May 9, 2015December 15, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Pistol Lake Short-Sleeve Henley

Men's Style
#menswear, affordable men's fashion, casual men's style, made in america, made in america style, made in the usa, men's fashion, men's henleys, men's shirts, men's spring style, men's style, men's T-shirts, pistol lake, short-sleeve henley, spring style, style pick of the week, t-shirt
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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 trim fit and vintage details make this short-sleeve henley from Pistol Lake a winner. Glasses by Warby Parker. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Braided leather belt by Target Merona.

First things first — yes, that headline is correct. And no, this post isn’t a repeat! Although an outstanding long-sleeve henley from the team at Pistol Lake was featured as a style pick earlier this year, the one discussed here is in fact a completely different shirt (alright, it’s still a henley) from the same company! (In full disclosure, William, Shane and Andrew were kind enough to send me this particular piece for another post). The Los Angeles-based brand, for those who aren’t familiar, is a sportswear and vintage-inspired outfit making durable, rugged and stylish basics right here in America. The attention to detail and craftsmanship with each piece I’ve received has been second to none — and that’s something that’s not lost with this short-sleeve henley in either presentation or construction.

Attention to detail in craftsmanship and packaging from the Pistol Lake team.

It’s crafted from 6 oz. 100% cotton jersey fabric, although the weave of this shirt feels lighter and thinner (in a good way) than its long-sleeve counterpart. It’s also available in a vintage-looking, yellow-leaning white and a faded black but I went with the olive option — a perfect three or four-season neutral when layered right (say, with a spring jacket or a shawl cardigan when it’s chillier). The three-button placket doesn’t feel too flimsy or stiff, sometimes a problem when it comes to henleys. The fit is trim across the chest and through the body, and the unfinished sleeves, which can easily be rolled up slightly, are a detail that give this garment-dyed henley an even more rugged, vintage look. Details like double-stitching through the chest seams also help with a trim fit and solid construction. While it’s a bit pricier than a standard short-sleeve henley you might pick up elsewhere, the difference in price is absurdly small for such a jump in quality. Summer’s almost here, and this just might be the perfect casual shirt for the season.

Have you bought anything from Pistol Lake? How would you style this henley?

Editor’s note: Got your shirt game in line but looking to upgrade your bag as part of your everyday carry? Check out what the team at Issara is doing, making ethically crafted, beautiful leather goods!

April 29, 2015June 2, 2015 by Beau H.

The Product Review: The Michael Bastian x Uniqlo Polo, 2015

Going in-person with the latest from the Michael Bastian x Uniqlo 2015 collection. Glasses by Warby Parker. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

When the Michael Bastian x Uniqlo collaboration was first announced way back in the spring of 2013, there was some uncertainty as to how the partnership between the fast-fashion outlet and the lauded American designer would sell — and more crucially, how it might be received (at least from this #menswear writer). Well, those questions were answered when polos flew off the shelves in-store and online. Last year’s collaboration polos offered more eclectic designs mixed with traditional prep-sportswear touches, but didn’t seem to sell nearly as well at first — so the question remained, would the collaboration return?

Washed polo by Michael Bastian x Uniqlo. Navy chinos by Bonobos. Striped webbed belt by J. Crew Factory. Silver dive watch by Invicta.

A look at the trim fit of a polo from this year’s collab. Navy chinos by Bonobos. Striped webbed belt by J. Crew Factory. Silver dive watch by Invicta.

It’s back in full force, and then some. This year’s run expands on the customary, well-designed polo set to include colorful T-shirts, tank tops and two styles of shorts – but the polos really caught this writer’s eye. There’s again a mix of quirky designs alongside classic prep polos, like ones with thick rugby stripes and open collars. I opted for a more middle-of-the road option, a washed pique polo in a medium royal blue with a buttondown chambray collar (also available in colors ranging from white to orange). As with last year’s offering, count me highly pleased with my pickup — perhaps the first of a few from the line.

