Tag / best style writing

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Paul Fredrick Deals, New Balance Sneakers and Labor Day Weekend

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.  

Can you believe it’s Friday? More importantly, can you believe it’s the Friday before Labor Day weekend? Where did the time go? For this style writer, a lot of this past month has been spent on the road — this particular week, that mean a long, relaxing (and fairly stylish) summer vacation to Florida, including some excellent time spent in the sun and sand. Plus, the trip was capped off by a standout AC/DC concert at the BB&T Center in Fort Lauderdale — I think my hearing is still recovering.  Seriously, though — what a band. You can read much more here, but know that it was worth the early, early flight back to New York the next morning (to say the least). Throughout this past month, it’s also been great to travel back to Michigan for a wedding weekend and a Grand Rapids trip (all the while focused on travel style). I’ve also been really thankful this summer to  check so many items off my to-do list, from an upstate trip to see Lucius, one of my favorite bands, to a standout weekend at Governors Ball and a heck of a Saturday at Panorama. The chance to travel so many neat places, spend so much time with great friends and check out so many cool sights and sounds is one I definitely don’t take for granted — and I hope it’s been a summer of checking things off your to-do list as well (with plenty of highlights, to boot!). But we’re not done yet —  with Labor Day coming up, there are still plenty of chances to dress in style; what else would you expect? And we’ve got a jam-packed next few weeks of content — you can look out for a Fall Style Wish List and neat features that run the gamut from what to wear during football season to more personal travel style posts. Are you ready? I sure am. Keep up with daily style tips and tricks on Instagram, and check out a bit more daily #menswear at The Style Guide Facebook page.

Need one last story to read?

  • If you need more Labor Day style essentials, check out the top picks I rounded up over at GearMoose — I think they’re some pretty stylish selections, if I do say so myself!
by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Raf Simons, Red Wing Heritage and Usain Bolt

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.  

This past week was all about reflection and appreciation for me — appreciation for a great weekend spent in Michigan, appreciation for the chance to head back to my home state again in just two weeks for my good friend Andy’s wedding, and appreciation for what’s so far been a great summer in NYC. I’ve had the chance to take in some excellent concerts by my favorite bands, I’ve had the chance to travel, and I’ve also had the chance to explore the Big Apple with amazing friends — seriously, put an NYC trip on your bucket list. With all that being said, it’s still tough to believe we’re already into August. But, that means one of the best times of the year for us #menswear fans isn’t too far off — we’re talking, of course, about fall, and all the great style transitions it brings with it. Looking too far ahead? Perhaps. For now, I’m looking forward to a relaxing, warm weekend in the city before I get ready to travel across the country in the next half of the month (a family visit to Florida and a work trip to Las Vegas are in order). If you’ve got your own summer travel still left on the horizon this weekend, accessorize with a stylish dopp kit or a functional weekender bag. And in the meantime, kick back and enjoy the Friday Read. To keep up with daily style inspiration from the blog, head over to Instagram.

  • Even if you’re not into fashion (that is, fashion with a capital “F,”) shockwaves went through the industry this week when it was announced that Raf Simons is the new creative director at Calvin Klein. The former creative director at Dior, this is his first foray into American fashion; ultimately, it could signal a new direction for the iconic American brand — and it likely means they’ll be back in a big way at next year’s New York Fashion Week: Men’s, among other fashion week happenings.
  • For those who like their athletic performance mixed in with some eye-catching style, check out FOURLAPS — named for the number of laps it takes to run a full mile, the folks at Valet recommend you look at this new athletic brand that’s mixing up the market.
  • Red Wing Heritage is back with a mighty interesting release, partner — the brand just launched its Pecos Collection, featuring two silhouettes inspired by the boots worn by Western ranchers all the way back in the 1930s. It’s a style that’s probably not for everyone, but if you’ve grown weary of your trusty suede chukka boots or even leather chukkas, you might consider grabbing a pair.
  • Long Read of the Week: It’s been a while since this entry made an appearance in the Friday Read, but its return is a fascinating one. The New Yorker looks into (with varying responses) how fast Usain Bolt would run the mile — yes, read on and ponder away.

What else is on your reading list? Make it one of these pieces, will ya?

  • There’s no better time than August to slip your feet into some stylish boat shoes before Labor Day — check out my list of the 10 best boat shoes for men over at GearMoose.
  • For rock-ready style that’s just as modern today as it was in 1970s, turn to the new Levi’s 505C — I had a blast covering the brand’s latest launch for The Manual, and know that these jeans (as seen on my Instagram) really are way comfortable.

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: How to Style A Blazer, American-Made Watches & 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.  

Although all weeks go by particularly fast around these parts, this past week was one for a bit (just a bit) of reflection amidst the hustle and bustle of NYC. I had the chance to catch up for some delicious patio brews and oysters with my good friend Clay Chambers of Brothers & Craft, who just returned from some momentous time abroad at menswear trade and runway shows in London, Paris and Milan (and in fact, you can catch more on Clay in a Style Guide Q&A).  We took the time to catch up, to chat menswear and to take some time out from the grind — we find ourselves in different places a lot, but always reconnect. It’ was a great reminder to slow down every so often and take life in stride (even if the scenery is a bustling New York sidewalk). That helped cap off a busy week indeed, and I’m even more excited to finish off the work week with a special night at Daryl’s House Club (just a quick train ride from NYC), seeing one of my favorite groups of all-time, Lucius.  Their music definitely reminds me to slow down and take things in, and even if it’s my second time seeing them, it should be just as special. I hope you get the chance to take some time, relax and enjoy the weekend — but not before checking out the Friday Read below (wink, wink).

