Tag / men’s style news

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Flint and Tinder Mill Pants, New Balance x Todd Snyder and Maggie Rogers

You see the Flint and Tinder Mill Pants pictured aobve? To me, they’re a fall style essential — and the ideal way to kick off today’s Friday Read. They’ll work for a brewery visit — or brewing your own beer. They’ll work for a day hike. They’ll work for an impromptu weekend coffee date. They’ll work anywhere you do, mostly. Who’s with me? And  wh’ else is ready for the weekend? We’ve kept busy as of late on the blog, telling you all about the best new field watch to pick up for the season, while also keeping you updated on all the men’s style picks your wardrobe deserves. And if you’re anything like me, you’re likely very excited that the weather is taking a turn toward fall. For me, that means plenty of time spent in Prospect Park and enjoying rich fall beers at places like the excellent Greenpoint Beer & Ale. How about you? It’s not all fun and games, though.

As a matter of fact, by the time you check back on Monday (after you read tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, of course), we’ll have a new look on the blog — new fonts, a new design and layout, the whole nine yards. Or at least, we’ll give it a shot. And here’s where you come in: However you feel about the new look (is it better or worse? Cool or lame!?), I’d urge you to please let me know on Twitter or via The Style Guide Facebook group.  It’s a change I haven’t taken lightly — after all, it’s my name on the blog! And you and I both (likely) love the current layout. But change is afoot. So, please let me know once we get those changes rolling! And in the meantime, you can peruse the below Friday Read … and then come back for the Style Pick of the Week. Cheers!

  • OK, so in the way of excellent live music, I’ve truly been floored by the passion and talent of Maggie Rogers, New York City’s own. She recently released a new music video, and you’d do well to check it out — and perhaps think about the state of pop music — via Consequence of Sound.
  • If you keep up with my work on The Manual, perhaps you saw this piece on Mott & Bow and the brand’s new cashmere sweaters — they’re crisp, minimal and easy to pair with stylish M&B denim. Just in time for fall, too.
  • And on to more menswear — I always try to do the best I can when it comes to rounding up fall style essentials, and if you’re still in search of a few picks to round out your wardrobe, I’d urge you to click on that hyperlink right there.
  • Speaking of menswear essentials, there’s still time to add some stylish fall sneakers to your wardrobe — you’d do well to make that move right now with the New Balance x Todd Snyder Pale Ale 990V3, which I covered for GearMoose. A word of wisdom:  These sneakers would wear well with the Flint and Tinder Stonewashed Jeans or the Flint and Tinder Mill Pants as seen above. Pair them up with a real pale ale on a chilly fall night for some seasonally friendly flavor … and style.

That’s going to wrap up this week’s edition of The Friday Read  — again, stay posted for the best new menswear of the week tomorrow, and then hold onto your horses for a whole new edition of The Style Guide very soon.  Thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Live Music Venues, Your New Favorite Fall Jeans and Anchor Brewing

Unbelievably excellent boots for fall and winter — just what the doctor ordered.

First things first: Those boots right there are the Rhodes Dean Boots, and these Portuguese-built boots might be some of the best fall boots your money can buy. They’re simply perfect for the season, and I’m highlighting ’em with good reason today — trust me, you’d do well to shop these essential men’s boots. Now, on to business. We’ve made it to Friday — the final Friday in October, no less! I’ve spent this week taking in the changing seasons in New York City, and after a very busy and hectic couple of weeks, I couldn’t be happier to have some time off, some rest and some tasty coffee & craft beer on tap in Brooklyn these next few days. Have you been keeping up with the blog? If not, I’d urge you to get on board with the men’s style essentials you need for the season, plus the best leather jacket to buy now (as covered in last week’s Friday Read!). We’ve also told you all about how to wear sneakers this fall — complementing classic, retro-inspired footwear is easy when you’ve got rugged shirting and easygoing accessories, in short. It’s not all about menswear on the blog, though. Earlier this week, I had the very cool chance to check out a VIP media dinner (yes, I’m very important!) at John Doe Craft Bar & Kitchen with the excellent West Coast-based beer purveyors at Anchor Brewing! Led by Brewmaster Scott Ungermann, one of the highlights was assuredly a chance to try the brewery’s famed, 44th Annual Christmas Ale — a true and delicious rarity, it was simply incredible. Be on the lookout for it starting November 1st! So, with all of that in the books, I’m very much looking forward to the weekend. Start yours the right way below, my friends. Thanks for reading!

