Tag / men’s style writing

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: #NYFWM, Super Bowl 50 and Dockers

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. 

Perhaps you find yourself not paying attention to the runways or the sights and sounds of #NYFWM, the dedicated, NYC-hosted week for menswear writers, editors, buyers and industry pros to get their first look at upcoming seasonal collections. But after spending some time around great media and bloggers at a brand styling suite I helped run on behalf of Timberland, I must say — looking at the American iteration of fashion week is something you might consider. That’s especially true when perennial, classic favorites like Todd Snyder and Billy Reid step in the ring — after all, not every runway show is Zoolander-esque. Timberland-centric events gave me the terrific opportunity to connect with friends new and old, including my buddy Jamal of StyleSocietyGuy (the subject of this week’s Style Q+A), and my pals at Brothers & Craft (who are curating a consistently awesome men’s lifestyle site and brand). So even if you don’t pay attention to runway shows — something that’s admittedly not a huge focus for me, either — I’ve learned there are definitely things you can gleam from those around you, and that’s a rewarding part of any profession. And with that being said, it’s nearly time for me to go take a nice, long nap. And maybe enjoy a brew or two this weekend. Have fun with this week’s #menswear news recap in the meantime!

  • Speaking of NYFWM, Dockers, of all brands, kicked off the second-ever event by hosting a star-studded party  (by the way, don’t sleep on the brand’s Alpha Khakis).
  • In honor of Super Bowl 50 this weekend, the stylish folks at Get Kempt tracked down the best menswear in San Francisco.
  • The team at Well-Spent tells you the goods they’d rather blow their rent money on this month (hint: the piece includes a stellar American Trench merino watch cap).
  • Long “Read” of the Week: If you believe in the transformative power of music, you’ll love this stunning photo series from Narratively (hence “read” in quotes, ya dig?).

Run out of things to read? Look no further.

And on that note, if you made it to the end of this post — congrats! You’re free to enjoy your weekend.

Stay stylish,

-Beau


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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: Pitti Uomo’s Best-Dressed, Ball & Buck Denim and Alexander McQueen

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 not sure about where you are, but the big topic of conversation here in NYC revolves around snow this weekend — how much we’re supposed to get, how much other areas of the country have gotten so far, and so and so forth. It’s enough to make anyone want just stay inside and read a good book — I’m personally hoping, however, for a bit less snow than predicted, and the chance to get out and check out some nice #menswear haunts around the city. Meanwhile, the promise of summer music festivals and the like keeps growing even as it gets colder and colder — have you snapped up your tickets for Governors Ball or Firefly? Both two festivals with positively GREAT lineups. That’s certainly keeping me going through this chilly winter weekend. And as for what to do in the meantime, I’d suggest: A) Checking out the below Friday Read and B) Hopping on over to my #menswear Pinterest page for some winter style inspiration. Stay warm!

  • As part of its campaign chronicling #TheNewStyle, Esquire snapped portraits of some of the best-dressed men at Pitti Uomo — and the results are a great argument for refined understatement in dressing.
  • Premium shirting company Corridor NYC is having a sale this week, and the fine folks at Well-Spent want you to know all about it — in particular, the blue plaid shirt (option number two) looks stunning.
  • Ball and Buck, yet another purveyor of excellent, American-made goods, just launched its first run of denim, as Inside Hook writes. For what it’s worth, those indigo jeans look sturdy and mighty promising (if you feel like test-driving another pair first, grab a pair of the Mott & Bow Norfolk raw denim).
  • Style Note of the Week: So, a biopic on legendary designer Alexander McQueen is in the works — DETAILS.com offers up their casting recommendations, which look quite on-point (no spoilers here!).

Run out of things to read? Head over here for more men’s style coverage:

  • If you’re hitting the slopes (and have some extra cash to spare), check out the Alps & Meters Shawl Collar Jacket, as covered by yours truly for GearMoose.
  • Read up on another, decidedly cheaper outerwear option (and the subject of my latest GearHungry post) — the Ketums Bondy Jacket, equally inspired by heritage style details.


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: Ethical Clothing, The Best Food in Los Angeles and The SuitSupply Online Outlet

It’s pretty hard to fathom that already, eight days have been crossed off 2016 – it’s been a whirlwind start to the year, what with a weekend in Detroit exploring top menswear spots, followed by a trip this week to the famed Outdoor Retailer Conference in Salt Lake City, where I’ve been busy representing Timberland. It’s been great to meet with lots of trade and lifestyle media, establish new connections and learn more about what others in the editorial and public relations industries have going on.
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And with that being said, I’ll probably be looking forward to a good day of rest on Sunday! As to matters in the #menswear world – how are your 2016 style resolutions holding up so far? I’m already looking to make headway with a few of mine (i.e. wearing less blue), but it’s a work in progress. If you’re looking for a different sort of a revamp, like a stylish pair of winter boots or a warm winter peacoat, click on those links. We’re far from out of the woods with the cold weather though – in that regard, we’ll be rounding up the best men’s winter accessories – from gloves to scarves and socks – on Monday. For now, get ready for happy hour later and enjoy the weekend!

