Tag / beckett simonon

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear Your New Favorite Vintage Sneakers for Spring

Do you have a favorite pair of sneakers in your closet? A pair of stylish sneakers to consistently turn toward in a multitude of spring style situations? Weekend brunch, brewery visits, hours-long park strolls — and of course, days at the office aplenty — can all be tackled with the stylish spring sneakers (and the #OOTD) in question. It’s all about versatility and comfort when it comes to Beckett Simonon’s Morgen Trainers, and they’re complemented handsomely by a rugged chore jacket (via Everlane), a stylish denim shirt from Billy Reid and slim chinos (sold by Huckberry, of course). The building blocks here can really take you anywhere, with the ability to be mixed and matched with ease. The resulting #OOTD can go to the office on a casual Friday, or out to your favorite brewery, and essentially anywhere in between.

And the beauty of this #OOTD is that you can remove layers as needed through shifting spring weather. Specifically, the Everlane Chore Jacket (a new personal favorite) can even double as a cool blazer replacement if need be. And again, it all starts from the ground up with your new favorite pair of sneakers from Beckett Simonon. Cheers to spring!

Mixing up your spring sneakers with touches both rugged and casual — and from some of your favorite brands.

We’ve told you in the past that the best ensembles start from the ground up, right? In this case, that involves Beckett Simonon’s Morgen Trainers, a heck of a stylish, comfortable and premium pair of sneakers that tie each and every outfit together handsomely. In this case, the outfit only gets better and better the more you look at it (I think so, at least). That is to say, a rugged chore jacket from Everlane adds versatile utility and style, especially when layered over both a stylish denim shirt from Billy Reid and a rugged henley from Flint and Tinder. Those three layers should have you ready for whatever comes your way this spring, from a light breeze to a sudden drop in temperature. And in matters of style, this entire combo works, too — it’s fit for a night at a gastropub or a round of beers at a brewery, or a day at the office. It’s also tied together by slim chinos that sit nicely atop the vintage trainers from Beckett Simonon— you see, it’s all tied together. It should also go without saying that the right #OOTD is also finished off with the right accessories, including a stylish leather watch and an equally stylish leather belt (both investment-level pieces in their own right). Richly crafted indigo socks from Anonymousism provide a dash of comfort and style, too. When worn all together, this #OOTD is darn near unbeatable — and again, it all comes back down to the stylish sneakers you’ve got on your feet. Happy spring, folks!

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Step Up Your Boot Game with Beckett Simonon’s Dowler Cap Toe Boots

Beckett Simonon

Sleek, sharp and well-made leather boots from Beckett Simonon.

Folks, the latest entry in our See Now, Buy Now series has me seriously excited for cold weather — believe it or not. We’re talking, of course, about the stellar, stylish and refined-yet-rugged Beckett Simonon Dowler Cap Toe Boot as seen at the top of the page. You should surely know Beckett Simonon  from an earlier entry in our See Now, Buy Now series — the brand specializes in premium, stylish men’s footwear, from sharp wingtips to the rugged cap toe boots on display today. The Dowler Cap Toe Boots really do have a lot going for ’em, from the Blake construction that adds durability to the beautiful leather quality. They’re also carefully handmade — part of the reason you’ll have to pre-order the Dowler Cap Toe Boots now, then wait until January 2018 until they ship. That wait, though? It’s definitely worth it.

You certainly get a lot of variety for the price — the Dowler Cap Toe Boots also come in Black Calfskin Leather and Tan Calfskin Leather. I’m partial to the Brown Calfskin Leather option shown here — they’d be an excellent way to complement to everything from slim dark blue denim and a heather grey shawl-collar cardigan to an American-made Oxford and charcoal trousers. Heck, you can even wear the Dowler Cap Toe Boots with your favorite henley and grey denim for a bit of rugged edge. And sharp winter tailoring is going to look great alongside these sleek Dowler Cap Toe Boots — think a navy worsted wool suit or a grey flannel three-piece suit. I’m telling you, the Dowler Cap Toe Boots can really do it all — pre-order now and see for yourself, yes?

