Tag / american trench

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Save Big on the Best Men’s Socks, Sweatpants & USA-Made Basics at American Trench

Best USA-made socks for men.

When you find a company that does one thing well — and when that one thing happens to be making some of the best USA-made menswear on the market — it’s a wise thing to stick to your guns and continue shopping and supporting that brand. When the company in question happens to be American Trench, a decade-plus-old Philadelphia brand making some of the best American-made gear on the market, it gets even easier to keep coming back.

Shop USA-made gear at American Trench

The rotation of spring style essentials at American Trench includes the best casual sweatshorts and one of the coolest raincoats for men, plus a whole rotationof some of the most comfortable men’s socks. Those are just three reasons you’d do very well indeed to shop the American Trench Clearance right now for outstanding savings on a huge array of the best menswear for spring and beyond.

Best on-sale menswear for guys.

Within the American Trench Clearance, you’ll find plenty of gear picks you can buy right now and wear into summer, or at least, wear in the spring, fall and winter. The lineup includes savings on a seersucker chore, a quilted vest and cozy merino joggers, plus discounts on a famed selection of the best spring jackets for men, the backbone on which American Trench was founded.

The well-stocked yet fast-moving American Trench Clearance also includes lightweight, pigment-dyed sweatshirts and T-shirts, a rugged waxed field jacket marked down well over 50 percent, and cool vintage-style ballcaps also on sale at low, low prices. Long story short: If you’ve been looking for a way to stock up and save on spring style essentials, the American Trench Clearance is the place to shop right now — no doubt about. Stay stylish, my friends!

Advertisement
by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These American Trench Sweatshorts Are the Best Pair of Casual Summer Shorts

The Thursday Buy: These American Trench Sweatshorts Are the Best Pair of Casual Summer Shorts | The Style Guide

If you’re in the market for a pair of the best casual shorts for men this spring and summer, especially as the weather warms up, today’s Thursday Buy can help you out. To get more specific right off the bat, the American Trench Pigment-Dyed Sweatshorts are some of the best men’s shorts you can buy for laidback lounging and really, whatever you have on your plate this casual and fun summer. It doesn’t come as too much of a surprise though, does it? We’re talking, after all, about American Trench, purveyors of some of the best American-made menswear out there right now.

If you’ve perused the pages of this blog through the years, you know that American Trench initially started out with a focus on the best men’s trench coat before branching out into the best American-made socks and much more. These days, the Pennsylvania-based brand makes all sorts of menswear and gear imaginable, including the breezy, easygoing and yet very well-made American Trench Pigment-Dyed Sweatshorts. These could be the very shorts you come to rely on and wear all summer. After all, I’d imagine you could use a new pair of shorts or sweatpants after a year of working from home. Maybe you’re heading back to the office, though, and in need of some of the best lounge shorts to wear after the 9-to-5 grind. Either way, the American Trench Pigment-Dyed Sweatshorts are your new go-to pair for plenty of seasonal pursuits.

SHOP: The American Trench Pigment-Dyed Sweatshorts 

Your new favorite pair of shorts have plenty going for ’em starting with the unique approach to their fabrication. They’re made from 100 percent cotton fleece made with EcoLife© yarn, which blends 50 percent recycled materials and 50 percent cotton from the Better Cotton Initiative. That means these stylish men’s sweatshorts are sustainable as well as stylish.

Satchel and Page

The pigment-dying process gives each pair a soft finish and unique look, and it helps that the resulting range of colors (including the Sky option shown above) is breezy and fresh for summer. These are some of the best men’s casual shorts for good reason, and I’m sure you’ll find plenty of ways to wear ’em. That goes for the beach and the bonfire as well as the brewery, teamed up with your favorite summer polo or the best white T-shirt for men, too. My personal favorite is the Storm (grey) color, which I’d wear with a navy polo or pocket tee and my favorite white leather sneakers. Any way you look at it, the American Trench Pigment-Dyed Sweatshorts are the answer to your summer prayers for casual, easygoing-yet-stylish summer shorts for men. Happy shopping and stay cool, folks.

