Tag / everyday carry

by Beau H.

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

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Here’s The Rugged Henley to Wear This Summer

If there’s one item I reach for more consistently than any other — no matter the season — it’s got to be a rugged men’s henley. Yes indeed, in the high heat of summer (the perfect time for a short-sleeve henley) and the chilling depths of winter (hello, slim long-sleeve henley), it’s simply an easy-to-wear, effective and stylish choice. But you knew that, right? After all, we talked this spring about how to upgrade your henley. There’s no question that it can easily layer under your favorite summer blazer or be worn on its own — crucially. And today’s all-new, hyper-stylish #OOTD here on The Style Guide covers perhaps the best short-sleeve henley to buy now — or at least, consider buying. And if you read the blog frequently — and shop the hallowed halls of Style Guide friend Huckberry — you should know the brand that makes it: The inimitable folks at Flint and Tinder.

As it were, the centerpiece of today’s outfit is the Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Henley, done up in comfortable, breathable fabric with a modern fit. The rest of this ensemble has all the trappings of a rugged, tough outfit that someone like, say, noted henley wearer Mr. Daniel Craig might enjoy wearing.  At any rate, I hope you’re excited to check out some slim dark blue denim, classic men’s boots and a few other hard-wearing touches — including a rugged casual watch. If I were you, I’d wear this outfit out to your next brew pub crawl or even a quick day trip out to the country. And it’s even got a couple pieces — like a stylish everyday backpack — that might get you from point A to point B in many a situation. I don’t want to ruin all the fun, though. Read on below and let me know how you like these #menswear picks!

Rugged men's henley

Take your (new) favorite rugged henley and layer it with a crisp bomber jacket, dark denim and tough boots — wear it now sans jacket, and keep this look handy come fall.

The Henley: Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Henley, $55 — First things first: Don’t be alarmed by the use of black here! This Flint and Tinder henley is crisp and slimming, and gents like Daniel Craig  make frequent use of black tees on their own.

The Bomber: Taylor Stitch Bomber Jacket in Charcoal, $188 — If you know Taylor Stitch, you know that they excel at tough, rugged and yet wearable pieces — this Taylor Stitch bomber jacket works for cool summer evenings and chillier fall days in equal measure.

The Denim: Abercrombie & Fitch Langdon Slim Coolmax Jeans, $88 — A&F, a favorite of The Style Guide, is back with a revamped denim line featuring revamped fits — the Langdon is slim, classic and wearble in August thanks to Coolmax technology.

The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Chestnut, $80 — Lest you think accessories don’t matter … think again. The folks at Sturdy Brothers make a heritage-quality belt that happens to mesh perfectly with this look.

The Boots: Astorflex Bootflex in Dark Khaki, $190 — Quality lace-up boots made with sustainable style in mind for under $200? That’s what you get with the surprisingly lightweight Astorflex Bootflex.

(Not Pictured) The Socks: Teva Benny Gold Socks (Limited Edition), $12 — Space can be limited in our #OOTD series, but socks that offer up a pop of pleasingly bright blue should pair well with the A&F dark blue denim.

The Watch: Lum-Tec Combat B35 Automatic Watch, $799.98 — You might say this rugged Lum-Tec watch is the grandaddy of them all. Beastly looks, excellent styling potential, rugged vibes, a handsome leather strap … the  Lum-Tec Combat B35 belongs on any wish list of the best men’s gear.

The Backpack: Topo Designs Klettersack, $188 — Don’t get me wrong, I love a stylish messenger bag as much as the next guy. But if you want a grab-and-go bag for a day trip or a bar crawl — particularly when paired with a rugged menswear ensemble — the Topo Designs Klettersack could be your best bet.

The Sunscreen: Salt & Stone Sunscreen (SPF 30) , $17.99 — Sunscreen is one of those things that’s likely the last item tossed in any bag — with Salt & Stone‘s crisp design (and important functionality!), you won’t forget it again.

Have you given any thought as to where you might take this outfit? It can go just about anywhere — an upstate day trip, a trip to the farmer’s market and your local park, an afternoon at your favorite watering hole … and I’d wager it’s all because of the rugged versatility of the Flint and Tinder henley shown here. And because it can go anywhere, it’s important you grab a similarly tough bag. For instance: Take the Topo Designs Klettersack and fill it with essentials like the Taylor Stitch Bomber Jacket and much-needed Salt & Stone sunscreen. And the best part is that you can easily complement your Flint and Tinder henley with other rugged basics, from dark denim to the crisp, stylish Astorflex Bootflex. What you’ve got on your wrist is equally important — my favorite part of this ensemble might be the Lum-Tec Combat B35. And if you read this blog, you know that the details make the difference — start with a heritage-quality belt and go from there.

Let me know: What do you think of this rugged #OOTD? Drop a line in the comments!

