Tag / #menswear

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Lollapalooza 2017, Kinfolk and Gear Patrol Field Guides

What a whirlwind week we’ve had here at The Style Guide. And by we, well, I just mean me — that’s a new one, right?? At any rate, time’s flown by since the last Friday Read — more specifically, two full days at Lollapalooza 2017 were among my adventures in Chicago last week!  From dining at the tasty Public House downtown to strolling through the massive and jam-packed Millenium Park to enjoying stellar sets by The Killers, Sylvan Esso and alt-J — to name a few — it was a truly banner weekend. I’m thankful to have had some outstanding music festival adventures this summer, from Panorama NYC to Governors Ball, and my Lollapalooza trip packed in as much #menswear, gourmet bites and craft beer that I could possibly handle. If you haven’t made the trip to Lollapalooza, I’d absolutely recommend it — the chance to take in a great festival in a great city like Chicago is second to none.

But when it comes to the home front, it’s been a busy week regardless — if you haven’t been following along, you best catch up — ehh? On Wednesday, we talked about the essentials to bring to a summer barbecue — preferably, the one you’re going to tomorrow afternoon — there’s still time! We also offered up one of my favorite #OOTD series pieces on this site to date, as this week’s post tackled how to wear a rugged henley this summer. Again, what’s not to love about a slim short-sleeve henley and rugged essentials like a stylish leather watch? Nothing, that’s what. And before we take off for the weekend, we have a plethora of men’s style news for you below — with a dash of music thrown in for good measure. See you out there this weekend, yeah? Check out my Instagram (and Instagram Stories!) for more.

  • Want to snag one last (final last) eye-catching T-shirt to rock in these last few weeks of summer? You might want to check out what Kinfolk is doing with a new line of graphic tees. Featuring a variety of designs — including the crisp Kinfolk 2017 Tee in White, these shirts mix in playful designs and colors with bold questions (“Ten years from now, will your kids remember what all the fuss was about?”). It’s a neat way to shake up your T-shirt rotation — although we all know there’s nothing wrong with a  classic men’s T-shirt, these are still a worthy option.

  • While we’re talking shopping, we just launched yet another new Style Guide series here on the blog. The good news is, entries one and two are up and running in our See Now, Buy Now series. It covers, in short, a quick recap of one standout #menswear item to buy now — from Beckett Simonon’s stylish wingtip boots to the perfect Oxford for fall, I’m excited to offer up plenty of options for ya to shop when it comes to the best men’s gear. After all, “see now, buy now” is a big pillar of the fashion world — why not bring it here?

  • Now, we just talked in last week’s Friday Read about the launch of the exciting (and no doubt tasty) Gear Patrol Beer Week. The publication continues to build on that beer-themed focus with the launch of the first-ever Gear Patrol Field Guide this week — and man, am I excited. It’s a deep dive into all the craft beer that you can possibly read — and dream — about. Oh, and it’s condensed into one handy guide for under $10. I’ll tell you this: You can expect more recommendations to pick up the Gear Patrol Field Guide in the coming days and weeks, that much is true.
  • Since we’re on the gear front, why not hop on over to GearMoose to read my latest long-format feature for the esteemed digital publication? Yes indeed, that’d have to be my roundup of the best pilot watches for men. There’s something in that list for everyone, from picks that lean dressy and sharp to watches that are beastly, rugged and flight-ready. Happy reading!

That’ll do it for this week’s Friday Read. If you need me tonight, I’ll be at the Music Hall of Williamsburg enjoying a great rock show by BK indie rockers Slothrust. See you out there?

-Beau

 

 

 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Your Next Oxford Shirt Is Made in America by Flint and Tinder

Flint and Tinder

Just one way to wear the stellar, remarkably well-made Flint and Tinder Oxford via Huckberry.

If there’s a shirt that stylish guys like you and me could — or should — wear everyday, it’d be the classic Oxford shirt. And luckily for you and me, the latest entry in The Style Guide’s See Now, Buy Now series fits the bill quite perfectly; it’s simply a piece that should likely buy, well, right now.  We last talked about stylish wingtip boots for fall, and the astonishingly well-made, well-fitting and great-looking Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Oxford is assuredly next in line as you plan out your fall style wish list. Call it the changing of the seasons or the soon-to-be-changing color palette in nature, but as we look toward fall (and rugged fall style), yours truly is quite partial to the Flint and Tinder Charcoal Oxford . It’s worth noting that each of these classic Oxford shirts is stylish as heck, though. From the can’t-go-wrong light blue Flint and Tinder Oxford to the brand’s crisp white Oxford shirt, each can go just about anywhere (and it’s absolutely an asset that either one would team well with a pair of American-made denim from the fine folks at F&T).

And it’s certainly just as beneficial that they’ve found the right company to make these durable, modern-fitting Oxford shirts — a family outfit by way of El Paso that’s dialed in the slim-but-not-tight fit and well-crafted fabric (wearable even in the summer). Having checked out the Charcoal Oxford Shirt seen above, I can certainly vouch for this line through and through. Yes indeed, Flint and Tinder Oxford shirts check all of the boxes in your search for the perfect Oxford shirt. Able to team with a lightweight cotton sweater and slim chino shorts in the weeks ahead, and just as ready to wear under a crunchy tweed blazer alongside … you guessed it, rugged wingtip boots in the fall and winter. Oh, and they’re positively perfect in any color you pick up. When you find a shirt that great, it deserves your time, attention and dollars. True? True.

Is the Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Oxford the shirt for you? Let me know in the comments below!

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Grilling Gear You Need for A Summer Barbecue

Let’s step outside of the menswear world for a second (well, halfway out). Looking to throw one last summer BBQ? Or at least one more? That’s what we’re talking about today on The Style Guide. Why the switch from our beloved #menswear to something a little grittier and gastronomically inclined? Well, the world’s not all about men’s style, for one. And if you’ve poked around on some of your favorite men’s lifestyle sites (like this one, maybe!), you’ll realize that plenty of these places — particularly our Style Guide pals Bespoke Post and Huckberry — stock a heck of a lot of effective, functionally rugged grilling gear and some tasty culinary staples, to boot. And if you read this blog, you already know how to dress for your next barbecue — no need to worry about that. So with that being said, I’ve compiled it all into one handy men’s shopping guide for you — from a durable grilling apron  to a tough backyard grill, you’ll find it in the list below. And if you’re not the guy manning the grill? At least you”ll be prepared with other backyard essentials like a stylish Bluetooth speaker — right? Have questions for me related to other essential men’s gear picks? Find me on Twitter, and leave a missive in the comments as needed. Fire up that grill and get to work!

