The Friday Read: Taylor Stitch Discounts, The Best Winter Whiskies & The Best Men’s Turtlenecks

Best Taylor Stitch menswear

Welcome, my friends, to a very special holiday weekend edition of The Friday Read, where I do my best to get you geared up for the days ahead in style. And although I’d hope you’ve got your Christmas shopping already wrapped up, allow me to point you in the direction of some additional shopping on your list: The Taylor Stitch End of Year Sale is here, with the chance to take up to 30 percent off some of the best winter menswear at your favorite retailer.

The San Francisco brand is, of course, a longtime top brand of mine here on the blog, with a knack for producing rugged gear by way of the Taylor Stitch Moto Collection and even better everyday essentials for any guy’s wardrobe. That’s what makes the excellent Taylor Stitch End of Year Sale such a treat, but shop carefully: It only runs through January 1st, but there’s a bonus beyond that.

Yes indeed, when you shop the Taylor Stitch End of Year Sale, you also get $20 in site credit on orders of more than $100. How’s that for a two-for-one deal? Hop on over to the Taylor Stitch End of Year Sale while you still can, and peruse the rest of today’s key style tips below. And as you’ve seen on my Instagram: Merry Christmas from Florida!

  • My friends, Mr. McQueen is in the building. That’s because, in my humble opinion, the turtleneck is back in a big way — and just in time for stylish winter dressing, no doubt. And here’s where your humble Brooklyn style writer comes into play: I wrote about the best men’s turtlenecks for winter over at Men’s Journal. Time to really start dressin’ this season, folks.
  • If you follow me on Instagram or keep up with my other freelance writing pursuits, then you’ll know I also write about some of the best whiskey on the market. With that in mind, here’s a fun one – I wrote about the best winter whiskey over at Maxim, with a special focus on whiskey I’ve tried as of late (excluding Pappy Van Winkle, sadly). Cheers to the season, folks!
  • In case you missed it here on the blog earlier this week, allow me to jog your memory with my guide to some of the best new Chelsea boots on the market. In fact, head over here to read about the HELM Finn Chelsea Boots, a super-comfortable, rugged-yet-refined pair of men’s leather boots that I’ve been wearing back in Brooklyn as of late. They’re exceptionally stylish and dependable out of the box, with no break-in period, and I can’t recommend ’em enough. Go to it, my friends.

It’s a particularly special winter Friday heading into what should be a lovely weekend (in Florida and elsewhere!), so here’s hoping you get the chance to kick back, enjoy a cold craft beer or some of the best winter whiskey, and spend time with loved ones. If these style tips help you along the way, that’s all the better. Fret not, though: You’ll still be getting two blog posts this weekend from yours truly, so bookmark ’em until Monday.

On that note: Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and as ever, THANK YOU for reading The Style Guide!

The Friday Read: Off to The Great West With Wyoming Whiskey

Wyoming Whiskey 10th Anniversary

Folks, thanks for joining me on another fine Friday as we roll into the first weekend of the holiday season and the first weekend of December. I’m rolling into ot with a dram of whiskey in hand, of course, but it’s not just any selection from my bar cart. This weekend, I’m visiting the stunning beauty of Wyoming with the one and only Wyoming Whiskey — what a locale and what a trip so far!

I’m here as part of the many freelance writing pursuits I undertake these days, specifically writing about spirits for Maxim, just one of a few trips I’ve undertaken as of late — if you follow me on Instagram, you know I just wrapped up a Caribbean and Florida Thanksgiving vacation, but this jaunt is particularly special.

It’s a special trip out to Jackson Hole and Wyoming ranch country to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Wyoming Whiskey, a distillery with rugged roots and a focus on all-American craftsmanship (not unlike so many of your favorite brands I talk about here at The Style Guide, naturally). While I can’t bring you all with me out to Wyoming, you can indeed order Wyoming Whiskey for yourself at Drizly to get it delivered to your door in the meantime. How about that, my friends?

Best American whiskey to drink now

Stay tuned for more at Maxim on my trip — and stay tuned for regular blog content this weekend, including tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week — but just know that the significance of these trips isn’t lost on me. I’m always ever so grateful to travel the world, to write about new and exciting menswear, whiskey and luxury brands, and to meet seriously cool, talented people all along the way. To me, that’s worth toasting today (and every day). Thank you for being here and for reading! And cheers to Wyoming Whiskey, of course. Have a great weekend, my friends!