  • Let’s kick this thing off with rugged fall menswear aplenty — namely, I rounded up my top fall style picks from Filson for The Manual. From hard-wearing bags to layering-ready shirting, this Pacific Northwest brand consistently delivers.
  • As a huge fan of live music — and a fan of hitting the road to see some excellent live music — I loved reading this Consequence of Sound piece on the best music venues in 10 American cities. What’s your favorite venue in your city? Any places you’re dying to check out?
  • We’re flashing it back here on the blog to this post on a true fall style essential — your favorite fall jeans from Flint and Tinder (that’d be the Flint and Tinder Stonewashed Jeans, as an FYI).  Pick up a pair, throw ’em on and style them with a rugged flannel shirt and tough brown leather boots.
  • I mentioned this earlier, but it’s been a heck of a busy and beer-filled week, thanks in particular to the evening I spent on Wednesday with Anchor Brewing — on that note, it was my pleasure to cover the Anchor Brewing Fog Breaker IPA for GearMoose, a seasonally friendly beer that’s here just in time for the weekend.

Alright, so that’s our Friday Read for you. Feel like following along with my weekend escapdes? Be sure we’re connected on Instagram. Need something else to keep you busy. Read more about the fall corduroy pants to buy now. Or, check out my guide on how to wear a denim shirt for fall and winter. OK, that’s all I’ve got for now.

Enjoy your weekend!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Audiotree Music Festival, The First Day of Fall and the Best Men’s Leather Belts

So, this weekend marks a pivotal turning point in the calendar (and yes, in your search for men’s style essentials). Tomorrow is officially, truly the first day of fall! If you’re anything like the savvy shopper I think you are, perhaps you’ve been keeping up with our ongoing entries on layering for fall, or the best fall boots. That being said, there’s still time to prepare — it’s the best season for menswear, and I’ll say that day after day if I have to. How are you enjoying the season? For me, fall is about taking in the crisp weather in NYC and Michigan, and enjoying more seasonally inclined favorites (Octoberfest brews, anyone?). On that note, I had the chance to swing by a special NYC launch party last week (at Our Wicked Lady) for Canadian brewers Collective Arts Brewing — from hazy IPAs to a neat Guava Gose, these Hamilton-based brewers seamlessly blend excellent beers with custom artwork and cool ways to support musicians. It’s an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to craft beer that injects some life into the industry. Speaking of beer and live music …

This weekend in particular is one that blends both those fine categories! That specifically means I’m heading back to Michigan for my first trip to the Audiotree Music Festival (in the beer-centric city of Kalamazoo!). On my list to see on Saturday? Headliners Local Natives, a favorite band of both of ours! They make incredibly poignant and lovely music, and some amazing songs in particular (including the poetic “Everything All at Once.”), and it’s helpful that they’re a band of kind, talented, caring (and very stylish!) guys. What’s more, it’ll be very fun to see them for the first time since Govenors Ball 2017 — prior to that, I caught the band in a spring 2017 trip to Pittsburgh. Of course, bands like Brooklyn indie rockers Diet Cig should also prove pretty fun to see at Audiotree, what with their unique blend of energetic, punk-inspired rock. Aside from Audiotree, I’m looking forward to catching up with family and relaxing in Pure Michigan. What are you listening to this weekend? What are you wearing this weekend? Feel free to let know on Twitter, or follow along on Instagram. 