A look at the rather substantial collar and small details, like a notched V & extra button at the biceps.

While one might expect a chambray collar to be floppy or lack structure, I’ve found it to be fairly substantial. It’s slightly larger than the typical polo collar, with a nice roll and the ability to stand up across the day thanks to that buttondown collar (in particular, that style from the brand in general is worth a look). The mix of light purple & blue stripes on the collar is a stylish and effective way to break things up visually, and I had no problem pairing it with a thicker-striped cream & navy belt (different pattern scales, see?). The dressier four-button placket gives the shirt a casual-but-polished feel. As a bonus, the washed pique fabric is soft and breathes pretty well for being a thicker material. It’s got a nice hint of stretch to it, and a Medium fit my six-foot, one-inch frame nicely — it was trim across the chest, through the shoulders and particularly at the sleeves (no baggy golf polo issues here). The V-shaped notch and extra button at the bicep is the sort of detail that design aficionados can appreciate, while the button-flap chest pocket is a neat visual touch, too.

One of the many ways this polo can be styled. Slim dark denim by Bonobos. White sneakers by GREATS. Striped webbed belt by J. Crew Factory. Silver dive watch by Invicta. See more on Instagram.

The color on this option is also a nice change of pace from more solid navy polos. There’s a marled-like texture to the fabric because of the pre-washing, and this shade of blue plays well off darker denim or navy chinos (as you can see here). This polo would also look right at home with light to medium-grey chinos or a deep tan khaki pair, too. The buttondown collar makes this one polo you can wear with white sneakers and a blazer — an unconstructed navy option (keep coming back to that one, right?) offers lots of easygoing polish.

Another look at how you could style pieces from the collaboration. Image courtesy Capsule Show.

I actually paired my selection with a light tan V-neck (similar to this J. Crew sweater) on a recent chilly spring day to great effect, too. The collar stood up throughout the day and the fit of the polo itself was trim enough to accomodate the extra top layer. As with last year’s polos, this is one designer collaboration worth looking into — it seems as if Uniqlo has really made that their forte, what with the recent reintroduction of the “Best of J+” collection with famed minimalist-minded designer Jil Sander. At the prices these polos are going for now (2 for just $39.90), I’d suggest you grab at least two — or perhaps more.

What do you think of the designs in this year’s collaboration? How many are you planning on picking up (if any)?

April 20, 2015May 18, 2015 by Beau H.

The Product Review: GREATS Brand Rosen Sneakers

The GREATS Rosen Runner — a perfect casual sneaker for high-low wear. Short-sleeve mini-check shirt by H&M. Khaki chinos by Frank & Oak. Silver dive watch by Invicta. Glasses by Warby Parker.

In recent years, as high-low dressing has exploded and really gained more traction — think much more stylish iterations of the everday blazer-and-jeans combo, to start — sneaker options for guys have also really exploded as well. While there have always been classic options like Converse Jack Purcells, certain sneaker silhouettes have definitely swung back in style — especially the runner-style sneaker (see Exhibit A here). These types of sneakers mesh perfectly with everything from joggers (yes, joggers can work when worn casually) and a tee to chinos and a buttondown (asyou can see here). One of the more recent sneaker offerings from GREATS out of Brooklyn is cut from that same versatile cloth.

Getting out and about in Brooklyn with a versatile, casual shoe. Photo credit: Liz Tod.

GREATS has been featured on this site a few times already, but the quality of the last pair of sneakers I picked up was simply too good to pass up the chance at another pair. The Rosen Runner dropped in about mid-February to rather mixed reviews (if you follow Hypebeast comments, that is) but I snagged my pair in Cadet (a nice navy color) about a month back from the brand’s small Field House shop near Williamsburg in Brooklyn. The sneaker takes its styling cues from classic American runners and tips its cap to legendary track coach Al Rosen, born in Brooklyn himself. It’s also available in a nice deep Olive and a cream Nimbus color, but navy was my pick.

