The Friday Read: Dining at Reyna New York & The Best Menswear for Your Weekend

Reyna New York City review

My friends, thanks for joining me here at The Style Guide this fine spring Friday. It’s been quite the bustling first full week of spring here in the Big Apple, as you very well might know if you follow me on Instagram, and I had the chance to switch things up just a bit.

Yes, I attended a press preview with excellent active recovery footwear brand OOFOS, and I caught up with some PR industry friends at the buzzy ’70s-style cocktail bar The Flower Shop, but there was one highlight of my week in particular that stood out as a bit different from the ordinary (an understatement).

I don’t consider myself a major gourmand by any stretch of the imagination, but I know what I love — a mix of hearty and refreshing dishes that put a new spin on the classics, and I found that in spades when I dined at NYC’s newest hotspot, Reyna New York (courtesy of Purple PR). I’m grateful I get to experience plenty of the best on offer in NYC and elsewhere, broadening my horizons (and my palate!) all the while through my freelance writing pursuits.

The Mediterranean tapas and cocktail bar is much-loved in Toronto, and I soon suspect NYC will join that list. We chatted all things spirits and menswear, of course, but the star of the evening was the meal itself. I’ll keep it brief right from the jump: Add it to your list the next time you visit The City That Never Sleeps.

Reyna NYC review

I especially appreciate a spot that makes rethink what I thought I knew about certain styles of cuisine, like the Mediterranean fusion emphasized throughout the menu at Reyna (which opened formally last fall). There’s a luxe feel to the space, communicated nicely through warm lighting, colorful banquettes and a detailed cocktail menu that doubles as an illustration book for each offering.

And the menu itself, from the Lebanese Tacos to a wonderful Paella dish (share it among friends!), is full of something for everyone. Take it from me: Get the Mezcal Smokeshow if you want to step into the world of Mezcal, and be prepared for a delightful array of small plates. Again, take it from: Reyna New York is a must-go on your next visit to the city. So, that’s but one recommendation to start your weekend.

Of course, I’ll leave you with a menswear recommendation you can find more close at hand (in your wardrobe soon enough, if you order today!). If you keep up with the blog — and I’m certainly hoping you do! — you might have seen this one coming, but as spring rolls into town, there’s perhaps not a better brand to shop than Taylor Stitch.

It’s a simple enough recommendation, to be sure, but whether you seek the classic Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt or a super-soft, lightweight and breezy polo, the Taylor Stitch New Arrivals section will certainly outfit you handsomely — especially if you have spring or summer plans to visit New York City and dine at Reyna! In the meantime, let’s gear up for spring the best way possible: With a gear refresh and a few fun plans on the horizon. Cheers and thanks for reading, my friends!

The Friday Read: Taylor Stitch Spring Essentials, The Best Merino Shoes & Spring’s Best Chore Coats

Best men's trucker jacket for spring.

Folks, thanks for swinging by The Style Guide here on this fine spring Friday. Last week, I was in Atlantic City seeing The Killers, but this week, it’s been all New York, all the time. Perhaps you’ve been keeping up with the fun on my Instagram, but it’s been an action-packed week featuring events with the likes of American Crew grooming in Brooklyn — a special VIP evening featuring hair styling sessions at the Crown Club at Barclays Center — not to mention some sports-related fun via Michigan State’s appearance in the NCAA Tournament in NYC. Talk about an ideal way to see your alma mater play!

Beyond that, I’ve been busy prepping for spring and testing plenty of new gear, from the best men’s Chelsea boots to one of the best popover sweaters for spring. With all that in mind, I hope you’ll find the rest of today’s Friday Read to your liking, including my recommendation here for the best new spring menswear from Taylor Stitch.

The new lineup at the famed San Francisco retailer includes the Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket as seen above, a personal favorite of mine that should fit nicely into your wardrobe of spring menswear essentials. And if you’re still in search of other spring menswear picks, then a few of my choice reads below should be of assistance. Happy shopping and happy spring, my friends!

