Tag / everyday carry

by Beau H.

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

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Daniel Craig’s Watch Collection, Ryan Gosling and Local Natives

Alright, folks — Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Over here, we’re buckling up for another Friday Read  on The Style Guide, and we’re capping off a very busy week in the process.  The days have flown by since I returned from a Style Guide spring break trip to Florida, choice #menswear gear in tow and all.  The NYC weather certainly proved a bit of a rude awakening, what with snow and rain and sleet pounding the city during Winter Storm Stella — that meant a day of working from home (or the Style Guide’s Brooklyn HQ, as I like to call it). If you dodged the winter weather this week, good for you — raise a pint and of course, check out this site’s feature on how to dress for St. Patrick’s Day (hurry, there’s still time!).

Greats

We’re also in the midst of the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament, and I’ll be fervently cheering on my Michigan State Spartans wearing some of my best team gear. If you need a few tips of your own when it comes to how to dress for March Madness, I’ve got you covered. And once the game wraps, I’ve got another busy weekend ahead — I’m hitting the road early Saturday to Pittsburgh to see perhaps my favorite band, Local Natives! That makes four shows in about five months, including my fall trek to Providence, and I couldn’t be any more pleased or excited! From powerful tracks off their most recent album, “Sunlit Youth,” through to classic offerings from “Gorilla Manor” and “Hummingbird,” I truly can’t wait to see ’em again! If you’ve got any suggestions for things to see or do in Pittsburgh, drop me a line. As per usual, you can follow me via Instagram or check out The Style Guide on Facebook to see how my trip goes — we’ll have a full travel style recap on Monday, too! In the meantime, enjoy your weekend and Go Green!

  • Let’s kick things off here by discussing some stylish men’s watches — shall we?  Namely, Bloomberg Pursuits caught up with our main man, and Style Guide favorite, Daniel Craig — they got the scoop on the watches he loves and wears.
  • Speaking of tough, durable watches, are you familiar with the Huckberry Combat B33 GMT Watch? No, you say? Well, it was last week’s Style Pick of the Week, and I’d strongly urge you to check it out.
  • Another current Man of the Hour in matters of style, Ryan Gosling shows you how to wear your new blue suit . Now, a word of warning — he might be the only one who can pull it off (womp, womp).
  • Be prepared to open up your wallet for this one — GQ tells us all about what could be your new favorite Oxford shirt (if you can spare some extra cash).
  • Let’s end the week on a non-menswear note discussing perhaps my favorite movie of all-time — will there be a sequel to Gladiator? Only time will tell; if Ridley Scott has anything to say about it, we just might get one, though!

We’re not quite set to roll into the weekend yet …

  • No sir, we’ve got one more post for you — if you need a tough jacket to battle inclement spring weather, the Whipping Post Explorer Jacket was made for you. It’s my latest via GearMoose, and I had a great time writing it.

That’s all for now — join us for another Style Pick of the Week entry tomorrow!

-Beau

Huckberry

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Best Way to Dress on St. Patrick’s Day This Year

OK, folks — let’s belly up to the bar, grab a Guinness… wait a second. No no no,  wait … what is that you’re wearing? C’mon, man. No shamrock suits today. All joking aside, today’s #OOTD should  (hopefully) be quite helpful, as we’re tackling the best men’s style gear to wear on St. Patrick’s Day — and we’re doing it relatively affordably and quite stylishly (if I do say so myself). St. Patrick’s Day — St. Paddy’s Day, to all of us AP Style nitpickers — is a day that might’ve once meant skipping class for a few celebratory pints … if that’s still the case, let’s trade spots. Now though, you might find yourself at the office and then hopping around for a Black-and-Tan or two. As always, the key question is … what to wear? Specifically, how to dress in business casual style that’s still comfortable and situationally appropriate? Lucky for ya, ye Style Guide reader, you’ve got the luck of the Irish on your side and … ahh, who am I kidding. Let’s get to the #menswear, shall we? Follow along on Instagram and Twitter for all the style news & musings you can handle, and let me know how you feel about this #OOTD in the comments.
Beckett Simonon

A touch of green, a rugged cardigan and casual denim. All solid holiday picks.

A touch of green, a rugged cardigan and casual denim. All solid holiday picks.

The Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch Garment-Dye Oxford Shirt, $39 — Here’s the focal point of your outfit, a nice way to show people you’re rocking some green — and an even better shirt to have with you for that spring bar crawl. 

The Cardigan: Iron & Resin Fletcher Cardigan, $110.98 — While you could also layer up with a piece like the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, the Fletcher Cardigan offers similar comfort and visual interest.

The Denim: Nudie Jeans Lean Dean, $200 — Between the one percent stretch, the tailored-yet-comfortable fit and the casual rinsed wash, the Lean Dean is a nice pair of easygoing denim for a day that demands it.

