Tag / best men’s style

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Nike Killshot, Affordable Menswear and Taylor Stitch

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.

So, we’re back again with another Friday Read — and we’ve got a lot of ground to cover, folks! It’s the first Friday Read of March, and that means the Style Guide’s annual Spring Style Wish List is incoming — look for it early next week. It also means we’re wrapping a busy week in the #menswear world, including my latest travel style post covering my trip to New Haven to see Young the Giant! It was an outstanding show, with beautiful lights, great energy and an outstanding set list. That’s a band you gotta see, and soon. If your next show, or the weekend ahead, involves hitting the road as well, grab a stylish leather weekender for the occasion.  And if your weekend involves more relaxation than travel, you’d do well to pick up the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Sweatpants, a recent Style Pick entry and as tailored and stylish a pair of sweats as you’ll find.  Oh, and as we await the transition to spring, don’t forget to stock up on essential men’s grooming products to keep your skin in shape before that next date. See, I said we had a lot of ground to cover. Of course, there’s plenty of business to take care of NYC this weekend, too — it’s New York City Beer Week, for one, and if there’s a more tightly concentrated metropolis of standout beer, I’ve yet to test it out. For now, let’s recap a few new men’s style releases and some choice news items. Check back tomorrow for the latest Style Pick of the Week, and stay stylish in the meantime!

We’re keeping it brief this week on The Style Guide — but here’s one more before you go…
  • I don’t pass up the chance to write about Taylor Stitch very often — seriously. I covered the Taylor Stitch Merino Henley, and why you need it for classic spring style, for GearMoose.

OK, folks — let’s wrap up this Friday and try some new brews … see you out there!

-Beau

Beckett Simonon

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: How to Wear Your New Favorite Polo

We try to keep things moving forward when it comes to our Style Suggestion series on the blog. That is, mixing up situations — including things like how to dress for winter travel — and certain occasions, like dressing for the polar vortex. Now that we’ve reached the start of March (pretty wild in and of itself), it’s time to turn our eyes toward spring style. We’re not necessarily all the way out of chilly weather yet, and rain likely beckons ahead in the forecast. But when you want to lighten things up, how do you do so in a way that’s crisp and yet easily wearable through the season? Easy. A long-sleeve polo. It’s got some “geezer style” connotations, but the long-sleeve polo is also a classic menswear piece worn with casual cool (and James Bond in “Casino Royale” even dons a navy long-sleeve rugby shirt). Luckily for us, we’re taking a great long-sleeve polo from Paul Fredrick and styling it accordingly today for spring weather. Read on, shop away and join us on Instagram and Twitter for plenty o’ daily #menswear inspiration.

The Long-Sleeve Polo: Paul Fredrick Silk, Cotton and Cashmere Polo Pullover — $79.50 [Get 20 percent off and free shipping on any order with code ‘IMSCBH’].

A refined layering option made from luxurious fabric.

A refined layering option made from luxurious fabric.

Part polo, part pullover and made with quite the luxurious blend of silk, cotton and cashmere, this Paul Fredrick long-sleeve polo is the way to go if you want breathability, comfort and style fit for spring weather. The navy colorway calls to mind what Bond himself wore, and it’s the right pick here in that it’s not too bright or loud — perfect for all types of style scenarios, including dressing for Sunday brunch. Plus, you can pick up it up for 20 percent off using the code above.

The Jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch Box Quilted Jacket — $130

A neat new addition to your spring outerwear rotation.

A neat new addition to your spring outerwear rotation.

Just as critical as your base or mid-layer — perhaps moreso — is a stylish spring jacket. As with its fall and winter offerings (like the rugged, essential Abercrombie & Fitch Chamois Shirt), the brand continues to build on its reputation as an essential company for today’s well-dressed guy. With unique takes on outerwear like the Box Quilted Jacket
you get a different look combined with comfort (the fleece lining helps with that). What’s more, the neat olive color is a nice way to transition from the darker hues of winter into the lighter shades of spring and summer.

Nothing fancy or overpriced about a comfortable undershirt.

Nothing fancy or overpriced about a comfortable undershirt.