  • If you’ve been keeping up with this style blog, or else shopping the fine menswear at Huckberry, perhaps you recognize the above stylish men’s jacket. It’s one of my top picks for spring, assuredly, and that’s why I was pleased to include it in my latest Maxim guide on the best chore coats for the season ahead. Give it a look, and shop it right now at Huckberry in the meantime.
  • Speaking of spring style essentials, here’s one you might not have heard of, or considered: The best merino shoes for men. Merino wool is lightweight and warm yet breathable, naturally moisture-wicking and anti-microbial, and found in plenty of the best merino menswear. But what about merino shoes? Yes indeed, that’s where my guide to the best merino shoes comes into play, as I wrote about this month over at AskMen.
  • I’ll leave you with one last stylish spring menswear selection, one right from the very pages of this blog. The Taylor Stitch Jacquard Polo is a textured, visually appealing piece to shake up your casual style rotation, and you can read all about it right here, right now. Happy shopping, once again.

That’s all I’ve got for your Friday Read today, but I’d wager you’ve got more than enough to keep you occupied, from shopping the best new spring menswear from Taylor Stitch to hitting up your favorite brewery for a fresh spring beer this weekend. As always, be on the lookout for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, and we’ll see you then. Cheers!

The List: Shop for the Best New Spring Style Essentials from Aether Apparel

Aether Apparel menswear

The right blend of style and functionality for spring from Aether Apparel.

If you’ve been searching for a brand that brings the heat and some of the best summer style essentials, all at once, so to speak, when it comes to spring style essentials, today’s edition of The List is for you. We like to cover the best new gear across all sorts of brands here at The Style Guide, and this certainly won’t be the last time you hear about L.A.-based Aether Apparel.

Founded more than a decade ago to help bridge the gap between stylish urban exploration gear and off-trail, adventure-minded functionality, the new Aether Apparel spring collection features, well, all the best new spring menswear you could hope to find.

Heck, they’ve even launched the Aether Apparel #WFH Collection in recent months, and they’re also well-known for road-ready picks like the rugged and incredible Aether Apparel Moto Boots. Here are some of my favorite picks below, from footwear to outerwear and beyond. These are investment-level pieces, but assuredly worth it. Last but not least: To see how I’m getting ready for the season, give me a follow on Instagram.

The Best New Spring Menswear from Aether Apparel

Aether Apparel Sector Jacket — $250

Aether Apparel Sector Jacket

A casual, cool jacket from Aether Apparel for blustery spring days.

If I had to guess one category that’s top of mind right now, it’d have to be the best men’s jackets for spring. Right? Right. This jacket, featuring raglan sleeves for ease of movement — plus a garment-dyed stretch cotton twill fabric — is the perfect casual spring jacket.

Aether Apparel Dalton Sneakers — $325

Aether Apparel Dalton Sneakers

Some of the coolest high-top sneakers on the market for spring.

These premium high-top sneakers are a favorite of the brand’s loyal fans, and you’re going to love ’em, too. After all, they’re a pair of durable Italian leather high-tops made with maximum shock absorption and expert spring style in mind. That makes ’em worth the price.

Aether Apparel Seward Button-Down Shirt — $275

Aether Apparel men's shirts

The kind of flannel shirt you can wear on chilly spring days and nights without missing a beat.

That might seem like an eye-popping price for a shirt, but this modern men’s button-down shirt features 100 percent Italian wool construction, made to regulate your temperature and keep you warm on blustery spring days. Wear it atop a classic tee on a weekend morning.

Aether Apparel Moto Boots — $595

Aether Apparel Moto Boots

A stunning pair of rugged leather moto boots to wear all the time this spring.

Aether Apparel made a bold leap into the footwear realm with the seriously cool and incredibly designed Aether Apparel Moto Boots, and they’d make a perfect spring footwear option for road trips or excursions when you need something sturdier than the Aether Apparel Dalton Sneakers.

