Tag / billy reid

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear Your New Favorite Denim Shirt for Winter

The new year, as we’ve been discussing these past few weeks on The Style Guide, calls for continual reflection and, naturally, the best men’s style essentials you can get your hands on. Like the rugged denim shirt from Billy Reid that happens to be the focus of today’s #OOTD.  Now, we’ve previously talked about how to wear a denim shirt for winter, so consider this a bit of a refresher in terms of casual style — this is the type of layered look that would even fly at the office on a casual winter Friday. The Billy Reid Denim Shirt in question is helped along by a stylish long-sleeve shirt from the good folks at Faherty Brand, plus slim chinos and, as ever, classic leather boots.

Your outerwear (*ahem the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker) should also blend functionality and style for the winter — the prevailing thought behind this #OOTD is dependable style that works all week and all weekend. Pieces like a handsome leather watch from Martenero help cement the go-anywhere versatility of this look, too. Really, it’s all about finding new ways to wear pieces you already own — it’s a fun way to shake up your routine in the morning, and you might even find yourself trying some layering tricks you wouldn’t normally go for otherwise. So, with all that being said, it’s time to get down to business. Let me know what you think of this #OOTD over on Twitter. Thanks for reading!

Dependable, functional layers make this #OOTD a winter winner (say that five times fast).

Now, hopefully, we’ve given you something to think about as you upgrade your wardrobe and refresh your style for 2019. When you start things off with a classic denim shirt, the potential really is limitless in terms of versatility. In this case, we’re layering that Billy Reid Denim Shirt  with a stylish long-sleeve tee from Faherty Brand — just the right way to dress for a weekend stroll, a morning coffee date or a casual afternoon at home. Things are amped up just a bit with maybe, just maybe, the perfect slim chinos; that combo is perfect for work or play. Again, classic leather boots add sleek appeal and timeless style, as does a classic everyday watch from Martenero (quite possibly your new favorite watch, agreed?). No outfit would be complete without a tough winter jacket — enter a rugged waxed trucker jacket from Flint and Tinder, then get ready to field all kinds of complements about how great you look (seriously!). And as we always say, you can’t let your accessories fall by the wayside, hence the use of stylish socks from American Trench and a dependable leather belt from Levi’s. To round things out, go for the perfect blend of functionality and timeless style with a stylish backpack from the good folks at Filson. That’s really all there is to it. Well, not quite. But I’d encourage you to try some of these pieces on for size, then catch up with me on Instagram to see how I’m getting dressed this winter. 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Bond Peacoat

Billy Reid Bond Peacoat

The best peacoat on the market? There’s certainly nothing else like it.

Folks, there’s just no other way to look at it: The Billy Reid Bond Peacoat is an iconic jacket you need in your wardrobe this winter. Oh, and it’s worn by Mr. James Bond himself (as seen above). That’s it. That’s all there is to it. And if this classic peacoat wasn’t so well-made and uniquely stylish, that might be the end of this post. But trust me, there’s so much more to say about the exceptional Bond Peacoat from lauded American menswear designer Billy Reid. It’s great enough that it received prominent placement in the 2012 James Bond film “Skyfall” — of cours. The popularity of this coat (actually named for Bond Street in Manhattan) has only grown since then. Or is “legend” a more fitting word than “popularity”? At any rate, you can currently pick it up via the brand’s Web site, or via Huckberry — all the better, seeing as Huckberry is truly one of my favorite online shops for the stylish guy (that’s you!). That’s really just the start of what makes this coat so great. Now, we’ll be telling you all about how to wear this stylish peacoat in our #OOTD series in the coming days, but for now, let’s get down to business — the Bond Peacoat delivers in matters of style AND functionality, starting with the extremely warm double-woven melton wool construction. That alone makes it worth the *gulp* nearly-$700 price tag.

SHOP: The Billy Reid Bond Peacoat

It’s really not too often — try never — that you find a peacoat that so perfectly embodies style that’s suited for a secret agent and for the everyman, yet that’s just what the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat offers. Take the crisp navy color, as worn by naval servicemen decades ago. Heck, that color and this silhouette alone are enough to add class to any outfit.

Bond Peacoat

A slim, tailored peacoat that shot to prominence thanks to a certain secret agent.

