See Now, Buy Now: This Outerknown Pocket Sweatshirt is the Laidback Layer You Need This Spring

Best sweatshirt for men.

If you ask me, part of the fun that comes with building a wardrobe of menswear essentials is stumbling across a piece that looks like it’s already a much-loved favorite, already a piece you’ve had for years on end. Take the Outerknown Sur Pocket Sweatshirt. It’s got plenty of the right style details going for it, starting with the garment-dyed finish for what the famed sustainable brand calls a “soft, lived-in feel.”

That alone makes it one of the best sweatshirts for men, especially in terms of laidback spring style, but as with all things Outerknown, there’s plenty more to love about this ultra-sustainable brand.

Hopefully, you’re at least a bit familiar with Outerknown, the brand founded in part by surfing legend Kelly Slater — and founded with a fierce mission to produce some of the best sustainable menswear on the market, no less. They’ve done that through using upcycled and recycled fabrics, plus eco-friendly materials, including hemp (which grows with far less water than other crops) and organic cotton (which cuts out harmful chemicals in the production process).

Both of them are front and center in the Outerknown Sur Pocket Sweatshirt, and you can also find a similarly sustainable approach when it comes to the famed Outerknown Blanket Shirt and one of the brand’s stylish polos, to name but two Outerknown must-haves.

Best sustainable menswear.

The entire Outerknown Men’s Collection is focused on that sustainable approach, which just so happens to yield some seriously stylish results, for good measure. The Outerknown Sur Pocket Sweatshirt, available in five pleasingly faded colors for utterly classic warm-weather style, looks just like a classic sweatshirt you’d find tucked away in a lakehouse closet or at a vintage shop, with all the right details (including raglan sleeves and that useful chest pocket).

It’s made from a 55 percent hemp-45 percent organic cotton blend, with the kind of soft, easygoing feel that pairs up perfectly with everything from tailored joggers to chino shorts for a spring bonfire. It just doesn’t quite get better than the Outerknown Men’s Collection, this sweatshirt very much included, so upgrade your spring layering game in eco-conscious fashion right now.

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The Sunday Sale: Get Up to 50 Percent Off USA-Made Menswear at American Giant

Best hooded sweatshirt for men.

It’s not every day that you get the chance to shop bona fide, American-made menswear, and it’s even more rare that you’re going to find some of the best menswear deals on gear that’s made right here in the U.S. of A. And yet, witness what American Giant has going on over at the American Giant Last Chance section.

Inventory is moving quickly of its best-selling hoodies and other gear, but the point remains the same: You can get as much as 50 percent off the best American-made menswear, with plenty of deals available on gear between 17 and 30 percent off.

Best American-made shirt for men.

Stick around, dive in and shop rugged rarities like the American Giant Explorer Shirt, or keep things classic and score a deal on the American Giant Carolina Midweight Hoodie, among a plethora of other colorful, stylish, reliable selections. These pieces use materials sourced in America, like sturdy-yet-soft cotton. Of course, each piece is crafted with care into highly durable, dependable pieces (again, also right here in the States!).


Take it from this Brooklyn writer: I tried the thick, warm and sturdy yet flexible American Giant Classic Full Zip for everything from brewery visits to fall concert-going earlier this season, and it’s the real deal. It’s all the better if you can get one of the best men’s hoodies on sale today, so shop early and often while this gear is still around.

See Now, Buy Now: The American Giant Lightweight Full Zip is the Best Casual Sweater for Spring

Best casual men's sweatshirt for spring.

Sometimes, the best casual style moves take something you know and love — say, one of the best men’s sweatshirts — and switch things up ever so slightly. If you read the blog, you already know that USA-made style purveyors American Giant excel at making all forms of casually rugged style gear, from heavyweight and mid-weight crewneck sweatshirts, like its famed American Giant Full-Zip and Classic Pullovers. Perhaps you’re even a fan of the rugged American Giant Roughneck Pants for work (or play). But the real reason we’re here today is the reintroduction of a classic: The American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip. Crucially, it strikes the perfect style balance these days and is, without a doubt, one of the best lightweight sweatshirts for spring — to say the least.