The combination of nylon and suede is surprisingly durable. Khaki chinos by Frank & Oak.

The sneaker brings to mind other kicks with the same silhouette, namely virtually any one of the pairs in the New Balance for J. Crew collaboration, although the shape of this shoe seems a bit trimmer. Design inspiration aside, these shoes look great, fit extremely well and provide tons of comfort — perhaps even moreso than the previous pair of GREATS sneakers in my closet. That comfort proved necessary during a long walk through Brooklyn’s Prospect Park and an evening spent exploring Park Slope on foot, too. More importantly, they’ve paired perfectly on a few different outings with the khaki chinos seen here, as well as a Rust V-neck tee (from my pals at Pistol Lake) and a denim jacket for a casual lunch.

These sneakers would work just fine with longer, patterned socks, but no-show socks fit just fine.

As far as comfort, these shoes feel springy and surprisingly durable to move around in. The Vibram outsole and EVA midsole provide a very nice amount of cushion — this definitely doesn’t wear like a normal pair of canvas sneakers. While they could also be worn with longer patterned socks (like with this look), they were comfortable with some no-show socks, too. The bottom tread isn’t just for looks, as it’s grippy and adds to that springy feeling. And while I was initially wary of the combination of suede and nylon, the nylon stood up to a slight ice cream spill (the horror!) and cleaned up just fine, while the suede portions of the shoe have good color and a decent (not necessarily cheap) feel.

Subtle branding on the back heel.

The minimalism of these shoes and the lack of a logo on the side (in contrast to their New Balance counterparts) is a definite benefit — I’ve found them to be highly versatile because of that. There’s only a very small “G” emblazoned on the suede top of the tongue, and a lightly stamped “GREATS” arch logo across the suede on the back heel. While it’ll be interesting to see how the suede holds up with repeated wear, I’m not worried about the durability of the nylon or the construction of these shoes — they certainly don’t feel like a pair of sneakers you can pick up for less than $50. For the price, they’re an outstanding deal — maybe the best on the market right now.

What’s your experience been like with GREATS? How would you style this particular pair?

April 15, 2015May 20, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Stylish Shorts for Spring and Summer

Spring & summer weather means it’s shorts season. T-shirt by American Apparel. Shorts by Banana Republic. Watch by Timex Ameritus and patterned watch strap by The Knottery. Sneakers by GREATS Brand.

So, spring is finally here (right?). And while I love me a great pair of denim or some excellent chinos, it’s always good to have a pair of shorts in the rotation. I mainly stick to neutral colors like khaki or navy to pair with other like-minded shades, but several designers & brands are adding louder hues and more wild prints to their shorts offerings this year, too. I got a question from a friend the other day recommending a relatively inexpensive, versatile pair — hence the picks you see below here. Now to be clear — none of these recommendations involve the extra pockets or the baggy cut of cargo shorts — that’s outlawed around these here parts. So, turn tail and get yourself to the mall (or stay right at your computer) and do some shopping.

#1. J. Crew Factory 7″ Broken-in Reade Short — $44.50

Washed fabric in a slimmer cut that hits above the knee — exactly what’s needed in spring or summer shorts.

J. Crew Factory’s some kind of a bully when it comes to online shopping picks on this site, but these shorts check all the boxes in terms of the ideal pair. They’re available in a full range of neutral colors (particularly the grey seen here) and they hit above the knee in a clean, modern fit. The “broken-in” finish gives them an easygoing vibe, too. J. Crew’s mainline Stanton short (seen here) is a similar style for a bit extra cash.

#2. Frank and Oak Sheldon 7.5″ Herringbone Shorts in Navy — $60

The 7.5″ Sheldon Herringbone Shorts in Navy. Seen with an Invicta dive watch, Frank and Oak Cotton Plaid Shirt, and GREATS Brand sneakers.