Add in small, seriously premium touches — including a leather-reinforced collar and horn buttons — and you’re looking at much more than your average peacoat. It’s also made in Italy, putting the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat a cut above the rest. Side slash hand warmer pockets and front flap pockets make this coat one that’s not just for show; use them to stow your everyday carry essentials on chilly winter days. It’s crisply cut, making it the ideal complement to tailored wool trousers and rugged leather boots. It’s also a nice way to stay warm in transit to the office or your holiday party — if I were you, I’d wear it over a classic chambray shirt and slim tan chinos, paired up with durable desert boots (read more about all those men’s style essentials elsewhere on the site). Again, you’re going to have to invest in the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat, but I can nearly guarantee it’ll be the last peacoat you buy. OK, that’s it. That’s the end of this post. Get out there and pick it up while you still can!

SHOP: The Billy Reid Bond Peacoat

 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: This Is The Right Way to Wear Your Peacoat This Winter

When can a piece of outerwear come to define your whole outfit? Easy. When it’s a classic peacoat with a name that speaks for itself — the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat.  It’s a piece of outerwear that’s quickly become a coveted, new classic, and that makes it more than deserving of leading off today’s #OOTD. As to the rest of the ensemble, it’s packed full of the sort of pieces that are going to work at the office or at your holiday party — or perhaps on the road for holiday travel, if you’re feeling particularly dressy. That is to say, Taylor Stitch comes through with handsome trousers, Viberg enters the equation with some of the best men’s boots out there, WP Standard supplies your new favorite messenger bag, and brands like American Trench are here with stylish socks to keep you warm and on your toes this winter. The right coat really can make all the difference — it can elevate your outfit, impress your date or your partner, even charm your in-laws (OK, maybe not). Be sure to keep your skin in shape with men’s grooming essentials, then consider your holiday and office dressing all set. Again, when you start with a jacket that speaks for itself, most of your work is done. Read on to find out more, and head to my Instagram to see how I’m getting dressed this winter.

A beautifully made peacoat that’s going to elevate many a winter ensemble.

  • The Classic Peacoat:  Billy Reid Bond Peacoat, $695 — An absurdly amazing, classic peacoat made to heirloom-quality standards. Famously worn by Daniel Craig as James Bond in “Skyfall”‘.
  • The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in White Everyday Oxford, $98 — You’re not surprised to see a stylish Taylor Stitch shirt in the mix, are you? The white Oxford is a stone-cold classic of which Bond would approve.
  • The Trousers: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers, $178 — Would you expect anything less than tailored trousers in a winter-friendly fabric from Taylor Stitch?
  • The Boots: Viberg Hiker (Huckberry Exlusive), $426 — These rugged hiking boots from Viberg are absolutely something else. Get them now, wear ’em to the office and on the weekend.
  • The Socks: American Trench Edo Flower Merino & Cashmere Socks, $29.50 — It’s always fun to see how American Trench updates its designs and quality season after season — these socks are dressy yet casual.
  • The Watch: Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand Watch, $165.98 — A subtly stylish watch from Texas-based Jack Mason Brand that blends function and rugged appeal perfectly.
  • The Grooming Essentials: Duke Cannon Handsome Man Grooming Can, $75 — Packed with one-of-a-kind men’s grooming gear to keep your skin in mint condition this winter.
  • The Everyday Bag: WP Standard Vintage Messenger, $295 — Again, if you follow me on Instagram, you know I love WP Standard and the brand’s stylish, heirloom-quality leather goods — like the WP Standard Vintage Messenger.

If you ask me, I think we’re looking at a heck of an #OOTD above. One that works for the office or a holiday party, one that offers crisp and dressy style as readily as it does functionality (thank those stylish hiking boots for that versatility). Things only get better when you start with the timeless Billy Reid Bond Peacoat and accent it with a stylish Taylor Stitch shirt (one that you can easily dress up even more with a layer like the Taylor Stitch Rangeley Sweater). Again, slim wool trousers should be a go-to with nearly any sharp outfit this winter, and it pays when you step into a pair of rugged winter boots to combat slippery surfaces out there. When it comes to accessories, your subtly stylish Jack Mason watch works in laidback or tailored situations, as do the American Trench socks pictured above. And especially if you find yourself headed to the office (or out on the road), the WP Standard Vintage Messenger is going to provide maximum style and the ability to keep your everyday carry essentials safe. The final ingredient in your recipe for success? Assuredly, it’s got to be men’s grooming gear from Duke Cannon. Now, how’s that for warm, stylish #OOTD that’s going to help you get the job done this winter? Feel free to connect with me on Twitter to let me know your thoughts. Thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Corduroy 5-Pocket Pants

Take a chance on these corduroy pants — you won’t regret it.