Thanks so much for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Most Stylish Gear to Upgrade Your Everyday Carry

We always say here at The Style Guide that the little details count. And that’s no more true than when it comes to your everyday carry. We’re talking about all the little things you can’t leave the house without — from a slim wallet to a leather lanyard to versatile sunglasses and a small-yet-effective daypack. And in the summer season, that list likely grows a little bit longer. Between fighting the summer sun with a vintage ballcap and toting along a trusty, durable bottle opener to a tailgate or backyard BBQ, it pays to be prepared for every situation. And you’d be surprised at just how affordable it can be to upgrade your everyday carry — whether it’s easygoing essentials from Bespoke Post or a durable daypack, plenty of brands stock handy gear for travel and daily use at low prices. Hopefully, today’s rundown hits the sweet spot for you. We’re covering those unexpected — and unexpectedly useful — items that everyone seems to need. The next time you head to a backyard barbecue, hit the beach or even stroll to your post-work happy hour, you’ll be more than prepared with reliable ways to upgrade your everyday carry.

Timex

The Bag: Topo Designs Daypack, $168

With enough room for a 15-inch laptop, the Daypack is your essential summer bag.

If we’re talking your everyday carry, might as well start with a reliable bag — right? Whether you’re hitting the road for a hike or simply gearing up for a stroll to the farmer’s market, take the effective Topo Designs Daypack with you. Featuring a neat blue exterior accented with rich leather and touches of red, the  Topo Designs Daypack is a smart-looking, high-performing pack made with enough room for a 15-inch laptop. That makes it a winner in my book.

The Ballcap: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $39.98

Throw this Huckberry cap in your bag and throw it on whenever you might need extra sun protection.

A Style Guide favorite no matter the season, it’s always helpful to have an easy-to-wear, stylish and vintage-inspired ballcap in your bag for situations that pop up unexpectedly. Yes, a ballcap can — and should — serve a functional purpose. From shielding your eyes in outfield seats that got caught in an unexpected glare to keeping your face free from sunburn during an hours-long cookout, the Explorer’s Cap — available in a plethora of colors — is an everyday carry essential.
Greats

The Watch: Timex Weekender Chronograph, $77 OR Deep Blue NATO Diver 300 Automatic, $220

Two options that were made for rugged adventure — and then some.

Wherever your casual summer adventures take you, a durable, stylish watch is an absolute must. If you’re bringing along something like the Topo Designs Daypack, then let’s assume you’re going somewhere off the beaten path. In that case, the crisp, classic and well-designed Timex Weekender Chronograph can hang every step of the way — doubly so thanks to the summer-friendly NATO strap.  And if your adventures call for soaking up some rays and spending some time in the water, the handsome Deep Blue NATO Diver 300 Automatic is as up for anything as you are.

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The Bottle Opener: Areaware Bottle Axe, $17.50

An effective — and effectively cool — way to open your favorite beer.

First seen in our new Style Guide series The List,  the Areaware Bottle Axe is quite the upgrade from your standard combo bottle opener. It’s sleek, well-designed and well-made, for one. It’s also a neat conversation piece of sorts — it’s inspired by Norse mythology and medieval history. A regular, cheap bottle opener doesn’t have that going for it. Grab the Bottle Axe, toss it in your beach bag and get ready for an afternoon enjoying laidback brews.

Florsheim

The Everyday Carry Essential: Swiss Advance Crono Camp Multi-Tool, $35

More tools than you can possibly believe — at an accessible price, too.

Perhaps the true definition of an everyday carry piece, the Swiss Advance Crono Camp Multi-Tool really can do it all. The brand says it’s designed to be ultra-slim and lightweight, and it seriously packs a ton of punch. It features, in short order, everything from a bottle opener to a wire stripper to a fork AND knife. And it does all of that for just $35. For your next beach bonfire or hiking trip, you need the Crono Camp Multi-Tool.

The Sunglasses: Knockaround Mile High Polarized Sunglasses, $24.98
Knockaround

A sharp, simple and very affordable silhouette for summer style.

Great sunglasses at an accessible price with quality construction? Nearly impossible to come by. Yet, Knockaround seems to consistently solve that conundrum, making the Mile High Polarized Sunglasses quite the reliable option to add to your everyday carry. For a price that low, you needn’t worry about beating them up too much — take them to the office and out on a long weekend of adventures thereafter (at least, that’s what I’d do if I were you).

Nautica
The Headphones: JAYS u-JAYS On-Ear Headphones, $120

A sleek take on your average headphones, with excellent sound quality.

A seriously underrated part of your everyday carry? The headphones you’re wearing to listen to your favorite podcast (I’d recommend 99% Invisible) or your favorite tunes (I favor a healthy daily dose of The National).  And for unexpectedly sleek and stylish looks — at a great price — the JAYS u-JAYS On-Ear Headphones reliably offer excellent sound quality and a cool silhouette.

Save up to 25% each month by joining Style Plan at Frank + Oak! *Free Shipping & Returns. No code necessary. Monthly membership for men & women.