Editor’s note: Portions of this post use affiliate links, from which a small commission might be earned. Thanks for supporting brands that support The Style Guide!

The Grill: PK Grills PK360 Grill and Smoker with Rib Rack — $799.98 

A highly functional, highly durable grill with a stainless steel rib rack built right in.

Start with what’s important, right? You need a dependable grill at the center of the action — and it helps if it’s got built-in functionality going for it. The PK Grills PK360 is “nearly indesctructible,” and it features a stainless steel rib rack built right in. It’s a marked changed aesthetically from other grills you might be used to using, and that’s not all bad — you’ve got more options with the PK Grills PK360, and a heck of a lot of value included.

The Tunes:  AudioPro T3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $249

A handsome, portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for these last weeks of summer grilling.

If you’re firing up the grill, why not fire up some of your favorite tunes? Great music keeps your grilling humming along, it keeps your guests happy … it’s a win-win. And the dependable AudioPro T3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is the aesthetically pleasing, crisply designed and relatively affordable Bluetooth speaker you never knew you needed.

Greats

The Apron: Filson Antique Tin Cloth Apron — $75

Filson

The same sort of quality in an apron that you’d expect from a legendary Filson bag.

Don’t discount the utility of the perfect grilling apron. OK, perhaps the Filson Antique Tin Cloth Apron isn’t perfect … but at least a guy can dream? Made with the same rugged, durable touch you’d expect from Filson, the Antique Tin Cloth Apron is a heck of a lot nicer than those plastic, red-checkered aprons floating around grocery stores. It won’t look half-bad hanging up in your garage or workshop, either.

The Much-Needed Essential: Thieffry Linen Oven Mitt — $20

Thieffry

The rare oven mitt that actually looks … stylish? Yep, it’s not too good to be true.

Handling hot dishes or plates and just grabbing for whatever’s in the area? Not cool, man. The Thieffry Linen Oven Mitt? Distinctly cool — or at least, better-looking than other oven mitts on the market. And when even your oven mitt earns you style points, you can rest assured it’ll be a great day of grilling … at least, one can hope?
Timex
The Beverage: GrowlerWerks 64oz. uKeg — $149

GrowlerWerks

A surprisingly stylish and underrated way to keep your favorite craft beer fresh and cold.

Certainly, not everyone enjoys knocking back a ice-cold beer (and if you legally can’t because you’re under 21 … my apologies). But whether your a guest or the host, something as effective and underrated as the GrowlerWerks uKeg is very, VERY handy to have around at a weekend BBQ — especially if it’s stocked with the best beer to bring to a barbecue, ehh? It’s a mini-keg that’s the size of a half-gallon growler, so I’d say you should save this for folks who appreciate the good stuff. The stainless steel vessel and brass carrying handle on the GrowlerWerks uKeg will only get better with age — as is the case with the best men’s gear out there.

The Bottle Opener: Owen and Fred “You Earned It Bottle Opener” — $23

Owen and Fred

A well-designed, durable bottle opener that’s fun to have around at parties — and on the daily.

Serving some choice bottled beer in addition to the finest stuff you can fit into that GrowlerWerks uKeg? American-made menswear brand Owen and Fred offers you a little encouragement in the form of this smart-looking, durable and one-of-a-kind bottle opener.
Frank And Oak

The Grilling Essentials: Schmidt Brothers Teak Four-Piece Grilling Set — $49.98

Schmidt Brothers

Well-made grilling essentials offered at an affordable price.

The list continues to get longer, ehh? Add some style points to your grilling lineup with the functional Schmidt Brothers Teak Four-Piece Grilling Set, a finely crafted set of stainless steel grilling appliances. In short, it’s an affordably priced package of grilling gear that just so happens to represent an underrated and premium upgrade.

Timex

The Cutting Board: Viski Acaia Wood Cheese Board — $29.98

A premium way to serve your favorite snacks during your next cookout.

For serving small bites for your guests to snack on as you toil away in the heat of the grill, pick up the Viski Acaia Wood Cheese Board, a handsome way to serve gourmet snacks. It’s again a small upgrade that’s pleasing to look at and should go well with whatever rugged-refined decor you’ve got going on in your patio or living room — are we on the same page?
Frank And Oak
The Plates: Norden 8-Inch Plates — $40

A serious upgrade over regular paper or plastic plates.

Make no mistake, Norden makes plates that are, to put it lightly, no laughing matter. Handsomely designed and quite pricey, you might want to save your Norden dishware for smaller parties or special occasions — but they’re a nice upgrade — again with the upgrades — over paper plates and the like.
Florsheim
The Necessary Condiments: Ashman Manufacturing Co. Bourbon Steak Sauce — $8 AND Melinda’s Jalapeño Ketchup — $5.99

Bespoke Post

Take your pick between two tasty condiments — or bring both.

Want to be the hit of the party? And if not the hit, maybe a close second? Bring an array of tasty condiments to season your favorite grilled meats and vegetables — as crazy as it might sound, it just might work. Ashman’s Bourbon Steak Sauce and Melinda’s Jalapeño Ketchup are two unexpected choices that should add plenty of flavor to any dish.

When it comes to planning the perfect barbecue, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into keeping your guests entertained, well-fed and happy — and hopefully, some of this gear helps you do that. It all starts with your gear, and the PK360 Grill is as functional and well-made a piece as any. The little details — from the Filson Tin Cloth Apron right on through to condiments like Melinda’s Jalapeño Ketchup — really can help make your time grilling (and kicking back with a beer!) that much more enjoyable. Great tunes are a must, too — make the AudioPro T3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker an essential in your home, in your office and at your next barbecue. Take it from a guy who loves his rugged essentials — a small touch like the Owen and Fred brass bottle opener seen above deserves a spot on your back patio table as you grill away. And what’s the thing that brings people together the most? GREAT beer. Just kidding. But certainly, the GrowlerWerks uKeg is a nice way to serve your guests quality craft beers. Does that fill out your shopping list? I certainly hope so. Let me know any thoughts in the comments below, and supplement the above grilling advice with men’s style tips gleaned from my Instagram.

Happy grilling!

