A Happy Birthday in the Happiest Place on Earth: Disney Road Trip Style

Now, if that’s not the cheesiest headline to ever appear on the pages of The Style Guide, then I’m not sure what is. But it just about sums up this past weekend — I hit the road down to Florida for a great birthday weekend with my family, trekking around Walt Disney World in the process! The Florida sunshine was a welcome retreat from chilly New York City, where I spent a Brooklyn birthday last year (did time really fly that fast!?). The weekend included days spent at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios — a particular Disney World favorite — plus, a topsy-turvy afternoon drinking around the world at Epcot (yes, they serve beer at every “country” within Epcot!). Talk about an action-packed weekend, filled with travel style and just enough warm-weather #menswear to keep me powered up for my return to a cold NYC winter today.

The right casual gear for a casual weekend in Florida. Bring on the sun!

With warm weather on the horizon, I packed up my  Saddleback Leather Rounded Leather Duffel with lightweight gear aplenty, a welcome change from the rugged style essentials I’ve had to break out in the snow around Manhattan and Brooklyn these past few weeks. Unlike my January trip to Philadelphia to see The Killers, it was all about warm weather style, thankfully — so, I layered a Mack Weldon Silver Pique Polo underneath my Life/After/Denim Collegiate Cardigan for a day at the office and a Thursday evening flight to Orlando. As has proven the case with past trips to Florida — including a December Christmas trip — my classic suede chukka boots from Astorflex worked quite well at both the office and the airport. The next time you need comfortable-yet-polished travel shoes, reach for timeless suede chukka bootsOh, and on the denim front? You’ll hardly find a better pair of classic men’s jeans out there than the perfectly faded Abercrombie & Fitch Langdon Slim Denim, a true four-season staple in my book. And if you tend to wear a ballcap when you travel, as I do, there’s really nowhere the casual, well-designed Huckberry Explorer’s Cap can’t go.

Because I like to stick with classic style staples, I also threw on my Timex x Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Weekender — that’s a watch that’ll take you from the office to the airport in casual travel style, no problem. I also had to bring along one of my favorite books as of late, the stellar and moving “Imagine Me Gone” — it’s an emotional read that’ll definitely stick with me, and I can’t recommend it enough. All of that gear left me more than prepared to enjoy a night in Orlando before heading to Disney World the very next day. Still with me? Good deal.

Friday proved a relaxing day to kick off the weekend, with an evening trip to Hollywood Studios on the docket — tal;k about a heck of a fun day! To get around in laidback style and kick off a warm Florida weekend, my trusty-as-ever Huckberry Explorer’s Cap and James Dean Eyewear Aviators kicked off my ensemble on the right note in terms of accessories, as did the Timex x Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Weekender, a stylish short-sleeve Taylrd Clothing shirt and a durable pair of chambray shorts from Canvas by Lands’ End. The combo kept me cool and stylish, while a pair of sporty Frank and Oak sneakers also helped finish off my outfit quite comfortably. From the fast-paced Tower of Terror to the fun-as-heck Rock n’Rollercoaster, Hollywood Studios has long been a huge favorite of mine! It never gets old — seriously! And when you dress well (or try to dress well), that’s quite the way to start off a weekend — delicious dinner at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano included, too. How could the weekend get better? Well, that’s where a great day Saturday comes into play — at Epcot, no less!

Saturday was a day I’d been looking forward to for quite some time — what’s better than a Saturday at Disney World, after all? Well, attempting to drink your way around the world at Epcot makes it even better, right? A fun day and a fun weekend was made all the better by delicious brews and beautiful weather — even if I couldn’t quite polish off a beer at every stop. In suitably fun and laidback fashion — as seen at the top of the page — I threw on an occasion-friendly vintage “drinks” shirt, featuring recipes of old-school cocktails — it’s a personal favorite when the weather hits the right temperature, to say the least. To stay cool as I hydrated in the heat, my Bridge & Burn Stringer Dune Shorts are a Florida style staple that I always throw on when the thermostat climbs, and Indigo Denim Sneakers from The Hill-side proved more than effective at helping me power through a long day on my feet (just as I wore on my Florida Christmas trip). On my wrist, I had to go with a new-yet-classic standby — the visually interesting Timex x Todd Snyder Blackjack Watch, featuring a neat design and a striking blend of colors, the ideal accessory to go along with a pair of cool Electric California sunglasses. Is there a better way to shield your eyes from the sun while knocking back brews than with a cool set of shades? Hardly. Was the day at Epcot — followed by a delicious Disney dinner in “Mexico” — a smashing success? I’d say it was! That brought the next round of this vacation up — my birthday itself!