These shorts were first seen in this Frank & Oak Hunt Club crate review just the other day. They’re a really excellent pair, with great depth to the fabric and a cut that’s a little trimmer than the JCF option above. For having a length of 7.5″, they certainly don’t feel noticeably longer than a 7″ pair. The cotton-linen blend makes them lightweight and breathable, perfect for getting out and about. They’re also available in a darker Asphalt color, but this particular blue wouldn’t clash with, say, navy or indigo.

#3. Urban Outfitters CPO Crosby Chino Shorts — $44

An olive color that’s different than the typical navy or khaki, paired with a decent price.

This pair of shorts from Urban Outfitters feature a similar price when lined up against the J. Crew Factory option above, and they’ve got a somewhat similar faded wash to them. But, that olive color is pretty visually pleasing — it plays well with lots of neutrals like white, tan, grey or navy but is different ahn a basic khaki short. These are available in some brighter colors too, like a Sky Blue or Red option, but the slightly fringed hem at the bottom might turn some away.

#4. Old Navy Slim-Fit Twill Shorts in Ink-Blue Stripe — $22.94

They should fit pretty trim, and the stripes are a nice touch … but that inseam could be a tad long.

Old Navy’s shorts are a fairly underrated part of the brand — while they do excellent work when it comes to other basics, their shorts game has finally caught up — for the most part. Prices dip as low as $15 on slim-fit shorts in every color imaginable, from a heightened Beryl Blue and wild Blue Floral Print to a more pedestrian grey. The one caveat is that these do have a longer 9-1/2″ inseam, which might not work for the shorter among us (and even taller guys might prefer a slightly higher-cut short).

#5. Bonobos 7″ Washed Chino Shorts in Deep Khaki — $68

Almost $70, yes, but a nice combination of quality and price.

Nearly $70 for a pair of shorts? Yikes. Yes, for that amount you could buy almost two pairs of shorts from J. Crew Factory (or heck, almost 5 very on-sale pairs from Old Navy). But there’s a reason behind the pricing for these shorts — you get the same easywearing, relatively durable Washed Chino fabric that the company’s great pants are made out of, and you also get a range of length and color options (although this khaki is highly versatile).

NOTE: Other pairs that just missed the cut here include Bonobos’ newer, tailored Americano shorts (nearly too dressy to be worn casually), and these dark blue patterned chino shorts from H&M.

What do you think of the above recommendations? What will you be stocking your shorts drawer with this spring and summer?

And one final note: Looking around for more suggestions to pull together your spring and summer wardrobe? I’ve been putting together a series of weekly Buyer’s Guide pieces for the great team at lifestyle website VOUCH Mag; check out the full set here!

April 4, 2015April 10, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Saturdays Surf NYC Esquina Oxford

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 — like the pick below. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here.

A deep indigo color & extremely soft wash make this the perfect spring shirt.

It was a close call determining this week’s Style Pick of the Week. Go for another, similarly awesome buttondown (this short-sleeve shirt from Apolis) or a great jacket for the spring (this pricey but stunning Todd Snyder bomber)? In the end, an early day out of work and a trip to the awesome Saturdays Surf NYC store in SoHo led to the pick you see here — the brand’s Esquina Oxford in Indigo.

A rack full of lovely cotton buttondowns from Saturdays NYC. If you look closely, you can spot this week’s Style Pick!

For those not familiar with Saturdays NYC, the brand launched in 2009 selling wetsuits, surfboards and beach equipment to surf-crazed New Yorkers. They’ve since expanded to producing and designing their own menswear and were part of GQ’s 2012 Best New Menswear Designers in America cohort — high accolades to pick up in just a short time. So the quality speaks for itself. Yes, $98 is a pretty high figure for a short-sleeve shirt — but having checked out this particular shirt in person (and having worn last year’s polka dot version to death), it’s a splurge worth making. The shirt is exceptionally soft, slim-cut and well-designed, too. It’s also available in light grey, white and black — but the indigo color is, to me, that rare blue shirt that would pair well with lightwash blue jeans or dark denim — not to mention khaki chinos or tailored shorts.

