April 26, 2022April 18, 2022 by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Upgrade Your Home Goods with Deals on Decor from Oxford Pennant

If you’ve been searching for a cool, rather quick way to upgrade your home goods, I’ve got just what you need — a small selection of the coolest home decor pieces from Buffalo’s own Oxford Pennant are on sale right now at Bespoke Post. All it takes is one quick spin through the Bespoke Post Sale section to find a few deals up for grabs in a quick and easy way to ramp up the decor in your home office, your den or your living room. Or really, anywhere you feel could use a touch more color and style in a hurry.

Learn more at Bespoke Post

If you’re not familiar with Oxford Pennant, know that the western New York retailer does an outstanding job at blending throwback-inspired designs with handcrafted production, making some of the most eye-catching, coolest pennants and banners I’ve seen in some time. It doesn’t hurt that they’re sold by Bespoke Post, always a marker of quality goods for your home and your wardrobe.

Right now, you can get Oxford Pennant’s seriously cool championship banners — like the “Glory Days” banner shown above — for under $100, a nice steal when you consider the USA-made quality and distinctive style you’re getting. It’s style that can be appreciated by anybody, be it your family or your roommates. So, what are you waiting for? Ramp up your home decor with just a few clicks at Bespoke Post.

June 7, 2017May 25, 2017 by Beau H.

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!

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.

Art: Nomo Design Augusta Print, $34.98 OR Erstwhile World Political Wall Map, $239.98

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?

Accessories, Part 2: Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph — $159.98

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.

Grooming: Harry’s Father’s Day Shave Set — $30

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.

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

January 11, 2017January 11, 2017 by Beau H.

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Friday and River

Editor’s note: Read to the end of this post to learn how to win a new set of home goods from Friday and River!

A new Friday and River candle could be a handsome addition to your home. Matches via Modern Anthology.

The concept of upgrading your entire lifestyle as you upgrade — and add — to your #menswear wardrobe is one that we take to heart here at The Style Guide. By we, I mean me — but you knew that already. And if you want to complement a stylish wardrobe with stellar home goods, there are certain brands worth knowing — particularly as a new year kicks off. Throughout the past few months, I’ve had the chance to discover and get to know Friday and River, whom you might recognize from a past Style Guide Q+A entry. I also covered the brand’s line of essential home goods for The Manual, and if you haven’t yet acquainted yourself with the ways in which the brand can upgrade your home, office or apartment … you best listen up. Named for the last names of co-founder Joe Freitag (Freitag is German for “Friday) and his wife, Yumi Kawamura (Kawamura means “river” in Japanese), it’s a brand that takes a nuanced approach to home goods for the discerning consumer. This practiced, minimal and versatile approach comes from the design experience of the duo with major brands like Levi’s, plus their time in Tokyo — which is quite the menswear mecca in and of itself. Starting with their natural leather-wrapped candles (as seen at the top of the page) and carrying through to a unique selection of well-crafted leather tote bags and minimal and smart leather card holders, the line encompasses all the small details and nice finishing touches you didn’t know you needed in your life.

For instance — thinking of adding a small plant to your office or apartment? Grab a handsome, minimal leather-wrapped planter; it’s a combination that’s masculine yet smart, perfect for complementing a study or a wooden desk. Are you with me on that? The more you look for style upgrades throughout your life, the easier they are to make — and that pursuit is getting even easier today. Yes, with the latest Style Guide giveaway, we’re giving one lucky winner the chance to win one leather-wrapped planter, one candle and one leather coaster set of your choice — a pretty darn good value, and a heck of a deal if you ask me! How to win, you ask? Now through midnight Friday night (that’s January 13th), comment below and tell me how you’d use those home goods to upgrade your office, apartment … you name it! Seriously, that’s it. Sound good? Good.

Best of luck out there — thanks for reading!

-Beau

December 14, 2016November 30, 2016 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.

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.

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.

April 20, 2016April 21, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Q+A: Moore & Giles

Editor’s note: To catch up on other Style Q+A entries, click here.

Built for the road ahead — it was great to catch up with team at Moore & Giles (makers of the Benedict Weekend Bag) seen here. Photo courtesy of the brand.