Holiday 2017I spent Sunday at one of my favorite places, perhaps the best place (other than Disney or Brooklyn) to spend a birthday — the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! I dressed for the day in a casual graphic tee from Banana Republic, plus my mobile Mack Weldon Active Shorts and my trusty brown leather sneakers from Frank and Oak. I topped it off with my Timex x Todd Snyder Blackjack Watch once again, along with my James Dean Eyewear Aviators — I left my Wizarding robes at home (kidding!), but still enjoyed the day. We capped it off with a delicious steak dinner at STK at Disney Springs, a suitably upscale way to close out the day (for dinner, I threw on my United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt, of course).

Complete with some excellent men’s style gifts from my parents and family (including a few premium tees from Todd Snyder — coming soon to Instagram!), I was more than thrilled to spend an amazing birthday with my family in an amazing place. Spots like Disney World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter never get old or any less fun — at least, that’s what I think. Are you heading to Florida soon? How are you dressing for the trip? Let me know in the comments!

Check back tomorrow for a new #OOTD post — thanks for reading!

-Beau

See Now, Buy Now: The Knickerbocker Mfg. Peg Coat Is Your Next Winter Jacket

A durable, classic-looking jacket that gets a lot of cool details right.

There are some menswear essentials that just jump out at you right away for their unique looks, classic design and rugged sense of style. The Knickerbocker Mfg. Peg Coat is certainly one such jacket, made with both quality and enduring style in mind. It’s got the sort of classic appeal that’s tough to find out there nowadays — maybe that’s because it’s crafted in America, for starters. The Peg Coat plays off classic military coats, what with its strong profile and crisp navy color — two welcome touches in a world filled with overly technical silhouettes. In fact, the Knickerbocker Mfg. Peg Coat could just be your new favorite winter coat, too — trust me on that. It’s the type of tough jacket that you’re going to find yourself reaching for a whole lot this season, built from the ground up with ridiculously warm melton wool and featuring felled seam construction. In short, that means you can grab it and go, throwing it on with ease over style staples like a rugged henley and classic slim chinos, no matter how cold it gets out there.

The Knickerbocker Mfg. Peg Coat also comes packed with handy extras that cement the brand’s approach to pproper construction and craftsmanship, like the welt handwarmer pockets lined with brushed denim for a touch of warmth. The shawl collar provides both rugged good looks and protection from winter’s chill, while the tailored fit is everything you need in a great winter coat. Again, it’s durable, it’s easily wearable with plenty of pieces already in your closet, and it’s both casual and yet slightly dressy (feel free to wear it as a blazer replacement over a classic Oxford shirt & knit tie combo). How about it? Will the Knickerbocker Mfg. Peg Coat be keeping you warm this season? Let me know in the comments!

 

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

 

#OOTD: How to Wear a Flannel Shirt to the Office This Winter

You know the classic flannel shirt for its rugged good looks and dependable protection from the cold, but what if I told you there was a way to wear your new favorite flannel shirt to the office? Yes, my friends … it can be done.  The right flannel shirt, ideally in a more tailored cut and featuring a classic-yet-office-friendly pattern, is out there just waiting for you to snap it up. Specifically, we’ll talk all about the Mizzen+Main Durham Flannel Shirt today, a performance-minded flannel that just so happens to fit all of the above qualities we discussed — starting with that crucial tailored fit. We’ll team it up with reliable slim chinos, durable leather boots and other quality pieces that’ll look sharp on Casual Friday and sharp at the bar for happy hour. After all, it’s always helpful to dig into new ways to wear upgraded classics, especially when the doldrums of winter start to hit. Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page what you think of the below #OOTD, and let’s get to it!

