The Friday Read: Essential Everyday Carry Gear, Craft Beer and Nisolo Shoes

Can you believe another week is in the books? Heck, can you believe I’m in Chicago again for the second time this month? I certainly can’t — and yet, today’s edition of the Friday Read is coming to you live from the Windy City. I trekked to Chicago just a few short weeks ago for Lollapalooza 2017, and had a great weekend dressed in ideal music festival style. This time around, I’m meeting my family back in the Midwest for a weekend of city exploration and crucially, a family trip to see lauded American musical “Hamilton.” Having seen the show twice already, I gave up my ticket to my young nephew, a budding musical enthusiast and huge fan of the standout musical. So, that’ll free up some time for me to explore all that Chicago has to offer — anywhere that’s a must-see on your list? I’m looking forward to hitting up the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, a refined, old-school art-deco spot with (apparently) a neat speakeasy. That’s just one of many stops I’ll be making, though. Follow along with all the action on Instagram, and be sure to check back here for a full #menswear trip recap on Monday. Until then — stay stylish and enjoy the below weekend reading picks!

  • Fall is a great time to hit the road for day or weekend trips — heading to a winery, a brewery, an orchard … you name it, and it should definitely involve essential travel style. To that end, I rounded up the best everyday carry gear for your next drive. Head to GearMoose to check it out.
  • We enjoy talking craft beer around these parts — to say the least. With that in mind, I point you toward The Manual — my colleague Lee Heidel is taking you into a new initiative from the Brewers Association to properly label beer from breweries that fit the definition of “craft.” It’s a worthy cause that might just make you love your favorite beer even more — agreed?

  • Let’s stick with the latest happenings at The Manual — shall we? Namely, I rounded up my favorite picks from Nisolo, the ethically crafted footwear makers behind a whole host of stylish chukka boots, rugged sneakers and plenty more. Shop away!

OK, everyone — we’re keeping it short this week! Enjoy the weekend, and check back for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

#OOTD: What to Wear to a Weekend Barbecue

You just got word that there’s a barbecue this weekend. Craft beer? Check. Burgers? You got it. But what #menswear to wear to man the grill or just hang out while sipping brews? We’ve got you covered today on The Style Guide — from A-to-Z, this is the place to be. It’s a little bit different than, say, dressing for a spring bar crawl — it’s more casual and requires gear that’s as stylish as it is suited to wear to play a little pick-up football. And you’ll want an extra layer in case the party runs late or it gets chilly out there. So, we’re keeping it cool and laidback with today’s #OOTD. You’ll recognize upgraded basics — from a classic bomber jacket to a sturdy striped tee — and you’ll recognize tried-and-true favorites like stylish brown leather sneakers and slim light wash jeans.  See? Comfortable, casual and classic style at its finest. But, I won’t spoil all the fun now. Check out the full set of #menswear picks below, chime in on Twitter and see how I style my daily ensembles over on Instagram (lotsa clothes on the ‘Gram, trust me). Enjoy, cheers and be sure to man the grill!

Outerknown

Start with a supremely high-quality tee and go from there with casual spring layers.

The T-Shirt: Outerknown Shonan Stripe Pocket T-Shirt, $62.98 —  Let’s start things off the right way — with a sustainably made and uniquely stylish striped pocket T-shirt. Yes indeed, the Outerknown Shonan Stripe Pocket T-Shirt is pricey, yes …. but ultimately worth it. Just don’t spill any mustard on it.

The Jacket: Outlier Supermarine Soft Core Bomber Jacket, $595 — First off, this jacket surely is pricey. But why go for a paper-thin bomber jacket from a fast-fashion retailer when you can get a comfortable, stylish and very performance-ready piece fit for spring breezes and beyond?

Florsheim
The Jacket: Flint and Tinder All-American Washed Jeans in Slim Tapered, $98  — I’m all for investing in quality — and that’s exactly what Flint and Tinder brings to the table. These slim-fit light wash jeans have a pleasing light wash that’s perfect for spring.
The Sneakers: Pikolinos Vic Trainers, $200 — While you might be tempted to break out the flip-flops, leave those in the closet this time. These beautifully crafted leather sneakers feature everything from a rich brown colorway to cool and eye-catching stitching.

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The Watch: Nautica SYD Leather Watch, $125 — Nothing screams barbecue-ready style than a tough, rugged and stylish watch. This Nautica timepiece looks unique and crisp — it can definitely stand up to a game of backyard football, too.

The Bottle Opener: Billykirk Bottle Opener, $17.98 — Here’s the piece de resistance, perhaps the most crucial item in your everyday carry for this barbecue — the Billykirk Bottle Opener should be the hit of the party, ehh?

The Beer: Founders Brewing All Day IPA, Price Varies — It might be the Michigan native in me coming through, but there might not be a better summer BBQ beer than Founder’s All Day IPA. I absolutely love visiting the brewery when I trek back to Grand Rapids, and that won’t change soon!

The Bag: Nisolo Lori Tote, $134.98 — OK, so you’ve got your six-pack of craft beer, you’ve got your slim bomber jacket, you’re wearing your stylish striped tee — how are you going to carry everything you need to carry? In the durable and handsome Nisolo Lori Tote, I should say.

Greats

And, there it is. All set for your first summer barbecue? With classic, easy-to-wear pieces like a slim bomber jacket and the Outerknown Shonan Stripe Pocket T-Shirt, I’d say you should be all set for anything that comes your way. And a pair of denim like the Flint and Tinder All-American Washed Jeans in Slim Tapered are about as versatile and stylish as it gets when it comes to a casual pair of jeans for the weekend. Add in essential everyday carry pieces like a tough Nautica watch, well-made leather sneakers and the strong Nisolo Lori Tote and you can get from the barbecue and back in style. Oh, and don’t forget an absolute must-have — that’d be the Billykirk Bottle Opener, folks. Alright, I’ll see you at the grill!