Aether Apparel Vector Pants — $250

Aether Apparel Vector Pants

The perfect pair of work and travel pants for spring, no doubt about it.

Now that you’ve got your Aether Apparel Moto Boots for tooling around this spring, how about adding a pair of tailored technical pants to the mix for even more versatility and comfort? These Aether Apparel men’s pants are made from garment-dyed stretch cotton twill and reinforced at the knee for travel-friendly performance and durability.

Aether Apparel Long-Sleeve Raglan Henley — $85

Best henleys for men

Your new go-to henley for spring.

It wouldn’t be a guide to the best spring menswear at Aether Apparel without including a cotton henley in a classic raglan-sleeve cut, right? Consider this one of the best henleys for men (and one of the best base layers out there) for relaxed spring days aplenty.

Aether Apparel Dolomite Boots — $400

Aether Apparel Dolomite Boots

Wear these boots with a henley and durable work pants for all sorts of spring adventures.

Let’s talk about another pair of much-loved, covetable men’s boots (probably some of the best hiking boots for men out there) from Aether Apparel, shall we? The expertly crafted Aether Apparel Dolomite Boots are the perfect boots to carry you from winter into early spring, made with day hikes and crosstown strolls in mind.

Aether Apparel Camber Jacket — $550

Aether Apparel men's jackets

A tough waxed jacket to keep you warm during blustery spring rain storms.

In my book, it’s always wise to take a look at Aether Apparel new arrivals, particularly when it comes to the best spring outerwear, ehh? Enter the water and wind-resistant, well-made Aether Apparel Camber Jacket for spring projects and spring hikes in equal measure.

Aether Apparel Scout Sunglasses — $600

Aether Apparel SALT Sunglasses

An iconic silhouette made with eye-catching and high-quality materials.

Yes indeed, that’s an eye-popping price for a pair of men’s sunglasses. But you shouldn’t be surprised to find that even in the accessories realm, Aether Apparel has gone above and beyond. That means these shades feature a beta-titanium frame and unbreakable temples, perfect for the open road, the trail or the town.

Aether Apparel Relay Track Pants — $195

Aether Apparel #WFH Collection

Comfortable, functional, stylish sweatpants for men from Aether Apparel.

I called out the Aether Apparel #WFH Collection specifically at the start of this post, so it’s to that collection we’ll return as we take a look at some of the best men’s sweatpants to wear at home or even around town this season. Note the stylish side stripe and the fact that these are as ready for a coffee run as they are for a workout.

Aether Apparel Pique Pocket Tee — $65

Aether Apparel review

One of the best-made T-shirts for guys on the market.

Let’s keep the casual yet incredibly well-made vibes rolling here with Aether Apparel menswear, shall we? Made from soft pique fabric, this is one of the best T-shirts for men.

Aether Apparel Clarke Shorts — $195

Aether Apparel Clarke Shorts

Adventure-minded shorts that blend technical specs and stylish looks.

Because it’s going to warm up eventually, how about you spring for a pair of the best men’s shorts for the season, the kind you can wear on casual days on your porch or around the bonfire (or to that first early spring cabin getaway) without missing a beat. The garment-washed stretch cotton fabric is comfortable and ready for anything.

Aether Apparel Laptop Case — $75

A durable laptop case for your EDC.

Last but not least: Want to add some everyday carry essentials to your rotation without spending an arm and a leg? Better yet, want to protect your laptop on road trips and your daily commute — in style? This technical laptop case is the way to go.

Taft Boots

With a brand like Aether Apparel and the robust and well-rounded Aether Apparel spring collection, it’s tough to single out just one must-have piece of gear, is it not? If you need something to add to your everyday carry essentials, they’ve got you covered. If you need an heirloom-worthy pair of Aether Apparel Moto Boots, they’ve got you covered.

And if you need a pair of the best sunglasses for men or something as simple as one of the best T-shirts for men, they’ve also got you covered. It’s pretty remarkable, the brand is very much worth your time and they’re absolutely worth the investment. How about it now, ehh? Let’s get ready for spring in style.

The List: It’s Time You Bought Some of The Best New Spring Menswear

The perfect spring polo? It very well could be.

As the headline would imply, folks, the time has come to shop the best new menswear for spring — if you haven’t been already, that is. That, of course, includes the Proof 72-Hour Merino Polo as shown above. After all, it’s high time you shed some of those extra layers and reached for easygoing pieces that can stand on their own, although we’re all spending much more time at home than out on the road. Rest assured, these picks work in either situation. And in the rest of this roundup of the best spring gear, you’ll find must-haves like the best leather dress shoes and a tough everyday watch. We’re just getting started, though. Check out the latest edition of The List, then let me know what you’ll be buying on Twitter.

Proof 72-Hour Merino Polo — $88

Just one of the colors available for this stylish polo.

As previously seen on the blog, this stylish merino polo is the perfect spring layer, fit to be rocked on its own in particular — or else worn underneath a stylish suede jacket on a breezy spring day. And the jacket in question …

Todd Snyder Dylan Suede Jacket — $995

An ideal suede jacket for spring.

Yes indeed, my friends — here’s the stylish suede jacket  mentioned above. Ever so slightly dressy, seriously well-made, uniquely crafted to be worn on the weekend or out on a weeknight date — the Todd Snyder Dylan Suede Jacket is simply perfect.

HELM Boots Bradley Brown Leather Dress Shoes — $285 

Rugged-yet-versatile leather dress shoes to wear all spring.

Here are some of the best leather dress shoes we mentioned we’d be covering earlier, and of course, they’re from HELM Boots. For wearing with, say, the Todd Snyder Dylan Suede Jacket,  you can find no finer pair. And as always with HELM Boots, you can get $50 off your first pair, plus free shipping, when you click on through.

Buck Mason Slub Twill Officer Pants — $135

The best everyday spring pants.

What goes perfectly with each of the picks above (including the Todd Snyder Dylan Suede Jacket and your stylish leather dress shoes)? Why, slim twill pants from Buck Mason, crafted with care out of some of the finest fabric around. They’re your new favorite spring pants.

Timex Navi XL Watch — $155

A tough watch to wear on the daily with just about anything.

As previously mentioned, a tough everyday watch is a must-have for spring, and it helps when the Timex Navi XL is made with the kind of functionality you need. Subtly stylish yet rugged, this is the perfect vintage-style watch — at an affordable price, too.

Hansen Laust Jacket — $320

A classic workwear jacket for spring style.

Let’s talk once more about an essential everyday spring jacket, shall we? This French workwear jacket from Hansen is actually an update of a classic style, and it’s exceptionally ready to layer with the Proof 72-Hour Merino Polo.

Mott and Bow Slim Kent Oxford Shirt — $79

A classic Oxford shirt to wear with your favorite denim.

As always seems to be the case on the blog, Mott and Bow continues to come through with basics that go beyond just some of the best men’s jeans. In this case, we’re talking about a slim Oxford shirt to wear with your favorite pair of faded blue denim this spring (perhaps alongside a French workwear jacket).

Tivoli Audio Music System Home — $749

The best way to upgrade your home listening.

Let’s break things up from menswear for just a bit, shall we? If you’re a music fan, like me, perhaps you’ve been looking for the perfect home speaker — and one that’s stylish, at that. The Tivoli Audio Music System Home is perfectly ready for to upgrade your home audio experience.

Stutterheim Stockholm Raincoat — $295

Easy to layer and ready for spring rain.

Available via Bespoke Post, this fisherman’s coat is the perfect spring jacket — that goes for the city dweller or the outdoor explorer in equal measure, thanks to its mobile cut and classic navy color. Stutterheim can do no wrong when it comes to the best spring outerwear.

Rains Large Travel Backpack — $225

A no-nonsense travel bag for all your seasonal adventures.