-Beau

Greats

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Here’s The Rugged Henley to Wear This Summer

If there’s one item I reach for more consistently than any other — no matter the season — it’s got to be a rugged men’s henley. Yes indeed, in the high heat of summer (the perfect time for a short-sleeve henley) and the chilling depths of winter (hello, slim long-sleeve henley), it’s simply an easy-to-wear, effective and stylish choice. But you knew that, right? After all, we talked this spring about how to upgrade your henley. There’s no question that it can easily layer under your favorite summer blazer or be worn on its own — crucially. And today’s all-new, hyper-stylish #OOTD here on The Style Guide covers perhaps the best short-sleeve henley to buy now — or at least, consider buying. And if you read the blog frequently — and shop the hallowed halls of Style Guide friend Huckberry — you should know the brand that makes it: The inimitable folks at Flint and Tinder.

As it were, the centerpiece of today’s outfit is the Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Henley, done up in comfortable, breathable fabric with a modern fit. The rest of this ensemble has all the trappings of a rugged, tough outfit that someone like, say, noted henley wearer Mr. Daniel Craig might enjoy wearing.  At any rate, I hope you’re excited to check out some slim dark blue denim, classic men’s boots and a few other hard-wearing touches — including a rugged casual watch. If I were you, I’d wear this outfit out to your next brew pub crawl or even a quick day trip out to the country. And it’s even got a couple pieces — like a stylish everyday backpack — that might get you from point A to point B in many a situation. I don’t want to ruin all the fun, though. Read on below and let me know how you like these #menswear picks!

Rugged men's henley

Take your (new) favorite rugged henley and layer it with a crisp bomber jacket, dark denim and tough boots — wear it now sans jacket, and keep this look handy come fall.

The Henley: Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Henley, $55 — First things first: Don’t be alarmed by the use of black here! This Flint and Tinder henley is crisp and slimming, and gents like Daniel Craig  make frequent use of black tees on their own.

The Bomber: Taylor Stitch Bomber Jacket in Charcoal, $188 — If you know Taylor Stitch, you know that they excel at tough, rugged and yet wearable pieces — this Taylor Stitch bomber jacket works for cool summer evenings and chillier fall days in equal measure.

The Denim: Abercrombie & Fitch Langdon Slim Coolmax Jeans, $88 — A&F, a favorite of The Style Guide, is back with a revamped denim line featuring revamped fits — the Langdon is slim, classic and wearble in August thanks to Coolmax technology.

The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Chestnut, $80 — Lest you think accessories don’t matter … think again. The folks at Sturdy Brothers make a heritage-quality belt that happens to mesh perfectly with this look.

The Boots: Astorflex Bootflex in Dark Khaki, $190 — Quality lace-up boots made with sustainable style in mind for under $200? That’s what you get with the surprisingly lightweight Astorflex Bootflex.

(Not Pictured) The Socks: Teva Benny Gold Socks (Limited Edition), $12 — Space can be limited in our #OOTD series, but socks that offer up a pop of pleasingly bright blue should pair well with the A&F dark blue denim.

The Watch: Lum-Tec Combat B35 Automatic Watch, $799.98 — You might say this rugged Lum-Tec watch is the grandaddy of them all. Beastly looks, excellent styling potential, rugged vibes, a handsome leather strap … the  Lum-Tec Combat B35 belongs on any wish list of the best men’s gear.

The Backpack: Topo Designs Klettersack, $188 — Don’t get me wrong, I love a stylish messenger bag as much as the next guy. But if you want a grab-and-go bag for a day trip or a bar crawl — particularly when paired with a rugged menswear ensemble — the Topo Designs Klettersack could be your best bet.

The Sunscreen: Salt & Stone Sunscreen (SPF 30) , $17.99 — Sunscreen is one of those things that’s likely the last item tossed in any bag — with Salt & Stone‘s crisp design (and important functionality!), you won’t forget it again.

Have you given any thought as to where you might take this outfit? It can go just about anywhere — an upstate day trip, a trip to the farmer’s market and your local park, an afternoon at your favorite watering hole … and I’d wager it’s all because of the rugged versatility of the Flint and Tinder henley shown here. And because it can go anywhere, it’s important you grab a similarly tough bag. For instance: Take the Topo Designs Klettersack and fill it with essentials like the Taylor Stitch Bomber Jacket and much-needed Salt & Stone sunscreen. And the best part is that you can easily complement your Flint and Tinder henley with other rugged basics, from dark denim to the crisp, stylish Astorflex Bootflex. What you’ve got on your wrist is equally important — my favorite part of this ensemble might be the Lum-Tec Combat B35. And if you read this blog, you know that the details make the difference — start with a heritage-quality belt and go from there.

Let me know: What do you think of this rugged #OOTD? Drop a line in the comments!

Thanks so much for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Plugged In: A Chicago Weekend at Lollapalooza 2017

Lollapalooza 2017

Taking in Lollapalooza with my MVMT Watches Aviators, plus my rock-ready Need Supply Co. denim jacket and slim Abercrombie and Fitch denim — finished off with classic Astorflex suede chukkas.

It was under special circumstances that I hopped on an unusual Thursday night plane ride out of NYC to head to Chicago — and no, I didn’t take a wrong turn after happy hour. I hit the road last weekend to head to Lollapalooza 2017 in the Windy City — a truly momentous weekend packed full of highlights, from great #menswear to an amazing Friday headlining set by The Killers (a band I’d seen back in June) and more excellent tunes than you could take in across just two days. It was my second festival in as many weekends after attending the Panorama music festival here in NYC — with Governors Ball 2017 also under my belt this summer, you night say I’ve got it down to a science when it comes to what to wear to a music festival. What exactly did I pack and who did I see? Join me on another men’s travel style post — it should come as no surprise it was an amazing weekend that seamlessly blended my two big passions! Put on your favorite Killers track, and let’s rock.

I packed up my Owen and Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender with trusty essentials, from my Astorflex suede chukka boots to my Huckberry Explorer’s Cap.

The adventure itself really began on Thursday night, as I packed up my stylish weekender bag — namely, the Owen and Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender — with menswear essentials galore. To head from a full day at the office to the airport, I dressed in a mixture of comfort and style, starting with a new pair of Abercrombie and Fitch denim from the brand’s recently revamped line. The mobility, tailored fit and pleasingly faded wash matched nicely with one of my favorite Taylor Stitch shirts, the Sashiko Shirt — the cool detailing and texture makes it a four-season essential, and it’s yet another example of what Taylor Stitch does well. The combo was finished off with even more comfort in the form of my travel-ready Astorflex suede chukkas. There might not be a more versatile pair of three-season shoes than these classic suede chukkas, which can go from the office to the plane easily.

