March 30, 2015May 20, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Weekender Bags

The Navali Stowaway Weekender bag in Carafe. What are you packing this spring and summer?

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine (and blog reader) asked me about recommendations for great weekender bags. It got me thinking – now that winter is finally thawing out, I’m sure lots of us have our eyes on spring or summer getaways. While hitting the road for a vacation is always fun, a big part of the process is how you’re getting there & what you’re packing. And if you’re kitted out in a stylish get-up for the road, you need a bag that’s equally as sharp. Backpacks and sports duffle bags, although functional, don’t provide nearly enough room or the looks needed for longer travel. And while formal briefcases or suitcases work for business trips, the weekender bag is all about providing enough room for the essentials — and doing so in an easygoing fashion. Here are 5 great bags for the road ahead.

#1. Navali Stowaway Weekender Bag — $159.99

The Navali Stowaway Weekender Bag comes with a lifetime warranty, and should last a good long while.

First seen on this blog back in August of last year, the Carafe color pictured here is now gone – but it’s been replaced with an equally stylish washed navy option or a spring-like “Sand” shade. The blue cotton canvas contrasts nicely with the brown leather fastenings, but it’s not all for show. Exterior pockets with strong buckle fastenings, tough zippers, a thick & comfortable shoulder strap and just enough for the essentials make this bag worth the price. Dimensions are 22″ width, 12″height, 8 1/2″ diameter.

#2. J. Crew Abingdon Weekender Bag — $198

Deep olive. Waxed cotton canvas. J. Crew’s Abingdon bag.

It’s tough to go anywhere on Siblings with Style without finding a J. Crew item in a shopping roundup — this is one company doing many things exceptionally. The Abingdon is slightly bigger than the Navali above in terms of height (17 1/2″), width (26″) and diameter (9 1/4″), so it can certainly carry more goods & take a bit of a beating. The waxed cotton canvas construction should age very nicely with increased usage too.

#3. Everlane Twill Weekender — $95

Everlane’s simple, clean take on the weekender.

Everlane delivers a much more minimal, modernist (and cheaper) take on the weekender bag. The brand keeps things simple with a grey cotton twill exterior and black leather fastenings — no aged waxed cotton here, folks. Everlane’s bags really put the brand on the map and continue to be quite popular. Having used an Everlane twill weekender pretty extensively across the past summer in New York, these bags can definitely take quite a lot for the price.

#4. Filson Large Duffel Bag — $358

True heritage quality — and an heirloom-worthy price.

Filson has something the other brands on this list don’t — real, true heritage when it comes to make hardy outdoor gear. Only in recent years has the brand become known more among the fashion community, but it’s got years of experience outfitting hunters, fishers and outdoorsmen. Its bags are crafted from the same durable mindset. This duffle is a true beast of a bag, guaranteed for life and by far the most substantial weekender listed. The olive & tan versions are backordered, but navy and brown are in stock.

#5. Shinola Signature Duffle — $1,250

Exceptionally expensive. But also exceptionally well-made.

So this post isn’t really advocating you go out and drop more than A GRAND on a single bag. But, it’s always worth it to scout out what options are out there – and maybe keep a goal in mind for a future investment. This particular bag looks beautiful and features outstanding Horween leather and is individually stamped and numbered — those are the kind of details that bring the price up. The hardware is solid brass, and despite being leather, this bag should not only hold up but also age exceptionally well (it better for that price!). Available in black & brown, with a cognac number coming soon.

NOTE: Other bags that just missed the cut here include J. Crew Factory’s somewhat smaller but very affordable Carson duffle bag, Navali’s Waxed Stowaway Weekender in Olive and Frank & Oak’s Genuine Italian Leather Weekender. JackThreads is also stocking quite a few weekender bags for low prices at the moment.

What’s your favorite from this list? Any idea what you’ll be buying for your travels?

March 13, 2015March 13, 2015 by Beau H.

The Best Ways to Wear Green on St. Patrick’s Day

Slim green pocket T-shirt by J. Crew. Watch by Invicta. No beer was spilled during this photo shoot. Trust me.

So we’re less than a handful of days from the most Irish (OK, maybe just the greenest) holiday on the calendar for us Americans. If you’re taking the day off of work or class to *ahem* celebrate by consuming an adult beverage or two, have one for me — and do so responsibly, of course! And if you just want to wear some green either way, there are some nice options to do so without dressing up like that guy on the sidelines at Notre Dame games. Check out some ways to incorporate green into your wardrobe on the 17th without overdoing it.

#1. Uniqlo Linen Blended V-neck Sweater — $39.90

Is this green too light? Nah.