Do you own any items from Saturdays NYC? What brand of short-sleeve shirt are you picking up for spring?

Editor’s note: Like free stuff? Like $1,000 worth? The great folks over at TRNK Club have partnered with Apolis, The Motley & Valet to deliver a grand of spring essentials — enter this awesome contest here until April 7!

March 31, 2015March 31, 2015 by Beau H.

Back in Stock: The Return of Michael Bastian x Uniqlo For Spring 2015

A quick look at some collaboration offerings.

Some big news on the men’s style front this morning — famed American designer Michael Bastian’s wildly affordable and wildly popular collaboration with quick-moving basics brand Uniqlo is back in stores this spring — specifically, as of today.

Plenty of ’70s vibes and athletic influences seen here.

The polos launched on the U.S. site early this morning, and early indications are that this collaboration is definitely worth dropping some cash on. There are classic thin and thick rubgy-stripe versions that bring to mind sporting influences (much like some pieces in last year’s collaboration). There are also plenty of wild prints — paper airplanes or red dragons, anyone? Contrast collars, classic piped-sleeve polos and a more adventurous open-collar style (that also appeared in last year’s line) help to round out the polo offerings.

A washed cotton polo from the Uniqlo x Michael Bastian 2014 collection. Jeans by J. Crew (484 fit). Belt by Merona. Desert boots by Clarks. Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Men’s shorts, tees and tank tops are also being added to the line for the first time, according to industry news site Shophound — this is something that should please many of us who simply want more of the collection. The bush-short style of four of the pairs is unique, to say the least, but it could provide a more tailored touch. From personal experience, the collaboration’s polos are relatively soft and breathable for pique fabric, a definite bonus. The washed cotton polos are also breathable and very wearable. They fit trim and best of all, usually go on-sale via a bundle pack (buy 2 for $29.90, for example). This year’s polo crop comes in at prices starting around $25 — a terrific price for a standout (and much-anticipated) collaboration. Pick up a few while they’re still around.

March 18, 2015April 10, 2015 by Beau H.

The Product Review: GREATS Brand Wilson Sneakers

In-person with some clean kicks from a “great” brand. T-shirt by American Apparel. Shorts by Banana Republic. Watch by Timex Ameritus and patterned watch strap by The Knottery.

Finding a great pair of sneakers for the spring is a move that can make it a lot easier to shop around for the rest of your gear. An awesome pair of well-made sneakers have tons of styling potential — jeans, chinos and shorts can all be worn with ease with some simple shoes. GREATS, out of Brooklyn, N.Y., is a brand that’s been featured a few times in recent weeks on this site (and elsewhere lately) for delivering innovative, modern sneakers at outstanding prices. They seem to be launching new models every couple of weeks, and they’ve also partnered with menswear luminaries like Nick Wooster on various designs.

But it was the brand’s simple Wilson silhouette that first caught my eye. This pair of sneakers made my spring style wish list a few weeks ago, and I was lucky enough to pick up a pair before jetting off to Florida recently for a weekend vacation (a few more photos of that trip can be seen on my Twitter and Instagram feeds). The Wilson is available in quite a few colorways — and in both canvas and suede options — but the all-white pair was my first pick, namely for versatility and crisp style potential.

A look at the Wilson sneakers in all-white, fresh from the box.

The sneakers arrived in what you might call the brand’s signature blue-and-white packaging. Notably, they didn’t have any scuffs or marks on first inspection — sometimes tricky to do with all-white items. Out of the box, they came with thinner ripcord laces, in addition to a handy backup pair of thicker white cotton laces — although I found the hint of stretch in the ripcord laces to be a nice bonus.

Hardly any logos on these sneakers other than the blue-and-white “G” on the heel here. Pull tab is a handy addition for slipping them on.

