Tag / best men’s style news

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Shampoos For Men, A Top Spring Jacket & Your New Spring Watch

A sleek, sharp and cool-as-heck watch to wear this weekend.

Wondering about a watch to wear this weekend? Folks, I’ve got your answer — best make it the Szanto Roland Sands Icon Signature Watch as shown above. It’s one of the best men’s watches to buy right now, and it’ll surely help you stay on time for a weekend of early spring fun. You very well might recognize the brand at the top of the page from past Szanto watch reviews on the blog — and if not, it’s high time you listened up (and shopped in advance of the weekend, of course). I’d only hope you’re wearing a watch designed in collaboration with Roland Sands, at least — I’d love to get my hands on one as I explore Brooklyn this weekend and reflect on my trip earlier this week to Seattle. If you follow me on Instagram, you’re well-aware that enjoyed plentiful craft beer, a standout rock show by NYC legends The Strokes, and of course, a delicious meal (or two) — including at the terrific PINTXO Seattle.

OLIVERS

The weather was surprisingly sunny and beautiful, and I certainly did my best to get around with my favorite spring style essentials in tow, including the functional and stylish Proof Rover Jacket and of course, Flint and Tinder’s Stretch Selvage Denim. Again this weekend, it’ll be all about relaxation back in Brooklyn — I have my TrailKeg growler to fill up at Gold Star Beer Counter in the borough, and I’m also looking forward to cheering on my Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament this weekend! March is one of my favorite parts of spring, precisely for the on-court prowess of my alma mater (fingers crossed, that is!), and I can’t wait to take in some great basketball with college friends. Let me know what’s on your weekend slate of spring fun over at Twitter, and be sure to swing by tomorrow for our next Style Pick of the Week. 

  • OK, to business. The right shampoo can sometimes be overlooked, I’ve found, in terms of your grooming routine. That’s not the case anymore, though — I’m all about what the best shampoos for men can bring to your rotation of grooming essentials, which is why I covered the 10 best shampoos over at GearMoose.
  • Spring has sprung, and that assuredly menas you need a tough, durable spring jacket — I submit for your consideration the Proof Rover Jacket, as surefire a spring style winner as it gets. Read more at GearMoose, then head to Huckberry to pick up yours.
  • Let’s turn briefly to the rugged leather boots you’ve (ideally) got on your feet this season. They should be from HELM Boots, no questions asked. More specifically, you should click through to this blog post covering the best Chelsea boots to buy right now. And if you thought spring wasn’t an ideal time for Chelsea boots? I promise, HELM has you taken care of.

Folks, that’ll just about do it for today’s Friday Read. But before I let you go, I’m going to direct you toward another standout timepiece that should be on your wrist this spring — the Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch, as durable and stylish a watch as it gets. It’s rugged, it’s hard-wearing, it looks great whether grabbing coffee or grabbing a beer … you can do no wrong. By the way: Don’t forget your HELM Boots before you hit the road. OK, that’s all for now — thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Seattle Road Trip, The Best Face Washes for Men & A New Henley

The timeless, seriously cool spring jacket to start wearing right now.

There it is in all its glory — the new spring jacket you’re going to be wearing all season, starting with this weekend. To me, a versatile spring jacket like the Grayers Boone Utility Jacket is exactly the right layer you need to welcome the up-and-down weather of early March. And again, it’s the best spring jacket to wear as we kick off the weekend with today’s Friday Read. As for my weekend plans, I know a jacket like the Grayers Boone Utility Jacket could come in very handy for me — I’m trekking to a place known for some rain and breezy weather, Seattle! I’m heading out to this great Pacific Northwest city for the first time for a very exciting (and fitting) reason. I’ll be heading West to see what should be a terrific rock show by legendary NYC rockers The Strokes, who recently announced their first album in seven (!) years, titled “The New Abnormal.” Contemplative, synth-driven crooner “At The Door” is an innovative release, while “Bad Decisions” is a proper throwback Strokes track that pays homage to Billy Idol (seriously, listen to it!), and I truly can’t wait to see both tracks played live at the WaMu Theater. In the meantime, I’ll be busy exploring with my favorite spring style essentials in tow, naturally, and I’ll be taking in the cool environs and atmosphere of the Ace Hotel Seattle — another first for me! On the menswear front, I plan on checking out the latest and greatest at Filson, in addition to a stop through a longtime favorite retailer, Hammer and Awl.