Thanks for reading and stay stylish,

-Beau

Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Show Goes On: Seeing Local Natives in Pittsburgh

All smiles for Local Natives — and enjoying a neat area of Pittsburgh! Trucker Jacket and 505C Denim by Levi’s. Jack in Indigo Star Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Henley by Pistol Lake. Roma Messenger by Brothers Leather Supply. Military Watch by Timex + Todd Snyder. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. Glasses by Frameri

There are certain items that pop up in your news feed and make you stop and take notice. Late this past year, a simple Tweet caught my eye and eventually spurred my latest Style Guide road trip. Yes, the announcement that one of my favorite bands, California indie rockers Local Natives, had extended their Sunlit Youth tour into 2017 was enough to shake up my day — and make me pull out my calendar. If you recall, I hit the road to Providence last fall to see them — it was such a stirring show, I knew I had to catch ’em again. So, that’s how I ended up on a Pittsburgh-bound Greyhound bus this past weekend with my favorite #menswear in tow and another excellent live show on my mind. From a December trek to Baltimore to this past weekend’s adventure — to name but a couple — I’m truly lucky to be able to take in great music and great cities in style. Now, my packing list was quite different than my recent spring break trip to Florida, but I had my winter packing routine down pat — and luckily, I hauled plenty of late winter travel essentials for a crisp weekend. That all of this gear fit nicely into my Owen and Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender and my Brothers Leather Supply Roma Messenger was just an added bonus (Pro tip: Here’s another stylish weekender bag for your travels).

Beckett Simonon

Rock-inspired gear with cold weather in mind. Trucker Jacket by Levi’s. Jack in Indigo Star Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Lawrence Boots by Sutro Footwear. Military Watch by Timex + Todd Snyder. Gloves by Grifter Company.

It was with Local Natives’ excellent third album, “Sunlit Youth,” spinning in my headphones that I hit the road — my last Style Guide trip took me to New Haven to see Young the Giant, and I knew I’d need similar cold-weather gear this time around. For a very early Saturday bus trip down to Pennsylvania, I layered up accordingly, starting with a classic Pistol Lake henley in a unique shade of Antique White. I topped it off with my reliable-as-ever Taylor Stitch Jack in Indigo Star Shirt and a seasonally appropriate Levi’s Trucker Jacket in a spring-friendly light wash. Because temperatures dipped into the high 30s in parts of the day, I still needed my  Johnston & Murphy Faux Shearling Aviator (last seen on this blog in a weekend trip to upstate New York).

Greats

On the footwear front, my pick for stomping around Pittsburgh and checking out Stage AE on Saturday night just had to be the cool and crisp Lawrence Boot from Sutro Footwear. The jodhpur style looked sleek beneath my Levi’s 505C denim and proved comfortable for a full day of wear. If you want to dress in rock-inspired style for your next concert, I’d recommend you look into Sutro Footwear men’s boots and other similarly edgy menswear moves. Oh, and if you want more travel style tips for men, peruse this site when you get the chance.

Sharp style essentials for a Pittsburgh Saturday. Trucker Jacket and 505C Denim by Levi’s. Jack in Indigo Star Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Henley by Pistol Lake. Military Watch by Timex + Todd Snyder. Roma Messenger by Brothers Leather Supply.

Of course, staying on time is critical for any road trip — particularly when it came to hitting up Nicholas Coffee & Tea and trekking through downtown Pittsburgh. In this instance, that meant I drafted my vintage-inspired Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch into duty once again. It’s versatile, it’s subtly stylish and it’s tough enough to stand up to a rock show — perfect for this trip. Fully caffeinated, the real exploration of Pittsburgh rolled on, from trekking across the iconic Roberto Clemente Bridge to checking out the incredibly well-designed, unique Mattress Factory Museum and making a pit stop for excellent craft brews at the rustic, home-y Allegheny City Brewing — it’s a bit of a hole-in-the-wall location with a food truck out front and delicious brews (like the Deutchstown Brown) being poured inside. The early evening also took me to renowned Pittsburgh craft beer bar Beerhead — all the while rocking my comfortable, durable Lawrence Boots from Sutro Footwear and prepping for a stellar show, of course.

Now, to be fair … I’d seen Local Natives three times on this tour previously, but to say that lowered my expectations at all … is quite far from the truth. In fact, it made me look forward to this show even more! When a band brings as much energy and passion to the stage as Local Natives does — from blissful opener “Past Lives” through to classic closing track “Who Knows Who Cares” —  it’s a treat the entire time. Seriously, I can’t recommend this band enough. There’s nothing like their show — from start to finish, majestic lights, great sound and a heck of a set list, The show included deep cut “Mt. Washington” (off of their excellent 2013 album “Hummingbird”) and another crowd-pleaser, “Ceilings” — that one’s a personal favorite. . They harkened back to their first Pittsburgh show with fan favorite “Airplanes,” and broke out a show-stopping rendition of “Breakers” to go along with a rousing version of “Fountain of Youth” — what a band!

They also wove in a soul-stirring version of “You and I” — not to mention a beautiful performance of “Colombia,” honoring vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Kelcey Ayer’s mother. Of course, “Who Knows Who Cares” brought the house down, too — this is a band that really can do no wrong! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of knowing your favorite songs are coming … and being blown away by them all the same.

Taking on a chilly day on the Pittsburgh waterfront. Anorak by Fisher + Baker. Cable-knit sweater and garment-dyed chinos by Dockers. Flannel shirt by Frank and Oak. Pahoa Chukkas by OluKai. Red Wing Leather Chronograph by Timex x Todd Snyder. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. Glasses by Frameri.

As seems to be the case after a great live show, I was plenty tired — but there was no time to waste in terms of getting around Pittsburgh in style. To combat weather that was both chilly and  a bit rainy, my functional, well-made and supremely durable Fisher + Baker Anorak proved exceptionally tough. The simple black colorway was sleek and city-ready and the Ventile cotton waterproof shell more than stood up to the elements — the hood was a nice touch on a blustery day, too. It layered easily over both a nautical-inspired Dockers cable-knit sweater. I paired the combo with  classic-yet-slim Dockers garment-dyed chinos and a cozy red-and-blue plaid flannel shirt from the master menswear purveyors at Frank and Oak. The next time you need style that can take you from brunch to the park — as I did when checking out Point State Park — I’d recommend you team versatile staples with sturdy footwear. On this particular Sunday, my OluKai Pahoa Chukkas filled that part of the equation quite nicely, blending a bit of Hawaii cool with a sturdy chukka silhouette and burnished black leather. For rugged style that also fit the bill, I had to break out my Timex + Todd Snyder Red Wing Leather Chronograph,With a busy day on tap in Pittsburgh, my menswear picks proved crucial.