Like those crucial spring style moves I mentioned earlier, the American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip changes things up ever-so-slightly from what you know and love. As the brand says themselves, this lightweight hoodie (available in some especially spring-ready colors) is as “light as your favorite T-shirt, as soft and comfortable as your favorite hoodie” — sounds pretty ideal to me.

The key with the American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip is that fabric blend: In this case, it’s a tri-blend jersey fabric that goes heavy on the polyester for stretch, and uses cotton and rayon for softness and just a bit of sturdiness. The American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip hits that happy medium between the brand’s Heavyweight and Midweight options — it’s almost a summer-weight blend, perfect for breezy spring days and nights. The full-zip design of the American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip also makes it easy to throw on or customize the fit: Zip it up all the way for extra coverage, or leave it unzipped to show off your favorite graphic tee.

You can rest easy when it comes to the quality of the American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip — it’s made in North Carolina for an extra touch of care and attention to detail. It might be $90, but it’s one of the best sweatshirts for men for that very purpose. It also features raglan stitching for both durability and mobility, plus an added dose of contrasting style (you can see it most readily on the Grey Ink Heather color of the American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip). Take your pick from on-trend spring colors like Burnt Clay Heather (ideal to rock with light wash jeans and your favorite chukka boots) or team a more classic colorway of the American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip with dark blue jeans, a thermal henley and high-top sneakers. Casual style gets even easier with a laidback, yet well-made, essential like the American Giant Lightweight Full-Zip — get your favorite color while it’s still around.

The Thursday Buy: The Mack Weldon Ace Crew Neck is the Coziest Sweater for Casual Holiday Style

From point A to point B (or rather, from the top of your wardrobe to the bottom), Mack Weldon has a knack for making some of the best men’s style essentials for a wide variety of situations (any style situation you can dream up, in fact). And for the next few weeks, I’d imagine your style scenarios will certainly involve quite the mix of holiday gatherings, laidback days at home and perhaps some time spent hustling at the office. So, what are you going to wear for each of those vastly different scenarios? At least on your top half, the answer should prove relatively simple: The Mack Weldon Ace Crew Neck delivers the efficient, effective, subtle but reliable style (and winter warmth!) that you need right now. It’s both one of the best sweatshirts for men and yet so much more than an average crewneck sweatshirt in terms of fit, fabric and feel. If that sounds like it checks all the proper boxes for you, you’re in luck: Keep reading, my friends.

Mack Weldon, of course, already makes some of the most comfortable pants to wear back to the office, and they’ve gone a step further in recent months with one of the best men’s travel jackets. Tie it all together, then, with a sweatshirt you can wear just about anywhere, and then be thankful you’ve got it handy on chilly days, for welcoming winter evenings and a bit of everything in between. Here’s where the Mack Weldon Ace Crew Neck really sets itself apart from the pack. It’s got all of the very same trappings (and then some) as the rest of the Mack Weldon Ace Collection, yet with even more cleaned-up, classic and go-anywhere style points.

The sweatshirt itself uses soft micro-brushed French terry for an incredibly smooth feel and finish — the Mack Weldon Ace Crew Neck, to put it lightly, doesn’t pull any punches in terms of high-quality fabrication. It retails for the highly agreeable price of $78, a downright bargain when you consider that you can wear this surprisingly stylish crew neck sweatshirt with everything from tailored Mack Weldon sweatpants to your favorite pair of jeans or even tan chinos (especially the Total Eclipse color shown above). The Mack Weldon Ace Crew Neck goes well layered up atop a white Oxford shirt at the office or over a chambray shirt — at the office or picking up a growler of your favorite beer pre-party.

And if you simply feel like throwing on the Mack Weldon Ace Crew Neck to wear with sweatshorts on a laidback day at home, then you’ve got a sweatshirt that rise to the (comparatively laidback) occasion. When you want to class things up just a bit, the Mack Weldon Ace Crew Neck wears nicely underneath, say, a tan herringbone or unstructured charcoal wool blazer with dark jeans for a high-low style mash-up. With three versatile color options up for grabs, the versatility of the Mack Weldon Ace Crew Neck can go as far as you want it to go right now. Scoop one up now as the holiday season picks up in earnest.

