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.

Greats

  • 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

Online Shopping Picks: What to Buy For Father’s Day This Year

Can you believe it’s time, once again, to shop for Father’s Day? Or rather, finalize your shopping for Father’s Day? Or maybe … start your Father’s Day shopping? Whatever the case may be, your hard-working team of one at The Style Guide has you covered when it comes to what to buy for Father’s Day this year. No matter the dad in your life — be it a father figure or your grandfather — the picks below cover plenty o’ things that Pops might like to get this year, and it’s divided into handy categories. Whether Dad is a #menswear fan or prefers shopping for fine spirits to shopping for stylish sneakers, you can find helpful gift ideas below. The most important about the day, though? Carving out some time to spend with family on Father’s Day. And if you’d like to maximize that family time, I’d wager you should get shopping while the gettin’ is good. Let me know what you’re buying for Father’s Day via the comments, or fire off a quick Tweet on Twitter. I’ll write back just as soon as I can. Happy shopping!

Florsheim

Style: Howler Brothers H Bar B Snapshirt — $69 OR Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie in Navy — $89

A stylish short-sleeve shirt or a casual-yet-premium zip-up hoodie — your call, amigo.

Don’t get Dad any old shirt for summer. And certainly, don’t just buy him any old zip-up hoodie. For a unique upgrade to Dad’s weekend BBQ style, the Howler Brothers H Bar B Snapshirt features a unique print, vintage-inspired design details (which he’ll appreciate!) and the kind of easygoing style that’s perfect for a summer vacation. And for a more casually minded Dad? Who doesn’t love a premium zip-up hoodie? Yes indeed, the Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie in Navy is the best zip-up hoodie on the market, perfect for casual weekend hangs.

Spirits: Be Home Copper Bar Set — $39.98 AND W&P Design Homemade Gin Kit — $47.98

Two picks for the dad who enjoys the art and nuance of a delicious cocktail.

Is Dad a big-time spirits enthusiast, the kind of guy who appreciates the art of a finely crafted cocktail? Bring a little of that same spirit home to him — after all, both of these gifts feature the functionality and smart, handsome design to fit right into a home study, den or kitchen. The Be Home Copper Bar Set is the all-in-one answer to mixing a delicious drink, and the W&P Design Homemade Gin Kit is the all-in-one answer to a key ingredient in said cocktail. Dad’s gonna love it.
Father's Day Gifts

Two options for two different kinds of dad — or maybe two gifts for the versatile dad?

If Dad’s a golf enthusiast, here’s the perfect gift to complement that new golf polo or putter (someone’s feeling generous this year). Make no mistake, the Nomo Design Augusta Print is entirely unique and eye-catching — perfect for Dad’s study. And if he’s more of a geography buff — or simply appreciates neat home décor? The Erstwhile World Political Wall Map is a super-premium (and yes, pricey) finishing touch.
Accessories, Part 1: Electric Leadbelly Sunglasses — $225

Sunglasses that seamlessly blend the retro and the modern.

File the Electric Leadbelly Sunglasses  firmly under your list of gifts for the “cool dad” — or the dad who just needs new shades. Electric makes its sunglasses with top-quality touches like Italian acetate and striking colors, plus the type of wearable style that fits in whether your dad is manning the grill or taking his favorite car for a spin on Sunday. He’ll be the best-dressed guy on the road — particularly if you also gift him the Howler Brothers H Bar B Snapshirt … right? Right?
Oxfords under $50 CAD_120x90
Accessories, Part 2: Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph — $159.98
Watches for Father's Day

A sharp watch that works for dressy or casual situations — something a watch buff can definitely appreciate it.

A stylish dress watch and sharp sunglasses go hand-in-hand, do they not? The Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph is a crisply designed watch that’s at once speedy, slick and … surprisingly office-friendly. Seriously — if you’ve got one of your own, you know what I mean. And if the dad on your list is an avid watch fan and wants a new — and distinctly wearable — timepiece to add to his collection, you’d do well to give him the  Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph.

A significantly upgraded shaving experience for Dad at a great price.

Is your dad on or off the beard bandwagon? At any rate, Harry’s does excellent work when it comes to quick, easy-to-use and easy-to-buy grooming gear for dads (and normal guys everywhere). You can (and should) engrave the razor stand for a customized touch, and the special storm gray handle is a clean, crisply designed edition made specifically for Father’s Day.