Will you be buying the Dowler Cap Toe Boots from Beckett Simonon ? Drop me a note in the comments or on Twitter! 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Lollapalooza 2017, Kinfolk and Gear Patrol Field Guides

What a whirlwind week we’ve had here at The Style Guide. And by we, well, I just mean me — that’s a new one, right?? At any rate, time’s flown by since the last Friday Read — more specifically, two full days at Lollapalooza 2017 were among my adventures in Chicago last week!  From dining at the tasty Public House downtown to strolling through the massive and jam-packed Millenium Park to enjoying stellar sets by The Killers, Sylvan Esso and alt-J — to name a few — it was a truly banner weekend. I’m thankful to have had some outstanding music festival adventures this summer, from Panorama NYC to Governors Ball, and my Lollapalooza trip packed in as much #menswear, gourmet bites and craft beer that I could possibly handle. If you haven’t made the trip to Lollapalooza, I’d absolutely recommend it — the chance to take in a great festival in a great city like Chicago is second to none.

But when it comes to the home front, it’s been a busy week regardless — if you haven’t been following along, you best catch up — ehh? On Wednesday, we talked about the essentials to bring to a summer barbecue — preferably, the one you’re going to tomorrow afternoon — there’s still time! We also offered up one of my favorite #OOTD series pieces on this site to date, as this week’s post tackled how to wear a rugged henley this summer. Again, what’s not to love about a slim short-sleeve henley and rugged essentials like a stylish leather watch? Nothing, that’s what. And before we take off for the weekend, we have a plethora of men’s style news for you below — with a dash of music thrown in for good measure. See you out there this weekend, yeah? Check out my Instagram (and Instagram Stories!) for more.

  • Want to snag one last (final last) eye-catching T-shirt to rock in these last few weeks of summer? You might want to check out what Kinfolk is doing with a new line of graphic tees. Featuring a variety of designs — including the crisp Kinfolk 2017 Tee in White, these shirts mix in playful designs and colors with bold questions (“Ten years from now, will your kids remember what all the fuss was about?”). It’s a neat way to shake up your T-shirt rotation — although we all know there’s nothing wrong with a  classic men’s T-shirt, these are still a worthy option.

  • While we’re talking shopping, we just launched yet another new Style Guide series here on the blog. The good news is, entries one and two are up and running in our See Now, Buy Now series. It covers, in short, a quick recap of one standout #menswear item to buy now — from Beckett Simonon’s stylish wingtip boots to the perfect Oxford for fall, I’m excited to offer up plenty of options for ya to shop when it comes to the best men’s gear. After all, “see now, buy now” is a big pillar of the fashion world — why not bring it here?

  • Now, we just talked in last week’s Friday Read about the launch of the exciting (and no doubt tasty) Gear Patrol Beer Week. The publication continues to build on that beer-themed focus with the launch of the first-ever Gear Patrol Field Guide this week — and man, am I excited. It’s a deep dive into all the craft beer that you can possibly read — and dream — about. Oh, and it’s condensed into one handy guide for under $10. I’ll tell you this: You can expect more recommendations to pick up the Gear Patrol Field Guide in the coming days and weeks, that much is true.
  • Since we’re on the gear front, why not hop on over to GearMoose to read my latest long-format feature for the esteemed digital publication? Yes indeed, that’d have to be my roundup of the best pilot watches for men. There’s something in that list for everyone, from picks that lean dressy and sharp to watches that are beastly, rugged and flight-ready. Happy reading!

That’ll do it for this week’s Friday Read. If you need me tonight, I’ll be at the Music Hall of Williamsburg enjoying a great rock show by BK indie rockers Slothrust. See you out there?

-Beau

 

 

 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Beckett Simonon’s Nolan Brogue Boots Are Perfect For Fall

Beckett Simonon

Ridiculously well-made, stylish wingtip boots available now for pre-order. See now, buy now — at its finest.

Style Guide readers — do you ever come across a #menswear find that’s just … nearly too good to be true? That is, something like the Beckett Simonon Nolan Brogue Boots. These are a pair of stylish men’s boots so worthy of a men’s style wish list that you might be tempted to snag, well .. right this second? I’ve come across that sentiment more than a few times in running this here blog. And while I hope you’ve been enjoying The List — our ongoing, roughly bi-weekly roundup of the best men’s gear to buy now — we’re introducing something slightly different. Think of it as a quick-hit version of our Style Pick of the Week series. That is, one product from one brand that you  can (and should!) buy feasibly right after you see it — like the Nolan Brogue Boots, my friends. Get it? It’s a popular notion in fashion that you should be able to buy the gear coming off the runways — but we won’t be talking high fashion here. And while I hope I’m not hurting your pocketbook too much, know that some of these picks — like the Nolan Brogue Boots — will lean a bit more investment-worthy.