In addition to rocking out to new and old favorites from a legendary band, I plan to get out and about in Seattle as much as possible (wearing the the best spring jacket I can find, of course). That’ll include stops at Georgetown Brewing, Pike Brewing and some small bites at the lauded PINTXO Seattle and Teku Tavern, along with a much-needed stop for record shopping at Holy Cow Records. Along the way, I plan to fuel up accordingly at spots like Analog Coffee —  can it get much better? Not quite! So, have you been to Seattle? Where would you recommend I visit? Be sure to let me know on Twitter, and be sure to check out tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week in the meantime.

  • Don’t let your grooming routine slip on the weekend — in fact, using a refreshing face wash can be a great way to kickstart your day. In the spirit of improving your men’s grooming essentials across the board, I wrote about the best face washes for men over at GearMoose. Whatever your skin type or routine, there’s something on this list for everyone.
  • Keeping things slim and stylish is a must when it comes to your everyday carry essentials, especially when you’re talking slim denim or your favorite chinos. With that approach in mind, I wrote about the best slim wallets, featuring sleek and functional selections aplenty. Head to The Manual for my latest.
  • If you read the blog on the regular (and how could you not??), then you know that I’m all on board when it comes to the versatility and appeal of a rugged henley — this sportswear classic is now a daily style staple for guys everywhere, myself included. In the spirit of the best rugged gear for men, I rounded up my favorite henley shirts once again for The Manual. Once you’ve checked out that post, read this other post about how to wear a henley on the daily.

OLIVERS

Alright, so we’ve covered off on new henleys, a new face wash for your grooming routine & of course, everyday carry essentials. What’s one final essential you can’t live without? It might just be a classic Oxford shirt, a fitting piece every week of the year — including blustery March days. With all that in mind, I’m going to point you toward my guide on how to wear an Oxford shirt. It’ll work on the weekend or at the office with ease — I should know, I’ve tried! OK, that’s all for now. To keep up with my weekend travels, be sure to join me on Instagram. Cheers!

 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Bonobos Travel Jeans, Your New Chinos & A New Pilsner

A rugged, classic chore coat guaranteed to deliver weekend fun.

Welcome once more to another edition of The Friday Read, my friends. Today’s take on the best men’s style news of the week is particularly momentous — tomorrow is Leap Day, a rarity on the calendar, so let’s have a little fun with it! And one way to have some fun? By picking up more winter style essentials, including the rugged and essential Wellen Stretch Chore Coat as seen above. It’s simply one of the best chore coats you can buy at the moment. I’ll be going a bit more formal with my look this weekend, though. Why’s that? Well, my great college friend — none other than Mr. Kyle Campbell — happens to be tying the knot in Brooklyn! A Brooklyn wedding is a rarity for me (I’ve traveled back to Michigan for past weddings), so it’s definitely momentous to be able to head to The Palm House at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, followed by post-wedding festivities at excellent beer hall Berg’n.

Speaking of craft beer, the festivities have continued to roll along through NYC Beer Week these past few days — it’s one of my favorite weeks of the year here across the city. I had the chance to try delicious beers from the likes of Finback Brewery (the Breach The Surface IPA is a juicebomb of a  brew), Suarez Family Brewing (had to get the flavorful Qualify Pils from this upstate gem!) and more at spots like Covenhoven. I also stopped by lauded Brooklyn bar The Well, packed with 60 (yes, 60!) taps. The occasion? A live panel with renowned beer writer Josh Bernstein! Talk about a great day of great beer — drafts from NYC’s Interboro and Florida’s Civil Society Brewing were particularly prime choices. Looking back on the week, I’m grateful I get to live my passions in NYC — from craft beer to yes, menswear. Hey, speaking of menswear: Let’s get going with the good stuff, shall we? Enjoy the rest of today’s Friday Read.