Getting great fall style from a classic brand like Billy Reid is sometimes, well, ridiculously easy. Take the subtly stylish, exceptionally well-crafted Billy Reid Corduroy 5-Pocket Pants, for starters. Cut like your favorite pair of jeans in a tailored silhouette, the  Billy Reid Corduroy 5-Pocket Pants are nearly perfect for fall and winter — these aren’t your father’s corduroy pants, that much is true. No sir, these are an all-American pair of pants that works at the office or at the bar with plenty of men’s style essentials (like a crisp white Oxford and classic suede chukka boots, to start). Skeptical about corduroy trousers? Don’t be. The key here with the Billy Reid Corduroy 5-Pocket Pants comes with the classic construction and quality fit. The small-wale corduroy has a fine texture and what the brand calls a soft feel — your average pair of scratchy, stiff corduory pants, these are not. The Rubber color is also entirely unique and quite pleasing for fall and winter. The Billy Reid Corduroy 5-Pocket Pants will team up nicely with similarly rich men’s style essentials for fall, thanks to that cool color — it’ll look just great with a shawl collar cardigan and perhaps a classic chambray shirt, too (don’t forget your stylish brown leather boots).

SHOP: The Billy Reid Corduroy 5-Pocket Pants

Durable construction and excellent quality overall, yes?

Small design touches separate these corduroy pants from the pack, too. We’re talking antique brass hardware and a neat embossed leather back patch, for starters. The bound waistband on the Billy Reid Corduroy 5-Pocket Pants provides some solid construction, too. In short: These are a pair of corduroy pants that won’t quit, and they won’t give out on you after a few wears. Pima cotton makes ’em special, too — you just don’t find many pairs of corduroy pants like that these days. And again, the fact that the Billy Reid Corduroy 5-Pocket Pants wear just like jeans makes them quite handy and useful when it comes to fall style. They’re even able to team up with a rugged henley and moc toe boots — throw on a rugged denim trucker jacket, and you’ve got a go-anywhere combo for just about anything you need to take on this fall. That’s all there is to it, in my mind. What say you? Will you be checking out the Billy Reid Corduroy 5-Pocket Pants? It’s hard not to love them, in my mind.

SHOP: The Billy Reid Corduroy 5-Pocket Pants

by Beau H.

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

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Ombre Stripe Polo

A premium polo for premium wearing occasions.

One step outside is all it takes to remind you that we’re still slogging through summer — but as we always say here on the ole blog, that’s no excuse to not dress in style. And so it goes with today’s Style Pick of the Week, one that you should certainly add to your list of summer style essentials: The Billy Reid Ombre Stripe Polo. You very well might recognize it from a recent edition of The List, and it’s back today with good reason. For one, it’s a warm weather style upgrade that looks more polished than average — the Billy Reid Ombre Stripe Polo really can be worn just like your favorite T-shirt, pairing up easily with chino shorts and white sneakers on weekend days aplenty. Yet, it’s also got that classic Billy Reid sensibility. The Alabama-based designer takes American style staples and classes them up a bit, and the Ombre Stripe Polo is the latest addition to those ranks, what with its tailored cut and mother-of-pearl buttons. It’s also fairly priced for a premium polo — make no mistake, the Ombre Stripe Polo is certainly the sort of polo you could wear with a suit or a lightweight khaki blazer. Yep, that’s right — I’m suggesting you rock this stylish polo shirt with a suit! It can (and should) be done).

It’s exactly what you’d expect from a designer like Billy Reid, who makes classic pieces that are neither too fashion-forward nor too stuffy. That’s why the Ombre Stripe Polo can be worn like a T-shirt (with light wash jeans and white canvas sneakers) or like a more tailored dress shirt (with a navy cotton blazer and tan chinos) — it’s just that well-made and that well-designed.  You should certainly be looking to add more versatile style staples like the Ombre Stripe Polo into your warm-weather wardrobe — there’s still plenty of summer left to bust out a few unexpected menswear moves. You could even break out the Ombre Stripe Polo as an alternative to a tank top when heading to the beach — it’ll work more serviceably to wear with a tailored pair of swim trunks and some stylish slip-on sneakers for a few post-beach drinks. That’s just one of the many ways in which the  Ombre Stripe Polo from Billy Reid can help you stand out in a sea of baggy, flourescent polos this summer. Get yours while you’ve still got time, and then get out there.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Billy Reid Charlie Sportcoat Is The Perfect Fall Blazer

Billy Reid Charlie Sportcoat

A well-made sportcoat from a classic American designer. Not a bad pick-up in advance of cold weather.