While you could use the pullover in a fashion similar to a V-neck sweater and layer up with a classic chambray shirt, it’s visually interesting enough on its own to merit the use of a simple (yet well-made) Mack Weldon undershirt. Call your Style Guide author crazy, but from the brand’s merino long-sleeve tees to the neat Mack Weldon Vesper Polo, these guys are a brand to know — and wear any time you need a comfortable base layer.
Yet another item to pick up from a brand that's getting better and better.

Yet another item to pick up from a brand that’s getting better and better.

 If you’re more likely to think of baggy cargo shorts — or pants — when you think of A&F than slim chinos, think again. The brand’s revamped focus centers around all manner of menswear staples, including what could be your new favorite pair of chinos (seriously — you just haven’t bought ’em yet). They feature what looks to be a straight, yet relatively tailored, cut. And the use of cotton and elastane should give them some comfortable stretch. Yes indeed, grab a stylish leather weekender bag and wear these bad boys when you hit the road this spring.
The Boots: Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots — $180
An ethically made, great-looking Chelsea boot for a casual style situation.

An ethically made, great-looking Chelsea boot for a casual style situation.

If these boots ring any bells, that’s great — crucially, they were the footwear pick of choice in a feature on how to layer up in style this winter. Casual leather chukka boots would also be a fine style move here — particularly if it’s rainy and you want to keep that suede safe — but these  Bitflex Chelsea Boots offer up both spring-appropriate texture and a bit of rich color. Don’t forget that Chelsea boots add a decidedly modern vibe to the more classic parts of this outfit (including khaki chinos and a long-sleeve polo).

The Watch:Tanner Goods Martenero Ace Automatic Watch — $549.98

A revamp of the pilot's watch, with a tough leather strap for good measure.

A revamp of the pilot’s watch, with a tough leather strap for good measure.

What do you get when the heritage leather goods makers at Tanner Goods decide to update a stunning pilot’s watch? Well, you get the Martenero Ace Automatic Watch, another recent #OOTD accessory pick. It’s definitely got a lot going for it — and for that investment-worthy price, you can be darn sure I’m recommending you wear it as much as you can. Featuring a natural shell Cordovan strap that’ll age wonderfully each time you wear it, the Desert Tan face on the Ace Automatic Watch is also bold and unique. In short, the perfect timepiece for this outfit.

The Socks: CHUP Prairie Socks — $35 [Check out the full run of CHUP socks while we’re here].

Not your everyday socks -- and not your everyday price for a pair, either.

Not your everyday socks — and not your everyday price for a pair, either.

We never let stylish socks slide here at the blog — especially if they’re a pricey, yet well-made, pair like these CHUP Prairie Socks. The design offers a shot of unique color and pattern, and you get handmade quality via a wearable cotton blend. As always, your socks shouldn’t be an area you overlook.

 The Sunglasses: Sunski Dipseas Sunglasses — $44.98
Different than your everyday aviators, but just as necessary in your rotation.

Different than your everyday aviators, but just as necessary in your rotation.

Hey, recognize that accessory? Stylish men’s sunglasses?  Sure you do. We certainly haven’t hit full-on beach weather as of yet, but we’ll get there soon (hopefully). And you know what else is great? Well, the Dipseas Sunglasses from our friends at Sunski are unique, effective and affordably priced. They’re just the type of piece to offset a more casual look in a cool fashion — and that’s how every outfit should be finished off, right?
Frank & Oak
If you’re now amped and fully ready to step out in classic spring style, you’re not alone. From a sharp, revamped piece of spring outerwear to your new favorite long-sleeve polo and classic Mack Weldon basics, this outfit has something for everyone. Essential chinos provide classic contrast alongside the more modern Bitflex Chelsea Boots, and before you know it, you’ll be breaking out a neat pair of Dipseas Sunglasses (trust me on that). And as I said before, a durable and tough watch like the Martenero Ace Automatic Watch ties everything together very nicely indeed. Good luck getting ready for spring, and let me know what you think of today’s outfit in the comments.
See you around and stay stylish,
-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Waxed Trucker Jacket You Need Now