  • The ever-stylish team at Valet offers up 4 tips on how to style a blazer this summer; some of those combinations are absolutely perfect, don’t you think? (Editor’s note: For more tips on how to rock a blazer, click here).
  • The equally style-minded team at Gear Patrol reports that American watch company Weiss will be launching the first watch featuring an American-made movement in a long time.
  • Non-Style Note of the Week: We  all love some Starbucks, right? Well, there’s a chance they could be underserving and overcharging you — a case is headed to court claiming that Starbucks is overcharging you for smaller lattes; not exactly a great value, ehh?

On the lookout for more style content?

  • The team at Taylor Stitch is back at it again with the seriously sturdy Transit Duffel — get all the details via my latest post at GearMoose.
  • Add another collection to your list of “must-do” shopping — the Canvas by Lands’ End line is packed with style essentials, as I found out in writing a brand profile for the great team at The Manual!

Lastly, thanks as always for reading, and enjoy the weekend,

-Beau

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Christmas Day, 100 Best Tracks of 2015 and The Year in Sneakers

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. 

First of all: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Thanks for sharing a bit of your day with The Style Guide – I appreciate it! What gear are you rocking today? Here’s one casual Christmas style suggestion, and one dressy Christmas style suggestion. And while we’re at it, did you get any items on your menswear wish list? I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what Santa has in store, and more importantly, I can’t wait to spend the day resting and relaxing with family here in sunny Florida (good thing I brought some stylish travel gear with me!). As always, let’s close out this week with a few good menswear reads. Look for another Style Pick of the Week here tomorrow, and then we’ll keep getting ready for 2016 with a New Year’s Eve style suggestion on Monday, followed by a full recap of my trip to Florida. Make it a great Christmas Day and stay stylish!

  • With the year drawing to a close, GQ.com covered the best sneakers of 2015 – did any of your favorites make this list?
  • Strong Italian tailoring isn’t for everyone, and it’s often very pricey – but if that’s your game, the New York Times says it’s worth putting the new Isaia store on your bucket list when you visit NYC.
  • Not to be forgotten in the menswear hubbub, Pitchfork’s editors ranked the 100 best tracks of 2015 – again, any favorites of yours on here? There are some stunners for sure, including “Eventually” by Tame Impala.

Before you unwrap the rest of your presents…

  • Splurge in a big way to start the new year with the incredibly well-designed and incredibly rare Shinola Ali Collection honoring the greatest fighter of all-time; I certainly added some items to my Wish List after covering the release for VOUCH Mag.
by Beau H.

The Friday Read: SPECTRE, Esquire Legends and Timberland

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.

As we get a bit closer toward the true start of fall here on The Style Guide, it seems to feel less and less like fall itself — at least in Manhattan and Brooklyn, temperature-wise. Is anybody else experiencing this same problem? I’m quite ready for sweater and jacket weather after a long (yet enjoyable) summer 0f T-shirts and blazers. On a personal front, it’s been quite busy during my day job planning an exceptionally exciting Fall 2015 campaign launch for Timberland — if you find yourself in NYC next Friday and fancy enjoying some free beer and whiskey, plus a concert, RSVP to the event here. In the meantime, you can expect your regularly scheduled programming. And of course — the weekly Friday Read as detailed below. Enjoy!

  • Popular fan site James Bond Lifestyle (yes, that’s a thing), shares all the details you’d ever need to know regarding the incredible Crockett & Jones footwear in SPECTRE — and man, are those shoes stunning.
  • In the event you’re a fan of a different color of boot on your feet, the always on-point crew at Dappered shows you how to pair brown dress shoes and grey pants.
  • And did you catch this yet? To celebrate its 1,000th issue (whoa!), Esquire revealed its list of legendary men (and 1 woman), whom the publication is calling Esquire Legends – it’s very, very neat stuff across a spectrum of personalities.
  • Long Read of the Week: This piece is absolutely more style-oriented than other articles that have held down this spot in the past, but it’s no less worth a read; it’s part history lesson, part style exploration examining an incredible timepiece via the folks at Gear Patrol.

Still feel the need  to read some more menswear content this weekend?

  • Familiarize yourself with the absurdly beautiful and incredibly well-crafted American Highway Collection (featuring gear from four great American brands) via my latest VOUCH Mag story.
  • Put a few new items in your shopping cart for fall — domestically focused American Trench crafts all its socks (and outerwear) from excellent materials, as I also learned this week for my newest GearHungry post — definitely a brand worth supporting.

Lastly, thanks again to each of you for reading this site, and for participating in initiatives like this past week’s Reader Giveaway — it’s very much appreciated!

Stay stylish,

-Beau