The Friday Read: The Weekend’s Best Shopping Deals, Winter Style & New HIRSCH Whiskey

If you ask me, it seems the menswear calendar has been moving at an ever-faster clip as of late, be it a seemingly earlier-than-usual start to holiday shopping deals or a quicker-than-normal jump to the best Black Friday deals — right after Halloween, in fact. You might recognize that lineup above, filled with some of the best men’s boots, and it’s worth keeping just about every sort of deal in mind heading into Black Friday (even though, for the record, Black Friday doesn’t hit until next week!).

So, take this as a recommendation to start your weekend: My friends at Huckberry are offering some of the best early menswear deals on more gear than you can shake a stick at, so shop accordingly while you plan for the calm before the storm. With that in mind, I’m offering a few more quick pre-Black Friday shopping picks below. And then, well, I’m off to enjoy some rest and relaxation in the Caribbean sun.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’ve been on a family vacation to Turks and Caicos since earlier this month, and I’ve got a trip to Florida to follow shortly thereafter. Of course, that won’t stop me from buying the best menswear for fall and winter right now, and it shouldn’t stop you either, my friends. Here’s to holiday shopping early and often, folks.

Best leather boots for men
  • If you keep up with the blog on the regular, I’m willing to bet you’re no stranger to the first entry on my list of recommended weekend shopping picks. Yes indeed, it’s high time you laced up a pair of the best men’s boots from the fine folks at Austin-based HELM Boots, and there’s no time quite like the present to find the rugged pair of leather boots that’s right for you (as I mentioned at the start of this post, after all). Start your search with my thoughts on the HELM Zind Boots, some of the best boots for guys to lace up now.
  • Before you can shop online for the best menswear deals, a bit of refreshment is in order, yes? That’s where my latest whiskey feature comes into play. Over at Maxim, I wrote about (and tasted!) one of the best new whiskies on the market, the new HIRSCH Whiskey Cask Strength Cognac Finish — in fact, I visited the 2022 Kentucky Derby and tried this very bourbon that same weekend back in May. Think of it like a luxe bar cart upgrade to enjoy and savor this winter.
  • Speaking of stylish early holiday deals, here’s another choice pick. Now, not to worry — I’ll have a full guide to the best deals for Black Friday early next week. In the meantime though, head over to the Huckberry Gift Guide and shop the best under-$75 gifts for everyone on your list, be it the rugged man, the whiskey enthusiast or the seasoned style vet.

Faherty

That trio of style picks brings today’s Friday Read to a close. Whether you’ve got your eye on the best under-$75 gifts or perhaps one of the best new whiskies or even a rugged pair of leather boots, I’m willing to bet your seasonal shopping is off to a good start (I hope!) if you follow a few of the tips above. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Saturday Style Pick. In the meantime, cheers and thanks for reading! 

The Friday Read: New Florsheim Boots, The Perfect Weekend Snack & The Best Fall Whiskey

Florsheim Lodge Boots

Two picks from the Florsheim Lodge Collection, both more than ready for fall style right now.

Folks, it’s high time we stepped right into another weekend, is it not? In fact, you could certainly do worse than to step into said weekend with the rugged-yet-refined Florsheim Lodge Boots, a prime pick I’ve enjoyed testing out on my walks through Prospect Park and to a few choice sidewalk bars alike in Brooklyn. If you want affordable men’s boots for fall, you should go with Florsheim — crucially, you can use the code LNK10 to get 10 percent off right now, an ideal fall weekend jumpstart. And a heads-up: I’ll be partnering with the brand later this year on some exciting Instagram content, so keep your eyes peeled. Now, to the rest of business in today’s Friday Read. After you!

HELM Boots

In fact, speaking of other crucial boots to buy for fall, did you check out last week’s post on the ever-stylish HELM Boots Zind Boots? They’re another pair of rugged boots for the season I’ve had my eye on. Speaking of all the rugged gear for these days ahead, you can get plenty more of that via my newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief. I publish that newsletter on Tuesday and Saturday — so, tomorrow! — and I theme it around a favorite indie rock track, seasonal gear, craft beer and more. It makes much more sense if you read and subscribe, trust me.  As for the rest of today’s post, I’ve got just a few reads to get your weekend going. Happy shopping, happy sipping — stay safe and take care!

Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The best bourbon for your fall weekend? Quite possibly.