No, today, we’re talking about the Beckett Simonon Nolan Brogue Boots — an exceptionally well-crafted, extremely handsome pair of wingtip boots perfect for fall. They feature rich full-grain leather, a tough rubber sole and excellent styling potential. Slim dark denim and a rugged shawl cardigan? Check. A classic denim jacket and slim chinos? Bingo. Simply pre-order the Nolan Brogue Boots — also available in Black Calfskin Leather and  a striking Tan Calfksin Leather — and wait (sadly) until November 2017.  I know you can do it! By that time, these stylish wingtip boots will be more than ready to team up with a stylish early winter #OOTD; heck, just about any outfit you can dream up will be made better by the Nolan Brogue Boots, from a moleskin shirt and classic indigo denim to a tailored winter suit.

So, you’ve seen the Nolan Brogue Boots … will you buying them?

And just as importantly: What do you think of this new Style Guide entry? Should we keep it going? Let me know in the comments!

Greats

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Beckett Simonon Morgen Trainer

One brand that makes two ridiculously good-looking sneakers in a modern update of a vintage silhouette? Too good to be true, right? Not with Beckett Simonon.

Quick, look at your feet. Are you wearing stylish summer sneakers? Better yet, are you wearing anything from Beckett Simonon? If the answer to those two questions was “No,” you’re in luck today — and all you have to do is sit back, click a few buttons to cement a pre-order and consider yourself set. Yes indeed folks, we’re talking about the eye-catching, unique and well-made Beckett Simonon Morgen Trainer as part of our ongoing Style Pick of the Week series — and boy, is there a lot to talk about. Beckett Simonon crafts its footwear using exacting methods, and that’s why it pays to pre-order and then wait for the results. I was lucky enough to check out a pair of the brand’s beautiful leather chukkas during a fall weekend in New York last year, and I was mighty pleased.

The folks at Beckett Simonon know what they’re doing every step of the way. And in this case, you’re getting highly discounted deals on a range of product aside from the handsome, vintage-inspired Morgen Trainer, too. The brand offers up different collections every month, focused on everything from stylish Italian leather belts to functional and fashionable leather backpacks and a truly stunning array of simple yet handsome men’s dress shoes. What’s the upshot of all this? That is to say, you get either the full-grain, calfskin leather and water-resistant suede of the Beckett Simonon Morgen Trainer in Navy or the Beckett Simonon Morgen Trainer in White from the same brand that makes such intricately crafted dress shoes. In short, that means you’re getting one great-looking pair of sneakers at a heck of a price. Hey, maybe you’re getting more than one pair — that is, if you also pick up the Morgen Trainer in Black  in addition to the two stunning sneakers shown at the top of the page. Yes indeed, any of the three colorways should make any list of the best sneakers for men — without a doubt.
Nautica

Beckett Simonon

A super-sleek, modern take on the utilitarian Germany Army Trainer. Nicely done, Beckett Simonon.

Why go for sneakers that cost as much — at full retail — as your favorite pair of dress shoes? That, my friends, is simple. Trust me — with the sort of step-by-step care  and construction normally reserved for suit-ready shoes, the Morgen Trainer is classic, crisp and eye-catching. It’s not every day you can say that about a pair of sneakers, and that’s a great thing for discerning shoppers like you and me when it comes to the Morgen Trainers (in each of this sneaker’s three highly wearable colors). Inspired by the original design of the German Army Trainer, the silhouette of these shoes is rooted in functionality — and yet nowadays, kicks like the Morgen Trainers look just as great with slim light wash denim and a patterned short-sleeve shirt as they do with more utilitarian gear.  You also get the construction that comes with a well-made and distinctive contrasting rubber sole — not too often found on today’s more minimal sneakers. With all of those bonuses, it’s going to be mighty tough to resist picking up any colorway of the Beckett Simonon Morgen Trainer — and waiting for them to arrive at your doorstep is going to be that much harder.

Will you be picking up these handsome, versatile sneakers? Let me know in the comments!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Transitional Footwear for Spring

Join us for the ride today as we kick off another Online Shopping Picks entry  — if you’re looking for the best men’s transitional footwear for spring, you’re in luck.   What exactly do we mean when we say transitional? Well, we — and by we, I mean me — aren’t exactly talking about rugged winter boots or even classic summer sneakers. No, today we’re talking footwear that’s a touch more durable than your average set of kicks — maybe they combine a few different elements, like the cut of a chukka and the materials of a sneaker (see: Exhibit A, the SeaVees Huckberry Chukka).  Or maybe, they’re both slightly dressy and yet suited for casual wear. Better yet, they should be relatively durable and versatile for fighting spring rain and looking great at the same time. So, you’ll see a solid mix below, from sleek suede chukkas to durable sneaker-boots and everything in between. If you agree with these picks — and even if you don’t — join me over on The Style Guide Facebook page to pick up what should be a lively #menswear discussion.