It was time to head back to NYC too soon, though  — I did so with plenty of amazing memories from a brief-yet-incredible Pittsburgh trip spinning in my head. The chance to see one of my favorite bands really is something I can never pass up — even if it means hopping on a bus to get there. And the opportunity to explore a neat city with a burgeoning arts scene is always welcomed — as is the chance to try out a few local brews and check out a new music venue! But to reiterate — if you want to listen to music that makes you think, try out Local Natives. Oh, and see them live as soon as you can — just be sure to pack your favorite travel essentials for the journey. Join us tomorrow for a new #OOTD series entry, and in the meantime — stay stylish!

-Beau

Frank & Oak

The Friday Read: The Nike Killshot, Affordable Menswear and 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.

So, we’re back again with another Friday Read — and we’ve got a lot of ground to cover, folks! It’s the first Friday Read of March, and that means the Style Guide’s annual Spring Style Wish List is incoming — look for it early next week. It also means we’re wrapping a busy week in the #menswear world, including my latest travel style post covering my trip to New Haven to see Young the Giant! It was an outstanding show, with beautiful lights, great energy and an outstanding set list. That’s a band you gotta see, and soon. If your next show, or the weekend ahead, involves hitting the road as well, grab a stylish leather weekender for the occasion.  And if your weekend involves more relaxation than travel, you’d do well to pick up the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Sweatpants, a recent Style Pick entry and as tailored and stylish a pair of sweats as you’ll find.  Oh, and as we await the transition to spring, don’t forget to stock up on essential men’s grooming products to keep your skin in shape before that next date. See, I said we had a lot of ground to cover. Of course, there’s plenty of business to take care of NYC this weekend, too — it’s New York City Beer Week, for one, and if there’s a more tightly concentrated metropolis of standout beer, I’ve yet to test it out. For now, let’s recap a few new men’s style releases and some choice news items. Check back tomorrow for the latest Style Pick of the Week, and stay stylish in the meantime!

We’re keeping it brief this week on The Style Guide — but here’s one more before you go…
  • I don’t pass up the chance to write about Taylor Stitch very often — seriously. I covered the Taylor Stitch Merino Henley, and why you need it for classic spring style, for GearMoose.

OK, folks — let’s wrap up this Friday and try some new brews … see you out there!

-Beau

Beckett Simonon

Heading Back Home: A winter weekend in Michigan

Dressed with brewery-hopping in mind. Indigo Plaid Shirt by Abercrombie & Fitch., 505C Denim by Levi's. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Stocking cap by JackThreads. Glasses by Frameri.

Dressed with brewery-hopping in mind. Indigo Plaid Shirt by Abercrombie & Fitch., 505C Denim by Levi’s. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Stocking cap by JackThreads. Glasses by Frameri.

It’s not every weekend that I get the chance to head back to my home state of Michigan — and that’s normally not the case during the busy fashion week season in New York City. But as luck would have it, the fashion calendar was on my side this time around, and that presented the perfect opportunity for another Style Guide road trip to the beautiful Mitten State. Coming off a whirlwind four days in New York City checking out the illustrious New York Fashion Week: Men’s, a trip back to Grand Rapids was just what the doctor ordered. It was a fun — if chilly — weekend filled with brewery tours, visits with friends and the birth of my brother’s two daughters (so, my two new nieces!). It was definitely a happy scheduling coincidence that worked out perfectly! Of course, I dressed to meet the cold, and as always, I was more than happy to bring along my favorite #menswear for the trip, too.

Travel essentials fit for hitting the road and fighting the cold. Chamois Shirt by Abercrombie & Fitch. Explorer's Cap by Huckberry. Messenger bag and 810 Wallet by Brothers Leather. Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. miUSA 585 Sneakers by New Balance. Magazine by Gear Patrol.

Travel essentials fit for hitting the road and fighting the cold. Chamois Shirt by Abercrombie & Fitch. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. Messenger bag and 810 Wallet by Brothers Leather. Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. miUSA 585 Sneakers by New Balance. Magazine by Gear Patrol.

If you’re a dedicated Style Guide reader, it should come as no surprise that I was more than able to pack up my Owen & Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender with all the rugged winter accessories needed for a weekend with temperatures in the teens.  My packing haul included handy pieces like my Brothers Leather Supply 810 Wallet — fitting given the company’s Grand Rapids headquarters — plus the brand’s durable and effective Roma Messenger. Having recently tested out that gear during my birthday weekend in Brooklyn, each piece proved more than ready for a quick flight out of NYC. I packed up some trusty men’s grooming essentials in my Herschel Supply Co. Chapter Travel Kit, too. And with travel style and effective cold-weather gear in mind, I layered a comfortable, slim-fitting Abercrombie and Fitch Chamois Shirt with the soft, breathable Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley – it’s a durable and rugged combo. I finished off that ensemble off with a pair of reliable, warm Abercrombie and Fitch denim. For a mix of versatile style and surprisingly good traction on the icy streets, my  Danner x New Balance miUSA 585 Sneakers proved tough and effective, while my Huckberry Explorer’s Cap is a new travel favorite.

In all, the winter travel ensemble worked like a charm for my afternoon arrival in Beer City, U.S.A. I quickly followed my flight with a few tasty, rich beers with friend and fellow Michigan State alum Jesse O’Brien at the massive, recently opened Knickerbocker Brewpub and Distillery, the new Grand Rapids outpost of New Holland Brewery. Just a tip: The Polish Pepperoni Pizza isn’t a bad match with the bourbon barrel-aged Dragon’s Milk Stout. You can’t go wrong with The Poet, the brewery’s oatmeal stout, either. Given that I needed a bit more sustenance to go along with my craft beer, dinner with my close high school friends was in order at the famed DNKY, a Mexican taqueria known city-wide for its delicious, ample selection of tacos – you can’t go wrong with the Gringo Taco. Crucially, I didn’t even have to change out of my travel outfit – that’s what you call versatility. And the nearby ELK Brewing made for a good, quiet nightcap.