  • Speaking of happy sipping, I know what I’ll be enjoying on this fine Friday night. I’m going to break into some Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, as fine a whiskey for cocktails or enjoying on the rocks as it gets. Of course, if you read the blog, you know I’m all about keeping things efficient, so I’d say you should get one of the best affordable bourbons delivered to your door via alcohol delivery service Drizly, as I have so often done in recent months. If you pick some up, do let me know on Twitter. Cheers!
  • Let’s change pace just a bit here. While your Florsheim Lodge Boots are pretty ideal to wear as you head to a (modified) cocktail bar or enjoy some bourbon, there’s a pair of technical footwear I can’t help but recommend this season, and that’s the KEEN Footwear Howser Slides, a sort of slipper-hiking shoe hybrid that are ridiculously comfortable to wear on city walks or quick trips outside to stock up on more coffee (I should know, as I’ve been trying ’em out as of late!). Thanks to the brand for sending, and again, let me know on Twitter if you decide to give them a go.
  • Here’s one more recommendation from the bevy of picks I’ve been testing. Now, is bourbon and beef jerky an unlikely pairing? Perhaps, but not if you’ve got some premium, gourmet and seriously delicious Chef’s Cut Real Jerky on hand. It’s closer to steak than any other beef jerky out there, and that’s no exaggeration. Consider this an endorsement to add some to your fall weekend pantry rotation, because it could be the perfect weekend snack (especially alongside some college football). My top pick is Chef’s Cut Biltong Jerky, as it were.

HELM Boots

Who’s ready to stock up on new whiskey and some premium beef jerky for the weekend? Throw on your Florsheim Lodge Boots and I’d say you’ve just about covered off on your fall to-do list (at least, for now). But if that’s not quite enough, I’ll leave you with a recent addition of The List, my weekly gear roundup where I’m covering the best fall menswear, whiskey and much more. And once again, if you need more style inspo still, you can find me on Instagram 24/7, 365. Folks, thanks for reading and make it a great one!

The List: Start Your Week with the Best Men’s Style, Beer and Whiskey For Fall

A dependable and pleasingly rugged jacket for fall.

My friends, do you feel that slight chill in the air? The call of fall, the promise of (socially distanced) adventures and of course, the need for the best men’s gear for fall? It’s all ahead of us yet, and if you’ve not yet made plans for a getaway or a slight change of scenery, perhaps these forward-thinking picks — from a dependable Relwen jacket to a classic waxed chore coat — will be enough to reset your approach and get you thinking beyond the comforts of home this season. I know that’s where my mind has started to wander, so if you feel the same way, you best check out my favorite fall style picks below. Oh, and be sure to catch me on Instagram to see how I’m dressing for fall. Cheers to the season, my friends.

Relwen Quilted Tanker Jacket — $298

Relwen Quilted Tanker

Be prepared to layer up right now with your new favorite jacket for fall.

For layering up on the road and at home this season, you need one of the best quilted jackets from a brand you can assuredly trust: Relwen. With military heritage and top-notch performance at the forefront, this rugged fall jacket is one of the season’s best.

Oliver Cabell Wilson Waxed Rustic Boots — $268

The coolest leather boots for fall? Yes, quite possibly.

The best companion alongside a rugged fall jacket has got to be some equally rugged fall boots, like this premium pair of leather boots from the good folks at Oliver Cabell. Lace ’em up accordingly, my friends.

Everlane Slim-Fit Black Jeans — $68

Everlane Slim Fit Jeans

Sleek black jeans that’ll wear exceptionally well with the best men’s style essentials for fall.

Outfit yourself accordingly for fall with sleek, slim black jeans available at a highly agreeable price from one of the best men’s retailers around. Affordability, transparency and sustainability are the way to go this fall, folks.

Filson Mile Marker Coat — $219 via UNCRATE

Another reliable, unstoppably cool jacket for fall.

Get a discount on one of the best men’s jackets for fall over at UNCRATE, and then use it well. This Filson Mile Marker Coat, made from an easy-to-layer waxed canvas, is the stuff of legend, and of your own fall adventures.

Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier — $10.99 (Six-Pack) via Drizly

Paulaner Oktoberfest

Get one of fall’s best beers here.

‘Tis the season to get an Oktoberfest six-pack delivered right to your door via Drizly, quicker than you can say “Cheers!” — is it not? Paulaner plays a huge role in the real-life Oktoberfest, so I’d say you should bring some of that flavor home this fall. Agreed?

Todd Snyder Brushed Cotton Cashmere Shirt — $178

Brushed Cotton Cashmere Twill Shirt in Grey

An incredibly well-made, luxurious twill shirt to wear all fall from Todd Snyder.

How about this luxurious men’s shirt for the fall season, ideally paired up alongside a fresh Oktoberfest beer and some Oliver Cabell boots, ehh? That’s as great a combo for the season as any, and this just might be one of the best men’s shirts for fall on the market

Alex Mill Sueded Jersey Henley — $65

Best men's henleys

A rugged henley made for layering or wearing all on its own for fall.