The Flannel Shirt: Mizzen+Main Durham Flannel Shirt, $110 — Here’s the tailored flannel shirt we mentioned above, made with soft fabric and featuring four-way stretch for easy layering and sharp looks.

The Sweatshirt: Flint and Tinder Reversible French Terry Sweatshirt, $78 –Yes, a rugged crewneck sweatshirt can also work at the office — you just need to pair it with the right pieces.

The Pants: Flint and Tinder 365 Pants— These classic slim five-pocket pants also happen to be made with a bit of stretch for ease of movement.

The Boots: Red Wing Merchant Boots in Ebony, $260 — Take your notions of Red Wing Heritage as a work boot-only brand and flip ’em — the Red Wing Merchant Boots are tough and yet also office-ready.
The Belt: Ezra Arthur No.1 Belt, $100 — Keep your accessories simple yet refined — the Ezra Arthur Belt perfectly fits the bill.
The Socks: CHUP Reindeer Socks, $24.98 — Invest in the best — or some of the best — with these winter-friendly socks that nicely blend comfort and style.
The Watch: LTHR Supply Co. T1.1 Watch, $199.98 — The right watch can go a long way to pulling together an outfit — in this case, the LTHR Supply Co. T1.1 Watch is dressy and stylish, the perfect complement to this high-low outfit.
The Wallet: Taylor Stitch Minimalist Billfold in Brown, $98 — Keep this look appropriately streamlined with a slim wallet from the good folks at Taylor Stitch.

That’s going to wrap up today’s #OOTD in fine fashion, I’d wager! When you step out in a tailored flannel shirt, you’ve given yourself a nice base in terms of mixing and matching with pieces that are both rugged and sharp at the same time. The Red Wing Merchant Boots nod toward tough outdoor style, while classic slim chinos pull things together on the business casual side of the equation. The cool and slightly cheeky CHUP Reindeer Socks  add a dash of fun to this outfit, while the Ezra Arthur Belt also acts as a sharp business casual accessory. Should you find yourself in need of a striking, visually interesting watch, the LTHR Supply Co. T1.1 Watch is also suitably sharp. And again, the Mizzen+Main Durham Flannel Shirt is quite the way to start off an outfit, featuring a cool pattern and excellent fabric. Is this a look that you’ll be trying out? Let me know in the comments!

See Now, Buy Now: The Tom Beckbe Tensaw Jacket Is Perfect for Rugged Winter Style

A hunting-inspired jacket that packs in just as much utility and style for city living.

There are jackets that are part of your winter wardrobe rotation, and then there’s one jacket that just might have the chops to replace every last one of ’em. That would be the Tom Beckbe Tensaw Jacket, the latest piece of gear to consider picking up this season for rugged, tough winter style. Tom Beckbe as a brand is a recent addition to the lineup over at Huckberry, and they’re certainly to be excited about — I mean, just look at the Tensaw Jacket. Rooted in outdoor heritage and designed with sporting adventure in mind, the Tensaw Jacket really is unlike anything else on the market … good news for you, my friend.It’s an American-made thing of beauty, featuring waxed shelter cloth fabric for a uniquely tough exterior. The silhouette is inspired by hunting jackets made for city life, something that calls to mind long walks through Prospect Park or trips to upstate New York … at least, that’s what the  Tom Beckbe Tensaw Jacket makes this writer think of. Gusseted underarms and a bi-swing back add plenty of mobility and utility — you could feasibly wear the Tom Beckbe Tensaw Jacket for real-life hunting, or you could just as easily pair it with your favorite rugged henley and a classic cardigan.

The small details are also done the right way here, right on down to the clay-dyed cotton twill lining. That lining should make for nice mobility without too much added bulk, and a collar lined with Bedford cord is yet another classic design touch that makes this jacket rugged and, quite simply, very cool. The Tom Beckbe Tensaw Jacket is the kind of jacket Bond might have worn in Scotland in “Skyfall” — how can you not dig a coat with that sort of pedigree? The Tobacco color is rich and striking, perfect for pairing up with slim indigo denim and a white henley, or alongside olive green corduroys and tan leather Chelsea boots for a mix of high and low style. Once again, if you haven’t yet considered picking up a coat like the Tom Beckbe Tensaw Jacket, now is as good a time as any.