The Boots: JackThreads Mac Desert Chukka, $49.98 — I haven’t tested these shoes out myself, but I’d wager they’ll be just the right blend of casual and comfortable. And hey, you get nice quality for a standout price.
Frank & Oak

The Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch Woven Leather Belt, $44 — Between the casual suede chukkas and the laidback Nudie Jeans Lean Dean denim, a textured belt is just the way to go. 

The Watch: Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand Watch, $205 — While you could reach for a casual NATO strap watch like the Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch, the Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand Watch is both durable and handsome.

The Everyday Carry: Scout Hook Keychain Bottle Opener, $60 — Part bottle opener, part keychain and just the handy accessory you need for a St. Paddy’s Day party. Hey, you won’t lose a bottle opener or your keys.

The Must-Have: Bellroy The Phone Wallet (iPhone 7), $89.95 — Even if you’re not blessed with an iPhone 7, accessories from Bellroy  should handsomely round out your St. Patrick’s Day. Plus, the Phone Wallet protects from all sorts of damage (spilled beer, anyone?).

It’s critical to keep in mind that you don’t want to go overboard on St. Patrick’s Day — that is, in matters of dress or matters of Guiness consumption. Working just a touch of green into your outfit is a solid way to nod to the day, yet a layering piece like the Iron & Resin Fletcher Cardigan helps offset it stylishly and casually. For the warmer spring months, it’s also a great move to have casual-yet-essential light wash denim like the Nudie Jeans Lean Dean in your rotation. Suede chukkas keep the outfit squarely in casual territory, and a durable watch like the Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand is a go-anywhere essential. Rounding out your everyday carry with functionality and toughness in mind is also critical — enter the Scout Hook Keychain Bottle Opener and the Bellroy Phone Wallet. Lastly — enjoy the day in style, pick up the menswear you need for the occasion, and raise a glass for me!

Cheers,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Huckberry Combat B33 GMT Watch

An eye-catching watch with durable, tough specs and made-in-America construction.

An eye-catching watch with durable, tough specs and made-in-America construction.

Who needs a new casual watch for spring? You, my friend? Perhaps. If so, the Huckberry Combat B33 GMT Watch just might be the timepiece you’re going to want to pick up — and wear as much as you can. You might recognize it from this site’s feature on what to wear for the polar vortex, but you should absolutely consider this timepiece for the warmer spring months. That goes for all sorts of style situations, too — from dressing for a rainy spring weekend  to wearing your new favorite polo in style, there’s little that this watch can’t do. And as we often talk about here on The Style Guide,  it’s worth paying attention to the small things — say, the type of watch you’ve got on your wrist. Finding the right casual timepiece can be somewhat tricky, especially if you’re just building a watch collection. If you go too far down the road in terms of a rugged, functional timepiece, you might end up with a runner’s watch — to be worn only when, y’know, running. And on the other hand, it’s easy to throw a lot of money out the window in a hurry if you’re after, say, a reliable dive watch like the one worn by James Bond. So, the Combat B33 GMT  hits all the right marks. For starters, it’s produced exclusively by Lum-Tec for our pals at Huckberry  — in that regard, it’s a partnership that merges the best of high-quality production with impeccable casual style. The Combat B33 GMT  is field-tested  extensively, designed in San Francisco, and packed with reliable specs that you’re going to love — I hope?

Between the NATO strap and the stainless steel case, this watch can handle quite a bit.

Between the NATO strap and the stainless steel case, this watch can handle quite a bit.

Clocking in at 43mm, the case diameter is beefy and substantial, yet not overly large. The stainless steel construction is what you want in a watch that’s going to take a beating — I’d wear this timepiece to summer music festivals, with stylish beach gear and certainly when dressing for a spring bar crawl. With water resistance functionality up to 650 feet, you can even take it for a swim. The crisply designed face is built for more than just regular excursions, though — the GMT hand allows you to set a second time zone, and the Super-Luminova material on the Huckberry Combat B33 GMT ensures you never lose sight of that dial. But again, why this particular watch if you already own a casual NATO strap watch like the Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch?
Beckett Simonon
Well, it definitely pays to have a well-rounded watch collection. And I’d wager that there’s not a timepiece in your arsenal that’s designed, assembled and tested in the good old U.S. of A. Plus, you’re really getting two watches for the price of one — the Combat B33 GMT comes with both a durable black slip-through nylon NATO strap and a brown leather slip-through strap. The leather strap makes the Combat B33 GMT the type of watch you could wear to the office with a slim light blue polo and classic khaki chinos for a seriously stylish Casual Friday look. Then, when it’s time to hit up happy hour, there’s no need to worry about taking off your watch as you handle a few pitchers of craft beer — ehh? If all of that sounds good to you, pick up the Huckberry Combat B33 GMT Watch and wear it with warm-weather staples like a  stylish short-sleeve chambray shirt and khaki shorts just as soon as you can.

