July 27, 2015July 22, 2015 by Beau H.

Brand Profile: Baxter of California

Men's Style
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One of the first men’s grooming brands still gets it right today. Photo courtesy of Baxter of California.

Here on The Style Guide, grooming has been a topic that’s been a focus occasionally, but not for the most part. Like other style upgrades though, the grooming game is one where guys can begin to set themselves apart – much like upgrading your home accessories or interior design. And in a similar fashion, smaller efforts go a long way toward a better overall picture (and appearance), and can really add up to a much better lifestyle all around. Again, it’s still grooming we’re talking about here. While upstarts like Brickell Men’s Products are absolutely getting it right on the newer end of the men’s grooming craze, there are some established brands that continue to deliver on product that really just works.

An inside look at one of the brand’s most comprehensive kits — the Best of Baxter box. Photo courtesy of Baxter of California.

Baxter of California is one such brand that’s been at it for decades, revolutionizing its products over the years and really dialing in its approach. The brand’s roots are distinctly West Coast, right down to where they were founded five decades ago (its Super Skin Conditioner was specifically designed for protection from sea and salt air). The designs on the bottles and the packaging even now are clean and crisp, the fonts and colors stick to blue, black and white (a classic menswear combo if ever there was one), and the product – most importantly – delivers, too. If you’re looking for a place to start exploring an improved grooming regimen, Baxter is as good a place to start as any.

They’ve nailed it down to essential areas like Hair, Skin and Body Care products, although they also offer deodorant and candles, too. Plus, packages that combine the highlights into one are available for purchase – crucially, the Best of Baxter package boils things down into one essential set, as does the Travel Kit (soon to be restocked, I’m told, and which you can get a small look at below).

Just part of the spread from the Baxter Travel Kit — a worthy pickup when it goes back in-stock.

Having got my hands on a sample of the Travel Kit in advance of a trip to Greece, I’m here to tell you it’s worth the investment for any trips you might take. For someone who hadn’t truly paid attention to many grooming products before this year, that’s a first. I had previously bought the Under Eye Complex from the brand, and while it initially struck me as a somewhat odd product to use, it definitely does its job well.

Prepped to travel with key essentials from Baxter. Notebook by Field Notes. Tan leather keychain by Apolis. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

So that’s a worthy pickup (if $28 at first seems like too much for a small tube of cream, rest assured that it does last through multiple months of daily use, at the least). The Travel Kit expands on that value-for-size philosophy and rounds things up nicely into a getaway-ready package (much like other stylish travel accessories worth your time).

The kit contains everything you could ever need for hitting the road, including the brand’s Daily Protein Shampoo and Daily Face Wash, After Shave Balm and Oil-Free Moisturizer. I’ll admit I’m not much in the way of shaving my beard, but when the time comes, the Super Shave Balm (also contained therein) should do the job nicely.

Much like Brickell Men’s Products, Kiehl’s, Jack Black or other grooming brands with an all-around focus, Baxter has a clear vision when it comes to product design, packaging and functionality. These are items that get the job done and do so in a way that’s not incredibly expensive. In fact, it’s fairly approachable. If ponying up for grooming products stretches the budget thin, simpler alternatives will likely do the job. But upgrading to an established name can absolutely yield quality that’s worth a slight investment – and a better appearance at the end (or the start) of the day.

Do you have a go-to grooming company or product? Have you ever tried out Baxter of California?

July 25, 2015July 24, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Pistol Lake Sweatshorts

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 casual summer style essential made the right way.

This week’s Style Pick is coming at you courtesy of Pistol Lake – yes, that name keeps popping up here, particularly in regard to the brand’s henleys. It’s simply too hard to resist when a company features American-made, sportswear-inspired basics that hit that happy medium of rugged and classic, and do so at a pretty decent price. For the record, these are sweatshorts, to be sure, so they’re decidedly more dressed-down than other Style Picks — like these Billy Reid trousers. But when it’s exceptionally hot out, shorts are definitely what’s called for (check out more ways to beat the heat at the link). And in a range of versatile colors that would definitely pair well with a crisp Pistol Lake Henley, buying something from the brand for your bottom half is a wise move.

The sweatshorts will also soon be available in a brand-new Moss colorway.