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

The men’s jacket you wear every single day needs an upgrade. Now, first of all — am I commanding you to buy a great waxed trucker jacket? Do you really need one? Maybe. Maybe not. But, hey — if you feel like that’s an outerwear addition to make here in late February, The Style Guide has you all set.  You’ll probably recognize the brand we’re featuring below, but that’s a side note to why this unique, rugged and yet easily wearable silhouette can work with different iterations of your #OOTD in the weeks to come. If we’re lucky, we’ll start to see slightly warmer temperatures in the weeks ahead — so, it’ll hopefully be time to shelve your polar vortex gear for pieces that are a little more temperate. That’s where a flannel-lined trucker jacket comes in. You’re getting both warmth and weather-beating functionality (in the event of a rainy spring day) with a bit of dashing and rugged appeal thrown in. And who doesn’t love that? The unique thing about the particular jacket shown below is the rock-n-roll edge it adds to the overall ensemble — but I won’t spoil it any further. Read ahead, skim if you must and follow yours truly over on Instagram and Twitter to keep up with the #menswear fun.

Mixing a heritage-quality jacket with a bit of rock-ready edge -- and classic menswear essentials, to boot.

Mixing a heritage-quality jacket with a bit of rock-ready edge — and classic menswear essentials, to boot.

The Jacket: Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket, $198 — It’s a good thing there’s still plenty of stock left for this jacket. As I understand it, it’s been quite the hot seller over at Huckberry — if it’s sold out in your size, the JackThreads Stupp Suede Trucker Jacket provides a similarly edgy silhouette.

The Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch Garment Dye Oxford Shirt, $39 — I’d urge us all to try mixing a classic piece — like a timeless white Oxford — with an edgier staple (a tough trucker jacket) this season. It’ll work out just fine.

The Sweater: JackThreads Donegal Sweater, $29.98 — Spring weather might be around the corner *crosses fingers* … but we can’t shelve those sweaters yet. Pick up this nicely textured number for a bargain in case it’s chilly or rainy in the weeks ahead.

The Denim: JackThreads Slim Stretch Selvedge Denim, $44.98 —  Let’s make it two in a row with stylish JackThreads gear — this pair of stretch selvedge boasts a unique color and a slim fit.

The Boots: Thursday Boots Diplomat Boots in Cognac Suede, $199 — We love ourselves some Thursday Boots on the blog, and this particular pair feels and looks mobile and flexible for the approaching spring season.

The Socks: Flint and Tinder Inventor Socks, $17.98 (Three-pack)  —  Finish this outfit off with Flint and Tinder socks to complement that waxed trucker jacket.

The Watch: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Timex Expedition, $79.98 [Also available in Brown Leather] — This Expedition watch — with its more rugged, outdoors-y vibe — is finished off handsomely with a beautiful Form-Function-Form Horween leather strap.

The Everyday Carry: Tactile Turn Stainless Steel Slider Pen, $58.98 — Who doesn’t love a durable, useful pen — ehh? It should come in seriously handy every single day. If you’re out and about for a solo lunch, a notebook can be your best companion when it comes to brainstorming ideas (or just doodling).

Have you bookmarked any of the above pieces for later? If that’s the case, I think you’re gonna like the results.  The key to this look is starting with an unexpected piece of outerwear that’s actually highly versatile — the trucker jacket hits the sweet spot in terms of transitional, head-turning style. And we can all get more use out of everyday staples like a classic Oxford and a textured Donegal sweater. Of course, I’m never one to pass up a beautifully accented timepiece like the Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Timex Expedition, and you might be surprised at how handy a small item like the Tactile Turn Stainless Steel Slider Pen can be. OK, ready for that snow to melt? That makes two of us. Stop by The Style Guide Facebook page in the meantime, and join us for another applause-worthy men’s style post tomorrow.

Here’s to you and thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Sweatpants

Flint and Tinder

Your next purchase from Flint and Tinder? Maybe. Hopefully? Best make it a great one!

Alright, let’s kick this off the right way here — yes indeed, you need some of the best men’s sweatpants for comfortable lounging through summer or any time of year at all. And that’s why we’re back with another Flint and Tinder Style Pick (yes yes, another one). But the reason we here at The Style Guide keep coming back to the brand is quite simple: We’re talking high-quality, versatile and durable #menswear that guys can wear any day of the week, any season. And shouldn’t that be the goal of your wardrobe?  With that being said, if you’ve been following along with the blog, you’re hopefully acquainted with what makes Flint and Tinder  so essential. I’ve gone to bat for the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket, in addition to the Flint and Tinder Texas Moleskin Shirt, so it’s only fitting that  we’re rounding out your apparel wardrobe with the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Sweatpants. As sold by Style Guide favorite Huckberry, they’re a steal of a deal when on-sale — considering they could be the last pair of sweats you need to buy for awhile, these Garment-Dyed Sweatpants are worth buying and wearing a ton. Seriously, they’re more versatile than you might think, and they’re made in and around L.A., to boot.  And considering that every aspect of your wardrobe is worth examining for upgrades — from men’s home goods to grooming gear — your off-duty, casual style should go under the microscope, too.