I say this to you, Style Guide readers: Leave no stone unturned in your pursuit of the best everyday carry gear. If you’re in need of a new grab-and-go bag, the Topo Designs Daypack is the one to buy, with plenty of functionality for your summer adventures. Everything from a  vintage-inspired ballcap to a durable summer watch should also be included in your everyday carry — these are seemingly small-yet-useful touches you shouldn’t leave the house without. And whether you’re heading to the beach or to a barbecue, I think you’d be surprised how handy the  Crono Camp Multi-Tool can be. Last but certainly not least: Don’t leave your house without an affordable pair of shades — the Mile High Polarized Sunglasses just might be your new favorite pair. That’s all the tips I’ve got when it comes to how to upgrade your everyday carry this summer. Have questions? Shoot me a note on Twitter.
Thanks for reading — stay stylish!
-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Guide Recommends: Here’s Why You Should Be Shopping Bespoke Post

Best everyday carry for guys

The LSTN Sound Co. Headphones are but one piece of stylish gear you get via monthly boxes from Bespoke Post.

Today’s new Style Guide Recommends entry is vitally important. How so? Well, if you want one convenient, accessible, affordable and stylish place to get all of your favorite new gear, I’ve got just the recommendation for you.  If you’re not familiar with the Style Guide Recommends series, know that it covers a little bit of everything under the sun — from the style blog you should be reading now to the perfect headphones to upgrade your listening experience. Today’s new entry hits on a similar note  — that is, a little bit of everything. In short, I’m telling you all about why you should be shopping Bespoke Post — the one-stop store for guys who love handsome, refined and functional menswear, stylish home goods and standout accessories.  It’s among the best subscription boxes for men, and if that sounds like something you can get on board with, stick around for the rest of today’s post.

Plenty of us are surely familiar with how Bespoke Post operates, but if not … you’re in for a big treat. The brand itself is a bit multi-layered — you have the option to sign up for and shop a series of themed boxes, with a new one dropping every month. They also offer up stylish menswear (and more!) via the brand’s store. Crucially, know that Bespoke Post boxes are jam-packed. The way Bespoke Post does it, you get plenty of affordability, value and great style within those boxes. Take my personal favorite, the Bespoke Post Vibes Box — as seen above.  It came packed with sharp headphones from LSTN Sound Co., plus a refreshing candle — it’s a deal that’s totally worth signing up for Bespoke Post. Not bad, right? And the thing is, Bespoke Post boxes run you just $45 — $45! — if you sign up for monthly shipments.

Frank And Oak

Bespoke Post Weekender Box

Available in a plethora of colors, the Weekender Box is likely the best value on the market when it comes to a durable, handsome and stylish weekender bag.

Plus, you get the chance to review that month’s Bespoke Post box online before it ships, with the option to switch or skip boxes if you so please. Oh, and the goodies in each box are worth well over what you pay — a value of at least $70. Whether we’re talking the beach-centric Bespoke Post Chill Box, the handsome and functional weekender bag contained in the Bespoke Post Weekender Box, or the gastronomically minded Bespoke Post Hecho Box (packed with ingredients for a gourmet Mexican meal), you’re getting stellar quality and value. If you can believe it, that’s not all that Bespoke Post offers! Hold onto your hats.

Bespoke Post

Just two of the supremely stylish pieces of your favorite menswear offered up by Bespoke Post.

In all seriousness, there’s more to Bespoke Post than just the brand’s monthly box subscription. The Bespoke Post Store is packed with all manner of outstanding third-party goods, from stylish menswear to essential men’s grooming gear to a selection of men’s watches and even home goods that really can’t be beat.  On the menswear front in particular, Bespoke Post knocks it out of the park — take the rugged, wearable and well-made Taylor Stitch Beach Jacket, or the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Rambler Hi Sneakers in a  handsome shade of brown leather. The fact that you can shop for affordably priced subscription boxes and yet also walk away with some of the best men’s gear around is certainly applause-worthy — are you with me on that? I sure hope so.

Timex

 

Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to kill a little bit of time hanging around on the Bespoke Post site. The brand’s grooming essentials section in particular is packed with brands both recognizable and upstart, all worthy of a spot in your medicine cabinet. From Ursa Major grooming items to Style Guide favorites Baxter of California, the shop has something for everyone. You also get a reliable helping of affordable men’s home goods, everything from everyday carry tools to masculine-yet-accessible home décor. There’s plenty to shop, and plenty that you’re going to want. In short, you can expect to see quite a few pieces of gear from Bespoke Post in upcoming features on this site.

Greats

So, to recap. If you sign up for Bespoke Post, you get access to a selection of thoughtfully curated, well-designed and affordable monthly subscription boxes. Lest we forget, it’s also worth it to shop one of the more well-done Web stores around, packed with rugged and refined Taylor Stitch menswear and plenty more. In all seriousness, what’s not to love about Bespoke Post? The positives surely outweigh the negatives — in my mind, that makes the site more than worthy of your time and your hard-earned dollars. I’d love to hear: What do you love about Bespoke Post? Will you be shopping the site more now? And what’s your favorite Bespoke Post box?

As always — thanks for reading, and happy shopping!

-Beau

(Editor’s note: The above post uses affiliate links, off which a small commission might be earned. Thanks for supporting brands that support The Style Guide!).