And like joggers, sweatshorts are part of the ongoing #menswear trend of using laidback materials and styling to craft everyday items. In that sense, these might be too casual for some. But if you’re looking for a comfortable pair of shorts to throw on around the house, heading to the park or zipping down the street for a patio brunch or lunch, they’re definitely a solid bet – and they definitely do look better than baggy cargo shorts. They’re comfortable, featuring a thick old-school athletic waistband and garment-dyed French terry cotton. And yet, the cut on them is surprisingly like a pair of tailored shorts – these are not your baggy gym-class shorts of old. The best part just might be the fact that they feature a built-in, hidden cell phone pocket. If you’re feeling your way toward small style upgrades, a classed-up pair of comfortable shorts in a solid color is an excellent way to spend some of your summer fun money.

Thinking about trying a pair of sweatshorts out? What’s your take on the ‘athleisure’ trend as a whole?

July 20, 2015July 17, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Rugged Men’s Henleys for Summer Weather

What started as a functional shirt for British rowers is now a style staple. Short-sleeve olive henley by Pistol Lake. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Glasses by Warby Parker. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

So this site just ran an Online Shopping Picks piece awhile back detailing the best T-shirts for spring and summer — so what makes a henley different than a T-shirt? It’s all in the details. By its nature, a henley, with a two-to-four-button placket on the front, has slightly different visual details than even a pocket T-shirt — and it can sometimes get boring to wear pocket T-shirt after pocket T-shirt (take it from a guy who has about five). The henley has evolved from its origins as sportsman’s shirt into a symbol of rugged 21st-century style — check out how Daniel Craig and Chris Pratt rock the style, for starters. While one shirt won’t turn you into a dinosaur-fighting badass, it doesn’t hurt to emulate that move — and the five selections below just might help you do that.

#1. Buck Mason Short Sleeve Henley in White, $45

Made in the USA the right way for a fair price.

Just as with Buck Mason Oxford shirts, this henley is made in the U.S.A and is but one of the many excellent basics the brand has updated for modern times. The Pima cotton keeps this shirt soft, while small details like a rounded hem, a clean four-button placket and ribbed cuffs at the sleeves all set it apart from more typical henleys. This is the type of shirt you can wear on its own now with rugged denim or slim chinos, and continue wearing under cardigans (a la Mr. Craig) well into the fall and winter.

#2. Pistol Lake Short-sleeve Henley — $35

Rugged and deeply cool at the same time, and made in America on top of that.

You very well might recognize that henley from the above picture, or from this spring Style Pick post. It keeps popping up simply because it’s just that good — as far as made in the U.S.A quality for the price, there’s nearly no better value out there than what the dudes at Pistol Lake are doing. While the olive (or Quartermaster) number has proven excellent and versatile on a personal note, the Faded Black colorway would be the epitome of rugged downtown cool when paired with grey jeans and some white sneakers — the unfinished sleeves are perfect for rolling or styling as you please.

#3. J. Crew Slim Broken-in Short-Sleeve Henley — $34.50

A decidedly brighter shade than other options on this list.

Unlike its counterpart above, this J. Crew henley isn’t made stateside. It does, however, boast a cheaper price, a range of colors to pick from and a seasonally appropriate sunfaded wash. The faded black, navy, red and white colorways all have a large range of sizes available (rather surprisingly), but the red color would be an interesting change of pace and still wearable with navy or light grey chinos and leather sneakers for a high-low look.

#4. Steven Alan Self-Placket Henley — $48

A deep indigo blue color with some unique, sporty touches.

What’s got the texture and striped pattern of a polo, but the more laidback design of a henley? This lovely Steven Alan piece, that’s what. It’s made from a heavier textured cotton blend, so it might not be nearly as breathable as the other options shown here, but it’s got some neat styling touches. The shorter two-button placket adds an almost retro look, while the heavy textured cotton creates a microstripe pattern — can a regular henley do that? Nah. At $48 on sale (marked down from $125), it’s a little pricier but honestly still a downright steal.

#5. Billy Reid Pensacola Polo in Steel Blue, $78

A cool sky or (Steel) blue color and designer details like Mother of Pearl buttons make this a standout piece.

Unlike some of the other entries on this list, this piece isn’t made in America — it’s made at the source in Peru though with heathered Peruvian cotton. It’s the priciest of the bunch by a good amount, but the side vents and four-button placket actually make it a bit dressier — and more versatile, by default. This piece should wear a little more like a polo, so that means you can and should take it for a spin with a khaki blazer. The contrast stitching and mother of Pearl buttons also upgrade it slightly — and with Billy Reid, you know you’re getting quality.

