June 10, 2015June 11, 2015 by Beau H.

What To Wear Today: Travel in Style This Summer

A blue Oxford cloth buttondown — just one of the many style essentials you should pack this summer. Shirt by Bonobos. Weekender bag by Navali. Luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

It might only be Wednesday right now, but my mind’s already thinking ahead to the weekend — I’m hitting the road for a family wedding in the lovely and historic city of Charleston, South Carolina (one of the home bases of my friends over at creative lifestyle site Brothers & Craft, in fact). And I’ve also been brainstorming how to pack in style while getting from fast-paced NYC to the decidedly more laidback Southern locale. Traveling and looking good is definitely something that should be top of mind for all of us as we hit the road the rest of this summer, too. Sharp travel accessories are one thing to elevate your overall game — but what do you wear while traveling and once you get there? Here’s a look at what I’m packing, and what you (maybe? possibly?) should throw in your bag, too. (Editor’s note: Unless you’re a real jetsetter, let’s assume you’re just packing for a long weekend away in a temperate climate – if it’s hotter or colder than that, layers could be added or subtracted).

The Shirt: A Go-Anywhere Oxford Cloth Buttondown [+ Slim, casual T-shirts & polos]

Versatile and ready for anything — the classic blue Oxford cloth buttondown from Buck Mason.

Although that shirt seen above is sold out online (and it’s easy to see why), it’s the perfect stand-in for the type of shirt that would be perfect to wear when traveling — and to have once you get where you’re going. On the cheaper side of things, Old Navy offers up a version at a pricepoint that could allow you to get one in both white and blue. The classic Oxford cloth button-down is the ideal mix of casual-meets-crisp style; it can be paired with a lightweight spring or summer jacket or a blazer in dressier situations, and it works with chinos, stylish shorts or denim (as long as the fit is trim and the shirt doesn’t hang too low when untucked). On the more casual side of things, a polo or two also wouldn’t hurt — this year’s Michael Bastian x Uniqlo polos are affordably priced and feature a wide spread of colors and patterns. On the even more toned-down side of things, slim pocket tees are your friend for casual travel style — in a slim fit, the right tee can even be worn under a blazer.

The Pants: Slim chinos or dark denim [+ laidback shorts]

The Standard Issue Utility Chino from Apolis offers the right color and fit for easygoing, polished travel style.

The slim khaki chino is an all-American classic that’s been freshened up as of late and can be worn just about any way you please (for at least five variations, see an Effortless Gent piece I penned last fall). Dark denim is every bit as versatile, too — either can go with pocket tees or polos, plus that trusty Oxford cloth buttondown shirt. The same goes for matching with different types of footwear, too (more on that below). And assuming you’re heading somewhere slightly warmer than where you are now, tailored shorts in a neutral color are a good pick — perhaps these Club Monaco shorts might do the trick, in fact. If you want something with some stretch and mobility, J. Crew Factory’s Stadium Shorts would be a wise wardrobe addition.

The Shoes: Crisp white or navy sneakers and brown leather loafers

Two pairs of shoes styled two different ways. White sneakers done up casually and leather loafers ready for dressier wear. On the left: Printed shirt by Saturdays Surf NYC. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Patterned watch strap by The Knottery and watch by Timex. On the right: Blazer by GAP. Leather loafers by Bass. In both looks: Lightwash jeans by J. Crew.

White sneakers, especially in the world of men’s style nowadays, can be worn with just about anything — even a suit if you play your cards right. If you reach for a pair with a slim silhouette, like the GREATS Wilson, the styling potential is ready for just about any situation — short of a black tie dinner. Navy runner-style sneakers are an equally unique option that combine retro cool and modern flair as well. If the occasion calls for a dressier pair of footwear, a pair of classic leather loafers is virtually foolproof; functional and cooling with rolled chinos in hotter weather while still looking sharp. Rugged-yet-refined brown leather desert boots (like the Florsheim Jet Chukka) also strike the right note — and if you had room for just one other pair of shoes on your trip besides sneakers, they would be the best pickup.

The Watch: Stainless steel dive watch (Or your favorite, versatile timepiece)

From sneakers and shorts to denim and desert boots, a stainless steel dive watch is highly versatile.

When it comes down to it, space packing for a trip is limited, no matter how great your weekender bag might be. Packing one watch to meet a variety of situations is one way to free up some of space for souvenirs or another T-shirt or two. There are lots of options out there that fill the under-$100 price point and pack versatility into one package, and in a situation where you might have two pairs of shoes to mix and match with shorts, chinos and denim, ditching a leather strap (which would require coordination with your shoes and belt) is an easy fix. An interchangeable nylon-strap watch could easily stand in if the trip leans more casual (and you don’t mind coordinating with a blue dial).

