Tag / men’s style

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Blazers

Want wear more blazers, especially this spring and summer? Start here. Blazer by J. Crew. Blue dress shirt & floral pocket square by J. Crew Factory. (Old) glasses by Burberry.

Want to wear more blazers, especially this spring and summer? Start here. Blazer by J. Crew. Blue dress shirt & floral pocket square by J. Crew Factory. (Old) glasses by Burberry.

I received a question from a reader last week who had a New Year’s resolution to start wearing more blazers (way to stick to your guns!), but was having difficulty finding options to beat the Texas heat. This brought to mind two things: #1: Nice! Wearing more blazers is an easy way to add some polish to a look and even bring more variety to outfits you normally wear. And the #2 was this: Wearing a blazer, especially in the heat, is a somewhat tall order — so I rounded up some great warm-weather options (these could also feasibly work in slightly chillier weather with heavier layers, too). Read on and let’s get blaze — blazer-ed? Yep.

#1. J. Crew Factory Thompson Unconstructed Sportcoat in Twill — $118

A lighter blue that's no less versatile than its darker counterparts.

A lighter blue that’s no less versatile than its darker counterparts.

This blazer (or is it a sportcoat?) tops the list by a good amount. The lack of construction and a partial lining makes it breathable & lightweight, for starters. And the color is a unique, more washed-out blue that seems to be all the rage in the sportcoat game. Last year’s version got big ups from my pals over at Dappered, and if this version is just as good, it should be very wearable with everything from grey chinos to dark (and light) denim. The price here is very achievable and could drop even lower on-sale.

#2. Uniqlo Men’s Light Cotton Jacket in Navy or Blue Plaid — $69.90

Either a more striking plaid or a regular navy, take your pick.

Either a more striking plaid or a regular navy, take your pick.

Uniqlo’s blazers seem to stir up some divisiveness as far as fit & quality — some like the lightweight feel, slimmer fit and shorter tail (making them more casual), and others prefer something a little sturdier and with a classic cut. While the plaid option adds a great shot of pattern over a neutral base, the deep navy alternative is about as classic as it gets for a blazer. The price on either of these isn’t too high, so it could be worth taking the plunge on the plaid blazer if you want to throw some variety into a standard white OCBD— dark denim look.

#3. Target Merona Cotton Blazer in Grey— $29.98

Super affordable and super lightweight.

Super affordable and super lightweight.

To start, the price here is eye-poppingly low. Target’s been doing a lot when it comes to men’s style over the past year or so, and the Merona line has been a nice catalyst for that. This all-cotton blazer is unlined and actually fits pretty trim off the rack based on an in-store try-on. It’s available in four color options, but the light grey version could be the most versatile. If you want a blue option with a more workwear-type look, this navy jacket just went up on the site last week. Again, quality won’t be insanely high for a $30 piece, so this is a jacket that can get beat up a bit with little worries.

#4. Combatant Gent Travel Blazer in Khaki — $70

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

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

This blazer first made an appearance on this blog’s Spring Style Wish List, and were it not for an opportunely-priced alternative from H&M, it would likely be in the closet at the moment. Although this is a “travel blazer,” no word on the specific functionality of this particular piece (hopefully, an in-person with one of their jackets is coming soon). The patch pockets and khaki color make this decidedly more casual than any of the blue or grey options above

#5. Banana Republic Tailored Fit Cotton-Linen Blazer — $230

Sharp peak lapels & a ticket pocket on a cotton-linen blazer.

Sharp peak lapels & a ticket pocket on a cotton-linen blazer.

The reason this piece gets bumped so far down this list is the price — that’s a bit spendy, especially when considering the cotton-linen blend doesn’t really work in this. BR’s outerwear and blazers seem to be the brand’s strong points though, especially as of late. This jacket’s got a couple neat features — peak lapels and a ticket pocket, along with some nice depth to the fabric. You could definitely wear this with dark denim, lightwash jeans and olive or khaki chinos. BR is also offering a khaki twill blazer that would presumably be the higher-quality counterpart to option #4 here.

