Men’s Style Holiday Gift Guide

Editor’s note: Need more shopping help? Check out the Women’s Style Holiday Gift Guide.

OK, so it’s very quickly bearing down on us now — Christmas is coming, and if that’s something you desperately need to shop for at this point, The Style Guide has you covered.  We’ve already talked about how to dress for your holiday party and what to buy her this Christmas, but what about … what to buy him? Him being your dad, brother, father-in-law, significant other — you get the picture. If you’re still shopping for that perfect gift, you’ve come to the right place. Again, a thoughtful gift personalized to the recipient trumps anything on this list — but if there’s some crossover between the two, that’s all the better. Yessir, the good folks at Huckberry have a bevy of picks for everyone from the #menswear fan to the spirits aficionado. For more gift guide action, check out what my friends at The Manual & GearMoose have to say. And weigh in on the below picks via the trusty comments section, or check out style shopping inspiration on Instagram. More importantly — shop on, and good luck!

#Menswear: Lanona Shoe Co. Academic Boot — $298

A hard-wearing boot for the menswear fan in your life.

A hard-wearing boot for the menswear fan in your life.

Did you snag a pair of the durable, rugged and Huckberry-exclusive Academic Boot  when it was featured in this site’s rugged fall style ensemble? Yes? No? Thought about it? If you know a guy on your list who loves tough boots for inclement weather, this sturdy, stylish pair from Lanona Shoe Co. is the pair to buy. Consider it a big gift from Santa to supplement smaller gifts, perhaps. They’re a pair of boots to be worn with a classic chambray shirt and slim denim, plus a shawl-collar cardigan … then again, you won’t know unless you buy a pair for yourself too, right? (Wink, wink).

Watches: Luminox P-38 Lightning Chronograph — $379.98

Equal parts rugged, durable and essential for any watch fan.

Equal parts rugged, durable and essential for any watch fan.

Why put this reliable-as-heck, handsome-as-all-get-out P-38 Lightning Chronograph in the “Watches” category as opposed to another menswear option? Well, plenty of us love collecting stylish watches, and if you know an aficionado, watches are a bit of a devotion. It’s a good thing that this Luminox timepiece as sold by everyone’s favorite retail site (that’s Huckberry, duh) is in a league of its own. It’s Swiss-made, with the precision to keep exact time and the durability to pass everything from special forces to diving tests.

Home Goods, Part #1: Southern Lights Electric Original Bell Jar Table Lamp — $89.98

I love lamp. Yes, this lamp.

I love lamp. Yes, this lamp.

So, fear not — that’s indeed a lamp listed on this here gift guide. But not just any lamp. If you’ve got a guy in your life — say, a bachelor who could use some home design help *raises hand* — the Original Bell Jar Table Lamp is an interesting option to consider. It features an exposed Edison-style bulb at its center, not to mention that handsome, old-time aesthetic plenty of us crave in our home layouts. The solid wood base is manufactured in Nashville, while the name plate itself is silk-screened by hand. And the end result? A stylish, handsome table lamp to add some class to the recipient’s home, apartment or office.

Frank & Oak

Home Goods, Part #2: Norden 3-Candle Box Gift Set — $84.98

A masculine, subtly stylish candle set for the guy with an eye for design.

A masculine, subtly stylish candle set for the guy with an eye for design.

We’ve got another unique gift offering in the home goods department for y’all here. Candles are a somewhat unlikely present but again, if you’ve got a guy with a space that could a bit of TLC, look no further. Norden makes its finely crafted candles with sustainability in mind — the ceramic vessel carrying said candle can be washed out and re-used. Plus, the ceramic containers are a subtly stylish way to add a bit of visual interest to the lucky gift … getter’s apartment or home. And of course, each candle makes use of a unique, outdoors-y scent.
A great-looking blanket from a company that knows a thing or three about making 'em.

A great-looking blanket from a company that knows a thing or three about making ’em.

We’ll stick with the theme of well-made, premium pieces to upgrade your living space for this great Woolrich blanket. Items like these can be thoughtful touches to spruce up a couch or chair, and this particular blanket does a nice job at sticking with classic colors reminiscent of fine menswear. So, it’s but another option to supplement other gifts you might give. Oh, and Woolrich has been making blankets since the Civil War, so you can’t top ’em.
Deals of the Week at PaulFredrick.com

Spirits & Libations: Whiskey Peaks Rocks Glasses (Set of 4) — $69.98 OR W&P Design Homemade Gin Kit — $44.98
Know someone who loves a well-made drink? Here are your gift picks, folks.

Know someone who loves a well-made drink? Here are your gift picks, folks.

