Tag / sleep well beast

by Beau H.

North of the Border: Heading to Toronto to see The National 

Layered up with my Grayers Edgevale Moto Jacket & Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt to fight the Toronto chill.


If you read The Style Guide with any regularity, you’re perhaps familiar with my love of live music, here in New York City and elsewhere. Even in these past few months, I’ve had the chance to pack up my favorite #menswear and hit the road to Portland (to see synth-pop rockers Future Islands) and Nashville (to rock out with Cold War Kids and Young the Giant). One of my latest Style Guide road trips also took me north to Boston, then back down to NYC, to see my favorite band, indie rock heroes The National. So, what did this past weekend bring? Why, a trip north of the border to see none other than The National, of course! They’ve been putting together a masterful tour packed with new jams, cool covers and old favorites as part of the September release of “Sleep Well Beast,” one of the year’s best albums. All told, the time was quite ripe for me to head to a brand-new city for an excellent weekend filled with delicious food, great coffee, stellar music and … my favorite #menswear! Join me for the ride (if you haven’t caught news of the trip on my Instagram, that is). Let’s rock!

A trusty Grayers moto jacket and thermal shirt helped me hop north of the border for a great weekend of live music and exploration.

My early flight into Toronto absolutely necessitated a crucial stop for refreshments at Rooster Coffee House, a unique blend of the rustic and modern complete with reclaimed wood furnishings and eclectic lighting. To navigate through the airport, across the border and right into a busy day of exploration, I dressed accordingly in some of the best men’s gear I could pack (and wear). That meant throwing on a versatile, travel-friendly men’s jacket — the edgy, cool Grayers Edgeware Coated Corton Moto Jacket, complete with plenty of room for everyday carry essentials. I layered it over the Grayers Arrowcrest Thermal Stitch Crew, a cozy, comfortable piece that nicely accented my Flint and Tinder All-American Jeans (made from stretch selvage) and a pair of classic suede chukka boots from Astorflex. The combo was simply perfect for travel-ready style. To get from Rooster Coffee House across Toronto to the seriously cool Graffiti Alley – a renowned “living canvas” alley protected by the city government — I wore a stylish Timex watch (in this case, a durable Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chronograph). The next time you need to navigate a new city and an international flight, I’d urge you to reach for a durable watch, a slick, travel-ready jacket and versatile denim. 

My day in Toronto wasn’t finished yet, though — not even close. I eventually made my way over to the renowned Kensington Market, a jam-packed 10-block neighborhood packed with market stalls and tasty food aplenty (enough to wow even the most discerning traveler). It was a busy, bustling area filled with diversity and the sort of authenticity it can be tough to find in bigger cities — with all that walking, I was glad my Astorflex chukka boots proved comfortable and stylish. I also managed to pop in the positively massive, music-filled Sonic Boom Records — it helped set the tone for a weekend packed with hit songs by my favorite band.
 As the day turned to night, I made my way to Union, renowned cocktail bar & eatery with a quaint-yet-rugged, comfortable vibe — perfect for happy hour in Toronto. That wasn’t my only stop of the evening. Being the massive Harry Potter fan that I am, it was practically a Toronto requirement that I visit The Lockhart, a Harry Potter-themed bar that’s nothing short of delightful. It features stylish, cool decor and plenty of touches that nod to the books, the perfect place to spend some time with a tasty, tequila-and-cinnamon “betterbeer” and the aptly named Shacklebolt, a tasty concoction made with rum and ginger beer. From the subtle, detailed decor to the themed bathrooms, it’s a must-visit for HP fans.
Holiday 2017
It was high time to keep things rolling with dinner at Otto’s Bierhalle, a German-style beer hall that certainly caught my eye for its approach to delicious brews and entrees like the rich beef tenderloin. The next time you’re in Toronto, I’d suggest you hit up Otto’s, without a doubt. It was quite the long day, but I was glad I dressed in versatile style. In fact, several of my new favorite men’s style essentials came in handy, including my tough Grayers jacket and classic chukka boots.

My trusty Viberg boots have carried me through at least a few amazing shows by The National this year — other style essentials helped with my trip, too!