Let me know on Twitter if you’ll be purchasing the Tom Beckbe Tensaw Jacket to kick off the new year.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

 

#OOTD: Layer Up and Break In a New Pair of Dark Denim This Winter

By now, perhaps you feel like you’ve hit your stride when it comes to taking on the winter in style. But whether you’re dressed for a casual weekend or gearing up to fight the polar vortex, there are always new, hopefully cool ways to wear your favorite men’s style essentials. Such is the case with today’s #OOTD, where we’re taking an expertly faded pair of denim from Flint and Tinder, then matching it up with easygoing style staples for a look that’s just as at home at the bar on a Friday night as it is on a Saturday morning coffee run. We’re talking rugged moc toe boots, a classic crewneck sweater and an innovative stretch flannel shirt — yep — all brought together in one ensemble. And combined with a sturdy-as-heck peacoat, you’re going to stay warm, stylish and cozy this season. It’s helpful to look at pieces that you love in a bit of a different light, and hopefully, this #OOTD is one way for you to do that in the new year. Have questions or comments? Drop me a line in the comments below, or hit me up on Twitter — as always. Stay warm, stay stylish!

A great jacket, plus a casual sweater and a stretch flannel, are the ideal accessories to pair with your new favorite pair of denim.

The Jacket: Mission Workshop Bridgeman Peacoat, $650 — First things first: You’re going to need a warm winter coat. The Bridgeman Peacoat manages to meld technical fabric with a strong silhouette for excellent layering potential.
The Denim: Flint and Tinder 1-Year Wash Jeans, $128 — The 1-Year Wash Jeans from Flint and Tinder feature that hard-to-perfect, broken-in look and feel — ideal for throwing on for a laidback winter outing.
The Shirt: United By Blue Pickman Stretch Plaid Shirt, $57.98 — This right here is the stretch flannel shirt we mentioned earlier — that’s right, the Pickman Plaid Shirt from United By Blue is both rugged and hard-wearing … yet mobile and versatile.
The Sweatshirt: Knickerbocker Navy Crew Fleece, $85 — When is it worth it to shell out more than $80 for a rugged crewneck sweatshirt? When said sweatshirt is made with excellent quality by New York’s Knickerbocker Mfg. Co.
The Boots: Oak Street Bootmakers Natural Vibram Sole Camp Boots, $354— No winter style ensemble would be complete without rugged boots, right? Oak Street Bootmakers has, quite simply, done a great job with the Natural Vibram Sole Camp Boots.
The Socks: Wigwam Merino Lite Hiker Socks, $19 — Sometimes, you just need comfortable, dependable socks to keep your feet warm. Enter the Wigwam Merino Lite Hiker Socks.
The Belt: Tanner Goods Classic Belt in Cognac, $100 — We always leave no stone unturned when it comes to the best men’s accessories out there — the Tanner Goods Classic Belt is of investment-level quality.
The Watch: Timex x Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Expedition Watch, $97.98 — Leave that dress watch at home — this rugged, dependable Timex Expedition watch comes complete with a  beautiful Horween leather strap from Form-Function-Form.
My friends, how do we rate the above #OOTD? Stylish, functional and rugged enough for your liking, I hope? Seeing classic pieces done in different ways — like the helpful stretch in the aptly named Pickman Stretch Plaid Shirt from United By Blue — is a good way to get your new year headed in the right direction. Even classic blue denim with just the right amount of fading, as seen in the  1-Year Wash Jeans from Flint and Tinder, can be a welcome departure from the norm. When you finish off the outfit by layering up a rugged crewneck sweatshirt and stepping into the unique-yet-dependable Natural Vibram Sole Camp Boots, I’d say you’re well on your way to cozy, comfortable style. Smart accessories, from the Tanner Goods Classic Belt to a dependable Timex Expedition watch, are a perfect go-to for the weekend or a casual work day, and the Mission Workshop Bridgeman Peacoat truly is the only one of its kind on the market. Who’s ready to bundle up and get out there? *Raises hand*
Thanks for reading!
-Beau

Style Pick of the Week: Mizzen+Main Durham Flannel Shirt

An upgraded denim shirt made with versatile fabric — just the right way to go for a business casual ensemble.