Enjoy the transition to spring and have a great weekend,

-Beau

Get the Huckberry Combat B33 GMT Watch now via Huckberry.

Frank & Oak

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Everyday Spring Style

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

Thanks for joining us again today on The Style Guide — let’s get to it! Alright, who’s excited that it’s March? I sure am. Namely, that means we’re transitioning into a great season for menswear, and that also gives you plenty of chances to break out everyday spring style looks. We’re talking versatile, comfortable pieces built for layering — yet these are also pieces that work on their own, and can be added or subtracted depending on the weather.  Whether that means dressing for spring rain  or heading out on a weekend coffee date, we’ve got pieces you’ll recognize, want to buy and want to wear.  That includes classic pieces (cough, the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, cough) and slightly edgier staples. OK, all good? Keep up with other #menswear inspiration on the daily via Instagram or Twitter — and weigh in on this look via the comments, as always.

Working in the versatile, the classic and the new into one outfit.

Working in the versatile, the classic and the new into one outfit.

The Sweatshirt: Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, $98 — Recognize this sweater? Of course you do — right? Todd Snyder is an American menswear luminary precisely for pieces like the lauded Pocket Sweatshirt, and it’s a nice, easy-to-wear spring layering option.

The Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch Two-Pocket Chambray Shirt, $39 — There’s really never a bad time to wear a classic chambray shirt, is there?  This one is laidback, casual and versatile.

The Pants: Life/After/Denim Classic 5-Pocket Pant in White, $148 — White pants — even in a straightforward five-pocket silhouette — can be a bit of a leap stylistically. Don’t worry here, though — the tailored fit and use of other classic staples (like the Pocket Sweatshirt) helps dial these in.

The Boots: Astorflex Bootflex in Dark Khaki, $169.98 — A recent release from Astorflex by way of Huckberry, these lace-up boots are high-quality and no-frills — exactly what you need for stomping through inclement spring weather (just be sure to waterproof ’em).

The Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch Woven Leather Belt, $44 — We’re dialing in casual style right down to the last detail with this #OOTD — a woven leather belt provides some nice texture & casual style to complement the Astorflex Bootflex in particular.

The Watch: Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch, $138 — What better way to complement the Pocket Sweatshirt than with another stylish, sharp and durable Todd Snyder piece? The Military Watch could be your new favorite casual watch — trust me.

Frank & Oak

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $39.98 — Told you we were keeping things laidback, didn’t I? Now, you can’t wear a ballcap every day, but if you’re checking out of the office early on a Friday (for example) … toss on the Explorer’s Cap as you head to a patio lunch.
Beckett Simonon

The Bag: Nisolo Lori Tote, $134.98 — When you want a durable yet easy-to-carry bag, reach for the handsome Nisolo Lori Tote. It’s handmade with minimal construction and beautiful leather that should develop a nice patina.
So, with that — let’s wrap up this #OOTD, shall we? Comfortable layering pieces like the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt are easy to wear no matter the season, and a slim chambray shirt perfectly complements the more fashion-forward white 5-pocket pants. Given the company’s reputation for quality, sustainability and durability, the Astorflex Bootflex in Dark Khaki should also be an extremely reliable spring footwear pick, finished off handsomely by the excellent Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch. Of course, keeping your accessories in line is crucial, and the textured Abercrombie & Fitch Woven Leather Belt is a nice way to do that — as is the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap. Got that all together? Shopping cart full? Join us tomorrow for a helpful Spring Style Wish List — and we’ll see you out there this spring!
-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Waxed Trucker Jacket You Need Now

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

The men’s jacket you wear every single day needs an upgrade. Now, first of all — am I commanding you to buy a great waxed trucker jacket? Do you really need one? Maybe. Maybe not. But, hey — if you feel like that’s an outerwear addition to make here in late February, The Style Guide has you all set.  You’ll probably recognize the brand we’re featuring below, but that’s a side note to why this unique, rugged and yet easily wearable silhouette can work with different iterations of your #OOTD in the weeks to come. If we’re lucky, we’ll start to see slightly warmer temperatures in the weeks ahead — so, it’ll hopefully be time to shelve your polar vortex gear for pieces that are a little more temperate. That’s where a flannel-lined trucker jacket comes in. You’re getting both warmth and weather-beating functionality (in the event of a rainy spring day) with a bit of dashing and rugged appeal thrown in. And who doesn’t love that? The unique thing about the particular jacket shown below is the rock-n-roll edge it adds to the overall ensemble — but I won’t spoil it any further. Read ahead, skim if you must and follow yours truly over on Instagram and Twitter to keep up with the #menswear fun.

Mixing a heritage-quality jacket with a bit of rock-ready edge -- and classic menswear essentials, to boot.

Mixing a heritage-quality jacket with a bit of rock-ready edge — and classic menswear essentials, to boot.