  • Can you ever have enough of the best men’s chinos? Well, perhaps — but that’s not why we’re here. No sir, I had the chance to write about my favorite men’s chinos for each and every season for The Manual — on the docket, you’ll find picks from both Taylor Stitch and Faherty Brand, for starters. Happy shopping!
  • So you’ve got your new favorite chinos and you’re ready to hit the road — or are you? Not without one of the best passport wallets. I wrote about 20 (yes, 20!) of them for GearMoose, per tradition. Gear up, add to your everyday carry, and then (and only then!), you’re ready to hit the road.
  • All of that earlier talk of craft beer is making me thirsty … if you feel the same way, check out a crisp, refreshing and new pilsner over at GearMoose, as covered by yours truly. In my last trip to Utah, I enjoyed quite a few brews from Uinta, so I’m certain you’ll be mighty pleased with the Uinta 801 Small Batch Pilsner. Bottoms up!

OLIVERS

Last but not least — just as with the rugged Wellen Stretch Chore Coat as seen above, now is certainly not the time to stow away your winter jackets. That being said, maybe you feel your rotation has grown a bit stale as the months have gone on? In that case, grab the versatile Buck Mason Bunker Twill Field Jacket — head to this blog post to get the full scoop, then be ready to pair it with your favorite henley and your best blue jeans for expert weekend style. Have questions on what to wear, and when to wear it? Want to see what I’m wearing (and drinking, and listening to)? Head to my Twitter or Instagram. Cheers!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Valentine’s Day, Rogue Brewing’s New Stout & Red Wing Boots

Give yourself the gift of vintage this Valentine’s Day — seriously, why not?

Alright, folks — we all know what day it is. That’s right … it’s Friday, and yes … it’s Valentine’s Day. What do you have planned? And more importantly, what are you wearing? Perhaps my guide to what to wear on an evening date can be of service? Maybe you don’t quite have a lot planned at all, but that’s no reason to get down — treat yourself to your favorite craft beer, or perhaps a live show (as I plan on doing!), or a delicious burger or maybe, just maybe … treat yourself to a piece from the spectacular Taylor Stitch Vintage Collection as shown at the top of the page? A complementary offering to the excellent Taylor Stitch Restitch Collection (which repurposes old Taylor Stitch gear), pieces like the Taylor Stitch Vintage Moto Jacket are seriously rare, highly coveted and very tough to find (unless you act now, that is). And although it’s pricey and limited in sizing, there’s no question that you’ll be very, very happy this Valentine’s Day if you snap up the Taylor Stitch Vintage Moto Jacket — or a similar piece from the collection.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

I’ll be doing some online shopping myself, and I’m looking forward to a relaxing winter weekend in Brooklyn, powered as always by my favorite vinyl (this weekend’s selection is “Trouble Will Find Me” by The National), delicious coffee … and yes, craft beer. It’s a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of this week, as New York Fashion Week continued to roll along — I was fortunate enough to check out a sustainable fashion event at NYC’s Ace Hotel featuring Dickies this past weekend, and it’s always a treat to see brands that are doing things the right way (kind of like Taylor Stitch with its repurposed Taylor Stitch Vintage Collection!). With that being said, it’s time to start the weekend right — here’s to Friday, and the Friday Read. Cheers!

New Spring Arrivals: Mens

Shop Western Rise Now

If you read the blog on the regular (as you should!), then it should come as no surprise where I’m going to direct you next: Towards my latest roundup of the best men’s gear! That’s courtesy of the ongoing series The List, which calls out seasonal style essentials aplenty. Heading into the weekend, I’m certain you’re bound to find at least one of your new favorite style picks. Right? Right. If you want to connect further on all things #menswear, head to my Twitter. OK, that’s it — that’s all I’ve got! Have a good one, folks.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Winter Gear, New Oxford Shirting & The Best Wallet

A highly affordable fleece from the good folks at Bespoke Post.

If it’s the start of the weekend — which it is — then I’d say that cozy winter style essentials should be on your mind as January draws to a close. Picture this: It’s a chilly Saturday morning (not unlike this weekend). You’ve got your favorite record on, a pot of your favorite coffee brewing … and you’re wearing a stylish fleece sweater shown above from the Bespoke Post Polar Box. Sounds pretty unbeatable for a winter weekend, ehh? Again, when you’re thinking cozy style essentials, think about Bespoke Post. Shop Western Rise Now