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt – The Best Fall Weekend Sweatshirt

What do you think of when you think of a crewneck sweatshirt? Perhaps a trusty athletic logo sweatshirt or even something more premium, right? Put all those thoughts to rest for just one second and consider that you haven’t yet seen one of the best sweatshirts for men, period: That’d be the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt, an exceptional take on the traditional crewneck sweater that blends both old-school athletic heritage and modern refinement in a surprisingly dressy and versatile final product. It’s part of Billy Reid’s Fall 2021 Collection, and it’s worth every penny. The Alabama-based designer has produced award-winning staples like one of the best casual shirts for fall for years now, and he’s also got quite the rotation of outerwear, like the famed Billy Reid Bond Peacoat, up for grabs. But before you can throw on a new jacket, start with the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt for comfortable layering, casually cool style and much more.

Billy Reid’s Dover Sweatshirt belongs in your closet

The perfect blend of old-school cool and modern style

Billy Reid made a name for himself merging the old and the new, winning menswear accolades aplenty in the process, and the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt, is a prime example of how it all comes together. It’s got the silhouette of a grey crewneck sweatshirt, but it’s cleaned up and accented with leather elbow patches and armhole piping. Your standard athletic sweatshirt, this is certainly not. And especially in a cool Heather Grey color, it’s about as versatile as you want it to be.

Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt | Huckberry

The Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt also features slight details that really showcase the Billy Reid difference, like the small patch accenting Billy Reid’s signature stripe design. It’s touches like those ones that make the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt a fitting piece to wear with tailored blue jeans or tan chinos to the office when you can mix and match pieces. You can also layer the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt beneath your favorite fall blazer or beneath a rugged field jacket, but to me, this classic crewneck sweatshirt is at its best when you showcase those handsome leather elbow patches and rock it solo for a weekend coffee outing. Note that it also comes in a sleek Black colorway with contrasting elbow patches, but Heather Grey is your best bet, in my humble opinion.

And because it’s made with a cotton-polyester blend, it’s not too heavy or bulky — it’s the ideal go-between sweater to wear as we move into October. You can throw it on over a classic Billy Reid Oxford shirt or a long-sleeve tee from Billy Reid, too: The choice is all yours. Now, be warned, because the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt will run you $195, quite the price tag. But that being said, it’s exceedingly rare to find a crewneck sweatshirt made with this much care and attention to detail. For my money’s worth, I’d say you need to make this one your new favorite fall sweater ASAP.

The Thursday Buy: Get This Classic Todd Snyder Crewneck for Summer Breezes

Tell me if you’ve run across this situation before, perhaps even this summer: Be it at the beach or on the boardwalk, or at a cabin bonfire, the sun goes down and you find yourself in need of a lightweight sweatshirt. The kind that’s not too overwhelming, nor too flimsy. The kind that’s got some character and perhaps some miles on it. I know the one you’re thinking of. Or at least, the one you’ll soon have in your life: It’s the Todd Snyder Indigo Surf Terry Sweatshirt, and it’s one of the best sweatshirts for men throughout all sorts of summer breezes. Now, Todd Snyder can make pieces that are both rugged and refined, like the best men’s chinos or the coolest denim jacket for men, just as well as he can make laidback, breezy essentials like a perfectly crafted indigo sweatshirt. Think of this crewneck sweatshirt like the sweatshirt you didn’t know you needed until, well, you really, really did. The weather sneaks up on us all, even on a sunny day, and it’s also helpful to have an extra layer handy in your tote bag, your weekender or your backpack. It goes beyond that, though: This is a Todd Snyder crewneck sweatshirt we’re talking about, after all.

And when it comes to even the most seemingly straightforward items, like the humble denim jacket and beyond, Snyder excels at giving them just enough character and class to stand apart from the rest of the pack. Just when you thought you’d seen it all, I’d wager you haven’t seen the quality and care that’s gone into this Todd Snyder crewneck sweatshirt, the kind that’s been perfectly crafted to feel like you’ve had it for years, straight out of the box. The beauty of that is, you will indeed have this Peruvian cotton crewneck for plenty of seasons and summer adventures ahead.