Flint and Tinder

Tailored sweats made in America from premium, ringspun cotton. Doesn’t get any better!

Now, I’m not necessarily recommending that you mash these sweatpants up with a navy blazer at the office. But I am indeed recommending that you take these ringspun cotton, garment-dyed sweatpants and use them to amp up your weekend menswear game. Lest you think we’re drifting into athleisure territory, rest assured … we’re not! The key is pairing them with equally well-fitting essentials — take something like the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, for starters. You can even dress up the sweatshirt-sweatpants combo — take a classic, rugged-yet-casual chambray shirt and pair the whole thing with stylish leather sneakers for a crisp ensemble that’s fit for grabbing a quick coffee, picking up some groceries or … wait for it… nabbing some lunch with your buddies. Yes, a proper meal. Truly, it’s not as if these are baggy athletic sweats — crucially, the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Sweatpants are a tailored pair of sweats that’ll still have looking more put-together than your buddies as you recover from last night over a Bloody Mary (or is that just me?). Heck, the combo could look even more better if you add a stylish leather watch and a slim topcoat. That’s right — a topcoat. If that veers a bit too much into “GQ territory” for you, all well and good. These sweatpants are still a worthy gym gear upgrade — and hey, wearing them at home works just fine, too.

Are you on-board with upgrading your sweatpant game with Flint and Tinder? Or will you pass on these?

Beckett Simonon

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Young the Giant, Star Wars and Cole Haan

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.

Where did the time go since last Friday? It was a beautiful three-day weekend here in NYC, so that certainly contributed to it. And with spring-like temperatures Saturday through Monday, it definitely got me planning ahead — I tried to enjoy the Brooklyn weather (plus delicious coffee and great menswear at Williamsburg’s Upstate Stock) as much as I could, but I couldn’t help but plan for this site’s Spring Style Wish List. Don’t worry — it’s on the way.  In the meantime, hopefully the team of one here at The Style Guide has given you plenty to read. If you didn’t catch this week’s brand profile on the inimitable Todd Snyder, do so now — and maybe pick up a great piece like the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt in the process.
Frank & Oak
Know that we’ve also got a new way to wear a cardigan via this week’s #OOTD series, and of course, another entry in the Style Pick of the Week series. As for me, I’m taking a (slight) break from menswear writing for a quick road trip to the famed town of New Haven, home of Yale University and, perhaps more importantly, this weekend’s Young the Giant show at College Street Music Hall! I kid, I kid — Yale is quite the big deal, but I’m excited for the show nonetheless. Of course, I’ll be dressed in travel style, too. It’s definitely been pretty neat to go on East Coast adventures, explore new cities and see great shows in the process — from seeing Local Natives in Providence to catching The Head and the Heart in Baltimore, I’ve been quite lucky to be able to hit the road this past fall and winter! Of course, you can follow along with my travels via Instagram and Twitter. For now, let’s kick of the weekend with some #menswear fun, shall we? Read on and see you for tomorrow’s Style Pick.

Beckett Simonon

  • Speaking of Young the Giant, this next bit of news caused me to yell out loud in excitement at my desk at work this week — Cold War Kids are touring with  Young the Giant later this summer! Who’s pumped? And the tour includes an NYC stop in September — crucial for all of us city slickers. But seriously … how exciting is that??
  • If you’re a Star Wars fan — and a fan of the many planned offshoot movies — then you’re likely aware of this already, and yet … the new, as-yet-untitled Han Solo film started shooting this past week, and that’s reason for fans of the character and the Star Wars universe to get excited. See, we’re about more than just menswear (wink, wink).
  • Esquire tells us all about how the ’90s are back in style — in a big way — and how you can dress like the era without going too far back in time.

Want to really get a jump on your spring style?