This sleek, durable travel bag is in short supply, so if it catches your eye, be sure to hop on it. It could just be the perfect spring travel bag, what with its versatile design and slick black colorway.

Santa Rosa Tahoma Moccasins — $280

Tough leather chukka boots that work extremely well for spring.

Hey, who said you had to stow away your rugged leather boots, right? In fact, these durable leather moc boots are the perfect hybrid style, and they’re imminently wearable with your new favorite spring pants.

Grayers Arden Linen Shirt — $98

A breezy linen shirt for standout spring style.

Stop by to have a look at the new Grayers spring collection, and get ready to be amazed at some of the best men’s shirting for spring — including the breezy Grayers Arden Linen Shirt.

Faherty Brand Cooper Shirt Jacket — $198

As durable and rugged a spring layer as it gets.

Are you sensing a trend here? That of lightweight layers for spring that get the job done? That’s where the Faherty Brand Cooper Shirt Jacket enters the equation, at least. Wear it over your favorite tee or a rugged henley for easygoing spring style.

Cattamara Teton Double Wallet — $195

A unique everyday wallet to amp up your daily carry.

You’ve got your stylish everyday wallet, and then, you’ve got something even beyond that — the Cattamara Teton Double Wallet, a USA-made leather wallet that adds a serious punch of personality to your everyday carry.

Taylor Stitch Mechanic Shirt — $125

The tough shirt to wear on its own or atop a tee.

We’ve talked plenty about rugged everyday shirting and the like in today’s post and beyond, so it’s only fitting that we’re featuring the Taylor Stitch Mechanic Shirt. Both a rugged outer layer on breezy days, and a fine shirt to wear on its own, it could  be the best shirt to buy this spring.

Olivers Convoy Henley — $108

The best men’s henley? Perhaps, yes indeed.

There will come a time this spring when it’s too breezy to wear just a T-shirt, but not quite cold enough to throw on a heavier jacket — for all those times (and plenty more), wear one of the best men’s henleys. We’re talking, of course, about the Olivers Convoy Henley, part of the new Olivers spring collection and made with excellent, breathable fabric.

We’ve covered a lot of ground, and a lot of gear today — from the perfect home speaker  to one of the best men’s henleys, and right on through to the excellent Proof 72-Hour Merino Polo. What’s your take on all this gear, and what’s going onto your shopping list? Let me know on Twitter. Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

2017 Spring Style Wish List

If it feels weird to be talking about spring — and this site’s Spring Style Wish List particularly — you’re not alone.  It seems not too long ago we were talking about the best men’s winter boots and stylish winter accessories — now, it’s not quite time to shelve those pieces yet, but let’s at least look to the season ahead. What do you say? Spring style can be quite an enjoyable time in the #menswear world — you still get to incorporate classic pieces, like a slim chambray shirt and classic leather chukka boots, and yet you get to do so with layered looks and tough spring outerwear. It’s not quite close (at all) to beach weather — and that means you don’t have to dress for summer heat  quite yet.  And of course, that pesky snow is melting away slowly but surely — break out that spring gear, folks! So, it’s a great time all around. I’d say you’ll certainly recognize some of the brands — and perhaps the pieces themselves — in the below wish list. What’s on your wish list? Weigh in via The Style Guide Facebook page, and follow along via Instagram to see how I style some of these picks. Cheers and happy shopping!

Beckett Simonon

#1. Abercrombie & Fitch Bonded Mac Jacket — $99

Your new favorite spring jacket -- perfect for rainy, breezy days & plenty of time in between.

Your new favorite spring jacket — perfect for rainy, breezy days & plenty of time in between.

 

Yes indeed, we’re starting things off with an excellent, classic and sharp jacket from the newly revamped Abercrombie & Fitch. The brand excels at creating modern updates to timeless, tried-and-true styles — we have former Club Monaco designer Aaron Levine to thank for that. And this cotton mac jacket is the perfect spring color and style; it’s fit for slipping on over a navy blazer or teaming with something as simple as a merino henley & light wash denim.  A&F certainly has plenty Wish List-worthy pieces — stick with us for more…

#2. Abercrombie & Fitch Garment-Dyed Oxford — $39

af-garment-dyed-oxford

Just when you thought A&F couldn’t get any better — they did. Right? Right.