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#1. Beckett Simonon Laval Suede Chukka Boots in Chestnut — $199

Supremely stylish and water-resistant suede chukka boots — perfect.

I’ve been fortunate enough to test out some Beckett Simonon footwear across the past few months, namely during a fall weekend in New York City. And the good news is that the brand’s chukkas are sturdy, sleek and extremely stylish. Such is the case with the Laval Suede Chukka Boot in a handsome shade of Chestnut. Pre-order these now and wait for them to arrive, because I’d wager you’ll want to wear them with everything from slim light wash denim to chinos. Oh, and an even better perk? The water-resistant suede, fit for taking on inclement weather.

#2. SeaVees Mariner Boot in Navy or Olive — $149.98

SeaVees

A collaboration between SeaVees and Taylor Stitch, with very stylish results.

When it comes to talking transitional footwear, the Mariner Boot just might be the ideal pair to buy now — and wear very frequently when spring rains roll through.  The end result of a collaboration between our pals at SeaVees and Taylor Stitch, the Mariner Boot features a British Ventile waterproof duck canvas upper for crucial spring protection. Plus, SeaVees’ signature herringbone tread outsole adds a nice dash of traction on wet streets, and the option to pick up either the Navy Mariner Boot or the Olive option bodes well for those of us who appreciate versatile footwear.
Frank & Oak

#3. AstorFlex Bitflex Chelsea Boot in Dark Khaki — $180

Astorflex Chelsea Boots

The combination of suede and a Chelsea boot silhouette is especially crisp for spring.

As seen in a Style Pick of the Week entry last fall, the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boot has a lot going for it — it’s stylish and sustainably made, for one. And crucially, it combines both a relatively slim profile and a unique crepe rubber sole. Plus, who doesn’t love a great Chelsea boot? It’s an of-the-moment silhouette that’s transcended, well, trends, to become a footwear essential. And if you haven’t tried out a pair, this spring might be a good time to start. While they’re not water-resistant like the Beckett Simonon suede chukkas above, you still get nice quality & sharp looks.

#4.  CLAE Hayward in Mojave Pig Suede — $100

Retro style meets functionality — waterproof suede and a neat silhouette.

The retro-style runner continues to have a moment in the menswear space — in other words, it’s simply an excellent-looking shoe style. If you love a great pair of sneakers, give the CLAE Hayward a look if you’re seeking a new way to shake up your spring footwear rotation.  They’re certainly unique in both looks and functionality, incorporating waterproof suede with nylon side panels atop a crisp runner’s sole. Wear these guys with white jeans and a slim short-sleeve chambray shirt — plus a  stylish denim jacket — on a breezy spring day, and you’re all set.

#5. OluKai Pahoa Boots in Black Seal/Brown — $200

Note the burnished leather, waxed laces and easily wearable design.

If you’re sensing a theme in this post — that of durable footwear that also looks sharp — then you’re right on the money. And the last entry on the list definitely falls underneath that umbrella. Comin’ at ya all the way from Hawaii, the OluKai Pahoa Boots feature some mixed-media design touches — note the contrasting upper and waxed cotton laces. What’s more, the footbed features EquilFit technology for comfort and performance. Not bad for a pair of leather chukka boots, ehh?

Honorable Mention: Thursday Boots Honey Suede Scout Chukka — $149

Crisp, clean and well-made — all for under $150. That’s what you get with Thursday Boots.

We’re bringing back the Honorable Mention category in these Online Shopping Picks posts, namely because it’s mighty tough to pick just five great pairs of stylish spring footwear. And when the final brand on the cut line is Thursday Boots, you can be darn sure we’ll give ’em a second look. Featuring a slick European-inspired silhouette and plenty of traction via a studded rubber outsole, these are dressy enough for the office and more than ready for Sunday brunch.

