ankari floruss | The Style Guide

Get a tee, give a tee — a perfect way to give back to charity relief efforts.

As we kick off another Friday Read here on The Style Guide, we’re going to dive right in the best way possible: By highlighting a great way to give back to front-line first responders. Those relief efforts come courtesy of Huckberry, who just launched its For the Frontlines program. The scoop is this: Put your hard-earned dollars toward both style and a good cause through buying the Proof 72-Hour Frontlines Donation Bundle. You get a stylish merino tee for yourself, and another shirt is being sent to a frontline worker — how cool is that? You can also request a T-shirt of your own if you happen to be a frontline worker. If that’s the case, thank you on behalf of this small Brooklyn style blog for your extraordinary service. The cause is a noble (and stylish) one, so kudos to Huckberry for launching this program.

In the meantime, there are other ways you can give back to COVID-19 relief efforts. For instance: Head to HELM Boots to pick up your new favorite leather boots, then use the code “donate20” to get 20% off your purchase — while $20 goes to relief efforts. It’s a great inititiave with some excellent benefits from one of the most stylish boot brands I’ve come across. There’s also plenty more covered in today’s Friday Read when it comes to new gear, including the best new dive watch on the market (available for pre-order right now from Martenero — more on that below). Now that we’ve covered those items of business, what else is on your weekend to-do list? I’m looking forward as always to tucking into some strong coffee (this time via the Brooklyn outpost of Ninth Street Espresso) and playing a new vinyl record I just got in, the terrific 2017 album “Antisocialites” from Canadian indie rockers Alvvays! Are you a fan? And how are you using your added time at home this weekend? Give me a shout on Twitter, and enjoy the Friday Read below.

Now’s your chance to get an early deal on one of the best new dive watches around.

OK, let’s talk watches for a second — like the stylish dive watch shown above. If you’ve been lucky enough to get your hands on a coveted Martenero timepiece (as seen here on the blog), you know they’re the real deal. This stylish watch brand is back in a big way with yet another opportunity to crowdfund a new timepiece — the Martenero Belgrano is one of the coolest watches to buy now (well, pre-order, at least). Here’s the deal: It’s Martenero’s first dive watch, paying homage to classic models while delivering style all its own. 200 meters of water resistance and a crisp, sharp design help blend fashion and function, and the 316L stainless steel construction ensures plenty of durability. Right now, you can pre-order the Martenero Belgrano for an early bird special of $299 (it’ll ship this September), with prices increasing from there if you don’t snag the deal in time. Act quickly, because that’s a great deal compared to the full retail price of $790. If looks and design are any indication, Martenero has just come out with your new favorite watch — maybe pick up one in every color if you feel so inclined.

Here’s your reminder that that yes, yes indeed … you can still shop for and try on some of the best men’s jeans to wear at home. Crucially, stylish jeans with stretch are the kind you should be searching for, and that’s where NYC’s Mott and Bow (a longtime favorite of mine) comes into play. Right now, you can use the code beau10 to get 10 percent off your first purchase at Mott and Bow! Keep in mind, the brand also makes stylish henleys and some of the softest, coolest T-shirts known to man. There’s never been a better time to upgrade your spring at-home style.
It’s heartening to see how so many brands are pivoting their operations and looking for ways to give back to COVID-19 relief efforts, is it not? Found under the New Arrivals section, you’ll come across a unique-but-crucial addition to the Grayers brand and its lineup of summer style essentials. That’s right, Grayers is now selling (non-medical) face masks in an array of cool-looking and high-quality fabrics. It’s a sign of the times, to be sure, but it’s a welcome way that the brand is giving back. Pick up a four-pack (or two-pack!) now.
NYC-based men’s shoes brand Ankari Floruss (started by prominent menswear aficionados Moti Ankari and Marcel Floruss), recently debuted its first-ever pair of slides for cool, refined at-home style. They’re handmade from 100 percent leather and retail for $117, with a portion of sales going to helping frontline workers in the COVID-19 pandemic. I can’t think of a more stylish way to give back.

Is it really the weekend if you aren’t kicked back, cup of coffee (or cold beer) in hand, perusing some of the best menswear deals of the moment? Not quite. If you’re new here, I’m going to direct you toward another edition of The List — it’s my weekly roundup of the best men’s gear for plenty of different style situations. Rest assured, although we’re all at home, it’s crucial that you stay dressing in style. Correct? Indeed. OK, that’s all for today. Thanks for reading — stay safe, stay healthy.

-Beau

As I clicked back through The Style Guide archives to prep for this post, I realized it had been far too long since we’d covered stylish men’s dress shoes on the blog. Like, nearly two years too long! A lot can happen in two years, folks. Of course, what can also happen in two years? Nothing at all. As in — if you buy an investment-worthy pair of men’s dress shoes from the below list, you’ll be able to wear that pair frequently, day after day, with no need to trade ’em for a new pair. That’s the beauty of buying quality and paying a bit more, as you’ll see from the below list. We aimed for a mix of versatility and utility throughout the seasons — whether you’re suiting up for winter or dressed in classic spring style, the below picks should cover you for situations where you need to look sharp and feel comfortable. And with situations like spring and summer weddings come up, a dress shoe refresh could be in order. There’s certainly a lot of technical minutiae when it comes to different types of men’s dress shoes . From the functional roots of wingtip brogues (the brogue detailing was meant to provide breathability in the rain) to the durable nature of a dress chukka boot, there’s a lot of ground to cover (pun intended). However, we’re going to focus on the basics: Shoes that look great with everything from a suit to chinos and a blazer, and perform just as well as you’d expect. If you’ve got additions to the list or thoughts, tweet at me incessantly on Twitter or leave a comment below. Happy shopping!