You’ve not yet worn a shirt like the Mizzen+Main Durham Flannel — I can nearly guarantee that. While it’s likely you’ve certainly got a classic flannel shirt in your closet, the Durham Flannel is another beast entirely, and in a good way when it comes to business casual winter style. It’s a recent, new offering from Mizzen+Main that features wrinkle-resistant performance fabric, a touch that puts it head and shoulders above other flannel shirts you might be considering this winter. The Durham Flannel packs in a bevy of standout features, from much-needed moisture-wicking technology to four-way stretch more commonly found in your athletic gear. What does that mean for you, casual flannel shirt wearer? It means you can layer the Durham Flannel easily under sweaters and coats without risk of overheating, and it means you can wear it comfortably on its own in your office or at home — sleeves rolled up or worn down with a tan herringbone blazer. It’s also machine-washable — mark up another “W” for this fine flannel shirt, no dry cleaning needed. The brand has focused on dialing in the fit here, resulting in a flannel shirt that’s neither too boxy nor too tight — it provides you with range of motion and layering potential, all the better for getting through the grueling winter months.

Wear this one casually with a sharp leather watch for simply stellar seasonal style.

It’s that kind of easy wearability and stylish versatility that gives the Durham Flannel an edge when it comes to looks, too. The Black Watch Plaid pattern found on the Mizzen+Main Durham Flannel is rich, winter-friendly and able to pair up seamlessly with everything from crisp blue dark denim and a grey crewneck sweater to a tan wool blazer and navy corduroys. Wear the Durham Flannel untucked with black denim and rugged brown leather Chelsea boots for casual, bar-ready style, too. And all the while, you’ll be comfortable and cool thanks to the performance fabric fonud in the Durham Flannel — in fact, it might make it even easier to layer this particular flannel over a classic henley for even more versatility. Yes indeed, the Mizzen+Main Durham Flannel might just change the way you think about flannel shirting … if not forever, then at least for this winter.

Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page if you’ve got enough closet space for the Durham Flannel.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

Online Shopping Picks: Fight Off the Winter Chill with the Best Men’s Long-Sleeves T-Shirts

Dealing with the doldrums of winter can be tough on many fronts — style included. It’s cold, it’s windy, it’s snowy … at least for those of us who live up North. What’s a guy to do? Well, layer up and keep on trucking. If you read The Style Guide regularly, you’re aware of our picks for the best men’s winter accessories — so, let’s add another dimension to that. Which is to say, let’s talk about rugged layering essentials, like today’s list of stylish long-sleeve shirts. Yes, it’s an overlooked category, seeing as a long-sleeve shirt is often just that — your base layer, fit for wearing under a flannel-lined trucker jacket or a durable winter coat. Yet, there are a few that stand head and shoulders above the rest, and those are the ones that we’re talking about today. If you have a favorite, I’d urge you to pick it up while it’s still around … and I’d urge you to let me know which one ya grabbed over on Twitter! For now, let’s get to work.

#1. Buck Mason Vintage Thermal Surplus Tee — $62

A classic thermal tee made with military style inspiration in mind.

What can’t Buck Mason do? This classic-leaning menswear brand focuses on, as you might have guessed, easygoing styles tinged with throwback Americana. Of course, this Thermal Surplus Tee sure fits the bill nicely, what with a tough waffle-knit exterior and a reversible jersey interior. It’s the kind of thermal tee you’re going to want to layer under your favorite denim shirt — perhaps with some slim black jeans and rugged winter boots — for a casual evening out and about.

#2. Grayers Todd Slub Henley — $65

A cotton henley with a tailored fit, plus a chambray placket for a bit of visual interest.

