The Friday Read: Viral Instagram Poses, Summer Seersucker and The Strokes

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.  

How was your week? As it seems with most of these posts as of late, it’s the capper on another extremely busy one here at The Style Guide. It admittedly took me a day or two to get back into the swing of things after an extraordinarily fun weekend with great friends at the epic Governors Ball here in NYC; for more on the #menswear I brought with me, check out that post. There’s really nothing like great live music, and if you get the chance to check out any summer music festivals, I’d urge you to do so (in fact, we’ve got a summer festival style guide all set for you). Aside from that, it was great to catch up with the fine folks at JackThreads to see what they’ve got in store for the coming summer season, and we’re deep in the throes of preparing for Father’s Day over at The Style Guide HQ. What are you getting your dad this year? Check out my Father’s Day gift guide for more suggestions. Before you move onto the next task (or the next browser tab), stick around for a bit and check out this week’s #menswear news. For more random style musings, follow my stylish alter ego on Twitter, and check back here on the blog for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week.

  • The debut issue of GQ Style gets right into it by covering the viral Instagram pose you should never strike again — who even knew there was such a thing?
  • In the spirit of true summer style, the great folks at Maxim talk over the only 5 seersucker items you need this summer.
  • Here’s a style note for you: If you find yourself in the L.A. area this summer, be sure to check out the great pop-up shop being convened by the fine folks at Bridge & Burn (a Style Guide favorite); they’re running a special partnership with the team behind the Liberty Fairs trade show — that’s at 8366 1/2 West 3rd Street in L.A., if you get curious.
  • To close things out on a non-style note, it was an absolute treat to see The Strokes rock out at Governor’s Ball this past weekend — PAPER examines why New Yorkers love The Strokes.

Not done reading yet?

  • In addition to some of my choice Father’s Day picks on The Style Guide, I just had to cover essential Father’s Day gifts over at The Manual — some pieces were so great, they made it into both features!
  • If you still find yourself in need of summer swimwear, keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming Style Guide feature — and in the meantime, scoop up a great pair of JackThreads Swim Trunks.

So, that closes out another Friday Read; enjoy your weekend!

And as always… stay stylish,

-Beau

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

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week,

-Beau

Join Frank & Oak Elevate - Enjoy FREE Shipping, Cashback + more at Frank + Oak! Try it now for 90 days, risk free!

The Friday Read: Sebago’s 70th Anniversary and Summer Style Must-Haves

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.  

The full selection of men's and women's spring product from Sebago -- essentially the ideal pair of footwear you need for casual days at the beach.

The full selection of men’s and women’s spring product from Sebago — essentially the ideal pair of footwear you need for casual days at the beach. Photo courtesy of Sebago.

How has your week been? It’s certainly been a packed week up and down the East coast, from last weekend’s trip to Washington, D.C. to a busy week of planning for a press preview at my day job. And that rolled through to the very cool event pictured at the top of the page — the launch of a special pop-up shop in NYC celebrating the 70th anniversary of Sebago , the iconic maker of a lot of very summer-friendly footwear. A big thanks to the team for the invite, too! It was certainly a treat to check out some upcoming Fall styles (think moc toe chukkas with crepe soles and classic brown leather loafers), and I also enjoyed getting a look at the brand’s assortment of Spring product, too. In fact, it’ll be sticking around ’til August, so if you’re in NYC over the summer, I’d suggest a visit (it’s at 254 Elizabeth Street in the city). And if you don’t yet have a pair of leather loafers for spring in your arsenal, give these Sebago loafers a try! It’s always nice to be able to sip on some nice craft brews (in this case from Sebago Brewing, as well) while checking out menswear. Am I right, or am I right? At any rate, we’ve got you well-covered on other matters of style as well, from this week’s earlier Style Guide #OOTD on how to style a polo for spring, to the shorts you need for summer. And if that’s too much to buy at once, allow me to suggest our regularly scheduled Friday programming below — catch up on all things #menswear, and look for a Style Pick of the Week entry tomorrow. Have a great Friday!