  • Let’s keep it easy to start: Looking for a stylish and surprisingly affordable crewneck sweatshirt? The folks at Gustin have you covered — read more at Well-Spent.
  • Speaking of stylish and essential gear, I covered the best men’s leather belts for my buddies at The Manual. There are some of my favorite brands of the moment featured, including WP Standard (see more of them on my Instagram) and of course, Abercrombie & Fitch (makers of your new favorite chinos).
  • And last but not least: Fall, for me, means stepping into a stylish pair of leather boots (kind of like the Rancourt & Co. Wolf Boots, for starters). That’s why it was such a pleasure to be able to speak to the inimitable Mr. Todd Snyder about his latest collaboration, the excellent Red Wing x Todd Snyder 877 Moc Toe Boots. They’re durable, they’re exceptionally well-made, and they look seriously great. Try them out for yourself, soon.

That’s going to do it for me today, my friends. I’ve got a music festival to attend and some brews to enjoy — cheers!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Taylor Stitch Tees, Red Wing Boots & Everyday Carry Essentials

Does it feel strange to be barreling through September and looking toward (gulp) October? It seems to me like it was just yesterday we were talking about the best menswear to close out summer, doesn’t it? At any rate, we’re well and truly in full-on fall prep mode. I’ve got a couple exciting early fall men’s style features in the works for GearMoose and The Manual for which I’m really PUMPED about (yes, PUMPED). More on that soon. And in the meantime, I’m very much looking forward to taking an evening flight back to Pure Michigan,  with a relaxing weekend on tap, one no doubt fueled by iced coffee and perhaps a trip to the new Founders Brewing Detroit Taproom — what about you? If you need to shop for fall style essentials, this blog has you covered.  If you simply want to find your new favorite pair of denim, again, your trusty friends at The Style Guide are here to help. And if you’re just looking for something to read or peruse? Again, check out the latest Friday Read. Thanks for being along for the ride!

  • My buddies at The Manual always keep things sharp and in line when it comes to your everyday carry essentials — and their post on the best men’s wallets is no different. Keeping your cards handy no matter what will only help you this fall — trust me on that.
  • Last but not least, here’s a bit of music news for you — if you haven’t yet checked out the emotive, powerful indie rock being put out by Lindsey Jordan in Snail Mail, well, here’s my recommendation. Simply put, Snail Mail’s debut album, “Lush,” is just excellent. In fact, you can hear it coming to a venue near you soon — Snail  Mail just extended their tour recently. Get on board, plug in and rock out.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, brings us to the conclusion of another Friday Read. You can be sure we’re gearing up for a great weekend — and a great Style Pick of the Week tomorrow, no less. Still in need of something to read? This #OOTD shows you how to wear a chambray shirt.  Heading to a weekend rock concert? Dress like this. OK, folks — that’s all I’ve got. Cheers!

 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Men’s Blazers to Beat the Heat, The Rumpl Beer Blanket and Transitional Style

My dear friends and Style Guide readers, can you believe it’s Friday again already — and time for another Friday Read, at that? It’s pretty wild, but we’re nearly staring down Labor Day weekend. Are you ready for it? I already can’t wait to be headed back to Pure Michigan next Friday for a long weekend.

But for now, we’ve got business to take care of when it comes to men’s style essentials and preparing for changing seasons. The hot weather seems to have stuck around unusually long this year, so while we wait for that first crisp fall breeze, you should be focused on transitional pieces that tackle the current season swiftly (things like a stylish denim jacket and durable leather lace-up boots). Just know that in due time, we’ll be stepping out in rugged style essentials for brewery visits, football games and more fall fun. So, that’s what I’m excited about at the moment — along with an upcoming Brooklyn summer weekend featuring lots of iced coffee and a few craft brews. What about you? Let me know on Twitter, or join us at The Style Guide Facebook page. Thanks for reading!

  • If I were you, I’d want to stay as cool as possible these last few weeks of summer — Esquire is recommending a lightweight blazer to help you beat the heat in style. Shop accordingly (and be sure to check out my guide on how to wear a blazer with a T-shirt! Bingo).
  • Speaking of stylish, lightweight blazers, what say we revisit this #OOTD that covers how to beat the heat in style? It’s worth keeping in mind even as the calendar approaches September — how crazy is that?
  • And in that same vein — staying cool and beating the heat — perhaps it would behoove you to check out the Rumpl Beer Blanket, a handy craft beer accessory that I covered for GearMoose recently. Take a bunch of ’em out on your next weekend caming trip (Side note: Check out my picks for the best men’s camping gear) or football tailgate this fall. You won’t regret it!
  • Lastly — in the way of classic men’s style essentials that transition from season to season with ease, surely this list of the best men’s Oxford shirts will come in mighty handy (I pulled it together for The Manual, after all!). And if you can’t get enough stylish Oxford shirts, and want another option, you might as well read this site’s post on the best Oxford shirt to buy now, as well.

That’s going to wrap up today’s Friday Read. Still in the mood for more men’s style content? Read all about the best leather watch to buy right now.  Or, stock up on more menswear essentials to close out summer. We’ve got you covered! 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Smarwatches, A New Denim Shirt and The State of the Music Industry

Step on up and dive right in to this week’s Friday Read, packed with men’s style essentials aplenty to start your weekend off right. I’m looking forward to another early “Summer Friday,” (a perk of working in the NYC PR world!). This weekend, I’m planning on visiting the iconic Grand Central Station, enjoying some local coffee and neighborhood strolls, and checking out the lauded Brooklyn Museum! It’ll be a relaxing and enjoyable summer weekend, to say the least.  I truly can’t wait. The close of this week also means that we’re one week closer to Labor Day and the end of summer — how are you prepping for early fall? Might I suggest shopping some of my favorite menswear picks to make the transition? I hope that the below menswear reads are helpful to you as you shop, pack and plan. Without any further ado, here we go! Happy reading, happy shopping & wishing you a happy weekend.

  • Some guys are watch guys, and some guys just … aren’t. At least, not in the traditional sense. If you find yourself in the market for a new, tech-forward timepiece, just about the best thing you could do would be to check out my feature on the best smartwatches for 2018 over on GearMoose.
  • I’ll be sharing more thoughts on the best weekender bags in the season ahead, but for now, I’d say you’d do well to check out my latest piece for The Manual covering essential, stylish gear to pack up for your next trip out of town.
  • Let’s talk dependable, everyday style — with just a bit of edge thrown in, that is. The Flint and Tinder Bone Button Western Shirt keeps popping up on the site for good reason. It’s made with quality cotton in a rich indigo color, and it features a reliable fit for layering over everything from a grey slub tee to a long-sleeve thermal shirt (come early fall, that is). That’s why I’d recommend you catch up with our See Now, Buy Now series, and make the Bone Button Shirt work for you.

  • OK, switching tracks a bit here — I’m a huge fan of all things live music, from festivals to small Brooklyn club shows, so I found the big news out of the music industry this week both intriguing and alarming. That is to say, Paste Magazine and other outlets have reported that musicians received only 12 percent of the music industry’s $43 billion in revenue last year. YIKES. Give the article a read, and then buy a T-shirt the next time you see your favorite local indie artist, yes?

Can’t get enough menswear before the weekend? Shop these menswear must-haves before you go. Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Men’s Chukka Boots, MZ Skincare and the Best Men’s Chinos

It’s Friday — let’s talk shop! If I were you, I’d be looking forward to knocking back a cold one this weekend — it’s still a full-on heat wave out there, after all! Oh, and if you’re looking for a new brew to try — or at least, new beer-related gear to wear — you’d do very well to check out our latest edition of The List. It spotlights everything from the much-coveted Huckberry x Mikkeller Collection (featuring plenty of craft beer-themed garb!) to the excellent Bone Button Western Shirt from Flint and Tinder. Wearing your new favorite shirt while sipping on a new favorite beer? That’s as good as it gets. What’s on your agenda this weekend? I’m back in Brooklyn following two wonderful, lovely weekends on the road back in Pure Michigan (as you can perhaps tell by my Instagram account!). I took the chance to explore Ann Arbor last weekend, stopping at the terrific Shinola store downtown and enjoying some delicious pizza at the terrific Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery — I had the Bam Biere, a refreshing Sour Farmhouse Ale made with that signature Jolly Pumpkin touch. Both of those spots are surely worth a visit if you find yourself in the area! Which reminds me … if you’ve got a brewpub visit of your own coming this weekend, you’ll want to outfit yourself accordingly. Check out this rugged, casual #OOTD to start, then read on for a few shopping suggestions — enjoy yourself out there!

  • With their timeless silhouette and excellent durability, chukka boots are a style that’s easy to wear with practically, well, anything. I like to wear my classic suede chukka boots with rugged pieces like a slub tee and black denim, or else with an easygoing navy blazer and a light blue Oxford. How about you? Oh, and as to which ones you should be buying — read my picks for the best men’s chukka boots via The Manual!
  • I’m always on the lookout for subtle grooming upgrades that can make a big difference in terms of your daily look. I’ve lately added another product to my nightly routine, one I think you’d do well to pick up for yourself: The Hydra-Bright Golden Eye Treatment Mask from MZ Skin. They feature Nano Gold particles and are designed to minimize puffiness and fine lines — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Simply put them under your eyes for 15 minutes. I can’t recommend ’em enough.

In the way of other menswear writing pursuits, I also rounded up some of the best men’s chinos to buy now for GearMoose — I’d reckon you’ll recognize one, or two, or a heck of a lot more brands on that list.

We’re going to close up shop on today’s Friday Read — thanks for stopping by, and be sure to come back for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week!

Still on the hunt for men’s style essentials? Check out our series The List, covering some of the best men’s gear to buy now — from shirting to home goods to stylish boots & sneakers. 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Gang of Youths, Spring Travel and Wes Anderson

First of all: Happy Friday, Style Guide readers? Are you ready for the weekend? Are you ready to close out March? Know that we’ve got plenty of spring style essentials, shopping picks and outfit suggestions coming your way across the next month. But for now, let’s turn our attention to another edition of The Friday Read. Most importantly, I’m hitting the road back to the Detroit area for the weekend today. I’m looking forward to exploring Detroit, visiting must-see spots like Third Man Records, and enjoying some excellent coffee, brunch and Bloody Mary’s (what more could you ask for out of a weekend!?). As I hit the road, I’ll likely be listening to a new favorite band of mine, Australian indie rockers Gang of Youths. I first saw this powerful, epic rock band last February and had the chance to see them again on Sunday at Bowery Ballroom — I’d recommend them, without a doubt. And in the meantime, I’d also recommend you check out this week’s featured reading — from my latest feature at The Manual to a piece that Wes Anderson lovers will surely enjoy, we’ve got something for everyone below. Enjoy!

  • Over at The Manual, I wrote about the essentials you’re going to need for spring — from crucial layering moves to cool sneakers and a great watch, I hope you find these picks helpful as we bridge the gap between seasons.
  • If you didn’t catch last week’s featured men’s style pick on the blog — that’d be the Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket — well, here’s your chance. Read that piece, buy that jacket and step out this weekend (and every other weekend, for that matter!).
  • For lovers of both music and Wes Anderson films — of which I’m both — I thin you’ll greatly enjoy this excellent feature on the music behind his movies, and his overall approach. Some seriously cool stuff!

That’ll be the last of today’s featured articles, folks. Enjoy the weekend, and check back for our next Style Pick of the Week!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Beer City U.S.A, The Winter Olympics and Neutral Milk Hotel

If you can believe it, we had to call an audible when it came to last week’s Friday Read given the hectic pace and scheduling of New York Fashion Week: Men’s. (Runway shows! Collection previews! Afterparties!). But I’m pleased to report that we’re back this week, and better than ever — well, hopefully. Who else is looking forward to the weekend? Was our guide to what to wear on Valentine’s Day this week helpful? You can be sure we’ll have more #OOTD content — and tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week — on the way very soon. On that note, did you catch last week’s Style Pick of the Week? The Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket is about as good as it gets when it comes to adventure-ready weekend style. And speaking of weekend adventures… this weekend is an exciting, busy one as well. I’m hitting the road back to Grand Rapids to see childhood friends, enjoy Beer City U.S.A (!) and visit my family (including four nieces and nephews!). It’s going to be a jam-packed, super enjoyable weekend, dovetailing off my trip last February to Grand Rapids (and quickly becoming a tradition for me?). At any rate, you can catch all the action live on Instagram and Instagram Stories (of course). In the meantime, enjoy the weekend — cheers!

  • So, the iconic, much-discussed and much-debated seminal indie album “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” by Neutral Milk Hotel turned 20 last week; can ya believe it? It might have been just a bit before my time, but it’s an album worth studying & appreciating — as Pitchfork noted in its review upon its reissue some years ago … a perfect 10! What’s your take?
  • The Winter Olympics are here — in the spirit of keeping you in the loop on the festivities, our pals at Esquire.com published the lazy person’s guide to the Winter Olympics; good enough, right?
  • Perhaps you’ve seen this news already, but last week, L.L. Bean announced it was changing its return policy, a famously accommodating one at that; will you be taking more care of your Bean Boots from now on?
  • Lastly, let’s talk what you’re drinking this weekend — the Samuel Adams Sam ’76 brew is my latest write-up over at GearMoose, and you might just want to track it down and raise a glass this weekend. Who’s with me?

Hopefully, the above features helped you start your weekend the right way — see you for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Menswear Pieces That Get Better with Age, Recapping 2017 and The Best Winter Accessories

Does it seem at all possible that we’ve come to the very last Friday Read of 2017?? It’s pretty wild, if you ask me. From week to week, time has just flown by around here, particularly with a busy slate of fall and winter travel for yours truly. From a September trip to Portland to an early fall excursion to Nashville and a December concert weekend in Toronto, I feel very blessed and fortunate to be able to pursue my passions for menswear and music! And that doesn’t even begin to cover other highlights this year, from NYC’s Panorama music festival to Governors Ball 2017 — that’s just a few highlights on the music front! I also traveled to Florida for everything from Memorial Day weekend to Thanksgiving and Christmas, making some great memories along the way. And my other travels included an upstate weekend in Beacon, along with a trip to Boston to see my favorite band — it’s been a heck of a busy year, that much is for sure!
Holiday 2017
Elsewhere, I’m really thankful for the continued opportunity to build this blog, and whether it’s your first time perusing these pages or you’re a repeat visitor, well … a big thanks for reading! In the new year, there’s plenty more in store in the way of useful and (hopefully) helpful #menswear content, from continuing this site’s #OOTD series to more entries in The List, covering the best men’s gear to buy for the year ahead. If you’ve got suggestions for content, brands or pieces you’d like to see, don’t hesitate to chime in via The Style Guide Facebook page! After all, style is an ongoing, evolving journey — I’ve realized that much each time I sit down to pen a new post! It’s been a busy, fun and at times, exhausting ride this year. And that being said, there’s lots more where that came from! For now, check out a few choice reads below, and thanks for reading!

  • Best Made will be transitioning their limited-time Gift Tent — located at 232 Elizabeth Street here in NYC — to a Surplus Sale running from January 5-14, with items up to 60 percent off. The Gift Tent features a ton of great menswear and hoome goods, including Sleepy Jones blankets and Best Made blades, axes and apparel. Think of it like rugged-yet-refined gear that goes the distance and looks great doing it.  Did I mention you can get those pieces up to 60 percent off? Yes and yes.
  • Always on top of things like these, Gear Patrol just updated its list of 20 menswear staples that get better as they age — I’m in total agreement with all of the picks on this list, from rugged leather boots to classic blue denim. I think you should be, too.
  • Last but not least, ’tis the season … to bundle up in style. With that in mind, I’d urge you to check out my roundup of the best men’s accessories for winter for this site — it can’t help but come in handy during the weeks and months ahead!

Alright, my friends — that’s all we’ve got today! Cheers!

-Beau

Holiday 2017