A stylish casual watch from Nautica and my reliable Huckberry Explorer’s Cap rounded out my travel style essentials. And the next time you hit the road, don’t forget to pack men’s grooming essentials — a few pieces from the Oars + Alps Athlete’s Grooming Kit (as seen on this site’s Style Pick of the Week series) helped me keep my skin in top form. What’s more, I even managed to prep for the festival on the music front — I plugged in my surprisingly stylish LSTN Sound Co. headphones from the essential Bespoke Post Vibes Box, and I was ready to go. The bottom line is this: When dealing with a day at work and an evening of travel, dress for comfort, style and mobility (like I did!).

Lollapalooza 2017

Easygoing essentials for a day of music and a day in the sun — particularly a fan of my classic SeaVees Army Issue Sneakers, and they teamed nicely with my tough, versatile Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch.

My Thursday night arrival had me tired but wired (tired and wired?) going into an amazing, bright and sunny Friday full of live music. To take on Chicago’s heat, I kept things simple and stylish with a slim short-sleeve shirt from Old Navy, plus my laidback and comfortable Bridge and Burn Stringer Dune Shorts — two warm-weather style essentials fit for any trip.  And just as with Panorma, I found my SeaVees sneakers to be effective, comfortable and broken-in enough to fill that crucial music festival style void. And that blend of style comfort from my SeaVees sneakers proved quite effective for bouncing around Lollapalooza’s many, many stages. That meant staying on time was quite critical — as I’ve found on many a music-themed trip, my Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch on a cotton NATO strap (similar style here) was a durable and stylish pick. I topped it all off with stylish men’s sunglasses — namely, a new favorite pair of sunglasses from Component out of Miami. And what exactly did the day have in store? Plenty — to say the least.

There aren’t many festivals where you’ve got the chance to see everyone from Brooklyn indie rockers Slothrust to classic modern indie pop duo Tegan and Sara to upstart British singer Bishop Briggs within a matter of hours, but Lollapalooza absolutely delivered in that regard — I  can’t say enough about the experience. A vibe-filled, sharp set from Phantogram paved the way for an exciting, anticipation-filled evening — a long-awaited show by The Killers tends to heighten the excitement of a music festival even moreso. Having just seen this remarkable band back in June, I thought I was ready — yet nothing can really compare to the power, energy and joy brought to the stage by Mr. Brandon Flowers and company. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: There’s really nothing that can measure up to seeing songs you’ve known for half your life being played out in person. When delivered by one of my heroes, Brandon Flowers, it was all the more special. (Editor’s note: Mr. Flowers inspired my love for denim jackets and black moto jackets, surely). 

From classic cuts like “Mr. Brightside,” “Read My Mind” and the roaring “For Reasons Unknown” to all-new cuts “The Man” and fan favorites like “When You Were Young,” this is a band that delivers on nearly everything that a fan could ask for. That included a soaring cover of fellow rockers Muse, plus a menacing (and yet wonderful) cover of the Joy Division classic “Shadowplay.” This is, simply put, an incredible band. I mean that sincerely, and it’s nothing short of an absolute joy to witness live. And as it were, I positively can’t wait for The Killers North American tour behind the band’s forthcoming new album, “Wonderful Wonderful” — what a run that should be. It was worth the trip in and of itself, and that’s no joke. Incredibly, I wasn’t quite fully tired out from Friday night — and Saturday promised even more tunes and even more #menswear.

Crisp and effective, rock-n-roll style featuring slim Abercrombie and Fitch Langdon denim and my classic Astorflex suede chukkas.

Although Saturday dawned hot and sunny once again, I went with sharp and simple style — perhaps inspired in part by the style of Brandon Flowers, who frequently favors all-black get-ups. For me, that meant injecting some color and texture on the footwear front with my Astorflex suede chukkas and topping it off with another pair of slim Abercrombie and Fitch Langdon denim in a slightly faded black wash. Perfect for a festival — particularly when teamed with my Knickerbocker Mfg. Co. Pocke Tube Tee. For taking on the day and seeing the vibe-filled, standout rock of The xx later, an all-black uniform certainly felt right — my trusty Timex for J. Crew field watch helped add some texture and visual interest to the look, too.  Once again, I just had to get ready for the day with the stylish and high-quality LSTN Sound Co. headphones from my Bespoke Post Vibes Box.

Saturday itself brought out a terrific mix of live acts, too. Canadian rockers Alvvays — a band that’s been on my list for more than two years now — brought a shimmery, sunny mix of indie rock to the Bud Light Stage in the afternoon. Later in the evening, personal favorites The Head and the Heart delivered just as rousing a performance as they did at Govenors Ball 2017 and on a winter road trip I took to Baltimore to see them play.  And throughout the day, Lollapalooza delivered just as solid of a mix of artists as one might expect — from L.A. rockers Warpaint to the joyous dance grooves of pop duo Sylvan Esso and the unique rhythm and quirky vibes of British rockers alt-J (another favorite of mine). The experience and atmosphere was truly jam-packed and lively — it was as busy a two days as I’ve had at a music festival, particularly navigating multiple stages and trying to stay on time. Again, dressing for a music festival in style proved absolutely critical, and I hope my gear was up to the test. As it were, my all-black get-up fit right in during a powerful, transcendent Saturday night headlining set by British rockers The xx —  another personal favorite and another band that made the entire trip worth it.

 

Travel-ready gear for the flight back — my Need Supply Co. denim jacket and my new Bridge and Burn Basic Tee got the job done on my top half, while my Kit Culture stretch twill pants were suitably travel-ready.

All too soon, it was time to hit the road back to Chicago — my schedule precluded me from staying another day to take in the powerful rock and spectacular live show that is Arcade Fire, but I left Chicago with nothing but happy memories from an incredible weekend of amazing music. And with a stylish weekender bag and men’s grooming essentials from Oars + Alps in tow, I made sure to dress for the road accordingly. I started out once again with my versatile Astorflex suede chukkas  — they’re as comfortable and sustainable a pair of classic chukka boots as you’ll find. They were a sharp complement to my Kit Culture stretch twill pants, a tailored set of chinos that feels like an easy-to-wear pair of sweatpants. When topped off with my Need Supply Co. Denim Jacket in 96 — a retro-inspired, versatile denim jacket — I was more than ready to deal with blasting airport air conditioning. Between the light wash and the quality construction, the denim jacket was a cool topper to a new Bridge and Burn Basic Tee — think an ultra-soft blended T-shirt built with made-in-America craftsmanship. The next time you hit the road, reach for breezy basics, a well-made denim jacket and go-anywhere pieces like suede chukkas. 