The Jacket: Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket, $198 — It’s a good thing there’s still plenty of stock left for this jacket. As I understand it, it’s been quite the hot seller over at Huckberry — if it’s sold out in your size, the JackThreads Stupp Suede Trucker Jacket provides a similarly edgy silhouette.

The Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch Garment Dye Oxford Shirt, $39 — I’d urge us all to try mixing a classic piece — like a timeless white Oxford — with an edgier staple (a tough trucker jacket) this season. It’ll work out just fine.

The Sweater: JackThreads Donegal Sweater, $29.98 — Spring weather might be around the corner *crosses fingers* … but we can’t shelve those sweaters yet. Pick up this nicely textured number for a bargain in case it’s chilly or rainy in the weeks ahead.

The Denim: JackThreads Slim Stretch Selvedge Denim, $44.98 —  Let’s make it two in a row with stylish JackThreads gear — this pair of stretch selvedge boasts a unique color and a slim fit.

The Boots: Thursday Boots Diplomat Boots in Cognac Suede, $199 — We love ourselves some Thursday Boots on the blog, and this particular pair feels and looks mobile and flexible for the approaching spring season.

The Socks: Flint and Tinder Inventor Socks, $17.98 (Three-pack)  —  Finish this outfit off with Flint and Tinder socks to complement that waxed trucker jacket.

The Watch: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Timex Expedition, $79.98 [Also available in Brown Leather] — This Expedition watch — with its more rugged, outdoors-y vibe — is finished off handsomely with a beautiful Form-Function-Form Horween leather strap.

The Everyday Carry: Tactile Turn Stainless Steel Slider Pen, $58.98 — Who doesn’t love a durable, useful pen — ehh? It should come in seriously handy every single day. If you’re out and about for a solo lunch, a notebook can be your best companion when it comes to brainstorming ideas (or just doodling).

Have you bookmarked any of the above pieces for later? If that’s the case, I think you’re gonna like the results.  The key to this look is starting with an unexpected piece of outerwear that’s actually highly versatile — the trucker jacket hits the sweet spot in terms of transitional, head-turning style. And we can all get more use out of everyday staples like a classic Oxford and a textured Donegal sweater. Of course, I’m never one to pass up a beautifully accented timepiece like the Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Timex Expedition, and you might be surprised at how handy a small item like the Tactile Turn Stainless Steel Slider Pen can be. OK, ready for that snow to melt? That makes two of us. Stop by The Style Guide Facebook page in the meantime, and join us for another applause-worthy men’s style post tomorrow.

Here’s to you and thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Home of the Strange: New Haven and Young the Giant

Gear for the road, Yale exploration and a rock show. Merino Turtleneck by Knit Project. Denim shirt and dark denim by Frank & Oak. Grounder Hi-Tops by Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers. Watch by Timex for J. Crew. Flight Brief by Owen & Fred. Glasses by Frameri.

Gear for the road, Yale exploration and a rock show. Merino Turtleneck by Knit Project. Denim shirt and dark denim by Frank & Oak. Grounder Hi-Tops by Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers. Watch by Timex for J. Crew. Flight Brief by Owen & Fred. Glasses by Frameri.

First off, don’t let the headline catch you off guard — New Haven isn’t as weird as it might sound; in fact, it was the perfect place to take in the latest stop on the “Home of the Strange” tour by indie rockers Young the Giant this past weekend! On the same page now? Good deal. Yes indeed, this late February weekend presented the perfect opportunity to hit the road again and travel in style to see another live show — it’s a real passion of mine, as you might recall from a fall trip to see Local Natives and my summer trip to see indie folk rockers Lucius, among others. And to be able to hit the road, bring along my favorite #menswear and see an awesome rock show is absolutely icing on the cake. The weather was a bit different than a winter road trip to Michigan, but not quite full-on spring territory — so, earbuds in and volume turned up, I grabbed my Owen and Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender  — and the excellent, travel-ready Owen and Fred Flight Brief in Midnight — and set out for New Haven and College Street Music Hall (Editor’s note: For the next time you hit the road, here’s another bag that surely qualifies among the best travel gear for guys).

Gear for a Saturday on the road and a Saturday concert. Sweater by The Knit Project. Dark denim by Frank & Oak. Grounder Hi-Tops by Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers. Field watch by Timex for J. Crew. Lanyard by Tanner Goods. 810 Wallet by Brothers Leather Supply. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

Gear for a Saturday on the road and a Saturday concert. Sweater by The Knit Project. Dark denim by Frank & Oak. Grounder Hi-Tops by Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers. Field watch by Timex for J. Crew. Lanyard by Tanner Goods. 810 Wallet by Brothers Leather Supply. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