The color on this sweater isn’t the deepest as far as green color choices go for St. Paddy’s Day (I see you, AP Style) but it’s the fact that it’s a linen blend and a V-neck sweater knocks out two things at once. The cut makes it work-friendly, and it’s lightweight enough to provide some breathability if it’s a little warm out. The price is exceptional compared to other sweaters on the market, especially as part of the first load of product from Uniqlo for the spring. Wear it casually with slim jeans or go more formal with khaki chinos. If you’re feeling spendy for a green sweater, you could always swing through J. Crew.

#2. GREATS Rosen Runner in Cargo — $49

The color of the holiday in a shade that works at other times of the year, too.

For the 2nd time in as many weeks, a GREATS sneaker makes a spring roundup list on this site. These sneakers definitely have shades of a classic pair of New Balance kicks as far as the silhouette goes, but with a sleeker single color through the shoe. The suede-nylon blend is an interesting (and hopefully water-resistant) choice as far as sneakers go, but these have a retro feel and a nice deep green color that would probably look right at home with dark denim or (especially) some joggers. Since these are on your feet, they’re not hogging all the attention.

#3. Club Monaco Birdseye Sock — $15.50

That shade of green is more like it!

If you’re the type to play down ornamentation on outfits (particularly around holidays), these are as simple as it gets. The price is admittedly a bit high for a pair of socks, sure, but that’s not too bad for a set made in Italy. The deep green color is noticeable enough to help you avoid getting pinched, but not too loud. The deep green would look best with charcoal trousers or khaki chinos and probably some solid desert boots or brown dress shoes on the bottom. A white OCBD and silver knit tie could finish things off nicely up top.

#4. The Tie Bar Studio Stripe Tie in Dark Woodbrine — $19

A different shade of green than the holiday normally calls for — not a bad thing.

A lot’s been made of The Tie Bar’s price hike, and it’s likely that some of us will stop swinging by the brand’s Web shop now because of that. However, $19 is still a nice price for a tie that’s part of a rotation nearly any time of the year. The dark green color is again a shade atypical from what most wear on St. Patrick’s Day, and that’s a good thing in this case. The diagonal stripes are preppy but not overly so. This is another accessory that would work well with a white dress shirt and darker trousers (possibly even navy).

#5. J. Crew Factory Slim Lightweight Shirt in Multi-Pattern — $39.50

The type of shirt that nods to the day without going truly wild.

Let’s say that you don’t feel like turning into a leprechaun on this holiday, but simply want to show a little spirit. Possibly even spirit mixed with another color, like this navy and light green shirt above. Again, it’s not a true dark green, but it gets the job done. Importantly, this is a pick that allows you to tip your cap to the day and move on without everyone bringing up what you’re wearing (hopefully?) These shirts have a soft wash and this one in particular has a trim fit that would make it the perfect shirt to wear with jeans and a knit tie.

So there you go — take your pick from the above and get ready to celebrate the day!

What’s your favorite option of the above picks? Will any be making their way into your wardrobe before the holiday?

Editor’s note: Taking a break and heading to Florida this weekend for a bit of R-and-R (nope, not rock n’roll though) — expect style photos and a product review of a great pair of white sneakers coming from that trip. Stay stylish!

March 10, 2015June 1, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Spring Jackets

Just a few weeks ago on this very site, I wrote about great boots to get you through what was looking to be a long winter slog. Since then, things have taken a turn for the better weather-wise. But we’re not out of the woods yet — there’s a good chance rain and blustery winds are still on the way. And that’s where the below jackets should come in mighty handy. Although this is by no means a definitive list, the following picks feature lightweight materials and sharp, streamlined silhouettes for layering over casual or dressy outfits. Have a look and let me know your thoughts below!

#1. Grayers Russel Baseball Jacket — $155

The blue herringbone blends a cold-weather pattern with warm-weather construction.

Grayers is in a somewhat enviable spot as far as menswear brands go — they’ve gotten some great early press coverage and exposure, they’re sold in a major retailer nationwide (Nordstrom) and to boot, they make awesome staple pieces that blend the prep appeal of the Northeast with the continental vibe of England. This cotton knit bomber jacket features sporty striped cuffs and comes in an eyecatching blue herringbone pattern. It would be ideal for wearing over a white henley and lightwash jeans on the weekend.

#2. Wallace & Barnes A-2 Bomber Jacket — $198

Colorblocked and in a trimmer fit than Top Gun.

The second pick on this list is yet another bomber jacket, but for valid reasons. The silhouette is a classic one that’s been slimmed-down and given a slightly more fashion-forward slant thanks to the colorblocking. It’s also in a not-too-dark, not-too-light shade of medium blue (or abyss blue, as they call it) that’ll wear well even with dark denim and other shades of blue. It’s on the pricier side from J. Crew’s workwear-inspired Wallace & Barnes line, so the quality’s there, too. Note that GAP also has a dark navy bomber jacket for $100 less.