Is it a tall order to claim that something’s the perfect item of menswear in a certain category? Sure it is. But when it comes to the Billy Reid Charlie Sportcoat, well … it really just might BE the perfect fall blazer.  What makes the Charlie Sportcoat a surefire winner — and the latest entry in our See Now, Buy Now series? Oh, man — plenty of positives. The Billy Reid Charlie Sportcoat manages to harness what the brand does best. That is, the Charlie Sportcoat takes a classic American sensibility and blends it with easygoing styling potential — this is the type of blazer you can wear with slim dark blue jeans and classic suede boots, or with tailored wool trousers and an American-made Oxford in equal measure. That type of versatility can be hard to find in a sportcoat, but the design of the Charlie Sportcoat just lends itself to wearability, no matter the situation. Casual day at the office? Throw it on over a rugged henley.  Big meeting? Dress it up with a chambray dress shirt. See? The Billy Reid Charlie Sportcoat is even better than you thought.

And the construction of this stylish blazer is exactly what you need when it comes to cold-weather layering. The blend of premium virgin wool and polyester means that you’re going to stay warm and comfortable all day long. What’s more, the Charlie Sportcoat is unstructured and features front flap pockets, both touches that make it more casual in nature. Now, here’s the catch — like other gear from Billy Reid, you’re going to have to pony up some cash to get this classic blazer … nearly $600 (gulp). Is it worth that investment? Considering that you can wear this jacket a ton of different ways all throughout the work week (and even to a stylish Sunday brunch) … I’d have to say yes. Yes, indeed! Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page if the Billy Reid Charlie Sportcoat is going to be hanging in your closet soon.

 

 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Best Way to Wear a Flannel Shirt This Fall

Gather ’round, Style Guide readers — today’s #OOTD tackles a favorite topic when it comes to rugged men’s fall style: How to wear a flannel shirt this season. If flannel shirts call to mind the mid-aughts boom of American workwear, well, they should — they were a key piece of #menswear then, and the right flannel shirt is just as relevant now. Today’s shirt of choice, the Filson Vintage Flannel Shirt, channels just the vibe you want when wearing a flannel shirt. It’s got all the trappings of a classic piece, but it’s just a bit more modern. With a cool black-and-cream color, it’s less outdoors-y and instead, just …  a cool shirt. And the way you wear your new favorite flannel shirt is going to make all the difference, too. Pair it with rugged style essentials like a premium slim henley and textured Bedford cord pants, and you’re going to shake off all those “urban lumberjack” connotations. Fear not, though — we’re still finishing off this #OOTD with rugged leather boots.  I know this much: You can make this outfit work for you at a football tailgate, at a bonfire or on a brewery tour — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Let me know your thoughts over on Twitter when you get the chance, if you so please.

Best men's flannel shirts

Think again about how you wear your flannel shirt — this Filson shirt bucks the trend and looks great.

The Flannel Shirt: Filson Vintage Flannel Work Shirt in Black and Cream, $145 — The centerpiece of many a stylish and rugged fall outfit, Filson gets the color and classic fabrication just right with its Vintage Flannel Work Shirt.

The Henley: Billy Reid Speckled Henley, $155.98 —  Yet another critical fall layer, this made-in-Italy Billy Reid henley is a premium upgrade over a standard thermal henley — perfect for layering with a Filson flannel.

The Pants: BANKS Roll Bedford Cord Jean, $75 — Rather than reaching for dark blue denim, reach for the slim, fall-ready BANKS Bedford Cord Jean — textured, unique and slim-fitting.