Note: Other options that didn’t quite make the cut here include this cotton chambray blazer from Express and this olive twill number.

What’s your take on the above options? Any additions? And how you would style these pieces? 

 

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: GAP Chambray Shirt

"Clean wash" chambray shirt and red henley by GAP. Slim jeans by Bonobos. Watch by Invicta, Sneakers by Billy Reid for K-Swiss.

Chambray shirt and red henley by GAP. Slim jeans by Bonobos. Watch by Invicta, Sneakers by Billy Reid for K-Swiss.

Editor’s note: For more Style Picks of the Week, see here.

This week’s Style Pick of the Week comes from a retailer that doesn’t necessarily get heaps of praise when it comes to guys’ style: GAP (or The Gap, if we’re going for that). Don’t be so quick to write them off — while they drew the ire of the media for their “Dress Normal” campaign this past fall, there are some key takeaways that can be gleaned from the brand. Namely,  dressing “normal” isn’t such a bad thing — and great basics can be styled lots of different ways. The chambray shirt is the perfect epitome of that.

Just one of the many ways to style Gap's clean chambray shirt. Watch by Invicta. Braided leather belt by Target Merona.

Just one of the many ways to style Gap’s clean chambray shirt. Watch by Invicta. Braided leather belt by Target Merona. Dark jeans by Bonobos.

Chambray is a fabric that’s as close to a four-season shirting option as a blue or white Oxford cloth button-down, especially in a medium-to-dark wash like the option seen here. The color pairs exceptionally well with deep blue denim and other four-season standards like khaki & olive chinos. It looks even better with other spring colors like washed-out reds, light greens, light grey and even darker shades of blue. It can easily be layered over lighter pieces, worn under a V-neck or navy crewneck sweater, or styled up with a wool tie and winter blazer. It’s also breathable enough to wear on its own or under a khaki or navy cotton jacket when it’s warm. It’s well within reach at full price and dips down into the $30 range on-sale. With spring well on the way, it’s prime time to snag one for yourself.

Do you have a chambray shirt in your rotation? Would you pick up this option here?

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.

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 right out of the box.

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.

Not a ton of branding on these sneakers other than the blue-and-white "G" logo on the heel.

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.

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.

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?

by Beau H.

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

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

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

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

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

Is this green too light? Nah.

Is this green too light? Nah.

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

#2. GREATS Rosen Runner in Cargo — $49

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

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

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

#3. Club Monaco Birdseye Sock — $15.50

That green is more fitting, but not so loud that it draws attention away from your outfit.

That shade of green is more like it!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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? 

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by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: J. Crew Cotton Sweater

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay stylish and have a great weekend!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The H&M + GQ Modern Essentials Collection Launch Event

A collection of spring staples curated by the former British soccer star.

A collection of spring staples curated by the former British soccer star.

Wednesday night, I had the chance to attend the launch of the H&M Modern Essentials Collection (as selected by David Beckham) — a party put on by GQ, as luck would have it. I don’t often get the chance to attend fashion-type events like these, but as a member of the GQ Insider program, this launch was too good to pass up. Inside the 48th Street H&M here in New York, a DJ spun remixes, free drinks were on tap and the entire basement floor of the store turned into a showcase of everything menswear-related that H&M had to offer — including a specific selection of goods curated by Mr. Beckham for the collection (seen below). It was a pretty packed event but there was still plenty of room to shop Becks’ picks and more .

Beckham's collection has the basics covered from striped shirts to a tan denim jacket.

Beckham’s collection has the basics covered from striped shirts, a plain white tee and a tan denim jacket.

Thankfully, this year’s David Beckham collaboration reaches outside loungewear for crisp essentials, including a nice line of five-pocket pants for spring,  pastel crewneck sweaters, a now sold-out striped pique polo and a quick-selling linen mac coat (see the full line-up here). He also has evening wear covered for the warmer months with a sharp dark navy linen blazer (also sold out!). Beckham’s picks include staples like a white poplin shirt that could see lots of use if you follow some of these classic suggestions, too.

The pieces picked up by yours truly at the event. A light blue V-neck, checked navy trousers, a khaki cotton blazer, a grey twill shirt and a repp stripe tie.