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: The Best Gear to Bring to the Beach This Summer

It seems as if we were just talking about transitional spring style on this here blog, and yet now, we’re staring down the Fourth of July and we’re talking about what to wear to the beach. Or rather, what to wear to the beach and all the rest of the best men’s gear to bring with you. We’ll cover a bunch today on The Style Guide, from a great beach cooler to a stylish pair of swim trunks, a slim summer T-shirt, great sunglasses and plenty, plenty more.  After all, hitting the water needn’t mean you leave your favorite seasonal style essentials at home. You can — and indeed, should —  bring along durable accessories, a stylish dive watch, a classic pair of sunglasses … seriously, bring (and wear) as much of it as you can. Vacation time is no time at all to slack off, fellas. In the spirit of upgraded beach style, follow along with the below #menswear picks, follow along with my summer style on Instagram and if you dare … follow me on Twitter. Happy shopping!

Florsheim

The Swim Suit: Onia Charles Trunks — $77.98 OR Penfield Seal Swim Shorts — $65

Two colorways, two different brands and two fairly agreeable prices — stylish summer swimwear is here.

Let’s start things off with what’s most important — shall we? Two options here, both stylish, functional and no-frills when it comes to the fit,  details and colors. These are trunks that don’t cry out for attention — I’m partial to the Onia Charles Trunks. Either one will work with a slim T-shirt and slip-on sneakers, and you can throw on a classic ballcap with ease, too. Either option is also fair in terms of price. When it comes to quality, the Onia Charles Trunks or the Penfield Seal Swim Shorts aren’t the sort of swim trunks that can be found in a bargain bin — and that’s quite the positive for you.

The Essential: Finisterre Beach Towel — $44.98
Finisterre Beach Towel

A good-looking beach towel? Who knew?

Before we get to the rest of the essential summer gear you need, how about we knock out one crucial item early on? It can be a bit of a search to find a quality, well-made and stylish beach towel. And if you hadn’t yet thought that a beach towel needed to look nice, well … consider yourself on notice. The Finisterre Beach Towel features a no-fuss pattern and a neutral color — both underrated qualities in a sea of bright, bright towels.

Greats

The Bag: W&P Design Cocktail Tote — $127.98

A grab-and-go bag finished with stylish details and enough durability to make it beach-ready.

So, you’ve got your remarkably stylish beach towel and swim trunks all set. Before we go any further, let’s sort out how you’ll be hauling your everyday carry — from your classic summer sneakers to your favorite sunglasses. You just might want to make the W&P Design Cocktail Tote your bag of choice. It’ll provide durability and stylish looks — and it won’t look out of place slung over your shoulder when grabbing a post-beach beer. Speaking of beer — if you’re looking for a durable beach cooler, stick around until the end of this post.
The Shirt: Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Tee — $38 OR Flint and Tinder Slub Henley in Pewter — $45 

Buy one, buy both … wear one, wear both. It’s up to you, but these stylish Flint and Tinder tees will have you all set for beach time.

We’re giving you two simple, subtly stylish and very well-made summer T-shirt options from the fine folks at Flint and Tinder. As it were, you could pick up both tees and be covered for two different style scenarios. Throw on the Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Tee to head to the beach in the first part of the day, and then keep the breathable Flint and Tinder Slub Henley — a former Style Pick of the Week entry — in your bag if it gets breezy or chilly during that beach bonfire. Which brings us to our next point …

Timex

The Light Sweater: Finisterre Newlyn Crew — $99.98

Finisterre

When the temperature drops, this is the lightweight sweater to wear.

If indeed it gets too breezy or chilly on the beach or on a boat, you need to be adequately prepared. It’s all too easy to resort to tossing on a ratty old crewneck or a logo sweater. And yet, we should likely all aspire to look a little bit better in every situation. That’s where the indigo-dyed, French Terry cotton Finisterre Newlyn Crew finds its way into your bag. Functionally minded, made for anything and built with handy storage pockets, it’s a perfect go-to after a post-morning surf or …. a post-evening beer.

The Footwear: Hari Mari x Nokona Leather Flip-Flops — $110 OR SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Standard — $78

It’s your call as to whether you go for sandals or sneakers — either should perform reliably and stylishly.

We’re once again giving you two options that could both feasibly work for a stylish day at the beach.  If you’re looking for a supremely easy-to-wear pair of premium leather flip-flops, the Hari Mari x Nokona collaboration has you all squared away. These handsome flip-flops are crafted with baseball leather for a look that’s unlike any pair of sandals on the market. If you’re more of a sneakerhead, reach for the subtly stylish, classic SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Standard. They’re arguably a pair of summer sneakers you should already own — trust me.

The Sunglasses: J. Crew Syd Sunglasses, $118 OR Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, $99.98

Summer sunglasses

Pick a pair, any pair. The Norton Point Charlie 014 is in a close race against the J. Crew Syd when it comes to great looks.

In sticking with our focus on affordable men’s style, I bring you two options for stylish summer sunglasses that won’t break the bank — and they won’t skimp on any style points, either. J. Crew as a retailer has certainly seen better days — the good old days of classic chambray shirts on every corner might be behind us. And yet… the Syd Sunglasses are an ideal pair of laidback sunglasses. The same can be said for the classic, casual Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, available for just under $100. Either will sort out your summer beach ensemble quite nicely.
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The Hat: Ebbets Field Flannels For J. Crew Ballcap — $49.50

A well-made, affordable and vintage-inspired hat for summer.