#3. Bonobos Crosstown Trench in Grey — $328

A belted trench coat that manages to be understated at the same time.

Before the bomber jacket became a ubiquitous style piece, there was the trench coat. The style never really left the scene and perhaps became even more iconic thanks to brands like Burberry, but this Bonobos trench coat has a more minimalist vibe in charcoal. It’s got a belted back and a no-frills front with a covered button placket and a collar that can be popped up for maximum rain protection. The price is a bit high, but if you throw it on every day in the rain, it should hopefully begin to pay for itself. And it should fit on the trimmer side knowing Bonobos. Finally, the neutral dark grey color gives off a city-ready, noir-ish vibe …. right?

#4. Ben Sherman Harrington Cotton Jacket — $27.99

A stunningly low price for an iconic style.

Yes, you read the above price right — Saks Off Fifth has this Harrington cotton jacket available in sizes running from small to 2XL (as of post time) for less than $30. While the light beige color isn’t for everyone, the price is probably favorable enough to make a few of us change our minds. And when you consider that these same jackets are going for more than $100 more over on the … well, this is one of those things you almost have to buy. It would work best with neutral colors in terms of pants and shirts — think black, navy and white — as opposed to earthy tones like olive.

#5. Forever21 Quilted Bomber Jacket — $24.90

Moody stare not included with jacket purchase.

While Forever21 isn’t known for the highest-quality pieces, let’s say you’ve already got one or two styles mentioned above and want something even more casual and easy-wearing. This would be that coat — the colorblocking and quilted details keep it on-trend without looking gaudy. It’s not water-resistant or waterproof so it loses some points there, but over a short-sleeve henley and some colorful shorts, it should work well enough. It’s also available in an olive-and-black color.

Honorable Mention:

Sometimes round-ups aren’t big enough to include every possible style of jacket — you’ll notice military jackets weren’t featured heavily, for example. Consider these listings below a best-of-the-rest.

Frank & Oak Kingston Bomber in Charcoal, $125 — A new addition to the site courtesy of this month’s Hunt Club that gets a lot of things right — including the price, the color and the lightweight nylon-poly blend.

Ben Sherman Harrington Jacket, $140 — The original and best. Also linked to above. A simple, go-anywhere silhouette, the iconic blue-and-red mini-check pattern lining, and plenty of colors.

Old Navy Lightweight Anorak, $40 — Perhaps the biggest combination of functionality and affordability on this list, it lost out on a spot because the best color option was blue — and sometimes, there is such a thing as too much blue.

What’s your take on the picks above? What jackets are in your arsenal for spring and any that were missed above?

March 7, 2015March 7, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: J. Crew Cotton Sweater

Editor’s note: Expect these posts with some regularity 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.

Affordable. Spring-ready. And perfect for fall layering. All in one sweater.

This week’s style pick of the week is on a decidedly more affordable tilt than the somewhat pricey (but no less alluring) Stadium Jacket from Welcome Stranger featured last week. Specifically, the sweater above comes from standout everyman retailer (and personal favorite) J. Crew. The brand does a lot of things great, from its Ludlow suiting collection to casual washed buttondown shirts, sweaters and even a relatively new line of luggage & accessories.

You could absolutely get dressed head-to-toe in J. Crew and go just about anywhere (and I often do just that!). And this sweater would be a great place to start. It also comes in navy or a light tan or “pumice” color, but it’s the rich caramel shade that really caught my eye. The use of cotton should make this sweater light enough to wear in the spring over crewneck T-shirts or a basic buttondown, but that deep color would also fit well layered in the fall under a waxed coat with dark jeans. At $70, it’s a bit of a reach — sales and discounts by the brand should eventually drop that down into the low $50’s, hopefully. With the looks and potential for this piece, it might be gone before then though!

How would you style this sweater? How much J. Crew do you have in your wardrobe?

Stay stylish and have a great weekend!

-Beau

February 11, 2015May 17, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Valentine’s Day

The day is almost upon us — a holiday to celebrate being with someone you love that also happens to bring up questions on what to do if you’re on your own. In that vein, Dappered has a great series running this week covering 3 different outfit scenarios — out on the town with a loved one, staying in for a date at home with your significant other, or staying in on your own; all terrific picks for each situation. But for this particular post, we’ll cover an idea on how to get dressed for a classy date out and about — whether it’s just down the road or a jetset across the country. Check out the picks below.

The Suit: J. Crew Factory Thompson Voyager Suit Jacket — $238 and Pants — $138

A basic navy in an easy-to-move fabric that’ll look classic and sharp.

