecoming festival, for instance), or back to my home state of Michigan (like Detroit, shown above!) to see my lovely girlfriend, Laura! And that’s the case this Friday as well — we’re heading north to Mackinaw City to experience a bit of early summer fun “up North,” as we Michigan natives like to say. What does the weekend have in store for you? Whatever the case might be, I hope it’s packed with some #menswear shopping, some craft brews (or your beverage of choice), and great times with family and friends. As for me? Well, I’ve got a flight to catch. But you should feel more than free to stick around and make yourself at home. You’ll enjoy this week’s style reads, and you’ll certainly get a kick out of tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week. Thanks for reading!

  • In need of a new, rugged henley for spring and summer? This classic henley from Faherty Brand ought to do the trick — it’s our most recent Style Pick here on the site.
  • The fine folks at Shinola excel — and I mean, simply EXCEL — at producing all manner of beautiful lifestyle goods that anyone can appreciate. With that in mind, I picked out my five favorites from Shinola for The Manual! Shop now, will ya?
  • The fine art of crafting stylish men’s shoes is something I’ve always found fascinating — the folks at Gear Patrol tend to agree on that front. I found their recent interview with John Lofgren (maker of everything from high-top sneakers to durable boots) to be seriously cool.
  • Now that we’re ticking toward Memorial Day, you’re probably wondering … what should I wear? Rest assured that we’ll have a full ensemble coming next week, but in the meantime, you should certainly check out this #OOTD (from the blog!) on how to wear stylish shorts this summer. Cheers!

Ready for the weekend? I know I sure as heck am. Can’t wait! Thanks for sticking around, and be sure to check out my Instagram for the scoop on all of this weekend’s Michigan adventures.

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Laidback Spring (Or Summer) Friday

We’ve been slowly but surely getting into the heart of spring and summer style here on The Style Guide, and that means one thing: Focusing on warm weather essentials that are going to help you conquer even the most tricky seasonal style situations. Think of a decidedly casual spring or summer Friday in the office (or perhaps … working from home?). What are you wearing? A one-size-too-large polo and khakis that probably don’t fit as well as they should? Not if this #OOTD has anything to say about it. Even when it comes to “Casual Friday,” there are ways to rise to the occasion while still keeping things toned down and office-appropriate. For instance: We’re ditching the polo or overly casual graphic tee in favor of a stylish short-sleeve shirt from Style Guide pals Taylor Stitch, and we’re swapping those khakis for slim light wash denim and classic suede chukkas from a timeless brand (that’d be Red Wing Heritage). Along the way, we’ll accent this ensemble with durable accessories, including a stylish casual watch and a work week-friendly leather messenger bag. This ensemble just gets it done if you happen to work in an environmen that, like so many offices nowadays, leans more and more laidback. Rethink the way you dress for summer … starting right now.

A breezy, West Coast-inspired short-sleeve shirt pairs up nicely with suede chukkas and casual office essentials.

  • The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve California Shirt in Navy Poplin, $98 — This isn’t like Dwight Schrute’s short-sleeve shirts. The California Shirt in Navy Poplin is tailored and classic — perfect for the office.
  • The Denim: Standard Deviation Beta Denim in Light Indigo, $98 — These slim Standard Deviation jeans strike a nice balance between being overly faded or overly heavy (like indigo selvage denim, for instance).
  • The Belt: Levi’s Aberdeen Belt, $38 — Leave it to Levi’s to make a stylish leather belt that’s neither too casual nor too dressy — again, the perfect middle ground for a Friday in May … or June, or July, or August.
  • The Chukka Boots: Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka, $230 — Ditch the dress shoes for a day — the comfortable, durable and casually stylish Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka just works.
  • The Socks: Arvin Goods Crew Socks, $10 — One of the best parts of spring and summer? Rethinking your sock wardrobe. Gone are those heavy boot socks — enter these crew socks, cut shorter for casual style and a cool breeze.
  • The Watch: Redux Courg Watch, $319.98 –Don’t worry about matching your watch strap to the color of your belt or shoes here — the Redux Courg Watch means business, in the most rugged and laidback way possible.
  • The Bag: WP Standard Vintage Messenger, $295 — The handsomely crafted WP Standard Vintage Messenger has more than enough space for your laptop and every single one of your everyday carry essentials.
  • The Sunglasses: Komono Luca Sunglasses, $119.95 — Sunglasses are a somewhat underrated finishing touch, and the right pair — like the Komono Luca Sunglasses — add just enough casual flair to a cool ensemble.