#1. Allen Edmonds Liverpool Chelsea Suede Boots — $445

The versatile and refined dress boot you didn’t know you needed.

Can suede Chelsea boots serve the same purpose as classic dress shoes? They certainly can, and I’m here to tell you why. Coming from the craftsmen at Allen Edmonds — who certainly know a thing or two about handsome footwear — the suede Chelsea boot becomes something more than an of-the-moment pair of footwear. Built on the refined 943B last, this is a pair of dress boots as crisp as any on the market, made with high-quality brown suede, Goodyear welt construction and versatile looks (I wore mine with light wash denim and a navy blazer recently, for reference).

#2. Grant Stone Long Wing in British Tan Calf — $334.95

Striking dress shoes made to break in over time — beautifully done by Grant Stone.

We mentioned before that we’d dive into some investment-level dress shoe options, right? Well, here’s one for you — feast your eyes on the stunning, stylish and pricey Grant Stone Long Wing in British Tan Calf. These shoes definitely have a lot going for them — from the striking British Tan color to the eye-catching long wing detailing and a refined silhouette, it’s about as good as it gets. The Grant Stone Long Wing is made with a Goodyear welt and also designed to mold to your foot over time. The more you wear the Grant Stone Long Wing, the better they get.

#3. Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Cap Toe Oxfords — $395

It’s hard to beat classic brown leather cap toe Oxfords from Allen Edmonds.

For absolutely beautiful footwear that’s made with the utmost attention to care, look toward Allen Edmonds. The Park Avenue Cap Toe Oxford is, simply put, a heck of a dress shoe. Available in shades ranging from crisp black (suitable enough for the most formal occasions) to an intriguing navy leather, the classic shade of brown seen above is a safe bet to become your new go-to dress shoe. Minimal enough to wear with a suit and still able to work with dark blue denim and a V-neck sweater, they’re certainly worth the investment.

#4. Ankari Floruss Brogue Derby in Black — $182.98

A classic black long wing that works for business casual and ultra-formal situations.

If you’re quick on the uptake, you might notice that we hadn’t featured any black leather dress shoes to this point — that’s changing with these fine brogue derbies from Ankari Floruss. A recent addition to the men’s E-commerce game, Ankari Floruss is the work of noted menswear bloggers Moti Ankari and Marcel Floruss. Give them both a follow — these are some stylish fellas who know how to put together an outfit. And they can do footwear, too — with the Brogue Derby, you’re getting style that’s sharp as a razor and ready to be worn with your favorite navy or charcoal suit.

#5. Sebago Heritage Tassel Loafers — $115

A prep staple that can be dressed up in the warmer months? Not too good to be true.

We’re continuing to buck the mold of traditional dress shoes here by recommending stylish leather loafers. Try wearing them just as you would brown leather wingtips — that is to say, with essential business casual favorites like slim khaki chinos and a navy blazer. In the spring and summer, they’re a way to keep your feet cool while still looking crisp and tailored. And coming from Sebago, you get a great price and excellent quality — I took the Heritage Tassel Loafers on an upstate Memorial Day trip last year and was mighty pleased. Shop away!

Honorable Mention: Nisolo Emilio Chukka Boot in Noir — $169.98

A chukka boot that can be dressed up or down.

Thanks for sticking with us until the end — but we’re not done yet! Perhaps you prefer style that’s a bit more rugged — yet still able to be dressed up. Your Style Guide author is right there with you, hence the inclusion of the tough, well-made and uniquely stylish Nisolo Emilio Chukka Boot. Granted, the Emilio Chukka Boot is a classic open-lace chukka boot, which is naturally more casual in nature. However, the silhouette is sleek enough that you could easily wear it with stylish light wash denim or slim chinos and a classic blazer — not to mention a winter-friendly suit later on this year.

That’ll do it for this week’s Online Shopping Picks entry. With any luck, you’re well on your way to snapping up some new dress shoes. In addition to classic, timeless picks like a well-designed Oxford, it pays to consider more unique options like the Allen Edmonds Liverpool Chelsea Boot. Beautiful, classic dress shoes like the Grant Stone Long Wing are just as worthy of your time and hard-earned dollars, and you could do worse than buying a pair of sleek black dress shoes like the Ankari Floruss Brogue Derby. Keep in mind that beautifully made dress shoes should give you plenty of wearability, too — with the right mindset, investment-worthy dress shoes can work with dark denim and a casual navy blazer just as easily as with a light grey suit. The first step is just buying the right ones.

Enjoy the quest for your perfect pair dress shoes,

-Beau

The Style Guide

All the best men's style essentials you need, every day.

Tag / ankari floruss

The Friday Read: New Jeans from Mott and Bow, Work-From-Home Footwear & Grayers Face Masks

Online Shopping Picks: Stylish Men’s Dress Shoes to Shop Now