Now if none of these options float your boat (or you don’t fancy spending close to $50 on a henley), be sure to give old standbys like Old Navy or Target a look — you’re getting fairly solid quality for low prices and the option to buy a few at a time if you’re into that sort of thing. On the more lux end of things (but just missing the cut on this list), Club Monaco does a linen henley in a dark blue that you could even wear with, say, a light grey linen suit.

What are your thoughts on this list? Which of the above options would you (or will you) pick up? And what’s your favorite way to wear a henley?

July 18, 2015July 17, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott & Bow White Denim

The newest introduction from an affordable e-commerce denim brand. Photo courtesy of Mott & Bow.

Every so often, it’s nice to switch up the normal rotation of dark denim or chinos (or lightweight dress pants) many of us throw on during the warmer months. Branching out from there can lead one to lightwash denim, maybe even some chambray trousers. But it can take some warming up to throw on all-white denim (there are plenty of ways to wear it, as seen on DETAILS.com). Some cream-colored jeans (a la James Bond in Quantum of Solace) can also fit the bill. But if you feel like giving white jeans a shot and supporting an up-and-coming brand, check out the newest release from Mott & Bow. Their brand-new, sharp white denim is this week’s Style Pick of the Week (cue fireworks and emoji applause). The brand is doing things the right way, sourcing quality fabric from Turkey for this pair and others (you may recognize them from this blog, or more likely, from the pages of Esquire).

The Skinny fit of Mott & Bow’s new white denim features a trim 13 1/2″ leg opening.

Again, white denim is a pretty bold style move, but the best thing about this set from Mott & Bow is that unlike other designer brands or even smaller merchants like J. Crew, you won’t fork over an arm and a leg (or two legs in this case) to get them. At under $100, these should be a very solid buy. They’re available in a Skinny version featuring a 13 ½” leg opening, as well as Slim & Straight fits. From personal experience with the Skinny version, the style fits remarkably similar to a J. Crew 484 jean or a Uniqlo Slim Fit Stretch jean – and the 2% built-in elastic material in this Mott & Bow pair ensures comfort as you move around in the heat. These look to be the ideal jean to wear with … well, just about anything, from a khaki blazer or a polo to a navy pocket tee (especially the pocket tee) and some some solid leather desert boots. The look in the top photo is particularly crisp yet casual thanks to the navy blazer. Just keep the all-white get-up in the closet unless you fancy yourself a runway model, ehh?

What do you think of the newest release from Mott & Bow? How would you style white denim?

July 17, 2015July 17, 2015 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: New York Fashion Week: Men’s, J. Crew Mercantile and Rob Gronkowski

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.

First of all — based on that headline, this Friday Read should be pretty good, eh? And with the arrival of this post comes the end of a pretty momentous week around these parts (these parts being NYC). The first-ever New York Fashion Week: Men’s rolled right on through, bringing with it some stellar shows and epic street style. I myself had the chance to go to Todd Snyder’s outstanding SS16 collection preview as well as spend time with industry contacts at GQ’s The Gent Lounge. This was, as always, on top of other writing pursuits – definitely no better way to experience parts of fashion week than by doing a little bit of everything! Check out a recap of most of my activities over at my Twitter account, if you’re so inclined. And as always, start your weekend off right with some style reads.

As part of its partnership with #NYFWM, East Dane (the #menswear arm of Amazon Fashion) caught up with a few key style influencers ahead of the shows.
Near the middle of the week, industry publication Business of Fashion reported that J. Crew is set to launch J. Crew Mercantile, a lower-priced line of shops targeted toward budget-conscious consumers
Ever wondered what it’s like to party with notoriously wild Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski? No? Esquire shares an excerpt from what should be an, um, insightful memoir?
Long Read of the Week: Bloomberg Businessweek explores the many cultural and media-driven factors that shaped the rise of the modern political campaign logo – including a certain very recognizable letter logo

Still got your eyes peeled for more style reads?

Check out five great swimsuits that would be best to hit the water with during this big beach month
Read up on a brand you should be pretty familiar with if you check out this site – United By Blue, the latest company I profiled for VOUCH Mag (for a full Q&A) with the company’s founder, head here).

July 15, 2015 by Beau H.

Todd Snyder Spring/Summer 2016 Collection Preview

The designer’s collection preview took place at Skylight Clarkson Square, an industrial setting that’s the hub of this year’s shows.

As New York Fashion Week: Men’s progresses, it’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind of colors and styles flying down the runways. What does it mean to the average shopper on the streets or your average PR guy behind his laptop? If you’re worried about being overwhelmed by a fashion runway, Todd Snyder is here to sooth those doubts with a stunning – and highly wearable – spring offering. If you’re not familiar with Todd and are curious about dipping your toes in the ‘fashion’ waters, be sure to give his offerings a look — best-known for producing classic Americana sportswear pieces, he also does admirable tailored pieces and envy-inducing suede bomber jackets (more on those below).