As has been the case with past East Coast road trips, I knew I’d have to dress for multiple potential scenarios — starting with a nice, temperate Saturday train ride from NYC to New Haven. I chose a light, breathable and innovative Fitted Merino Turtleneck from Bay Area start-up Knit Project. Made from luxurious Italian Merino wool from a company that’s focused on quality materials and a great fit, it was a neat layering touch under the Frank & Oak Marfa Slim-Fit Denim Shirt — yes, that’s right …. a turtleneck under a denim shirt.  It’s a move that’s a bit unique (and perhaps academically inspired for exploring Yale’s campus?), but works in this case thanks to the casual washed denim shirt and a well-fitting pair of  classic Frank & Oak selvedge denim. Plus, when it got breezier later on in the day, the combo worked well with no outfit change necessary. Given that I spent time on my feet exploring New Haven and drinking copious amounts of coffee from stops like Jojo’s Coffee and Tea, I needed to be able to get around effectively and on-time — that’s where my vintage-inspired Timex for J. Crew watch came in handy, along with helpful everyday carry pieces like my Brothers Leather Supply 810 Wallet. Of course, I had to reach for a pair of sneakers that’s as comfortable as can be — yet with the functionality of durable boots. In this instance, my Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Tops were comfortable and effective for going from train to town to show.

All smiles in advance of Young the Giant. Merino Turtleneck by Knit Project. Denim shirt and dark denim by Frank & Oak. Watch by Timex for J. Crew. Flight Brief by Owen & Fred. Glasses by Frameri.

All smiles in advance of Young the Giant. Merino Turtleneck by Knit Project. Denim shirt and dark denim by Frank & Oak. Watch by Timex for J. Crew. Flight Brief by Owen & Fred. Glasses by Frameri.

Again, these were all pieces that worked just as well for getting around New Haven as they did for a heck of an epic show from Young the Giant. Luckily, I had plenty of time to kill before lining up outside College Street Music Hall. The campus of Yale really is something else — at times medieval and at times modern, it’s filled with great vistas and excellent architecture. It’s quaint, historic and very cool to explore — as is the Yale University Art Gallery (even if you’re not an art buff — I’m certainly not, but hey … menswear’s more my bag).

It’s always wise to take local recommendations into account when traveling — such has been the case as I’ve explored Washington, D.C.  and braved the Grand Rapids winter. So one would be remiss not to stop into the delicious, quirky and renowned Louis’ Lunch for an original cheeseburger, ehh? They still know how to make ’em — considering they’re known for being the inventor of the hamburger, that’s quite the accomplishment. And I can confirm for a fact that there’s no better for fuel for a rock concert — or exploring a neat college town — than a premium stop like Cask Republic, a conveniently located spot near College Street Music Hall with multiple Northeast locations and an excellent selection of burgers and beers. Again, prime rock concert fuel, folks.

Beckett Simonon

And certainly if you’ve listened to Young the Giant or caught them on tour behind any of their three albums (including “Home of the Strange,”) you know what you’re going to get. That is, an energetic, powerful show with great showmanship from Sameer Gadhia, a heck of a lead singer with a great voice and the sort of synergy with his bandmates that comes from lots of time spent honing their craft. Hyperbole? Not when you’ve been at it since 2004, I’d say. They reliably packed their setlist with crowd-pleasers and a healthy dose of standout new material, all delivered with plenty of heart. Seriously, who hasn’t sung along to “My Body” or “Apartment” …. or “I Got” (the list goes on)… while cruising in their car? Ahh, just me? OK, then. But I can tell you this — that band brings great energy, joy and feeling to the stage. What a treat to see that in action — crowd favorites like “Cough Syrup” kicked things off early, while newer hits like “Silvertongue” helped close out the encore. In between, Sameer and Co. lit up the stage with an amazing light show (check out a photo or two on Twitter) and also worked in sleeper hits like “Mr. Know-It-All” and  “Titus Was Born” off of “Home of the Strange.” In short, it was a show I’d absolutely recommend seeing.

Mixing collegiate, comfortable style for a Sunday of exploration at Beinecke Plaza. Belted Shawl Cardigan by Abercrombie & Fitch. Sashiko Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Stretch twill pants by Kit Culture. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Military Watch by Timex + Todd Snyder. Cashmere cap by Club Monaco. Glasses by Frameri.

Mixing collegiate, comfortable style for a Sunday of exploration at Beinecke Plaza. Belted Shawl Cardigan by Abercrombie & Fitch. Sashiko Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Stretch twill pants by Kit Culture. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Military Watch by Timex + Todd Snyder. Cashmere cap by Club Monaco. Glasses by Frameri.

Without a doubt, it was certainly a treat to see them live. The group’s time on stage at world-famous venues like Radio City Music Hall absolutely shows, and you’d do well to catch them as they tour this summer with Cold War Kids! Tickets for that one will surely go fast– anxious as I might be about getting tickets for that tour, I wasn’t anxious about dressing for the cold in New Haven on Sunday (see what I did there?). Now, there wasn’t the excitement of a show ahead, but I still enjoyed a day around a bustling town, including some lovely time spent exploring the campus of Yale once again — it’s a beautiful institution in all respects. I also can’t recommend the premium, upscale Heirloom for brunch enough — get the Heritage Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich and thank me later. For hitting up spots like Blue State Coffee (again with the coffee), I grabbed unique-yet-functional layers, starting with my Abercrombie & Fitch Belted Shawl Cardigan . My finely textured, well-made Taylor Stitch Sashiko Shirt also complemented the cardigan nicely for temperatures in the 40s, what with its unique pattern and tailored fit.