J. Crew Factory recently launched their own set of travel-ready suit separates, very similar to sibling store J. Crew’s Traveler suit launched last year. In the case of J. Crew Factory, it’ll be tough to top their Thompson suit separates (which have gotten fantastic reviews), but these appear to be in a similar vein — a nice and relatively trim cut and this time, fabric that moves easily and (hopefully) doesn’t wrinkle too readily. In the case of this outfit, a navy suit is as classic as it gets for a sharp night on the town — it also acts as a neutral base while still looking different than a traditional black suit. Fortunately, plenty of sizes are available in both the pants and the suit jacket. If the occasion calls for something less formal than a suit, a great navy or charcoal blazer from a more affordable brand (like one of Uniqlo’s pieces here) would look right at home with some slim tan chinos.

The Shirt: J. Crew Factory Thompson Dress Shirt in End-on-End Blue —$54.50

Blue that’s just different enough thanks to the end-on-end texture.

For the shirt pairing, we stick with a frequent theme in men’s style it seems, and pair different shades of blue together. However, that’s not always a bad thing — in this case, this particular shirt is less stark and more suited for winter than a white dress shirt; it helps bring some depth to the outfit as well thanks to the end-on-end texture. Thompson dress shirts are an excellent budget pick (as outlined here) and play nicely off the deeper navy of the suit in this instance. When paired with the grey tie from below as well, the shirt acts as a cooler-colored anchor.

The Tie: The Tie Bar Grey Wool Herringbone Tie — $15

Taking a traditional suiting pattern and turning it into a tie.

The Tie Bar has long made ties that are an excellent value — and great quality for the price, too. Their options can be overwhelming at some times, but it seems their seasonal ties are some of the best in the business — and for dozens of dollars less than larger outlets, too. This wool herringbone tie is a winter twist on a fabric and pattern normally reserved for blazers. It’s not shiny at all compared to regular silk ties, so it blends in better with heavier cold-weather textures. And there’s good contrast between the navy suit thanks to the herringbone pattern. A silver knit tie could also serve the same purpose in terms of texture while offsetting the suit more, however.

The Pocket Square: The Tie Bar Solid White & Red Tipped Cotton Pocket Square — $8.00

Paying homage to the holiday with a subtle accessory.

While you could go all out and don something outrageously red here, sometimes subtlety is the best policy. In this case, the very slight red of the pocket square (which should just be peeking out of your jacket, at any rate) nods to Valentine’s Day without going overboard. Even better, it pairs well with the dark navy suit, blue shirt and grey patterned tie without throwing off the outfit at all. The price is, of course, tremendous for an accessory from The Tie Bar.

The Shoes: Stafford Logan Wingtip Oxford — $39.99

A classic wingtip shape at an unbeatable price.

That’s right — $39.99 on clearance right now, with quite a few sizes left (if you’re a 12 or 13 though, you’re out of luck). These shoes first came recommended here for their looks and budget-worthy price, of course. If sizes do run out, you could always reach for a slightly lighter shade of brown from the same maker. Dark brown is a good pick in this case because it echoes the darker shades of winter while standing out quietly. Even in a dark brown, it’s less traditional but nearly just as sharp as a black shoe. It also plays off all the other shades in this outfit — from navy, light blue and grey to red. On another note, if a dress shoe won’t work given the weather, a thicker wingtip boot with a grippy sole could strike the same balance in the outfit.

The Socks: J. Crew Ribbed Stripe Socks — $14.50

The ribbed texture and simple stripes on these socks go a long way toward their versatility.

This particular pair of socks has gotten recommendations across the board in several different types of outfit scenarios on this blog, and with good reason — they’re a nice in-between blue color that plays off the navy in the suit while still adding a bit (but not too much!) pattern. Much like the pocket square, they also work nicely in tandem with the other colors in this outfit. At the same time, they’re not too rugged, like these similarly-priced striped socks might be

The Rest: Breda 1680d Watch in Brown Leather — $59; J. Crew Factory Plaque Leather Belt — $23.50

Brown leather on both the wallet and watch, to match the shoes.

For these two accessories, the obvious color choice is brown given the deep brown color of the shoes. The watch by Breda is slightly less minimal than a similar brown-leather Stuhrling option for about the same price, but the white dial and grey numerals help keep things crisp and clean. J. Crew Factory’s plaque belt is the brand’s appropriately dressy take on a similar option from J. Crew, yet for about half the price. Both pieces would be good pick-ups as part of either a watch or belt rotation, and since that J. Crew Factory belt is decidedly slick, it would work well at the office or on business trips, too.

To finish off this whole outfit, other accessories are key — a great topcoat is an awesome finishing piece that serves an essential function in cold weather — Stafford’s signature topcoat has a decent number of sizes and colors left (that camel option would be a rich, luxurious-looking outfit topper for a great price). Warm, sharp gloves in black leather surely wouldn’t go amiss, either. Appearances can certainly go a long way in making the night a great one, but don’t forget about a great gift (and your time and attention!) either!