  • DETAILS.com (RIP to the print mag) reports that, according to an Ohio State University study, those who don’t frequently shop for clothing made ethically are perceived as “boring and fashion-challenged.” Yikes! I’ll stick to my Apolis  chinos (and so will DETAILS, apparently).
  • Is L.A. the most exciting food city in America? GQ says yes, yes indeed. I must say, I unfortunately didn’t get to many of these during my trip to Los Angeles this past fall — maybe one day!
  • Ever on top of the digital style game, Dappered reports that the SuitSupply online outlet has returned, filled to the (mostly-stocked) brim with all of your tailoring needs — some of it is quite flashy but other pieces are just right.
  • Long Read of the Week: We’re back with another long read, and this one’s a doozy — Nautilus dives right into the search to find extraterrestrial life, and what it might mean for us mere earthlings.

Can’t get enough #menswear writing? Read these:

    • Throne Watches is producing premium timepieces inspired by great American cities, like the Throne 1.5 x Brooklyn Watch — I found out more for GearMoose (a new writing venture I’m taking on this year!).
    • And not to be outdone, JackThreads is back at it again with its Geo Sweater, as profiled in my latest GearHungry feature.


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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by Beau H.

The Friday Read: DETAILS, Bill Simmons and The National

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.

To any new readers here: Welcome! And to you old regulars, welcome back. Can you believe it’s Thanksgiving already? The fact that it feels like it was just Labor Day (and the start of summer before that!), is pretty crazy! Next week, I’m looking forward to a relaxing trip to West Virginia to see family — where are you headed? And while we’re at it, what are you wearing for the holiday? It certainly won’t be long before Turkey Day — but prior to that, I’m actually hopping on a train this evening to Washington, D.C., where I’ll be re-connecting with some high school friends passing through the area. That adventure comes on the heels of a trip to Michigan last weekend, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what D.C. has on-tap (pun intended, wink wink). [P.S. Follow along with my style picks via Instagram and Twitter]. What are you most looking forward to this coming weekend? While you think on that, take a look at this edition of the Friday Read, which features a pretty monumental shake-up in the menswear editorial world.

  • The New York Times reports that men’s lifestyle magazine DETAILS (of which I suspect many of us know and read regularly) is being shut down by Conde Nast after its December issue; it should be noted that DETAILS.com will gradually fall under the umbrella of GQStyle.com, yet this is another sad day for the fashion publishing industry.
  • In happier news and in a welcome return to the stage, Bill Simmons sat down with President Obama for GQ’s Men of the Year Issue, and the interview is insightful and well-done.
  • This piece isn’t necessarily style-related, but it’s fascinating nonetheless — Vox revisits a series of ads released in the ’90s by AT&T that provided a pretty accurate picture of future technological advancements.
  • Long Read of the Week: In the most fascinating piece on a band I’ve read in a long time, Stereogum catches up with The National as the revered indie rock band transitions back into recording after time apart pursuing some incredible side projects. It’s a deep look at a band that’s one of my all-time favorites (it doesn’t hurt that they have significant Brooklyn roots near my old neighborhood, either).

Missed out on more menswear this week?

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by Beau H.

The Friday Read: TAG Heuer, Bespoke Post and Vierra Watches

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.

As this week comes to a close, I’m looking forward to some rest, some recovery, the chance to kick a cold — and oh yes, a trip back to Grand Rapids, Mich., to see some great college friends! It’ll be my second time in Michigan in about three weeks, and it’s still great to get back. The weekend should hopefully be a prime chance to check out some excellent spots around Beer City U.S.A. Of course, I’ll be bringing along some stylish cold-weather gear from Iron & Resin, JACHS NY and a nice workshirt from the new Reef x H.D. Lee Shelter Supply collab (you might recognize the name as Lee Jeans). As if things weren’t enough of a whirlwind, the trip caps off an exciting week of prep (and execution) for Timberland’s Spring 2016 Press Preview. Some great media (including Megan Collins of Style Girlfriend) and talented bloggers who I’m fortunate enough to call friends came through to preview the brand’s newest offering, so that was quite exciting. As always though, there’s only so much space for my ramblings in the Friday Read — and we’ll leave the rest of it to some nice news from the world of #menswear. Thanks for reading!

  • While not a traditional news story per se, the following is indeed newsworthy — Bespoke Post reintroduced its ever-popular Weekender Box, featuring an ultra-affordable and durable bag perfect for your weekend getaways (a heads-up that if you’re not a member, you’ll have to create an account — which I suggest you do!). Some other terrific travel bag picks are listed here.
  • TAG Heuer joined the litany of brands offering smartwatches this past week, but according to the New York Times, the brand is using some serious hardware from Google and Intel to position itself as a true competitor to the Apple Watch in terms of functionality.
  • Dappered joins the ranks of yet another Friday Read — does anybody do what they do as well as … they do? Of note, the site’s $1,500 Wardrobe series is back; access the Shirts and Sweaters rundown at that link.
  • Style Notes of the Week: As mentioned above, there’s yet another collab launching with great fall gear that you should keep your eye out for. Although you might not have heard of the West Coast-based surfwear company, Reef could be angling for some serious space in your closet with a seven-piece fall & winter essentials Holiday capsule with H.D. Lee Shelter Supply.

What else did you miss (or want to re-read) in the world of men’s style?

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by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Christophe Lemaire, P.F. Flyers and Rancourt

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 I’ve spent most of the past week recovering from a whirlwind (fun, but whirlwind!) trip to Los Angeles, which featured great beer, nice menswear shopping and some stellar food, too. And it’s a doubly exciting weekend this go-round — I’m happy to welcome my mom and her friends into NYC (Hi, Mom!) to show them both some nice attractions in Manhattan and closer to home, Brooklyn’s best beer haunts — among other standout locations. And it’s starting to feel just a bit more like my favorite time of year, fall — good thing you’ve got your fall sweater game on lock, yeah? It’s also a nice time to plan out trips for the rest of the year — are you taking any exciting vacations? I’m personally excited to swing back through my home state of Michigan in a few weeks’ time. Let me know in the comments what your fall plans are! But before you skim to the bottom, know that the good stuff is right in front of you. Let’s hop to it!

  • GQ’s British brethren recap all of the stellar accessories that James Bond will rock in SPECTRE — and it’s quite the rundown of expensive, drool-worthy brands.
  • Maxim asks, bluntly, who is Christophe Lemaire and why did his collaboration with Uniqlo sell out so quickly?
  • If you’re a sneakerhead, this one’s for you: Selectism covers P.F. Flyers’ latest collaboration, a set of vintage-inspired duck canvas sneakers done up in partnership with menswear emporium Brooklyn Circus.
  • Style Read of the Week: Forgive me if your eyeballs pop out when reading this next one — the New York Times examines the curious case of the Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillion, an $815,000 watch. Yes.  That name. But also: $815,000.

Get more from the menswear world by checking out the below!

  • Feast your eyes on my newest GearHungry post, which covers the latest boot release from Rancourt — a special Chromexcel leather pair produced in collaboration with menswear goods retailer Huckberry — they’re something!
  • Learn everything you need to know about an up-and-coming menswear retailer doing great things out West — if you haven’t heard of STAG Provisions, you’ll (hopefully) be intrigued by my latest VOUCH Mag piece.

Ernest Alexander

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Streetwear, Gant Diamond G and Dress Watches

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 big news out of Style Guide HQ this week isn’t, in fact, related to New York City at all. If you missed it earlier this week — I’m heading out to L.A. to catch up with a great high school & college friend, and I’m quite excited to be escaping the purported wrath of Hurricane Joaquin Phoen … err, Hurricane Joaquin … in the process. And the weather is starting to turn toward fall, too — great news if you’re the kind of guy who love thicker fall blazers and rugged henleys *raises hand*. It should still be nice to soak up some sun out West before really diving into fall shopping and style — and in that regard, look for some transitional style pieces and an exciting giveaway opportunity from my friends at Goorin Brothers in the next few weeks here on the blog! Before you fasten your seatbelt on your weekend adventures, get a load of the below snapshot of the #menswear world from this past week.

  • HighSnobiety delivers a cheeky take on the streetwear terminology you need to know now — or you may already know it, if you’re into the #SneakerGame.
  • Freakonomics examines how the belt — yes, the ever-ubiquitous belt — beat out suspenders as the preferred method to hold up your pants.
  • Gant’s creative director and CEO share their vision for the future of the American sportswear brand and its third iteration, Gant Diamond G — a move that aims to build the brand’s base back up in America while adding a European edge.
  • Style Read of the Week: There was, quite simply, too much going on in the world of style to not share this post from my friend Barron at Effortless Gent, who explains why you should definitely, definitely pick up a minimal dress watch.

Not done reading about menswear yet?

  • Feast your eyes on my latest VOUCH Mag feature, covering the ridiculously high-quality, made-in-America offerings of Iron & Resin (Editor’s note: I can neither confirm nor deny that those buffalo-hide leather gloves will be part of a November giveaway. Not saying anything).

Yet again, I’d like to thank everything for taking time out of their day to read this site and peruse these posts. Wishing everyone a great (and reliably good-looking) weekend!

Stay stylish,

-Beau

Florsheim