Strong outerwear (as seen on the right) and lightweight, sportier pieces like the white knit, seen on the left, characterized the collection.

I had the chance to attend Todd’s collection preview on Tuesday night with my friends over at Brothers & Craft. Menswear luminaries like Nick Wooster and A-listers like Dwayne Wade were also on-hand at Skylight Clarkson Square, the massive hub of this year’s shows (catch up with my tweets from the show here). Luckily for us consumers, the collection is on-point – and likely features a few items you’ll have to start saving for … right about now.

One of several lightweight knit pieces paired with drawstring pants.

Color and texture was a huge part of the show, inspired by the Italian beaches of Bagni di Tiberio — a historical vacation hub for famous artists and creatives. The biggest takeaway from that tidbit is that the collection certainly feels ready for days spent by the sea. Linen cardigans and band-collar shirts were layered with easygoing shorts and drawstring pants – nothing too imposing, a la the typical Thom Browne show.

One of the nicest pieces of outerwear in the show — a sporty yet durable-looking take on the varsity jacket from the designer’s Champion collaboration.

Plenty of rugged heritage and workwear-leaning pieces, like faded tanktops and short-sleeve military shirts from the designer’s collaboration with Champion, were also trotted out – good news that it’s back again. Todd Snyder’s outerwear has historically been a strong point of his collections, and it’s an area that doesn’t disappoint here – he sent out classic belted trench coats, trim bombers in neutral colors like grey & navy and military field jackets, all items that definitely work for layering during the rainy days of spring and potentially back into the fall. Sweaters galore in rumped, lightweight linen and linen-cotton blends were also on display – those are pieces that can be layered over shorts and with spring & summer tees and polos particularly.

The designer’s relatively affordable White Label line is set to feature classics like a medium-blue piped tuxedo.

And Todd’s tailored collection (the White Label line sold through Nordstrom) is back again for SS16, featuring classic piped tuxedo jackets in navy and black, and at least one white linen suit. While that’s a bold move unless you’re heading to an all-white party, the key here is that while still pricey, Todd’s suiting line sticks to classic basics done in a refined way – maybe save a bit (or a lot) here and there to pick one up as a splurge? Oh, and one last thing – if you find yourself looking for a pair of sandals to wear, the designer’s collaboration with Cole Haan is back again, featuring artisanal Italian leather sandals (maybe keep those to the beach unless you’ve got some serious style cred, yeah?).

While some designers seem to get lost up in the art form of a show, others stick to sending out clothes that guys can – and will – actually wear. Todd Snyder’s SS16 collection definitely hit that mark admirably, and it does so in a way that’s extremely accessible to the general public, from lightweight layering pieces to easygoing pants, strong outerwear and crisp tailored wear. Whether or not you find yourself drawn toward some sandals next spring is entirely in your court.

Any favorite looks from this collection? What pieces are you looking forward to breaking out or buying (if any) when spring rolls around, and what do you like from the designer right now?

July 14, 2015July 13, 2015 by Beau H.

The GQ x New York Fashion Week: Men’s Lounge

A showcase for American menswear designers that’s been years in the making.

Unless you live under a rock (or maybe even if you do), you might have heard that the beginning of this week marks the start of the first-ever New York Fashion Week: Men’s. In short, the event is something of a watershed moment for the fashion industry, as this week marks the first time that American menswear designers in particular have been given a dedicated outlet to showcase upcoming seasonal collections, as designers in London and elsewhere receive. How big is that? Some were saying the American #menswear industry was dying out in relation to fashion week as of just a few years ago. So what does all this mean for the average consumer? Well, American designers like Todd Snyder and Billy Reid (of Bond Peacoat fame) are offering their heightened take on staples that’ll actually appear in stores next season. So while outlandish runway pieces likely won’t be up for sale, think of runway shows like auto shows — a look into the creative process of each designer, with lots of fanfare and hype.

Recharging slightly during Fashion Week: Men’s with a cold one from the esteemed Brooklyn Brewery.