  • A seemingly weekly favorite for inclusion in these pieces, Get Kempt covers your summer style must-haves — how many of these do you have in your wardrobe?
  • We turn back to footwear, and specifically sporty spring sneakers — Nike has ambitious plans to double its business while impacting the environment half as much; how is that possible? The industry insiders at Footwear News have the scoop.
  • So this isn’t a style feature, but as a huge Harry Potter fan, it seems especially relevant — GQ.com tells us about a group of guys who, well, skydived from a plane to get in a game of real, live, airborn Quidditch.
  • Style Notes of the Week: We’ve got two noteworthy releases on the docket — if you’re a fan of eyecatching eyewear and cool collaborations, the team at KOMONO (makers of the Winston Herringbone Watch as featured on this site) has paired up with electronic music festival Tomorrowland to launch a sunglasses collab. Is there a pair of frames more suited to warm weather and outdoor tunes? And, the folks at GREATS — makers of some of this site’s favorite sneakers — have teamed up with Robin Hood, the largest poverty-fighting organization in New York City — to release a sneaker that’s eye-catching, colorful and sold for charity (every penny goes to Robin Hood). Not a bad effort at all!

Need more men’s style content in your life?

  • It was a busy week of writing outside of The Style Guide — check out some of my favorite brands as featured in my Spring Style Essentials post over at GearMoose, and be sure to take a gander at five ways to wear leather loafers over at Effortless Gent; that was a fun post to write, and I hope you enjoy!
  • Lastly, lest you think we’re finished, the team at Taylor Stitch just partnered with Mission Workshop to release a line of technical, stylish essentials that are up for pre-funding on the Taylor Stitch site — it was fun to cover that collab for The Manual!

With all that writing in the books, I’m certainly looking forward to a relaxing spring weekend. Catch up on what I’m wearing over on Instagram, if you so choose. And stay stylish!

-Beau
Frank & Oak

Florsheim

The Friday Read: What to Wear to Coachella, Spring Style Tips and Tommy Hilfiger

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.  

Is anyone else feeling ready for the weekend? Tell you what, this #menswear writer sure is. Unlike last week’s Masters 2016-centric Friday Read, we’re back to basics here on The Style Guide. This post in particular caps off a week filled with the best suede chukkas to buy now, plus a SprezzaBox giveaway –a HUGE thanks to all who participated! Outside Style Guide HQ, things were hectic but incredibly rewarding, as myself and my colleagues at Coyne PR headed to the great city of Boston to run a brand event on behalf of Timberland (catch a behind-the-scenes look at the action on Twitter). Although our time in Boston was too brief, our evening at the excellent Row34 was well-spent as we dined with some of Boston’s best style bloggers and media. With such a quick trip in the books, I definitely need to get back!

Frank & Oak Logo

If you have any recommendations as to other travel stops in Boston,  let me know about it at The Style Guide Facebook page! As to other happenings during the week, I was excited to be able to check out the upcoming Autumn/Winter 2016 line of Troubadour — are you familiar with these guys? I was more than pleased with my first look at the brand’s excellent, modern leather weekender bags, backpacks and tote bags, some crafted from rich leather and others using a blend of leather and waxed canvas.  We’re talking pieces that are clean, minimal and yet handsomely done. Look for more on The Manual soon! With all of that being said, it’s about time we head into the weekend — yes? Whether you’re heading to Coachella or knocking back a few at a patio bar crawl, the Friday Read has you covered.

  • Tommy Hilfiger takes you back in time with a collection inspired by the 9os — are you a fan of the brand? Or do they get a thumbs-down? For lightwash denim that might be more your speed, click here.
  • This post ran late last month, but we’re digging it back up for posterity, because you don’t need that many steps to upgrade your style this season. In fact, Men’s Health covers off on three tips to upgrade your spring style.
  • And as this weekend is the first of two out west, let’s get to it. Get Kempt tells you exactly what you should be wearing to Coachella — and it’s a heck of a lot more stylish compared to a regular festival kit.

Not done reading about #menswear? Continue below.

  • As summer travel looms, we should all be focused on the little style details that make or break an ensemble — including your dopp kit. I covered the best dopp kits for men over at GearMoose, and had a heck of a time doing it!
  • We’re revisiting an older post here — the folks at Minimum Squared, makers of simple, effective and stylish wallets for guys, just received the prestigious Red Dot Award: Product Design, celebrating the company’s perfectly minimal, refined and soundly designed wallets. Read more on Minimum Squared at VOUCH Mag!


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

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

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

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

Stay a bit longer with a few more choice reads.