SHOP: The Todd Snyder Indigo Surf Terry Sweatshirt

The Todd Snyder Indigo Terry Sweatshirt is built with a just-right blend of 98 percent cotton and 2 percent spandex, which gives this thing a crucial bit of stretch and comfort. And at 250 grams, this summer sweatshirt is lightweight enough to throw on over a T-shirt or even a grey Oxford shirt (watch out, some indigo transfer might occur!). The Todd Snyder Indigo Terry Sweatshirt naturally looks great alongside just about anything, especially casual style essentials like laidback chino or drawstring shorts (the Todd Snyder x Champion Collection has you covered there). It’s easygoing and yet pleasingly rugged, able to be worn underneath a waxed trucker jacket if it gets especially breezy. You surely didn’t expect anything less than the best from one of America’s top menswear designers, right? That’s what I thought. The raglan sleeves are also a worthwhile and classic touch.

Any way you choose to wear it, the Todd Snyder Indigo Terry Sweatshirt is going to pack up nicely, wear stylishly on the road and get even better as you rock it over the years (and yes, you’ll have this rugged crewneck sweatshirt for years). That makes it worth the higher price tag ($128 at Todd Snyder), but once the compliments start rolling in over a seemingly simple item, well, that’s when it starts to pay off. The same goes for every time you wear, too. Enjoy the summer with your new favorite sweatshirt in tow, my friends.

SHOP: The Todd Snyder Indigo Surf Terry Sweatshirt

The Friday Read: Sustainable Sweatpants, The Best Spring Chukka Boots & A New Spring Jacket

It’s certainly no secret that we’ve all been living a lot more in sweatpants and comfortable athleisure-focused gear across this past, what, year? That’s not likely to change right away this weekend, which is why I’ve got a pick I think you’ll certainly enjoy heading into two casual, laidback days coming up (and beyond that). I recently had the chance to catch up with PAPER PROJECT, an innovative line of essentials made with incredibly cool Japanese paper yarn. PAPER PROJECT just launched its All Day Clean Sweats Collection, a set of the best sweatpants for men (and sweatshirts, and sweatshorts) that’s going to upgrade your laidback, casual style quite quickly. The key with the All Day Clean Sweats Collection is the fact that the brand uses Bac-Pur antimicrobial finish technology to deliver odor-fighting protection, plus the sort of cool, neutral style you’ve come to expect from your sweatpants. If you ask me, they’re some of the best men’s sweatpants on the market (and they also offer basics like socks, plus women’s options, too!). I’d snag a pair heading into the weekend, but that’s not my only pick for you today.

No sir, we’ve got plenty to discuss elsewhere, including an excellent new collaboration between New Balance and famed indie record store Amoeba — I covered the New Balance x Amoeba Music x Shop Nice Kicks partnership, and you’d do well to give it a read (and to add a pair or two to your shopping cart, of course). I also covered some of the best new spring shorts for GearMoose (those would be the Relwen Hemp Supply Shorts from Huckberry), and you can read that feature here.

Part tailored jacket, part sweater, all versatility.

I’m also working on a feature on the best beers for spring for GearMoose, and that’s a passion that’s near and dear to my heart (if you subscribe to my music-menswear-craft beer newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief, you assuredly know this!) So, that’s all going to keep me busy (within reason!), this weekend. How about you? To follow along with my explorations throughout Brooklyn — which will likely include a stop by the upstate New York-inspired bar The Adirondack — you should follow me on Instagram. Alright — let’s get into the rest of the Friday Read, shall we? More shopping and reading picks await.