And what does all this mean for those within the #menswear editorial and retail community? Well — a whole lot of hopping around the city to various collection previews and shows (check out the full schedule here). While I’m not as busy as some folks out there, I appreciate the chance to get in on the action and meet up with like-minded folks as part of my postwork editorial pursuits and my day job working on behalf of Timberland. Lucky for me, GQ’s The Gent Lounge is here to help this week with its #GQFW Lounge. The lounge has previously hosted some stellar events on behalf of the likes of Tiffany & Co., and this week, they’ve teamed up with stellar menswear retailer Mr. Porter and LG Mobile, among others, to curate a recharge lounge.

Some of the style essentials curated by Mr. Porter and GQ at the lounge.

Along with some distinctly shoppable and drool-worthy wares from Mr. Porter as part of the brand’s partnership with GQ on monthly collections, there was also a nice selection of tasty craft brews from Brooklyn Brewery. Attendees also got a closer look at the new LG G4 Smartphone , which comes complete with a sharp leather case available in a variety of colors. In fact, my friend Leo Chan of popular blog Levitate Style is testing out the phone all across the city as part of this week’s events, and photographers were snapping portraits with the phone itself. And the lounge has done a nice job of curating products for a life lived stylishly, from dishware to vintage issues of GQ and home accessories. It was the ideal way to start what’s sure to be a busy week. Tuesday’s ventures will hopefully include a viewing of Todd Snyder’s Spring 2016 wares with my friends at Brothers & Craft — stay tuned!

July 13, 2015July 1, 2021 by Beau H.

The Product Review: GREATS Brand Leather Wooster Slip-on

The infinitely wearable Leather Wooster slip-on from GREATS Brand. Organic cotton pocket T-shirt by United By Blue. Glasses by Warby Parker. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Dark denim by Mott & Bow.

If you follow this site with some regularity, you know the importance of buying some of the best sneakers for men and then wearing them with abandon this summer. And you’re well aware that I’m a fan of the quality and classic styling potential of sneakers from GREATS Brand. In fact, these leather slip-ons have popped up here before as a Style Pick of the Week. And, I’ve previously written on them for GearHungry. But in the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to go even more in-depth with what’s quickly becoming a summer footwear staple — thanks to some assistance from the brand’s PR team, of course. I’ve absolutely been pleased with what I’ve experienced — although they’re different than a classic pair of white sneakers, a slip-on (especially one made with lux Italian leather) is worth a go this summer if you want to give your footwear a shot in the arm.

The perfect type of shoe to wear with some rolled denim; shown after a few days’ wear. Dark jeans by Mott & Bow. Leather slip-ons by GREATS Brand.

GREATS produces these sneakers in Italy using premium and supple leather uppers; the quality of the upper on the shoe actually feels somewhat thicker than that of a dress shoe thanks to the calfskin lining, but it doesn’t show at all — in fact, that lining creates an added benefit. The leather isn’t too stiff or starchy, and because of that, the shoe has been comfortable to wear with both no-show socks and sans socks for a brief period of time (a note on sizing: the brand says that they do run about a half-size larger than normal; I found the size I was sent, a 9.5, works just fine). The Margom sole is thick yet flexible and pliable — it makes for a fairly comfortable walking experience. The construction of the upper, with small elastic side inserts, makes it easy to slip the shoes on and off your feet.

One of the more unique touches of any pair of GREATS sneakers, this time stamped in gold lettering. Photo courtesy of GREATS Brand.

The interior of the shoe, lined in calfskin, features a cool touch that GREATS has been known to incorporate into its other models — a listing of locales around the world where GREATS shoes are sold; this small design touch is one of those neat things that elevates this slip-on above offerings that are oftentimes more expensive. And it’s a good thing they provide such good value for the price — just $149 — when other brands like Common Projects charge more than twice that.

Blanco and Cadet — two of the other colors in which the Wooster is available.

You definitely get a bang for your buck from GREATS, generally speaking, as $150 is still more than some would spend on sneakers, to be sure. However, the fact that these slip-ons come in shades from white (Blano) and navy (Cadet) to the olive (or Cargo) option pictured here means that there’s a color out there to satisfy every preference. Especially when incorporating something a little different into your wardrobe — that is, switching out captoe sneakers for something sleek and lace-less — a neutral color that doesn’t draw too much attention to itself is definitely the preference.

Instagram-ready: A look at the initial packaging of the GREATS Leather Wooster.