With that, we’ll close the curtain on another Friday Read — see you in the front row!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The New Way to Wear a Cardigan This Winter

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

OK, folks — back at it with another handy, helpful #OOTD entry today on The Style Guide.  As we deal with a strangely up-and-down winter — at least in my neck of the woods — perhaps you’re wondering about ways you can maximize your layering skills and versatility with staples you’ve already got. You know, like your favorite cold-weather cardigan or a trusty pair of classic dark blue denim.  That’s the starting point for our latest #OOTD — it’s taking crisp, casual pieces and shaking them up just a little bit (as you’ll see between the shirting and denim combination). It’s a good way to make your wardrobe work for you and last longer, without feeling like you’re in a style rut (wearing the same thing over and over … and over again). Plus, you’ll recognize a few picks — like the Grayers Montana Waxed and Quilted Parka — from past #menswear entries on this site. So with all that being said … check out the goods below and follow along for real-time men’s style looks via Instagram.

Shaking up the typical cardigan combo just enough to make it interesting this winter.

Shaking up the typical cardigan combo just enough to make it interesting this winter.

The Cardigan: J. Crew Merino Wool Cardigan Sweater, $89.50 — Perhaps this very cardigan is one you’ve already got in your closet? Tailored and made from great fabric, it’s refined enough to dress down — if that makes sense.

The Shirt: Abercrombie and Fitch Two-Pocket Chambray Shirt, $68 — Yes, you can definitely take that light chambray shirt and make it work for you in winter. Trust me.

The Parka: Grayers Montana Waxed and Quilted Parka, $140.98 — You can pick up a versatile, tough parka and use it as a prime outer layer all season long — the Montana Waxed and Quilted Parka is the one to buy.

The Denim: Nudie Jeans Grim Tim Jeans in Bay Blue, $136.98 — One of the prime ways we’re mixing up this outfit? Injecting some casual, faded denim in the mix — they stand out just enough from the chambray shirt, and they’re offset nicely by the grey cardigan.
Huckberry

The Boots: Nisolo Emilio Chukka Boot, $149.98 — Reliable leather chukka boots are absolutely the way to go in nearly any style situation — especially a casual one. Luckily, the Emilio Chukka Boot does it all.

The Belt: J. Crew Classic Leather Dress Belt, $29.50 — If you’re already picking up a classic J. Crew cardigan, why not pick up a simple, effective leather belt to go with it?

The Socks: American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks, $17.98 — We all recognize these socks, right? Right. They’re solid, reliable, comfortable and a nice match for the hues of blue in this outfit.
The Watch: Seiko Dive Watch, $319.98 — Since we’re mixing high-low style in this outfit — the rugged chambray shirt + the faded Nudie Jeans denim in particular — a dive watch on a durable NATO strap is smart and sharp.
 Although there’s nothing too fancy or utterly eye-catching about this outfit, it’s grounded in classic staples mixed a bit unexpectedly. From the lighter shades of the chambray shirt to the light wash denim and the slightly dressier Emilio Chukka Boot, it takes advantage of twists on tried-and-true staples. It’s a combination that would work in the spring sans the Montana Waxed and Quilted Parka, and you’d always do well to pick up a handsome, rugged timepiece like the Seiko Dive Watch. With that being said, chime in via the comments below if you have alternate picks or styling suggestions — always looking forward to hearing from everyone, and many thanks for reading!
-Beau

Beckett Simonon

by Beau H.

Brand Profile: Todd Snyder

The man of the hour, American designer Todd Snyder.

The man of the hour, American designer Todd Snyder.

So, it’s been a bit of time since our last Style Guide brand profile. Quite a bit of time, in fact. But every so often, it’s nice to step back from the daily, ever-evolving process of crafting your latest #OOTD and get to know your favorite brands just a bit better. In this instance, that’s what we’re doing today with Todd Snyder.  It was a treat to check out the designer’s much-lauded Fall/Winter 2017 collection during New York Fashion Week: Men’s recently, and I can assure that more great gear is on the way. If you peruse the pages of The Style Guide regularly, you’ll surely recognize the designer’s namesake brand, keen eye for detail and sharp instincts when it comes to translating classic silhouettes into recognizable and easily wearable pieces. If that sounds like too tall a task for one designer to conquer, rest assured … it’s not.

The Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, done up in casual form. It's a keeper!

The Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, done up in casual form. It’s a keeper – read on for more!