We’ve all got that trusty hat we always reach for when stepping out of the house on casual days, right?  This head-turning Ebbets Field Flannels for J. Crew cap channels vintage style with the sort of easygoing design that should make it a beach bag mainstay. In a neutral and versatile color, you’d do well to throw it in your bag for later — it’ll be the coolest hat at the beach.

The Watch: Aulta Acuatico Automatic — $235 OR Deep Blue Master 1000 Dive Watch — $219.98

Two rough-and-tumble watches geared for beach exploration.

When it comes to rugged watches, I sure hope you like options. Wearing a watch to the beach can be a losing cause — unless you’re wearing the right watch, that is. Leave your stylish leather watch at home and break out one of these bad boys if you want rugged functionality. In particular, the simply designed yet sporty and tough Aulta Acuatico is surf-inspired and yet sleek thanks to the black-on-black color combo. And the Deep Blue Master 1000 … don’t even get me started on how perfect this beastly timepiece is for summer, what with tough construction and rugged design.

Nautica

The Cooler: Bespoke Post Chill Box — $45

Two pint glasses and a durable cooler — what’s not to like? Bring it to the beach, without a doubt.

While we gave you plenty of options in the way of durable watches and stylish swim trunks, there’s really only one cooler you need to buy for the beach. That, my friends, would be the Bespoke Post Chill Box. It’s coming at ya courtesy of the great Bespoke Post team, and it’s packed with all the goods for a great beach day. The Chill Box includes a functional and effective cooler from Hudson Sutler — made in America — along with two pint glasses, ideal for knocking back a couple cold ones. Oh, and when you sign up for Bespoke Post? Well, my friends … you get a nice discount on the Chill Box. Save a brew for me, will ya?

Alright, you tell me — did I do enough of thorough job in the way of stylish summer gear for the beach? I hope this roundup was helpful for ya. If you start out your day right — by putting on some stylish swim trunks — it’s tough to go wrong from there. Grabbing handy everyday carry pieces like the W&P Design Cocktail Tote and the underrated Finisterre Beach Towel are also going to help your day get started on the right foot. Oh, and summer footwear for the beach should be easy with either the Hari Mari x Nokona collaboration or a pair of equally summer-friendly classic SeaVees sneakers. On the watch front, you should undoubtedly pack and wear a durable timepiece that can stand up to some surf and some sun.  Either the Aulta Acuatico or the Deep Blue Master 1000 you have you set up for summer beach adventures nicely. It certainly wouldn’t be a beach day without a vintage ballcap, a stylish Flint and Tinder T-shirt and — perhaps most critically — the Bespoke Post Chill Box. Do you have your shopping list all filled out? Good. Go get to it, and then hit the beach — I’ll see you out there!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts, Style Girlfriend and Taylor Stitch

We’re here on the cusp of another weekend — and the start of another Friday Read — here at ye olde Style Guide. Can you believe June is flying by? And we’ve got a big weekend coming up, too — it’s Father’s Day, after all! But more on that in a bit. It’s certainly been a momentous summer here already, what with my weekend trip to see The Killers in New Jersey, preceded by a joyous weekend of live music at Governors Ball 2017 and then a Memorial Day weekend trip to Florida before that.

And if you can believe it, I’m on the road yet again this weekend — my travels are taking me South to lovely (and sweltering) Charleston for a family wedding. I’ll of course be doing my best to dress in style for a summer wedding — that means wearable, breathable staples like a classic navy blazer and stylish leather loafers, for starters. In addition to getting dolled up for the occasion, I’m also looking forward to catching up with family and spending some quality time with my own dad. On that front, I do hope your Father’s Day shopping is going (or went) smoothly — and if you’re in need of some last-minute Father’s Day gifts, I’d highly suggest you check out the gift guide we pulled together last week. And if you’re still in search of a few other ideas? I’ve assembled my favorite quick #menswear picks below. Enjoy the weekend, enjoy tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week and enjoy Father’s Day! I’ll be recapping my trip to Charleston on Monday, and you can follow along on Instagram the whole way through.

Timex

As I said above, time is ticking away very quickly indeed to buy that great Father’s Day gift — right? If you’ve got a dad who loves either stylish sneakers or the finer things in life (a handsome pen, anyone?), shop these quick hits below.

    • From CrossPens: The Peerless TrackR Quartz Blue Ballpoint Pen is a smooth-writing, sharp-looking pen that’ll never get lost, thanks to its technologically savvy tracking capability.
    • From Filson: Father’s Day Gift GuideWhile the brand excels at making many types of rugged, durable and hard-wearing gear, I’m a big fan of several picks within the brand’s , geared toward an outdoors-loving dad.
    • From TOMS: Didn’t think TOMS could make something fit for the sneaker-loving dad? Think again, because the  TOMS Del Rey Sneaker features a simple, wearable silhouette that your dad might — no, will — enjoy pairing with stylish light wash denim this summer.

