The Friday Read: New York Fashion Week: Men’s Edition

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.  

While there have been plenty of busy weeks as of late, this week was among the busiest … perhaps ever? It was the second summer iteration (and third iteration overall) of New York Fashion Week: Men’s, the most recent addition to a fashion calendar that sends top menswear editors, retail buyers, designers, models,  bloggers and photographers on a globetrotting marathon that stretches from London to Milan, Florence, Paris and NYC. Pretty wild, right? While runway shows and high fashion can often get pretty intimidating and overwhelming, there are still reasons to pay attention — particularly as a #menswear fan (that’s why we’re here, right?). For one, the trends that are seen on the runway — for example, the influence of sportswear on the men’s style market — trickle down all the way to brands like Old Navy (take those bomber jackets seen everywhere).

For another, they draw quite the crowd and build buzz & support for the industry. And thankfully and luckily, I had the chance as part of my freelance style writing with The Manual and this here blog to do some pretty neat things, to say the least.  For one, I was able to attend three excellent trade shows (think row upon row of brands displaying their upcoming and current wares in merchandised spaces for buyers and press). From Capsule Show to Liberty  to the more internationally focused MAN Show — featuring The Hill-Side, among others —  I caught with some of my favorite brands. Among them were brands you frequently see here — that would be folks from places like American Trench, Tanner Goods and Owen & Fred. Perhaps most importantly, I was humbled and honored to interview Mr. Todd Snyder for a piece covering his stellar new collaboration with Timex; he’s my menswear hero and a true gentleman — a fine example of the great people that work in the menswear industry overall. With all that being said, it was a busy and exhausting week, yet one that was very fulfilling and enjoyable! And it’s not done yet. I’m looking forward to heading back to Michigan for my good friend Matt Sheehan’s wedding — as a former State News colleague and a proud Spartan, it should be a tremendous occasion! And we’ll have a full men’s style weekend recap  coming along on Monday. For now, check out a few choice men’s style stories from this week!

  • As I mentioned above, you’d be wise to check out — and drool over, and pre-order — the excellent Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch as I covered for The Manual;  it’s effortlessly wearable and versatile!
  • Even though the rest of the menswear world looked toward Spring/Summer 2017 this week, Saturdays Surf NYC offered us all a sneak peek at what they’ve got coming for this fall — and boy, does the collection look stellar.
  • And in the spirit of all things New York Fashion Week:  Men’s, GQ takes you into the super-exclusive, super-premium Amazon Fashion Prime Lounge, where some of the hottest names in fashion and entertainment kicked back (I think my invite was lost in the mail).

Looking for one last thing to read?

That’s all we’ve got on tap this week here at The Style Guide — for more from my weekend in Michigan and to see the gear I’m rocking, follow along on Instagram and Twitter!

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Style Suggestion: What to Wear for Cinco de Mayo

Editor’s note: For all manner of style suggestions covering everything from brunch to the holidays, head here.

As I sit here to write this post, it’s pretty wild that it’s already time to think about Cinco de Mayo — where has the time gone? And how are your 2016 style resolutions holding up so far? I’m still struggling to wear less blue, namely — the below outfit doesn’t necessarily move away from that color, either! With that being said, it’s important to recognize that Cinco de Mayo really does have historical significance — and yet, it’s a time a lot of us use to spend with friends at say, a patio bar crawl or the like. And if you’ve been cooped up inside all winter, it seems people need any excuse to get outside (heck, who doesn’t love a great brew regardless — am I right, or am I right?). At any rate, we’re combining style that’s part casual, part rugged and a little refined to combat warm breezes during the day, and possibly cool temps at night. Like what you see, or have other suggestions in mind? Give The Style Guide a shout over here. Onto the outfit!

The Jacket: JackThreads Trucker Jacket — $79

Unique design details and a classic indigo color make this the ideal piece of spring outerwear.

Unique design details and a classic indigo color make this the ideal piece of spring outerwear.

Just as we kicked off our suggestion covering what to wear to Sunday brunch with a JackThreads, so we begin this style suggestion with a tough trucker jacket that’s a positively stunning value — and it should come in handy if it gets breezy, too. The silhouette is a bit different than your standard denim jacket (note the covered placket and the front ridges on either side of it). Lest you think a denim jacket can’t work for you, note that it can be worn plenty of ways. It’s also worth noting that JackThreads’ creative director, Tony Kretten, was the man behind the relaunch of the GAP 1969 denim line — so he knows a thing or two about great denim.

The Shirt: Saturdays Surf NYC Esquina Denim Shirt in Light Washed Indigo — $115

The spring and summer answer to winter's dark denim shirt.

The spring and summer answer to winter’s dark denim shirt.

We’re going full-on denim on denim on the top half — but it’s no Canadian tuxedo. Lest you’re wary of pairing two shades of blue, note that this Saturdays Surf NYC oxford has nice texture and a color that’s significantly lighter than the jacket. It’s a simple, minimal shirt that could quickly turn into a workhorse spring styling piece — it would work well with slim tan chinos or even dark  blue jeans throughout the summer (don’t rule out a pair of tailored shorts, either). From personal experience, Saturdays Surf NYC shirts fit slim and hold up very well through repeated wear — a good thing considering the price tag.