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? What will you be wearing?

February 6, 2015February 13, 2015 by Beau H.

Bundled up: Packing for a chilly Michigan weekend

Although I’m based in Brooklyn now (along with my amazing girlfriend Liz), my roots are in mid-Michigan. I grew up twenty minutes from Michigan State University, wrote and edited news and sports for three years at The State News and absolutely consider myself a Spartan at heart — sorry to disappoint any Wolverine fans reading the blog (see you in October, yes?). So all of that makes this weekend pretty special — I’m flying back into Lansing, Mich., on Friday and taking the short drive down the road to reconnect with great friends from both high school and college.

A picture from my stint as sports editor at The State News, circa spring 2014 (I’m on the far left).

It’s an exciting trip, one that I’ve been looking forward to for a while. With that being said, I’m still aiming to get around in style. It should be a pretty chilly weekend back in the Mitten (unlike a trip this past summer to San Francisco), so I’m aiming to to be warm and still look good. Of course, I’ll be bringing all my gear in my trusty Navali Stowaway Weekender and a well-worn Kenneth Cole Reaction messenger bag. Check out the photos and line-up below to see what’s trip-worthy.

Most of what’s going in the bag this weekend. Sweaters and shirts top left, bags top right. Jeans, shoes and socks bottom left. Dopp kit and other accessories on the bottom right. Not pictured: Overcoat, scarf and gloves.

Kenneth Cole Wool-Blend Overcoat (Sold out; for more on great topcoats, click here)

J. Crew Factory Scarf and Target Merona Black Leather Gloves (Sold-out; similar option here)

Todd Snyder shawl-collar cardigan (Sold-out; similar option here)

Reigning Champ Raglan Crewneck Sweatshirt (Budget-friendly option here)

Bonobos Rhodes Collar Blue OCBD (Similar option here)

GAP Chambray Shirt

Everlane White Henley

American Apparel Charcoal Jersey Pocket T-shirt

Bonobos Slim Tailored Travel Jeans in Allegheny Oak (Review here)

Bonobos Slim Tailored Blue Jeans in Resin Dark Rinse

Target Merona Braided Leather Belt

Perry Ellis Black Webbed Belt

JCP Stafford Camlin Wingtip Boots (Sold-out; similar option here)

Billy Reid x K-Swiss Leather Sneakers

J. Crew Factory Printed Socks

J. Crew Ribbed Stripe Socks and Red Foulard Socks (Sold out; similar option here)

Stuhrling Aquadiver Manta Ray Watch

Invicta Pro Diver 8926 Watch

For toiletries: J. Crew Factory Dopp Kit and Brickell Men’s Products Face Wash & Moisturizer

At first glance, that might seem like a lot of clothes for one weekend. However, each piece has its purpose in combatting the cold Michigan weather. I plan to wear the crewneck sweatshirt, blue OCBD, Bonobos Travel Jeans and wingtip boots on the plane, layered under my charcoal overcoat. That same combination should feasibly work on Friday out and about in East Lansing, although based on conditions on the ground there, I might switch over to my leather sneakers for more casual wear.

A close-up look at some personal favorites. Pictured: Billy Reid x K-Swiss sneakers, GAP chambray and Bonobos Travel Jeans in Allegheny Oak.

For the rest of the weekend, I plan to layer either the Reigning Champ crewneck or Todd Snyder cardigan (a recent purchase —check out another photo here) with my Everlane henley, the GAP chambray shirt or the charcoal pocket T-shirt. Any combination should work well given the weather and the relatively interchangeable colors of each piece. And since the trip should involve some visits to East Lansing’s finer establishments, either sweater should also look stylish but not too dressy. If the weather proves warmer than expected, any of the above shirts could be worn on their own, too.

I’m definitely looking forward to wearing more casual outfits this weekend, as I tend to stay pretty dressed up during the week. On the accessories front, either casual belt should fit right in — since my sneakers are a rugged, worn-in brown leather and part of casual pairings, I’m not too concerned about matching with the casual black belt from Perry Ellis or my black rubber-strap watch.

The key accessories for this trip. Pictured: J. Crew Factory Dopp Kit, Perry Ellis Black Webbed Belt, Target Merona Braided Leather Belt, Invicta & Stuhrling Watches, along with some Brickell Men's Products.

The key accessories for this trip. Pictured: J. Crew Factory Dopp Kit, Perry Ellis Black Webbed Belt, Target Merona Braided Leather Belt and Invicta & Stuhrling watches, along with some recent pick-ups from Brickell Men’s Products.