Let’s say you’re buying for your father-in-law? Often tricky, right? And let’s say said father-in-law loves a good drink — I’d say you can’t go wrong with the neat, entirely unique set of Whiskey Peaks Rocks Glasses, or the even cooler W&P Design Homemade Gin Kit. The gin kit allows you to turn one bottle of vodka into your own blend of gin, complete with all of the ingredients needed to do so — including a secret botanical blend from W&P Design. Oh, and the Whiskey Peaks glasses? Talk about a one-of-a-kind offering — each glass features a raised impression of a different, famed American, well, peak. It’s a neat home design piece and a welcome way to enjoy your whiskey, all in one.

If you’re looking for more gift ideas here, we’ve reached the end of this year’s gift guide. Hopefully, you got some inspiration? And knocked out a few choice picks? Subtly stylish gifts like a beautiful Woolrich blanket or a one-of-a-kind table lamp are truly unique items to give this holiday season  — and hey, who doesn’t love a stylish watch  or an investment-worthy pair of rugged leather boots? If you’ve got someone on your list appreciates the finer things in life, premium whiskey glasses are just the ticket — and it gives you a reason to enjoy a glass with them, right? Got questions on what to gift in the days to come? Just shoot me a note on Twitter and we’ll set you right.

What will you be buying and gifting this holiday season?

The Friday Read: Bastille, Greg Lauren and A Huckberry Giveaway

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.

We’re through the end of another week, and we’re just a bit closer to Christmas — if you’re one who celebrates the holiday season, that is. It’s also a great time of year in the menswear world — it’s time to drop a few hints about your men’s style holiday wish list, it’s time to gear up with stylish snow gear, and it’s time to get a big jump on your holiday shopping for her. With all those wheels in motion, it made for an extra-busy week at The Style Guide. It kicked off with a really neat, special Monday night — it’s not too often you get the chance to check out a band as big as Bastille  in a venue as intimate as the renowned Bowery Ballroom, but the lauded British indie pop band returned to NYC to make up a special show originally scheduled for October. It was a fantastic night of live music — lead singer Dan Smith is smooth, poised and energetic, with a great band behind him. They played their way through one of the best pop albums of the year — that would be “Wild World” — with a few slightly older hits (“Pompeii” among them!) thrown in for good measure. Songs like “Warmth” and “The Currents” really shone through in a live setting, too. It was a treat to see them in such an intimate venue — and it was even better to catch them the very next night at Manhattan’s cavernous Pier 36 for the very cool Pandora Holiday Live event, which also featured scores of fans on-hand for Bishop Briggs and the energetic (if divisive) British mega-band The 1975 , a group who seem to be everywhere nowadays. If you can, I’d definitely recommend catching Bastille at one of a number of festivals this summer — they’ll surely be there! While summer festival season sounds mighty nice right about now, maybe you’ve got to dress in style for your holiday party, or get a jump on the weekend, so let’s get on with it — we’ve got you covered with this week’s #menswear news.

Nautica

A standout giveaway from everyone's favorite lifestyle purveyor.

A standout giveaway from everyone’s favorite lifestyle site.

  • Alright, so this is a pretty big deal. Purveyors of a stunning mix of men’s lifestyle and style goods, Huckberry is doing it big this holiday season with its Golden Holiday 2016 contest. It’s four straight weeks of neat holiday prizes you can only find at Huckberry, running from now until December 18th. What was last week’s prize? A sweet Secret Agent kit featuring some seriously stylish tailored gear from Trumaker. And this week’s prize? Potentially even cooler. It’s a bespoke sailing adventure — yes, you read that right — on a private yacht around one of a handful of beautiful locations: Maine, the British Virgin Islands, Croatia or Greece, all thanks to Huckberry partners Sailing Collective. Now, how to enter? Those who place an order via Huckberry this week are in the running — every purchase gets you Coal Hard Cash, which you can redeem 24 hours after said purchase to find out if you’ve won Huckberry credit (up to $500!) or, better yet, the incredible top prize (no exaggeration here). But wait! There are two more weeks of prizes upcoming! Yes sir, that’s right. Does it get any better? Learn more, buy away & enter at Huckberry.
  • Want to mix a few more pieces with some high-fashion edge into your wardrobe? That task just got a little easier thanks to a new collaboration between Greg Lauren and Banana Republic.  Although at first it might seem unlikely given Lauren’s penchant for distressed, luxurious takes on style essentials, it’s a partnership through the Council of Fashion Designers that resulted in a 16-piece capsule collection. Of those 16 pieces, there are quite a few that are, well, pricey (a $3,000 cashmere overcoat, anyone?), but it’s a neat blend of the traditional and the unexpected that you should check out via the above feature at GQ.com.
  • In sneaker-related news, your favorite Brooklyn sneaker brand — Style Guide favorite GREATS  — is releasing an outstanding, sleek and stylish take on its lauded Royale silhouette. The good news for those of us who like to break out sneakers until the first snowfall hits? The new version of the Royale comes in a seasonally appropriate, deep navy blue “Jeans Suede” color that would team quite effectively with your favorite crewneck sweater and a trusty chambray shirt on casual winter weekends (sans snow, of course).

Want to read one more feature before the weekend?

Now, we’ve reached the end of the Friday Read this week — enter that Huckberry giveaway ASAP and add a few pieces to your Men’s Holiday Style Wish List now!

Stay stylish!

-Beau

#OOTD: How to Dress for the First Snowfall

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.

Can you feel it? A real chill in the air? Temperatures (nearly) below or *gasp* at freezing? And maybe … the flutter of a snowflake or two? Yes, the more you look around these parts — that is, Brooklyn — on The Style Guide, the more you realize winter’s just about here. Of course, if you find yourself in a warm climate year-round, stop reading — we have plenty of beach-ready menswear for you. But if you need to bundle up for that first snowfall, the #menswear you need is just a few clicks away — and it looks sharp for situations casual and slightly less so.  Essential layering pieces like a shawl-collar cardigan and a slim henley can work all through fall, but when it comes time to combat the snow? You can certainly still reach for ’em with confidence. We’ll get to the full #OOTD below — and for style inspiration on the daily, check out the behind-the-scenes process on Instagram.

Layering up for snowy weather with a comfortable henley, a rugged cardigan and waterproof boots.

Layering up for snowy weather with a comfortable henley, a rugged cardigan and waterproof boots.

The Cardigan: JACHS NY Donegal Shawl Neck Cardigan, $129 — With its combination of hefty fabric yet a pleasingly modern fit, this cardigan is refined enough for the office but casual enough for the weekend.

The Topcoat: Old Navy Wool-Blend Topcoat in Crème Caramel, $124.94 — Add another brand to your list when it comes to stylish topcoat shopping this season. Old Navy knocks it out of the park with this functional, sharp number. Is it a heavy, technical parka? Not quite. But will it layer up nicely and look refined along the way? Yes, sir.

The Denim: Flint & Tinder All-American Jeans (Slim Tapered or Straight Tapered), $98 — If you caught this site’s post on the best men’s selvedge denim, then you know how essential Flint & Tinder jeans can be. Snag either the Straight or Slim Tapered cut and wear them all season. As to a belt? Choose a braided leather belt  for seasonally appropriate texture if you’ve got one.

The Henley: OLIVERS Apparel Convoy Henley, $98 — If you’re heading to the office & a henley won’t cut it, sub in a stylish chambray shirt & a wool tie. But in casual situations? Layer away with this soft, comfortable and slim henley.

The Boots: Cole Haan Lockridge Moc Toe Waterproof Boots, $350 — Perhaps more well-known for lightweight shoes like its ZeroGrand series, the Lockridge is a flexible, durable and completely waterproof boot ready for snow and slush, plus a business casual day at the office.

The Socks: Anonymous-ism Fair Isle Grade Crew Socks, $25 (Available via East Dane) — With various shades of blue in this outfit — plus that rich camel topcoat — a shot of red via textured socks makes a nice addition.

The Watch: Lum-Tec M60 GMT Watch, $499.98 — If you stop by here often, you know that Lum-Tec makes a bevy of watches that are Style Guide favorites. Although brown boots are in play, the M60 GMT Watch features a black dial and a black leather strap– but it comes with a stainless steel bracelet or a black rubber strap (especially handy in the snow).

The Hat: Herschel Supply Co. Abbott Knit Beanie, $20 (Available via East Dane) — Other than stylish leather gloves, what’s the one accessory keeping you warm in the blustery snow? A functional, neutral winter cap. If you’re going to go investment-level with a durable casual watch, might as well keep your hat affordable and versatile.

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This snowfall-ready outfit favors fashion just a bit more than function — we’re not throwing on a blizzard-level parka and snow pants just yet. But in the event it does start to snow a little harder, versatile accessories like a warm shawl collar cardigan and a sharp topcoat should serve you well. And accessories like tough winter boots  and a rugged leather watch can certainly take a few punches. Regardless of whether you’re stepping through  a few flurries or the bitter chill, don’t leave home without a warm scarf and gloves (thank your mom for that reminder, too!). If you’ve got other questions on what to wear for the first snowfall, or just want to chat, shoot me an email or a Tweet.

Stay stylish!

-Beau

Men’s Style Holiday Wish List 2016

Editor’s note: Be sure to check out last year’s Men’s Style Holiday Wish List as you shop around. Portions of this post use affiliate links, from which a small commission might be earned. Thanks for supporting the brands that support The Style Guide!

If you peruse the pages of ye olde Style Guide regularly, you might recognize that your author is a big fan of the much-coveted style wish list. From a seasonal favorite — the rugged-leaning Fall Style Wish List — to holiday-centric picks like the ones below, it’s fun to shop around, look ahead and set goals. That is to say, the pieces featured below are definitely investment-worthy, often made with beautiful construction, quality materials and classic styling potential for the holiday season and beyond. It’s a favorite of mine to write, and hey, it’s fun to dream about what Santa might be putting under the tree this Christmas. You’ll recognize picks from Style Guide-approved digital sites like Huckberry and brands like Apolis, along with new picks sure to surprise, delight and possibly hurt your credit card. Not convinced? Read on below and drop us a note on The Style Guide Facebook page.

#1. Thorogood Dodgeville Boots in Cognac — $375

thorogood-boots

A handsome, rugged pair of boots made in America.

Who doesn’t love a pair of rugged leather boots? Very few, I’d say. And even fewer if the boots in question are the beautifully crafted, handsome-looking Thorogood Dodgeville Boots. They top this Wish List because, to be frank, last year’s Wish List featured leather sneakers at the top, and this year’s edition needed some refreshing — truly! Even more than that, they’re a unique change of pace from something like the Red Wing Iron Ranger — they’re unlined for a lighter weight and far less break-in time, and the Cognac color of the Dodgeville Boots should prove itself versatile, rich and investment-worthy — for you or someone else on your list.

Frank & Oak

#2. Todd Snyder Suede Quad Jacket in Tobacco — $1,595

A simply stunning jacket that's unique, premium and yes ... expensive.

A simply stunning jacket that’s unique, premium and yes … expensive.

So, first things first: Wow. Just … wow. That jacket is something else! And were it not for your author’s love of rugged, durable boots, it would top this list. Now, is it realistic to spend more than $1,500 on a jacket for yourself? Ehh… not really. That’s why it’s on the Wish List, though — it reflects the type of premium approach to heritage staples that Todd Snyder has perfected. From the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt to the stunning Suede Quad Jacket, each piece is worthy of the purchase price in its own way. This upgraded hybrid field jacket is one you should wear as much as you can — with a shirt and tie, over a marled henley and out to Sunday brunch this holiday season.

#3. Lum-Tec Special Edition Combat B30 Bronze Watch — $899.98

Uniquely durable, well-designed and long-lasting -- a beautiful watch for your own wish list.

Uniquely durable, well-designed and long-lasting — a beautiful watch for your own wish list.

Yet again, another entry on this Holiday Style Wish List is a jaw-dropper — at least for this #menswear fan.  Of course, it’s a jaw-dropper in terms of price as well as looks — the Lum-Tec Special Edition Combat B30 Bronze Watch is the type of watch that’s somewhat rare, in that it’s built for the field and the office in equal measure thanks to its handsome profile. The bronze case will take on a unique patina over time, the Miyota automatic movement is one of the best around, and the Combat B30 Bronze Watch  comes with four heavy nylon straps — the interchangeability means it could be dressed up with a leather strap, too. So yes, it made my wish list pretty easily — how about yours?

#4. Flint and Tinder Bomber Jacket — $178

A versatile, easy-to-layer and oft-coveted bomber jacket for the holiday style wish list.

A versatile, easy-to-layer and oft-coveted bomber jacket for the holiday style wish list.

Now, it’s somewhat rare that a piece like the Flint and Tinder Bomber Jacket — more suited perhaps for fall than winter weather — makes a cold-weather style wish list. But then again, the Flint and Tinder Bomber Jacket  is no ordinary bomber jacket. It’s tough, durable and fully ready for winter layering — it’s the rare bomber jacket that also nails the hybrid between casual and dressier style, so it could reliably stand in for a blazer atop a blue Oxford for unique (and toasty) looks. That’s what makes it a worthy addition to this list — the Flint and Tinder Bomber Jacket is high-quality enough to hang with the best outerwear around, and versatile enough to work through the spring. Heck, you might want to gift it to someone — and then pick one up for yourself.

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A unique take on the trucker jacket in a winter-friendly fabric.

A unique take on the trucker jacket in a winter-friendly fabric.

We all love a versatile, durable denim jacket for the warmer months, right? And sure, you’ve got a tough waxed trucker jacket for the fall season. But what about when you need another casual layer during the chill of winter? Something to throw on underneath a slim topcoat or over a classic crewneck sweatshirt?  That’s exactly the type of jacket your friendly neighborhood menswear author had in mind when adding the Alta Wool Flannel Jean Jacket to this list – it’s unique in its silhouette and fabrication, cozy enough to wear over a marled henley with a winter scarf, and ready for prime layering this winter. Hopefully, Santa brings you one.

Huckberry

BONUS PICK: Apolis Selvage Denim Chore Coat — $228
Apolis Selvage Denim Chore Coat

A Huckberry exclusive made with the best denim around.

We’ve got a bonus pick for you here today, ‘cuz Santa doesn’t leave just one gift under the tree — does he? Brands like Apolis stock darn near all the great menswear you could ask for, from rugged picks like the Huckberry-exclusive Selvage Denim Chore Coat to classic staples like its Standard Issue Utility Chino. But the coat featured above is the one to grab — or covet — this holiday season. It’s made from premium Cone Mills denim in an immensely wearable silhouette, from the office to the trail and back. Again, I sure hope Santa hooks you up.
And with that, the book is closed on this year’s Holiday Style Wish List. Well, partially. On second thought, might just open up another tab for that Flint and Tinder Bomber Jacket … at any rate, it’s an exercise in fun that should get you thinking about gift-giving and saving ahead for the new year. Yes, we’re all about style resolutions, and upgrading key wardrobe essentials like a rugged chore coat and a stylish field watch are great goals to keep in mind this holiday season and beyond. Chime in on additions to your own wish list in the comments or on Twitter. And let’s connect via Instagram for plenty more menswear fun.
As always, thanks for reading!
-Beau

Style Pick of the Week: form-function-form Horween Leather Timex Weekender

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head herePortions of this post use affiliate links, from which a small commission might be earned.

An eye-catching blue dial and a refined, rugged leather watch strap? That's a match made in heaven.

An eye-catching blue dial and a refined, rugged leather watch strap? That’s a match made in heaven.

If you’ve ever spent hours (days?) looking for a stylish, affordable casual watch, you know the struggle can be quite, as they say, real. That’s certainly the case for your Style Guide author, as I love building up my watch collection — but I had a bit of a tricky time starting out. That is, until I found out what the great folks at Timex we’re doing. Their approach to durable, crisp-yet-casual watches is second-to-none, and when you pair up a classic Timex Weekender with a Horween leather strap? Well, that’s a done deal. Yes, the form-function-form Horween Leather Timex Weekender checks all the boxes you might want to check in terms of a stylish casual watch — and if you’re familiar with the brand through great sites like Dappered, you likely knew that already. In the looks department, the blue-dial Timex Weekender — one of a handful of form-function-form watch options available via Huckberry — absolutely kills it. Know that the Timex Expedition and Weekender Fairfield iterations are stylish and durable, but it’s tough to top the classic Weeknder. There’s nothing too fancy about the classic Weekender case design, but its durability is on-point, and the hand-crafted Horween leather strap — the hallmark of the form-function-form line — is a sight to behold. From your everyday chambray shirt and a waxed trucker jacket to sturdy boots and a navy blazer, this watch combo can nearly do it all.

Subtly stylish and designed with durability in mind.

Subtly stylish and designed with durability in mind — this is the versatile watch you need now.

And really, what’s not to love about a watch like this one? The Horween leather strap, like other options from form-function-form, is handmade in the brand’s small Florida studio, and again, it might just be the perfect complement to the versatile Timex  Weekender dial. It’s a dedicated, nuanced approach to product design that mixes function and, well, form. And that extends to the brand’s other small leather goods, like lovely burnished leather wallets. Oh, and you’d do well to give brand founder Shawn a follow on Twitter, while we’re here.  Of course, it doesn’t get much better than knowing you’re getting a product that’s handmade with fine attention to detail — unless you consider the price. And in that case, things do indeed get better. Crucially, you can grab the form-function-form Horween Leather Timex Weekender for $88 via Huckberry, or for $98 via the brand’s site. And then, I’d say you should wear it all the time — especially with favorite staples like an indigo wool chore coat and slim, American-made chinos. Heck, it works for dressy situations with a winter blazer, too. Any way you look at it, it’s a stellar deal that’s simply not to be missed. And it’s a stellar watch that you’ll want to wear … heck, maybe all the time.

Get the form-function-form Horween Leather Timex Weekender now.

The Friday Read: Casio G-SHOCK, Kenneth Cole AWEARNESS and Menswear Giveaways

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.

If you’re joining us here on The Style Guide today, that means you made it through Black Friday shopping — and Cyber Monday shopping — just fine. So, congrats!  It was an especially busy week in New York City coming off a Thanksgiving trip to Florida  and catching up on work. I also got out of the office on Thursday night for an especially neat opportunity — I had the pleasure of attending a great Men’s Health Style & Casio G-SHOCK collection preview at the very cool, very refined Tourneau TimeMachine in Manhattan. If you’re looking to buy a tough, durable watch that can take a serious beating, I’d strongly urge you to check out the Casio G-SHOCK Master of G collection, available exclusively at Tourneau. Oh, and on another style-related note — if you find yourself in need of a new suit, I think I’ve got what you’re looking for. I partnered with Men’s Wearhouse and the Men’s Health MVP Network to showcase the standout AWEARENESS Kenneth Cole line and a stylish slim-fit suit featuring the comfortable, flexible & breathable AWEAR-Tech technology. Coming from a guy who doesn’t often wear suits … you can’t go wrong with a suit that’s made with mobility and performance in mind. And lastly, need to know what to wear to your holiday party? Look no further than the latest Style Suggestion. While you peruse those picks, I’m very much looking forward to a day off work and some time hanging with my good friend and fellow Michigan State (and State News!) alumnus Jesse O’Brien — a talented writer from the Mitten — this weekend in NYC. Keep it stylish, keep it 100 and check out the week in #menswear below.

A trifecta of stylish menswear could be yours via the SeaVees x Grayers x STAG Provisions giveaway!

A trifecta of stylish menswear could be yours via the SeaVees x Grayers x STAG Provisions giveaway!

  • In the mood for a bunch of new men’s style gear? We’ll get right to it. The terrific trio of SeaVees, Grayers and STAG Provisions have teamed up to set you up with all the classic menswear you could ever want as part of the “Between Friends” giveaway. From this Friday to next Thursday, December 8th, you and a friend can enter to win a huge holiday shopping spree via the three brands. We’re talking a $200 SeaVees gift card, a $250 STAG Provisions gift card and $400-$500 worth of Grayers gear via a personalized styling courtesy of Grayers co-founder Peter Georiou and SeaVees CEO and Chief Designer Steven Tiller. Not bad, right? Seriously, enter the giveaway now, and look for a winner to be picked on December 9th.
  • If you have a cycling enthusiast in your family and are searching for a gift to get them, you might have just found it. Lauded British heritage brand Brooks England, known for its premium cycling accessories, is releasing a neat book entitled “The Brooks Compendium of Cycling Culture” to celebrate its 150th anniversary. This volume gathers insights and stories from a range of writers, artists, journalists and photographers to focus on the far-reaching impacts of the brand’s bicycles using neat short stories and beautiful design. And you get all that — plus a wooden box and a print signed by British photographer Martin Parr — for under $40. Talk about a great gift for the cycling lover, yeah?
  • Let’s finish the week on a classic menswear note, shall we? To get you thinking about cold-weather layering, Esquire covers the 5 military style staples every guy should own. Got any of those in your closet

Want to read just one more style story before you start the weekend?

  • It’s always a treat to see two American-made brands team up — when those brands happen to be the stylish accessories purveyors American Trench and lauded NYC shirt maker Corridor NYC, it’s worth paying attention. The American Trench x Corridor NYC collab has given us some great dyed shirting for the colder months, and it’s my latest feature at The Manual.

That’s all we’ve got going here on this fine Friday — but tomorrow, be sure to check out another fantastic offering in our Style Pick of the Week series.

Stay stylish!

-Beau

The Friday Read: Black Friday 2016 Shopping Edition

Ahh, so it’s here again — Black Friday. If you still haven’t recovered from a healthy dose of turkey and football, we’re here to help you at The Style Guide. It’s a bountiful time for shopping — namely, right here from your laptop. And as great as the weekend is, it’s also important to take some time to kick back, enjoy the holiday with loved ones. But make no mistake, there are deals to be had wherever you look. With plenty of retailers opening their doors and starting online sales well in advance of Black Friday, some of the below deals have been going on for a while. But fear not, you’ve got plenty of time to catch up on all of your #menswear shopping needs. Yes, make no mistake, there are some excellent sales out there — with a slew of promotions from Huckberry, Shinola, JackThreads and plenty more favorites, it’s the ideal time to knock a few items off your style wish list. Without further ado — bring on the Black Friday deals!

Huckberry: The lauded online retailer is offering tons of deals through Sunday, namely featuring the following brands:

Sword & Plough: The men’s and women’s accessories company — as featured in this stylish fall travel ensemble — is running a Thanksgiving week sale giving you 20 percent off all the way through Tuesday! They support veterans every step of the production process, so the brand is certainly worth a look.

Mott & Bow: Everyone’s favorite denim brand has a nice Black Friday deal going on today. Use the code ‘BLACKFRIDAY’ to get 10 percent off orders of $150 or more, 20 percent off $250 or more, or 30 percent off $350 or more of Mott & Bow gear.

Johnston & Murphy: The heritage footwear maker is offering select shoes and boots for up to 30 percent off.

JackThreads: Another Style Guide favorite has been running a Price Drop & Lock Guarantee  for the past few weeks, meaning low prices. well, drop and stay there; oh, and they’re giving everyone 25-30 percent off site-wide for Black Friday! And on Cyber Monday, they’re offering 30 percent off site-wide, all day.

FOURLAPS: The neat athletic brand upstart is providing some nice deals on stylish workout gear — you can snag the Dash Tank, Bolt Short and Smash Tee $30 through Monday, November 28th. And once Cyber Monday hits,  you can shop the Silver Charge Tee for $20

CHASE54: The performance and style-focused golf brand is serving up a nice deal through Cyber Monday —take 30 percent off any two-piece bundle and 40 percent off any three-piece bundle.

Batch Men’s: Batch is serving up a rare sale deal — makers of rugged-refined staples like the Tactician Utility Shirt, they’re offering 40 percent off a wide selection of shirts; get the deal using the code ‘THANKS’!

johnnie-O: The preppy, sport-inspired clothiers are offering a nice Black Friday deal — use the code ‘Tweener’ to buy one button-down, get another button-down free.

 

GREATS: In addition to launching two new sneakers (the third iteration of its Beast Mode collab with retired NFL star Marshawn Lynch, plus a special “Black Friday” edition of its low-cut Royale sneaker), the Style Guide favorite and is giving y’all 20 percent off and free shipping sitewide for Black Friday. That goes along with a series of tiered deals on Cyber Monday: namely, you’re looking at 20 percent off and free shipping sitewide from 12 a.m. to 12 p.m., then 25 percent off and free shipping from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., capped off by 25 percent off and free shipping on all shoes under $100 from 6 p.m. to midnight on Saturday. Hop to it!

Old Navy: The noted casual retailer — who seems to churn out better and better men’s apparel by the season — is offering 50 percent off through Black Friday. That’s a heck of a deal, y’all.

Shinola: The brand is launching its Special Edition All Black Collection, an assortment of signature all-black Shinola products, debuting today.  It includes the brand-new Shinola Runwell Wall Clock and Shinola Power Supply Cords made in partnership with General Electric, plus an all-black Shinola Runwell Turntable, a 47mm Runwell watch with a PVD black sandblasted case and black dial, a one-of-a-kind black tandem bicycle and the Shinola + Benchmade Titanium 765 Pocket Knife. That’s a heck of a lot of gear! Read more about Shinola on Effortless Gent.

Sunday Somewhere: The eclectic sunglasses brand with an international following is giving you stylish guys up to 50% off storewide through Monday, excluding regular eyeglasses & accessories. No discount code needed!

Links of London: Need a special gift for that special someone? Refined British jewelry makers Links of London are offering 25 percent off for Black Friday, both in stores and online, until the 27th, with that same deal running online only through Cyber Monday. And if you spend $495, you’ll receive the brand’s Limited Edition Timeless Diamond Bracelet, a promo that runs in-store from the 28th, and online from the 29th, until December 11th.

Baxter of CaliforniaThese fine purveyors of high-quality men’s grooming products are offering 25 percent off the entire site now through November 28th.

Dr. Scholl’s Shoes: Until the 27th, you can get  20 percent off sitewide, plus free shipping, with the promo code DRS20FS. Then, on Cyber Monday, you can take 25 percent off sitewide, with free shipping also included, using the code DRSCYBER.

Reef: The surfwear and basics brand is serving up free 2-Day Shipping on all orders until the 28th using the code REE2DAY.

Richer Poorer: The standout basics brand is offering 40 percent off sitewide for Black Friday.

Steven Alan Optical: Until November 29th (that’s next Tuesday), you can receive 25 percent off all Steven Alan Optical eyeglasses and sunglasses with code BFWKNDSALE16.

Well, folks — that’s just a selection of some of the best #menswear deals out there on the market. From places where you can knock out all your shopping at once — like Huckberry — to e-tailers like JackThreads and Shinola who serve up stylish outerwear and accessories, this weekend is one of the best of the year (if not the best). And if you’re a fan of shopping and scoring deals? You’d do well to hop to some shopping. Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving weekend — and we’ll be back tomorrow as scheduled with our Style Pick of the Week.

Stay stylish, my friends!

-Beau
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#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.

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?
Beckett Simonon

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

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket

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

A much-coveted, super-durable jacket that's ready for all sorts of fall conditions.

A much-coveted, super-durable jacket that’s ready for all sorts of fall conditions.

The time is now to stock up on one of the best men’s trucker jackets. After all, there’ll soon come a time where you’ll ask yourself: Can you feel it in the air? Maybe? A little bit? It might just be, dare I say it… the perfect time to break out the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket. Now, it’s newly restocked, but it won’t be around for long. It made this site’s Fall Style Wish List, and as we’ve said repeatedly at The Style Guide, fall might just be the perfect time for menswear. To beat the chilly k no further than the latest introduction from the great folks at Flint and Tinder and Huckberry . Part of the excellent Flint and Tinder fall collection, the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket very well might be your new fall )and winter?) go-to when it comes to outerwear. The season certainly did get off to a bit of a late start this year, but that’s not to say you won’t get plenty of use out of this stellar coat for several months to come. It layers up very nicely over a classic chambray shirt and it’s the ideal complement to a classic Flint and Tinder henley (wouldn’t you know it?). Oh, and you could even boldly layer it under a navy topcoat for just a dash of rugged-refined style. Why exactly should you drop nearly $200 on this waxed trucker jacket? Well, that’s easy.

Sturdy hardware and a modern fit also make this jacket a great investment.

Sturdy hardware and a modern fit also make this jacket a great investment.

Just as with all of Flint and Tinder’s stylish knitwear, the Waxed Trucker is made in America using high-quality materials and detailing that’s simply top-notch. That starts with silver hardware and rolls right on through to the modern fit and durable waxed 7oz. Martexin sailcloth. You can even customize the fit to your liking with slide buckles at the waist. Yessir, this thing is sturdy as heck. It’s cut to hit above the waist, just like your favorite spring denim jacket. But, there’s something a bit tougher about this jacket – namely, that tough waxed sailcloth exterior and flannel lining, both of which will more more than ably stand up to biting fall winds and chilly rain — or snow, if you layer it under a topcoat. It’s certainly the kind of jacket you should look to wear as much as possible (particularly given that price tag). Team it with a flannel shirt, wear it over a stylish cardigan and rock it time and again with a merino T-shirt and dark denim the next you dash out to grab coffee. Oh, and you might do well to layer it over Flint & Tinder’s ridiculously durable 10-Year Hoodie, too. It’s going to work in slightly dressier situations, too – truly. You can certainly swap this Flint and Tinder jacket out for a blazer at the office, but it’s a reliable layering piece. Give the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket a try sometime, ehh? It should be every bit as good as advertised – and then some.

Get the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket as soon as you can at Huckberry.

Style Pick of the Week: Astorflex Chelsea Boots

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here. Portions of this post use affiliate links, of which a small commission might be earned.

A sharp Chelsea boot made responsibly with premium materials? Sign me up.

A sharp Chelsea boot made responsibly with premium materials? Sign me up.

As hard as it can be to shelve your favorite summer sneakers, there’s something to be said for the durability and style of a great Chelsea boot in the chillier months. From a rock concert to the office and beyond, the stylish Chelsea boot is a super-sharp, upscale answer to a pair of rugged leather lace-up boots — and the good news is, there’s no wrong time to wear them. Particularly in the fall months, something like the Astorflex Chelsea Boot will have you set up for plenty of style situations ahead — particularly in a rich, versatile and yet neutral color like the Dark Khaki option pictured here. And well, that’s why it’s this week’s Style Pick of the Week. The Astorflex brand, sold by the Style Guide favorites at Huckberry, is a company that continually looks to update its offerings — they just introduced some low-cut sneakers, and the Astorflex Chelsea Boot  is just the latest in its rugged-refined set of products. Crucially, they’re handmade in northern Italy with premium European leather. And if you value exacting craftsmanship in your Chelsea boots — in addition to great style — these are the boots to get. The leather itself is aged for 30 days in a mixture of oak bark, water and powdered mimosa — how’s that for attention to detail? And the resulting finishing process is top-notch, as well. They’re made with 100 percent natural rubber soles and memory foam footbeds — talk about the perfect blend of form and function.

Huckberry

Along with those top-of-the-line materials and environmentally friendly construction process, they’ve got top-of-the-line styling potential. The silhouette is such that they’re able to be worn to a rock concert (seriously!) alongside dark blue or black denim, topped off with a durable henley. And the rest of the week, you can team them with wool trousers and a V-neck sweater (maybe atop an essential chambray shirt?) for days at the office. The rubber sole on the Astorflex Chelsea Boot  should be sturdy and durable, while the premium suede should hang in there through the fall months with a little care. When the spring hits, they’d also be a unique complement to light wash denim and your favorite pocket T-shirt. With the Astorflex Chelsea Boot , the design and materials are so on-point that there’s no wrong way to wear them. Not sold on a Chelsea boot yet? Give these a try for an agreeable price ($180 ain’t too bad), and rock them as much as you can.

Grab the Astorflex Chelsea Boot  via Huckberry  now.

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