My weekend routine looks a whole lot like what’s described above, and I always relish the chance to kick back in Brooklyn — I’m coming off a busy week of birthday celebrations (this past Tuesday!), as it were! I spent the day off Tuesday in the borough, enjoying some of my favorite stops (like the lovely confines of Prospect Park and the tasty coffee of Milk and Honey) before hitting up some of my top craft beer spots in Brooklyn with friends, including Covenhoven and Gold Star Beer Counter. On tap? Beers from legendary and hard-to-find breweries in equal measure, including the always-excellent Hill Farmstead. Talk about a fitting birthday treat!
Shop Mott & Bow Today!
I’m always grateful to have the time to step back, reflect and enjoy some time off around my (golden!) birthday, especially as I round into my 6th (6th!) year in New York City. A lot of that has been made possible by my agency day job as much as it’s been made possible by my freelance writing and this very blog! So, this weekend, I plan on enjoying another night out with friends before getting back to work — thanks for reading and supporting The Style Guide! And in the meantime, you know what to do: Kick off your weekend with The Friday Read and the best men’s style news. Cheers!

  • If you follow the blog regularly, you know that I’m a fan of our recurring series The List, covering the best new men’s gear — and in particular, I’m going to direct you toward my recent list of the 10 best pieces of men’s gear to buy this month, from a durable 5.11 Tactical Parka to your new favorite leather boots. Read up, gear up, hit the road!
  • Speaking of hitting the road: Before you go anywhere this weekend, you need to upgrade your wallet. The Distil Union Wally Bifold — as covered by yours truly at GearMoose — is one of the best new wallets on the market in terms of blending durability and sleek style. It also easily slides into the front pocket of your favorite pair of dark blue denim.
  • Let’s keep it rolling over at GearMoose, shall we? A slim, classic Oxford shirt is nearly indispensable in terms of versatility and style points — wear it with slim chinos, wear it with that same pair of dark blue denim … just make sure you’ve got one. On that note, I wrote about the best Oxford shirts, many of them from brands you know and love. Check it out, then let me know which one you’re buying on Twitter.
  • OK, time for one last GearMoose feature today, alright? In terms of upgrading your grooming routine in a subtly stylish yet cool way, the right cologne can go a long way — that’s why I wrote about new Dollar Shave Club cologne. It’s highly affordable and should be highly effective.

Let’s close things out with one last outfit recommendation — since we’re on the verge of a winter weekend, I figured it’s high time we revisited my guide on how to dress for a winter weekend. You’ll find plenty of handy, effective goods in that #OOTD, from a tough waxed trucker jacket to your favorite henley. That should just about do it the next time you head out on a weekend adventure. In need of more style inspiration? Be sure to visit my Instagram.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Philadelphia, New Taylor Stitch Boots & How to Dress for a Weekend Getaway

Heading into the weekend with selvedge chinos from Flint and Tinder.

Ready for the weekend? Who isn’t? Hopefully, you’re going to be kicked back and relaxed with some of the best men’s chinos, a truly all-weather pair from Flint and Tinder — trust me when I say the Flint and Tinder Selvedge Chinos put in work all day, every day. That should be the case whether you wear these stylish slim chinos with a winter blazer for date night, or decide to throw ’em on with your favorite henley. So, that’s my first piece of menswear advice for you heading into this January weekend — rest assured, we’ve got plenty more coming in today’s Friday Read. Of course, we’ll have another Style Pick of the Week heading down the pipeline tomorrow. But first, I’m very much looking forward to what’s on my weekend slate.

To celebrate my birthday (28 on the 28th!) a bit early, I’m trekking down to Philadelphia on Saturday morning to see one of my favorite bands — esteemed California indie rockers Local Natives! — play the fun Radio 104.5 Winter Jawn, an outdoor shindig held at Xfinity Live (yes, outdoors). It promises to be part of a day of super-fun, enjoyable music, also helped along by AJR (headlining) and Sub Urban. The rest of my weekend jaunt, I plan on taking in all that Philly has to offer in the way of history and naturally, craft beer. I’ve previously explored neighborhoods like Brewerytown, and I’m turning my attention this time to neighborhood spots like the Khyber Pass Pub and of course, the much-lauded Monk’s Cafe (featuring a positively huge selection of rare beer). It should be a fun and fitting way to kick off the birthday “weekend” — I’ll never pass up a chance to hear Local Natives play classics like “Breakers” and new favorites like “Garden of Elysian,” and when you throw craft beer in the mix … that’s a huge positive! I hope your weekend is similarly filled with fun, great food, delicious beer and excellent music. OK, let’s get into today’s Friday Read.