The Pants: JackThreads Slim Chino in Stone — $49

A pair of pants to go along with the JackThreads jacket -- slim, stylish and affordable.

A pair of pants to go along with the JackThreads jacket — slim, stylish and affordable.

In this case, the darker blue jacket and lighter blue shirt are just fit for the cool tones of these JackThreads stone chinos. The brand crafts these with a slim fit and nice fabric, plus the price is (as always with JackThreads) exceptionally solid. Some slim khaki chinos would also work with the rest of this ensemble, as might some natural denim — and if you were lucky enough to pre-order the incredible Taylor Stitch Slim Chino in Stone, that’s a worthy pair of pants to keep in mind when matching up multiple shades of blue (although it doesn’t look like they’ll ship in time for this particular holiday).

The Sneakers: SeaVees Legend Sneaker Standard in Bleach — $78

Just as stylish now as it was decades ago.

Just as stylish now as it was decades ago.

SeaVees was among the first brands to really pioneer the classic plimsoll sneaker, and the silhouette has stood up to the years — the Legend Sneaker Standard is no different. These kicks are crisp, casual and timeless — they’ll pop nicely with the light grey chinos and the darker blue jacket, and the great thing about these kicks is that they’ll probably look even better a bit beat up. Plus, they’re comfortable and lightweight — perfect for hanging out on a patio as the sun sets. If those aren’t your speed, check out other stylish spring sneakers here.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Braided Leather Belt — $18.50

A welcome and appropriate departure from a thin dress belt.

A welcome and appropriate departure from a thin dress belt.

Casual situations call for a change of pace from a slim, minimal dress belt — this is definitely one of those times. This J. Crew Factory braided leather belt works well in terms of adding some texture and visual interest to this outfit, and it works for spring (and summer, and fall … and winter). A striped webbing belt would also add a spring-friendly vibe to the look, yet the leather belt is going to be a bit more versatile across the seasons. If you happen to have the rugged vintage leather belt from this style suggestion, throw that on instead.

The Watch: AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II — $165

A sufficiently rugged watch ready for the rigors of a bar crawl.

A sufficiently rugged watch ready for the rigors of a bar crawl.

Are you familiar with AVI-8 Watches? The brand takes pride in producing authentic, tough and durable watches inspired by classic pilot timepieces. The story is an admirable one, and the product looks great — and backs it up with quality for a very solid price, too. The version of the Hawker Harrier II seen here is a bit less technically complicated than some of the other models from the same line (including this chronograph number), but it’s fitting for this particular occasion — it’s not too dressy, and it gives off a nice, rugged vibe. The combination of black and tan between the dial and the case is solid, and the 45mm diameter means it’s pretty beastly. If a smaller-sized watch might be more your thing, head to last week’s post on the best casual watches to buy now.

The Socks: American Trench Summer Footies — $13.50

An underrated finishing touch that could be crucial in keeping your white kicks pristine.

An underrated finishing touch that could be crucial in keeping your white kicks pristine.

Don’t underestimate the power of taking care of your feet this summer — and by extension, your shoes. A nice pair of no-show socks can help contain foot odor, make sneakers last longer and ultimately, prove much more comfortable for your feet. American Trench does standard fall and winter socks well, and they’ve even introduced some nice, spring-ready colors (in addition to the no-show socks you see here). Even if they’re only socks, the fact that they’re made in the USA at a family mill is another big bonus. They’ll definitely finish off this outfit the right way.

When approaching a situation like Cinco de Mayo, where you might be headed to a party to a bar and back, or multiple indoor or outdoor stops along the way, layering up appropriately is going to be key. The denim trucker jacket adds a rugged, bar-ready look to those modern, slim chinos — and classic white sneakers are a great piece of finishing footwear.   A tough, military-inspired watch serves a dual function — that of a neat conversation starter and a really solid watch. Plus, each of these pieces can work across the rest of the season in various outfits. That’s worth a toast in my book.

How are you dressing for Cinco de Mayo? Any pieces you would change or add?

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Florsheim

Style abroad: Travels through Greece and Italy, Part 1

The view from a small boat to Santorini, Greece.

If you’re just joining us (or just catching up to TSG), this dispatch comes to you from the high seas! Specifically, somewhere between Greece and Italy for a family cruise. The biggest takeaway so far: what a trip it’s been. I knew going in (and packing) for the trip that it was bound to be incredible — but until you’ve experienced the beauty of this part of the world, there’s really nothing like it. It’s been an unmatched experience, but thankfully, my wardrobe has withstood the test to this point. 

Exploring the port town of Civitavecchia, Italy pre-cruise with some comfortable Mott & Bow white denim. Brown leather chukkas by Timberland.