Of course, those Friday night stops were just the tip of the beer-hopping, city-exploring iceberg with my oldest friend, runner extraordinaire and craft beer aficionado Mr. Chris Spyke. For a day around Grand Rapids, I layered up with the warm, vintage-inspired Johnston and Murphy Faux Shearling Aviator – it’s not too dissimilar from wearing a cozy blanket, really. It worked nicely to layer over my new Abercrombie and Fitch Indigo Plaid Shirt, an unexpected offering from a brand that continues to up its menswear game. My reliable-as-ever Levi’s 505C Denim provided a bit of edge that fit right in with the city’s craft beer scene, and I found myself reaching again for my rugged CAT Footwear Sutter Boots. That was I able to finish the look off with some stylish winter accessories from JackThreads was crucial given the cold. The day took us first to Slate Clothing, a new contemporary menswear store breathing some life into the city’s retail sector. With a diverse range of brands – from the minimally inclined VINCE to the rugged Filson and easygoing, classic Life/After/Denim – the selection is worth your time if you’re in Grand Rapids. You can even pick up some essential home goods while you shop for your new favorite casual shirt, too.  Again – put it on your shopping list in Grand Rapids.

Frank & Oak

The same can definitely be said for the great leather goods makers at Brothers Leather Supply Co. Given my Michigan roots, I’m always so pleased to be able to support homegrown brands that make high-quality goods with plenty of versatility and handsome style in mind – Brothers Leather gets it right on multiple fronts. I’ve found that to be true with the gear I’ve tested out – and traveled with – so far, and it’s always a treat to stop in and catch up with the brand. A heads-up: Among the company’s other wares, canvas bags are coming soon. In the meantime, I’d highly recommend you grab a unique leather growler before this fall comes and you need to dress for your next tailgate. Now, all that menswear shopping left us pretty parched – so a stop at Brewery Vivant was in order (after we polished off a Bloody Mary at Grand Rapids Brewing Company first, of course). Stopping at Vivant is always a highlight of any trip to Grand Rapids, and I can’t pass up sipping on an essential, easily drinkable Farm Hand (brewed on-site). The frites and beer cheese are must-haves, as well. Oh, and the reverent vibe – it’s a former funeral home and chapel – adds to the religious aura of the company’s beer (I’d say).

Beckett Simonon

In short, it was a great first stop and got us ready to check out the neat interior of Creston Brewery, a converted furniture showroom with plenty of colorful artwork on its walls. That the brewery does a nice job with unique beers – including one made with Michigan blueberries – is pretty cool, and its empanadas are a great afternoon snack. Because no trip to GR can end with just two breweries, I was glad I bundled up for a quick stop at the industrially appointed Greyline Brewing, followed by some excellent pizza – and a killer double IPA – at Mitten Brewing (seriously …. Order that pizza, folks). And lest we forget the city’s ever-growing beer scene – it builds up seemingly by the day – a stop at the Grand Rapids outpost of Atwater Brewery was in order to end the night. They make a heck of a hot dog, and they can do a spiced IPA (the Car Bomb IPA) with the best of ‘em. Oh, and the most crucial part about the day – I didn’t need to change my rugged leather boots or switch out of my plaid flannel shirt the whole way through.

Tough essentials to fight the cold. Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket by Johnston & Murphy. Snowbridge Cardigan by Eddie Bauer. Buxton Boots by G.H. Bass. Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. Ranger Gloves by Grifter Company. Cap by Everlane. Messenger by Brothers Leather Supply.

Tough essentials to fight the cold. Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket by Johnston & Murphy. Snowbridge Cardigan by Eddie Bauer. Buxton Boots by G.H. Bass. Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. Ranger Gloves by Grifter Company. Cap by Everlane. Messenger by Brothers Leather Supply.

Sunday dawned chilly and cold once again, bringing with it the end of my weekend trip – and a quick stop to see my two new nieces (congrats to my brother Nick and his wife, Chelsea!). It was astounding how well the timing of my trip worked out – doesn’t happen every day, for sure. While my menswear was definitely not the most important part of Sunday, I still layered up with my Eddie Bauer Snow Bridge Cardigan, my trusty Johnston and Murphy Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket and yet another Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley. Crucially, I accessorized with the durable MVMT Watches Calypso Watch. Plus, a pair of refined-yet-casual Abercrombie and Fitch Flannel-Lined Chinos perfectly complemented my G.H. Bass Buxton Boots. For two flights and some cold-yet-relaxing time beforehand in Grand Rapids, the combo proved warm, stylish and easy to layer for travel. Luckily, I kept busy on the road with the latest edition of Gear Patrol – as we discussed in my roundup of the best men’s home goods, that magazine is packed full of beautiful photography, great writing, excellent stories and the spirit of adventure to which we should all aspire. If you couldn’t tell, I’m quite the fan.

Although this weekend proved a whirlwind, it really was filled with the best things. Between incredible – yet too-brief – time with family and friends to the chance to shop great menswear and enjoy craft beer and outstanding cuisine in one of my favorite cities, it was a total treat! So, the next time you travel from chilly locale to chilly locale, pack your gear in a stylish weekender bag, bring your favorite pair of leather boots and layer up with rugged winter essentials like a henley and a shawl cardigan. Oh, and enjoy a beer or two for me. For now, I’m back in New York City and getting started on a busy week – but I’ll have fond memories of this trip back, and I’m plotting a return soon!

To my friends and family in the Mitten – see you soon!

To all you Style Guide readers ….

Stay stylish,

-Beau

New York State of Mind: A birthday weekend in Brooklyn

Editor’s note: Click here to check out my last personal style post.

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Essential birthday weekend gear — and a birthday Bloody Mary, to boot! Maritime Submariner Jacket by Taylor Stitch. Indigo Plaid Oxford and Flannel-Lined Chinos by Abercrombie & Fitch. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Waterbury Chronograph by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Socks by Anonymous-ism. Glasses by Frameri.