The approach starts with a rather unique combination, namely his Midwestern roots and love of sports and classic menswear. Having interviewed Mr. Snyder on two occasions for The Manual, I can assure you he’s a true gentleman and as down-to-earth as it gets. As an Iowa native, he’s stuck with a unique formula that’s caught the eye of many a style blogger, writer, editor…. you name it. And it’s best summed up with updated takes on vintage staples — if that’s your thing, stick with us. Take, for example, last fall’s rendition of the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Top, made with a sturdy military-grade canvas upper and featuring a tough rubber sole. They worked perfectly for me during a fall weekend in NYC, and if you were fortunate enough to pick up a pair, you’ll know they’re similarly versatile. That’s only the starting point for his work, however.

The designer's handiwork in action -- notably, the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Top!

The designer’s handiwork in action — notably, the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Top!

In fact, doesn’t even begin to cover the designer’s nuanced approach to other collaborations.  If you know Mr. Snyder for just one piece, it just might be the covetable, essential and casual Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt. Rest assured, you should snag one ASAP and make it your new weekend layering go-to. If spending nearly $100 on a crewneck sweatshirt is too much … just know that it’s worth the investment. The great thing is, it handsomely complements the designer’s other easily wearable staples (think less sportswear-inspired, more classic everyday pieces). We’re talking refined, versatile items like Japanese selvedge Oxfords and merino crewneck sweaters done in partnership with England’s John Smedley.  If there’s a designer that can do more while sticking to the same overall aesthetic, it’s tough to top Mr. Snyder.
Beckett Simonon

It nearly goes without saying that the brand’s accessories — from collaborations to third-party goods like rugged Red Wing leather boots — are all shoppable and enviable in their own right. In fact, the newly launched Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch is a perfect example of what the designer does best — take an older classic and bring it into the modern era. You should definitely team it with one of the brand’s Japanese chambray shirts — as seen in this site’s roundup of the best chambray shirts for men. Of course, the Timex + Todd Snyder Mod Watch as launched last summer was a hot-seller in its own right — and if you follow me on Instagram, you know how much I love mine. Again, we’re talking about a designer who can do it all.

Quite possibly the only suit you'll need to buy -- ehh?

Quite possibly the only suit you’ll need to buy — ehh?

It would be remiss to close out this piece without focusing on the fact that Snyder even takes care of your more formal evening and office wear via his fantastic, accessible and high-quality Todd Snyder White Label suiting line. While plenty of designers are dabbling in multiple categories nowadays, you won’t often find one who does a suit as well as he does a  crewneck sweatshirt. If you only had to buy one suit, I might make it the Todd Snyder Sutton Suit in Navy Wool — think of it like an upgraded J. Crew Ludlow suit, with premium components, great fabric and plenty of wearability.  Again, it’s rare to find a brand that excels in so many categories, but Todd Snyder is a perfect company to check out if you want classic, reliable and timeless goods made with heritage quality and modern style in mind. Sounds pretty good to me — how about you?

Do you own any Todd Snyder goods? What other brands would you like to see in this site’s Brand Profile series?

Frank & Oak

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Eddie Bauer K-6 Boot

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

eddie-bauer-hikers-edited

 

OK, quick — check the weather. What’s in the forecast? Snow? Slush? Rain? All three. That’s where the  Eddie Bauer K-6 Boot — this week’s prime #menswear pick — comes into play. Trust me, we’ve got a great one on our hands here, folks.  Now, Eddie Bauer has long been known as a brand that’s got the heart of the outdoors woven into its DNA — check out the Eddie Bauer x Pendleton Skyliner Jacket for further evidence of that — but lately, the brand has taken a bit of a different approach. It encompasses a full lifestyle line that I’ve found unique, rugged and stylish. I was fortunate enough to take the Snowbridge Cardigan with me on a winter trip to Baltimore, and I’ve been similarly pleased with the versatility and rugged appeal of the Eddie Bauer K-6 Boot, a heck of a winter weekend style pick.  It’s a recent addition to the brand’s line, and it plays beautifully off the original silhouette first introduced by the brand all the way back in 1964. And if you haven’t picked up your favorite pair of winter boots, the K-6 Boot might handsomely fill that void — and then some.