The key to pulling off a dressed-down Casual Friday ‘fit starts with … well, fit. The California Shirt in Navy Poplin from Taylor Stitch is a prime example of the right way to do a short-sleeve shirt at the office. It can be worn untucked thanks to a length that’s just right. The fit is nicely tailored, the fabric is classic and the stripes are a spring-friendly (or summer-friendly) touch. Yes, the California Shirt in Navy Poplin is but one element that puts this #OOTD over the top. Pleasingly faded light wash denim works quite well alongside the Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka, thanks to the casual vibe of both pieces. Levi’s serves up the rugged Aberdeen Belt, which contrasts in a cool way with the Redux Courg Watch for style that fits in at the office and at happy hour. I’d be willing to bet that no one else in your office has the Komono Luca Sunglasses, which is what makes ’em such a cool pick for this particular #OOTD. And when it comes time to hit the road — both heading to and leaving the office — the WP Standard Vintage Messenger should certainly come in more than handy. To recap — you can make a short-sleeve shirt work at the office in a casual setting, as long as you nail the fit and fabric. Again, the California Shirt in Navy Poplin from Taylor Stitch checks off all the right boxes. It’s up to you to power through the work day now.

Folks, what do we think of this #OOTD? Will you be trying this slightly bold look out at the office this summer? 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: United By Blue, Mother’s Day and the Best Men’s Dress Shoes

If you’re new to The Style Guide and joining us for the first time today, welcome! This right here is our weekly rundown of menswear-related news items, with an occasional dash of music and craft beer thrown in. If you’re looking for a way to start your weekend right, look no further. There’s plenty of fun in store, I promise. And if you’re looking for something neat to listen to while you read about summer style essentials and your new favorite polo? Might I suggest one of my favorite bands, emotional indie rockers The National? You’ll get used to hearing a lot about them on the blog. And if you’re returning as an old and seasoned reader of the blog? Welcome back! It’s Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday, and we’ve got a great sale detailed below to help you out with last-minute gift-giving needs. Hurry! In the meantime, dive on into the other choice reads below, and enjoy this lovely spring weekend ahead.

  • United By Blue, a favorite of mine for their balance of sustainable and rugged style, is holding a positively massive warehouse sale — the sale features a range of items for your summer style adventures, all marked down by whopping amounts (try 81 percent off on for size, ehh?). That’s a heck of a deal, folks!
  • Know a mom who absolutely loves her footwear? Mother’s Day is, well, tomorrow, and Minnetonka is offering free shipping on all orders (yep, all of ’em!) with the code MOMLOVE. Hurry, hurry — you’ve still got some time!
  • I always try to help out with those tricky footwear decisions in life — especially when it comes to spring and summer dress shoes. You want something with character and style, but not a ton of added weight — that’s where my picks for the best spring dress shoes (at The Manual!) come into play! Hurry up and get to it.

That’s wrapping up this week’s short and sweet Friday Read. Be sure to come back tomorrow for our Style Pick of the Week, where we talk all about one must-have menswear item for the season.

Thanks for reading!

 

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Here’s What to Wear to Your First Spring Party

Is there such a thing as “opening weekend” when it comes to spring or summer parties? Not quite, right? But when it’s in the air, you’ll feel it. When it’s time to head a friend’s balcony or backyard patio — or a rooftop bar — for a group get-together that involves, well, partying … you’ll know it. And that, my friends, is where you’re going to want to wear today’s #OOTD. For breezy spring style with a touch of polish and more than a bit of style, I’d say you can’t go wrong with updated staples like a classic indigo shirt, throwback-inspired chinos and, as ever, timeless leather sneakers. The key is looking for pieces that you might normally wear — like chinos and a short-sleeve shirt — and amping them up with cooler fits and better fabrics. These are pieces that are going to look stylish and crisp, yet decidedly cool (physically and metaphorically — no overheating here). Add in an investment-worthy leather watch from an enviable brand like Shinola, and you’ve got a look that pairs nicely with any weekend night — and maybe with your 9-to-5 grind, if you work in a more laidback environment. The point is, whether you wear this to your first spring party this weekend or to a Memorial Day shindig in a few weeks’ time, it’s just going to … well, work. For stylish partying, that is. Cheers!

An indigo shirt, historically inspired chinos and leather sneakers … perfect for knocking a few back, ehh?