It’s been some time since we stepped away from our  regularly scheduled programming to cover a bit of personal style from your Style Guide author, but this weekend seemed a fitting chance to get out with great new gear.  Namely, it was my birthday on Saturday (thanks for all the love, folks!), and a four-day weekend was in order! Unlike Michael Scott, I didn’t bring in donuts to the office for my own day.  However, I did get the chance to hit up my favorite spots in Brooklyn, spend time with great friends and test out some new #menswear from the likes of JackThreads, Abercrombie & Fitch and more (thanks for the gifts, family!).  And any time I get the chance to get out of the office and enjoy some time off, it’s always much welcomed. So if you didn’t follow along on Instagram … here’s what went down.

Essential Friday style. Munro Leather Biker Jacket by JackThreads. Scarf by S.N.S. Herning. 505C Denim by Levi's. Kimbo Chelsea Boots also by JackThreads. Red Wing Leather Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Glasses by Frameri.

Essential Friday style. Munro Leather Biker Jacket by JackThreads. Scarf by S.N.S. Herning. 505C Denim by Levi’s. Kimbo Chelsea Boots also by JackThreads. Red Wing Leather Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Glasses by Frameri.

Perhaps most importantly, it’s the height of menswear trade show season here in New York, so Friday proved a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of standout — yet busy — shows like Capsule and Liberty last week. After spending Thursday hustling around the shows, some quality Brooklyn time was in order. Of course, it’s always great to see what’s new and what’s next in the men’s style world. I definitely enjoyed catching up with Style Guide favorites like the Bridge & Burn team, along with my pals at Rivay, purveyors of stunningly rugged menswear. I’m particularly excited to working on a neat project with the classic prep-Americana clothiers at JACHS NY over the next few weeks, too.

A rock-inspired leather jacket, a classic henley, essential denim & Chelsea boots. Doesn't get more ready for Friday than that, ehh?

A rock-inspired leather jacket, a classic henley, essential denim & Chelsea boots. Doesn’t get more ready for Friday than that, ehh?

But all that action meant a relaxing Friday was pretty crucial. I was lucky enough to test out a unique piece of outerwear for the weekend, the JackThreads Munro Leather Biker, a sleek, classic and affordably priced take on the biker jacket silhouette. If you’ve been looking to switch up your style, I’d recommend you take a look at that jacket. I teamed it with some other rock-ready pieces, like my slim Levi’s 505C Denim — a new classic from a brand with tons of history. The denim proved a stylish and suitably rock-inspired move when matched up with my JackThreads Kimbo Chelsea Boots, too.  Plus, I teamed it with a personal favorite, the rugged Todd Snyder Classic Henley in Indigo, for a day spent around Williamsburg. I’ve written often about how I love the quiet atmosphere and beautifully handcrafted menswear at Upstate Stock, and they make an excellent Campfire Latte, too. In short, it’s a great place to post up, listen to some great music (The National, anyone?) and get some work done. The nearby Greenpoint Beer & Ale also proved the perfect place to grab a pre-birthday pint and some excellent “European comfort cuisine,” as they call it. Seriously, throw on your most rugged gear and belly up to the bar!

New birthday gifts from Abercrombie & Fitch, plus some old favorites from Timex and CAT Footwear. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

New birthday gifts from Abercrombie & Fitch, plus some old favorites from Timex and CAT Footwear. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

With some excellent Greenpoint brews in the books, it was time to kick off Saturday with some top-notch birthday gifts — and a crucial Bloody Mary — at another favorite Brooklyn spot, Fawkner. It’s a great neighborhood spot with a neat, rustic interior — like stepping into a Rudyard Kipling novel (think vintage posters, mounted animals and a neat blue color scheme, plus a plush study-like area in the back).  Of course, kicking the day off with a few gifts — and plenty of wishes from family and friends — was incredible, and made me feel very lucky! It’s not for nothing that those gifts included some stellar menswear. Namely  I was pumped to open an outstanding set of Abercrombie & Fitch Flannel-Lined Chinos and the very wearable, slim and stylish Abercrombie & Fitch Plaid Indigo Oxford Shirt — they both stylishly offset another personal favorite for perfect Saturday style, the Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket (yet another birthday gift from the family!). I finished the look off with the durable, well-worn CAT Footwear Sutter Boots and my always-essential Timex x Red Wing Watebury Chronograph. The combination took me from brunch and around Brooklyn for a few brews with college friends at The Well, a cavernous, repurposed warehouse-turned-craft brew haven — what better place to celebrate a birthday in style??

Frank & Oak

Cheering on my Michigan State Spartans in style. Vintage-style sweater by Hillflint. Winter Denim by Abercrombie & Fitch. Field watch by Timex for J. Crew. Watch cap by Everlane. Karnes Captoe Boots by Johnston and Murphy.

Cheering on my Michigan State Spartans in style. Vintage-style sweater by Hillflint. Winter Denim by Abercrombie & Fitch. Field watch by Timex for J. Crew. Watch cap by Everlane. Karnes Captoe Boots by Johnston and Murphy.

With a remarkably fun birthday in the books, it was time to close out the weekend in relaxing — and athletic-inspired — style as I watched my Michigan State Spartans take on archrival Michigan in a much-anticipated home game. That meant reaching for a retro, warm and comfortable Hillflint Tailgate Sweater, a gift Santa left me under the tree this past Christmas in Florida. It’s the perfect way to upgrade your sports-centric style without spending too much. It layered nicely under my tough, weather-ready Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket — seriously, pick up that outerwear if you haven’t already. The rugged combo was stylishly offset by my casual Abercrombie & Fitch denim, featuring brushed cotton for comfort and mobility. Plus, my reliable Johnston and Murphy Karnes Captoe Boots helped me navigate the chilly Brooklyn streets in style. Of course, there’s almost no better locale in Brooklyn — for the excellent beer and the value — at which to take in a game than Keg & Lantern (get the beer-and-wings combo and thank me later). It was the perfect way to end Sunday — topped off with yet another stop by Upstate Stock. I’m telling you, that’s a must-see spot if you love tranquility and menswear wrapped into a serene environment.