After quite the busy Friday getting around Toronto, starting Saturday off with a jolt of much-needed caffeine at Rooster Coffee House was once again critical — as was layering up with with a Kenneth Cole topcoat, a sleek piece of warm outerwear that more than stood up to the challenge of a crisp Toronto day. Oh, and as it was the day of another great concert by The National, my LSTN Sound Co. headphones from Bespoke Post were a crucial companion.  I paired up the jacket with the Taylor Stitch Indio Star Jack Shirt, a longtime favorite that provides reliable style and go-anywhere looks — you can wear the Indigo Star Jack Shirt tucked in or layered up on your next trip, too. I accented the combo with handy everyday carry essentials — including a handsome plaid Banana Republic scarf — and my Abercrombie & Fitch Langdon Slim Jeans, featuring a tailored-yet-mobile fit. That combo proved durable and versatile for more on-foot exploration, this time through Toronto’s ultra-cool Distillery District. For lunch and a tasty brew, Mill Street Brewery was among my stops during the day, featuring deliciously rich food like the Smoked Meat Poutine and brews like the 100th Meridian, an organic amber lager. It was tough to keep moving after all that great food, but I managed … somehow.

The day still held plenty of promise before an amazing show by The National — I had to squeeze in some menswear shopping undoubtedly! That meant making my way to the seriously cool Lost & Found, a clothing store-coffee shop hybrid that stocks Style Guide favorites like The Hill-side alongside excellent coffee and a cool vibe. With my fill of menswear for the day, I set out for one last pit stop at Amsterdam BrewHouse (I recommend the BoneShaker IPA or the 3-Speed Lager). Filled with great vibes, delicious craft beer and the promise of an extraordinary show by my favorite band on the horizon, the beautiful Sony Centre for the Performing Arts was my next stop. Once again, The National absolutely did not disappoint. I’ve been fortunate enough to see several shows by The National recently, from two intimate performances at Basilica Hudson (an old glue factory in upstate New York) to the historic Forest Hills Stadium in NYC — the Sony Centre held a different type of modern splendor, making for a very special evening.

 A timely seat upgrade put me just five rows from the stage, and I wouldn’t  have it any other way. The National powered through a slew of hits and fan favorites, including gems like “Slow Show,” “Graceless,” “Conversation 16” and “Bloodbuzz Ohio.” The venue felt surprisingly intimate, complete with great acoustics and an excellent view. It was, in short, an absolutely  banner night, made all the more unforgettable by the encore closer, an acoustic take on the amazing “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks.” Talk about a lifetime night! 

The right gear to take on a rugged, chilly day in Toronto — led by beard balm from Duke Cannon, a rugged Frank & Oak twill shirt and an essential Original Penguin cardigan.

Sunday gave me time to indulge a few more of my passions before hitting the road home. I layered up in suitably rugged winter style for an extremely chilly December day, starting with a Frank and Oak flecked overshirt and a cozy Original Penguin Shawl Collar Cardigan. On the footwear front, I had to reach for durable leather boots once again given the chilly weather. My Thursday Boots Grizzly Wheat President Boots proved a stylish, versatile pair for getting around Toronto, and they matched up quite nicely with my Original Penguin Stretch Five-Pocket Pants. The combo was more than ready for a delicious coffee at the quaint Red Rocket Coffee near my AirBNB — my classic Timex watch again proved helpful when it came time to head to stop number two … brunch. The hearty, rich spread at Rose and Sons called to mind a classic diner done right. If you go, get the All-Day Breakfast, featuring three eggs, schmaltz hash and sausage — it was amazing (and filling!).

Holiday 2017

My day wasn’t done yet — I managed to pack in yet another craft beer-centric stop! Never one to pass up a great pour, I made it a point to hop over to the acclaimed Blood Brothers Brewing, a Toronto staple that brings a workman-like approach to craft beer. In short, I was right at home enjoying a rich and rustic  IPA or two. It was time to head back to NYC all too soon, though — the flight back proved so quick, I had the urge to turn right around and head back! Toronto was a lovely city, complete with eclectic, diverse food, cool and unexpected menswear and of course, plenty of standout music by The National. It was neat to experience the city as so many think of it — during a chilly winter. And the backdrop was made all the more enjoyable by the chance to pack my favorite travel style essentials while seeing my favorite band! It’s not the last time I’ll be seeing The National on this tour, either … but more on that later!