  • Does it feel too early to be thinking about rugged style for fall? The thermostat might read full-on summer in your neck of the woods, but Taylor Stitch knows that it’ll be time to crunch leaves underfoot and head out on weekend coffee dates galore before you know it. That’s why you should certainly look into ordering the Taylor Stitch Chore Jacket from the Taylor Stitch Good Acre Collection — I covered it recently for GearMoose, and it’s very worthy of your time.

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  • In the way of other Father’s Day gifts, if you find yourself in the Los Angeles area, you’d do well to stop by the Sportie LA shop — the shop has teamed up with “Cars 3” to showcase and sell a series of collaborative merchandise from Style Guide favorites like Richer Poorer. The colors and styles are inspired by the film itself, making it potentially perfect for a little family outing (and if you go, you’ll find the shop at 7763 Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles).
  • And before we let you go for the weekend, I’m going to remind you one last time about two stylish shopping hints for ya. Namely, we’re mixing menswear, home goods and accessories in my Style Guide Father’s Day gift guide — it’ll help tremendously if you haven’t given it a read! Lastly, the great team at Style Girlfriend — a site you should definitely be reading — tells you via Cool Material exactly what your girlfriend wants you to wear. Helpful tips, indeed!

That’ll round out this week’s take on the Friday Read — join us again tomorrow for a healthy weekend helping of #menswear, and catch my full travel style recap forthcoming on Monday.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: A New Way to Wear Linen Trousers for Summer

By now, you’ve probably realized one crucial thing: The heat is unequivocally here to stay. So, how do you dress to beat the heat and yet still look great? Especially when considering that changing seasons still necessitate your best menswear? Well, that’s what we’re here to help out with today at The Style Guide.  It starts first with looking at the fabrics you’re wearing — particularly on your bottom half. Breathability and comfort are key — as is a tailored, yet mobile, fit. That’s where linen trousers — or in this case, cotton-linen trousers from Style Guide favorites Bridge and Burn — come in handy. Certainly, they should be on your list of summer style essentials. And the same goes for your top half. While four-season staples like a classic Oxford shirt can still feasibly work in the summer, we’re starting things out with a slim short-sleeve shirt today. Lest we let accessories slip, I think you’ll also appreciate the picks we’ve got on-hand here — you might just find your new favorite watch or an essential summer tote bag. With all that being said, I’m looking forward to this #OOTD, and I hope you are, too. Leave any thoughts in the comments, or tell me what you really think of this #menswear ensemble via Twitter. Happy shopping and stay cool out there!

Linen-blend trousers paired up with a head-turning short-sleeved shirt, crisp loafers and a clean watch. A winning combo!

The Trousers: Bridge and Burn Roark Dune Trousers, $128 — The good folks of Bridge and Burn blend an appreciation of classic menswear with functional fabrics — like these cotton-linen blend trousers, good for breezy Northwest evenings or a sweltering Southern wedding in equal measure.

The Shirt: Outerknown Shibui Short-Sleeve Essential Shirt, $75 — Want a slim short-sleeve shirt that’s comfortable, stylish and sustainable? Look no further than the work being done by surfer-turned-designer Kelly Slater and Outerknown.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Washed Tan Leather Belt, $24.50 — A versatile, quality belt is a must-have menswear accessory — this one is affordable and sure to see plenty of wear.

The Loafers: Sebago Legacy Penny Loafer in Red Leather, $135 — Want to cool down in a hurry? Accent those linen-blend trousers and slim short-sleeve shirt with head-turning loafers in a classic silhouette and sharp color.

The Socks: Arvin Goods No-show Socks (Three-pack), $22.98 — Make no mistake, we’re still gonna need socks. Stylish no-show socks are especially key in the summer, and Arvin Goods makes some of the best.

Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Watch: Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph, $225 — On this blog, we certainly love a crisp, durable watch that works for situations both dressy and casual. Such is the case with the Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph — the perfect watch for a breezy-yet-dressy summer day.

The Sunglasses: Component Havana Sunglasses in Gunmetal, $285 — Ever heard of Component? If not, know that this brand carries with it some serious sunny pedigree — they’re based out of Miami, and they offer up modern takes on classic silhouettes, like these slick gunmetal shades.

The Everyday Carry: W&P Design Cocktail Tote, $127.98 — Now, just because this thing says “cocktail tote” doesn’t mean you can’t make use of it as part of your everyday carry. It’s durable, it’s handsome and it’s an essential for all of your summer needs — from stylish grooming gear to an extra phone charger. Ya dig?

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And now, we’re closing the curtain on another #OOTD entry. Did this post get you thinking about how to wear linen trousers this summer? Hopefully, it’s a unique look for you — starting out with durable linen-blend trousers is a smart move, and complementing those trousers with a slim short-sleeve shirt from Outerknown is only going to help you stay cool. Classic loafers are among those men’s style essentials every guy should own, as is a classic dress watch — in that regard, I’d highly recommend you pick up the Sebago loafers shown here, along with the Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph. Don’t sleep on your everyday carry, either — Component sunglasses are not to be overlooked, and the W&P Design Cocktail Tote should function quite nicely at either a summer BBQ or a weekend coffee shop outing. Once again, I hope you’re ready to beat the heat in style.