It’s weekends like this past one that make me really grateful for a multitude of things — my amazing family and friends chief among them. And the opportunity to live, work and blog in Brooklyn & Manhattan, while taxing at times, is fulfilling, fun and really enjoyable. This past year has brought a lot — professionally and personally — and I’m hopeful the next year will continue to do the same! That goes beyond just this blog, but I really appreciate you reading, thank you to so many for the birthday wishes, and I hope these style tips and musings are helpful! Join us tomorrow for the next entry in our #OOTD series, and follow along on Instagram for real-world style.

Stay stylish!

-Beau

The Friday Read: Veterans Day, Sword and Plough and Glenfiddich Whisky

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.

Well. Hey, what a week, right? Onward and upward. On this Friday, it’s a good reason to reflect and bring us all togehter– Veterans Day should bring with it great appreciation for the men and women who’ve served, and continue to serve so bravely. And a bit of a focus on the lifestyle companies that help support those veterans never goes wrong, either. Is there anything better than buying stylish, quality menswear for a great cause? If you’ve got some plans to do that this weekend, I think you’ll like the content we have in store below. And if your weekend brings with it other plans, it still pays to keep in mind some crucial men’s style tips — like how to dress for fall travel, or how to buy your new favorite henley (all crucial, you see). And if it’s getting really chilly where you are? Layer up with a stylish flannel shirt or a slim cardigan. You can, of course, look for our weekly Style Pick tomorrow — and stay tuned, ‘cuz it’ll get you shopping via Huckberry quicker than you can move your mouse. For now, catch up on the week in menswear — and the weekend to come.

A duffle built with military-grade fabric and inspiration.

A duffle built with military-grade fabric and inspiration.

    • First up in our Veteran’s Day rundown? A company that keeps the sacrifices of our armed forces front and center in everything it does, from its use of repurposed military fabrics to its mission of supporting vets through all phases of production. Sword and Plough  is launching a new duffle bag inspired by co-founder Emily Nunez’s experience with her U.S. Army duffle. It’s built with that same durability in mind and available in either Camo or Olive — the Camo version is lined in surplus 500-denier nylon fabric, while the Olive version is lined in a surplus cotton/nylon twill (originally meant for older military uniforms, but unused).  Oh, and the leather accents even come from the brand’s Redwing, Minn., which itself is a major military supplier. Get it ASAP via Sword and Plough, and know that the brand’s weekender bags — one of which I took with me on a fall trip to Providence — are just as quality.

  • If you fancy yourself in the market for a smaller accessory that pays homage to military inspiration you can’t go wrong with a rugged, durable and stylish casual watch via AVI-8.  Makers of handsome timepieces, they’re offering 30 percent off the brand’s Flyboy Collection now through Monday, November 14th using the code ‘Flyboy‘  — of course, as to the watches themselves, you can’t go wrong with the Flyboy Tuck, inspired by Royal Air Force flying ace Robert Stanford Tuck. The Flyboy Mesh is also clean, crisp and stylish enough for both casual and more refined wear. What are you waiting for, yeah?
  • Now, it’s not quite Veteran’s Day-related, but your footwear closet might need a new addition. CLAE and Style Guide favorite JackThreads just teamed up on a stylish sneaker collaboration that’s in need of your time. The CLAE x JackThreads Bradley is a refined low-top black sneaker with a patent leather cap toe and heel — not your everyday set of kicks. And the CLAE x JackThreads Strayhorn Mid is a unique, affordable and super-stylish high-top chukka sneaker with a wool upper. Yes, you’ll want to wear this with a classic chambray shirt, your favorite cardigan and dark denim soon — very soon.

Want one last way to toast to the weekend?

  • Craft bee is a big passion of mine. Whisky? Not all the time. But whisky aged in craft beer barrels? Bingo. See, we’re not all menswear here at The Style Guide. If that’s the case for you as well, you’d be wise to keep your eyes open for the new Glenfiddich India Pale Ale Cask Finish, a single malt scotch whiskey finished in IPA craft beer barrels and released last month. It’s part of the Glennfiddich Expermental Series, and it’s certainly got the rich flavor and nuanced details to back it up. It’s now out in the public, too  — keep your eyes  open for it at luxury whiskey retail stores, along with premium bars and hotels across the U.S. Cheers!

That brings us to the end of this week’s Friday Read — again, stick around for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, and stay stylish!

-Beau

Back in the Mitten: A wedding weekend in Michigan

Editor’s note: To recap my last trip (earlier this week!), click here.

A wedding weekend -- and a bit of bar crawl action -- to boot. Denim Shirt by JackThreads. Slim Italian-made denim by Mott & Bow. Sand Suede Chukkas by Blu Kicks. Watch by MVMT Watches. Backdrop by Lansing Brewing.

A wedding weekend — and a bit of bar crawl action — to boot. Denim Shirt by JackThreads. Slim Italian-made denim by Mott &; Bow. Sand Suede Chukkas by Blu Kicks. Watch by MVMT Watches. Sunglasses by Tom Ford. Backdrop by Lansing Brewing.

If it seemed like the last week was fast, it felt like the weekend flew by even faster — boarding your fifth flight in six days (including those pesky connections) will do that to you. But Friday’s early, early morning flight brought me once again back to my home state of Michigan, and my hometown of Mason for my great friend Andy’s wedding weekend (and a tip o’ the cap to my pal Chris for hosting me this weekend). It felt strange yet fitting to be back in the Mitten so soon — I was just in Grand Rapids for the bachelor party at the end of July, after all.  But it was an honor to be in Andy’s wedding, and the trip back also presented the all-too-rare chance for me to spend just a bit of time in a town I really do love. Seeing as I was in Las Vegas for a work conference just a few days before, I also felt pretty confident I could dress, and pack, for the trip with style and attention to detail. Nothing like unpacking, then repacking almost immediately, to teach you about versatile style, ehh?

A casual, comfortable Friday travel outfit. Slim Mailbag by Satchel & Page. T-shirt in Heather Grey and Colorblocked Socks by Richer Poorer. Slim Staple Denim by Mott & Bow. Tan Suede Chukkas by Blu Kicks. Hawker Hunter II Watch by AVI-8. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Leather lanyard by Tanner Goods. Sunglasses by Steven Alan Optical. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

A casual, comfortable Friday travel outfit. Slim Mailbag by Satchel & Page. T-shirt in Heather Grey and Colorblocked Socks by Richer Poorer. Slim Staple Denim by Mott & Bow. Sand Chukkas by Blu Kicks. Hawker Hunter II Watch by AVI-8. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Leather lanyard by Tanner Goods. Sunglasses by Steven Alan Optical. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

As I was in the wedding — held at the picturesque English Inn  in the rolling Michigan countryside — my grey tuxedo was taken care of, other than my shoes; the crisp Johnston & Murphy Duvall Wingtip  more than got the job taken care of there (more to come on the wedding shortly, but it was an amazingly beautiful and fun night!). So with formal wear out of the way, my focus was on packing some casual style essentials into my dependable Owen & Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender, along with my sturdy Satchel & Page Slim Mailbag.  As I’ve talked about before on these (digital) pages, great luggage can keep your gear safe and stylish no matter where you go, and those two bags will set you right. To meet the challenge of traveling in comfortable-yet-crisp style, I grabbed one of my favorite tees, the Richer Poorer T-Shirt in Heather Grey, and topped off the look with a personal favorite, a vintage ballcap from Goorin Brothers. Now, we’ll be talking more about stylish pocket T-shirts on the blog on Wednesday *cough, cough* but know that this particular tee fits and breathes well while looking visually different than a plain crewneck. It offset my Mott & Bow Staple Denim in rather classic fashion — the dark wash and significant stretch in this pair of denim is ideal for travel. Comfortable footwear was also a must — for lightweight, casual style and a pop of color, I threw on the Blu Kicks Sand Chukkas, which I’ve been testing out with positive results these past few weeks. The unlined suede upper is ultra-comfortable, particularly with a pair of Richer Poorer cotton socks, and you can feel good about the fact that they’re handmade in Mexico from local materials for a great price.

And on the watch front, I picked a timepiece that’s as dependable and durable as any — I’m talking about the AVI-8 Hawker Hunter, a rugged, aviation-style watch with a case diameter that clocks in (pun intended) at a beefy 45mm. It still manages to come off understated thanks to the neutral beige leather strap, and it was the ideal travel companion as far as watches go — smart, functional and not fussy. The head-to-toe combo of comfort and style worked quite well for an afternoon spent in my hometown of Mason — as I said before, it’s not often I get to go back there, and it’s always a treat when I do. In this case, that meant a stop at Mason institution Bestsellers Cafe for a gourmet coffee. An early start to the day also meant that the afternoon was high time for some extra sustenance — cue up a stop at BAD Brewing Company, a stellar and relatively recent craft beer outpost that’s been drawing rave reviews for its homegrown brews and gourmet bites. Yes, I’d recommend a stop there if you ever pass through Mason — and it was the perfect way to cap off an afternoon stroll around the beautiful campus of my alma mater, Michigan State.

Inside Mason's own BAD Brewing, a definite highlight of the trip.

Inside Mason’s own BAD Brewing, a definite highlight of the trip.

That tasty spot of lunch was the perfect way to tide me over until a post-wedding rehearsal stop at another highly regarded craft beer spot, the Lansing Brewing Company. It’s made major waves in the local craft beer scene for reinvigorating the city’s hops culture, and its three signature brews — including the cleverly named Angry Mayor IPA — do a fine job of holding down the fort alongside a rotating seasonal selection. From the Best Coast Pale Ale to the Ain’t No Drama Imperial Red, it’s representative of the atmosphere and quality of Michigan’s best breweries — and Lansing Brewing is just getting started (if you couldn’t tell, I’m a big craft beer fan). For the rehearsal itself and that much-loved trip to the brewery, I switched out my Richer Poorer pocket tee for a reliable favorite, my JackThreads Denim Shirt — it’s the perfect casual summer outfit topper, and it’s selling fast. It was my own slight variation on how to dress for a warm-weather bar crawl, if you will.

Sharp Saturday style. Slub Nep Jersey Polo by Grayers. Stringer Dune Shorts by Bridge & Burn. Daily Classic Nylon Sneakers from the Reebok x JackThreads collab. Brown leather watch by MVMT Watches. Scout Wallet by Andar Wallets. Leather bracelet by Bryer Leather.

Sharp Saturday style. Slub Nep Jersey Polo by Grayers. Stringer Dune Shorts by Bridge & Burn. Daily Classic Nylon Sneakers from the Reebok x JackThreads collab. Brown leather watch by MVMT Watches. Scout Wallet by Andar Wallets. Leather bracelet by Bryer Leather.

That casual style was similarly needed on Saturday for a bit of pre-wedding time spent around downtown Mason once again. To meet the summertime heat of Michigan in style, I threw on my trusty Grayers Slub Jersey Polo and my tailored-yet-comfortable Bridge & Burn Stringer Dune Shorts (you can grab a similar pair here); I finished the #menswear ensemble off with two everyday carry touches — my MVMT Watches Brown Leather Watch and the Scout Wallet from Andar Wallets. The polo was breathable and soft,  and the blue & khaki colors played nicely off a really standout pair of sneakers — the Reebok x JackThreads Daily Classic Nylon is a heck of a pair of kicks! They’re new as of this week, and they feature a premium blend of pigskin suede in a retro runner silhouette that’s sporty, classic and timeless. Oh, and did I mention they’re comfortable as heck? They were a nice pair of sneakers for a bit of pre-wedding fun (and if I were you, I’d check back on this blog later this week for a full Style Pick of the Week feature).
Huckberry
That casual ensemble played nicely into the wedding, where I put the Johnston & Murphy Duvall Wingtip to good use with a slim grey tuxedo and classic navy tie. Enough about Saturday’s outfit, though — the wedding itself was extraordinary and the atmosphere was second-to-none. It was such a great time to be there for my friends Andy & Courtney (if you made it this far in the post, Hi guys!), and you couldn’t ask for a better venue than the refined English Inn. A beautiful ceremony and an awesome time with close high school friends thereafter were huge highlights and made for memories of a lifetime — the perfect time and reason to be back in Michigan. It’s tough to see everyone in one place at the same time, to be sure, so I’m certainly glad I made the trip back.