For starters, these boots are about as tough and rugged as they come — absolutely perfect for surviving the polar vortex in style.  The Vibram outsole is sturdy, durable and highly functional, a huge help in navigating slushy, slippery terrain. Plus, the Goodyear welt is an added bonus you don’t find on too many hiking boots (or so it seems). What’s more, they’re about as stylish a pair of hikers as you’re going to find. That means they’ll work just as well with rugged blue or black denim and a chamois shirt as they will with a warm winter cardigan. The Paprika color in particular is rich and has aged well over time — and that’s going to be a critical style point to keep in mind as you dress for, say, a weekend coffee run. And with two lace options — either an eye-catching red pair of a yellow pair — it’s almost as if you’re getting two pairs of boots for the price of one. Take it from your Style Guide author — they’re definitely worth buying and wearing plenty throughout the last vestiges of winter (and well beyond).

What’s your take on the Eddie Bauer K-6 Boot? Would you buy ’em — and how would you wear them?

Beckett Simonon

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Orwells, Canvas Jackets and Abercrombie & Fitch

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.

There are weeks that, despite flying by in a blur, make you grateful for what you do and where you live. This week was definitely one of them. But first things first — how did you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Happily in love or happily alone? Hopefully, you found our Valentine’s Day style suggestion helpful. As for me, I kept quite busy this week with pursuits both #menswear and music-related — as seems to be the case these days. And luckily, there’s perhaps no better place to pursue both of these ends than NYC. Yes indeed, there’s probably nothing I love more than a great live show — and this week’s been full of them. It’s always an honor and a treat to check out a show at the legendary Mercury Lounge — a former home to bands (and personal favorites) like The Strokes and The National — and seeing an upcoming band like upbeat, powerful Aussie rockers Gang of Youths  gives me hope for the spirit of the genre. So, that kickstarted the week — and of course, I rocked my JackThreads Munro Leather Biker Jacket for the occasion. But, that’s not all. If you haven’t yet plugged your headphones into the high-voltage, no-holds-barred rock of Chicago natives The Orwells, look out. It was a treat to attend their album release show at hallowed Brooklyn venue/record shop Rough Trade NYC, and the group’s brand-new album, “Terrible Human Beings,” is one you’re going to want to spin if you appreciate a simpler era in rock. Oh, and last but not least …. it’s time for show no. 3 tonight! Again, some weeks fly by in a blur, but I’m beyond excited to see the fun, positive and infectious rock of Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, supported by another amazing band in their own right, Canada’s Arkells. Who’s ready? Now, before you dash out to your own slate of concerts and weekend activities, catch up with what you missed in men’s style (and yes, music) this week. Keep up in the meantime via Instagram and Twitter — TGIF and cheers!

Huckberry

  • Let’s get your weekend started with a nice #menswear deal — shall we? You might recall Johnnie-O from a few past entries on this site, namely as part of my packing for a November trip upstate. And if you need a stylish, luxurious cashmere sweater or a new spring polo to get ready for the season ahead — ‘cuz it’s coming — do we have a deal for you. Now through February 25th,  use the code ‘GENTS17’ to get 10 percent off your Johnnie-O order! Yes indeed, that goes for the classic Player’s Blazer and the shirt that I myself picked up (and featured on Instagram) — the Dustin Denim Sport Shirt.
  • Need a new pair of spring footwear? Of course you do. Check out Esquire’s recent roundup of the best men’s sneakers to buy now.
  • It was a real treat to write about an essential outerwear item — that’d be a waxed canvas jacket — for GearMoose. Yes indeed, check out my roundup of the best men’s waxed jackets, folks.
  • Alright, because it’s Friday, let’s get down to business — The Manual teaches you how to make a Boilermaker this weekend. Cheers!
  • Lastly — we’ll be back with a new Style Pick of the Week tomorrow, but keep yourself occupied for now by reading about the essential, rugged Abercrombie & Fitch Chamois Shirt.