Sutro Shoes Inc.

Home Furnishings: Angelpoise Original 1227 Brass Desk Lamp — $342.98

A smartly designed, functional and stylish lamp for the clean-cut dad.

If great style is all about small upgrades — and if giving gifts is about getting someone something they’d never buy themselves — then look toward an underrated home décor opportunity for Father’s Day. Featuring classic design, handsome looks and the type of refinement befitting a stylish dad’s home study or office, the Angelpoise Original 1227 Brass Desk Lamp is at once smart and simple, necessary and very underrated. Oh, and yes … it’s expensive. But worth it for dad — right? (Maybe get the family to pitch in on this one, though).

Music: Barking Irons Rock n’ Roll is Dad T-Shirt — $49.00 AND “Meet Me in the Bathroom: Rebirth and Rock and Roll in New York City, 2001-2011 — $16.98 via Amazon

Two gifts for the dad who simply loves to rock.

Consider this music-themed gift set a one-two punch: Give one or the other, but for maximum impact — gift both. Barking Irons is a brand entirely inspired by downtown New York Cool, with its gritty tees crafted to be worn to a rock concert (or to the office under a navy blazer). And if Dad loves great rock music (heck, who doesn’t??), I’m positive he’ll be enamored by the recently released tome you see above, chronicling the history of NYC’s rock scene — again, the epitome of downtown New York cool — in the early 2000s. You up for it?

Alright, that’ll do it for this year’s Father’s Day gift guide. I hope the above list got your gears spinning — from the dad who loves style to the dad who loves iconic rock music, there aren’t that many ways to go wrong with the above gifts. You get comfortable, casual style via the Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie in Navy, and you  get a few fancy spirit options via either the Be Home Copper Bar Set or the W&P Design Homemade Gin Kit. And lest we forget about handy everyday accessories, any dad could use upgraded sunglasses or a slick timepiece — the Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph could be the new watch to buy now. Don’t overlook the little things, either — essential grooming gear from Harry’s never goes amiss, and a thoughtful (and again, pricey!) home piece like the Angelpoise Original 1227 Brass Desk Lamp is a surefire winner. So … what are you getting Dad this year? Let me know in the comments, and good luck shopping!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

Greats

The Friday Read: Viral Instagram Poses, Summer Seersucker and The Strokes

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.  

How was your week? As it seems with most of these posts as of late, it’s the capper on another extremely busy one here at The Style Guide. It admittedly took me a day or two to get back into the swing of things after an extraordinarily fun weekend with great friends at the epic Governors Ball here in NYC; for more on the #menswear I brought with me, check out that post. There’s really nothing like great live music, and if you get the chance to check out any summer music festivals, I’d urge you to do so (in fact, we’ve got a summer festival style guide all set for you). Aside from that, it was great to catch up with the fine folks at JackThreads to see what they’ve got in store for the coming summer season, and we’re deep in the throes of preparing for Father’s Day over at The Style Guide HQ. What are you getting your dad this year? Check out my Father’s Day gift guide for more suggestions. Before you move onto the next task (or the next browser tab), stick around for a bit and check out this week’s #menswear news. For more random style musings, follow my stylish alter ego on Twitter, and check back here on the blog for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week.

  • The debut issue of GQ Style gets right into it by covering the viral Instagram pose you should never strike again — who even knew there was such a thing?
  • In the spirit of true summer style, the great folks at Maxim talk over the only 5 seersucker items you need this summer.
  • Here’s a style note for you: If you find yourself in the L.A. area this summer, be sure to check out the great pop-up shop being convened by the fine folks at Bridge & Burn (a Style Guide favorite); they’re running a special partnership with the team behind the Liberty Fairs trade show — that’s at 8366 1/2 West 3rd Street in L.A., if you get curious.
  • To close things out on a non-style note, it was an absolute treat to see The Strokes rock out at Governor’s Ball this past weekend — PAPER examines why New Yorkers love The Strokes.

Not done reading yet?

  • In addition to some of my choice Father’s Day picks on The Style Guide, I just had to cover essential Father’s Day gifts over at The Manual — some pieces were so great, they made it into both features!
  • If you still find yourself in need of summer swimwear, keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming Style Guide feature — and in the meantime, scoop up a great pair of JackThreads Swim Trunks.

So, that closes out another Friday Read; enjoy your weekend!

