Tag / men’s style reading

by Beau H.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Need more men’s style content in your life?

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

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

-Beau
Frank & Oak

Florsheim

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Kentucky Derby Cocktails, Men’s Sunglasses and Washington, D.C.

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

Hello there, Style Guide readers! Welcome to another edition of the Friday Read, where (if you’re not familiar), we’re recapping the week in #menswear. And if you’ve come through these parts before, welcome back. How was your week? It’s turning out to be a mighty packed one, what with Cinco de Mayo yesterday, the Kentucky Derby following on Saturday and of course, Mother’s Day on Sunday. If you’re scrambling to find a gift, check out this site’s rundown of the best gifts for Mother’s Day. Trust us, we’ll get you sorted. Hopefully, you’ll have the chance to rest, relax and spend some quality time with family this weekend — whether it’s watching the Derby or doing some traveling to see friends. On that note, check back here Monday for a full post covering a trip I’m taking to Washington, D.C. to see my good friend, former college roommate and current political journo Ian Kullgren. If you have any suggestions for fun things to do in the area, let me know on Twitter! And if you want to follow along with my travels, add me on Instagram  or… better yet, follow me on Snapchat @beau_hayhoe. I’m still getting the hang of that thing, but I think I’ve got a good handle on what’s going in this week’s Friday Read — enjoy the weekend and read on!

  • Enjoying a nice beverage during the Kentucky Derby? Here’s exactly how to make a mint julep, the official drink of the Derby. If you’re more partial to other cocktails, here’s a look at this site’s cocktail guide for the 2016 Masters.
  • Note that we’ll have our own Style Guide sunglasses picks coming up here shortly, but in the meantime, the Wall Street Journal recommends the following men’s sunglasses picks for summer.
  • Again, this piece isn’t directly style-related, but it ties into something this menswear writer knows and loves –a great beer! Men’s Journal covers the 25 best American IPAs (and boy, is the list something else!)
  • Style Note of the Week: This isn’t a full-on menswear story by any means, but rather a recommendation that’s given me some great visual inspiration — if you don’t follow the fantastic Christian Watson on Instagram, it’d be wise to start! He shares some inspiring shots of his travels, his daily adventures and his incredible eye for a great photo. Worth  a look to start your weekend, ehh?

Want some more great men’s style content? Here we are!

  • If you read this site, you know I’m a huge fan of the versatility and tough styling potential of a rugged henley — so of course, I wrote about the 10 best henleys for men over at GearMoose! I think you’ll recognize some Style Guide favorites in there.

Thanks as always, for reading!

-Beau

 

by Beau H.

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

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

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

Frank & Oak Logo

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

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

Not done reading about #menswear? Continue below.

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


by Beau H.

The Friday Read: March Madness, South by Southwest Music and Spring Camo

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

Since we last spoke during the ole Friday Read, it’s certainly been quite the week. I had the great fortune to spend this past weekend in Florida visiting with my dad and as luck would have it, a few friends from Michigan State University. Add to that mix a busy work week, some building buzz surrounding the NCAA Tournament and oh yeah — St. Patrick’s Day yesterday (!!), and it’s been a heck of a week! I’m even more excited for this weekend though — I’m hosting my best friend from college, Stephen Brooks, as he covers Notre Dame men’s basketball in the NCAA tourney … in Brooklyn, just a few subway stops away (catch all the action over at his Twitter) . Isn’t it crazy how things work out sometimes? Hopefully, you’ve got an exciting weekend of college basketball — or just relaxation — ahead of you. If you’re catching all that college basketball action live, here’s what to wear for the NCAA Tournament.  And if you’re still recovering from St. Patrick’s Day? Godspeed, and hopefully, the below #menswear news makes things a bit more bearable.

  • This humble menswear writer figured the camo trend was waning a few years ago, but it’s still sticking around — GQ.com picks out three ways to wear camo this spring (fairly tastefully, that is).
  • I always enjoy reading what the folks at Well-Spent have to say, particularly in regards to the goods they’d buy this month…instead of covering rent.
  • The state of the New York menswear scene — much like the state of the menswear scene in general — is shifting, expanding and changing pretty rapidly at the moment. The trend forecasters at WGSN offer a pretty excellent analysis of the whole thing, thankfully (note that to get full access, you need to be a subscriber … sigh).
  • Long Read of the Week: If you’re lucky enough to have made it through most of this week at South By Southwest, there still might be a few top music acts you need to catch — Consequence of Sound picks the top 40 acts at SXSW.

Not fully ready to start the weekend? Fear not.

  • Spring jacket season has (thankfully) arrived — look for a full rundown on this site on Monday, and catch up on the Bridge & Burn Hayden Gray Jacket through my latest GearMoose post.
  • Throne Watches crafts sturdy, durable timepieces with an eye toward inspiring American cities as part of its 1.5 Collection — get the full scoop over at VOUCH Magazine.



by Beau H.

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

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

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

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

Stay a bit longer with a few more choice reads.

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


Florsheim

by Beau H.

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

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

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

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

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

Florsheim

by Beau H.