For now, stay tuned for tomorrow’s new #OOTD post and enjoy your holiday travels!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Sleep Well Beast: A Northeast Weekend Seeing The National

Enjoying a relaxing brew at Brooklyn’s Sycamore and preparing to see The National in New York last Friday. Dressed in a classic Mott and Bow Oxford, a sharp Timex watch and my Levi’s 505C denim for rock-ready style!

Folks, I’d say the headline says it all when it comes to my latest Style Guide trip. This past weekend — a long weekend that’s still going, in fact — I hit the road to do one of my favorite things: Take in not one, but TWO stellar shows by my absolute favorite  banded, lauded American indie rockers The National. A favorite of mine from my days back attending Michigan State University, this sharply dressed band just released “Sleep Well Beast,” one of the year’s best albums, back in September. And the six albums prior to that release? All packed with extraordinary gems. They’re in the midst of a tour that started overseas and is swinging through the States as we speak, so it was essential that I catch two Northeast shows. It was even more essential that I dress in my favorite #menswear! If you want a dash of travel style tips, a few Boston travel tips and of course, some great music, come along. Plug in, turn up the band’s latest album, and let’s dress for a rock concert in style … refined style, that is.

Style that’s refined enough for the office, ready for travel and still able to work at a concert by a band known for tailored style!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years of following The National, it’s that this is a band that — in addition to writing my favorite tracks — can wear the heck out of a suit (especially lead singer Matt Berninger). His years spent working at an ad agency likely carried over to his classic on-stage style, so to go from my office to a Boston-bound train to a show at the handsomely appointed Wang Theatre, I had to dress the part. That started on my top half with the comfortable-yet-sharp Old Navy Garment-Dyed Built-in Flex Canvas Blazer in a fitting charcoal color. With casual patch pockets, it helped me haul around my everyday carry essentials, as did my Whipping Post Large Leather Messenger Bag.


I completed the day-to-night combo with sharp navy Oxford from Mott and Bow, a brand that’s as wearable at a concert as at the office. For style that was at once crisp and yet rock concert-friendly on my bottom half, my dark blue Flint and Tinder All-American Jeans in the brand’s Slim Tapered fit offered up versatility and mobility.  And as has become custom when heading to a rock concert, I had to throw on durable, stylish leather boots — specifically, my Viberg Service Boots, which proved as hard-wearing and rugged as ever.

Contemplating an emotional, meaningful and hard-rocking show from The National in Boston. Dressed in refined rock style with an Old Navy blazer and a Mott and Bow Oxford!

With stylish gear in tow and my trek up to Boston complete, pre-show refreshments were crucial. If ever you find yourself near Boston’s South End and want a gourmet meal paired with an excellent local craft brew, be sure to hit up the Tip Tap Room. With more than 40 taps, this upscale pub delivers when it comes to rich IPAs and flavorful farmhouse ales in equal measure. It was, in short, a great place to kick off an excellent evening with  my favorite band. The Wang Theatre is a unique venue, with the beauty of a space that’s a national historic landmark and the capacity (3,500) to host a major rock show.

It was certainly a show I’d been looking forward to for a long time. I’d heard the band debut some new tracks during a spirited performance at Panorama 2016, and I’d also had the pleasure of hearing them debut their new album in full (twice!) during an upstate trip earlier this summer, but this tour presents a new, well, beast. With a discography spanning seven albums and plenty of fan favorites, The National are a truly masterful band that keeps you guessing — in the best way possible. From the spare, beautiful opening track “Nobody Else Will Be There” to the hard-charging “Day I Die,” material off “Sleep Well Beast” was met with as much joy as deep cuts like “Son” (one of the first tracks they ever wrote), plus hard-charging numbers like “Don’t Swallow the Cap” and fan favorites like “Mr. November.”