And with that, I’m off to another show — how about yourself? If that’s the case, learn all about how to dress for your next rock concert. See you in the front row!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Q+A: Bridge and Burn

First of all, welcome back to another entry in our ongoing Style Q+A series.  From purveyors of rugged goods like NYC’s Rivay  to the masterminds at Tread for Men Grooming, I hope you’ve enjoyed following along.  And as always seems to be the case, we’re giving you what I think is another great entry worth your time today (and as an aside, it contains perhaps my favorite quote from our Style Q+A series — see if you can spot it). If you peruse the pages of this site — from pieces like how to wear a bomber jacket  to the best men’s denim shirts to buy now, you’ll surely recognize the brand featured here. Yes, today we’re talking about Bridge & Burn, a brand with a heck of a backstory and roots that extend all the way out to Oregon more than a decade ago. With a computer science background and experience starting and running two different brands — each of which  have lent unique qualities to the stylish, functional and timeless aesthetic of Bridge & Burn — founder Erik Prowell is just the guy you want to see if you need to upgrade your outerwear or pick up a heck of a versatile shirt (or learn about the Pacific Northwest, for that matter). From simple-yet-soft graphic tees to refined chinos  and hard-wearing jackets, you’ve got yourself a winning look any time you throw on the brand’s gear. In fact, Bridge & Burn’s recent collaboration with Kiriko is equally stunning, featuring a mix of chinos, overshirts and engineer stripe shirts done up with beautiful patterns and incredible fabrics — in short, amplifying a lot of the great work you see from Bridge and Burn on a daily basis. With all that being said, they’re a brand worth knowing if you value quality construction, well-executed details and timeless wearability. It’s been a treat to learn more about Bridge & Burn and experience their high-quality goods while meeting the team behind the brand across these past few months. With that being said, I hope you’ll enjoy learning more, too. Take it away, Erik!

The original Bridge & Burn graphic.

The original Bridge & Burn graphic.

The Style Guide: Tell me about the start of the Bridge & Burn brand?
 
Erik Prowell: To be honest, I really didn’t know what I was doing when I started Bridge & Burn. I studied Computer Science in college and worked as a software developer for a few years. My friend and I started making graphic tees for fun and it snowballed into a pretty decent business where we were selling to over 200 stores nationally including Nordstrom and Urban Outfitters. Through that business, I started going to trade shows and was exposed to the wide world of apparel. At the shows, I’d see all these pieces that had great silhouettes but always seemed over-designed. When I started my goal was to make clean, classic pieces that I wanted to wear.
The name Bridge & Burn was inspired by the first t-shirt I ever designed.
It was a burning match under a bridge — because sometimes you have to burn the bridge to past expectations in order to follow your passions into an unknown future.  
A look at the Bridge & Burn x Kiriko collaboration -- read on for more.

A look at the Bridge & Burn x Kiriko collaboration — read on for more.

TSG: The Northwest seems to have played a big role in the brand’s evolution and design — tell me a bit more about that approach?
EP: The Pacific Northwest is known for its quality of life. It’s not about excess. It’s not about the next big thing. It’s about knowing what is good and how to enjoy all that is good to the fullest. I grew up in Oregon, and I chose to start Bridge & Burn in Portland because I love this city. It’s small, it has character, and is full of inspiring, creative people. Our location can be challenging, as most of the apparel world is centered in New York and Los Angeles. It’s more difficult to make connections and I am forced to travel quite a bit. That said, our origin naturally differentiates the brand and gives us unique character. Our designs come from a different point of view and the landscape inspires every aspect of our designs from the colors we choose to each garment’s simple functionality.
TSG: What’s one essential every guy should have in his wardrobe? 
EP: Every guy should have good socks and a great jacket (Editor’s note: Check out American Trench socks in particular, and read our piece on how to wear a bomber jacket for a Bridge and Burn take on the style).
Frank & Oak
TSG: As interest in men’s style specifically has increased, has that benefited the brand?
EP: Definitely. Our approachable designs and moderate price point makes it easy for guys to ease in to the world of fashion. And for those who are already there, we offer new fits and fabrics each season to keep them on trend with new ways to express their own personal sense of style.
TSG: Any exciting upcoming new product launches readers should know about? 
EP: We just launched our most ambitious apparel collaboration ever, with fellow Portland retailer, Kiriko. Bridge & Burn x Kiriko is a limited capsule collection for men & women. The aesthetic was inspired by classic American workwear fused with Japanese minimalism and heritage textiles. The designs are classic Bridge & Burn with a modern japanese twist. For more on the collaboration and the incredible Japanese fabrics we sourced with Kiriko, check out our blog post.
So, there you have it — beautiful fabrication, classic designs and a timeless approach to style. Follow Bridge & Burn on Twitter and Instagram for more — and get shopping!