That brown leather belt from Target’s Merona line has proven to be durable and versatile as well, bringing the right amount of fall and winter texture to casual outfits. It can be worn with either set of shoes, too (on that note — if it proves extremely snowy, the sneakers might have to stay in the bag). With a lot of varying shades of blue in various outfits, darker navy or red socks should offer a nice contrast, while the grey patterned socks can be worn casually with any combination (because matching your socks to your pants is old-fashioned, right?).

As to my accessories, I’m admittedly a watch guy — my collection recently grew to include a Form-Function-Form No. 8 Chromexcel Horween leather strap. However, for maximum versatility, I’ll be bringing my silver Invicta dive watch to pair with either belt or shoe combination (for more on the watch, see the above review). I’m also packing a black rubber-strap watch as a second, more casual option. Of course, no trip would be complete without a handy (and stylish) dopp kit, like the terrific olive waxed cotton option from J. Crew Factory pictured above. Mine will definitely include some skincare essentials I just picked up from Brickell Men’s Products. With all the above in mind, hopefully this bag is packed for maximum versatility and style.

Next week, check back for a recap on the trip and this packing plan!

What’s in your bag when you hit the road? Any travel must-haves?

January 15, 2015January 19, 2015 by Beau H.

Reader Giveaway Opportunity!

When one surveys the world of online men’s retail, there seem to be two main approaches out there in the digital realm — traditional brands who go brick-and-mortar and use their websites as an extension of the brand (like J. Crew, for instance) and brands that aggregate lots of other great brands into specific categories under one roof.

Plenty of sites have undertaken that mission, but East Dane is one that’s particularly new (and noteworthy) in the world of men’s style. Launched in 2013 as the male partner to the female-minded Shopbop.com, they take an extremely well-curated approach to men’s fashion — mixing heritage brands alongside high-fashion outlets equally well.

They offer everything imaginable under the sun (and in the snow), from stylish boots to men’s jackets. They’re even offering 50% off men’s products on the site — knocking a decent number of prices into attainable (but still splurge-worthy) territory; note that this is a section that’s live on the site all the time. There’s an even better way for you to get in on the fun though, thanks to an East Dane giveaway I’m running alongside Nak Online Branding!

Just let me know your favorite product from the East Dane site in the comments below (feel free to include a link, if you’d like!), and 4 winners will be chosen at random to receive a $50 East Dane gift card! This is a pretty neat opportunity to knock some cash off that investment piece you’ve had your eye on. Let me know your thoughts below and thanks for reading!

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who participated and left comments below! This contest is now closed, but look for future opportunities within the coming weeks and months. And most importantly, congratulations to our winners: Jesse, John, Jared and Cameron. Thanks again, and stay stylish!

-Beau

December 22, 2014 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Christmas Time

Dressing up for a special holiday occasion in the winter – be it Thanksgiving or another cold weather-centric affair (for most of us, at least) doesn’t have to be as stuffy as it sounds. After all, Christmas dinner (or Christmas Day) seems to go one of two ways — it either involves lots of family and is dressier, or centers around smaller groups and is more laidback. Whether your travels take you to a large gathering or a small dinner, the outfit below should keep you classy and yet appropriately dressed. Of course, if you’re heading to an area with warm weather, something more appropriate for a summer holiday could fit the bill better. Without further ado, a style suggestion for all you fellas besides St. Nick:

The Shirt: Uniqlo Slim Fit Oxford-cloth Buttondown — $29.90

Probably the most versatile (and affordable) casual shirt on the market in terms of quality.

A white OCBD is an exceptionally versatile shirt that goes with lots of different outfit combinations — from dressier to more casual. Uniqlo’s white Oxford-cloth shirts have gotten great reviews, and they’re a fantastic value. They combine both solid quality and a very nice price, to boot (especially when they drop below $20 on sale), similar to most of what Uniqlo produces. In this case, it’ll act as a neutral, crisp base to a slightly more casual outfit. The great news is that plenty of sizes remain online, as well. If you have another, similar white OCBD or casual white shirt in your closet, that’ll work just fine here as well.

The Sweater: Old Navy Heather Grey Crewneck Sweater — $26.50

An ideal go-between — not too dressy or too casual.

The above sweater looks mighty familiar to a decidedly more expensive version from Todd Snyder, making it the perfect piece to mix in some high-low styling. In this case, using an athletically-inspired crewneck sweater and pairing it with a casual collared shirt is a nice merger of two contrasting styles, and it helps dial the outfit down more than a V-neck sweater might. The neutral grey color also makes it easier to add some color to the rest of the outfit — in your socks, for example. And in the event that you need to throw on a tie to dress up the outfit, a crewneck sweater helps temper the formality of the ensemble (on that note, a navy knit tie would work well here in terms of both texture and color) .

The Pants: Forever21 Classic Corduroy Pants — $19.80

Slightly dressier (and with a more seasonal touch) than dark denim. Just leave the styling touches in the photo to the Internet, though.