Sunday layering, starting with a sharp Abercrombie & Fitch Belted Shawl Cardigan. Stretch twill pants by Kit Culture. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Military Watch by Timex + Todd Snyder. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

Sunday layering, starting with a sharp Abercrombie & Fitch Belted Shawl Cardigan. Stretch twill pants by Kit Culture. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Military Watch by Timex + Todd Snyder. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

The top half of my rig was offset nicely by casual, comfortable and athletic-inspired Kit Culture stretch twill pants. With roots in Los Angeles, Kit Culture makes gear for the active guy, with fits built for those of us on the go. With 5 percent stretch, these pants were exceptionally comfortable for navigating the city, and yet also proved stylish and crisp alongside my reliable-as-ever CAT Footwear Sutter Boots. The combo definitely merged some high-low style alongside perhaps my new favorite watch, the vintage-inspired, handsome Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch — it’s a timepiece that’s classic and eye-catching, and ever-so-slightly rugged. In short, the watch was the perfect everyday carry piece alongside my Brothers Leather Supply 810 Wallet for exploring a bustling college town.

As is the case with many of my road trips, I feel they seem to go by too fast — and that’s definitely true considering this one packed a ton into a short amount of time! I’m always left feeling very grateful — if a bit tired — for the chance to travel to great cities, see excellent music and yes, pack my favorite menswear. I’d say no trip is too short to put your best foot forward — and who can resist bringing along everyday carry pieces like a stylish casual watch or a great weekender bag, anyways? Oh, and about Young the Giant. There are moments during every live show that get me smiling and singing, and the Saturday night show was definitely filled with them. They have no shortage of tour dates through the rest of the year, so go see ’em — don’t forget to pack some stylish rock concert gear, ehh?

Until the next trip — thanks for reading and stay stylish,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Home Goods to Upgrade Your Space

Seeing as we’re getting into 2017 now, how are your men’s style resolutions coming along?  Hopefully, pretty swimmingly. Whether you’ve resolved to suit up more, buy that new winter jacket or upgrade your winter boots rotation, I wish you the best of luck.  And in the event that your resolutions are less about style and more about your lifestyle, today’s set of online shopping picks will have you more than set when it comes to matters outside of what’s on your feet. Yes, upgrading your living space is a sometimes-overlooked part of the men’s lifestyle equation — as you dress better, that can lead to an interest in new books, new music, art … the whole nine yards. Now, this is coming from a guy with a habit of hanging old concert posters on his walls … but it’s a work in progress. And as it turns out, brands and sites like Huckberry and Apolis, among others,  offer everything from gorgeous books to excellent art and neat, more refined touches for a guy’s home. That’s what we’re getting into today — not all of these pieces are full-on essentials, but many of them can go a long way toward making your home, office, apartment or work space a little more stylish and enjoyable. Weigh in over on The Style Guide Facebook page, and to see some behind-the-scenes menswear action, hit up yours truly on Instagram.  Shop away!
Beckett Simonon

The Candle: Farmhouse Pottery Pine Candle — $29.98

A masculine, but not overpowering, scent for your home or office.

A masculine, but not overpowering, scent for your home or office.

If there’s one thing that can go a long way to upgrading a guy’s study, office, etc. — we don’t say man cave around here — it’s scent. And something with a clean, masculine aroma, like this Farmhouse Pottery Pine Candle, is the way to go. The price is right, the candle container itself is no-fuss and the overall package should blend in handsomely with your bookshelf or desk. Is there anything better than putting on a nice candle and a good book — or the latest issue of Esquire? It really is the little things, folks.

The Wall Art: Meridian Line Comfort Zone Canvas Print — $43.98

A rugged, unique finishing touch to a workspace.

A rugged, unique finishing touch to a workspace.

While a candle might be a smaller detail, what’s hanging on your wall is much more noticeable — and carries with it even more potential to upgrade your space. And while we all love a good neon beer sign (I do wish I had one), a piece of simple, well-made and unique wall art can work wonders for a small space. Enter the justly named Comfort Zone Canvas Print as sold by our pals at Huckberry — from the leather hanging rope to the wooden dowels, it’s as masculine and yet versatile a piece of wall art as you can get. And it looks classier than that PBR poster — right?

The Planter: Friday and River Leather-Wrapped Planter — $50

An eye-catching addition to any small space -- when filled with an air plant, that is.

An eye-catching addition to any small space — when filled with an air plant, that is.