Thanks for reading — see you out there!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The New Chambray Shirt to Wear This Season

Join us today for another entry in the #OOTD series. If you want to know all about the new chambray shirt to wear this season … it’s your lucky day. From upgrading your pocket tee to wearing a patterned shirt the right way, we’ve certainly covered a lot of ground in all matters spring style — and we’re continuing to do so today, with both sustainability and great looks in mind. Indeed, in the same way that a chambray shirt can work handsomely with a rugged shawl-collar cardigan in winter or a waxed trucker jacket in the fall,  so too can it work in the spring — namely, with a little less fabric in the sleeves. That’s where the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt comes into play. You might recognize it from a recent Style Pick of the Week entry, and it’s taking center stage now (it’s also been a hot seller via Huckberry, so I’d look to slim short-sleeve chambray shirting from Old Navy to replicate this look). That being said, let’s get to the most important part — your purchase of this shirt helps remove a pound of trash from oceans and waterways, part of the brand’s commitment to the environment. And why should you buy it? Plenty o’ reasons. It features a neat mini-plus sign pattern — just eye-catching enough — and a reliably tailored fit (no baggy shirts — who’s with me?). Both of those features make it perfect for everything from exploring Brooklyn to heading out on a weekend coffee date — and it also can team up with slim tan chinos and a pair of stylish men’s dress shoes for  summer half-day at the office (and happy hour afterward). Alright, so that’s the shirt to wear this season — but what to wear it with? Stick around for the below #OOTD. Stay stylish!

Pairing a cool chambray shirt with slim five-pocket pants, a lightweight bomber and simple sneakers — not bad at all.

The Shirt: United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt, $68 — See, we told you this shirt would look great — right? It’s the ideal way to start a spring style ensemble — slim, unique and ready for just about anything.

The Jacket: Public Rec Apparel Crosstown Bomber, $129 — For those spring and summer evenings when it gets a bit breezy, the Public Rec Apparel Crosstown Bomber is the perfect weight and the perfect silhouette.

The Pants: Flint and Tinder 365 Pant in Earth, $98 — Are you sick of hearing about Flint and Tinder yet? Not quite? Good. The Flint and Tinder 365 Pant in Earth should prove tough, versatile and perfect for situations casual and slightly dressier — particularly alongside the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt.

The Sneakers: Dr. Scholl’s Rythms Sneaker in Grey Nubuck, $89.99 — For a bit of monochromatic style up against the Public Rec Apparel Crosstown Bomber, reach for affordable, crisp and classic grey sneakers.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks, $29.98 — Because every pair of stylish spring sneakers deserves great socks, get this two-pack of tough (literally) no-show socks.

The Watch: Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand Watch, $205 —  Tough, rugged and yet refined at the same time, the Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand Watch is your answer to that age-old question: “What watch do I wear with this outfit?”
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The Sunglasses: Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, $145 — Blending retro style with a decent price and great quality, the Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses are a great pick-up in advance of summer — truly.

The Everyday Necessity: Nisolo Lori Leather Tote, $134.98 — More than $130 for a leather tote? Well, when it’s an extraordinarily high-quality bag that looks smart alongside your everyday carry, you should give it a shot.
Sutro Shoes Inc.

OK — all ready to wear your new favorite chambray shirt for spring and summer? Of course you are. The building blocks of this outfit are essentials every guy should have in his closet — the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt is just the beginning. It should look right at home alongside a versatile pair of pants like the Flint and Tinder 365 Pant in Earth. And simple grey sneakers are a nice complement to a casual spring jacket — the Public Rec Apparel Crosstown Bomber is the jacket you need now. Make no mistake, on-point accessories are also clutch — the Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses could be your new go-to pair of shades, while the Nisolo Lori Leather Tote is a reliable and simple way to carry around your goods. All set for this season’s adventures? I know I am!

As always — stay stylish,

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Abercrombie & Fitch x Tretorn, Oars + Alps and LCD Soundsystem

Is it tough to believe we’re kicking off another edition of The Friday Read here at The Style Guide? If your answer is “Yes,” then we’re in the same boat. We’ve had a lot going on here in Brooklyn, from exploring the borough in style to getting you prepped to dress for your next Sunday brunch (we really do love our brunch here, tell ya what), plus busy times at my day job in fashion PR. It’s all fun and games though, and the fun is set to continue this weekend — I’ll be dressed in spring road trip style to head to Indiana to visit my best friend from college, Mr. Stephen Brook. Check out his work covering Notre Dame football and area sports, if you’re a fan of the Fighting Irish. And if you want to keep up with all the action, follow yours truly on Instagram or check in with The Style Guide on Facebook. Know that in other #menswear matters, I just finished a rather extensive — and I mean, extensive — feature for GearMoose covering the best men’s backpacks; keep your eyes peeled for that one.  For now though, let’s start the weekend nice and early with a few choice men’s style (and music!) reads. Enjoy!