SHOP: The American Trench Pigment-Dyed Sweatshorts 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The American Trench Coat is one of the Best Spring Rain Jackets

The Best Trench Coats for Wet Weather

As I’ve said before, it seems as though the search for seasonal essentials, like one of the best spring rain jackets, never quite ends, does it? After all, you might have a spring rain jacket you know and love, but is it quite as good as the ever-stylish, ever-functional American Trench Coat? My thinking is, it could be close, but it’s not anything like the American Trench Coat, an aptly named piece that helped launch this Pennsylvania-based brand back in the late 2000s. I’ve been a fan of American Trench’s stylish socks for years (dating back to 2015, in fact!), and this durable, stylish trench coat is one piece that’s also won the brand its fair share of admirers.

These days, this USA-made menswear brand has a slightly larger product assortment and is sold by more retailers (like UNCRATE), but the message and mission remains the same: Carefully crafted goods made in family factories throughout the U.S. Of course, the American Trench Coat is still one of the best men’s jackets for spring, period, that you’re apt to wear this season. In fact, it’s American Trench Coat 3.0, the third iteration of this must-have spring rain jacket. First things first: You should know that American Trench gear doesn’t go on sale very often, but trust me: Stylish rain jackets like this one are worth investing in(it’ll run you $849 at American Trench). So, back to the business of the American Trench Coat, ehh?

SHOP: The American Trench Coat

American Trench review

The brand’s signature lining sets this coat apart, among other touches.

The thing is, before investing in one of the best men’s trench coats, it pays off to know what exactly you’re getting. And this stylish men’s spring jacket all starts with the right fabric, naturally. In this case, that means we’re talking about a ventile cloth shell finished off with a DWR coating for crucial, weather-ready performance. The American Trench Coat is also lined in cotton glen plaid check fabric for a touch of tailored style and some added warmth against a chilly spring day. The coat is cut trim but should work to layer up with your favorite blazer and a classic Oxford shirt underneath, according to the brand.

Oh, and perhaps the most important part: This stylish trench coat is made in northern New Jersey by a luxury outerwear company, the right way. Last but not least: It also features a detachable hood, and you can pair it up with a quilted warm liner (sold separately) to finish things off in a way that’s as functional and cozy as can be. So, if you’ve taken stock of your spring outerwear rotation and decided an upgrade was in order, then the American Trench Coat is the right way to go.

SHOP: The American Trench Coat

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Get 40 Percent Off This American-Made Jacket from American Trench

American Trench Slim-Fit Down Hooded Jacket

This rugged, tough and durable down jacket is available for quite the steal right now.

Now that we’ve hit December, one thing should be top priority as far as your menswear wardrobe is concerned: That’s getting one of the best men’s jackets for winter on your back and in your closet, and that leads us to today’s edition of The Sunday Sale. To get even more specific, the American Trench Slim-Fit Down Hooded Jacket is as fine a pick-up as you’re apt to find in the American Trench Clearance Section (and elsewhere, for that matter) and you can snag it for 40 percent off today. It’s got all the proper specs you could ever ask for in a durable winter jacket, starting with some serious style points via the classic navy colorway. But the hits just keep coming with the American Trench Slim-Fit Down Hooded Jacket, from the weatherproof Japanese nylon fabric (crinkled for added texture) to the 750-fill power down insulation (that’s the good stuff as far as keeping you warm). It was originally part of the brand’s Fall 2019 line, hence the deep discount, but plenty of sizes are still in stock.

SHOP: The American Trench Slim-Fit Down Hooded Jacket

American Trench review

American Trench always does a standout job at getting the details right, as you can see here.

This slim-fit down jacket is the ideal blend of modern style and functionality, featuring tough ripstop nylon in the interior to really drive home that weather-ready sense of performance. And as the name would imply, the fit is trim and yet should still leave you room to layer, let’s, a  henley and a classic crewneck sweatshirt for chilly, blustery days. It should go without saying that the hood of this American Trench jacket will also come in mighty handy on particularly snowy days. The moral of the story is this: If you know where to look, you’ll be able to find downright great deals on winter gear, starting with the American Trench Slim-Fit Down Hooded Jacket.

SHOP: The American Trench Slim-Fit Down Hooded Jacket

 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Jack Black Grooming, Sustainable Sneakers & The American Trench Sale

GREATS Royale Eco Canvas

The most sustainable sneakers for your weekend and the season ahead? It sure seems like it.