Lest you thought we were done with picks from Abercrombie & Fitch, think again. Like the Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt — an ideal winter layering piece — this simple-yet-stylish Garment-Dyed Oxford could be your new favorite spring shirt.  There’s nothing too fancy about it; it’s just a crisp silhouette with vintage-inspired detailing via the washed fabric, plus neat design touches in the way of the button chest pocket. Team this with sharp leather sneakers and stone chinos for easygoing seasonal style.

#3. Taylor Stitch Merino Henley — $98

Taylor Stitch

Potentially your new favorite spring layer, courtesy of Taylor Stitch.

If you didn’t know already, we here at The Style Guide are HUGE fans of Taylor Stitch. But who isn’t, right? The brand makes essential pieces for every season, and something as simple and yet well-made as the Taylor Stitch Merino Henley is a pretty easy choice when it comes to spring layering thanks to its breathable, comfortable fabric and great fit. Wear it on its own or wear it under a waxed trucker jacket for tough, effective style when it’s breezy out. Heck, wear this crisp Merino Henley under the  Abercrombie & Fitch Bonded Mac Jacket  as you dash out for a weekend coffee in the rain.

#4. Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand Watch — $174.98

Jack Mason

A handsome, substantial watch made for plenty of spring style situations.

Texas-based Jack Mason does an outstanding job when it comes to translating rugged, masculine and stylish inspiration into unique timepieces. Take the strong, sturdy Aviator 3-Hand Watch Featuring a handsome brown leather strap and a unique gold case-black dial combo, it’s the ideal casual spring watch. With a substantial — but not overly large — 42mm case and handy features like Super Luminova markings and an aviation-inspired dial design, it’ll definitely be one of the more unique timepieces in your watch collection.

#5. Life/After/Denim Classic 5-Pocket Pant in White — $148

Don’t be afraid of 5-pocket pants, especially in white — style them with a chambray shirt and suede chukkas.

Seeing as they make such high-quality, coveted goods, it should come as no shock that Life/After/Denim menswear sells out in a hurry. The Classic 5-Pocket Pant in White is one such popular offering, and it’s easy to see why. White 5-pocket pants are a great way to break out of a dark denim rut in the warmer months, and the 5-pocket cut here should be tailored, trim and easily wearable with everything from an indigo pocket tee and suede Chelsea boots to stylish leather dress shoes — trust me.

Honorable Mention: Brooks Heritage Renshaw Sneakers — $89.99

A new classic, based on … well …. an old classic.

It’s always mighty tough to narrow down any Style Wish List to five picks, and these retro-inspired, unique Brooks Heritage sneakers just missed the cut. They still get the nod here for an honorable mention though, as these kicks are a new offering from a brand that’s perfecting the right balance between vintage style inspiration and modern wearability. I’ve worn Brooks Heritage sneakers on a summer trip to Las Vegas and a winter trip to Florida, and I’m excited to break out this pair in the warmer months ahead.
Frank & Oak

Alright, folks — who’s primed for spring style? Ideally, the above Wish List picks will get you thinking and planning all sorts of #OOTD looks in the weeks and months ahead. Updated takes on modern classics — like the Abercrombie & Fitch Bonded Mac Jacket and the Garment-Dyed Oxford  are fresh, quick ways to upgrade your style, and you shouldn’t forget about the layering potential and functionality of an excellent base layer like the Taylor Stitch Merino Henley. Lest we forget about your accessories game, don’t sleep on the toughness, affordability and handsome style of the Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand Watch or the easygoing spring vibes of a crisp pair of tailored 5-pocket pants from Life/After/Denim. OK, all set with those notes? Shopping cart full? Good deal!

Good lookin’ out and stay stylish,

-Beau