    • The Shirt: Corridor NYC Raindrop Stripe Shirt, $185 — Cool stripes, a dressy-yet-casual indigo color and reliably tailored short-sleeve fit make this Corridor NYC shirt a big-time upgrade over a plain tee.
    • The Chinos: Abercrombie & Fitch Archive Collection Chino Pants, $98 — Modeled after chinos worn by JFK himself, these are the epitome of classic cool — and they happen to be perfect for breezy spring style in 2018.
    • The  Sneakers: Rancourt & Co. Carson Low Sneakers in Natural Chromexcel, $300 — You could also wear classic white sneakers or leather loafers, but the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low are more equipped to a bit o’ partying, what with their casual look and durable construction.
    • The Socks: Arvin Goods No-show Socks, $8 — Let’s stick with stylish and well-made no-show socks from Arvin Goods here, shall we? Easy choice.
    • The Belt: Line of Trade Veg-Tanned Leather Belt in Saddle, $55 — You need something to hold up your chinos, right? Might as well make it a stylish leather belt from Line of Trade.
    • The Watch: Shinola Guardian Watch, $675 — To which brand should you turn when you want to invest in a long-lasting, stylish timepiece? That answer is easy: Shinola.
    • The Essentials: CIVIC Merino Boxers in Black, $55 — Never skimp on the essentials — the CIVIC Merino Boxers are an essential investment in a quality basic.
    • The Sunglasses: Raen Optics Remmy 52 Sunglasses, $134.98 — Whether your plans call for a rooftop round or a backyard BBQ, the exceedingly stylish Raen Optics Remmy 52 Sunglasses belong on your face.

Have you opened up your tab at the bar yet? Or grabbed a six-pack to head to that party? Before the fun begins, you assuredly can’t go wrong with throwing on a Corridor NYC shirt, complemented by chinos in a breezy, classically cool fit. The rest of the pieces in our partygoing ensemble, from the durable Rancourt & Co. Carson Low sneakers to the nearly indispensable Shinola Guardian Watch, are going to put you a cut above the rest compared to your fellow partygoers (while fun, I’d say they’re not as stylish as you … unless they read this  blog). A stylish leather belt from Line of Trade is but one essential accessory to keep handy — whether the sun is high in the sky or just setting, the Raen Optics Remmy 52 Sunglasses  are an affordable and downright cool accessory choice. Throw in no-show socks (made sustainably by Arvin Goods), plus the exceedingly comfortable CIVIC Merino Boxers, and you’ve got yourself a full look that’s guaranteed to turn heads (for the better) at your next spring or summer party. Be sure to get me a beer when you head to the bar, OK? Deal.

That’s all for today’s #OOTD. Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The CIVIC Lloyd Shorts Are the New Pair of Shorts You Need this Summer

Not just any old pair of shorts … a stylish and sustainable pair.

For some guys, wearing shorts actually feels like … a chore. Yes, yes it’s true. Shorts are less polished than classic chinos or stylish light wash jeans, and if you grew up (as I did) wearing cargo shorts from mall brands, it can be tough to leave those associations behind. Seriously, quite tough. Thankfully, the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts are here to change your perception when it comes to stylish shorts to wear this summer. And the even better news? They’ve arrived not a moment too soon. We’re on the verge of Memorial Day weekend, we’re on the verge of summer festival season, and I’d wager you’re going to want to be wearing shorts like the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts on the regular for many a weekend ahead. But why this particular pair? Helpfully, the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts come from the partner brand of Taylor Stitch, a perennial Style Guide favorite. CIVIC focuses on sustainable, classic clothing that blends versatile wearability with durable, eco-friendly fabric. It’s a wholesome, stylish mission — one that includes the Lloyd Shorts, at that.

Available in both Navy and Olive options for maximum versatility, the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts feature the brand’s Merino 4S fabric, all the better when it comes to mobility, comfort and durability. They also score when it comes to style points, too. You’ve surely got a pair of khaki or light khaki shorts in your wardrobe, so the deep navy color of the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts lends this pair a bit more of a dressy feel (ever so slightly). That means the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts work with classic leather loafers and a crisp white polo for preppy style on the weekend, and they also team up reliably with a crisp white henley and timeless leather sneakers for a round (or two) of your favorite craft beer. To me, it sounds like the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts are going to offer easygoing summer style for days on end — even if you’re not normally a “shorts guy.”

What say you about the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts? Let me know in the comments below! 

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Proof Performance Oxford

A streamlined take on the Oxford shirt, made with stain-resistant fabric and a tailored fit.

Right off the bat, the Proof Performance Oxford is head and shoulders above other ordinary shirts on the market. A bold statement, to be sure, but I ask that you bear with me today. There’s plenty that’s made the Proof Performance Oxford worthy of being this week’s Style Pick, from the innovative construction to the stain-resistant fabric to the fact that every guy, no matter who you are, needs a stylish Oxford shirt that can quite literally go anywhere. The Performance Oxford is that shirt. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with a classic cotton Oxford, there are instance where a thicker, heavier Oxford might not work.