If you perused our last Style Guide Q&A, you know the home goods and lifestyle visionaries behind Friday & River. They focus on essential, well-made pieces for your everyday carry and your home — from slim wallets to smartly made candles and coasters — and they do it by blending a design ethos that’s part minimalist, part rugged and very essential. Even if you’re not a guy who goes crazy for gardening or plants, a leather-wrapped planter with a small air plant adds some color and a bit of a personal, brighter touch to any space.

The Fan: Stadler Form Otto Fan — $199.99

Do you need a stylish fan? Yes, yes I'd say you do.

Do you need a stylish fan? Yes, yes I’d say you do.

OK, so here’s the argument for upgrading your fan — if you’re going to need to have one anyway (say, if your office or apartment gets toasty in the summer), why not grab a fan that’s uniquely … stylish? Made from African saeple wood and designed with the sort of sharp minimalism one would expect from the Swiss (seriously), the Form Otto Fan could just be the last fan you need to buy — and that’s saying something.

The Unique Touch: PILLBOX Bat Co. Pinstripes Bat — $159.98
A visually interesting way to add some sports flair to your wall or bookshelf.

A visually interesting way to add some sports flair to your wall or bookshelf.

If you’re shopping for style on a budget — and who isn’t after the holidays — then dropping some dough on this cool-looking, yet not truly essential Pinstripes Bat  probably shouldn’t be your first priority. But if in fact you or someone you know is a big sports fan and wouldn’t mind seeing an upgraded take on the baseball bat hanging in their office or resting on their shelf, then by all means — swing for the fences (Bingo!).

Huckberry

The Magazine: Gear Patrol — $39 per Subscription

A supremely well-edited magazine done up for the modern man.

A supremely well-edited magazine done up for the modern man.

Among the essential tomes that should line a guy’s bookshelf, I’d humbly submit the beautifully designed, expertly crafted and just plain neat-to-read Gear Patrol. Everyone’s favorite purveyors of rugged-refined gear and sweet gadgets do a truly remarkable job producing biannual print issues that span the globe and feature relatable, well-executed content on everything from spirits and adventure to gourmet dining. It’s the type of magazine you really can pick up repeatedly and find something different each time — get out there, read and explore.

Are you ready to upgrade your living room or office as of yet? Or have you already started? Getting things going with a few small touches — a nice coffee-table magazine or a smart, masculine candle —  can lead to bigger changes, like hanging some rugged wall art or buying a better fan or even … *gasp* picking up a plant for your office or study. Like building great style, it’s all a process — and it can be fun to explore, add on and see how your tastes change over time.  But with that being said, you’ve got to start somewhere — and I hope the picks above help you out.

Start shopping, keep shopping and stay stylish!

-Beau

Editor’s note: Portions of this post use affiliate links, from which a small commission on purchases might be earned.

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Brothers Leather Supply 810 Wallet

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

brothers-leather-wallet

A durable, well-made wallet from the Michigan-based team at Brothers Leather Supply. Get 15 percent off all Brothers Leather goods with the code ‘BrotherBeau15’ until January 6th!

First of all, we’re wishing everyone a lovely Christmas Eve. Now, onto to business, shall we? The concept of small, daily style upgrades that make your life better is one that’s pretty big here at The Style Guide. Be it something more noticeable like the cut of your crewneck sweatshirt or the quality of your favorite waxed trucker jacket, looking to buy the best and use the best menswear out there is a fun — if taxing — pursuit. And that pursuit extends to your everyday carry — after all, building great style is a process that touches every aspect of your life (repeat that again, will ya?) I’m always looking for ways to improve my own style, and that’s why finding brands that make the search easier can be so fulfilling. Take Brothers Leather Supply — this brand first caught my eye during a summer trip back to Grand Rapids, when I had the chance to check out the Michigan company’s well-appointed storefront, as seen below.

My Grand Rapids trip this summer introduced me firsthand to a great leather goods brand.

My Grand Rapids trip this summer introduced me firsthand to the great leather goods brand that is Brothers Leather Supply.

And if you’ve been following me on Instagram, perhaps you’ve seen some of the stunning goods I’ve been testing out — including today’s Style Pick, the slim, useful and effective 810 Wallet.  We’ve talked in the past about upgrading your wallet, and if you’ve yet to do that, the 810 Wallet is an easy and effective way to check that off your list of men’s style resolutions before the new year even starts.  Whether you browse online or have the chance to visit the Brothers Leather Supply shop in Grand Rapids, I’d urge you to get up to speed on a brand that could steadily upgrade your accessories — in fact, you can use the code ‘BrotherBeau15’ to get 15 percent off any item, now through January 6th! Why should you do that? Read on, my fellow #menswear aficionados.