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

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

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

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



by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Best Dress Sneakers, Pitti Uomo and Alan Rickman

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

What a week it’s been — after so much traveling over the holidays and prepping for the year ahead (on both the work and blogging fronts!), it’s nice to get to the weekend now. There are plenty of exciting things in the works, including the impending arrival of #NYFWM and trade show season. It’s been nice to be back in NYC and catch up with friends — on that note, if you’re looking to revamp your home or apartment, Style Guide favorite The Hill-Side just launched an incredible home design collaboration with Crate & Barrel, which I had the chance to check it out in person yesterday. Needless to say, it left me wanting to re-outfit my entire apartment! But due to what you might call budgetary constraints, that won’t be happening any time soon. Lusting after great interior design hasn’t held up the weekly Friday Read, though. Check out a recap of all things #menswear below, and look out for another entry in the #OOTD series on Monday.
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  • GQ looks at a new breed of shoe — the dress sneaker — and offers their picks for the ones that’ll amp up your style (a heads-up that Monday’s post might or might not feature a pair of sharp leather sneakers around which to style).
  • Airows (a definite read if you appreciate a well-designed site) covers the launch of the Everlane Street Fleece collection, which looks cozy, slim and stylish — everything you want for your weekend gear.
  • Esquire offers a critique of the street style fair — oh, and actual industry trade show — that is Pitti Uomo, noting that the age of the “sartorial peacock” is on the way out, replaced instead by what it calls #TheNewStyle.
  • And this post wouldn’t be complete without a tip of the cap to the unique talents of both David Bowie and Alan Rickman, both of whom we lost this week.  As far as style goes, there’s no doubting that Bowie had a perspective all his own. And as a huge Harry Potter fan, it was always a treat to see Rickman on-screen throughout the series and the rest of his career.

That brings us to a bit of a downer of an end, unfortunately — but do yourself a favor this weekend, and listen to some Bowie or watch a Rickman film; I’m sure they’d both appreciate it.

‘Til tomorrow’s post,

-Beau


by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Christmas Day, 100 Best Tracks of 2015 and The Year in Sneakers

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

First of all: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Thanks for sharing a bit of your day with The Style Guide – I appreciate it! What gear are you rocking today? Here’s one casual Christmas style suggestion, and one dressy Christmas style suggestion. And while we’re at it, did you get any items on your menswear wish list? I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what Santa has in store, and more importantly, I can’t wait to spend the day resting and relaxing with family here in sunny Florida (good thing I brought some stylish travel gear with me!). As always, let’s close out this week with a few good menswear reads. Look for another Style Pick of the Week here tomorrow, and then we’ll keep getting ready for 2016 with a New Year’s Eve style suggestion on Monday, followed by a full recap of my trip to Florida. Make it a great Christmas Day and stay stylish!

  • With the year drawing to a close, GQ.com covered the best sneakers of 2015 – did any of your favorites make this list?
  • Strong Italian tailoring isn’t for everyone, and it’s often very pricey – but if that’s your game, the New York Times says it’s worth putting the new Isaia store on your bucket list when you visit NYC.
  • Not to be forgotten in the menswear hubbub, Pitchfork’s editors ranked the 100 best tracks of 2015 – again, any favorites of yours on here? There are some stunners for sure, including “Eventually” by Tame Impala.

Before you unwrap the rest of your presents…

  • Splurge in a big way to start the new year with the incredibly well-designed and incredibly rare Shinola Ali Collection honoring the greatest fighter of all-time; I certainly added some items to my Wish List after covering the release for VOUCH Mag.
by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Mott & Bow Denim, Fair Isle Sweaters and Mainland

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

Is it just me, or did this week positively fly by? We’ve got lots going on around these here parts, from a fun Men’s Style Christmas Wish List that hit on Wednesday to more importantly, a gift guide for your mom, sister, grandma — you name it, there’s a suggestion for the lovely ladies in your life in that post. And if you’ve got a holiday party coming up soon, The Style Guide also has you covered. Even in the midst of all that holiday prep, I hope you’re taking the time to get out and have some fun. As for me, I had the chance to catch some great live music earlier this week, among quite a few other stops around town.

Ben Sherman US

I was fortunate enough to connect with Brooklyn rockers Mainland after a standout show earlier this fall, and I’ve since had the chance to see them several times (it helps that they’re a really awesome bunch of guys — and big fans of Timberland!). But at any rate, they’re absolutely a band worth checking out — and you can do so right here (hint: start with the catchy tune ‘Outcast’). On the fashion front, I got the opportunity to preview some fantastic new accessories and gear from Will Leather Goods at the brand’s holiday celebration on Wednesday — so if you need to upgrade your bag or wallet, or fancy picking up some old-school sportswear, give ’em another look. As you peruse the Web and listen to some new tunes, read up on everything you might have missed — have a great weekend, and check back here for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week.

  • My friend Megan Collins of the excellent site Style Girlfriend covers how to style the Fair Isle sweater — it’s on-trend and definitely seasonally appropriate (be sure to learn more about the site via my Q&A with her earlier this fall).
  • Band of Outsiders, everyone’s favorite nerd-chic brand, is returning sans founder Scott Sternberg, according to the folks  at GQ.
  • The Economist notes that, rather surprisingly, UNIQLO is struggling financially in the American market, namely in suburban areas, and the piece also notes the brand is scaling back its plans to open numerous U.S. stores by 2020.
  • Style Note of the Week: While it’s getting more and more toward boot season, that doesn’t mean you should close up in regards to awesome sneakers just yet — GREATS Brand out of Brooklyn is back with what looks to be another tremendous collaboration, this time with iconic Japanese retailer United Arrows & Sons; the two brands updated GREATS’ classic Wooster silhouette (and you might recognize that particular style from a post earlier this summer on this very site).

Not done reading up on the men’s style universe yet?

    • Get your tailored wear on-point this holiday season with Combatant Gentleman — I went more in-depth on the brand for VOUCH Magazine.
    • Style Guide favorite Mott & Bow just launched a new line of raw denim – I also covered that release for VOUCH, and you can go more in-depth with the new pair very soon (read: tomorrow, in fact!).

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