  • Upgrade your grooming game in a big way with Oars + Alps and the brand’s handy, easy-to-use and nearly essential Athlete’s Grooming Kit. I’ve had the chance to test it out over these past few weeks, and I’ve been quite pleased with the results — check out my recent feature on the Oars + Alps Athlete’s Grooming Kit for yourself!
  • We love talking all about spring style essentials here at The Style Guide — and when it comes to your new favorite sneakers for spring and summer, Abercrombie and Fitch x Tretorn might just take the cake. It was excellent to learn about the new collaboration’s updated take on the classic Tretorn Nylite Sneakers for The Manual, and I’d urge you to pick up a pair while they’re around.
  • If you haven’t gotten around to listening to two (two!) new LCD Soundsystem songs, please take this chance to do so. The eclectic NYC indie rockers helped define a new era in the resurgent NYC rock scene thoughout the 2000s, and they’ve returned to the fold with festival appearances in recent years, plus an April residency at new venue Brooklyn Steel to boot! So, it’s nice that new music is here — with more to come, if our luck holds up!

One last thing before you go:

  • In need of a new favorite everyday carry piece? Namely, an essential and slim wallet? The TGT Army All Over Deluxe Wallet could be just the wallet to buy for you — and it’s with that durability and versatility in mind that I wrote about it for GearMoose. Enjoy, and let me know in the comments if you end up picking it up!

We’re all finished up for this week, folks. Time for the weekend! Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, and check back on Monday for more #menswear.

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Upgrade Your Henley This Season

If the title of today’s #OOTD has you scratching your head and asking,”Why are we talking rugged henleys in spring?” … bear with me here. After all, there’s really no reason that a slim henley — the style essential every guy should have — isn’t fit for the warmer temps of spring. The key with today’s ensemble involves re-thinking how you wear your henley. While the crisp temperatures of fall and early winter call for layering your stylish henley with tough pieces like a waxed trucker jacket, the breezy days of spring call for a lighter approach all the way around. And that lighter approach starts with the henley itself — today’s well-made, well-crafted and lightweight Flint and Tinder slub henley is just the piece you need to switch up your spring layering game. It’s wearable with your favorite chinos, it works with slim selvedge denim and well … I’ll leave the rest of these tips for the remainder of this post. But again, think lighter colors and fabrics, think spring and get ready to buy your new favorite henley — or at least, steal some #menswear inspiration from this post. If you’ve got questions, I can be reached 24/7 on Twitter or via email — well, nearly 24/7. At any rate, shop away and enjoy!

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Flint and Tinder

We’re lightening up your spring henley and pairing it with classic staples fit for warm weather.

The Henley: Flint and Tinder Slub Henley in Vintage Pewter, $58 — Just as I mentioned above, you can’t beat this Flint and Tinder slub henley, especially in a welcome, spring-like shade of pewter. The slub cotton is lightweight, breathable and ideal for layering — get on board with this one, folks.

The Jacket: Levi’s Trucker Jacket in Rinse, $70 — Does it get any more classic than a rugged denim jacket for spring? Particularly one in a crisp, dark wash as done by Levi’s? Buy this one now, and break it in a ton this season.

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The Chinos: Abercrombie and Fitch Cropped Chino Pants in Cream, $68 — Want to really go for this whole spring style thing? Try pairing some light cream chinos with a similarly light henley — it’s monochromatic style that’s nicely broken up by the denim jacket.
Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Sneakers: Gola Classic Comet Plimsoll Trainers, $60 — Yours truly was pleasantly surprised to stumble across the crisp, sporty and vintage-looking Gola plimsoll trainers seen here — excellent looks, great styling potential and more than a century’s worth of British sporting heritage to back ’em up.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks, $29.98 — If you’re rolling your chinos and sticking with classic spring sneakers, you’re bound to need effective no-show socks — like these Darn Tough no-shows.

The Belt: La Matera Corbina Belt, $145 — The similarly light colorplay between the chinos and that Flint and Tinder slub henley necessitates adding a shot of color and pattern — the La Matera Corbina Belt is the way to do it.

The Watch: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Chronograph, $118.98 —  When you’re pairing up rugged essentials like a classic denim jacket and a slim slub henley, you need an equally tough watch; the handsome Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Chronograph as seen here should be your go-to casual watch.

The Everyday Carry: This Is Ground Leatherback Writer, $74.98 — Never underestimate the importance of an essential everyday carry piece to stow everything from notebooks to pens & extra headphones — this is a good one to buy.

Beckett Simonon

Alright – that’s a wrap on this spring layering #OOTD. See, wearing a spring henley isn’t as difficult as it might seem — right? Hopefully? It’s admittedly taken some time for me to incorporate my beloved henleys into spring style ensembles, but I’m confident that if you start with a great Flint and Tinder slub henley, you’re going to be inspired to put together quite a few looks. Take a classic, inky blue denim jacket and pair up your new favorite henley with cream chinos, to start.  Sport-inspired sneakers can add a nice dash of color to any spring ensemble, particularly a more monochromatic outfit like this one. And you can never go wrong — never — with durable accessories like the Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Chronograph or the visually interesting La Matera Corbina Belt. Before you step out the door though, don’t leave behind a handy everyday catch-all like the This Is Ground Leatherback Writer. OK, all good? I, for one, am ready to get out and try a few spring-centric looks. Follow along on Instagram, and drop any questions via our comments section below.

Thanks, as always, for reading!

-Beau

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