From start to finish, I hope you enjoyed this essential, excellent, even tremendous rundown of the best men’s transitional footwear for spring. Finding shoes that serve a purpose while providing comfort and functionality can sometimes be tricky — yet, plenty of brands are hitting that sweet spot quite nicely.  From the water-resistant suede of the Laval Suede Chukka Boot to the toughness and on-point styling potential of the Mariner Boot, you’ve surely got options aplenty. If retro-inspired style is more your bag, grab the CLAE Hayward for a change, and I’d urge you not to pass up a pair of dressy-yet-versatile Chelsea boots (like the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boot). Of course, who can resist yet another pair of suede chukkas, like the Thursday Boots Suede Scout Chukka? No one, that’s who.  If you’ve got questions on how to style these boots or heck, if you should buy any of them, drop me a line via Twitter or in the comments below.

More importantly — stay stylish!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear Your New Favorite Chinos This Spring

Am I the only one, or does it still feel odd to be talking about dressing for spring? Maybe it’s because of the frigid weather that swept through NYC a few weeks ago … and yet, here we with another spring style #OOTD on your favorite #menswear blog. It is your favorite, right? Good answer. At any rate, today’s look is taking a year-round staple — that would be the versatile, stylish slim chino — and bringing it out of the depths of winter and into slightly more temperate spring conditions. The great thing about a go-anywhere pair of chinos is that you can wear them just as easily here in early spring as you can through the summer, fall and winter. It’s a matter of layering up the right way — and subtracting layers as it gets warmer — but today’s outfit should give you the building blocks for transitional spring style. As you’ll see, we’re starting with everyday classics like your go-to Oxford shirt and a tough utility jacket, and we’re finishing the look off with a refined leather watch and … well, I don’t want to give too much away. You can view the full outfit below, and I’d suggest you follow me on Twitter for more random (but useful!) style content each and every day.

Greats

Finisterre

Pairing slim chinos with a military-inspired jacket and other excellent everyday staples.

The Chinos: Finisterre Coverack Chinos, $74.98 — At first glance, these chinos might look a bit different than pairs you’re used to — that’s because they’re coming from a brand that makes gear both nautical-inspired and ready for transitional weather. With a classic-yet-tailored straight leg and peached fabric, the Coverack Chino  is sharp and easygoing.

The Jacket: Bridge and Burn Northfork Woodland Jacket, $198 — So, we’re pairing dark khaki chinos with an olive jacket. That puts this look in the same color family, but don’t be afraid to try it out every now and again — especially if it involves the durable, sharp Woodland Jacket seen here.

The Shirt: Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt, $98 — Need I say more here? A classic Oxford, especially one like the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt, nicely offsets the dark khaki and olive tones of this outfit.

The Boots: Beckett Simonon Laval Suede Chukka Boots in Chestnut,$199 — In terms of underrated footwear brands, Beckett Simonon has gotta be up there. Good news is, you can pre-order these handsome, water-resistant suede chukka boots and wear them whenever it gets wet outside.

The Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch Woven Leather Belt, $44 — From highlights like the Abercrombie & Fitch Chamois Shirt to small — but well-made — accessories, this is a brand getting things right for guys like you and me … so, buy this casual belt!

The Watch: Jack Mason Aviator Chronograph, $275 — If there’s one watch brand you might not know — but need to know — it’s Jack Mason.  The brand is making well-designed, tough-yet-refined watches, and the Aviator Chronograph is among them.

The Everyday Carry: This Is Ground Leatherback Writer 3, $84.98 — Just when you thought you had your everyday carry all sorted out, along comes the crisply designed Leatherback Writer 3, with plenty of space for your daily essentials.

The Umbrella: Blunt Umbrellas Classic Umbrella, $64.98 — Spring rain is certainly in the forecast, and it’ll definitely pay off to have a functional, subtly stylish umbrella with you when it rolls through.

Frank & Oak

If even the above #OOTD didn’t quite get you in the spring spirit, rest assured … we’ll get there. And with easy-to-wear, versatile pants like the Finisterre Coverack Chinos in your rotation, things are only going to get better (and more stylish) in the season ahead. It’s crucial to realize you can wear the Coverack Chinos with ease alongside other four-season essentials, like the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt. And when you layer up with a rugged, durable piece of outerwear like the Bridge and Burn utility jacket shown above, your goal of meeting transitional weather in style is, well, accomplished. However, figuring out the main part of your outfit leaves little room to slack off, lest we forget. Grab a tough-yet-stylish watch like the Aviator Chronograph and round out that everyday carry with a handy piece like the Leatherback Writer 3 — all good suggestions, agreed? Sure hope so.

If you’ve got any questions or suggestions on this ensemble, drop me a line on Facebook or chime in via the comments — good luck getting ready for spring!

-Beau

Greats