January 20, 2016January 21, 2016 by Beau H.

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Doc Elliott Grooming

Read on for details on how to win your own set of winter beard-care essentials from Doc Elliott Grooming. Photo courtesy of the brand.

Editor’s note: Thank you to all who participated! And congrats to the winner, Christopher C. Thanks, as always, for reading.

Now that winter’s fully upon us (if it happens to be warm where you are, lucky you!), hopefully you’ve got all the great winter gear you need — from a warm topcoat to a stylish peacoat and tough winter boots. But with the ever-advancing chill comes the need to turn to another area of the men’s lifestyle department here at The Style Guide — grooming. If you’re among the bearded set out there, it’s crucial to take care of your beard in the winter — it’s one of those little style details that can go further than you think. After all, no one wants to look like a cast member in The Revenant. And it’s with that thought in mind (seriously, groom your beard!) that today’s reader giveaway opportunity comes up. Doc Elliott Grooming, based out of Austin, Texas, certainly has you covered in that regard.

I first stumbled across the brand thanks to a timely 2014 Christmas gift from Santa, and I’ve been a fan of the brand’s Pure Pomade ever since. Their focus is equal parts rugged, refined and vintage-inspired (hence the tagline, “Honor Your MANcestors”), and they like to focus on heritage, authenticity and quality ingredients — that goes for their products across the board.

Its beard care game is equally on-point, and that’s what we’re giving you the chance to enter to win today, my friends. One lucky winner will get the Beard Care combo pack (that’s the brand’s Beard Balm and Serum), plus the brand’s Edge Wax and a fun graphic tee. That entire combo will have your grooming game upgraded in no time, trust me.

To win — simply follow the instructions in this link. (Editor’s note: Contest runs until 12 a.m., January 21, 2016).

Stay warm out there and stay stylish!

-Beau

December 14, 2015December 15, 2015 by Beau H.

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Combatant Gentleman

Sharp tailored wear — namely, a new shirt and tie — could be yours to keep this season from Combatant Gentleman. Photo courtesy of the brand.

Editor’s note: Thanks to everyone who participated! And congrats to the winner, Becca R.! Stay stylish!

It’s been a bit of time since our last Reader Giveaway here at the well-adorned Style Guide HQ, but the holiday season is as good a time as any to give away some great #menswear. With holiday parties upcoming or ongoing and even more opportunities to dress up around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, you might be looking to upgrade your style in a hurry — and on a budget. That’s where Combatant Gentleman can help — as they did for the stylish fella above. In fact, I also rocked a great suit, shirt and tie combo from the brand this past weekend. They’re one of this site’s Approved Brands, and they’ve got plenty of clout to back it up. While some might prefer more expensive options offered up by brands like J. Crew, Combatant Gentleman nails the affordable suiting game. Whether it’s a Slim-Fit Travel Jacket (as I reviewed earlier this year) or a sharp double-breasted suit (as seen in a trip I took to Italy), the brand definitely delivers — they’re even making overcoats and pea coats, too. Of course, its chinos are worth a look; also worth a mention is its new made-to-measure suiting service — that’s how I was able to get the lovely custom Blue Glenplaid Suit Trousers I wore this weekend. But rest assured, even if you can’t pick up a made-to-measure suit right away, the brand has plenty of great garb to outfit you for the holiday season — after all, few brands can offer $16 ties, $12 pocket squares and versatile shirts starting at $30 (I’m a big fan of this Floral and Dot Brown Tie in particular).

Critically though, that shirt and tie is what’s going to set you apart from the pack at those holiday parties (and yes, if that shirt’s well-tailored, the tie is slim and the occasion doesn’t call for a suit jacket, you can assuredly wear a shirt and tie sans jacket). That’s why one lucky winner is getting their pick of Combatant Gentleman shirt and tie in time for the holidays — and with the classic options the brand offers, they’ll definitely work during the regular 9-to-5 grind, too.

Here’s how to win — best of luck and thanks, as always, for reading!

Head to my Instagram and follow both myself and the ever-sharp Combatant Gentleman feed.
Like either Monday’s Combat Gent-themed photo, and let me know how a shirt-and-tie combo from the brand would help you elevate your holiday look (oh, and use #DressSmarter if you would!).
Look for a winner to be picked, announced here and notified via IG on Monday night!

Enjoy the season and stay stylish!

-Beau

November 4, 2015November 6, 2015 by Beau H.

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Iron & Resin

Read on to find out how these stellar Iron & Resin gloves could be yours. Photo courtesy of the brand.

Editor’s note: This giveaway is now closed, but thanks so much to everyone who participated! And congrats to @UberOwen, the winner via Instagram of a great pair of Buffalo Bobber Gloves.

There are certain products you see on store shelves that you’re left thinking about when you walk away. I had the great fortune of attending a fall boot collection launch event at the Wolverine Company Store in NYC back in August, and while there, I stumbled across a stunning pair of gloves sitting on a shelf. How no one snapped them up, I’ll never know. Of course, they fit right in next to the rugged boots on display. And even just picking them up, I could instantly tell the leather was extremely high-quality, and the production value moreso. That night, in short, kickstarted my interest in Iron & Resin. This is one US-focused company that’s doing right by keeping its production and product assortment extremely close to home. I’ve had the chance to write about them for VOUCH Mag and Effortless Gent, and I’ve been mightily impressed after diving into their Web site and learning more about the brand.

They stock an assortment of stellar third-party lifestyle, apparel and home goods, including accessories from the likes of Owen & Fred, alongside ridiculously sturdy-looking jackets and other gear made by the brand itself. It’s all fit for the open road — literally. It’s that commitment to great journeys, places & people — and to great USA-made goods — that’s helped the brand carve out such a niche. You can find everything from indigo shirts to surfing gear to those famously durable, made-in-America gloves on the brand’s newly revamped Web site.

And with winter on the way for many of us, it’s those incredible gloves that’ll likely come in handy (literally) out there They’ve got superior abrasion resistance and a rolled cuff for ease of movement, so they’ll certainly stand up to whatever winter brings your way. Heck, you might never need another pair of gloves — they’re made for motorcycle riding, so they’ll stand up to your commute just fine. So without further delay, read on to find out how you can win the excellent Buffalo Bobber Gloves from Iron & Resin.

Best of luck to those entering!

Head to my Instagram and be sure to follow myself and Iron & Resin — they have an absolutely beautiful feed, and plenty of followers to prove it!
Like either Wednesday or Thursday’s Iron & Resin-themed photo, and in the comments, tell me how you plan to get out and explore in your new gloves this fall & winter! Use #IronAndResin, as well.
Be on the lookout for a winner announcement through an IG message on Thursday night!

Best of luck to everyone entering and as always,

Stay stylish,

-Beau

October 21, 2015October 28, 2015 by Beau H.

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Goorin Brothers

Rocking an unexpected style from a heritage hat brand. Read on to win a gift from Goorin Brothers! Unconstructed blazer by J. Crew. Heathered burgundy pocket tee by Steven Alan. Slim khaki chinos by Taylor Stitch. Chukka boots by Timberland. Glasses by Warby Parker.

Editor’s note: Thanks to all who participated! And congrats to the giveaway winner, Ali N.! Stay stylish, folks.

There are some brands that do one thing so well, you can’t help but stop and take notice. Goorin Brothers, heritage hatmakers for more than a century, absolutely fit the bill. After seeing some of the brand’s shops around Brooklyn and Manhattan across the past six months or so — four shops in total — my interest was piqued. I connected with the brand’s lovely PR team and have since been fortunate enough to learn lots more about Goorin — and it’s no exaggeration to say it’s been all good things (read a full brand profile here). A nice hat is a style accessory that not all will be interested in, granted, but if you do decide to go that route, there’s no better place to look than Goorin. It’s a company that’s rooted in quality and family principles, and they make just about every hat style you can imagine, from felt fedoras to flatcaps and perhaps my personal favorite as seen above, a line of vintage ballcaps. But, it’s perhaps the more classic fedora or flatcap styles that pair best with all kinds of outfit combinations in the fall — from a rugged henley and bomber jacket to some sharp tailored wear. That’s the best mark of a great hat, as with any style item — versatility! And Goorin sure does craft them well, as they’re fit for any adventures you might find yourself on this season. I’m personally looking forward to breaking mine out as it gets colder in NYC, although they make several varieties fit for warmer weather. I just need to get my hands on one of the brand’s felt fedoras and I’ll be all set — I’d advise you do the same!

While I could go on about the brand, there’s a bigger upside to this post (assuming you’ve made it this far) — the chance to pick one up for yourself!

So, here are the goods — 1 lucky winner will receive one $150 gift card good for purchase at any Goorin Brothers shop (36 of ’em nationwide) or the brand’s Web site — that should cover most hats on the site!

More crucially, that winner could be you! Here’s how to enter (and hopefully win):

Head to Instagram and be sure to follow both my Instagram account and the Goorin Brothers account
Like Wednesday’s Goorin Brothers-themed photo, and in the comments, tag a friend who you think could use a Goorin Brothers gift card — and by extension, a hat! Be sure to use the hashtag #StyleAdventures, too (and lastly, be sure to do so before 9 p.m. THURSDAY — we’ve extended it by one day!).
As per usual, the winner will be notified via Instagram Wednesday evening following the conclusion of the contest.

So those are the nuts and bolts of this giveaway — good luck!

Stay stylish,

-Beau

September 14, 2015September 16, 2015 by Beau H.

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Owen & Fred

A spread very similar to this one could be yours if you read on below! Photo courtesy of Owen & Fred.

Editor’s note: Although this giveaway has now closed, thanks so much to everyone who participated! And congrats to the winner of this Owen & Fred Essentials set, Mitchell Y. Thanks again and stay stylish!

If you recall way back in April on this blog, I featured a little men’s lifestyle and design outfit called Owen & Fred. If you’re not familiar with the brand, you’ll definitely be pleased with what you find. They stock excellent essentials that anyone can appreciate, even if you’re not a design nut. The brand’s lineup is something to behold (and check out in person if you can find a retailer near you). From brass business card holders crafted in the U.S. to collar stays & cufflinks, not to mention sturdy and durable bags for your commute and beyond, O&F really does it all – including art work for your walls. The brand was founded on the principles of exceptional design, quality and craftsmanship back in 2012, and shot to prominence with features in, among others, GQ. I myself am fortunate enough to have put their brass bottle opener to frequent use — it’s a worthy addition to any craft beer fan’s cabinet. I’ve also tried out what they call the World’s Greatest Laundry Bag, and I can tell you that it’s rightfully named; that bag has held up well! So I knew the brand’s offerings were worth another look — particularly for those who read this blog (and thank you for that, by the way!). (Editor’s note: To get $10 off via the brand’s site, click here!).

I met up with founder Mike Arnot back at Capsule Show in July to check out what the brand had on-tap for the coming months. The assortment was, as to be expected, very well-curated and cleanly designed. The little touches an Owen & Fred product can add to even a small area aren’t to be undersold — that’s how well-made they are (in my opinion). So that’s why I’m teaming up with the brand to help you revamp your office, dorm desk or work space this fall! One lucky winner will get all the goods you need to hone in that creative focus and ramp up your productivity. Namely, we’re giving away the following, with details on how to win thereafter:

One Leather Desk Pad (choice of Tan, Black or Navy)
One Hex Concrete Pen Cup
One “Another Great Idea” Pen (choice of Blue, Black or Maroon)
One Rolex Essential Movement Notebook

So, you like what you see? Here’s how to win!

Head to my Instagram account and be sure you’re following both myself and Owen & Fred
Like either Monday or Tuesday’s photo and in the comments below, let me know what creative endeavors, projects or just plain ol’ work you plan to undertake using your new Owen & Fred essentials! Be sure to use the hashtag #OwenAndFred, too.

It’s as simple as that! As per usual, the winner will be notified via Instagram once selected. Good luck to those who enter and thank you, as always, for reading!

Stay stylish,

-Beau

August 24, 2015 by Beau H.

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Kent & Bond Grooming

Your chance to win a well-made grooming product from an upstart brand. Photo courtesy of Kent & Bond.

Editor’s note: Read on (or at least skim?) to the bottom of this article for a special reader giveaway opportunity!

It seems lots of companies in every facet of the menswear landscape are now paying more attention to how they make their wares — that goes for the consumers buying them, too. Whether it’s Everlane’s model of radical transparency or brands like Noble Denim supporting American-made manufacturing, the trend (if you want to call it that), is everywhere. It hasn’t been all that loud on the men’s grooming front though — particularly when you combine the qualities that seem to separate most grooming brands: domestic manufacturing and organic ingredients. Kent & Bond is changing that, though.

I had the chance to write about the brand for VOUCH Mag and I also got the opportunity to check out its signature Body Brick soap across these past few weeks. Launched last year and the proud owner of a new E-commerce website, its product is made in the U.S.A using Certified Organic ingredients. Those touches give the product a premium feel for a low price — $14 for a fairly substantial mini-brick of soap, among other nicely priced wares (read on for more on those).

Kent & Bond’s Charcoal Pine Body Brick, complete with the brand’s mission.

I was admittedly skeptical at first about the product — it’s just a bar of soap, right? Is there a catch? Honestly — no, no catch at all. I sampled the Charcoal Pine Body Brick (as charcoal-based products seem to be everywhere in the men’s grooming world these days), and I haven’t been disappointed. The bar combines a pleasant smell with a crisp, clean feeling — and that’s also reflected in some of the other Body Brick samples I was sent (the brand stocks five Body Brick scents in total). The bars are also rich in vitamins, aged for three months and produced in small batches — tough to find that in your average body wash. It’s also worth nothing that the brand produces responsibly made body gels, too.

The full run of the brand’s popular Body Brick soaps. Photo courtesy of Kent & Bond.

One would imagine that its deodorants and products like the Body Salve are equally well-made — don’t forget about its Horween leather dopp kit, either. The lineup also brings an edge of masculinity — something that could draw in guys skeptical about testing out new grooming products (*raises hand*). If you find yourself on the fence about buying a product though — don’t be! And luckily, that’s what we’re taking care of for you here today. I’m partnering with the brand to give away 1 Body Brick sample of your choice to five lucky winners. Rest assured — even a sample size is quite large. Simply do the following:

Head on over to my Instagram account, [make sure you’re following myself and Kent & Bond, of course!].
Then, ‘Like’ either Sunday or Monday’s special K&B-themed IG post and comment as to what product or scent you’d like the best! You’ll be able to tell which is which based on the post, trust me.

The winners will be chosen randomly and notified late Tuesday via Instagram. Stay tuned for more! And head over to the brand’s Facebook or Twitter accounts for more from their world.

February 25, 2015February 25, 2015 by Beau H.

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Linjer Leather Goods

A beautiful leather billfold in mocha from Linjer — read on for details on how to enter to win this or other great offerings from the brand.

If you follow the Men’s Style section of this site with any regularity, you might remember last fall’s brand profile on Linjer Leather Goods. They launched an INDIEGOGO campaign that quickly took off, with the aim of providing high-quality leather goods like briefcases, messenger bags and satchels at prices far below luxury brands. The company blew by its initial fundraising goal on INDIEGOGO (by 287%, no less!) and is now getting closer to an initial production run of its products, most of which are set to ship in March. They’ve got some beautiful-looking offerings up on the site right now, including a soft leather briefcase in an eye-catching navy and a slick messenger bag. They have plans to launch new items soon, including the mocha billfold pictured here and a stunning set of vertical wallets, passport wallets, cardholders and work totes.

These are outstanding products made to last with high-quality materials, and given all that, I’m proud to be able to give away another tremendous offering from the company — your pick of a Linjer Leather Goods billfold, passport wallet, cardholder or vertical wallet!

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

Unlike the last reader giveaway on the site, this involves the actual product right upfront. The mocha billfold pictured here came into the Siblings With Style Brooklyn outpost earlier last week and seems to live up to the reputation the company’s built for itself in just a short period of time — it would be an awesome pick for the lucky winner of this contest.

The leather is rich yet supple and should develop a nice patina over time, and it’s extra slim — around 40% the thickness of a traditional wallet thanks to only two layers of leather. It features enough space for 6 cards and two slots for cash. A more in-depth review of this particular piece is planned for early March, but before that time, a great Linjer piece could be yours! Simply follow the instructions on the giveaway below, and check out some close-up photos of the cardholder, vertical wallet and passport wallet in the meantime.

Slim, sleek and well-made. Photo courtesy of Linjer Leather Goods.

Slim, sleek and well-made. The mocha billfold is just one of the potential options for the giveaway winner. Photo courtesy of Linjer Leather Goods.

For full details on the giveaway, follow the listed link! Good luck and thanks for reading!

Win a Linjer wallet!

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Tag / reader giveaway opportunity

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Doc Elliott Grooming

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Combatant Gentleman

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Iron & Resin

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Goorin Brothers

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Owen & Fred

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Kent & Bond Grooming

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Linjer Leather Goods