  • If you follow the blog — and especially if you follow me on Instagram — you know one of my passions here in NYC is live music. From festivals to indie rock club shows, I’m always on the lookout for art and music that moves me & impacts my life. Since moving here, I’ve found the Governors Ball music festival to be a reliably fun and jam-packed way to get my needed dose of high-quality, soulful and meaningful music. That’s why I’m pretty excited about the Governors Ball 2020 lineup, as released last week! With sets on the way from Tame Impala, Vampire Weekend and the legendary Stevie Nicks — not to mention a packed undercard featuring the likes of Bleachers, Charly Bliss, British rockers Foals and more. Needless to say, I’m already anticipating early June in NYC. What do you think of the lineup? Let me know on Twitter.

OK, my friends — we covered a lot of ground here, from a terrific NYC music festival to winter style essentials for your upcoming weekend. Before I get ready to hit the road to Philadelphia, I’d implore you to prepare for the polar vortex (or similarly cold winter weather) with one of my recent roundups of the best new men’s gear for the season. We’re talking a rugged shirt jacket, tough leather boots, a handsome watch and plenty more. I hope you find what you’re searching for — be sure to check back here early and often for my top men’s style picks. Until next time, thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Oxford Shirts, Taylor Stitch x Stetson & UpWest Clothing

Durable, dependable, made to last — that’s what Faherty Brand offers here. The perfect way to start your weekend.

Perhaps you, like me, are looking for one of the best men’s winter jackets as we head into another winter weekend (and as we dress for the polar vortex, no less). That being said, perhaps the Faherty Brand Atmosphere Hooded Jacket at the top of the page can get your weekend started right — that’s why we’re here with another edition of the Friday Read, after all. And to help you work on your New Year’s resolutions and bolster your winter style offerings, I think you’ll find plenty of handy, helpful tips and tricks below (A hint: That includes new boots from Taylor Stitch x Stetson). Elsewhere, when you start out with one of the most important layers — a rugged winter parka — you’re guaranteed to make it a great weekend (or at least, a bearable one in the snow and slush). I don’t have any doubt that I could get a lot of use this coming weekend out of the Faherty Brand Atmosphere Hooded Jacket, seeing as I plan on getting out and about in the borough with my new Pub Pass, a standout “coupon book” of sorts (but with a much cooler design) that offers free beer at some of the best spots in Brooklyn — I’ve already visited soccer-themed pub Banter, and I think I’ll make it a point to visit another favorite haunt (Covenhonven) soon, too. In the meantime, I’ll be keeping up with the latest music festival drops as we look ahead to summer — Coachella announced its lineup last week, Bonnaroo dropped its lineup earlier this week, and more are on the way. Who else is pumped?

You can keep up with all the fun on my Instagram — and for now, let’s dive into the rest of what you need to know this weekend.

  • I mentioned above we’d dig into the new Taylor Stitch x Stetson Moto Boots as part of that standout collaboration, and well, here they are — I covered these outstanding, rugged leather boots for GearMoose, and they’re only available for pre-funding for a limited time. Best get right to it, folks.
  • The headline of this post says it all — to kick off your weekend and keep your winter rolling, I wrote about the best Oxford shirts for my friends at The Manual. When you want classic men’s style essentials, an Oxford shirt is one of the best places to start.
  • Maybe you want to ease into this year in casual, laidback style — the sort of style that can refresh your approach to wellness and provide you with new perspective and comfort. On that note, the folks at UpWest think they’ve got what you need, from cozy sweats to warm thermal shirts and more. Naturally then, I wrote about a clothing brand that can change your life — head to The Manual for more.
  • Lastly, on the music front, I mentioned the 2020 Coachella lineup above — have you ever been to the country’s biggest music festival? I haven’t, and unless the indie rock quotient is upped significantly in future years, I can’t say when I will! But, to each their own. Back to menswear for now, OK?

Last but not least, I’m going to direct you back toward a pretty straightforward piece — my take on the best new menswear essentials to start the year. We cover solid cologne, new winter flannel shirting, dependable boots and plenty more — all of which are going to serve you well come 2020. OK, that’s all from me — time to kick back with some coffee (first) and a rich beer later. Cheers!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Michigan Craft Beer, Shinola’s New Watch & The Best Boots for November

If you didn’t feel in the holiday spirit yet, well, step right this way with these rugged Rancourt boots.