Let’s step right on into the weekend with some of the most sustainable sneakers on the market, shall we? The pair you see above are perfectly ready for one of the last true weekends of summer: We’re talking, of course, about the GREATS Royale Eco Canvas, a recent addition to the Brooklyn-based sneaker brand‘s line of classic, subtly minimal sneakers for guys.  I’ve been a big fan of GREATS for years, and to power your weekend, I’d surely recommend you snap up some of, well, the best sneakers for men (and they also make women’s sneakers, naturally). Recycled cotton canvas uppers and a custom lining highlighting the brand’s commitment to sustainability set these stylish sneakers apart, too. Seriously, how about that to start your weekend?

Everlane.com Low Cost. High Quality. Classic wardrobe essentials for less!

My own weekend is off to a pretty swimming start, if I do say so myself — literally, in fact. Since early last week, I’ve been with my parents and sister in quiet, laidback Fort Myers, Florida. Quiet and laidback given the ongoing pandemic, and also quiet and laidback given the remote beaches we’ve been able to safely visit. We’ve also managed to pick up to-go craft beer from Point Ybel Brewing, a personal favorite of any trip. All along the way, I’ve managed to get some quality time with family while working on the blog (there’s a new Style Pick  of the Week coming up tomorrow!), plus my ongoing writing work at Maxim.com and GearMoose.

Freemans Sporting Club

To start your weekend right, I’ve assembled the below men’s style deals and picks. What’s more, I know exactly how to soundtrack your weekend — the just-released, propulsive, emotional, joyous “Imploding The Mirage” by Las Vegas rock legends The Killers. How’s that for a weekend kick-off, ehh?? I’ll have it on rotation for days to come. Back to a bit of menswear, though — check it all out below.

Everlane Sweatpants

The coolest new sweatpants to wear from summer into fall.

  • For these casual days at home and beyond, I’m going to point you toward a brand I’ve long admired: San Francisco-based Everlane, a subject on the blog here dating back to 2015. Here in the present, they’ve just launched the excellent-looking, affordably priced Everlane French Terry Sweatpants, part of the made-to-be-mixed-and-matched Everlane Uniform Collection. Think daily style staples that look great and are made with radical transparency in mind. The best men’s sweatpants to wear at home? You decide. 

20th Anniversary

20 years of the best men’s grooming gear from Jack Black, done up in a limited-edition capsule collection.

American Trench Summer Sale

Plenty of stylish menswear and gear here for the taking here from American Trench.

Paige Men

OK, so we’re almost wrapped up here today. But again, before I let you loose on the weekend, I’ve got one last suggested bit of shopping and reading. If it’s a rugged base layer or a stylish T-shirt to wear all on its own that you seek, you’re going to want to check out my post on the best pocket T-shirt for men (from NYC’s Freemans Sporting Club, of course). Enjoy, gear up, get out there — and make sure you subscribe to my newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief (a new edition drops tomorrow!). Alright, it’s time for me to get some more coffee. Cheers to the weekend!

 

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Freenote Cloth Chinos Could Be the Best Pants for Summer

Slim Fit Workers Chino – American Trench

The coolest chinos to buy right now, then wear through summer into fall and winter.

Proclaiming something the “best of the best” is a lofty bar to clear — as in, calling the Freenote Cloth Slim Fit Workers Chinos the best pants for summer might seem like a bit much, but they live up to that billing. As sold by the good folks at American Trench, I hope to tell you all about why they work so well in today’s new edition of The Thursday Buy. As a reminder, The Thursday Buy focuses on one must-have menswear pick, like the best men’s chinos. These certainly fit the bill. American Trench is a brand we’ve loved for a long time here on the blog, all owing to the fact that they make some of the best gear for men across the board (especially American Trench socks). It gets better, though: They also stock and sell plenty of stellar partner brands, like Freenote Cloth. In this case, American Trench and Freenote Cloth have come through again with these rugged men’s chinos, which feature a 10oz. Japanese Oxford canvas twill fabric for wearability starting right now (with your favorite T-shirt and high-top sneakers) and into fall and winter with a rugged denim shirt and one of the best men’s sweaters).

They’re built with a vintage wash, that classic workman-like cut (note the slanted front pockets to store your everyday carry), and Red Wing leather branding. Taken in total, yes, they could certainly be some of the best pants for men — for summer and beyond.

SHOP: The Freenote Cloth Slim Fit Workers Chinos from American Trench

by Beau H.

