December 5, 2018November 25, 2018 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Keep Warm with a Pair of Stylish Leather Gloves from Hestra

Exceptionally well-made leather gloves that’ll serve you well this winter.

Let’s get one thing straight — a pair of Hestra leather gloves are one of the many things you shouldn’t be leaving the house without this winter. I’d wager you should say goodbye to the days of flimsy, thin gloves you picked up near the checkout aisle at your local sporting goods store (been there, done that!), and instead turn toward a purchase you won’t regret: A pair of stylish leather gloves from a brand that knows a thing or two (or three!) about making ’em. It’s refreshing and exciting to see a brand continue to hone in on the thing they do best, and in the case of Hestra (as seen in this post on the best men’s winter accessories), that thing happens to be crafting the best gloves on the market, no questions asked. The Hestra Utsjo in Elk/Fleece is pictured above, and with good reason. Made from Nordic elk leather, the brand crafts its gloves in largely the same way they have since the company’s founding in 1936 — that’s applause-worthy, right?

A fleece lining and Primaloft polyester insulation ensures top-of-the-line warmth and breathablity when it comes to Hestra leather gloves, while a two-position cuff button offers stability and a nice fit. The overall effect is an especially refined pair of gloves that keep you warm and look a heck of a lot better than a technical winter pair. Why is it worth it to splurge on a pair of stylish leather gloves when you could easily just pick up a random pair from a bargain bin? It’s worth it in the same way it pays off to upgrade your everyday chambray shirt or step into classic slim denim — if you look good, you feel good. And in this instance, you look good, you feel good … and your hands won’t get frostbite! Truly, that’s important. It’s a win-win all the way around when it comes to Hestra leather gloves and in particular, the Hestra Utsjo in Elk/Fleece.

What’s your take on investing in these stylish leather gloves? Let me know via Twitter!

February 1, 2017January 22, 2017 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Winter Accessories To Buy Now

Editor’s note: Click through this link to see more men’s style shopping picks.

Just a couple of weeks ago on The Style Guide, we talked about the best men’s gloves to buy for winter — a pretty specific category that can nonetheless make a big difference in how you tackle cold weather on the daily. You might not think much of getting the right winter gloves, but again, the devil is in the details. Such is also the case with other stylish winter accessories — we covered the topic last year on the blog, but we’re updating it for 2017 today. There are certainly multiple ways to go as you gear up for winter — that is to say, you can snap up pieces that are either rugged and built for work & adventure, or more refined and made to dress up (a la some of James Bond’s accessories in “Skyfall”). With that versatile approach in mind, we — and by we, I mean me — compiled choice picks for the chilly weather ahead. So, prepare to dress for the polar vortex and get shopping while there’s still time. Happy shopping!

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket — $198 OR Outerknown Nomadic Parka — $195

Either a parka with technical flair, or a rugged-yet-casual wool jacket. Your call.

In an ideal world, we’d all be able to stock our closets chock full of coats for every type of situation — sadly, there’s not enough time or money to go around for that. With a versatile approach and comfort — plus warmth — in mind, either the Maritime Submariner Jacket or the reliable, hard-wearing and easy-to-layer Outerknown Nomadic Parka are really solid winter outerwear picks. The Submariner Jacket is made from beastly boiled wool, and the Nomadic Parka is a great piece to layer up with when wearing everything from a casual crewneck sweater to a tailored winter outfit.

The Gloves: J. Crew Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves — $98 OR Hestra Granvik Gloves — $180

Again, the choice between casual style and dressy appeal is up to you.

So, here we are again with an underrated style accessory — critical, yet underrated. There’s that tricky balance between dressy and casual here — if you find yourself suiting up on the regular, a pair of refined, cashmered-lined leather gloves is the perfect pick (the smartphone-capable fingers are a nice touch, too). And for all kinds of rugged winter style adventures, there might not be a better pick than the Hestra Granvik Gloves — truly, these guys know what they’re doing when it comes to crafting great winter gloves.

The Hat: Columbiaknit Watch Cap — $17

As sold by Style Guide favorites Huckberry , there’s something refreshingly no-frills about a well-made, simple and affordable winter hat like the Columbiaknit Watch Cap. Again, winter accessories are an underrated way to complement your overall look — just look at how well our man David Beckham dresses for winter with a simple puffer jacket and yes, a neutral beanie cap. Your ears will definitely thank you when the polar vortex hits.

The Scarf: S.N.S Herning Torso Scarf — $96.60

A scarf that’s easily wearable, comfortable and worth the price.

Am I encouraging you to spend nearly $100 on a scarf? Well, yes. If you can only pick up one scarf, you might as well make it a well-made, neutral and versatile piece you can match with anything in your closet. Whether you team it with a slim topcoat or a more rugged piece like the Nomadic Parka, you truly can’t go wrong with this ribbed black scarf. In fact, you could even steal some winter style from Daniel Craig and team it with a thick-knit shawl-collar cardigan.

The Socks: Wigwam Merino Lite Hiker Socks — $12.98 OR American Trench Fair Isle Sock in Merino & Cashmere — $28.98

Your call — simple, well-made socks or a pair with winter-friendly pattern.

We’ve once again reached that tricky balance between a casual winter accessory and a piece that’s slightly more dressed up. For simple functionality and comfort, there might not be a better value on the market than the Merino Lite Hiker Socks. And if you want a pair with a bit more visual interest — yet the same quality and versatility, the Fair Isle Sock in Merino & Cashmere is about as good as it gets. Heck, you could snag two pairs of the Merino Lite Hikers, and throw in a pair from American Trench for good measure. Not a bad deal, ehh?

OK, is your closet fully stocked yet? If you still need to upgrade your winter accessories, I hope the above picks give you a place to start. It always pays to reach for quality and versatility — particularly in terms of outerwear like the Submariner Jacket or the essential Nomadic Parka. And with the rest of your accessories, you should hunt for similar quality — so, a thick-knit ribbed scarf and tough winter gloves from the likes of Hestra are wise additions to your ensemble. And although you might not think too much of it, a comfortable winter hat like the Columbiaknit Watch Cap is going to provide you with long-lasting comfort and warmth (as are functional socks from Wigwam or American Trench). Did you take notes? Open up a few browser tabs? Either way, happy shopping and stay warm out there!

-Beau

January 16, 2017December 31, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Gloves to Buy For Winter

It’s been a bit of time since our last Online Shopping Picks post on The Style Guide, and with that being said, we’ve moved through the rugged, crisp fall season into a chilly, blustery winter. So, how to stay warm and do it stylishly? Better yet, what gear to buy to get you through the winter season? Similar to dressing for the first snowfall , you need the best of the best out there — that goes for something as simple as your next pair of winter gloves, too. They’re a somewhat overlooked part of an entire ensemble — and there are more choices than one might expect. Dressy situations? Dress gloves — a la James Bond’s gloves in “Skyfall.” More casual scenarios? We’ve got the gloves for those instances, too. And in matters of style — particularly when it comes to keeping warm — no detail is too small. Check out the below picks and weigh in with any additions to this list on Twitter or, as always, in the friendly comments section.

#1.J. Crew Cashmere-Lined Leather Smartphone Gloves — $98

Get them in Black or Saddle Blue — just get them as quick as you can.

We’re kicking off this list with a fairly classic pick from everyone’s favorite accessible, stylish retailer. Combining the comfort and quality of cashmere lining with the usability us smartphone users need nowadays, these gloves are sharp, slick and ready to finish off a tailored winter ensemble in fine fashion. Of course, they’re versatile enough to work as a complementary piece to casual weekend outfits. And although they nearly top $100, the functionality, warmth and looks of these gloves make them worth the investment — in either Black or Saddle Blue.

#2. United By Blue Ragg Wool Gloves — $26

Casual, comfortable and unique — the ideal pair of off-duty gloves.

Whereas those cashmere-lined J. Crew gloves are the perfect option for quick commutes or casual weekend outings, the United By Blue Ragg Wool Gloves are a decidedly more casual alternative. With fitted cuffs and a unique ragg wool knit that the brand says isn’t scratchy, these are the kind of gloves to throw on when layering up a piece like the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt and a flannel-lined waxed trucker jacket. Whether you’re hauling brush or just dashing down the street to snag a quick coffee, these are the gloves you need.

#3. Hestra Tor Gloves — $180

Durable, high-quality gloves from a classic accessories maker.

As sold by the Style Guide-approved folks at Huckberry, it’s tough to beat a pair of heritage-quality, stunningly well-made set of Hestra gloves. And certainly, the Hestra Tor Gloves won’t let you down when it comes time to brave the polar vortex. Just like the Ragg Wool Gloves from United By Blue, the Hestra Tor Gloves are a working man’s pair of gloves, without a doubt. Made from elk leather and lined with wool terry, they’re unique, built to last and definitely quite warm.

#4. J. Crew Wool Smartphone Gloves — $49.50

A dependable, functional set of gloves for under $50.

It should come as no surprise that the second J. Crew on this list is selling pretty quickly — buy these while they’re still around. This pair is yet another more casual alternative to the cashmere-lined iteration seen in the first slot, but they’re still just as worth adding to your arsenal. The textured wool and ribbed cuffs help with both fit and comfort, and the leather on the palms and fingers makes ’em smartphone-capable. Not bad — not bad at all.

#5. Hestra Granvik Gloves — $180

Remarkably well-made, tough gloves as sold by Huckberry and of course, Hestra.

We’re closing out this list with another pair of tough-as-nails Hestra gloves, and for good reason. Again made with elk leather, the Granvik Gloves also feature the same wool terry lining as the Tor Gloves for a high dose of warmth and comfort. The elastic cuffs keep these gloves secure while keeping snow and wind out — crucial in the cold weather. And the eye-catching, rich color combination means these are the type of gloves to reach for when you throw on everything from a denim jacket and slim topcoat to an indigo parka in a blizzard. Trust me.

And with that, we’ve wrapped up yet another (hopefully) helpful Online Shopping Picks entry — which gloves from the above list are you buying this year? If you only have the budget to buy one pair of gloves, something like J. Crew’s leather smartphone gloves just might be the way to. And if you find yourself in rugged style and work situations more often than not, perhaps a set of Hestra gloves will suffice. It’s all about reading the situation properly — and if it’s cold as heck out there, it’s more about bundling up than anything. Any brands you’d add to this list? Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page.

Stay stylish out there!

-Beau

January 9, 2017January 9, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: What to Wear for the Polar Vortex

So, if you’ve checked your calendar — or the weather forecast as of late — you might have realized we’re likely getting closer to what some might call the dreaded “polar vortex.” I’m no meteorologist, but we’ve been through some pretty chilly cycles already — and January is a prime month for huge snowstorms slamming the country. With that in mind, we’re tackling a functional men’s style suggestion — a past entry in this site’s #OOTD series covered how to dress for the first snowfall, but a polar vortex or blizzard is a different beast entirely. It’s different than casually layering up for winter or dressing for a weekend coffee date, that’s for sure. For one, it’s colder, windier and sometimes, just plain uncomfortable to navitage. That’s why the gear below is harder-wearing, tougher and not quite office-friendly if you need to suit up frequently. But, what guy can’t use a durable parka or rugged winter accessories? Exactly. So prep to take on winter right this very second with the latest Style Guide suggestion — and weigh in over on Facecbook if you’ve got other #menswear situations you’d like to see covered.

The Parka: Outerknown Nomadic Parka — $195

Unique, functional and modern in design — just what you want from a parka.

Outerknown is a bit of, well, an outlier in its approach to blending technical specs with modern takes on classic silhouettes — yes, it’s a pretty advanced approach. Pieces like the Nomadic Parka embody that blend perfectly — the mobile, ergonomic design and cool, not overly bulky M-65 silhouette are big bonuses compared to typically puffy parkas. The Indigo color of the Nomadic Parka is sharp, simple and versatile — plus, the jacket’s silhouette provides ample layering room.

The Shirt: Flint and Tinder Texas Moleskin Shirt — $68

A cozy base layer that’s a bit dressier than a plain thermal shirt.

We’ll start with a warm, reliable and stylish base layer in the Flint and Tinder Texas Moleskin Shirt. Granted, it’s not a cozy thermal by any means, but we’re going for a mix of form and function here — so, moleskin it is. The fit on this shirt is modern and crisp, and it’s got the same quality construction one would expect from the makers of pieces like the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket and a heck of a pair of blue selvedge denim. This is a shirt that works for weekends or casual workdays alike.

The Sweatshirt: Flint and Tinder Reversible French Terry Sweatshirt — $68

A slim, crisp sweater that’s really two for the price of one.

Told you we’d be layering up, right? Again, Flint and Tinder is the easy pick here for a standout blend of quality, style and affordability. The Reversible French Terry Sweatshirt is all of those things, and then some. In fact, you’re getting two sweatshirts for the price of one, really — one side is a classic sweatshirt design, and the other side is a textured loopback fabric for a look that’s a bit more casual. Either way, the crewneck collar and raglan sleeves frame your face and shoulders while layering nicely under the indigo parka. That’s a win-win … win.

The Denim: Abercrombie & Fitch Slim-Straight Winter Jeans — $39

Slim-straight denim with a brushed-back interior for comfort and warmth.

Who said you had to throw on bulky snow pants to combat a blizzard? Certainly, if you’re stepping through feet of snow, you might want to reach for something a bit more weather-ready — but slim denim can work in a pinch. In fact, this pair of Abercrcombie & Fitch winter denim is quite unique — the interior of this pair of jeans is constructed of soft, brushed-back fabric for added comfort and a surprising amount of mobility (Santa brought me a pair for Christmas, as it were). Plus, the slim-straight cut slides over your winter boots with ease.

The Boots: Woolrich Footwear Squatch Boots — $148.98

https://www.idevaffiliate.com/31555/idevaffiliate.php?id=607&url=12347

A tough Goodyear welt and moc toe, plus a lugged rubber outsole — as good as it gets.

OK, so this is perhaps the most crucial part when it comes to tackling a winter blizzard — right? These Woolrich Footwear Squatch Boots are the definition of toughness and durability, and they don’t look half-bad either. The Goodyear welt and comfort sock liner are big positives in terms of construction, and the durable moc toe and lugged rubber outsole are also critical when it comes to stepping through the snow. Plus, to snag the Squatch Boots — which really can do just about anything in terms of winter adventures — for under $150 is a heck of a deal.

The Socks: Wigwam Merino Lite Hiker Socks — $12.98

Well-made, comfortable and warm winter socks.

Next up in keeping you warm and comfortable during a snowstorm? A great pair of socks, of course. And the Merino Lite Hiker Socks are just what the doctor ordered — starting with the merino wool and nylon blend and carrying through to extra-helpful design touches like the no-stretch and no-itch capabilities. Plus, the navy colorway is clean and simple and you’re getting a nice price for American-made construction.

The Gloves and Hat: Hestra Granvik Gloves — $180 AND Columbiaknit Watch Cap — $17

Handsome, essential and warm winter accessories — crucial, right?

Just as crucial as a thick pair of socks? A great pair of tough winter gloves and a stylish and warm winter cap. So, that’s what the good folks at Huckberry are giving us today. Hestra’s gloves are premium, well-made and yes … quite pricey. But, their gloves are still made in their own factories, and in this case, the blend of vegetable-tanned elk leather and wool terry lining is just about everything you need in terms of form and function (that phrase keeps coming up ‘cuz it’s so darn important!). And there’s nothing overly fancy or expensive about the Columbiaknit Watch Cap — it’s the right color and quality to keep you warm this winter.

The Watch and Belt: Huckberry Lum-Tec Combat B33 GMT — $498.98 AND Arcade Belt Co. Guide Belt — $26.98

A handsome-as-heck watch and a tough belt — the best you can do during a blizzard.

If you think we forgot about tough, essential finishing touches for this cold weather-ready look, you’re mistaken. Because we’re dealing with cold, chilly and blustery weather, you need a watch that can take a beating. The Huckberry Lum-Tec Combat B33 GMT is that very watch, featuring a hard-wearing but not overly large 43mm stainless steel case, gunmetal titanium coating and Super Luminova materials on the dial for maximum visibility. So yeah, it’s up to the challenge. And when you need to navigate slippery terrain in comfort, a stretch belt made with comfort-fit elastic is the one way to go — so the Arcade Belt Co. Guide Belt is a reliable, easy-to-wear and durable choice.

Are you ready for that blizzard yet? In looks if not mentally, I hope this piece is useful to you — and if you find you need to stock up quickly, you best start shopping away! When you build your ensemble around comfortable, easy-to-layer pieces like the Flint and Tinder Texas Moleskin Shirt and top that base layer off with a reliable, easy-to-wear and American-made crewneck sweatshirt, you’re going to be primed for comfort and style. Plus, a sturdy winter parka is as dependable a piece of winter outerwear as it gets — and durable moc toe boots are yet another item that’s going to get you through that polar vortex. Of course, you shouldn’t skimp on a versatile field watch like the Lum-Tec Combat B33 GMT — no matter the weather.

OK, ready for winter now? Maybe a bit more? Good luck out there, stay warm and look for a new #OOTD post tomorrow.

Stay stylish!

-Beau

November 22, 2016November 16, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: Business Casual Fall 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.

So, we ran into a bit of a conundrum last week on The Style Guide when we talked about how to dress for a casual fall day. We’re nearly through November, and the weather’s been so up-and-down … how does one dress to meet those demands? And if you’ve got to switch from casual fall style to sharp fall style, just how do you do it? Particularly, how does one dress in business casual fall style? Maybe your office isn’t the type of place where a suit and tie is required (it seems few offices are nowadays) — heck, maybe it’s a place where a collared shirt isn’t needed all that often. But let’s say you want to up your game going into a prime cold-weather dressing season — or perhaps, you just need an excuse to refresh some business casual style staples. Now, we’ve talked about how to dress for a business casual office in the summer, but dressing for the fall is a bit different — for starters, you’ll be needing another layer or two depending on the weather. What other #OOTD tips do we have to share? Well my friends, you’ll just have to read on below. Oh, and if you’re scrambling for something to wear for Thanksgiving later this week? A few of the below pieces will come in just as handy for turkey time as they will for your next office meeting. Keep up with The Style Guide (AKA yours truly) on the daily via Twitter and Instagram, and leave any suggestions for this ensemble in the comments below. Deal? Deal.

Can you go wrong with a navy jacket & khaki five-pocket pants? Hardly.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket in Navy, $219.98 — Make no mistake, this jacket features a bit of a unique fabric blend, especially in chilly weather — textured wool & linen chambray aren’t exactly a regular fall combo. But for a four-season jacket with modern styling potential, it doesn’t get better.

The Topcoat: Old Navy Tweed Topcoat, $124.94 — If you were worried about staying warm on a chilly November or December day, don’t be. This Old Navy tweed topcoat is a heck of a bargain and features a nice fit.

The Shirt: Bonobos Jetsetter Dress Shirt in Solid Light Blue, $128 — With a range of customizable options — from the collar to your choice of pocket, plus a dialed-in Bonobos fit, this is a classic dress shirt — a tad pricey, but very solid. Note that we’re ditching the tie, but I’d say you should accessorize with a crisp textured pocket square.

The Pants: Flint and Tinder 365 Khaki Pant, $98 — OK, so you’ve got a sharp jacket and a stylish dress shirt covered … but your office is too casual to go with a full-on suit. Reach for a tailored pair of crisp five-pocket pants — versatile, slim-fitting and equally at home in spring or fall.

The Shoes: Johnston & Murphy Duvall Wingtips, $99.99 — While you could also go with a pair of classic leather chukka boots here, sharp wingtips are just as appropriate and lend a bit of polish to this ensemble.

The Socks: American Trench Merino and Cashmere Fair Isle Socks, $19.98 — Merino AND cashmere, you say? It’s a heck of a luxurious combo for socks, and these ones from American Trench should feel comfortable while fitting great.

The Watch: Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph, $194.98 –Watches from Armogan work particularly well for business casual situations, what with their crisp designs and slightly larger (and thus more casual) case sizings. Case in point — the Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph.

The Gloves: Hestra Edward Sheepskin Wool Lined Gloves, $125 (Available via East Dane) — Hey, we said it’d be cold, right? What better way to fight the chill in style than with a pair of rich brown leather gloves?

So, if you still feel like you’re not ready to dress for fall in business casual style, I’d suggest you snap up one or more of the above picks. Particularly when it comes to a crisp, sharp jacket like the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket, you’re getting a piece that can work in multiple seasons with just a few extra layers. And that’s just as true with the ever-versatile Flint and Tinder 365 Khaki Pant — casual enough for a laidback office, and at home on a fall or spring weekend. When you throw in accessories like beautiful merino-and-cashmere Fair Isle socks and a handsome chronograph watch, you’re looking at a complete fall outfit. Got questions? Send me an email or drop us a line in the comments — and let me know how it works for you!

Stay stylish,

-Beau

The Style Guide

All the best men's style essentials you need, every day.

Tag / hestra

See Now, Buy Now: Keep Warm with a Pair of Stylish Leather Gloves from Hestra

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Winter Accessories To Buy Now

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Gloves to Buy For Winter

Style Suggestion: What to Wear for the Polar Vortex

#OOTD: Business Casual Fall Style