  • How’s this for the right way to start Friday, ehh? Step into the confines of a spring weekend with one of my top style picks of the moment, a pair of classic chukka boots to wear when you’re ready to step out of the All Day Clean Sweats, ehh? Of course, the brand on display here is FRYE, makers of some of the best chukka boots for men. ‘Tis the season to look great and choose the proper footwear, no doubt about it.
  • Allow me to provide you with another spring shopping picks, this time as promised in the headline. I’m giving you a quick deep dive into one of the best jackets for men of the moment, a style that’s a worth complement to your FRYE chukka boots. Of course, that would be the Alex Mill Work Jacket in Natural Indigo, a visually striking piece that’s made to be worn on the daily, with anything you feel like. How’s that for expert spring style, yes? Yes, indeed.
  • Alright, so there’s two shopping picks to get your weekend started nicely. How about a bit o’ reading to while away the day? Coming right up. I had the pleasure to dive into a very apt new spring beer, the Alvarado Street Brewing Wind Jammer IPA, over at GearMoose. Based on what I’ve heard about this beer, I’d be inclined to pick some up myself if given the chance. I’ll drink to fresh beer for a new season, and I think you should do the same.

That’ll wrap up today’s Friday Read. Are you feeling a little more ready for the weekend now? Be it the chance to pick up your new favorite sweatpants or the chance to sip on the Alvarado Street Brewing Wind Jammer IPA, I’d say you’re in fine shape heading into the weekend. But I’ve got one more read for you today, and that comes courtesy of this very blog. Go on and do yourself a favor by buying one of the most rugged spring jackets, courtesy of Filson. To be more specific :I covered the Filson Alcan Quilted Jacket just last week, and it’s quite the addition to your spring outerwear rotation, to say the least. Read all about it here and let me know what you think. In the meantime, have a great weekend, stay safe out there and let’s make it count!

#OOTD: How to Wear a Hooded Sweatshirt This Winter — The Best Way

If it seems like we’ve tried to cover a lot of ground in our #OOTD series this winter, well, that’s because … we have. From a guide on how to wear your new favorite sweater to today’s versatile-yet-rugged (and largely casual) set of winter style essentials, the stage is set for you to add another arrow to your quiver of menswear looks (yes, I went there). The best new men’s gear is here for you today, including an unexpected centerpiece: That of the surprisingly stylish hooded sweatshirt, and in fact … one of the best men’s hooded sweatshirts. No longer is the hooded sweatshirt to be relegated to wearing on those winter days when you can’t muster up the energy to leave the house — no sir, we’re wearing the perfectly rugged Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover just about anywhere you want. Heck, if you work in a casual, startup-type office environment, we’re wearing this look there, too (it looks a heck of a lot cooler than Zuckerberg’s hoodies, trust me). But mostly, we’re wearing the best hooded sweatshirt and other critical men’s gear picks anywhere you might wear a normal crewneck or V-neck sweatshirt — to brunch, to run errands, to grab coffee, to watch the ballgame … you name it, the Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover can probably take it on without missing a beat (aside from situations that definitely require a tie, that is). At any rate, your complete guide on wearing a hooded sweatshirt in style starts right here. Taking notes? Good, good.

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The best way to wear a hooded sweatshirt comes down to the right essentials.

No matter how casual this #OOTD might seem at first, it’s all about making the right choices in terms of your gear — hence, when it comes time to discuss how to wear a hooded sweatshirt, we’re starting with nothing but one of the best hooded sweatshirts around. Starting with a Flint and Tinder hoodie makes it all the easier to throw on the rest of your rugged gear picks, including (of course) a classic trucker jacket, also from Flint and Tinder. That one-two combo is accented quite nicely by both a pair of the best men’s chinos from Western Rise (for that casual office sort of versatility), plus one of the best men’s henleys (for when you need a stylish base layer). The overall effect is one that’s casual enough to hang with the guys, yet not sloppy enough that you’re confined to your couch — and only your couch. That’s where a pair of rugged chukka boots comes into play, helped along on the accessories front by a tough casual watch — the Luminox Modern Mariner, to be more specific. You’ve also got the right idea in mind in terms of hauling your EDC essentials with the Tanner Goods Simple Tote — it blends style and tough functionality with ease. To top it all off, the best men’s grooming essentials (by way of standout soap from Duke Cannon) are yet a final, fitting way to cap off this winter-ready ensemble. Where will it take you this season? Let me know on Twitter — until then, stay warm in style, and thanks for reading!

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt

More than just your average sweatshirt, that’s for sure.