Yes indeed, the Grayers Todd Slub Henley is a bit of a departure from a classic thermal — a rugged henley can more easily be worn on its own than a thermal shirt, but the Todd Slub Henley gets the nod here regardless.  Grayers is a brand that delivers on multiple fronts, from soft shirting to well-fitting blazers and slim chinos, and you can’t go wrong with a cotton shirt that’s primed for all sorts of winter layering.
#3. Outerknown Callao Crew — $74.98

An easy-to-wear layering piece that’ll work quite well in winter.

If you normally associate Outerknown with breezy, summer-like weather and style — the brand was started in part by surfing legend Kelly Slater, after all — then think again. The brand’s Callao Crew is definitely a relaxed, easygoing layering piece, but that doesn’t mean you should discredit it when it comes time to throw on under, say, a classic crewneck sweatshirt. The striped design also makes for a bit of visual interest when worn under a rugged flannel shirt, for instance.
 #4. Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Long-Sleeve Tee — $44

Perhaps the ideal long-sleeve shirt — perfect for layering, comfy enough to wear on its own.

You didn’t think we’d get through an edition of our Online Shopping Picks without recommending some standout Flint and Tinder gear, did ya? Don’t let the 100 percent construction of the Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Tee fool you — you’re still getting a rugged long-sleeve shirt that’s more than primed for seasonal layering (it’d work quite well under, say, the Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt, for starters). What’s better than a slim-fitting, neutral long-sleeve tee? Not much at all.
#5. Outerknown Odyssey Long-Sleeve Crew — $78.98 

A comfortable, slim-fitting crewneck tee that’s exactly what you want in a winter layer.

That’s right, my friends — Outerknown has nabbed another spot on this list of the best men’s long-sleeve T-shirts, this time owing in part to the quality fabric and standout layering potential of the Odyssey Long-Sleeve Crew. The quality starts with the use of soft cotton jersey, as nice a base layer as you’re going to find. This particular shirt also uses recycled fabric, all the better for the environment. The end result? A shirt that’s exceptionally excellent for casual weekend style.

#6. Life/After/Denim Thermal Henley in Pigskin — $68.00

A durable henley in a color that’s more than ready for winter — subtly stylish.

Life/After/Denim always comes through with stylish, laidback gear that’s got just enough rugged functionality for every season — that’s certainly the case with this Thermal Henley, done up in a winter-friendly Pigskin color. It’s been a quick seller via Bespoke Post, and with good reason: It’s nearly 50 percent off the purchase price. Yes indeed, this rugged thermal henley is going to look great under a shawl collar cardigan or worn casually around the house with some slim sweatpants — looking great, even when at home, pays off.

OK, Style Guide readers — what’ll it be from the above list? Perhaps the durable, well-crafted Life/After/Denim Thermal Henley? Or perhaps the soft, slim-fitting Outerknown Odyssey Crew? If it were me, I’d layer either under a rugged chambray shirt or a classic winter cardigan .  Lest we forget, the classically inspired Thermal Surplus Tee from Buck Mason is a winner, perhaps the best of the bunch. The Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Tee is another stellar layer, as is the Grayers Todd Slub Henley — I’d wear the Todd Slub Henley under a tan herringbone blazer for style that’s just a bit of a throwback.  And if you’re more inclined toward decidedly casual winter fashion, I’d go for the Callao Crew from our pals at Outerknown, ideal for throwing on under a grey crewneck sweatshirt. I sure hope that gives you a start as you shop around for a new long-sleeve shirt for rugged winter layering.  And if it doesn’t? Shoot me an E-mail via the Contact page above — I’m always down to talk shop!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

 

 

 

The List: Kick Off the New Year in Style with the Best Men’s Gear

Alright, my friends … can you believe it’s time to start another edition of The List? The first one 2018, at that?? If you’re just joining us for the first time on The Style Guide, welcome aboard as we start another year of bettering ourselves through style. That’s what it’s all about, right? And there are some certain items, from a great pair of classic black denim to stylish brown leather boots, that just tend to help you look, feel and dress your best. That’s what we’ve rounded up in this first edition of The List, so come along for the ride and feel free to leave me some feedback on Twitter — let’s go!

Flint and Tinder All-American Washed Jeans in Stonewashed Black — $118

Slim-fitting stonewashed jeans in a cool shade of black.