Forever21 definitely isn’t the first place that most of us would think of when reaching for … well, any men’s clothing. However, the site is worth scouring around for some deals. And in a pinch, these corduroy pants would be a worthwhile purchase — since they’re burgundy, they’re not a workhorse pair of denim that could see everyday wear and thus get worn out quickly. Additionally, they’re a seasonally-appropriate shade that adds some polish to an outfit that would lean decidedly more casual if dark denim were the pants of choice. As far as a belt goes with this outfit, keeping things laid back with a braided weave belt adds texture to the outfit.

The Shoes: Billy Reid x K-Swiss Leather Chukka Sneakers — $81.99

Vintage, sporty sneakers with a rich, distressed leather finish complement this outfit nicely.

The sneakers in this collection are admittedly a personal favorite — they strike an excellent balance between slightly luxe touches like rich leather, while also retaining their vintage sport-inspired roots (like rawhide laces and thick side stripes). That combination makes them a terrific piece of footwear to pair with this outfit — with high-low contrast already going on between the crewneck sweater and the crisp OCBD, a pair of rich leather sneakers completes the combination. While these appear to be sold-out through the Billy Reid website, outlets like 6pm.com appear to have plenty in stock.

The Rest: J. Crew Ribbed Stripe Socks — $14.50

Stuhrling Original Aquadiver Stainless Steel Watch — $59.95

Two options that add to this casual-dressy outfit combo.

Each of these two accessories play off high-low styling as well — the ribbed stripe socks add some visual interest, texture and color that some plain navy dress socks might not add, while that stainless steel dive watch pairs just as solidly with this polished-casual ensemble as it might with a suit and tie. Stuhrling’s watches are definitely of reliable quality — check out two other watch reviews here and here — and the price on that piece is less than even an Invicta dive watch. Note that although the dial on the watch is black, since the band is stainless steel, it can be paired with either brown or black shoes.

What’s your take on this outfit? Pieces that you would change or add? What will you be wearing this holiday season? Let me know below!

November 25, 2014November 25, 2014 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Thanksgiving Dinner

At most times of year, and particularly Thanksgiving, it’s important to take time to celebrate with family and loved ones while enjoying some much-needed relaxation. Putting some thought into what you wear is just one way to make the occasion even more special. And you want to look good in those photos, right? Enjoy the week and Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving oftentimes toes the line between between dressed-up and dressed-down, falling usually on one side of the spectrum. With some modifications, the outfit suggestion below should be able to fit in either way. The most important thing, though, is spending the day with those you love — if you’re able to dress well to do that, all the better! And for other Thanksgiving style ideas, see last year’s post.

Here’s the spread (See descriptions below for links):

Keeping things casual, yet crisp, for Turkey Day. Cardigan: J. Crew Factory. Tie: JCF. Shirt & Pants: Bonobos. Watch: Invicta. Boots: JC Penney. Belt: H&M. Socks: Oak Street Bootmakers.

The Sweater: J. Crew Factory Shawl-Collar Cardigan

This shawl collar cardigan provides more bulk and texture than a thinner cardigan (although a trim cotton cardigan could work if you go dressier). The marled grey color also fits in well with the shades of the season while not being too outrageously bright, unlike some sweaters on the market. If the situation calls for getting more dressed up, navy corduroy blazer would work just fine.

The Shirt: Bonobos Hudson Brushed Blue Twill Shirt

The Bonobos option is a pretty substantial chunk of change for a regular, more casual buttondown shirt, but the twill fabric and diamond print add some nice texture and visual detail to the piece. Twill also adds some heft to stand up to that thicker cardigan. On the cheaper side, a dark denim shirt from J. Crew Factory provides that same visual bulk for a much lower price. And, a classic chambray shirt would also be a serviceable option.

The Tie (If Needed): J. Crew Factory Wool Herringbone Tie

Some Thanksgiving dinners lean much more casual, and in that case, you could definitely ditch the tie. But should you want to reach for some neckwear, stick with a seasonal fabric with some depth to it — this brown herringbone piece changes up the typical charcoal wool tie you might see (Frank & Oak offered a standout option last year). It also blends nicely in terms of texture with that thicker cardigan and heavier shirt. Need a tie bar to keep it in place? Your go-to place is, of course, The Tie Bar.

The Pants: Bonobos Burnt Orange Washed Chinos (Or heavier pants in a fall-appropriate color)

Again, this is quite the expensive option for a simple pair of pants — but, on a personal note, these pants have gotten tons of mileage this fall, and that’s sure to hold true this upcoming winter as well. They don’t have the heft of a pair of corduroys, which one might typically go for at Thanksgiving, but like the rest of this outfit, these options are geared to go either dressier or more casual — washed chinos hit the middle perfectly. Many love Bonobos for their fit and great customer service, too. On the less expensive side, you could reach for a twill pant in a similar deep fall shade.