We’ve all likely got that favorite weekend sweatshirt, the one that you reach for on cloudy, dreary, casual days — well, let’s shake things up a bit, because the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt is A) Your new seasonal favorite and B) One heck of an addition to your ever-growing list of men’s style essentials.  Inshort, it’s got everything you need in a casual sweater, with an added punch in terms of style points, easy wearability and cool design details. Sounds pretty great, right? Billy Reid is one of those American menswear designers with a point of view that’s distinct and premium, yet uniquely accessible — case in point, the Dover Sweatshirt.  Made in Canada from a cotton-poly blend in a classic crewneck sweatshirt design, this stylish weekend sweatshirt is a winner on all fronts … heck, it’s stylish enough to be worn to the office with slim five-pocket pants, suede Chelsea boots and a classic Oxford shirt for a nice mix of high and low styles. My personal favorite has to be the Natural color, but the Dover Sweatshirt is also available in a crisp Dark Midnight color. Really, it’s your call — you’re getting excellent versatility and style with the Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt. The only question, really, is how to style it.

SHOP: The Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt via Huckberry

Billy Reid

Neat leather patches set this thing apart from the pack.

Herringbone twill detailing and vintage-inspired leather elbow patches elevate the Dover Sweatshirt quite nicely. This is the type of sweatshirt that’s going to work with everything from perfectly faded jeans and suede chukka boots to slim corduroy pants and stylish brown leather brogues. When’s the last time you had a sweatshirt like that, ehh?  The results are absolutely what you’d expect from a lauded designer like Billy Reid, who prides himself on doing things in a way that’s different yet accessible. Take the small finishing touches, like piping details at the armhole — the  Dover Sweatshirt is made with craft and care top of mind. In short, you’re going to feel comfortable and look great, even if the only thing you can muster up is a visit to your local coffee shop. But preferably, you’re going to be dressed to take on the world  (even on a weekend!) with the Dover Sweatshirt — it’s that stylish and sharp. For your Style Guide author, it’s the perfect grab-and-go piece to layer over a classic white T-shirt. But feel free to make the Dover Sweatshirt your own — it can certainly handle style scenarios aplenty.

SHOP: The Billy Reid Dover Sweatshirt via Huckberry

See Now, Buy Now: Layer Up This Fall with the Outerknown Lowtide Hoodie

A stylish hooded sweatshirt? That’s what we’re talking today.

Is there such a thing as a stylish hooded sweatshirt? Absolutely — and the Outerknown Lowtide Hoodie might have just answered that question for you. Crucially, the Lowtide Hoodie is here just in time to combat early fall nights where it’s breezy but not cold enough for a heavy coat — you certainly need a layer like that when it comes to menswear essentials.  Just as with dressing for a bonfire or one last evening on the beach or at your lake — the best nights, by the way — seasonally appropriate style is still called for. And that means the Outerknown Lowtide Hoodie is a prime addition to our ongoing See Now, Buy Now series. What’s the biggest step in picking a stylish hooded sweatshirt? Well, Style Guide reader … there are two, actually. It starts, first and foremost, with picking the right fabric — the Lowtide Hoodie features a textured terry toweling cloth exterior and a brushed fleece interior. That means the Outerknown Lowtide Hoodie feels great to wear over  a classic men’s T-shirt while providing breathability and protection from a slight evening chill at the same time. The Lowtide Hoodie is a perfectly casual piece, featuring raglan sleeves for a flattering fit and mobility. The Olive colorway of this Outerknown hoodie also makes it easygoing and laidback, easy to style with slim light wash jeans or your favorite chino shorts.  It gets better, though.

Outerknown makes all of its gear — including the Lowtide Hoodie, of course — with that critical blend of sustainability and style in mind. And there’s a reason this tee is perfect for the last few outdoor evenings of the season — Outerknown is designed in part by legendary surfer Kelly Slater, a guy who knows a thing or two about the great outdoors. That also means the Lowtide Hoodie looks at ease atop a rugged henley around a bonfire — and it looks just as simply stylish when you wear it under a black denim jacket for watching Saturday kickoff with your buddies. See, a versatile, stylish hooded sweatshirt can be found — and the Lowtide Hoodie might be the best place to start.

That’s it for this week’s See Now, Buy Now entry — stay stylish!

-Beau