While the white, black or navy pairs would be more fit for wearing with a crisp summer suit, any option could be worn with some more adventurous tailored get-ups, as Mr. Wooster himself does when it comes to the slip-on style in general. These shoes are perhaps best suited though to casual weekend wear — with a slim T-shirt and rolled dark or lightwash jeans, and absolutely with a well-fitted pair of shorts, too. And when in doubt, it also makes sense to sub them in whenever you might wear white sneakers — so definitely with a blazer and T-shirt combo, or a dialed-in polo and chinos ensemble on a Casual Friday. Another bonus to these sneakers, however slight, is the packaging as seen above — you get a sturdy blue cardboard GREATS box and a small notecard, plus that out-of-the-box smell that only great leather sneakers have.

Whether you’re willing to pony up the money right now is up to you, but this is a top-notch pair of kicks well worth the investment as long as they’re treated with care — and a shoe made with this much attention to detail should last long past this summer season and into future warmer months.

Do you have a pair of the GREATS Leather Wooster? Considered picking one up?

July 11, 2015July 11, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Stock Mfg. Co. Linen Buttondown Shirt

A lightweight shirt with a more open weave, like this linen number from Stock Mfg. Co., is the way to go when it’s hot.

So this past week, it’s been hot and muggy out in NYC. Like, crazy hot. And staying cool yet stylish is a pretty tall order (one that was covered on this blog earlier this week!) during these times. While reaching for a T-shirt (especially a more luxe option like this one) is always a solid move, sometimes you need, or want, to wear something a little more crisp — yet still casual. The linen buttondown is your friend in this situation. Like its more tailored companion, the linen suit, a nice linen shirt keeps things breezy and airy, yet still offers the versatility that a more classic option (similar to the always-classic blue Oxford-cloth buttondown) might provide. Buying from a brand that supports made-in-America production and has family ties makes things that much better — hence this week’s Style Pick of the Week from Stock Mfg. Co. out of Chicago.

The Sage Linen Buttondown in person, fresh out of the box. An excellent summer staple.

I’ve previously written about the brand for VOUCH Mag, but if you’re not familiar, you should acquaint yourself — especially with this particular shirt. One of the brand’s co-founders, Jim Snedeker, was kind enough to send along the very shirt you see here for a feature, and it’s one standout item. The linen-rayon blend means it wrinkles less easily than traditional linen garb, and when worn with some slim grey jeans and navy sneakers, it held its shape nicely on a recent workday. The color is versatile and friendly for the weather, too. The buttondown collar definitely helps the upper part of the shirt maintain its shape, but the shirt draped well regardless and was the right length to be worn untucked. I did choose to size down, but even then the fit was comfortable and still tailored. It should pair nicely with a blazer and some light grey chinos (as well as shorts when the temps really get to be too much). It’s the type of shirt that would also work at a more laidback summer wedding. And right now, it’s the type of shirt you need in your closet — although if you can’t quite swing the price, any one of a few more affordable options from J. Crew might do the trick. If you can afford though, it’s one shirt that’ll keep you cool the rest of this summer.

Have you ever bought from Stock Mfg. before? What’s your go-to shirting move when it’s hot out?

July 10, 2015 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Apple Watch, Brunello Cucinelli and Tictail

We’ve reached another Friday and summer’s starting to hit its stride – it’s getting pretty hot and muggy out there, too (by the way, did you catch this post earlier this week covering how to beat the heat?). I’ve got an exciting weekend planned after a busy time last weekend — I was fortunate enough to have my parents in town for the 4^th, whereby we promptly set out on a Brooklyn beer tour. And my college friend (and extremely talented photographer) Khoa Nguyen is coming to town this weekend — so expect more of the same (plus some photos most likely, if we get around to it!). Now please, crack open a brew yourself (or just grab an iced tea), kick back and check out this week’s Friday Read post.

MarketWatch reports and surmises as to the how and why behind a dramatic plummet in sales of the Apple Watch.
Esquire Fashion Director Nick Sullivan explains his ultra-stylish wardrobe choice for an ultra-stylish Milan Fashion Week dinner hosted late last month by the ultra-stylish Brunello Cucinelli.
And for more on that stylish evening (because why not, while we’re at it?), the New York Times takes a deeper dive into other fashionable choices made by some of the party’s noted industry luminaries.
Style Read of the Week: Switching things up from the typical long read that normally populates this last bullet, Get Kempt brings everyone’s attention to Tictail, a site that recently upped its menswear game incrementally.

Still got a hankering for more style content?

Read up on the shades you should purchase this summer – the Randolph Engineering Concorde series, as written about by yours truly on GearHungry.
Take a gander at an extremely interesting crowdfunded #menswear concept, the Vincero Collective, over at VOUCH Mag – had the good fortune to connect with co-founder Sean Agatep earlier this week on the company.

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