Although I’ll be in Brooklyn this weekend (likely wearing a pair of rugged leather boots very similar to the excellent Rancourt & Co. leather boots shown above!), my mind is back on my home state of Michigan, and in particular, my alma mater, Michigan State University. I was just in East Lansing last weekend for a terrific time with old college friends, filled with beers at HopCat (a staple of my senior year) and Crunchy’s, along with some Michigan State football. It’s of course with football in mind that I’ll be enjoying craft beer back in my new home borough this weekend — it’s Michigan vs. Michigan State on Saturday, after all! It’s a rivalry that meant a lot to me as a student, and means even more now that I’m farther away from campus. I’ll be finding a sports bar in Brooklyn to hunker down for the game, likely followed by a round of (hopefully!) celebratory beers at the always-excellent Threes Brewing. If your plans involve college football as well, I wish you nothing but luck! And if they involve more frenzied pursuits — such as starting your holiday shopping early — then I’d suggest you A) Check out the below Friday Read and B) Check out the never-not-outstanding Huckberry 2019 Gift Guide, packed with gear like the above Rancourt & Co. leather boots, plus plenty of stylish stocking stuffers. In the meantime, the below reading and gear picks ought to get you started — agreed?

  • Let’s get this weekend started accordingly the right way, yes? I’m talking, of course, about one of the best new beers to try now, covered by yours truly at GearMoose. That beer would be the rich, utterly satisfying Perrin Brewing S’more Stout, a fittingly inspired beer for cold Michigan (and New York) winters. I can’t wait to get my hands on some when I’m back in the Mitten State.
  • Speaking of my home state of Michigan — as has been on my mind this week — it only makes sense that Shinola would come up in conversation here. In fact, over at GearMoose once more, I covered the Shinola Bronze Monster, a durable, tough-as-heck timepiece with plenty of style points built right in. Did I mention it draws design inspiration from Detroit’s Prohibition smugglers? Yes, it’s got plenty going for it, too. Wear it with your favorite henley and tough chore pants on a chilly winter weekend.
  • OK, let’s keep it rolling when it comes to rugged weekend gear and perhaps more importantly, rugged winter boots. I covered the Danner Pub Garden Boots here on the blog just last week, and if you missed that feature, now’s your chance to catch up. They’re fit for the trail, the town, and indeed, the pub, easily. They’ll also wear particularly well with, say, a classic Barbour jacket and rugged work pants.

OK, those are all the style quick hits and men’s style news updates I’ve got for you this week. If you’re still searching for the best gifts for everyone on your list (and it never hurts to start as early as possible!), well, then head to my roundup of some of the best gear for November. From flannel shirts to chukka boots to the best whiskey glasses for the spirits lover, that post has something for everyone (if I do say so myself). OK, it’s time to get ready for some football. Cheers!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A New Leather Flask for Fall, Filson’s Newest Jacket & Everlane’s Uniform Collection

Essential, rugged moc toe leather boots for plenty of occasions.

Let’s step into Friday the right way — with the lowdown on some of the best men’s leather boots for fall. More specifically, the exceptionally rugged and tough Quoddy Bowhunter Boots, some of the toughest and most stylish boots to wear with olive chinos (as shown above), light wash denim (yes, for fall!) or your favorite corduroy pants as we roll into another fall weekend. They’re the kind of stylish leather boots I’ll be wearing this weekend, in fact. On that note: It’s tough to believe it’s November, and even more difficult to believe … it’s been about three years since I visited my alma mater, Michigan State University in East Lansing! The time’s flown since I’ve been back, and together with some former student newspaper friends from The State News, I’ve decided it’s high time I ventured back to the Midwest for a Spartan football game, some tasty beers at HopCat, and a crucial brunch at Beggar’s Banquet — all favorite pursuits during my college days! I have a special place in my heart for the lovely MSU campus & the friendships and memories I made along the way — it’ll be wonderful to return home! There will of course be tailgating and cold beer aplenty throughout the weekend once I arrive on an early-morning flight into Detroit, and I’m also seriously looking forward to taking in some classic Michigan fall weather as my beloved Michigan State Spartans play Illinois. Naturally, I’ll be wearing some of my favorite fall style essentials along the way — what about your weekend plans? Let me know on Twitter, be sure to check out tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, and kick off your weekend nice and early with today’s Friday Read. Go Green!