Looking for the perfect pair of black denim? Flint and Tinder might have just come through with the All-American Jeans in Stonewashed Black. Ideal for your next rock concert.

 

Filson Watch Cap — $45

A dependable watch cap from a brand that knows how to make ’em.

The cold chill of winter has finally swept in … but the Filson Watch Cap is the dependable winter hat you need to help you through, my friend.
Fourlaps Rush Jogger — $78

Slim joggers that work for lounging or actually working out. Truly!

Do you need these joggers in your life? Well, do you need to stay cozy and comfortable this winter? That’d be yes to both — plus, they work even better at the gym as you jumpstart your New Year’s resolutions.
Thorogood Belloit Boots — $229.98

Beautifully rugged boots that can take a beating this winter.

The Thorogood Belloit Boots are, to put it quite simply, the type of rugged leather boots that you actually look forward to wearing in the winter. And at that price? Get the Belloit Boots on your feet now.
Life/After/Denim Oak Park Cardigan in Navy — $198

A substantial upgrade over your weekend hoodie, that’s for sure.

Why is it worth it to shell out nearly $200 for this Life/After/Denim cardigan? Well, the Oak Park Cardigan is at once rugged and refined, able to layer up over your favorite henley or a classic chambray shirt and a knit tie in equal measure.
GrowlerWerks uPint — $30

Quite the way to enjoy your favorite beer, don’t you think?

Here’s one for all you craft beer fans out there — the GrowlerWerks uPint is every bit as good as the rest of the GrowlerWerks line. And yet, the uPint is just a smaller way to keep your favorite brew cold and fresh.
Taylor Stitch Chore Blanket-Lined Jacket — $198

A durable Taylor Stitch jacket with a warm blanket lining? That’s as good as it gets.

Taylor Stitch knows all about the gear you need this winter, and the durably crafted Taylor Stitch Chore Blanket-Lined Jacket is cozy and stylish, plus tough as heck.
Farmhouse Pottery Fir Candle — $30.98

A small apartment or home upgrade that makes a difference.

Because life is about more than clothes, I’m recommending the Farmhouse Pottery Fir Candle. I always like to have a candle going when I’m at my apartment blogging or hanging out, and this Fir Candle offers a pleasant, rugged scent.
Taylor Stitch The Crater Shirt in Navy Plaid — $128

A classic Taylor Stitch shirt in a cool Navy Plaid — now, how about that?

We’re letting Taylor Stitch have another spot in this edition of The List simply because the Crater Shirt is too well-made and too stylish to pass up. Wouldn’t you agree? Wear this with some Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos, and you’re all set.
Vague Watch Co. Brown GMT Watch —$290

A refined-yet-rugged leather watch that looks great with darn near anything.

This edition of The List gets closed out with the stunning, relatively affordable Vague Watch Co. Brown GMT Watch. It’s a durable leather watch that’ll pair well with a tan herringbone blazer and blue denim, or alongside slim joggers and a thermal crewneck — it’s as easy as that.
OK, friends — we’re wrapped up with this edition of The List! How’d we do? What piece of gear is your favorite? I’ll tell you this … I positively can’t get enough of the Thorogood Belloit Boots, and that’s the last word on that! Feel free to weigh in via the comments below, or via The Style Guide Facebook page.
Happy New Year, and happy shopping!
-Beau

Style Pick of the Week: Duckworth Powder Hoody

A cozy, classic hooded sweatshirt for winter weekend layering.

Can you believe it’s time to close out 2017 and our Style Pick of the Week series? I hope you’ve enjoyed the gear we’ve covered along the way, from a pair of rugged winter boots to classic flannel shirting and plenty more. We’re taking things a decidedly more casual, laidback direction today — the Duckworth Powder Hoody is the casual, laidback-yet-stylish sweatshirt you probably didn’t know you needed in your closet (or on your back). Particularly in the winter months, comfort and good looks are key, which is what makes a minimal, stylish hooded sweatshirt a nice (if unexpected) move. Now, I’m all about dressing your best as often as possible … but there are certain weekend days where you might just feel like throwing on the Duckworth Powder Hoody and some slim sweats — then calling it a day. I’m with you there. If you’ve forsaken hooded sweatshirts in favor of a classic winter cardigan, I applaud you. However, there’s still a place for the cozy, comfortable hooded sweatshirt — *cough* the Duckworth Powder Hoody — in your casual weekend wardrobe rotation. That’s why it’s worth shelling out more than $100 for it; it’s just that versatile, comfortable and winter-friendly.