The Wilson features metal shoelace eyelets, a canvas upper, pull-tab heel and captoe construction, which adds a nice bit of durability in a mold similar to the Converse Jack Purcell — no need to worry about the toe giving out on these bad boys. The branding on these is thankfully minimal, with only a blue-and-white Greats “G” logo placed on the back heel and the middle sole.

Plenty of styling potential with these sneakers. Buttondown shirt by Saturdays Surf NYC. Lightwash jeans by J. Crew. Glasses by Warby Parker.

These sneakers feature sturdier construction and a thicker heel than other models of white sneakers I’ve had, which is a definite plus (no knock on those Tretorns, though). They felt comfortable with a pair of no-show socks when walking for several hours, and they broke in right away — no crazy stiffness or toughness to the canvas upper or heel. And as far as styling potential goes, these sneakers have definitely got it. On my Florida trip, I threw them on with both a charcoal pocket tee, khaki shorts and a white watch/patterned watch strap, as well as a patterned short-sleeve buttondown and lightwash jeans (as seen above). The clean white color would also work with dark denim or olive chinos, and I plan to try them out with a casual blazer & light grey chinos in the coming weeks, too. Standard khaki chinos would also work well.

Relatively minimal shape and a durable-looking captoe complete these kicks. Ripcord laces add some nice stretch, too.

As always, price was a big factor in my decision to pick these up; other minimal sneaker models are out there (and in more luxe materials like leather), but these are far and away the best bang for your buck at $49. For spring and summer style versatility, these are great to have on-hand — if you catch my drift.

Editor’s note: Get $10 off a pair of GREATS sneakers using the code ROOKIEX.

Do you have any experience with GREATS sneakers? What do you think? And how would you style them a pair like this?

March 12, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Uniqlo Printed Polo Shirt

Not that unusual from far away, but from close-up — that's what makes this worthy of a feature.

Not that unusual from far away, but close-up — that’s what makes this worthy of a feature.

This week’s Style Pick of the Week is coming at you a little earlier than normal thanks to a planned weekend trip to Florida. And it’s times like this one, with warm weather approaching, that really have me searching for a great polo shirt. Now, that’s not just any old white polo up top. Squint hard — or just gaze normally — at the small pindot pattern on this piece and be … amazed? While lots of us are fans of Uniqlo’s Michael Bastian polos and could be holding out for a spring release, options like the above one will have to suffice for now. At just under $25, the price is absolutely right. Unlike those of other brands, Uniqlo’s pique polos are nice and breathable with a good amount of stretch and a trim fit — all keys to keep in mind when browsing online and in-stores.

This Uniqlo polo shirt in particular switches things up with that small flurry of red and blue dots. It’s the type of item that looks cool from far away, but should really catch eyes (in a good way) up close. Some of the designs of Uniqlo’s polos (particularly the Michael Bastian collection) have been a bit out there, but this is a good example of turning the dial up just enough without overdoing it. The dots are small enough to wear this shirt with different shades of blue — even lightwash jeans or navy shorts if you’re going for a one color type-of look.

What’s your take on this polo? Would you wear it? Let me know!

Editor’s note: Just because I’m jetting away for the weekend doesn’t mean the work stops! A post on wearing green for St. Patrick’s Day is coming up tomorrow!

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 4, 2015March 8, 2015 by Beau H.

Spring Style Wish List

It might not feel much like spring yet around these parts (or elsewhere for that matter), but rest assured — it’s on its way. That probably has lots of us plotting and scheming how to get our hands on product geared toward spring weather. (Just picked up one of these in white earlier this week, in fact). Whereas fall and winter dressing centers around layering up, spring style is about using crisp, lighter-weight basics combined with transitional pieces to bridge the gap between seasons. That most likely means taking a few items and using them consistently for weeks on end. And that means reaching for quality essentials that gel with the rest of your wardrobe. Read on for my take on a few spring must-haves.

#1. GREATS Brand Wilson Sneakers — $49

Classic-looking sneakers from the Brooklyn brand GREATS.