The pieces picked up by yours truly at the event. A light blue V-neck, checked navy trousers, a khaki cotton blazer, a grey twill shirt and a repp stripe tie.

Elsewhere outside the Modern Essentials collection, H&M is a brand that delivers fast-fashion pieces for those of us on a budget — and they certainly do some things well. A lot of that inspiration was on display during last night’s event, and thanks to a nice 25% discount, I brought home some spring styles for myself. As Beckham wears so nicely in promo shots for the collection, the above navy mini-plaid trousers would pair nicely with white sneakers (like these here) and a crisp white polo in the warmer months.

I also snagged a slim-fit khaki cotton blazer and a discounted grey twill shirt, both of which should complement the navy, brown and silver repp stripe tie I picked up. Events like these don’t come around that often, but it was nice to be able to get out, do some shopping and pick up a discount in the process — hopefully, more are in the works as part of the GQ Insider program. Stay tuned!

What are your favorite items from Beckham’s collection? Experience with H&M menswear? Let me know!

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.

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 that Bonobos is doing extremely well, from construction to the slim fit.

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.

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.

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 Uniqlo x Michael Bastian collection. Jeans by J. Crew (484 fit). Belt by Merona. Desert boots by Clarks. Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

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?

by Beau H.

The Product Review: Linjer Leather Goods Mocha Billfold

Editor’s note: Thanks to all who participated in the recent giveaway run in conjunction with Linjer Leather Goods!

Enough room for the essentials and some cash. Much slimmer than a regular wallet.

Enough room for the essentials and some cash. Much slimmer than a regular wallet.

Now that the blog’s given away a fantastic Linjer Leather Goods piece to one lucky winner, it’s time to turn our attention to an alternative way to snag a great leather piece from the company for those who didn’t come out lucky — and that way, my friends, would be through yet another fundraising round. Uf you’re unfamiliar with Linjer, they launched early last fall and delivered successfully on a popular INDIEGOGO campaign, promising to cut down on the cost of leather goods while delivering the same top-line quality as more expensive brands. Funding opportunities for company’s new line launch today via the link at the start of this sentence. Linjer’s second push is shooting to raise about $15,000. The new line includes a card holder, a vertical wallet, the billfold seen here and a passport wallet, along with a tote bag. If funded, those items would join a selection of briefcases, a satchel and a messenger bag, among other items in luxurious-looking leathers, already for sale at the company’s official website.

The mocha billfold in action. What bank do I belong to and where am I from? There you go.

The mocha billfold in action. What bank do I belong to and where am I from? There you go.

Roman from Linjer Leather Goods was kind enough to send me the first mocha billfold they produced, and it’s a piece that delivers on the quality the company promises. Some crowd-funding campaigns can be quite iffy in terms of actually delivering nice items in time (or at all), but Linjer’s stepped up to the plate, for sure. This particular mocha billfold is a lot slimmer than even typically slimmed-down wallets (about 40% of the traditional thickness) and uses exceptionally soft leather that should develop a nice patina over time.

The first-ever mocha billfold from Linjer Leather Goods.

The first-ever mocha billfold from Linjer Leather Goods.

This same leather features prominently in the company’s briefcases, satchels and messenger bags — it’s vegetable-tanned, giving it that soft-to-the-touch feel. It features two pockets for cash (one of them dubbed a “secret pocket” and enough space for 6 cards, which should be the perfect amount for most of us. Crucially, the presentation of the wallet in terms of packaging was also on-par with what you might expect from a reputed company — Roman and the team were kind enough to include a handwritten card.

I currently carry a brown leather card case, but this presents a sturdier, more durable and attractive option. There’s more than enough space for cards I need and the cash slots offer enough room for some bills. The inner lining of those sleeves is a soft twill that’s also a step up from the plastic-like lining you find on some brands. While these pieces are close to $50 right now, it’s an investment that’s worth making — doubly so when you consider a wallet’s on your person every day with both casual or dressier outfits. This Linjer billfold is sharp enough to go with both — and everywhere in between.