With all that travel in the books, I was glad to make it home last night — and it was all the better to get back to Brooklyn knowing I’d had such an amazing, fulfilling trip. Hopping on a flight to a music festival can feel like a long journey at times, but the trip was more than worth it — heck, seeing some of my heroes on the stage on Friday night made the trip in and of itself. I’m also lucky I was able to pack up just the right gear for the weekend — if I can continue to make the trip in years to come, I’ll be looking at a longer trek than just a subway ride … and I know it’ll certainly pay off.

Did you manage to make the trek to Lollapalooza? What did you bring along with you? 

Lastly — thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Grayers Montreaux Windbreaker Jacket

Grayers

The Montreaux Windbreaker from Grayers could be the casual jacket you never knew you needed — right? Pictured here with the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Indigo Star, plus my Original Penguin Stretch Scout Shorts, classic SeaVees Army Issue Sneakers and my Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch.

What’s got style, easygoing wearability and functionality built into one? The Grayers Montreaux Windbreaker Jacket, of course. It’s today’s Style Pick of the Week, and it’s perhaps the one jacket you need to buy now. OK, that’s saying quite a lot, if we’re being honest. But truly, the Grayers Montreaux Windbreaker Jacket is an unexpected #menswear move — it switches things up from a more typical rugged denim jacket in the later part of the summer, and it provides easy, breezy and travel-ready style all in one package. Certainly, the Montreaux Windbreaker is a decidedly effective way to combat late-summer chills once the sun sets — that’s certainly true whether you’re at a bonfire, heading out on a weekend trip or hanging around a backyard BBQ.

And best of all, it’s the kind of simple, classic and yet modern style that Grayers has so nicely perfected over the years. The Montreaux Windbreaker — also available in Navy — is nothing less than the kind of subtle, crisp jacket that you can throw on with anything — be it a stylish denim shirt or someting as straightforward as the equally stylish Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt. It’s a silhouette and overall look that’s as ready to go now as it’ll be in the spring — and when layered right, I’d wager you can likely get away with wearing it in the early fall atop a rugged crewneck sweatshirt.  When I took it for a spin myself during day two of the excellent Panorama 2017 music festival, I was certainly pleased with its durability and utility — and when you check out the details on this jacket, you might just decide you also need the Montreaux Windbreaker in your closet.

Grayers

Made from tightly woven polyester, this jacket delivers in terms of comfort and style.

In short, this jacket has all the trappings of a piece that’s really perfect for “grab-and-go” situations. Whether you wear it to dash to your favorite coffee shop or grab a casual lunch, I’d say it’ll serve you well. It’s got the type of sharp style that doesn’t draw attention to itself — again, perfect for pairing up with menswear essentials ranging from your favorite pair of jeans and stylish leather sneakers to classic suede chukka boots and a slim white polo. Truly, it can do all of that — maybe even in the same day. The functionality of the Montreaux Windbreaker lies in the tightly woven polyester construction — ideal for fighting breezes and summer rain,.  Heck, you should keep it handy to throw on with an American-made henley in the early part of fall; again, it’s just that versatile. And if you’re a sucker for small details — as I am — then touches like the leather zipper pull and stand-up collar should win you over. And when the time comes to throw it in your stylish weekender bag and hit the road, it’s going to pack up with ease. There’s not much standing in the way of you picking it up, either — the agreeable price on the Montreaux Windbreaker should help you save some extra coins to spend on another beer or two.

Will you be picking up the Montreaux Windbreaker to hit the road this summer and fall? Let me know in the comments below — thanks for reading! 

by Beau H.

The List: Buy This New Men’s Gear for August

As a #menswear fan — and I mean, a BIG fan — it can be tough to sort through the plethora of men’s gear out there. That’s why I hope our ongoing Style Guide series The List is proving helpful, or at least intriguing and interesting. Oh, and hopefully not too expensive? But who’s to say, right? This post today marks the fourth entry in this ongoing journey through, well, a little of this and that. From stylish men’s home goods to the best summer sneakers and one or two (or three!) of the best men’s casual watches, this series covers a bit of everything. Get your credit card ready — or just your wish list — and read on. Thanks for kicking off your month with The Style Guide!

Bespoke Post Refresh Box — $45

Bespoke Post Refresh Box

One box packed with great gear for the price.

Leave it to Bespoke Post to offer up yet another affordable subscription box with tons of useful gear for the price.

Pacifico Optical Blair Sunglasses — $155

Pacifico Optical

Stylish, classic and easy to wear with just about anything.

Have you completed your search for stylish summer sunglasses yet? Finish it up with these crisp, subtly Pacifico Optical sunglasses.

American Trench Dress Socks (Six-pack) — $99

American Trench

Not one or two or three .. but SIX pairs of excellent American-made socks.

While it’s certainly essential to keep stylish no-show socks on hand for the summer months, classic dress socks from American Trench are just as essential to stock up on – agreed?

Areaware Concrete Desk Set — $50

Areaware

Like your regular office supplies … but better.

We’re back to Bespoke Post for a set of stylish, underrated and essential home goods. It’s the little details that count, and organization is certainly among them.

Brathwait Classic Slim Wrist Watch — $229

Brathwait

A clean, crisp and versatile watch.

For all this talk of rugged field watches and the like, it’s sometimes nice to wear a pleasingly crisp, simple and retro-leaning dress watch – like this one.

Bull & Stash Travel Stash Leather Journal — $25

Bull & Stash

A beautiful way to upgrade your everyday carry.

Bull & Stash makes leather goods of ridiculously great quality, and its Stash Leather Journal is certainly among that offering.

Korchmar Centennial Taft Limited-Edition Weekender — $620

Korchmar Centennial

Possibly the last weekender bag you’ll ever buy — agreed?

Every bit worthy of your hard-earned cash, this handsome and stylish weekender bag is the drool-worthy accessory you should pick up for every single trip for years ahead.

Oxford Pennant “Kill the Closest Snake” Pennant — $25

A rugged, eye-catching pennant to upgrade your office and your home in equal measure.

Perhaps you caught our Style Q+A with Oxford Pennant talking how to upgrade your home décor – and here’s one of the first pieces you should buy as part of that process.

Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Watch — $220

A field-ready, supremely tough and relatively affordable Citizen Eco-Drive watch.

Much like the Brathwait watch featured above, this Citizen Eco-Drive watch is crisply made and versatile – ideal for summer and beyond.

With that last item … we’re closing out this set of additions to The List! What was your favorite pick of the above? I’m personally a huge fan of Oxford Pennant and particuarly, the rugged and edgy pennant option shown above. But again, it’s tough to pick just one! What do you think of these picks? Let me know on Twitter — looking forward to hearing from y’all!