And as always… stay stylish,

-Beau

Father’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Dad This Year

Editor’s note: Click through to peruse more gift suggestions for Dad.

Here at The Style Guide, we love our gift guides. Just as we had you covered with Mother’s Day gifts, so too are we doing the same thing for Father’s Day this year with our (read: my) picks for the best gifts for Dad. Shopping for an occasion like this calls that you recognize the father figure in your life for all that they’ve done for you, and a token of appreciation is just one way to do that. I know that I’m grateful as heck for my own father — his advice, support, encouragement and life approach are things that really have changed my life, and I wouldn’t be where I am without him! So it goes without saying that I hope to provide a gift that offers at least some of that back. And that should (ideally) be your goal, too. As budgets can get tight this time of year, we’ll try to keep everything within reason (or at least let you know why some pieces are investment-worthy). Does your recipient have a favorite hobby? That’s what we’ve targeted below, too. Read on, shop on and let me know if I missed any picks over on Twitter!

For The #Menswear Fan: Naadam Pierce Cotton Cashmere Grey Hoodie — $100

Just the sort of hoodie your Dad could use -- upgraded, premium and stylish.

Just the sort of hoodie your Dad could use — upgraded, premium and stylish.

A hooded sweatshirt for $100? Oh, yes. As is a constant theme here on The Style Guide, making small upgrades to your everyday style should be a goal for all of us. And if your dad still has that beloved old college hoodie, perhaps this Naadam cotton cashmere sweater is a better update to his weekend wardrobe. Plus, it’s made ethically with Peruvian Pima cotton, so you know it’ll fit well and feel fantastic.

For The Watch Hound: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono — $158

Not too dressy, not too casual -- just right. Very well-made, very sharp and very appropriate for Dad.

Not too dressy, not too casual — just right. Very well-made, very sharp and very appropriate for Dad.

Building an essential watch collection is something  that takes time (pun intended), but can often be pretty enjoyable — especially if you’ve got a neat case in which to store all those watches. If your recipient already has a dependable casual watch or perhaps even a dive watch, providing a change of pace is in order. The stellar, rugged and refined Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono (as previously covered on this site’s Style Pick of the Week series) is just the ticket, built with a thicker 42mm case diameter, a ridiculously tough Red Wing leather strap and all sorts of styling potential.
Frank & Oak
For The Coffee Fiend: Timbuk2 x Blue Bottle Weekender Travel Kit — $139

For the guy who likes his coffee gourmet and on-the-go.

For the guy who likes his coffee gourmet and on-the-go.

Another pricey piece on this list, but one that’s definitely worth the investment — especially if your dad is into extraordinarily nice coffee. The waxed canvas Weekender Travel Kit from the good folks at Timbuk2 and Blue Bottle is packed chock-full of coffee essentials, including a sample of Blue Bottle’s delicious coffee, a Porlex Mini Hand Grinder, a travel dripper, two tumblers and a pack of compostable filters. The collaboration’s adage, “Brew Where You Are,” has never felt more fitting — it’ll be especially useful if you’re hitting the road in style this summer.

For The Golfer: Johnnie-O The Original Four-Button Polo — $89

Taking the classic polo and changing up the color and construction.

Taking the classic polo and changing up the color and construction.

A crisp, stylish summer polo is a definite go-to whether you’re a dad or not, so it only makes sense that prep style masters Johnnie-O deliver once again. The Original Four-Button Polo is an easy choice in this regard — the cotton jersey construction should be lightweight and breathable, the chest pocket and (small) logo add a bit of visual interest, and the Arctic color is a bit more subdued than stark white. And the best part? It’s not an athletic polo, and that means it can be worn off the links, too.

For The Amateur Chef: Bespoke Post “The Butcher” Box — $45 (With Bespoke Post Membership)

Just about everything a gourmet foodie could want -- including a seriously tough cutting board.

Just about everything a gourmet foodie could want — including a seriously tough cutting board.

Now, a box option from Bespoke Post made last year’s Father’s Day gift guide, but the brand’s smartly curated, downright useful boxes get a lot of things right for a lot of guys. Case in point — The Butcher Box features just about everything Dad might need to cook up a hearty meal (or two, or three…). We’re talking an edge-grain butcher block, your choice of gourmet meat or vegetables,  and other trappings like premium Sriracha sauce and mustard seeds. Is your mouth watering yet?

Even when shopping for someone besides yourself, it’s best to step into their shoes and get something that syncs up with their interests — heck, I’d be psyched to get any one of the items on this list. And you might be able to pick up a little something extra along the way as a, y’know, reward for a shopping job well-done. Of course, essentials like a great book are always welcomed, and customizable gifts can’t go amiss either. For rugged-yet-refined menswear accessories, I’d also recommend Owen & Fred’s extremely well-curated selection. You simply can’t go wrong. What will you be getting Dad this year? Let me know how it works out in the comments below!

Thanks, as always, for reading,

-Beau
Florsheim

Father’s Day Gift Guide

FathersDayTopperBuying for your old man probably isn’t as difficult as it was living under (or continuing to live under) his roof … right? Take the time to thank your dad or the father figure in your life for his hard work, reliability and guidance (good talk, Dad). A gift is certainly a nice way to do that, although a phone call or visit on top of that are ideal. If you do go the gift-giving route, finding something with sentimental and meaningful value can really be one way to convey your love and appreciation. Tailor that gift to suit the recipient’s interests, and you’ve got yourself a winner — particularly on Father’s Day.

For The Traveling Dad: A Huckberry Field Guide ($17.95 for One, $88.98 for the Full Set)

Buy just one, or buy the whole set -- your call. Packed with tons of unique information.

Buy just one, or buy the whole set — your call. Packed with tons of unique information.

Got a dad or father figure in your life who likes to travel? While a sharp weekender bag is certainly one way to go, a Huckberry Field Guide is a memorable change of pace. These things provide a wealth of information in a refreshingly old-school paperback format.These guides are certainly designed to go lots of different places; they’re packed with interviews, local lore and information, memoirs and hand-drawn maps. Featured cities include cool locales like Austin, Texas and Brooklyn, New York, as well as on-the-rebound Detroit and perennial road trip favorite San Francisco.

Ben Sherman US

For The “Cool Dad”: GREATS Brand Rosen Sneakers, $49

Durable, very comfortable ... and possibly a good gift for Dad this time around? Photo credit: Liz Todd.

Durable, very comfortable … and possibly a good gift for Dad this time around? Photo credit: Liz Todd.

While not everyone’s dad would be a fit for these sneakers, if you’ve got one on your list who appreciates crisp design and retro styling touches, the GREATS Rosen would be a nice buy. The fit on these is comfortable, the color options offer nice variety in terms of versatility, and the price is hard to beat. Wear ’em with chinos or jeans, and perhaps pick up a pair for yourself if you’d like a discount. An upgraded pair of swim trunks (like these striped board shorts from United By Blue) could also be a great buy.

For The Grillmaster: Bespoke Post “Charred” Box, $45

American-made tools, a tasty hot sauce and some nice smoked wood chips -- everything Dad needs to grill out.

American-made tools, a tasty hot sauce and some nice smoked wood chips — everything Dad needs to grill out.

Simpler alternatives like a nice bottle of barbecue sauce could also hit home for the dad who loves to cook, but the Bespoke Post Charred box offers up the complete package. A word to the uninitiated: You need to hand over your email address to access the site, but that knocks $10 off what would be a $55 purchase without a membership. Like the rest of Bespoke Post’s exceptionally well-curated boxes, it really goes above and beyond — a set of high-quality grilling tools, maple wood chips for smoking meats, and a tasty-looking bottle of hot sauce are yours with purchase.

For The Beverage Fiend: Owen & Fred Carving Leather Coasters, $29

Durable leather makes for a very nice coaster from which to enjoy a hearty adult beverage.

Durable leather makes for a very nice coaster from which to enjoy a hearty adult (or regular!) beverage.

Owen & Fred certainly has a number of gifts worth picking up for Dad, from cheeky money clips to neat pens and sharp notebooks. However, if your dad fancies himself a nice beer or glass of wine, a set of four coasters made from lovely yet durable 8 oz. carving leather could be just the thing to buy. Complete that with a value-added accessory, like the brand’s truly sweet “You Earned It” bottle opener or something like a beer variety pack and that’d be one heck of a gift set. On the more expensive side of things, a dad with a love of old-school style and design could also appreciate this kit from Baxter of California.

What’s on tap for your Father’s Day? Any of these gifts catch your eye?

Florsheim

Ernest Alexander