The Boots: JC Penney Stafford Gunner Men’s Leather Boots

Assuming that most of us will be in a colder clime for the holiday with the polar vortex that’s sweeping the nation, captoe boots serve two functions: they combat the snow and also add a dash of style for sweeping through cold weather (see what I did there?). They aren’t the much-beloved brown Stafford wingtip, but black boots help to ground what’s already a pretty color-rich outfit. They also look a little slicker, helping bring a more dressed-up appeal to the ensemble. If you go really rugged-casual, some new boots from Frank & Oak could also meet the two criteria above.

The Rest: Invicta Men’s Pro Diver Watch, Oak Street Bootmakers Hickory Trail Sock, H&M Leather Belt

Since we want maximum versatility in an outfit, this Invicta watch, which calls to mind the Rolex Submariner, is as classic and stylish an option as any. And although it’s not necessary, the black dial conveniently matches up with those boots. If you go more casual, a Timex Weekender with a simple canvas strap is always a safe bet, too. Since it’s going to be chilly out there, thicker socks that stay stylish thanks to their marled texture work very well with those black captoe boots above. Make sure your belt matches up with those boots, too.

What are your thoughts on the above picks? Anything you would change or add? What will you be wearing on the holiday?

November 17, 2014November 17, 2014 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Dark Leather Sneakers

Rocking some leather sneakers — perfect for the fall & winter. Jacket by Frank & Oak. Long-sleeve T-shirt by J. Crew. Sneakers by Billy Reid for K-Swiss. Watch by Stuhrling. Glasses by Burberry. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

Even though it’s getting closer and closer to December (and thus the start of real winter), there should still be opportunities when the snow clears to put away a pair of thick boots and instead reach for some more casual, laidback footwear. Specifically, a pair of leather sneakers should do the trick. While white sneakers offer lots of wearability in the spring and summer, darker shoes just make more sense for fall & winter. We’ve been seeing a lot of brands launch luxury versions of athletic-inspired sneakers — even Tom Ford offers rich leather kicks now. And brands like Frank & Oak have gotten a lot of publicity for their more affordable takes on the dressed-down silhouette. Given the variety of shades and their versatility, footwear that clean and crisp can easily be worn with chinos and a blazer (my personal favorite from that launch would be the chestnut low-top sneakers below).

One of Frank & Oak’s takes on the luxe leather sneaker.

However, in the fall and winter, sneakers should definitely also lend a rugged appeal to an outfit. The great thing about the sportswear-inspired takes we’re seeing on so many shoes is that they’re also blending elements of fashion with athletic vibes — take American menswear designer Billy Reid’s collaborations with K-Swiss. The most recent run of sneakers in that collaboration vanished off the site quickly — the pair in the photos here was scooped up in July during a sale, and now they’re nowhere to be found on the K-Swiss site. No need to despair though — other retailers are still stocking them.

Plenty of excellent, fall-ready alternatives are out there, from J. Crew’s suede Sawa sneakers to the Frank & Oak options mentioned above. Additionally, the Ellington and McQueen models from footwear brand CLAE bring lots of cold weather-centric texture with minimal logos and clean design. Given the nice mix of crisp styling and fall-ready colorways available, matching these sneakers up with an outfit isn’t too hard at all.

More rugged than Frank & Oak’s, but just at ease with slim joggers.

In dark brown or even black leather, sneakers like the ones above can be paired with slim joggers (like J. Crew’s Wool Sideline Pants, as seen here) or dark denim, a henley and a rugged workwear-inspired coat. In particular, the K-Swiss sneakers shown here strike just the right balance between crisp and rugged — the dark brown color allows them to fit right in with auburn chinos, a cardigan and a blue OCBD, while the distressed leather, sporty diagonal stripes and rawhide laces give them a hybrid vibe that pairs perfectly with the equally hybrid wool joggers from J. Crew. Olive chinos or jeans, in a similar shade to the joggers above, would also complement darker brown leather nicely. These have also gotten use with a shawl-collar cardigan and even simple long-sleeve T-shirts. More vitally, these sneakers have held up well being worn two or three times a week — keeping the sole clean is going to be vital with any pair of sneakers, and given the potential for fall or winter rains, treating them with some sort of waterproofer (especially for suede options) will be key.

A fall and winter-ready alternative to the Billy Reid x K. Swiss option pictured.

A fall and winter-ready alternative to the Billy Reid for K. Swiss option pictured.

For the rest of the fall and winter, my Billy Reid for K-Swiss sneakers will continue to get lots of wear — they’re rugged and sporty, yet the rich, distressed leather doesn’t look out of place with less casual get-ups. Grab a clean, crisp pair and they’ll go well with just about any outfit over the coming months.

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