 
I’ve had the chance to try out a few different outfit combos and to date, I’ve found my Mott & Bow white denim to be both comfortable and versatile, perhaps the best pair of pants I brought along. They’ve proven a crisp option for travel when paired with brown leather chukkas, and that’s equally true of my unconstructed J. Crew blazer (get the scoop on other great blazer options here). My GAP chambray shirt, in breezier situations, and my Banana Republic khaki shorts (in hotter temps) have also fared well, as have the range of summer T-shirt options I  brought along –namely my Pistol Lake henley is a well-fitting yet breathable option, as is a lightweight H&M v-neck. And the Combatant Gentleman chinos I packed — soon to be featured as this week’s Style Pick — are casual yet tailored enough for dinner wear.

 

Shore style in Santorini. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Bros. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Charcoal pocket tee by American Apparel. French Terry Sweatshorts by Pistol Lake. Sneakers by Athletic Propulsion Labs. Black rubber strap watch by Stuhrling. Slim Mailbag by Satchel and Page.

 
For a particularly strenuous shore excursion in Santorini,  I turned to my  Pistol Lake sweatshorts and sweet Athletic Propulsion Labs running shoes — hiking the mountains of Greece absolutely calls for it, yet thankfully, they’re futuristic and unique enough that they feel less like a running shoe and more like a new-age sneaker you’d see on a fashion runway. My Satchel and Page Slim Mailbag has also proven more than up to the test of tagging along for the journey, and it’s pretty neat to be carrying a bag that’ll only get better with age (full review of that in the coming weeks).

 

Kicking back in casual style. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Bros. Blue V-neck by H&M. Shorts by Frank & Oak. Glasses by Warby Parker. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Beer by Heineken.

 
And in the rest of my downtime, I’ve found myself reaching for lightweight linen blends, like my Frank & Oak shorts or a Stock Mfg. Co shirt, plus crisp-casual accessories (like a versatile wool-blend Goorin Bros. hat or my trusty G.H. Bass brown leather loafers). My Orlebar Brown swim trunks (more on those here) are faring quite nicely, too. On the footwear front, my trusty GREATS Brand Wilson sneakers and Leather Wooster Slip-ons have also pulled some double-duty on shore trips and casual wear to date, and I’m excited to continue pairing them with the selection of chinos and denim I brought.

   

Hoping to strike it rich in my Combatant Gentleman double-breasted suit jacket, custom Black Lapel suit pants, G.H. Bass loafers and Combatant Gentleman shirt. Watch by Daniel Wellington. Italian beer by Peroni.

  
 For formal wear, I’ve mixed and matched my Combatant Gentleman Steel Blue Glenplaid Double-Breasted Suit Jacket with some custom grey suit pants, brown loafers and a crisp White Endurance Shirt from Combat Gent, and my Combat Gent chinos as seen above (with some Andre Coton loafers) are also working well. On the accessories front, my Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol watch is holding up quite nicely — the pared-down, minimalist design is a big benefit when packing and traveling.

Luckily, the weather’s proved sunny and warm, so I haven’t tripped up on not bringing outerwear — yet, that is. The rest of our trip calls for a bicycle tour and some town and shore exploration in Mykonos today, followed by stops in Athens and Katakolon! At any rate, check back here on Friday for the weekly Friday Read post, and swing back through on Saturday (if you feel like it) for the Style Pick of the Week. More coming from Greece next week on The Style Guide, too!

Stay stylish,

-Beau
Ernest Alexander

Ben Sherman US

Style Pick of the Week: Saturdays Surf NYC Esquina Oxford

Editor’s note: Expect these posts with some regularity detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for — like the pick below. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here.

A deep indigo color & extremely soft wash make this the perfect spring shirt.

A deep indigo color & extremely soft wash make this the perfect spring shirt.

It was a close call determining this week’s Style Pick of the Week. Go for another, similarly awesome buttondown (this short-sleeve shirt from Apolis) or a great jacket for the spring (this pricey but stunning Todd Snyder bomber)? In the end, an early day out of work and a trip to the awesome Saturdays Surf NYC store in SoHo led to the pick you see here — the brand’s Esquina Oxford in Indigo.

A rack full of lovely cotton buttondowns from Saturdays NYC. If you look closely, you can spot this week's Style Pick!

A rack full of lovely cotton buttondowns from Saturdays NYC. If you look closely, you can spot this week’s Style Pick!

For those not familiar with Saturdays NYC, the brand launched in 2009 selling wetsuits, surfboards and beach equipment to surf-crazed New Yorkers. They’ve since expanded to producing and designing their own menswear and were part of GQ’s 2012 Best New Menswear Designers in America cohort — high accolades to pick up in just a short time. So the quality speaks for itself. Yes, $98 is a pretty high figure for a short-sleeve shirt — but having checked out this particular shirt in person (and having worn last year’s polka dot version to death), it’s a splurge worth making. The shirt is exceptionally soft, slim-cut and well-designed, too. It’s also available in light grey, white and black — but the indigo color is, to me, that rare blue shirt that would pair well with lightwash blue jeans or dark denim — not to mention khaki chinos or tailored shorts.

Do you own any items from Saturdays NYC? What brand of short-sleeve shirt are you picking up for spring?

Editor’s note: Like free stuff? Like $1,000 worth? The great folks over at TRNK Club have partnered with Apolis, The Motley & Valet to deliver a grand of spring essentials — enter this awesome contest here until April 7!