The Powder Hoody incorporates a tailored fit and raglan sleeves for some visual interest and sporty style, yet it’s the fabrication on this hooded sweatshirt that sets it apart. The Duckworth Powder Hoody features Montana-grown merino wool for what the brand calls a tough exterior — in short, this hooded sweatshirt is going to work wonders when layered under something like the durable Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket. The interior of the  Powder Hoody, on the other hand, features soft, brushed fabric — all the better for wearing around your house or apartment if (and when) it gets drafty. Of course, the technical construction of the Powder Hoody, plus the name, feasibly means you could even wear it as a mid-layer when out on the slopes … carving through some powder. Ya dig? It’s a versatile, stylish hooded sweatshirt that’s worth your consideration if ever you want a casual layer to wear with your favorite broken-in denim and your best pair of winter boots. That’s about all there is to it.

Lastly — thanks for reading The Style Guide this year. I hope you’ve found it a fun and worthwhile journey, and I’m looking forward to more #menswear in 2018! The Style Pick of the Week series is definitely coming back, and we’ll be talking 2018 men’s style resolutions here on the blog on Monday. See you then!

-Beau

The Friday Read: Menswear Pieces That Get Better with Age, Recapping 2017 and The Best Winter Accessories

Does it seem at all possible that we’ve come to the very last Friday Read of 2017?? It’s pretty wild, if you ask me. From week to week, time has just flown by around here, particularly with a busy slate of fall and winter travel for yours truly. From a September trip to Portland to an early fall excursion to Nashville and a December concert weekend in Toronto, I feel very blessed and fortunate to be able to pursue my passions for menswear and music! And that doesn’t even begin to cover other highlights this year, from NYC’s Panorama music festival to Governors Ball 2017 — that’s just a few highlights on the music front! I also traveled to Florida for everything from Memorial Day weekend to Thanksgiving and Christmas, making some great memories along the way. And my other travels included an upstate weekend in Beacon, along with a trip to Boston to see my favorite band — it’s been a heck of a busy year, that much is for sure!
Holiday 2017
Elsewhere, I’m really thankful for the continued opportunity to build this blog, and whether it’s your first time perusing these pages or you’re a repeat visitor, well … a big thanks for reading! In the new year, there’s plenty more in store in the way of useful and (hopefully) helpful #menswear content, from continuing this site’s #OOTD series to more entries in The List, covering the best men’s gear to buy for the year ahead. If you’ve got suggestions for content, brands or pieces you’d like to see, don’t hesitate to chime in via The Style Guide Facebook page! After all, style is an ongoing, evolving journey — I’ve realized that much each time I sit down to pen a new post! It’s been a busy, fun and at times, exhausting ride this year. And that being said, there’s lots more where that came from! For now, check out a few choice reads below, and thanks for reading!

  • Best Made will be transitioning their limited-time Gift Tent — located at 232 Elizabeth Street here in NYC — to a Surplus Sale running from January 5-14, with items up to 60 percent off. The Gift Tent features a ton of great menswear and hoome goods, including Sleepy Jones blankets and Best Made blades, axes and apparel. Think of it like rugged-yet-refined gear that goes the distance and looks great doing it.  Did I mention you can get those pieces up to 60 percent off? Yes and yes.
  • Always on top of things like these, Gear Patrol just updated its list of 20 menswear staples that get better as they age — I’m in total agreement with all of the picks on this list, from rugged leather boots to classic blue denim. I think you should be, too.
  • Last but not least, ’tis the season … to bundle up in style. With that in mind, I’d urge you to check out my roundup of the best men’s accessories for winter for this site — it can’t help but come in handy during the weeks and months ahead!

Alright, my friends — that’s all we’ve got today! Cheers!

-Beau

Holiday 2017