The Jackets: A cotton knit jacket and a classic navy blazer

A lightweight knit jacket or a lightweight navy blazer (or both) keep things cool, crisp and stylish during travel. For more outfit details, check out my Instagram.

A lightweight knit jacket or a lightweight navy blazer (or both) keep things cool, crisp and stylish during travel. Cotton knit herringbone jacket by Grayers. Navy blazer by J. Crew For more outfit details, check out my Instagram.

While the Grayers Russel Jacket seen in the photo at left is down to just Large and Extra-Large sizes, Old Navy can be counted on here to offer up an equally sporty and equally stylish jacket (made from cotton). In the right fit and with the right staples (like a chambray shirt), an outfit very similar to the one on the left could be worn to work and then right onto the plane. Likewise, an unstructured navy blazer fits the bill perfectly if the occasion calls for something more polished. In a more wrinkle-resistant and lighter fabric, that same blazer could be worn from the office onto the plane, too.

The Rest: A reversible belt, versatile socks and a sharp swimsuit

A reversible belt, neutral socks and a striped swimsuit should finish things off nicely.

Trying to coordinate different pairs of shoes together with varying types of bottoms is another hurdle that requires some packing expertise. The easy way out of that is a simple reversible belt — not always the highest-quality things on the market, to be sure, but effective nonetheless. That way, you solve that pesky space issue and pack (or most likely, wear) just one belt throughout the trip. If space allows, a casual webbed belt could be a nice change of pace. Patterned socks are lots of fun, to be sure, but picking up a couple pairs in neutral colors — like grey, charcoal or navy — would work best for maximum versatility. And reaching for a swim suit with a slimmer cut, like any of the options from this site’s recent swimwear roundup helps you look good while hitting the water (if that’s in the itinerary, that is).

So you’ve got some ideas from the above — what’s on your go-to list when packing? What would you add or omit from this packing suggestion? Give me a shout on Twitter!

June 8, 2015June 8, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Q+A: Brothers and Craft

The four founding brothers (as it were) of Brothers & Craft. Photo courtesy of the brand.

Throughout the course of my day job and attending events through the GQ Insider program, I’m fortunate to meet some pretty cool people who also happen to share a similar outlook on life and style & fashion in general. At April’s GQ x Tiffany’s CT60 Watch Collection Preview, I met Clay Chambers of outstanding creative lifestyle brand and blog Brothers & Craft. If you know the site or follow them on Instagram, you’ll know that they (meaning brothers Kirk, Zac and Clay, who founded the site with their oldest brother Ryan in 2012) really have a tremendous eye for style and outstanding visuals in general, which leads to some pretty cool partnerships. In fact, the trio recently roamed the state of Kentucky as part of a project with the state’s tourism department (the brothers were born nearby in east Tennessee). I got the chance to chat with Clay recently about B & C, who’s on the rise in the world of #menswear, and of course, the best places to grab a bite or a drink in two very cool cities — the brand’s two bases, Charleston and NYC.

The Style Guide: Take me through the story of starting Brothers & Craft; when did your vision for it begin to develop and when you did know you were onto something that resonated with people?

Brothers & Craft: Our building blocks look different than most guys you might talk to in the menswear world. We were raised to appreciate craftsmanship and resourcefulness. Our mom would teach us how to sew and tailor our own clothing, teach us how to cook, and even drag us around on weekends to yard sales where we’d pick up old furniture and refurbish it ourselves. So Brothers & Craft began as a creative outlet to share the things we were wearing and creating. Zac would make pocket squares and bow ties and put them on the blog. Kirk would hand make a wooden wine rack and take you through the process of how he built it. Or Ryan (our oldest brother who started with us) would teach you how to make your tie skinnier. So there’s always been an element of “how-to-for-men” tied into what we do, but we’ve always wanted the blog to serve as a place where we share our creativity. We’ve been fortunate enough that influential Instagrammers would show love and shout us out, so that’s helped us build our own audience.

TSG: In recent years, we’ve seen a lot of guys become way more interested in style; what’s one piece of advice you would give to guys just finding their personal style?

B&C: In the past, dressing well in America –as an idea– has sometimes been inextricably linked to being effeminate. I’m not sure where that comes from, but it’s nice to see that the average guy can now feel more comfortable building his own style without facing judgement from others. That said, crafting your own swag or style, to me, always starts with simplicity. Find timeless clothing items you like, and look for colors that blend well with them. I happen to love neutrals and earth tones because they don’t ask for attention. So for much of fall and winter I wear pieces army green, browns, navy, beige, and so on. So maybe in the summer you like wearing blazers with a pair of nice fitting denim and tassel loafers. Test the waters with the fits on both, and perfect what you like. From there, it’s about tweaking details and little pieces so you don’t get bored with your staples.