For all your fall weekend layering needs, consider one of the best men’s henleys for, well, pretty much any occasion. The Alex Mill Jersey Henley (a new offering at Huckberry) looks great on its own, and even better when layered under your favorite denim trucker jacket.

Buck Mason Brushed Loopback Trousers — $85

Buck Mason - Faded Black Venice Wash Brushed Loopback Trouser

Casual, comfortable, cool men’s pants for a seasonal weekend.

Cozy comfort mixed with polished style is everything during these days at home, and the Buck Mason Brushed Loopback Trousers combine the look of your favorite chinos with warm, comfortable and easygoing fabric. Call ’em the best men’s pants for fall.

Filson Field Flannel Shirt — $98

Filson Field Flannel Shirt

One of the most dependable men’s shirts for fall, no question.

For when you want to look great without overthinking it, throw on a rugged Filson shirt and call it good. The Filson Field Flannel Shirt looks great when worn around the bonfire, grabbing to-go beers or putting on another pot of coffee. That makes it one of the best men’s shirts around, in my estimation.

Patagonia Iron Forge Canvas Five-Pocket Pants — $75

Patagonia Iron Forge Pants

Rugged, abrasion-resistant pants for the great outdoors and casual style situations aplenty.

Alright, let’s talk about some of the best men’s pants to team up with your Filson Field Flannel Shirt (and plenty of other picks on this list, too). The Iron Forge Canvas Five-Pocket Pants from Patagonia assuredly offer critical fall style and performance, friends.

HELM Boots Cole Sneakers — $225

HELM Cole Sneakers

Some new favorite sneakers from a favorite boots brand — not bad, ehh?

We’ve talked about the HELM Boots Cole Sneakers before on the blog, and if you recall that conversation, you’ll recall that one of your favorite boot brands is now making some outdoor-ready sneakers. These leather sneakers channel hiking-inspired style and performance with rugged good looks.

Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket — $188

Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket

You won’t find a better fall layer than this one from Taylor Stitch.

The hits keep rolling when it comes to the best men’s jackets as produced by Taylor Stitch (who else??). The Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket is a versatile stunner, easy to pair up with indigo denim or grey chinos — alongside Taylor Stitch boots — to deliver impeccable fall style.

Mott and Bow Slim Mosco Jeans — $96

Mott and Bow jeans

Cool, razor-sharp slim blue jeans from an excellent NYC retailer.

For fall and beyond, get some classic dark blue denim from Mott and Bow, a retailer you can trust when it comes to making some of the best men’s jeans (as you should well know from reading the blog!).

Rustico 5-Year Journal — $72

Rustico Travel Journal

A rugged and durable leather journal to bring with you on your fall travels.

Now that you’ve got the right fall outerwear like the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket  at the ready, it’s time to amp up your everyday carry essentials with this handsome leather journal from Rustico.

Pappy Van Winkle The Pappy Kit — $82 via Cool Material

The Pappy Kit

A fitting trio of Pappy Van Winkle essentials from Cool Material.

How covetable is Pappy Van Winkle whiskey? Very, very covetable indeed. This Pappy Kit as sold by Cool Material gives you just a little taste of the world’s best whiskey, via bourbon barrel-aged pepper sauce, brittle and maple syrup. Snap it ASAP.

Pappy Van Winkle’s 15-Year Family Reserve Whiskey — $1,429

Well, because I mentioned Pappy Van Winkle whiskey, why don’t we go ahead and have a little fun with it, ehh? Are you investing a pretty penny into getting your hands on some of the most hyped whiskey in the world? Yes, you sure are. Is this incredible whiskey from Pappy Van Winkle going to delight you and your family for years? Assuredly. Savor it now, folks.

Well, that visually stunning final note on Pappy Van Winkle whiskey brings another edition of The List to a fitting close. If you ask me, there are plenty of incredibly enviable, stylish essential men’s gear picks in today’s post, from some of the best men’s jeans to the Filson Field Flannel Shirt, to name just a few starters. I’m also a huge fan of the Iron Forge Canvas Five-Pocket Pants from Patagonia for fall adventures, not to mention the expertly crafted Filson Mile Marker Coat and the HELM Boots Cole Sneakers. If I had my way, I’d be able to add all of these picks into my wardrobe in a fall (with a spot of whiskey from Pappy Van Winkle to go along with it). But hey, a guy can dream. If you’ve got a surefire favorite from the above picks, let me know on Twitter or give me a shout in the comments below. Thanks for reading, folks!