Whenever I get the chance to stop by various #menswear events happening around NYC or around the country, I’m always intrigued and curious to see who I might meet, or what brands I might discover. At this past December’s Pop-Up Flea in New York City (a cornucopia of great lifestyle and men’s goods brands all in one spot), it was hard not to discover the stunning leather goods on display at Moore & Giles. I got to chatting with the brand’s Director of Marketing, Daryl Calfee, about some of the stellar product the brand had brought (seriously, it was museum-worthy). He just happens to be good friends with my pals over at Brothers & Craft, so we naturally hit it off talking all things men’s style. I also got to know the brand a bit more, and it’s a worthwhile one to know. In addition to a massive collection of fine leathers, they also produce their own line of jaw-dropping bags, renowned for their heritage quality and style (in fact, I covered the Benedict Weekend Bag for GearMoose). Throw in a well-curated, stellar assortment of home goods, and you’ve got enough gear to make your head spin (the 33 Chair in particular is Wish List-worthy).

Given the brand’s affinity for quality and nuanced design, it was great to be able to send over a few questions to Thomas Brennan, the brand’s Director of Design for Bags & Accessories. After you get a look into the Moore & Giles process, you very well might want a bag for yourself. Enjoy this one, folks!

(Editor’s note: In the meantime, got a brand or style personality you’d like to see answer some zingers?Let me know via Facebook or Twitter).

The Style Guide: Take me through the background of Moore & Giles and how you approach your work?

Moore and Giles: The brand was founded in 1933 as a materials supplier to local shoe manufacturers. Donald Graeme Moore traveled around the area sourcing and selling everything from shoelaces and eyelets to nails and leather. Eventually his offerings narrowed to strictly leather and his regional hunt gradually expanded into the global quest it is today to uncover hidden gems at tanneries in all corners of the world. The company develops, sources and sells millions of square feet of leather a year across a variety of industries including furniture manufacturers, private aviation companies, and high-end homes and hotels.

The bag division developed in 2007 when our president and vice president decided to take advantage of their access to such magnificent material and made a few travel and work bags to bring with them on their travels. The line has grown organically from that point into the extensive, well curated line of bags and accessories that exists today.

Our products are unapologetically traditional. Artisans have been tanning hides for millennia and hand-sewing the resulting leather into useful objects for just as long. Both the material history and the history of our own company add welcome layers of authority, grandeur, and natural beauty to our bags; my job is to simply accentuate the existing beauty of the material with understated designs that will age as well as the leather.

Just one of the exceptionally high-quality bags produced by the brand. Photo courtesy of Moore & Giles.

TSG:Where do you find your biggest sources of inspiration?

M&G: The leather itself is the primary inspiration. We are fortunate to have close relationships with a 150-year old tannery in Italy, which means that our “product development” begins with prototyping leather colors and experimenting with different finishes, various combinations of waxes and oils, milling times, and ironing treatments. These design decisions affect the finished product long before I ever sit down to sketch a specific silhouette. When I do sit down to design a bag, I tend towards clean exteriors, traditional shapes, discrete details——decisions that keep the natural beauty of the leather front and center.

Reading books, talking with creative peers, and sifting through vintage stores all provide great creative fodder but for the ultimate design inspiration, nothing beats close observation of day-to-day routines. Take going on a business trip, for instance. As I’m packing, I want to make the job easier, tidier, more secure and I want my shoes kept separate from my shirts; when I’m going through airport security I need a convenient, safe spot to tuck my wallet and cell phone; when I’m putting my bag in the overhead bin I want easy access to my notebook or a magazine but don’t want to rifle through the body of the bag; if I’m meeting with a new manufacturer I want to have my business cards close at hand. I aspire to be more organized than I am and more put together than I often feel. Our bags help me on both fronts.

TSG: What, in your mind, can a great leather accessory do for a guy who might not have given it much thought before?

M&G: In a lot of ways, having a great leather accessory is like be the owner of the easiest pet ever: It will never cease to amaze you how happy you get when you see it; you’re going to feel more fond of it the longer you have it; strangers will stop you and ask you about it. Added bonus: you don’t have to feed it and it arrives at your door already housebroken.

TSG: Are there new product categories that you want to expand into in the coming seasons?

M&G: What’s proving more interesting than expanding out across new categories is finding new ways to give the existing line more depth and texture. The sheer volume of colors and finishes of leather we have at our fingertips is dizzying. The collection of artisans who tan, stamp, hand-stain, carve, and etch, to whom we have access is incredibly deep. Eight years in, we’ve only scratched the surface of what the bags and accessories can look like. As an example: we introduced a bespoke program during the holiday season last year that has given our customers a chance to participate in the creative process by selecting from a more expansive palette of hides to use on a custom travel or work bag. Seeing the colors that customers gravitated towards——reds and purples and golden tans and cool grays——and the types of leathers they’ve responded to———leathers that are exceptionally rare, have more history, or age in unique ways——informed several recent releases (like our Modern Saddle collection featuring vegetable tanned leather) and inspired a roster of upcoming releases.

TSG: What’s one thing every guy should have in his closet in terms of style?

M&G: Wherever you sit along the style continuum between a tailored suit and leather lace-ups and raw denim and sneakers, our classic Benedict Weekend Bag is a worthy compliment. It’s simple, beautiful, and functional. Unlike some other sartorial decisions, I guarantee you’ll still be proud of yourself for owning one ten years from now.

To keep up with all things Moore & Giles, follow the brand on Instagram or via Twitter.

July 6, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Q+A: United By Blue

The interior of the seriously cool (and ethical!) United by Blue flagship store and coffee shop. Photo courtesy of United By Blue.

Editor’s note: To check out other Style Q&A pieces, head here.

In recent years, it seems that consumers have been paying more and more attention to the little things: how and where (and why) their clothes are made, for starters. And the type of impact that clothing companies have on the world outside the style and fashion sphere has grown increasingly important, too. During a stop at the outstanding Pop-Up Flea trade show and exhibition earlier this spring in NYC, I came across an eyecatching booth outfitted with rustic décor, durable chore coats and soft T-shirts. It quickly became apparent that United By Blue wasn’t any ordinary clothing company schilling at trade shows, though. Founded in 2010, the brand aims to create a direct impact through the sale of each and every product by removing one pound of trash from oceans and waterways through clean-ups organized by the company. It’s a rather astonishing and inspiring mission, and it goes without saying that the product they sell to make it happen is pretty neat, too (I’ve previously written about their Stillwater Board Shorts for GearHungry). They also stock an extremely well-curated selection of home goods , bags and outdoor gear while simultaneously running a coffee shop at the brand’s Philadelphia flagship, among other Northeast-based retail locations. I caught up with co-founder Brian Linton via email for a few brief questions to learn more about the company’s roots, what makes the brand tick and what plans they have for the future.

A United By Blue clean-up taking place. Photo courtesy of United By Blue.

The Style Guide: Talk to me about the founding of United By Blue and the ‘A-ha!’ moment that led to its creation?

Brian Linton, United by Blue: United By Blue started after I was running a brand that was donating a portion of proceeds to ocean conservation. It lacked impact because I wasn’t able to measure the environmental goodness of what the money achieved. United By Blue was a way to get our hands dirty. It is a brand created with a focus on creating the infrastructure and systems within a for-profit business structure that would normally only be present in a non-profit. We organize and host cleanups on an ongoing basis, all from within the company. We don’t outsource or donate money to others to do environmental good in our name.

TSG: What has it been like to run a company equally focused on clothing and social/environmental good? Has it been difficult to merge the two?

UBB: Certainly it’s been a difficult but fun journey! Merging the two works because we consider ourselves an outdoor brand. And being in the outdoor industry, our customers love and care about the outdoors. Therefore, the overlap is more natural than it may seem. We are able to often partner with the retail stores that sell our products on cleanups in their local communities, mobilizing customers to become volunteers and attend a UBB cleanup.

TSG: Are there certain product categories the brand isn’t in currently that you’d like to expand in the future?

UBB: As a lifestyle brand, we are constantly expanding our offerings. This past season, we launched an awesome line of men’s board shorts and will be expanding the swim category in the future. We’ve also put a lot of energy and focus into developing more women’S dresses, which will be launching over the coming seasons. You can also expect more gifts and home goods later this year.

The brand’s Asbury Park, New Jersey store. Photo courtesy of United By Blue.

TSG: Are there areas of the country where the brand would like to expand in terms of either a retail presence or stockists?

UBB: We are an East Coast brand and are therefore much more prevalent there. Although we have some solid distribution along the West Coast, this is definitely an area that is a reflection of our brand vision and a place we would love to grow.

TSG: Any upcoming collaborations or partnerships you might be able to discuss briefly?

UBB: We just launched a collaboration with Roots Canada that will be sold through our stores as well as their stores through Canada and the US. It’s a line reflective of our shared passion for the outdoors and the importance of protecting it.

Check out United By Blue on Instagram if you have a hankering for beautiful lifestyle and scenery shots (paired with durable and stylish products), or give them a follow on Twitter, where they frequently run giveaways and other neat promos.

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