Kirk Chambers rocking a spring style get-up in Charleston. Photo courtesy of Brothers & Craft.

TSG: Your team splits time between Charleston & NYC; what’s that like in terms of the differences in locale and fashion when you travel back and forth?

B&C: Right now Zac and I live in Brooklyn, and Kirk’s based in Charleston with his wife and kids. Things move slower in Charleston. People are laidback and friendly, the weather is amazing, and the architecture carries such a rich history. It has so much eighteenth century swag, which is uncommon for most other southern cities. Back in New York, though, I get so energized by cultural diversity and the nightlife; they help make it what it is. And anywhere you walk there seems to be new restaurants, coffee shops, bars, art galleries, and clothing stores popping up each month. But behind the touristy facade of midtown Manhattan, there’s a deeper, more cohesive side to New York in each neighborhood. The local spots define the streets and they bring people together in many ways.

Clay Chambers during a recent trip to Charleston for the city’s Fashion Week this past spring. Photo courtesy of Brothers & Craft.

TSG: And for those heading to Charleston or NYC anytime soon, what’s one spot to check out?

B&C: The food scene in Charleston is second to none! Waking up there, head to Saint Alban for coffee and pastries; it’s a European style cafe. Strolling along downtown or the battery is beautiful, where palmettos and pastel colored mansions fill each street. For lunch, head back up to Leon’s Oyster Shop for chicken and oysters. You need to have dinner at Edmund’s Oast, too — the charcuterie there is mind blowingly good. In New York City–and I don’t care how much people talk about it — you need to spend time at the Highline Park in Chelsea. Summers there are magical, especially at night. My favorite cafe in the city is near Columbia University on the Upper West Side, called the Hungarian Pastry Shop. They have the best cakes and desserts!

Zac Chambers rocking a double-zip Todd Snyder bomber. Photo courtesy of Brothers & Craft.

TSG: Who are your personal style icons, someone who’s shaped the way you try to dress (if any)?

B&C: I think that things, more than people, inspire what I wear. Maybe it’s acoustic beach music, or an old, tattered rug, or a sleek, modern museum, or even a weathered, faded brick on a building. Photographs are inspiring too; even more, I love coffee table books.

TSG: Is there a go-to outfit you have? If so, what?

B&C: Right now I love wearing loafers, a fitted pair of chinos, an oxford shirt, and soft shell bomber jacket. Such a great, simple combo.

TSG: Lastly — what’s your favorite clothing brand of the moment (menswear-focused or otherwise)? And one brand to watch across the next year or so?

B&C: I really respect Todd Snyder’s pieces. He does such a wonderful job modernizing the fits to classic American sportswear. I also love Sid Mashburn, his suiting pieces have such a smooth, Italian fit. In streetwear, watch out for Zanerobe. It’s already built a successful name for itself, but it continues to really grow exponentially each season.

Be sure to check out Brothers & Craft both at the brand’s site and Instagram.

June 6, 2015June 6, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Club Monaco Baxter Shorts

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

A slim fit, basic colors and imported cotton fabric make these Club Monaco shorts a winner.

It hasn’t really felt like summer yet in NYC, but that hasn’t stopped me from shopping around for some nice, versatile shorts for warm weather. Ditching jeans or chinos isn’t something that everybody’s accustomed to doing, but for me, it’s a necessary (and fun) style move. Lots of designers have been updating their fits and fabrics as far as shorts go (Bonobos continues to make shorts out of its legendary Washed Chino fabric for example, and the linen shorts seen below from Frank & Oak are also a winner). And Club Monaco is the latest to follow suit with an updated, more tailored version that you might expect from a retailer with a distinct continental style. The brand’s Baxter Short is made from imported cotton with a 7″ inseam and what looks to be a fairly slim fit. Waist sizes run up to 36″ and down to 28″, a wide enough range of sizes for those looking to improve their short game.

One way to wear shorts in the warmer months. Linen herringbone pair seen here by Frank & Oak. Nautical print T-shirt by J. Crew Factory. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Glasses by Warby Parker.

The fact that the Club Monaco pair comes in just three basic yet highly versatile colors is another positive — the Graphite, Navy or Khaki shades would work with just about any color combination up top — especially a printed short-sleeve shirt or a colorful pocket tee (one variation on that can be seen above; those shorts are by Frank & Oak). Throwing on shorts certainly doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or reverting back to the cargo shorts that many of us (myself included) probably wore in past years. Club Monaco’s iteration is pricey and it seems as if they don’t offer too many sales, but the quality of the fabric and the fit should be some comfort when investing in a pair.

Would you consider picking up some shorts from Club Monaco? What’s your go-to pair for the summer?

June 3, 2015June 3, 2015 by Beau H.

The Product Review: Combat Gent Slim-Fit Travel Jacket

An in-person review of Combat Gent’s Slim-Fit Khaki Travel Jacket. Size shown: 38L. Spring Plaid shirt by Gustin. Pocket square by Banana Republic. Brown leather watch by Stuhrling. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

Editor’s note: For a full rundown of product reviews covering everything from polos to watches, click here.

Combat Gent (or Combatant Gentlemen, if you’re one to go the full name route) has been popping up lots of different places in the digital menswear community as of late, and they’ve been turning heads mainly for the price points at which they provide their products. The consensus has been somewhat mixed, but largely positive, and for those not in the know, the brand offers a range of suiting, shirts, ties, dress pants, denim and even weekender bags at prices far lower than one might expect. They’re also doing tuxedos, which would be a great buy if you’re the type to buy a tux and need to do so on a budget.

And they definitely caught the attention of this menswear writer as I shopped around for my Spring Style Wish List. Combat Gent reached out to me earlier this spring in fact, and offered up the product that you see here (namely, the Slim-Fit Khaki Travel Jacket, along with the Ash Grey Heather Herringbone Shirt and one of the brand’s Endurance Shirts in White ). The khaki travel jacket in particular has proven to be a highly versatile piece — it pairs easily with casual get-ups, like the henley, chinos and sneakers combo you see below, as well as with slightly more business-casual outfits (namely with the Gustin Spring Plaid shirt and some dark denim).

Slim-Fit Khaki Travel Jacket by Combat Gent. Washed red henley by GAP. Light grey chinos by Bonobos. Navy sneakers by GREATS Brand. Striped socks by Richer Poorer. Brown leather watch by Stuhrling.

Now for the jacket’s specs — this piece is under the brand’s Outerwear section, although at first glance, it’s somewhat tricky to see why. It doesn’t appear to have the springy, wrinkle-resistant bounceback qualities of something like J. Crew’s Traveler suiting line, and the Italian cotton twill fabric doesn’t wear as though it has a tremendous amount of stretch. The twill is peached for softness though, a nice touch that pushes the jacket more into casual territory (although it still doesn’t move or wear as well as a Bonobos Washed Chino blazer, for example). The jacket features a single vent and is half-canvassed with a butterfly lining, although it actually wore a bit stiff at first for being so unstructured.

A very-near custom fit for a low price. Shirt by Gustin Braided leather belt by Merona. Dark denim by Mott and Bow. Glasses by Warby Parker.

The patch pockets and Corozo buttons are sewn in sturdily enough for the price — there’s no threadbare buttons or extra dangling threads. And the fit itself is definitely to be applauded. A size 38L on my 6’1″, 180-lb. frame fits like a charm — very nearly custom. The jacket is slightly longer in the back and covers a good amount of my backside — it’s not so long that it looks off when worn more casually with denim, though. The sleeves are trim and hit at about the ideal length for showing some shirt cuff, and the jacket has just a bit of pull when buttoned — those into a more traditional fit might want to size up with this piece. It does wrinkle slightly easier than one might expect from a “travel” jacket, but it really offers up a tremendous bang for the buck at just $70. The same style is available in a terrific shade of electric blue (Cobalt), along with Olive and Navy.

The Ash Grey Heather Herringbone shirt from Combat Gent being put to good use. Polka dot tie by Express. Slim chinos by Taylor Stitch. Brown leather loafers by Bass. Braided leather belt by Merona. Horween Chromexcel No. 8 leather watch strap by Form-Function-Form and watch by Timex.

And as far as other product goes from the brand, Combat Gent’s shirting is definitely worth considering when buying on a budget, too. The Endurance Shirt in White fits similar to an Express 1MX Extra Slim Fit shirt and would definitely be a solid purchase for about half of that price. It’s the type of shirt you could wear with a navy suit or on its own under a V-neck sweater. And the Ash Grey Heather Herringbone shirt as seen above (actually part of the brand’s Fall ’14 line of shirting) features a very soft blend of brushed Italian cotton and mother-of-pearl buttons that actually feel decently sturdy. The fabric itself is quite soft and feels much like a heathered cotton Oxford shirt from J. Crew. The collar on the shirt has a nice roll to it, and the piece fits slim and pairs nicely with a casual blazer, too. Although it’s technically a fall shirt, it’s the right weight to be worn in cooler spring temperatures.

While the quality isn’t up to par with J. Crew or another larger menswear retailer, Combat Gent’s blazers and shirts are worth your time and money if you’re on a budget (and who isn’t nowadays, right?). Some aspects of the fabric and construction might leave a little to be desired, but particularly if you need a starter suit, blazer or shirt (or if you feel like taking the plunge on a more fashion-forward suit), Combat Gent would be a great place to start looking.

Do you have any experience with Combat Gent? Thinking about picking up any pieces from the brand? Let me know!

May 30, 2015May 30, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Bonobos Riviera Short-Sleeve Floral Shirt

A wild blue floral print grounded thanks to subtle stripes.

By this time next week, we’ll be into June — that means weather that’s hot and getting hotter. Keeping cool and staying stylish is about to become a daily ordeal, but a printed short-sleeve button-up shirt is the well-dressed guy’s secret weapon in the fight against heat. Short-sleeve shirts (like this previous Style Pick from Saturdays Surf NYC) are an easy pickup for afternoons and evenings on patios and beaches — and you might even be able to get away with wearing one to the office under a well-fitting blazer. They don’t sacrifice style or fit, particularly one from Bonobos. As with most of the company’s menswear offerings nowadays, this short-sleeve floral in particular has a lot going for it.

A slightly more subdued printed shirt cut from the same comfortable fabric.

The pattern isn’t an obnoxious multi-color Hawaiian floral print that you might have seen out and about at a barbeque in days gone by; the navy flowers are downplayed by the light blue stripes on the shirt. But if the floral pattern’s too much, you could always pick up a slightly more subdued navy-based shirt like this one (also pictured above). The color combination on the floral print shirt in and of itself though means that this shirt is wearable with lightwash jeans, dark denim or, perhaps most crucially, khaki shorts and white sneakers. Both Slim and Standard sizing options are available in several sizes as of post time, too. But as warm weather heats up, shirts like this won’t stick around too long — pick yours up while they’re still in stock.

Have you bought your summer shirt yet? What’s your experience been like with Bonobos?

May 27, 2015May 27, 2015 by Beau H.

The Product Review: Gustin Spring Plaid Shirt

A sturdy shirt with details that reflect the price. Spring Plaid Shirt by Gustin. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Glasses by Warby Parker. Brown leather watch by Stuhrling.

Editor’s note: For other product reviews covering more menswear categories than you can shake a stick at, click here.

San Francisco-based Gustin has been known across the menswear community these past few years for the excellent, sturdy (and American-made) denim they’ve been producing — don’t forget about their tough, durable chore coats either. The brand is expanding even further as of late into new, essential categories like T-shirts and (starting in June), sneakers. And you can add another category to the list of things the brand does very well — casual shirting. Gustin launched its shirting with a focus on the basics, like chambrays and Oxfords. They’ve since broadened that approach even further, to the point where they’re now funding a third release of shirts with lauded heritage shirtmaker Thomas Mason. They’ve done a nice job adding seasonal fabrics as well — like the Spring Plaid shirt you see here.

Shirtails are slightly long in the front and back for my personal taste, but it’s still fit to be worn untucked. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

This release was funded in the depths of this past winter (February if memory serves?) and at only $76 for this made-in-America piece, it’s not hard to see why. While that price is on the higher side if you’re on a budget, a one-off purchase like this can be an excellent way to get exposure to made-in-America craftsmanship and quality, if only infrequently to start. The shirt uses Japanese cotton cloth with a vintage plaid pattern — it’s nice to see another brand making use of plaid patterns in places other than fall or winter-weight clothing. The colors in this shirt are pretty vivid, and yet the overall pattern is subtle enough to have a pleasing effect on the eye from afar. The combination of red, green, blue, yellow and white might seem a bit much at first, but it definitely works in this case. Being able to glance closely and see different bits of color crossing over each other is a nice effect, too.

On the lookout for spring. Shirt by Gustin. Khaki Travel Jacket by Combat Gent. Pocket square by Banana Republic. Glasses by Warby Parker. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

On the lookout for spring. Shirt by Gustin. Khaki Travel Jacket by Combat Gent. Braided leather belt by Target Merona. Pocket square by Banana Republic. Glasses by Warby Parker. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

It’s the type of shirt that adds some punch to an outfit without taking away too much attention from elsewhere – and the multitude of colors pairs well with a neutral piece like the Slim-Fit Khaki Travel Jacket from Combat Gent shown above. Perhaps the most important thing to note on this shirt is the fit — although this shirting model isn’t on-sale now, that same design carries over to the brand’s other pieces. In a Slim-Fit Medium, the armholes are high but not restrictive, the sleeves have a tailored and clean (but not overly snug fit), and the shoulders are the right width on my 6’1″, 180 lb. frame. The shirt is just a tad on the longer side when untucked for my personal taste, but it’s more than able to be worn that way comfortably. As far as the overall fit, it’s very close to a slim-fit casual shirt from J. Crew or Club Monaco. (Editor’s note: Does anyone have any experience with the Classic Fit shirting style from Gustin?).

A closer look at details of the shirting and the blazer. Pocket square by Banana Republic.

Other shirting details absolutely live up to the purchase price as well. The two-piece front placket and sleeve cuffs feel sturdy, not flimsy — that’s key when rolling up shirt sleeves. The buttons are attached firmly to the shirt and at the buttondown collar – no loose threads or buttons in danger of falling off here. Crucially, the collar itself has a substantial (yet not overly large) roll to it, making it easy to wear without a tie. It’s little details like these that bring together a complete shirt fit for business-casual or more laidback wear. The pattern on this has the sort of scale that wouldn’t detract from a striped cotton tie in dressier instances, and yet the collar could stand up under a linen cardigan or V-neck sweater, too.

So, assuming the brand doesn’t pull a price hike and continues to fund new shirting releases in the current pricing range (roughly between $70 and $93), it’s absolutely worth a shot to snap one up that catches your eye. New product releases from Gustin tend to be funded in a matter of days, if not even more quickly, but at the rate the folks in Cali pump out stellar designs, there should be more than enough opportunity to pick up one of your own soon. Consider this writer sold for the future.

Have you bought any casual shirting from Gustin? What’s your experience been like? What other products have caught your eye from the store?

May 23, 2015June 2, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Oxford Shirt

A versatile shirt ready for all kinds of wear.

Seeing as it’s Memorial Day weekend,it seems only fitting that this week’s Style Pick of the Week should come from a company making things with a ton of attention to detail and quality right in the U.S. of A. Buck Mason’s T-shirts first made an appearance on this blog earlier this week in fact, and it only makes sense that one of the company’s superb buttondowns would show up shortly thereafter. The light blue Oxford shirt in particular is selling so fast, the company can barely keep it barely stocked — although light grey, white or deep navy would be highly versatile as well.

Just one of the five shades in which you could pick up this classic wardrobe staple.

This shirt is the kind of piece that’s more than worth it’s made-in-the-USA price, regardless of the color you go with. The sleeves and chest look to fit trim, making it a classic choice ready for slightly dressier wear instead of a spring and summer T-shirt or even a slim polo. This shirt would also work exceptionally well with black or blue denim, even in the deep navy shade available through Buck Mason. And slim chinos would absolutely finish off a sharp, versatile outfit, too (you can check out more ways to style the classic Oxford buttondown shirt here). So that’s the pick for this Memorial Day weekend — if you’re traveling, be sure to stay safe and check out these suggestions for the best men’s travel accessories.

Have you bought from Buck Mason before? What’s your experience been like with the company?

May 18, 2015May 20, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Memorial Day

Memorial Day really is one of the first significant outdoor occasions of the spring and summer for many around the country – after a long winter, summer’s imminent, and the holiday might bring with it some travel and time with friends and family. Ideally though, it involves getting outdoors for a little bit of everything — maybe a barbecque, a trip to the water or a little exploring. But what do you wear for such an occasion? Tweaking the standard outdoor get-up doesn’t take that much work — and you can support some quality brands in the process.

The Shirt: Buck Mason Navy Crew Slub Tee — $24

Small design touches make this a better option than a regular tank top or ratty old T-shirt.

First seen not too long ago on this site’s roundup of the best T-shirts for spring and summer, this pick is much more than just a T-shirt. The deep navy color and slubby texture differentiate it from a plain old tee, and the rounded hem and slouchy collar are added design touches, too. The fact that it’s American-made doesn’t hurt, either. If the situations calls for a polo, you could always pick up a cheap yet well-designed option from this year’s Michael Bastian x Uniqlo collaboration or perhaps a nice short-sleeve buttondown from Ernest Alexander.

The Shorts: J. Crew Factory Stadium Short in Chambray — $29.50

Sporty elements like the elastic waistband mesh with an airy chambray fabric in these shorts.

Some might argue that these are just a shorter version of jogger pants – why add in something like a drawstring waistband to a pair of shorts? Well, when you’re out and about on Memorial Day, you might find yourself playing catch, grilling or taking a hike — the elastic waistband adds a casual and functional element to these chambray shorts, while the fabric and construction are a notch above athletic shorts (no belt needed, either). If you find they’re still too casual, you could grab a more refined pair from this list.

The Sneakers: GREATS Brand White Wilson Sneakers — $49

A durable captoe and the crisp white color make these the perfect high-low sneaker option.

A full review of these sneakers can be found here — but in short, they’re the ideal combination of excellent looks for a stellar price. They’re quite a bit cheaper than a pair of similar white kicks from the revamped Converse Jack Purcell line, they look more crisp than a pair of Chuck Taylor All-Stars (no pesky logo or side stripe on the sole), and they’re still functional enough to move around in — plus, at that price they can take a bit of a beating without too much worry. If you want a more no-frills option, you could always pick up a leather slip-on (the latest release from GREATS) or a beater pair of canvas Vans sneakers.

The Socks: Richer Poorer Beginner No-Show 2-pack — $15

No-show socks that’ll help your sneakers fit better and last longer.

No-show socks are among those essentials for the warmer weather that can make quite a big difference — they prolong the life of your sneakers and help your kicks fit better while avoiding the foot funk that can come from going barefoot with shoes. The simple design options for Richer Poorer socks mean these are a better choice than no-show or low-cut athletic socks, too.

The Sunglasses: J. Crew Factory Tortoiseshell Sunglasses — $19.50

Mighty cheap but still stylish.

Some people are all about their sunglasses and really dig expensive pairs – if you’re not one of those people, or if you’re the type to lose them or sit on them throughout the summer, it doesn’t hurt to snag a pair or two of these cheap shades. You still get a unique frame shape, neat tortoiseshell pattern and the confidence of buying from J. Crew Factory — better than a drug store pair, right? You could always spring for a customizable pair of Ray-Ban’s New Wayfarers or an American classic, Randolph Engineering Aviators.

The Watch: Timex Weekender Slip-Thru Strap Watch — $40.45

A no-frills design that takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

Timex watches are renowned for the combo of price and durability they provide. The company doesn’t produce anything overly fancy, but its Weekender series works with plenty of NATO watch straps and provides a classic, clean design that’s not too casual or dressy. In this case, the red and blue stripes of the strap play off the blue in the shirt and the grey of the shorts, although a red floral NATO strap would also provide a fun pop of pattern and color. An efficient field watch would also work here.

With some slight tweaks, this same outfit template could work for nearly any warm-weather situation in your future — and either way, I hope your Memorial Day entails great times with friends and family … and maybe a cold beer or two.

What do you think of the above get-up?What will you be wearing (and doing!) for the long weekend?

May 16, 2015June 2, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: GREATS Brand Wooster Leather Slip-on

Who needs laces indeed? The newest pending release from GREATS Brand. Photo courtesy of GREATS.

Summer time is almost here folks, and if you haven’t made the transition from your sturdy winter boots to some crisp white sneakers or classic runners, now is definitely the time to start doing so. All of this talk of transitioning seasonal styles is also bringing out some more unique footwear options — specifically the evermore ubiquitous slip-on sneaker. Some retailers like J. Crew have been producing this style for a while now, but there haven’t been many that combine so many nice elements into one package — like the soon-to-be-released Wooster leather slip-on from Brooklyn’s own GREATS. The pre-sale for these shoes launched today (Thursday, May 21) — and if you’re on the early access list, you can get the shoes here for $149 now.I’m a huge fan of the brand and the quality sneakers they produce for the price, so when I saw news of the latest release (named for #menswear icon Nick Wooster), I was effectively sold (on writing about them, at least!).

A close-up look at both the Blanco and Cadet versions. Photo courtesy of GREATS.

The brand has already produced multiple different runs of the same style using the Wooster name — two colors of a wool slip-on, a white bison leather version with accessories maker Parabellum and a Wooster x Lardini collaboration designed in conjunction with the style legend earlier this spring. The leather Wooster in particular looks like the best of the bunch though — five different colorways (a few of which also made it onto my Wish List Pinterest board linked in the Editor’s Note), beautiful-looking leather and the perfect mix of summer cool and sharp style. The Cadet or Blanco pairs in particular (that’s a deep navy and white for the uninitiated) could easily be styled with everything from shorts and a short-sleeve henley to chinos and an easygoing blazer-and-tee combo — keep your eyes peeled for the release of these early next week because if history tells us anything, they’ll go fast.

Have you picked up any sneakers from GREATS? Would you buy these? How might you style them?

May 11, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Spring & Summer T-Shirts

One of my favorite warm-weather T-shirts. Nautical printed shirt by J. Crew Factory. Navy herringbone shorts by Frank & Oak. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Glasses by Warby Parker. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

Editor’s note: For more online shopping picks covering everything from great brands, gift guides and the best warm-weather blazers and shorts, head here.

A T-shirt’s a pretty simple item of clothing, right? Not too much to think about, certainly? When you look at it that way, any old graphic T-shirt will do. But so many brands and designers are upgrading this simple, iconic item of clothing with richer colors, better fabric and texture, more nuanced details and even wilder patterns that you would typically find on buttondown shirts. And that’s why it’s a better choice in this case to reach for something other than a plain ol’ white crewneck T-shirt or (particularly) a tank top. Some tanks are well-made and definitely work for some guys, but that’s beside the point — a T-shirt or short-sleeve henley just looks a bit better and could even be considered a bit more versatile. Here are five solid (non-tank) options to round out your warm-weather wardrobe.

#1. J. Crew Factory Slim Placed Stripe Tee — $24.50

An upgraded basic thanks to some small design details.

So this T-shirt will set you back a bit more than paying for a pack of classic white T-shirts — but there’s a reason for that upgraded price tag. J. Crew Factory’s quality is, by some accounts, on par with its elder sibling J. Crew when it comes to basics like this. This tee combines a slim fit with a nice shade of navy perfect for pairing with spring shorts or khaki chinos — the white, nautical-leaning stripe and chest pocket are also subtle design touches that differentiate it from a plain crewneck. Note that Old Navy has a nearly identical version of this piece for about half the price, although you lose out a bit on quality.

#2. Pistol Lake Short-Sleeve Henley — $35

Changing up the typical crewneck or pocket T-shirt. Henley by Pistol Lake. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Dark denim by Mott & Bow.

The second option on this list isn’t a plain pocket T-shirt, to be sure, but everyone needs some diversity in their warm-weather wardrobe (this coming from a guy who’s got about three crewneck pocket tees in his closet). And a henley is a perfectly rugged way to break up the typical short-sleeve shirt rotation. This pick from Pistol Lake is as solid a choice as you’re going to get — made from soft, breathable 6 oz. jersey cotton, it’s sturdy and well-constructed. The price is a tad higher than a standard pick, but you support American-made ingenuity and attention to detail.

#3. Buck Mason Navy Crew Slub Tee — $24

Slouchier collar, rounded shirttail and a deep navy color — definitely not the standard crewneck.

For all the talk here about breaking things up visually with a solid chest pocket, sometimes there are, in fact, crewneck options sans pocket that work well. In this case, the navy crew slub tee from Buck Mason combines a slightly wider collar with an inky indigo color and slubby texture for some different visual details. The rounded hem is a touch also not seen on other T-shirts, and it’s got the kind of easygoing vibe that just works in the spring and summer. Its price, again, goes toward supporting made-in-America production, which seems to be missing a lot of places these days.

#4. Bonobos Yarn Spun Heather Printed Tee — $45

An eye-popping pattern and a rather eye-popping price, too.

A couple of things might catch your eye about this T-shirt — for one, the price is pretty darn high for a basic. And that pattern will absolutely turn some heads (it’s also available in a green floral option). Bonobos is definitely to be applauded for its commitment to breaking away from just making pants; this T-shirt in particular shows that. It’s the kind of pattern that will work for some … and might not work for others. But if you’re heading to the beach or a fun summer party, this is one way to upgrade a plain tee or tank top.

#5. Gustin Pocket T-Shirt 2 or 3-Pack — $28 or $42

Three colors of this pocket T-shirt were available in the first run. Photo courtesy of Gustin.

Now this next option here is slightly tricky owing to the nature of Gustin’s business model. The San Franciso-based, US-production-led outfit produces runs of items only when they’re 100 percent funded — so if an item funds quicker than expected (or if it doesn’t fund at all — very rare), you miss out on the chance to buy it. However, new varieties of everything from T-shirts to denim are being added nearly daily, so it shouldn’t be too hard to stock up on a 2 or 3-pack of pocket T-shirts. Currently, the company is offering up a 2-pack of black or white pocket T-shirts — that pocket is the ideal way to break up the plain-ness of a white or black crewneck, although something like heather grey would be more versatile when it’s on tap again for the brand.

In any roundup, and particularly ones involving a basic item made nearly everywhere, there are going to be some left out. Bonobos’ Yarn Spun Striped Pocket Tee in a soft-washed red is a covetable choice thanks to that sunfaded color and subtle stripes, and even Buck Mason’s Army Green Crew Slub Tee was tough to pass up. The Slub-Knit Pocket Tee from Old Navy was also a close finisher, but just missed the cut — keep in mind that places like GAP also do simple, affordably priced basics.

What’s your go-to summer T-shirt? Will you be picking up (or have you already bought) any of the above picks?

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