Thanks so much for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: How to Wear Dark Blue Denim This Summer

Settle in and stay for a bit – we’re talking classic style, and more specifically, how to wear dark blue denim this summer in a special Tuesday edition of our Style Suggestion series (we’ll be back with our regularly scheduled Tuesday #OOTD post next week). Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Beau, do we really need to be wearing dark denim in the summer? It’s hot out!” Well … you’re right about that. But as with plenty of other menswear essentials, there’s a way to make dark blue denim work for you in every season.

And if ever you tire of wearing slim light wash denim, it’s easy to switch back to classic dark blue jeans — like we’re doing today. In the case of the below style suggestion, that means we’re blending reliable classics – slim Taylor Stitch denim – with a stylish short-sleeve shirt. And the rest of your outfit? Well, let’s just say that these picks are just as on-point as you’d expect, from stylish sneakers for summer to a rugged casual watch and a heritage-quality leather wallet. And with that … I’ll leave you to it! Read on, shop away and shoot me a note on Twitter with any thoughts you’ve got on this #menswear ensemble.

The Classic Denim: Taylor Stitch Slim Jean in Cone Mills Standard — $98 ($68 When Signing up for Bespoke Post)

Taylor Stitch denim

Supremely well-made, durable and stylish dark denim — just beautiful.

Here’s the crown jewel of the entire outfit, a pair of slim, classic dark denim made the right way. There might not be a better partnership in terms of rugged style and heritage quality than what Taylor Stitch has going on with Cone Mills. That means these slim blue jeans are made with only the best of the best in terms of cotton denim – that also means they’ll break in wonderfully and look great the more you wear them.

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve California Shirt in Red Madras — $118

Taylor Stitch

A well-crafted, crisp short-sleeve shirt from Taylor Stitch.

Leave it to Taylor Stitch to perfect classic pieces that work in every season – like this handsome, slim short-sleeve shirt. It’s the perfect top layer for a casual, easygoing outfit – the color and fabric are unique and eye-catching. Plus, the fit and quality should be exactly as stellar as you’d expect coming from Taylor Stitch. Wear this for plenty of upcoming summer evenings through Labor Day.

The Tee: Flint and Tinder Slub Tee in Vintage Navy — $28 OR ourCaste Finley Knit in Blue Grey — $28

Flint and Tinder

Two dark blue T-shirt picks for easygoing summer layering.

Layering a tee under a short-sleeve shirt might seem counterintuitive in the heat, but when you’re talking about a stylish Flint and Tinder slub tee or a uniquely textured, well-made ourCaste T-shirt, it’ll work out just fine. Either the Flint and Tinder tee or the ourCaste T-shirt give you the option to wear the Taylor Stitch madras shirt unbuttoned. The tee provides a bit of an extra layer against any summer breezes once the sun sets, too. It’s the perfect top half to wear to your next weekend BBQ.

The Footwear: Nisolo Diego — $129.98 OR SeaVees Maslon Desert Boot in Clipper Class — $108

SeaVees

Two finely crafted casual sneakers in unique colors.

We’re giving you two options here for casual summer sneakers, both of which make use of unique color and materials. The SeaVees Maslon Desert Boot in particular changes up your rotation from classic white leather sneakers, while the Nisolo Diego adds a bit of craftsmanship and rich quality to this outfit. Either are solid investments in terms of price. It’s worth noting that a pair of leather high-top sneakers – like the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Rambler Hi – could work here, too.

The Watch: Huckberry x Lum-Tec GMT —  $498 OR Aulta Acuatico Automatico — $240

Two watch picks, two durable, tough and stylish options for ya.

Since this outfit is filled with rugged, casual and yet versatile basics from the ground up, it’s fitting to offer up two rugged watch options. The Huckberry x Lum-Tec GMT is a strong, hard-wearing and noteworthy addition to any watch collection. And the Aulta Acuatico Automatico is just as functional and durable — it’s a no-fuss timepiece for a no-fuss outfit.
Greats

The Socks: Arvin Goods Crew Socks (Three-pack) — $30

A simple set of athletically inspired socks, the ideal complement to a casual outfit.

If it’s not already, your sock drawer should likely be filled up with a whole lot of Arvin Goods socks. Stylish, sustainably made, simply designed and comfortable no matter the weather – that’s the case with the brand’s no-show socks and the Arvin Goods crew socks you see here. They’ll complement the colors in this ensemble quite nicely, and that’s all there is to it.

The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt – $80

Sturdy Brothers

A handsome, well-crafted belt that’ll get better with age.

If you’ve ever encountered the issues that arise with buying cheap accessories, consider those problems solved with the handsome, rugged and incredibly well-made Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt. Richly crafted to break in and get better with age, this Sturdy Brothers belt could become an everyday belt if you’re a guy who wears lots of stylish brown leather boots and the like.

The Grooming Essentials: Way of Will Natural Deodorant — $18 AND Way of Will Natural Body Wash — $29.50

One brand packed with grooming options to keep you fresh in the heat.

One brand – the responsibly made Way of Will – and two great options to keep you smelling fresh and looking great in the heat. The Way of Will Natural Deodorant is a marked departure in terms of quality and design compared to standard drug store deodorants, and the Way of Will Natural Body Wash is a crisply scented, finely crafted body wash that’ll come in handy every day.

The Sunglasses: J. Crew Irving Sunglasses — $118

J. Crew men's sunglasses

A classically designed pair of sunglasses made for plenty of summer style scenarios.

While J. Crew sunglasses aren’t particularly cheap when you compare them to other stylish men’s sunglasses, they’re a quality investment. They provide unique looks and breezy, laidback style – the kind of style that should perfectly complement your Taylor Stitch denim and a breezy Taylor Stitch madras shirt. Throw these sunglasses on without fear – whether you’re bringing along the best beach gear or strolling to your local farmer’s market.

Save up to 25% each month by joining Style Plan at Frank + Oak! *Free Shipping & Returns. No code necessary. Monthly membership for men & women.

The Ballcap: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap — $38 OR FairEnds Brushed Cotton Ballcap — $48

Take your pick between easygoing, casual and versatile ballcaps to complement this outfit.

With a casual, subtly stylish ensemble like this one, you’re going to want accessories that hit the mark, too. A simple ballcap crafted from premium materials looks great, finishes off your outfit with some visual interest and protects your face from the sun. The Huckberry Explorer’s Cap offers up a pleasingly vintage look, while the FairEnds Brushed Cotton Ballcap is a no-nonsense hat that plays well off the Taylor Stitch madras shirt.