The 810 Wallet is made with full-grain Vechetta leather in a lovely medium tan-brown color — it’s supple, smooth leather that’ll age nicely over time. And for $75, you definitely get your money’s worth — although hey, that 15 percent discount looks pretty good, yes? The brand does you one better by offering your pick of personalized branding and leather conditioner, too. The striped, canvas-lined large back pocket is a neat design touch that’s complemented smartly by three easy-to-access slots on the left side, plus a larger slip pocket on the right side (complete with its own striped tab). Yes my friends, the 810 Wallet  ios a masculine, smart-looking wallet that slides easily in and out of slim dark denim or a trim wool overcoat — a bulky George Costanza wallet, this is not. And it should slide easily into your front suit jacket pocket the next time you suit up on a dressy day at the office. So, what’s not to love about (potentially) your go-to everyday wallet? I’d pick one up as quickly as possible, and I’d wager you’ll be surprised at how much lighter — and more stylish — your everyday carry can be.

Get 15 percent off the 810 Wallet — or any other Brothers Leather Supply good — using the code ‘BrotherBeau15’ now through January 6th. Stay stylish!

by Beau H.

Style Q+A: Friday & River

A neat array of home goods from Friday & River on display, including excellent candle and planter options for your home. Photo courtesy of Friday & River.

A neat array of home goods from Friday & River on display, including excellent candle and planter options for your home. Photo courtesy of Friday & River.

Editor’s note: Stick around to catch up on the last entry in our Style Q+A series.

Here at your favorite neighborhood menswear blog — The Style Guide, c’mon guys — there’s inspiration to be found everywhere in terms of men’s style. And as we’ve often talked about when it comes to style upgrades, there are a lot of different things, some small and some large, that go into developing and refining great personal style. From how you buy and wear your favorite chambray shirt to the type of classic leather boots you put on every day, style is certainly an ongoing process — and that includes the things that surround you in your daily home life. Whether we’re talking a refined-yet-rugged candle or a neat planter, there are chances to put a bit more thought into nearly every aspect of your routine and the design of the spaces in which you live and work. Not to get all philosophical but… it makes a difference! And the small team at Friday & River approaches its work with all those small details and the process of excellent design in mind — that’s great news for you and me both. And when you learn more about the San Diego-based husband-and-wife brand, you realize that yes, even the unexpected items — like your leather wallet or your everyday belt — can make a big difference in the way you live your life. In discovering the brand and trying out its “Yuzu and the Sea” candle and a lovely white, leather-wrapped planter over the past few weeks, I found that I appreciate having subtly stylish goods around my Brooklyn apartment (small as it might be). And hopefully, you’ll give the brand a try for yourself — shop around at Friday & River, and learn more about what makes co-founder Joe Freitag tick. Without much further ado, check out the latest Style Q+A .

TSG: Tell about the start of the brand and your initial idea for it?

F&R: Friday & River is very much a collaboration between my wife Yumi and I. We have both worked in design or branding for brands like Levis, Burton, Luxottica, to name a few, and discovered the world of high-quality handcrafted leather goods while we were living and working in Tokyo. Inspired by the dedication to craftsmanship, minimalism and attention to detail, we learned the craft of leatherwork and started designing and making our own items as gifts for friends and family. Eventually we began selling our goods under the name Friday &River, which is derived from our last names – Freitag meaning “Friday” in German, and Kawamura meaning “Big River Village” in Japanese.

A lineup of items from the brand's very sharp "All-Black" Collection. Photo courtesy of Friday & River.

A lineup of items from the brand’s very sharp “All-Black” Collection. Photo courtesy of Friday & River.

TSG: You feature a wide range of product categories on your site — why is it important for a guy to take an interest in home design and other areas outside of just menswear?

F&R: I think most guys who pay attention to what they wear also consider their living space as an extension of their personality. Increasingly, when people spend their hard-earned money on something they are seeking items with purpose, or add a sense of joy and warmth to their lives. That way of thinking is one of the cornerstones of Friday & River and why we strive to make meaningful items for different aspects of a person’s life.

TSG: If you had to pick out one item from the Friday & River site for a guy to buy, what might it be?

F&R: I think there’s something very personal about a man’s wallet. It’s the one item that he’ll often carry with him every day for years, reminding him of where he’s been and where he’s headed. A well-made leather wallet can be handed down for generations.

TSG: On the style front, what’s an essential every guy should have in his closet?

F&R: Now that cooler weather has settled in, there’s something very satisfying about putting on your favorite watch cap. (Editor’s note: Head here for a few stylish winter accessories picks from 2016).

TSG: You post studio playlists on your blog — how does music inspire your design work, and what have you been spinning lately?

F&R: Music is a constant in the Friday & River workshop. It is the soundtrack to our work-whether it be design, production or day-to-day tasks, so we like to share that soundtrack on our site once in a while. We have a pretty eclectic taste in music, but you’ll typically hear a lot of classic soul and funk because it keeps the energy flowing, especially when we’re in production.

Want more from Friday & River on the daily? Follow along with the brand on Instagram and Twitter.

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