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


Florsheim

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

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

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

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

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

Florsheim

The Friday Read: Mr. Porter, Dia: Beacon and New Music from Mainland

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

Here we sit on the doorstep of another start to a winter weekend — maybe you’re feeling a bit tired of chilly weather at this point? I certainly am — as a heads-up, tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week will aim to get you thinking ahead in a good way. It was a nice and slightly less hectic week around these parts, so that’s positive — still waiting on spring though! I’m particularly excited about some recent writing work I’ve been able to do with GearMoose (an excellent site in its own right), so that’s kept me busy outside of my day job, too.

Now if you do get the chance to step away from your busy days, I’d highly recommend a trip to the lovely small town of Beacon, NY — I took the time to get away for a bit last weekend and check out the sights and sounds of a relaxing (and on this weekend, very chilly) locale. It’s home to the world-class Dia: Beacon art museum, and some tremendous spots for craft beer and gourmet food — namely, The Hop and Draught Industries, both surefire winners. It was great to rest and recharge a bit. If you’re looking to do the same just an hour outside of NYC, that’s where I’d recommend you go. And that brings us back to the start of this weekend — before we get things going, sit back with some freshly-tapped #menswear news.

  • Have you ever shopped at Mr. Porter? Or is it a bit out of your price range? I find myself looking at a few items from time to time on the site — and with that, Mr. Porter is celebrating the five-year anniversary of its launch via GQ. The product mix certainly leans more continental, but it’s still worth a look if you know what you want.
  • Question No. 2: Are you a watch fan like yours truly? If so, Esquire dug up the best watches from SIHH (the international timepiece extravaganza), here for your viewing pleasure.
  • Question No. 3: On a non-style related note, are you looking to dig into some new music? Might I suggest Brooklyn indie rockers Mainland — they’re a heck of a band, they just wrapped a tour with Marianas Trench, and their music is catchy and relatable; get to that link for more details on their latest single.

Need more links to shop through? Start here.

    • Stock up on the best men’s grooming products for winter with my choice picks from this week’s post — they’ll have you beating the chill in no time.
    • The Style Guide (AKA yours truly) is all about excellent style essentials — that’s the focus of my new GearMoose series, in fact. Read more about Mott & Bow raw denim at that link.


Join the Hunt Club - Enjoy FREE Shipping, Cashback + more at Frank & Oak! Try it now for 90 days, risk free!

The Friday Read: J. Crew Sunglasses, American Apparel and Mark Zuckerberg’s Closet

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

So this week was yet another exciting and fast-paced one — we’re knee-deep (or maybe neck-deep?) in planning for what should be a fun and enjoyable #NYFWM event for my 9-to-5 job working on behalf of Timberland. In particular, we’ll be hosting a styling suite and a “recharge” lounge for men’s style editors, writers and bloggers during the hustle and bustle of various runway shows (including those from Style Guide favorites like Todd Snyder and Billy Reid). It should be a fun couple of days, to say the least! In the midst of all that preparation, I was also thankful to check out some great menswear trade shows — so there’s certainly lots going on all at once! And that makes me even more grateful to get the chance to write about it through this blog and other platforms. With all that being said — time to log off, rest up and get ready for next week. In the meantime, enjoy this week’s Friday Read and check back here for the weekly Style Pick on Saturday.

  • This piece comes to us from earlier this month, but it’s still newsworthy — what’s the classic distinction between a dress watch and a sport watch? And when and how should you wear one? The Wall Street Journal’s horological expert dives on in. (You can always click the following link for a slightly less complicated look at why it’s important to wear a watch, too).
  • Former American Apparel CEO Dov Charney is, as Esquire.com reports … “screwed” in the settlement reached this week by the company; it effectively cuts off his company stock and returns control of the company to its lenders — will this change things up design and product-wise in addition to a financial boost? We’ll see, folks.
  • Mark Zuckerberg gave the Facebook community (read: the Internet at large) a look at his famously minimal wardrobe when he returned to the office after paternity leave (spoiler: his closet is filled with hoodies and gray tees).
  • Style Note of the Week: We again turn to the fine folks at Esquire (lots of good stuff outta there this week) for another piece of menswear news for all you J. Crew fans  — the brand just launched its own sunglasses line, which includes nice styles that should prove versatile the whole year ’round.
Need to up your boot game? Or kill some more time?
    • Last but not least, I caught up with our friends over at Thursday Boot Company to cover the Natural Diplomat Boot — and why you need ’em — for GearHungry.