Crisp classics for Sunday travel. White Oxford by Todd Shelton. Slim chinos by Old Navy. Duvall Wingtips by Johnston & Murphy. Notebook by Word Notebooks. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder.

Crisp classics for Sunday travel. White Oxford by Todd Shelton. Slim chinos by Old Navy. Duvall Wingtips by Johnston & Murphy. Notebook by Word Notebooks. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder.

With that being said, a quick trip often calls for a quick turnaround, and such was the case after a long night of revelry at the English Inn. To head back to New York — and finish up the blog post — I reached for reliable travel style essentials. My Todd Shelton White Oxford was chief among those picks — there might not be as reliable or high-quality an Oxford on the market, what with customizable fit options, a substantial fabric and a tailored fit. I wore it casually with a pair of Old Navy Slim Khakis, plus the sharp, travel-ready Johnston & Murphy Duvall Wingtip. Of course, my Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch was a necessary finishing touch. Like many recent travels, it was so worth it to be back — long journey, early flight and all. I know I’ll be back in the Mitten for at least one Michigan State football game this fall, but for now, I’m just grateful to have celebrated a great wedding weekend with lifelong friends. And it’s trips like this one that will take me out on the road again. Keep up with those travels here on the blog or at The Style Guide Facebook page, and I hope you pack up your bag with memories (and OK, some style) in mind the next time you travel.

‘Til the next post,

-Beau
Frank & Oak

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

The Friday Read: Kentucky Derby Cocktails, Men’s Sunglasses and Washington, D.C.

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.  

Hello there, Style Guide readers! Welcome to another edition of the Friday Read, where (if you’re not familiar), we’re recapping the week in #menswear. And if you’ve come through these parts before, welcome back. How was your week? It’s turning out to be a mighty packed one, what with Cinco de Mayo yesterday, the Kentucky Derby following on Saturday and of course, Mother’s Day on Sunday. If you’re scrambling to find a gift, check out this site’s rundown of the best gifts for Mother’s Day. Trust us, we’ll get you sorted. Hopefully, you’ll have the chance to rest, relax and spend some quality time with family this weekend — whether it’s watching the Derby or doing some traveling to see friends. On that note, check back here Monday for a full post covering a trip I’m taking to Washington, D.C. to see my good friend, former college roommate and current political journo Ian Kullgren. If you have any suggestions for fun things to do in the area, let me know on Twitter! And if you want to follow along with my travels, add me on Instagram  or… better yet, follow me on Snapchat @beau_hayhoe. I’m still getting the hang of that thing, but I think I’ve got a good handle on what’s going in this week’s Friday Read — enjoy the weekend and read on!

  • Enjoying a nice beverage during the Kentucky Derby? Here’s exactly how to make a mint julep, the official drink of the Derby. If you’re more partial to other cocktails, here’s a look at this site’s cocktail guide for the 2016 Masters.
  • Note that we’ll have our own Style Guide sunglasses picks coming up here shortly, but in the meantime, the Wall Street Journal recommends the following men’s sunglasses picks for summer.
  • Again, this piece isn’t directly style-related, but it ties into something this menswear writer knows and loves –a great beer! Men’s Journal covers the 25 best American IPAs (and boy, is the list something else!)
  • Style Note of the Week: This isn’t a full-on menswear story by any means, but rather a recommendation that’s given me some great visual inspiration — if you don’t follow the fantastic Christian Watson on Instagram, it’d be wise to start! He shares some inspiring shots of his travels, his daily adventures and his incredible eye for a great photo. Worth  a look to start your weekend, ehh?

Want some more great men’s style content? Here we are!

  • If you read this site, you know I’m a huge fan of the versatility and tough styling potential of a rugged henley — so of course, I wrote about the 10 best henleys for men over at GearMoose! I think you’ll recognize some Style Guide favorites in there.

Thanks as always, for reading!

-Beau

 

The Friday Read: Fashion Supply Chains, Steph Curry and the Guinness Debate

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.  

Things have been developing quickly on The Style Guide this spring — it’s tough to believe it’s already nearly May! Right? If your spring has been going as fast as mine feels like it has, perhaps you’ve already locked down a stylish spring jacket or an awesome pair of leather loafers? What about some made-in-America sneakers? Join us for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week — no more hints. And in the meantime, let’s get on with the Friday Read. This past week, we’ve been in the midst of planning another spring event for Timberland — yet this time, we’re looking toward the brand’s Fall 2016 collections. Maybe that’s where the time is going! But back to the matter at hand. Is there content you’d like to see on the blog? Outfit suggestions? Certain categories covered more? Definitely let me know.  We’ll be angling to cover more lifestyle content in the coming weeks, including some changes coming to this particular feature. That doesn’t change the below #menswear news we’re covering here. Read on, and enjoy the weekend!

  • We’ll start with a worthwhile read for every fashion fan, as VICE dives into that arena by looking at how big-name fashion brands — some of the biggest in the world, in fact — are using secret supply chains; not very ethical, to say the least.
  • Just how valuable is Steph Curry to Under Armour as a brand? Pretty darn valuable! To the tune of … well, $14 billion. With a B. Pretty neat.
  • Like any self-respecting beer drinker, I love a good Guinness. Even if it’s pretty pervasive, is it craft beer? Check out what Men’s Journal had to say on the matter.
  • Style Note of the Week: In case you hadn’t caught wind of this as of yet, Well-Spent reminds us all that the Taylor Stitch Beach Jacket continues to fund — and continues to impress. Check out how to style it in this week’s #OOTD.

Still looking for more men’s style content? Get a load of the below.

That’s all for now, folks — look out for tomorrow’s Style Pick, and give us a shout on Facebook with style questions!

-Beau