There’s a reason these shoes made the top of this list — an awesome pair of white sneakers can be a great workhorse piece all through the spring and summer months, pairing with everything from dark denim and a colorful V-neck tee to more polished get-ups, like a slim blazer and khaki chinos. And these kicks from GREATS (based in Brooklyn) are redefining the standard for what a sneaker can be. They look tremendously well-made, they feature classic lines and relatively minimal branding (aside from the blue ‘G’ on the heel), and the price is enough to make you spit out your morning coffee. Heck, buy those and a pair in light grey (or maybe navy) and you very well might set for spring and summer sneakers. It’s also worth noting the brand has some stellar-looking new releases launching on the site soon. (Note: Use this link here and get $10 off when you buy a pair of GREATS sneakers!).

#2. Bonobos Striped Jersey Crewneck — $98

Yet another piece Bonobos is doing extremely well, from construction to fit.

Bonobos does an awful lot more than pants well these days — that much becomes apparent by the season. Here, they’ve taken a traditional nautical look — the Breton stripe — and slimmed down the fit, bulked up the neckline and cuffs and added some nice-looking shoulder detailing. The cotton fabric should be nice and soft, ideal for layering over a white OCBD or crewneck T-shirt. Combine this crewneck with another neutral staple (like an olive chino) and those GREATS sneakers above and you’ve got a casual outfit ready for a boat ride and drinks at the marina after (or just a regular day away from the water, your call).

#3. Combatant Gent Khaki Slim Fit Travel Jacket — $70

A warm-weather staple from a relatively new online retailer.

Compared to some of the other options on this list, this khaki blazer from Combatant Gent is a steal for your wallet. Combatant Gent has received what seems to be a positive reaction in terms of quality and fit from the digital menswear community, a bonus given that products with low, low prices can often be poorly made and even more poorly received. This khaki “travel jacket” features large patch pockets and is allegedly made with 100% cotton twill — no mention however, of whether the travel jacket name comes from the fact that it’s made with stretch fabric, a la J. Crew’s Traveler suiting line. Regardless of that, it’s time to take the plunge on Combatant Gent — for the price, this blazer should be a nice spring and summer change of pace over casual OCBD’s (and maybe even white sneakers).

#4. Welcome Stranger Stadium Jacket – $149

The Stadium Jacket from San Francisco’s Welcome Stranger.

This piece makes a triumphant return to the blog this week following its inclusion as a Style Pick of the Week last weekend. This lightweight jacket is made in the U.S. with lots of attention to detail by San Francisco boutique Welcome Stranger. The lightweight heather grey cotton-blend gets a lot of things right – bomber-inspired construction, a slim fit and the ability to be dressed up or dressed down. And because it’s a neutral color, it wouldn’t look out of place with pants in nearly every shade imaginable – practically anything besides light grey, unless you’re into the monochromatic look that seems so in vogue nowadays. So it has all that going for it — that price is another thing entirely, however.

#5. Michael Bastian x UNIQLO Polos

A washed cotton polo from the 2014 Michael Bastian x Uniqlo collection. Jeans by J. Crew (484 fit). Belt by Merona. Desert boots by Clarks. Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

There hasn’t been any official word yet as to whether the famed American menswear designer will be back with a third iteration of his fast-selling collaboration with, appropriately enough, fast-fashion retailer Uniqlo. If last year’s success is any indication though, odds are definitely looking up for another run of well-designed, comfortable and ridiculously affordable polos. Last year’s offerings served up some unique, more fashion-forward designs that some liked and some didn’t, so we’ll see if this year’s collaboration yields a return to more classic styles (think bold, Americana-inspired rugby stripes and ’70’s vibes, perhaps). If they’re priced as last year’s styles were — roughly $29 on-sale — these pieces will likely fly off the shelves in good time.

What’s on your spring wish list? What picks do you like from the list above?

The Style Guide

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Tag / men’s spring style