Take, for example, the dead of summer or an abnormally humid spring day — you’re going to want to stay cool, dry and stylish, and that’s where the Proof Performance Oxford comes into play. The midweight, cotton-poly blend that makes up the innards of the Proof Performance Oxford combines what you love about cotton (the most versatile fabric on the planet, perhaps?) with the “performance” aspects of nylon — as the shirt’s name would imply! In short, the Proof Performance Oxford is the spring and summer shirt that you didn’t know you needed … yet. The brand calls the Performance Oxford the “21st-century take” on the traditional Oxford, and your Style Guide editor is inclined to agree with ’em.

Stain-resistant fabric, again, is what makes this shirt stand out from the pack. Assuredly.

It’s got all the hallmarks of a classic Oxford, including a pleasingly modern fit, a buttondown collar and versatile color options — I’m a fan of the mid-range Navy Oxford, personally. Add in the fact that the Performance Oxford features coveted and exceedingly rare stain-resistant fabrication, and you’ve got a surefire winner when it comes to the next shirt you’ll splurge on this season. It’s also quite versatile — this isn’t a longer-cut dress shirt by any means. The Performance Oxford works with tailored navy shorts or slim tan chinos in equal measure. The footwear choice is yours, although anything from oxblood leather loafers to tan suede chukkas are going to work more than handsomely with any color of the Performance Oxford. It’s the type of versatile shirt that’s going to pair nicely with the full range of pants in your wardrobe in the months ahead, from faded American-made jeans to dark blue denim to olive chinos and beyond. Again, the list of positives for the Proof Performance Oxford goes on and on, without a doubt. That’s true in both matters of style and substance. Leave your old Oxford behind — the Proof Performance Oxford means business.

Who’s buying the Proof Performance Oxford? How are you styling it? 

Thanks for reading!

 

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The National Homecoming, Spring Style Essentials and Slim Light Wash Denim

Sipping an iced coffee and reflecting pensively on a great long weekend in Cincinnati. Wearing a cotton flannel shirt from Todd Snyder and a navy T-shirt from Mott and Bow. Photo by Laura Henschke.

Gather ’round the proverbial Style Guide fire for another weekly edition of The Friday Read. It’s been a whirlwind couple of days, as I roadtripped back from Cincinnati on Monday following a long weekend trip to Cincy. What took me to Ohio? Well, if you caught last week’s Friday Read, you know that the extraordinary first edition of The National Homecoming festival was more than enough reason to visit the seriously cool city of Cincy (This terrific piece by The Ringer sums up the weekend nicely!). Headlined by, yep, The National and featuring sets from luminaries like Future Islands, Lord Huron, Julien Baker and Alvvays, we had a great time sipping on cold beverages from Rhinegheist (check us out on their Instagram!) while enjoying lovely (if somewhat chilly) spring weather. If ever you get to Cincy, I know I loved the gourmet Mexican food and margaritas at Bakersfield OTR, plus the excellent brunch deal at Nation. We also enjoyed hearty cold brews from Coffee Emporium and checked out a National-themed photography exhibit at the city’s Contemporary Arts Center! Top it off with two stellar, unique sets from The National, and you’ve got the makings of an extraordinary weekend! To say the very least. In other happenings, well, we’re about to kick off another weekend, and this one will also find me traveling back to Michigan — and Grand Rapids — for Cinco de Mayo celebrations with close high school friends. Follow along with all the fun on Instagram, and be sure to get your weekend going with a few more-than-engaging reads below. Cheers!

  • Let’s get right down to it — if you missed this week’s post about spring style essentials to shop in the latest edition of The List, you need to catch up. We’ve got stylish spring sneakers, we’ve got everyday carry essentials, we’ve got a stylish weekender bag … and it’s all yours for perusing now.
  • If you haven’t yet heard, J. Crew Factory is running an extraordinary summer sale, and Esquire.com has all the picks you need to shop now, right this very instant. Get to it and stock up on summer style essentials just a bit early.
  • Speaking of music festivals, Pitchfork put together quite an interesting and insightful analysis of the gender balance — or rather, inbalance — at festivals via some revealing data-crunching and colorful graphs. The biggest takeaway? More representation is needed at festivals across the board! That’s all there is to it.
  • Lastly, I’ll leave you with one more #menswear essential to buy now — these slim light wash jeans from Raleigh Denim, as featured on the blog last week, could feasibly see a ton of use in the weeks and months ahead. Get to shopping!

That’s all I’ve got in today’s Friday Read, my friends. Cheers!

-Beau