The Backpack: Filson Daypack — $99.98 OR Bradley Mountain Scout Backpack — $219

Filson Daypack

Add a rugged, ridiculously well-made backpack to finish off this outfit.

I do love a stylish messenger bag as much as the next guy, but there are certain situations that call for style that’s a little more functional and efficient. For hopping around from bar to bar, heading out on a stroll around town or loading up gear to take on a casual day trip, either the heritage-quality Filson Daypack or the Bradley Mountain Scout Backpack are going to get the job done. Two bags, two rugged, casual and yet versatile options to add to your everyday carry gear.
Florsheim
The Wallet: Bellroy Travel Wallet in Cocoa — $120 ($79 When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)

A heritage-quality wallet that should get a ton of use going forward.

Let’s leave no stone unturned in the way of your everyday carry. The Bellroy Travel Wallet could be the last wallet you need to buy for a long time – it’s that well-made. Crucially, it’s also available for a heck of a deal when you sign up for Bespoke Post. Like the Filson Daypack or the Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt, it’s an accessory that’s going to get better with age – that much is absolutely true.

We covered a lot of ground there, didn’t we? Wearing dark blue denim in the summer is easy when you keep it crisp, simple and casual. The Taylor Stitch slim jeans you see above are made to break in over time while looking terrific – that much is true. And when you complement them with easygoing basics – like the Flint and Tinder Vintage Slub Tee or the ourCaste Finley Knit – you should be set for lazy backyard cookouts or a day-long upstate exploration.
Timex

Complementing reliable essentials with versatile, stylish summer sneakers is also a critical step to keep in mind. Without a doubt, either the Nisolo Diego or the SeaVees Maslon Desert Boot are going to treat you just fine. And when it comes to your everyday carry – as critical a component as any – the rugged Huckberry x Lum-Tec GMT or the Aulta Acuatico Automatico are both reliable watches. Of course, don’t leave home without a bag like the Filson Daypack – agreed? Lastly, grab the Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt and the Bellroy Travel Wallet if you want to accessorize in style. Have a better handle on how to wear dark blue denim? I hope so! Follow me on Instagram to see how I style my dark blue denim, and I’m looking forward to hearing from ya in the comments.

Stay stylish!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See You at the Show: Attending Panorama 2017 In Style

The perfect setting for a selfie in the background, perhaps? Going with a mixture of laidback style and classic #menswear essentials — including my Original Penguin Utility Shirt, Flint and Tinder denim and Component sunglasses — for a great day of live music on Friday.

If you’re a regular reader of The Style Guide, you might have an inkling that I love live music — anytime, anywhere. So when I heard earlier this year that Panorama 2017 was coming back to the Big Apple — and just a quick subway ride away at that — I jumped on tickets in a hurry. These weekends always seem to go by too fast — having attended Governors Ball 2017 earlier this summer, I know that all too well. Indeed, it’s tough to believe that once again, another excellent Panorama music festival has come and gone. I’m so fortunate to be able to attend this excellent NYC music showcase — for the second year in a row, I had a tremendous time  (to say the least!).  It was with anticipation, excitment and essential summer style in mind that I hit the road — well, the subway — to head to a hot and breezy weekend of music at Randall’s Island. If you follow me on Instagram, you might be well-acquainted with my love of live music and craft beer — and this weekend had requisite helpings of both. Plug in and join me, won’t you?

The key when dressing for a music festival revolves around nailing that tricky balance between comfort, style and easygoing looks. When plenty of festival-goers throw on cargo shorts and sports jersey — at least here in NYC — it can be easy to fall into a style trap. Yet, I’m here to urge you not to do that! And I certainly tried my best to keep my style in line in terms of great fit and comfort in the heat. As it were, I also had to prep accordingly by listening to my favorite tunes — as you’ll see below, my stylish and well-made LSTN Sound Co. headphones from the Bespoke Post Vibes Box were the ideal accessory.

Panorama 2017

A mix of useful essentials — like my Original Penguin Garment-Dyed Utility Shirt — and tried-and-true favorites, like my Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch 2.0 and classic Astorflex chukkas.

That process started with my Original Penguin Garment Dye Utility Shirt, the perfect blend of style and well, utility (I used it to store small items in the chest pocket). The Burnt Olive color is a unique shade that works well in both spring and summer — and heck, fall and winter — and it teamed nicely with faded Flint and Tinder All-American Washed Jeans. Not a full-on light wash  and not a pair of classic dark blue denim, these American-made jeans feature a pleasingly faded wash and a tapered cut that’s not too tight — crucial when dealing with the sweltering NYC sun. I also teamed them with another multi-season pick, my casual and classic Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots.  The sustainably made chukka boots fit the bill in terms of a comfortable and easy-to-wear summer style essential. To finish the look and stay relatively cool in the heat, I rolled my slim light wash denim and slipped on some stylish no-show socks, complemented by my tough, versatile Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch 2.0. Once again, to get prepped for a day of listening to live music, I had to reach for my Bespoke Post Vibes Box and plug in with my LSTN Sound Co. headphones.

Needless to say, my gear proved quite helpful at navigating Panorama’s mix of beer stands, gourmet food offerings and stages. Crucially, I snagged a good spot near the main stage to see one of my favorite acts of late — passionate Baltimore-based synth rockers Future Islands. On a monumental tour behind their latest album, the excellent and emotionally charged “The Far Field,” it was a treat to see the power and raw emotion of that record brought to life by energetic frontman Sam Herring. If you get the chance, I’d urge you to see them — and you can check out more of my music-related adventures on my “other” Twitter account over here. Of course, playing right before mid-2000s hitmakers MGMT is a tough act for anyone, but Future Islands more than prepped the crowd for a high-energy MGMT set. Excellent acts were scattered throughout the day, including crowd-pleasing folk crooner Vance Joy and the evening’s two closing acts, Solange and Frank Ocean. To be able to see such variety of music within one day — and on a series of stages just a quick walk apart — is a huge benefit of a well-curated festival like Panorama. It had me just as excited for day two — time to press on!

Panorama NYC

Taking on the heat with my breezy Original Penguin Scout Shorts, classic SeaVees sneakers and a well-made Taylor Stitch shirt.