The Boots: Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots in Roughout, $299.98 (When On-Sale) — For fall, Wolverine has taken its 1000 Mile Boots and upgraded them in a rich, seasonally ready roughout leather. Perfect.
The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Chestnut, $80 — To stand up to your sturdy leather boots and a rugged flannel shirt, a tough leather belt from Sturdy Brothers is just what the doctor ordered.
The Watch: Pantor Sea Lion Watch, $424.98— This outfit is packed with fall-ready neutrals, so shake up your wrist game with the striking, durable Pantor Sea Lion Watch. It’s the ideal, rugged watch to wear to a football game or a bar crawl.
The Bag: Topo Designs Mountain Briefcase, $119.98 — Whether you head to a house party or out on a day trip, the sturdy, well-made Topo Designs Mountain Briefcase is more casual (and durable) than the briefcase moniker implies.
The Beard Balm: Upstate Stock Willowemoc Beard Balm, $22 — Upstate Stock happens to be one of my favorite spots for menswear in Brooklyn — and they make a nice beard balm to tame your mane this season.
Are you sold yet on the versatile, rugged styling potential of the  Vintage Flannel Work Shirt from Filson? In a cool color scheme, it’ll work as a warm top layer over something as premium and understated as the Billy Reid Speckled Henley. And when you team up that combo with a crisp set of trousers like the BANKS Roll Bedford Cords, you’re set for casual fall excursions from the city to the country and back. Don’t step foot outside this fall without tough leather boots, either — I’d strongly urge you to invest in the stellar Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots — are you with me there? A durable, weather-ready watch like the Pantor Sea Lion Watch is going to fit right in with the tough nature of this outfit, and the Topo Designs Mountain Briefcase is standing at the ready if you need a new fall go-to to haul your everyday carry. So, I think we’re all set with today’s #OOTD. Thanks, as always, for reading!
-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Billy Reid Speckled Henley is an Essential Fall Layer

An ultra-premium henley that’s more than ready for fall layering. Did I mention it’s from Billy Reid?

We’ve been talking about men’s fall style essentials for a while now on the blog, and make no mistake, we want to get you prepped the right way. That’s why you need — NEED — the Billy Reid Speckled Henley for fall. Is that a bit extreme perhaps? Sure  — but if you argue that every needs a rugged henley in his fall layering rotation, then the Billy Reid Speckled Henley becomes that much easier to consider (and even buy!). And so it goes with another See Now, Buy Now entry – the Speckled Henley in particular is a welcome sight. It means that we’re that much closer to fall breezes, crisp morning walks through your favorite park, rich stouts on tap at your favorite brewery … you name it, and the Billy Reid Speckled Henley can take you there this season. It’s an accessible piece from a designer lauded for his runway shows and his richly crafted (and expensive) outerwear and tailoring — but rest assured, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley is worth it.

Made in Italy from a 12-gauge knit heathered fabric, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley could be the most premium henley you own. That means you can wear it with a herringbone blazer and dark blue denim to the office on a casual Friday, and you can easily throw it on underneath a classic denim jacket or a black moto jacket and stylish Chelsea boots to head to a  rock concert. And with small details like a tubular neckline finish and high-quality horn buttons, this henley acts more like a dress shirt than a base layer. Crucially, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley is going to retain its shape and look great even with repeated wear. Are you ready for fall yet? Hopefully, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley  helps get you in the spirit soon enough.

How would you wear the Billy Reid Speckled Henley? Will you be picking it up this season? 

by Beau H.

Music City Menswear: Exploring Nashville in Style

Taking in a relaxing Nashville Saturday at Barista Parlor. Wearing my new Original Penguin Bedford Cord 5-Pocket Pants and a special pair of 125th Anniversary Wingtip Boots from Florsheim!

There are certain places that I’ve put on my growing personal travel bucket list in recent years — places that constantly pull me away from New York as much as I love it. And if you read The Style Guide regularly, you know that I love to get out and about in style, from exploring Brooklyn to hopping on a flight to Chicago and Lollapalooza 2017 recently. When the chance came up to take a weekend trip to Nashville, a city that’s as hyped as any for any its blend of live music, culinary delights and a cool atmosphere, I jumped on it. My parents have loved Nashville for years, so it’s  definitely been on my radar — but as I started planning out my fall travel style earlier this year, I knew I wanted to pack in as much as possible when it came to seeing the Music City. That meant this weekend was filled with #menswear, craft beer and of course, live music — namely, a high-energy, passion-packed show from Young the Giant, supported by Cold War Kids and Joywave! Of course, if you follow me on Instagram you’re familiar with my trip — and if not, come along for the ride.

The right mix of sharp, versatile travel gear for getting from NYC to Nashville.

Getting to Nashville is no easy feat — as it were, I had to catch a very early flight out of NYC, but that left me with nearly a full day in the Music City. How did I dress to go from the plane to my airBNB and beyond? Funny you should ask. I did my best at dressing to travel in style, while also keeping in mind the fact that I had to dress for a rock concert later — a tricky balance. For versatile layering and crisp style,  I threw on a classic navy Oxford from Mott and Bow, a recent introduction to the brand’s line. The classic Oxford shirt meshed well with my new Abercrombie and Fitch denim, built with stretch for comfort and finished in a slightly faded shade of black. On the footwear front, my Florsheim Forward Lo Sneakers in a handsome shade of brown leather offset the combo nicely — I’ve found these sneakers work quite well for concerts and travel alike, as I also wore them trekking to see The Killers in New Jersey earlier this year. Of course, I had to take along other handy everyday carry essentials, including the always-essential Bespoke Post Vibes Box, featuring my LSTN Sound Co. Fillmore Headphones.

And for a full day of exploring Nashville — including a post-flight stop at the famed (and aptly named) Mas Tacos Por Favor — these sneakers proved similarly stylish. With striking yet subtly stylish design and durable construction, my Electric California Carroway Leather Watch worked for day-to-night style. Of course, I prepped for the show by plugging into my reliable Bespoke Post Vibes Box, featuring the eye-catching LSTN Sound Co. Fillmore Headphones. So, that was the gear I brought with me — and it helped me navigate Nashville stylishly and effectively. For what it’s worth, if you’ve got your own Nashville trip coming up, I can’t recommend the crisply designed, jam-packed Nashville Field Guide from Wildsam, full of interesting tidbits and useful information on hidden gems throughout the city.

Hanging out at the well-appointed imogene + willie on a lovely Nashville Friday. My Florsheim Forward Lo Lace-up Sneakers and Abercrombie & Fitch denim were perfect for getting around!

Nashville really is a city packed with something for everyone — it’s revered for its vibrant music scene, and it’s also full of craftsmen and women who put serious care into everything from excellent food to craft beer; my Wildsam Field Guide helped me figure that out in a hurry. With rugged dark denim, workwear-inspired basics and plenty of attention to detail throughout, imogene + willie is a terrific Nashville example of simple goods made very well — and the handsomely appointed storefront is a joy to explore in its own right.  And equally important — it’s close by to 12 South Taproom, a down-home bar with a great selection of tasty, refreshing beer. Speaking of craft beer: Hops and Crafts also stood out for its mix of industrial style and premium craft brews, plus gourmet bites. In short, it was a worthwhile pre-show stop!

Even with a full day exploring Nashville in the rearview mirror, I still had an amazing Friday night ahead. With its prime riverfront location and excellent sight lines, Ascend Amphitheater proved a stellar venue for a night of live music — it’s certainly not as revered as Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, but it was still a treat to see three excellent bands throughout the night. Cold War Kids have long been a favorite, and I had the chance to see them debut their rollicking new album, “Love Is Mystical,” earlier this year in Brooklyn. It was absolutely a treat to see them play a longer show — recent classics like the joyous “Miracle Mile” mesh nicely with fresh hits like the album’s title track and of course, throwback cuts off 2006’s still-excellent “Robbers and Cowards.” They’re a band that’s worth seeing just for that album alone, and they certainly made their mark opening for Young the Giant (alongside Rochester, New York-based five-piece Joywave).

I had seen Young the Giant in New Haven earlier this year, and the band’s packed setlist proved alluring enough to see them again. Recent jams like “Silvertongue” and “Amerika” brought an energetic crowd to their feet just as easily as huge indie radio hits like “Cough Syrup” and “Apartment” — powerful tracks like  “Something to Believe In,” off last year’s “Home of the Strange” also helped set the tone early. This is a band with swagger, confidence and cool, eclectic style — in large part thanks to lead singer Sameer Gadhia’s voice and sharp fashion sense. Young the Giant has been on the road for a while in support of this albun, so they also sounded tight and crisp — a great band to watch in a big live setting, complete with a cold beer or two. That’s perhaps the best way to start a trip — at least, I think so. And the best part? My weekend trip gave me the chance to explore even more of the city Again, if you want to cover a ton of ground quickly and effectively, I’d urge you to pick up the Wildsam Nashville Field Guide.

The best gear for getting around Nashville in style — don’t you agree? The Wildsam Field Guide helped me see the city in style, too!

I always relish the chance to dress in casual weekend style — that’s where my Grayers Montreaux Windbreaker continues to come in handy.  From taking in live music at NYC’s Panorama 2017 to traveling to Chicago last month, this jacket can do it all — so it proved a crisp, classic layer atop my DSTLD Midnight Blue Denim Shirt, done up in a deep midnight blue and crafted from breathable cotton. Fall calls for a transition to more earthen, faded colors in terms of trousers, too. A new pair of tailored Original Penguin Bedford Cord 5-Pocket Pants offered go-anywhere style that helped me bounce from a crucial weekend kickstarter — coffee at the fantastic, industrially appointed CREMA — to a stop at rocker Jack White’s revered Third Man Records outpost. Of course, I kept on time through each stop with an old favorite, the durable Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono — truly, the Timex Waterbury collection is perfect if you want a rugged watch fit for travel and exploration. If your next trip calls for lots of time spent on your feet, reach for versatile trousers in a fall-ready shade, then finish off your look with a pair of comfortable-yet-rugged boots, like Florsheim’s  125th Anniversary Wingtip Boots as seen above. 


My Saturday wasn’t done yet, though. Now that we’re into fall, I absolutely had to see my beloved Michigan State Spartans kick off another football Saturday — even away from my home base of Brooklyn, Nashville features quite a few loyal Spartan fans. Bar Louie in the Gulch offers everything you could want when it comes to taking in a game, from a fun crowd to delicious craft beer to monstrously good burgers like the Spiked Bulleit Bourbon Burger. Spartan fan or not, it’s tough to pass up a finely crafted beer and a good burger, right? That’s also where Pinewood Social came into play later on in the night. The cavernous location is a handsomely appointed cocktail bar/gourmet restaurant/work space/game center complete with a bowling alley and an outdoor pool — ideal for taking in the sights and sounds of Nashville after an MSU game. What more could you want on a Saturday night on the road? Not too much, folks.

Rugged picks for a Nashville Sunday, including new slim light wash denim from DSTLD, a rugged leather belt from Saddleback Leather and a handy dopp kit for travel, also from Saddleback Leather.

Sunday brought my Nashville trip to a close, but not before plenty of exploration in and around the city itself. Before leaving town, I absolutely knew I had to stop at a classic spot in the city — that’d be Bolton’s Spicy Chicken and Fish.  I turned my attention toward menswear next; that meant a stop at a favorite outpost, Billy Reid. With shops from Chicago to Charleston, Mr. Reid’s handsome, premium menswear embodies cool, versatile and breezy Southern style with a modern look and feel. As it were, that’s what I tried to do when it came to my Sunday travel style. Even casual outfits should start with classic footwear — my all-new CLAE Gregory Mid Sneakers featured a neat monochromatic color scheme and plenty of all-day comfort. They were an easygoing complement to my DSTLD Slim Light Wash Jeans — even though we’re getting into fall, there’s still plenty of time to break out your favorite slim light wash jeans, preferably alongside stylish sneakers and rugged accessories — my Saddleback Leather 4-Stitch Leather Belt was a key piece throughout the weekend and should break in quite nicely. Other essentials were in the mix, too — a stylish chambray shirt from JackThreads layered easily over a rugged short-sleeve henley from Abercrombie & Fitch. It was, unfortunately, time to head to the airport all too soon — I’m glad I dressed in comfort, though! When you’ve got a long flight ahead of you but still want to look great, reach for a classic pair of high-top leather sneakers — like the CLAE Gregory Mid seen above. 

If you’re heading to Nashville soon, well, I just can’t recommend the city enough. It’s packed with hidden gems, neat breweries, cool menswear, a terrific music scene and of course, something for every culinary taste. From live music to menswear to a dash of college football, this past weekend had it all — I’m thankful my Wildsam Nashville Field Guide helped me go off the beaten path a bit, too. It was a great trip to kick off what should be a great fall season — and as always, you can follow along with my travels here on the blog or on Instagram.  Let me know — are you hitting the road soon? Where are you headed?

Until the next trip — thanks for reading!

-Beau