#OOTD: This Is the Right Way to Wear a Blazer This Winter

Finding the right blazer for winter presents some challenges. You want to nail the fit and the quality, for one. But you don’t want to shell out high triple-digits for a stylish winter blazer (as you might find at a retailer like Bonobos or J. Crew nowadays). So, what’s a guy to do? That’s what today’s #OOTD is diving into — and our featured blazer, the Grayers Hutton Moleskin Sportcoat — is a heck of a perfect blazer for cold weather, and it’s certainly one of the best men’s blazers you can snag now. That it checks that critical box while also providing quality and a great fit (plus an agreeable price) is simply too good.  And the great thing about a tailored-yet-casual jacket like the Hutton Sportcoat is the ease with which it pairs with your other favorite men’s style essentials, from a Taylor Stitch Everyday Oxford to classic khaki chinos and stylish leather chukka boots. You  know what’s even more critical when it comes to the Grayers Hutton Moleskin Sportcoat? That all-important winter fabric and texture, geared for warmth and seasonally apprpriate style.  So, ready to change the way you think about your winter blazer? That’s great, ‘cuz I’m ready to get after it. Good luck out there!

 

The Blazer: Grayers Hutton Moleskin Sportcoat (Huckberry Exclusive), $195  — Ahh, yes — the Grayers Hutton Moleskin Sportcoat that we previously discussed. As classic a winter blazer as it gets, Grayers has nailed the perfect balance between classic and casual tailoring.

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch The Jack Shirt in Black Everyday Oxford, $98 — Think mixing black and blue is a no-no? The handsome, stylish Oxford shirt that is the Jack Shirt from Taylor Stitch should dispel that notion — it’s a crisp, classic men’s Oxford.
The Chinos: Taylor Stitch Travel Chinos in British Khaki, $128 — In keeping with the classic nature of this #menswear ensemble, reach for, fittingly enough, a classic pair of men’s chinos made with versatile, travel-ready touches. Taylor Stitch does it again.
The Boots: Nisolo Emilio Chukka Boots, $198 — Because we’re tackling how to wear a blazer for winter, durable leather chukka boots are going to be an absolute must — the Nisolo Emilio Chukka Boots manage to be sleek and functional at the same time.
The Socks: American Trench Breton Stripe Socks, $14.50 — Why are there two pairs of American Trench socks in the above grid? Well, you get two for $14.50 — a stylish pair of socks to complete this outfit sounds pretty good, right?
The Belt: Levi’s Indigo Roller Belt, $48 —  Didn’t know that Levi’s made stylish men’s belts? The Indigo Roller Belt is unique in terms of color and texture, just what you should be looking for when it comes time to step out in style.
The Watch: Alsta Nautoscaph II Watch, $879 — Looking for an investment-level watch? The sharp, durable Alsta Nautoscaph II Watch is ready for anything — including being paired with a stylish winter blazer.
The Pomade: Rudy’s Shine Pomade, $22  — Because this look is ready for a holiday party or a day at the office in equal measure, a slick-looking haircut is a must — style it with Rudy’s Shine Pomade.

Are we now more acquainted with the best blazer to wear this winter? I think I’m ready for the season. The cold weather-ready nature of the Grayers Hutton Moleskin Sportcoat makes it a perfect winter tailoring choice, and it’s reliably complemented by the classic Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt — don’t be afraid to mix black and blue, folks.  The Taylor Stitch Travel Chinos are also a winning part of this look, giving you the style and flexibility to navigate slippery terrain with the durability of the Nisolo Emilio Chukka Boots. The Alsta Nautoscaph II Watch is also a perfect winter watch pick, mixing a tough design with sleek, dressy-yet-casual style. Accessories like the Indigo Roller Belt and the American Trench Breton Stripe Socks help tie things together, too. Ready to step out in style for winter? You’ve got this, I know it. Just rock the Grayers Hutton Moleskin Sportcoat, and you’re in business.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The List: Buy This New Men’s Gear for August

As a #menswear fan — and I mean, a BIG fan — it can be tough to sort through the plethora of men’s gear out there. That’s why I hope our ongoing Style Guide series The List is proving helpful, or at least intriguing and interesting. Oh, and hopefully not too expensive? But who’s to say, right? This post today marks the fourth entry in this ongoing journey through, well, a little of this and that. From stylish men’s home goods to the best summer sneakers and one or two (or three!) of the best men’s casual watches, this series covers a bit of everything. Get your credit card ready — or just your wish list — and read on. Thanks for kicking off your month with The Style Guide!

Bespoke Post Refresh Box — $45

Bespoke Post Refresh Box

One box packed with great gear for the price.

Leave it to Bespoke Post to offer up yet another affordable subscription box with tons of useful gear for the price.

Pacifico Optical Blair Sunglasses — $155

Pacifico Optical

Stylish, classic and easy to wear with just about anything.

Have you completed your search for stylish summer sunglasses yet? Finish it up with these crisp, subtly Pacifico Optical sunglasses.

American Trench Dress Socks (Six-pack) — $99

American Trench

Not one or two or three .. but SIX pairs of excellent American-made socks.

While it’s certainly essential to keep stylish no-show socks on hand for the summer months, classic dress socks from American Trench are just as essential to stock up on – agreed?

Areaware Concrete Desk Set — $50

Areaware

Like your regular office supplies … but better.

We’re back to Bespoke Post for a set of stylish, underrated and essential home goods. It’s the little details that count, and organization is certainly among them.

Brathwait Classic Slim Wrist Watch — $229

Brathwait

A clean, crisp and versatile watch.

For all this talk of rugged field watches and the like, it’s sometimes nice to wear a pleasingly crisp, simple and retro-leaning dress watch – like this one.

Bull & Stash Travel Stash Leather Journal — $25

Bull & Stash

A beautiful way to upgrade your everyday carry.

Bull & Stash makes leather goods of ridiculously great quality, and its Stash Leather Journal is certainly among that offering.

Korchmar Centennial Taft Limited-Edition Weekender — $620

Korchmar Centennial

Possibly the last weekender bag you’ll ever buy — agreed?

Every bit worthy of your hard-earned cash, this handsome and stylish weekender bag is the drool-worthy accessory you should pick up for every single trip for years ahead.

Oxford Pennant “Kill the Closest Snake” Pennant — $25

A rugged, eye-catching pennant to upgrade your office and your home in equal measure.

Perhaps you caught our Style Q+A with Oxford Pennant talking how to upgrade your home décor – and here’s one of the first pieces you should buy as part of that process.

Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Watch — $220

A field-ready, supremely tough and relatively affordable Citizen Eco-Drive watch.

Much like the Brathwait watch featured above, this Citizen Eco-Drive watch is crisply made and versatile – ideal for summer and beyond.

With that last item … we’re closing out this set of additions to The List! What was your favorite pick of the above? I’m personally a huge fan of Oxford Pennant and particuarly, the rugged and edgy pennant option shown above. But again, it’s tough to pick just one! What do you think of these picks? Let me know on Twitter — looking forward to hearing from y’all!

Thanks so much for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: How to Dress for Your Next Sunday Brunch

From dressing for a spring road trip to prepping for today’s style suggestion — gearing up for Sunday brunch — there are plenty of #menswear matters that require your full attention this season. So, listen up! Just kidding. We’ll keep it light and casual today –just as you should when putting together an ensemble for a casual late morning or early afternoon meal. Certainly, not everyone is a brunch fan — but count me in the pro-brunch camp, through and through. We talked last year about how to dress for your next Sunday brunch, but seeing as there are plenty of brunches in your future, it’s high time we updated the look — right? Given that knocking back a Bloody Mary or two comes at a cost — Saturday night festivities — it’s crucial to still look put-together while remaining comfortable and casual. With that being said, we’re mixing stylish Apolis slim chinos and a classic denim shirt with other versatile daily style staples — like an investment-worthy leather watch — that you should already have in your closet. Ultimately, keep it simple and keep it fun. Oh, and put a Bloody Mary on my tab — will ya? For style inspiration on the go you can hang with me on Twitter or Instagram, if you please.

Greats

The Shirt: JACHS Light Denim Western Shirt — $75

JACHS

A nice way to switch up your rotation of Oxford shirts.

If you want to switch things up from a classic Oxford, there’s perhaps no better way to do it than a just-different-enough Western shirt. JACHS does excellent work when it comes to quality fabrics (all sourced by the brand), and the faded wash on this rugged denim shirt makes it an A-plus style move. Unique design details like the snap buttons and Western stitching round things out nicely for your next brunch outing.

Flint and Tinder

A neat base layer that provides a dose of comfort and style.

Flint and Tinder calls its Supima Air Knit Long-Sleeve Tee the “cashmere of cotton” that should be lightweight, breathable and nice for layering. While you could also layer a rugged henley under your denim shirt, a knit long-sleeve tee in a color like burgundy adds visual interest and provides another layer in case it gets breezy. And as with all Flint and Tinder gear, you’re getting quality style and great looks for your money.

Greats

The Chinos: Apolis Standard Issue Chino in Hunter Khaki — $98

Apolis

A classic pair of chinos fit for a long Sunday brunch.

Way back in 2015, this site sang the praises of Apolis slim chinos, and we’re back for round two today. The brand works its magic using a mix of classic style, sustainability and ethical practices. For starters, the modern cut should be more than agreeable for bunch. Throw in the fact that these chinos are made responsibly in Peru, and the company’s Certified B Corporation status only adds to the brand’s significant style chops. Yessir, buy these and pair them with spring style essentials aplenty.

The Chukkas: Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Chestnut — $129.98

Astorflex

A comfortable, easy-to-wear and well-made suede chukka.

Want to casually and comfortable offset those slim chinos? Pick up some suede chukka boots from yet another brand that makes its gear with sustainability and serious style in mind — that would be Astoflex, folks. The brand’s suede chukkas are ridiculously comfortable and made with top-quality suede that ages well, for one. And the casual open lacing of these chukkas is a nice way to look put-together without having to break out stylish dress shoes (although you could do that, too). So kick back and order another one, maybe?

The Socks: American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks — $29.50

Lighter fabric and a distinctive pattern make these socks suitable for spring brunch.

If you thought houndstooth as a pattern only worked in the colder climes of fall and winter, think again. Our pals over at American Trench have taken the distinctive pattern and applied it to a nice range of versatile, spring and summer-friendly socks. They’re pricey, that much is true, but from personal experience … they could just be the most comfortable pair of socks you own.

Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Watch: Farer Stark Watch — $475

Farer Stark Watch

A watch that blends vintage style details with a dressy design? Perfect for brunch.

Stark is perhaps the wrong name for this Farer watch — because it’s handsome and slightly rugged, yet refined … all at once. Sold via the good folks of Huckberry— as most great gear tends to be — it combines the utility of a chronograph with the distinctive look of a vintage watch your grandpa might have worn. Named after legendary British travel writer and adventurer Dame Freya Stark, it does indeed blend vintage styling details, such as the curved hands, with a dressy 39.5mm diameter. In short, the Farer Stark Watch absolutely belongs in your casual watch collection.
Florsheim

The Belt: La Matera Corbina Belt — $145

La Matera

Add some fabric and color to your belt game with La Matera — it’ll upgrade your accessories game significantly.

Because you should leave no stone unturned in the way of style upgrades, a nicely designed belt with cool detailing is the way to go. It’s not every day that a belt blends both full-grain cognac leather and fabric from Argentina woven on vintage looms, but then again, not every belt is the La Matera Corbina Belt. With that unique fabric and its beautiful design, it’s an easy way to add some subtle flash to this Sunday brunch ensemble.

The Wallet: Andar Wallets The Scout Wallet — $25

An essential upgrade for any guy — especially when it comes time for brunch.,

It might seem counterintuitive to spend a little money on something designed to … hold onto your money. But then again — no one wants a Costanza wallet situation, right? Speaking from personal experience, the slim Andar Scout Wallet goes with me everywhere and slides right into my front pocket, my back pocket, my blazer pocket — you name it. The leather will age nicely and look great, too. After all, you’re picking up the check at brunch — yeah?

NORDSTROM.com

Dressing for Sunday brunch and adventures thereafter doesn’t have to involve anything too complicated — veering ever-so-slightly away from the basics (like swapping a denim shirt for a classic Oxford) is a good place to start. Adding in stylish complements helps even things out, too– enter the Flint and Tinder Supima Air Knit Long-Sleeve Tee.

And offsetting that visually interesting combo is made easy thanks to classic, easygoing Apolis slim chinos and accessories like the vintage-inspired Farer Stark Watch. Don’t forget those finishing touches — the La Matera Corbina Belt is a good one to pick up, to say the least. With all that in your closet, the hardest part now is just picking out somewhere to go — Brunch Village, anyone?

Good luck and don’t eat the Pop-Tarts.

-Beau

Oxfords under $50 CAD_250x250

by Beau H.

Plug Me In: Adventures and Live Music in Brooklyn

Just hanging around in Brooklyn waiting for the Chairlift show. Denim Jacket by Forever21. Graham Shirt by Mott and Bow. Super Skinny Skinny Jeans in Light Wash by Abercrombie & Fitch. Service Boots by Viberg. Military Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Flight Brief by Owen and Fred. Glasses by Frameri.

It was with great excitement that I sat down to write this post — after all, this past weekend combined some of my favorite things (certainly, the chance to make AC/DC references in headlines is among them). But on another note, if you follow along with yours truly at The Style Guide, you might have an inkling as to a few of my favorite things. In short order: Live music, #menswear and Brooklyn explorations. Luckily for me, all three were on the docket this weekend. And as you might have read in past travel feature posts, there’s nothing I love more than dressing for a rock concert, hitting up a choice brunch spot, and enjoying an excellent show. It was a momentous weekend for all those reasons –namely,  it was my first chance to check out the newly opened Brooklyn Steel, now the largest music venue in the borough. Of course, I hit up a few great coffee shops — and unlike my recent road trip to Pittsburgh, I didn’t even have to lug around a rugged weekender bag! Join for me the ride and see how I took on the weekend in style.

Mixing high-low style with the Life/After/Denim Patchwork Shirt, the standout Standard Issue Utility Chino from Apolis and the handsome Allen Edmonds Liverpool Chelsea Boots. Leatherback Writer by This Is Ground. Pen by Cross Pens. Watch by MVMT Watches. Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

The weekend really kicked off properly on Friday, what with the chance to break out a bit of festive spring style for time on the clock at my day job in fashion PR. The real highlight though?  It has to be Life/After/Denim Patchwork Shirt, an entirely unique piece that’s fit for the office and fit for a Friday evening. Seeing as I spent mine both taking care of business at work and shooting a few photos with Megan Collins of Style Girlfriend (new project coming soon!), this piece worked out perfectly for both pursuits. And it proved a breezy complement to my durable, classic and versatile Apolis Standard Issue Utility Chinos — the neutral color and clean fit played perfectly off what are quickly becoming my new favorite boots: the Allen Edmonds Liverpool Chelsea Boot, which merge a sharp silhouette with beautiful brown suede.

NORDSTROM.com

Useful everyday carry pieces like my This Is Ground Leatherback Writer and a crisp, classic MVMT Watches brown leather watch proved essential, too. More importantly: If you seek a subtly stylish pen made for daily use, the Peerless TrackR Ballpoint Pen is seemingly immune to being misplaced thanks to a built-in locator app. It writes quite nicely and looks great, too. So, those were the essentials I used to take on a last day of work — but what about the rest of the weekend, ehh?

For Chairlift’s final NYC, I had to break out my Abercrombie & Fitch Super Skinny Denim tough Viberg Service Boots and grooming gear from Oars + Alps. 1951 Traveller Bag by Graf Lantz.

Saturday brought with it the promise of a brooding-yet-bright, eclectic and plain fun synthpop show from Brooklyn duo Chairlift — the group’s last-ever NYC show — plus the chance to get out and explore Brooklyn with my favorite men’s style gear in tow.  The breezy and temperate spring day proved the ideal chance to break out my new favorite spring shirt: The soft, slim and well-made Mott and Bow Graham Shirt, with a light blue shade that’s a great change of pace from more traditional chambray shirts — truly, a nice way to offset my Forever21 Denim Jacket. The shirt was one part of a monochromatic look alongside a slim pair of Abercrombie & Fitch Super Skinny Denim — the light wash calls to mind the ’90s quite nicely, and fit right in at Saturday’s show. Equally perfect for the occasion? My durable, tough and essential Viberg Service Boots — an incredibly well-made, distinguished pair of boots that I’ve already begun breaking in around Brooklyn. They’re quite simply the nicest pair of boots I’ve ever owned. And coming from a guy who loves tough leather boots  … that’s saying something.


For a day that took me around Williamsburg, I loaded up my new, sustainably made and very effective Graf Lantz 1951 Carrier Bag. Made with biodegradable 100 percent merino wool felt in a rich shade of green, this is one bag that carries enough clout and style to be used every day. I supplemented my everyday haul with the essential Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch and the This Is Ground Leatherback Writer  — both well-priced favorites critical for any writer. And crucially, I had to prep for the day ahead with new grooming gear from Oars + Alps. The Active Armor Deodorant is a winner — it’s effective and made with a crisp scent. While my gear helped me navigate the borough, there are a few other key ingredients that helped considerably. Namely, a caffeine pit stop at my favorite coffee and menswear shop in Brooklyn, Upstate Stock, plus a delicious pastrami sandwich at coffee shop The West and a trip for craft brews at Beer Street in advance of Saturday evening’s Brooklyn Steel show.

Sutro Footwear

And as to the show itself: A winner all-around, to say the least. As you might have expected from my winter trip to New Haven and my December trip to see The Head and the Heart in Baltimore, it’s very tough to top the excitement and buzz around checking out a new venue. In just its second full week of action, Brooklyn Steel — housed in a former steel fabrication shop and jammed with a crowd of 1,800  — didn’t disappoint. Critically, neither did Chairlift.  They’re perhaps most well-known for their hit song “Bruises,” of Apple commercial fame, but there’s more to it. The duo of Caroline Polachek and Patrick Wimberly embody making it in the Brooklyn music scene — by way of Colorado — and then sticking around long enough to build a strong local and global following.

Oxfords under $50 CAD_728x90

It’s a testament to the group’s unique sound that even in just three albums, they’ve amassed a deep catalogue. That catalogue includes the band’s 2016 release, “Moth,” which is their strongest yet — both brooding and light thanks to Polachek’s stellar voice, which helped make the evening a great one. It was a a special show, and a long day on my feet, but my Viberg Service Boots are breaking in nicely, and the show was absolutely worth it. Rest assured, Caroline Polachek’s work as a solo artist post-Chairlift will have a big-time fan in this live music enthusiast, and we should all be grateful for the music they’ve left us with.

Blending the sporty and the classic. Wenlock Chambray Shirt by United By Blue. Slim Stone Chinos by Taylor Stitch. Sneakers by Gola. Leatherback Writer by This Is Ground. Red Wing Leather Waterbury Chronograph by Timex x Todd Snyder.

Sunday brought with it some much-needed relaxation to cap off a busy week — and a busy Saturday. But what would Sunday be without a little great style, ehh? And so, I broke out my slim, essential United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt, featuring a pattern of neat mini-plus signs and a crisp blue color. The Wenlock Chambray Shirt complemented my Taylor Stitch Slim Chino in Light Stone, made in Portugal and featuring the tailored fit one would expect from a brand that prides itself on quality. And Sunday also provided a prime chance to slip into my Gola Classic Comet Plimsoll Trainers, a clean pair of retro-inspired trainers from a classic British brand. The entire ensemble was an effective high-low mix when matched up with everyday carry essentials like my  Timex + Todd Snyder Red Wing Leather Chronograph. That timepiece is a hard-wearing watch made for just about anything (including more Williamsburg exploration of choice spots like menswear emporium The Hill-Side). And seemingly  as always, my Owen and Fred Flight Brief proved effective at hauling around all the essentials needed for a day of blogging.

The right gear for a Sunday in Brooklyn. Wenlock Chambray Shirt by United By Blue. Slim Chinos in Light Stone by Taylor Stitch. Denim jacket by American Apparel. Plimsoll Comet Trainers by Gola. Red Wing Leather Chronograph by Timex x Todd Snyder. Runaway Aviators by MVMT Watches. Flight Brief by Owen and Fred.

And the next time you find yourself in Williamsburg, I’d say you’ve got another key stop to make. For one, who can resist an incredible donut …. or fried chicken … or both?? That’s where Pies ‘n’ Thighs comes in. The breakfast and lunch menus are packed with incredibly delicious, indulgent entrees (who wants an Insane Burger, ehh?) and you absolutely can’t pass up their donuts. Like, at all.

Beckett Simonon

Indeed, this past weekend really did provide just about everything I could ask for — even though it was a weekend spent at “home” in Brooklyn, home really is a great place to be. I can never pass up a chance to explore the borough, sip on some craft brews and wear my favorite menswear — all while checking out a great show and a venue that’s now very high on my list. It was a special first show at Brooklyn Steel, and I’ll absolutely be back. The fact that I was able to do all of this just by hopping on the subway across a matter of days really is quite unique and one-of-a-kind. So, as long as those subway trips culminate in great adventures, excellent live music and new opportunities, I’ll keep swiping my MetroCard.

Until next weekend — and until the next show!

-Beau

Greats