Saturday unsurprisingly promised a hot, humid and yet overcast day of excellent live music, tasty craft beer and again, gourmet bites & great #menswear. In all, that’s my kind of day. With the promise of laidback, eclectic sets on the way fro Alt-j and Tame Impala , plus an emotionally charged set by powerful Brooklyn rocker Mitski, I dressed to beat the heat in style. That meant once again reaching for Original Penguin gear — my Stretch Cotton Garment-Dye Scout Shorts featured a tailored cut, breathable fabric and excellent mobility for hopping from stage to stage. For long hours on my feet, I stepped into a dependable pair of classic SeaVees sneakers — always an excellent pick in terms of easygoing, subtle style. I’d urge you to pick up a pair  of SeaVees for your next festival, and perhaps team it with a rugged Taylor Stitch shirt, as I did. The number you see above is the well-made Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Indigo Star. To keep the sun off my face, I threw on a charcoal Huckberry Explorer’s Cap for suitably easygoing style and protection from the sun.

And the entire combo helped me move around the festival with ease — that gave me plenty of time to take in Mitski’s set. Having seen her play in front of 300 people on Valentine’s Day 2016 and nearly 2,000 people this past spring at Brooklyn Steel, it was an absolute treat to  see her take a large festival atmosphere and boil it down into power and emotion. And I was just as pleased with the excellent vibes and quirky sound that Alt-j brought to the Pavilion Stage. Truly, they didn’t disappoint with their most recent release, the edgy, well-crafted “Relaxer,” and it was neat to see them translate that record into a live show — along with modern indie radio hits like “Left Hand Free” and “Breezeblocks,” plus subtly beautiful tracks like “Something Good” and “Dissolve Me.”


Tame Impala also proved a huge highlight of the day. I was captured by the band’s absolutely killer light show back in 2015 on a Sunday evening at Governors Ball, and the Aussie group delivered yet again with a blazing headline set to close out the evening. It was the perfect way to round out two days of fun, unique and tremendous live music — count me a huge fan of Panorama, and know that I’ll be back next year if they deliver again on a great lineup and a great experience!

Easygoing, breezy essentials for a Sunday of rest and relaxation in Brooklyn — I can’t recommend my Huckberry Explorer’s Cap or Grayers Feeder Stripe Polo enough!

The weekend wasn’t over yet, though — I had more than enough time to rest, relax and hit up sunny Prospect Park and my favorite coffee/menswear shop, Upstate Stock. For a breezy Sunday, I prepped accordingly — that process started with my comfortable and modern Grayers Feeder Stripe Polo, an easy-to-wear piece that fits well and feels great. I complemented that shirt with a pair of modern, tailored Volcom slim chinos in a crisp navy color. Comfortable, well-fitting slim chinos that can go anywhere — from exploring a park to hitting up a coffee shop — are a must when hopping around Brooklyn, and these didn’t disappoint.


Lest we forget about sneakers, I teamed my chinos up with my easygoing, retro-inspired Abercrombie and Fitch x Tretorn Sneakers and the refined-yet-casual Electric California Carroway Leather Watch (a timepiece you might remember from this #OOTD on how to wear a T-shirt this summer). At any rate, the breezy Brooklyn weather also gave me the chance to break out my trusty Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, this one in a deep shade of green that played nicely off the blues of the chinos and the polo. Seriously, if you want a stylish, vintage-inspired ballcap that’s also made in America, the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap is the way to go — particularly for keeping the sun off your face following a long weekend out and about at a music festival.

It was with a great weekend of live music playing in my head that I took in a restful, relaxing Sunday (filled with some requisite work on The Style Guide, of course). I’m always thankful and grateful any time I get to combine my passions into one weekend. Between breaking out some excellent menswear, enjoying delicious craft beer and rocking out to stellar bands like Future Islands, I absolutely can’t get enough of Panorama — it makes me feel fortunate to live in NYC, to say the least! There are more music and men’s style adventures coming up soon — and if you continue reading this blog, there might be more travel style content coming sooner than you think! For now, you can follow along with our #OOTD series tomorrow.

As always … thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Jack Mason Aviator Watch

 

Jack Mason

A no-nonsense timepiece designed with aviation elements and versatile casual style.

Who doesn’t love adding to an ever-growing watch collection? For your Style Guide author, a watch is an essential accessory available in seemingly endless options — but when you find the right watch, you know it unequivocally. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I certainly can’t pass up a stylish watch. And if you need a new one of your own … well, that’s the journey we’re embarking on today. In fact, your search for a stylish new watch might start and end with the Jack Mason Aviator Watch — it’s potentially the perfect casual watch, a blend of handsome and crisp style at an affordable price point. It’ll work right now — the depths of summer — and the rest of the year. Rest assured, the watch we’re discussing today belongs on any list of the best men’s gear to buy now — and it’s certainly not too good to be true.  Jack Mason draws on classic, masculine influences to design its crisply appointed timepieces — good news if that’s what you’re into stylistically. Blending elements and detailing drawn from pilot and field watches, the results are definitely very, very covetable — take the Jack Mason Nautical Three-Hand Watch, a personal favorite of this author. And that same rugged-yet-wearable ethos shines through with the affordably priced, accessible Jack Mason Aviator Watch. It’s striking in nearly every way, from the surprisingly wearable black dial-brown leather strap combo to the clean design and the durable (yet not overwhelming) 42mm case diameter. In short, it’s the watch to buy now — and wear now.

Jack Mason

A durable-yet-wearable 42mm case diameter and handsome brown leather strap finish off the Jack Mason Aviator Watch quite nicely.

Among many other positives, the Aviator Watch is available to you for the low price of $150 when you sign up for Bespoke Post— gotta love those deals, ehh? And the value in terms of style points? It’ll far surpass the price tag. Like any versatile, stylish watch, it can team up with casual style combos — think a grey pocket tee, slim blue denim and leather high-top sneakers — or dressier ensembles (say, a cotton suit at your next casual summer wedding). It’ll seriously look great all year, a testament to its simple-yet-effective design rooted in field-ready functionality. If that sounds like it’s in your wheelhouse, then step right on up and pick up the Jack Mason Aviator Watch. Wary of buying from a relatively upstart brand? Know that the folks at Jack Mason have put in the work to back up their products (and it helps that they design watches in the hard-to-handle Texas heat). In testing out Jack Mason watches, I can vouch for their quality and durability — to go along with versatile and easily wearable style, that is. If the Aviator Watch isn’t quite your speed, Jack Mason also makes a host of other crisp, eye-catching watches, all geared toward go-anywhere looks. From racing-inspired chronographs to simple field watches, there’s a watch for every taste. And yet… there’s something about the no-frills style potential of the Aviator Watch. Do you agree? And will you be buying any timepieces from Jack Mason this summer? Let me know in the comments. For now — let’s take on the weekend in style!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau