May 20, 2016May 20, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Apolis Nomad Market and Hang Ten x Urban Outfitters

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.

Now open at the Wythe Hotel — the Nomad Market Pop-up via the fine folks at Apolis. Photo courtesy of the brand.

Does it feel like summer to you yet? It’s probably got something to do with the glorious weather these past few days in Brooklyn, and a slew of summer-centric events I was able to attend this week, including a neat bar crawl hosted by my friends with the colorful sock brand Pair of Thieves around NYC. Those socks, if you’re not familiar, are colorful and quirky yet easily wearable (see this outfit for an example), and it was fun to catch up with the brand’s co-founders, as well as my pal, the ever-stylish Jamal Jackson of StyleSocietyGuy. Even before that event, it was a busy one in NYC — I helped host Timberland’s Fall 2016 Collection Preview at the Hotel on Rivington. Thanks to everyone who came out! And be on the lookout for some incredible leather jackets and tough boots coming up from the brand later this year. One other NYC-centric note: If you get the opportunity to head over to Brooklyn, one of this site’s favorite #menswear brands — Apolis — celebrated the opening of the first East Coast edition of its traveling pop-up (known as the Nomad Market) at the Wythe Hotel, as seen above. It’s packed full of stellar goods, including the brand’s chore coats, denim and knitwear. Check it out through August 17th, and maybe put a piece on hold for me?

Since we’re feeling very much summer-ready over here, it’s definitely time to grab a few rays — if you need a swimsuit or T-shirt refresh, grab an item or two in a colorful, retro-inspired print from the new Hang Ten x Urban Outfitters collab — these pieces harken back to days on the beach and lots of sun, particularly these corduroy shorts (ideal for after you catch hit the water). Do these pieces come with a cooler and a cold beer? I’ll report back. Know that we’ll have a Memorial Day style suggestion coming up next week, along with guides to the best men’s sunglasses for summer. And until then, check out the rest o’ the week in menswear.

Well-Spent covers a nice, lightweight, made-in-Canada crewneck that you can still rock for summer (and with that being said, check out more on Reigning Champ here from this very blog).
So, the question remains — are you a fan of non-iron shirts? Or not so much a fan? Either way, the Wall Street Journal tackles the style debate over non-iron shirts.
GQ’s own Style Guy covers off on some neat topics this week, including whether or not you can dress cool as a dad.

Need to satisfy your craving for more men’s style?

I love a great watch — especially one that’s rugged, durable and still casual. Given that, it was a blast to write this post on the best men’s field watches for GearMoose earlier this week!

Until tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week,

-Beau

March 25, 2016March 24, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The State of #Menswear, Batman v. Superman and Spring Style

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.

As things stood going into last week’s Friday Read, I was quite hoping we’d have the chance to talk some Michigan State basketball here on the blog. But. Well. We’ll leave it at that. At any rate, it was still fun to host my great friend Stephen Brooks he covered Notre Dame in the NCAA Tournament, and all that activity played into a big week itself. On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of catching up with the four brothers behind Brothers & Craft — Zac, Clay, Kirk and Matt –who happened to be in NYC for a whirlwind trip as they launched their next special project (check out their Instagram for more stylish things ahead!). They’re a great group of guys, generous with their time, fun to be around and a real pleasure to know. I was lucky enough to be able to hop down to the opening of the Daniel Wellington SoHo pop-up shop that very same night. And on that note, look for more details on Daniel Wellington’s new line tomorrow on the blog! As the week rolled along, it was even more thrilling (if that’s possible!) to attend the prestigious WWD Menswear Summit on behalf of my day job at Coyne PR — it was an excellent look at the state of the industry itself, and covered everything from social media to retail trends to designer outlooks for the next few years. What a week — it really is extraordinary to get continually greater opportunities so frequently. It’s busy, to say the least — and given all of that, I need a bit of a nap this weekend. Maybe before you settle down, take a glimpse at the below #menswear reads. Enjoy!

Have you been following any other brackets out there besides March Madness? Namely, any style brackets? The one put together by the team at Get Kempt moved into the Style Sweet Sixteen this week.
Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill have been hitting the road to promote the upcoming release of the much-hyped Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice flick — but have they been doing it in style? GQ.com investigates.
The massive trade show that is Baselworld just wrapped up this week, and Esquire.com offers up its drool-worthy list of the top watches from Baselworld that you should get on your wrist … now.
While this is neither a long read nor a style note, Lollapalooza announced a truly epic run of artists to celebrate its 25th anniversary, from LCD Soundsystem headlining to Lana Del Rey, Kurt Vile and stellar folks like DREAMERS and Arkells billed further down.

Is your shopping cart empty? Fill it up with some buying suggestions.

Grab a stylish spring sweater to layer up with for those chilly nights, in case you missed our latest Online Shopping Picks piece.
Stock up on more spring style essentials via my latest post at GearMoose.com — this one was a ton of fun to write!

March 18, 2016March 17, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: March Madness, South by Southwest Music and Spring Camo

Since we last spoke during the ole Friday Read, it’s certainly been quite the week. I had the great fortune to spend this past weekend in Florida visiting with my dad and as luck would have it, a few friends from Michigan State University. Add to that mix a busy work week, some building buzz surrounding the NCAA Tournament and oh yeah — St. Patrick’s Day yesterday (!!), and it’s been a heck of a week! I’m even more excited for this weekend though — I’m hosting my best friend from college, Stephen Brooks, as he covers Notre Dame men’s basketball in the NCAA tourney … in Brooklyn, just a few subway stops away (catch all the action over at his Twitter) . Isn’t it crazy how things work out sometimes? Hopefully, you’ve got an exciting weekend of college basketball — or just relaxation — ahead of you. If you’re catching all that college basketball action live, here’s what to wear for the NCAA Tournament. And if you’re still recovering from St. Patrick’s Day? Godspeed, and hopefully, the below #menswear news makes things a bit more bearable.

This humble menswear writer figured the camo trend was waning a few years ago, but it’s still sticking around — GQ.com picks out three ways to wear camo this spring (fairly tastefully, that is).
I always enjoy reading what the folks at Well-Spent have to say, particularly in regards to the goods they’d buy this month…instead of covering rent.
The state of the New York menswear scene — much like the state of the menswear scene in general — is shifting, expanding and changing pretty rapidly at the moment. The trend forecasters at WGSN offer a pretty excellent analysis of the whole thing, thankfully (note that to get full access, you need to be a subscriber … sigh).
Long Read of the Week: If you’re lucky enough to have made it through most of this week at South By Southwest, there still might be a few top music acts you need to catch — Consequence of Sound picks the top 40 acts at SXSW.

Not fully ready to start the weekend? Fear not.

Spring jacket season has (thankfully) arrived — look for a full rundown on this site on Monday, and catch up on the Bridge & Burn Hayden Gray Jacket through my latest GearMoose post.
Throne Watches crafts sturdy, durable timepieces with an eye toward inspiring American cities as part of its 1.5 Collection — get the full scoop over at VOUCH Magazine.

March 4, 2016March 3, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Spotlight, The Foo Fighters and the $10,000 Suit

I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to get a serious case of spring fever. Last weekend’s weather in NYC was truly amazing (temperatures in the 50s — the 50s!) but this week has been a return to temperatures I’m more used to seeing in my home state of Michigan. So spring’s not fully upon us yet, but that didn’t stop me from planning out my spring style wish list and also looking toward some sharp spring business-casual style with this week’s #OOTD post. There’ve also been some even more exciting spring-centric writing ventures in the works, including an ongoing Style Essentials series I’ve been penning for GearMoose — in fact, this week I featured one of my favorite sets of sneakers, the GREATS Royale in White. Needless to say, I’m definitely in full-on spring mode. Are you in the same boat? Feel free to get a discussion going on over at The Style Guide’s Facebook page, if so. Know that next week, we’re coming in hot with suggestions for how to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day — plus, an exciting reader giveaway opportunity on Monday with the folks from Owen & Fred. It’s all happening … well, most of it, anyways. Enjoy your weekend downtime and catch up below on the week that flew by. Thanks as always for reading!

Did you get around to seeing Spotlight? As a journalism grad and former reporter, the story was an intriguing one, without a doubt — Esquire.com uncovers the editor behind the real-life Boston Globe expose in light of its success at the Oscars?
We’ve got another coming at ya from Esquire.com this week — I’m admittedly only a passing fan (sorry I know, I know), but the Foo Fighters addressed break-up rumors with a hilarious comedy sketch video.
And lastly, why does a $10,00 suit cost … well, $10,000? GQ lets us know.
Style Notes of the Week: With new spring releases are dropping left and right, and GREATS is back with a set of colorful, quirky spring sneakers with the refined folks at Orley. On that note — are you pining for spring and summer, long days at the beach and warmer temps? Surf and lifestyle brand Reef is tapping into that sentiment with the second entry in its “Just Passing Through” series.

Stay a bit longer with a few more choice reads.

If you need an extra reason to get excited for spring, know that denim jacket layering is in full-force. And in that regard, I rounded up the 15 best denim jackets for men over at GearMoose.
As it is the weekend and everything, I’d highly suggest you pour yourself a nice drink (if you’re into that sort of thing). You can now upgrade your whiskey drinking with cool gear from Time & Oak — get the scoop in my latest entry at VOUCH Mag.

February 26, 2016February 25, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: David Beckham, American Apparel and New Mott & Bow Denim

I’m closing out this week on The Style Guide (and heading into next week) thinking ever so slightly of the impending arrival of spring. Doesn’t it seem like we were just talking wool blazers and fall sweaters? It’s pretty wild how the style cycle turns — even now, spring arrivals are hitting shelves (to that end, look for a spring style wish list next week). What top picks do you have your eye on for the coming season? Those new purchases seem to go hand-in-hand will looking toward spring travel, too. Rest assured that future posts will definitely cover off on those types of topics. For now, it’s the close of NYC Beer Week here in the city — somewhat unsurprisingly, there’s almost been too many great events to choose from around New York! So that’s definitely something I’m looking forward to this weekend. And as you look ahead to (maybe) cracking open a cold one yourself, I’d recommend you kick back and catch up on what you should be shopping and reading this weekend.

David Beckham’s work with British brand Kent & Curwen just took another turn — get to know the label’s new creative director here, and get excited for the forthcoming, likely excellent, product.
This is from last week, but still worth a share — the fine team at Get Kempt developed what it’s calling the Sartorial Bill of Rights.
This story seems to be everywhere (or it certainly has been everywhere) in different forms in the past few years — HighSnobiety looks at the rise and fall of American Apparel.
Long Read of the Week: I just came across this feature as I was writing this post, and was sufficiently sidetracked. It might be from last fall, but Valet took an excellent look into “Ralph Lauren University,” interviewing several of the top-notch designers and creative folks who also worked for Ralph Lauren before launching into successful careers in their own right. It’s fascinating and includes plenty of big names, from John Varvatos to Todd Snyder!
Lastly — looking to get away out West, and in need of some great gear?

Still on the hunt for what’s new in the men’s style world? Keep looking below.

I had a ton of fun covering the stunning Taylor Stitch Natural Chromexcel Moto Boots for GearMoose — those could just be your new spring (and summer, and fall, and winter) boots.
Mott & Bow, purveryors of nicely priced, comfortable denim, just launched its newest set of jeans. They’re built with 35 percent stretch — 35! — and I covered ’em for VOUCH Mag.

February 12, 2016February 12, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Valentine’s Day, Ryan Reynolds and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

While last week was a big one (for me, at least), with the second iteration of #NYFWM, perhaps this week has been a big one for you. After all, Valentine’s Day is upon us! What are you set to wear? Here’s your Valentine’s Day style suggestion. And do you have a gift all sorted out? If not, best get to it with these Valentine’s Day gift suggestions for that special someone. And if you have all of that in order, congrats! Enjoy what’s hopefully a three-day weekend! But before you get going on that last-minute shopping and outfit wrangling, catch up on some menswear (and yes, non-menswear) news. I won’t bug you for too much longer — after all, there are gifts to buy! Look for a Monday product review covering the standout Color No. 8 Diplomat Boot from Thursday Boots, followed by another sharp #OOTD entry and of course, the usual weekly content here at The Style Guide. Stay stylish!

This could come in handy in advance of Valentine’s Day, as GQ offers some standout layering tips courtesy of Ryan Reynolds — huge fan of that electric blue cardigan.
It might not quite be spring yet, but Apolis still is offering up its Civilian Travel Suiting bundles for a nice deal — within the higher-end market, that is.
Get away on a tropical vacation (or at least, start dreaming of one) by checking out the first in a series of global travel and adventure videos from the fine folks behind lifestyle brand Reef.
Long(ish) Read of the Week: Harry Potter fans, rejoice! Unless you’ve been living under a rock (apologies if so), Time and others have reported that the script for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child — the play, that is — will be published in book form later this summer, and released, fittingly enough, on Harry Potter’s birthday! So exciting.

On the hunt for more to read? Look right here.

The newly revamped VOUCH Mag is up-and-running in a big way — check out my latest feature on the best boots to survive winter, and keep an eye out for some brands you might recognize.
Here’s a new one, too — never lose your umbrella again with the BLUNT + Tile Traceable Umbrella; it was neat to learn more about it for GearHungry.

January 15, 2016January 14, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Best Dress Sneakers, Pitti Uomo and Alan Rickman

What a week it’s been — after so much traveling over the holidays and prepping for the year ahead (on both the work and blogging fronts!), it’s nice to get to the weekend now. There are plenty of exciting things in the works, including the impending arrival of #NYFWM and trade show season. It’s been nice to be back in NYC and catch up with friends — on that note, if you’re looking to revamp your home or apartment, Style Guide favorite The Hill-Side just launched an incredible home design collaboration with Crate & Barrel, which I had the chance to check it out in person yesterday. Needless to say, it left me wanting to re-outfit my entire apartment! But due to what you might call budgetary constraints, that won’t be happening any time soon. Lusting after great interior design hasn’t held up the weekly Friday Read, though. Check out a recap of all things #menswear below, and look out for another entry in the #OOTD series on Monday.

GQ looks at a new breed of shoe — the dress sneaker — and offers their picks for the ones that’ll amp up your style (a heads-up that Monday’s post might or might not feature a pair of sharp leather sneakers around which to style).
Airows (a definite read if you appreciate a well-designed site) covers the launch of the Everlane Street Fleece collection, which looks cozy, slim and stylish — everything you want for your weekend gear.
Esquire offers a critique of the street style fair — oh, and actual industry trade show — that is Pitti Uomo, noting that the age of the “sartorial peacock” is on the way out, replaced instead by what it calls #TheNewStyle.
And this post wouldn’t be complete without a tip of the cap to the unique talents of both David Bowie and Alan Rickman, both of whom we lost this week. As far as style goes, there’s no doubting that Bowie had a perspective all his own. And as a huge Harry Potter fan, it was always a treat to see Rickman on-screen throughout the series and the rest of his career.

That brings us to a bit of a downer of an end, unfortunately — but do yourself a favor this weekend, and listen to some Bowie or watch a Rickman film; I’m sure they’d both appreciate it.

‘Til tomorrow’s post,

-Beau

January 8, 2016January 9, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Ethical Clothing, The Best Food in Los Angeles and The SuitSupply Online Outlet

It’s pretty hard to fathom that already, eight days have been crossed off 2016 – it’s been a whirlwind start to the year, what with a weekend in Detroit exploring top menswear spots, followed by a trip this week to the famed Outdoor Retailer Conference in Salt Lake City, where I’ve been busy representing Timberland. It’s been great to meet with lots of trade and lifestyle media, establish new connections and learn more about what others in the editorial and public relations industries have going on.

And with that being said, I’ll probably be looking forward to a good day of rest on Sunday! As to matters in the #menswear world – how are your 2016 style resolutions holding up so far? I’m already looking to make headway with a few of mine (i.e. wearing less blue), but it’s a work in progress. If you’re looking for a different sort of a revamp, like a stylish pair of winter boots or a warm winter peacoat, click on those links. We’re far from out of the woods with the cold weather though – in that regard, we’ll be rounding up the best men’s winter accessories – from gloves to scarves and socks – on Monday. For now, get ready for happy hour later and enjoy the weekend!

DETAILS.com (RIP to the print mag) reports that, according to an Ohio State University study, those who don’t frequently shop for clothing made ethically are perceived as “boring and fashion-challenged.” Yikes! I’ll stick to my Apolis chinos (and so will DETAILS, apparently).
Is L.A. the most exciting food city in America? GQ says yes, yes indeed. I must say, I unfortunately didn’t get to many of these during my trip to Los Angeles this past fall — maybe one day!
Ever on top of the digital style game, Dappered reports that the SuitSupply online outlet has returned, filled to the (mostly-stocked) brim with all of your tailoring needs — some of it is quite flashy but other pieces are just right.
Long Read of the Week: We’re back with another long read, and this one’s a doozy — Nautilus dives right into the search to find extraterrestrial life, and what it might mean for us mere earthlings.

Can’t get enough #menswear writing? Read these:

Throne Watches is producing premium timepieces inspired by great American cities, like the Throne 1.5 x Brooklyn Watch — I found out more for GearMoose (a new writing venture I’m taking on this year!).
And not to be outdone, JackThreads is back at it again with its Geo Sweater, as profiled in my latest GearHungry feature.

December 25, 2015December 25, 2015 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Christmas Day, 100 Best Tracks of 2015 and The Year in Sneakers

First of all: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Thanks for sharing a bit of your day with The Style Guide – I appreciate it! What gear are you rocking today? Here’s one casual Christmas style suggestion, and one dressy Christmas style suggestion. And while we’re at it, did you get any items on your menswear wish list? I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what Santa has in store, and more importantly, I can’t wait to spend the day resting and relaxing with family here in sunny Florida (good thing I brought some stylish travel gear with me!). As always, let’s close out this week with a few good menswear reads. Look for another Style Pick of the Week here tomorrow, and then we’ll keep getting ready for 2016 with a New Year’s Eve style suggestion on Monday, followed by a full recap of my trip to Florida. Make it a great Christmas Day and stay stylish!

With the year drawing to a close, GQ.com covered the best sneakers of 2015 – did any of your favorites make this list?
Strong Italian tailoring isn’t for everyone, and it’s often very pricey – but if that’s your game, the New York Times says it’s worth putting the new Isaia store on your bucket list when you visit NYC.
Not to be forgotten in the menswear hubbub, Pitchfork’s editors ranked the 100 best tracks of 2015 – again, any favorites of yours on here? There are some stunners for sure, including “Eventually” by Tame Impala.

Before you unwrap the rest of your presents…

Splurge in a big way to start the new year with the incredibly well-designed and incredibly rare Shinola Ali Collection honoring the greatest fighter of all-time; I certainly added some items to my Wish List after covering the release for VOUCH Mag.

August 14, 2015August 14, 2015 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Men’s Swimsuits, GQ Suiting and Frank & Oak

Although it’s always outstanding to be on vacation (particularly a trip to Greece), it can be just as nice to get back into the swing of work — and of course, the regularly scheduled Friday Read! Fighting off jet lag was a tall order after a particularly adventurous travel day back to the States, followed by a full week of work — but it’s almost in the books now, with what should be a lovely NYC weekend coming up. I’m excited to kick things off by heading to Blind Barber in the East Village this evening for a custom suit fitting courtesy of my friends at Combatant Gentleman — the brand’s chinos and blazers provide great style for the price, so a full suit (in addition to the one I brought on my Mediterranean trip) should be a great treat! I’m planning on checking out ABC Beer Co. nearby after, too. What’s on your plate? I’d suggest kicking things off with the lineup below, for starters.

The Men’s Style section of the New York Times runs through the new world of men’s swimwear — one that’s more tailored, less baggy and much better-looking — in this neat feature and infographic.
GQ’s editorial squad is on-point with a selection of small suiting tweaks that can elevate your A-game even further when dressing up in the coming months.
Frank & Oak, they of the affordable and highly covetable monthly menswear collections, serves up a very cool primer on how to see London in a weekend — that city’s on The Style Guide’s list of spots to travel in 2016!
Long Read of the Week: So this one is more of a hybrid photo story than a true long read, but it’s pretty mind-blowing — Popular Mechanics covers the world’s 25 most impressive megaprojects, most of which are simply staggering in scale.

Got style on your mind?

Step into a pair of dark denim in the latest Style Upgrade series entry via your humble one-man writing crew.
If you’re feeling generous, take a gander at a quirky company that’s making waxed canvas bags in the USA at great prices — that would be NutSac Bags (yes, that’s a real thing); I profiled the brand’s Kickstarter campaign for VOUCH Mag.

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