So, that’s the end of today’s brief-yet-hopefully enlightening Friday Read. Because weekend fun is never done, though, I’m going to leave you with my recommendation for perhaps the best fall jacket, one you can wear with ease atop your favorite Oxford shirt alongside slim faded denim. It’s a surefire combo for all your top casual fall pursuits, from apple orchard visits to brewery tours & beyond. Cheers to the weekend, my friends!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Men’s Parkas, New Rye Whiskey & the Huckberry Fall Catalog

The perfect boots (from Huckberry’s fall catalog!) to break in all season — courtesy of Helm Boots, of course.

This assuredly won’t be the last you see of the Helm Boots Hollis Boots as shown above —  in fact, they’re just the latest and greatest pair of must-buy boots for fall and winter, and they’re being served up here via the Huckberry Fall Catalog (more on all of that in just a second). The long and short of it is that you should expect nothing less than the best when it comes to your cold-weather gear — the sort of gear that works for fall and winter weekends aplenty. November is a big month on the style front, a time to stretch your legs in some new denim, break in some of the best new leather boots, and generally enjoy the approaching holiday season (we’re past Halloween, after all!). Coming off of a long weekend trip to Boston (as seen on my Instagram), I’m looking forward to once again enjoying a classic Brooklyn fall weekend — for me, that means strolls through Prospect Park and Marine Park in the borough, plus a visit to the recently opened Evil Twin Brewery in Queens! Evil Twin has been a revered and nearly mysterious gypsy brewer (without a permanent brewing space) for some time in the city now, and it’s only fitting that this newly opened location appears to have been worth the wait. To put it lightly: I’m wildly excitedd to visit! And if it reflects as well on the brewery’s innovative and richly crafted beer as it should (Molotov Cocktail, anyone??), I’d say it’ll be a hallowed new addition to the Brooklyn craft beer scene. The options for great beer abound in the city, as does the opportunity to enjoy prime fall weather. What are your weekend plans? Hopefully, your weekend involves great food, delicious craft beer, strong coffee and perhaps some winning football. Connect with me on Twitter, and check out the below Friday reads in the meantime. Let’s do this!

  • As I mentioned above, Huckberry just launched the new Huckberry Fall Catalog, and it’s packed to the gills with stylish shirting, tough outerwear, rugged leather boots and an all-around sense of adventure that only Huckberry can truly bring to the table. The guys and gals at Huckberry always know how to stock and sell gear that goes and goes when it comes to fall and winter pursuits — if you’re not at least taking a quick spin through the catalog, you’re missing out on a bevy of men’s style essentials (take it from me).
  • If it hasn’t started to hit you yet, it will soon enough — that is, the chilly weather of late fall (and eventually, winter!). Before it gets too late, grab one of the best men’s parkas via my latest feature for The Manual, will ya? There are picks at nearly every price point and style, from an above-the-waist hooded parka from Howler Brothers to a beastly, military-inspired Nobis parka. OK, time to get  shopping.
  • So, you know what you’re going to wear to bundle up on a fall or winter weekend — what are you sipping on? How about some new Elijah Craig rye whiskey, yes? It’ll make for a simple and lovely pour on the rocks or in an Old Fashioned — and you can get the full rundown via my latest for GearMoose.
  • Let’s keep things rolling when it comes to the best men’s jackets for fall and winter, alright? I had the chance to cover the excellent, perfectly rugged Relwen Channel Stretch Boarder, a tough, dependable jacket fit for travel and plenty of exploration through the great outdoors (yes, even in nasty weather). Head over to GearMoose to check it out.

Before the weekend hits, make sure you’re geared up accordingly — that is to say, make sure you’ve got access to plenty of the best style essentials for fall and winter (especially now that it’s *gasp* November!). I think you’ll find the list I’ve linked there, from high-top sneaker boots to an iconic leather jacket, you’ve got everything you need for a fall and winter weekend. OK, that’s all I’ve got for you today. Cheers to a fall weekend!