The stellar set list was filled out by 10 — yes, 10 — incredible tracks off “Sleep Well Beast,” plus amazing renditions of “Terrible Love,”Fake Empire” and classic mid-aughts numbers “Secret Meeting” and “Apartment Story.” It’s tough to put into words how much of an impact this band has had on me, from Michigan all the way to Brooklyn, but their emotional, meaningful and nuanced rock music is a consistent force in my daily life. Their consistency and work ethic are also admirable — you don’t go from playing shows across the Midwest to five people to writing an exceptional album like “Sleep Well Beast” overnight. And with that being said, it was very fitting that the next stop on a country-spanning tour took them to their original home of New York and the elegant Forest Hills Stadium in Queens! And so, I hopped on a southbound train to head back to the Big Apple — dressed in style, of course.

Dressed in style for day two of a Northeast tour by The National. Utility Blazer by Abercrombie & Fitch. Oxford by Mott and Bow.

Make no mistake, The National still brought plenty of unexpected surprises to the stage on Friday night — that’s the beauty of a band with a bevy of standout tracks (including a surprise cover of Queens rock heroes The Ramones!). And for travel, a rock concert and a day of exploration in Brooklyn — including a stop at neighborhood watering hole Sycamore — I knew had to dress with function and comfort and top of mind.  With casual patch pockets, a comfortable unstructured build and  a sharp navy color, my Abercrombie & Fitch Utility Blazer was a versatile top layer over another classic Oxford shirt from Mott and Bow. To finish off my ensemble with rugged and rock-ready style, my  Viberg Service Boots again came in handy — and my Levi’s 505C denim, with roots in rock heritage, were also a perfect concert style move.  The next time you need to dress for travel and a rock concert, pick some rock n’roll denim,  stylish leather boots, and a classic utility blazer to take you from point A to point B.  Oh, and if you get the chance to see The National on this upcoming tour, I’d strongly urge you to take it. On the best nights, you might be fortunate enough to hear lovely deep cut “About Today,” or a rousing acoustic rendition of the soaring “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks,” which they closed the show with in Queens. A show beyond words!

The next time you head to a tailgate of your own, grab durable sneakers, a stylish team sweater and slim denim in a casual wash.

With two excellent, life-affirming and joyous rock shows in the rearview mirror, the weekend wasn’t over yet. In fact, it was just getting started, as my beloved Michigan State Spartans took on the hated Michigan Wolverines  in a college football duel for the ages (sorry, U-M fans). It’s a rivalry with roots going back long before my time at Michigan State — from 2001’s “Clockgate” scandal in East Lansing to 2015’s incredible, last-second Spartan victory in Ann Arbor, it’s given me my fair share of fond (and at times agonizing) memories over the years. It was with similar excitement and hope that I dressed to cheer on the Spartans to a 14-10 win! Even when heading to a tailgate of your own, there are definitely ways you can still look great. I layered up with a retro-inspired, casual Michigan State Hillflint Sweater, crafted in breathable cotton and featuring a neat design. It teamed nicely with a pair of DSTLD Slim Light Wash Jeans and my fall-ready Danner x New Balance miUSA 585 Sneakers, made with rich leather accents and featuring a comfortable, hiking boot-inspired fit. And to stay on time while heading to watch the game with fellow Spartan fans, my Electric California Carroway Leather Watch provided function and casual, crisp style. It’s not every weekend that you get to see your favorite team play a competitive rivalry game after seeing your favorite band play twice, but I was glad to have that opportunity this weekend.

Casual, essential menswear for exploring Brooklyn with my Wildsam Field Guide — led by my Original Penguin Brushed Cotton 5-Pocket Pants and a classic Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, plus my durable Timex Waterbury Watch featuring Red Wing leather.

If you know me, you know I like to pack as much as possible into my weekends — it was with the spirit of adventure in mind that I took on Sunday with help from some goods in the Bespoke Post Scout Box (like the cool Wildsam Field Guide as seen above).  For a bit of transitional fall style, I threw on a reliably durable and well-fitting Abercombie & Fitch Garment-Dye Oxford Shirt and my tailored Original Penguin Brushed Cotton 5-Pocket Pants. If ever you’re looking for a change from your favorite pair of dark denim, crisply cut brushed cotton pants provide visual interest and fabric that’s ready for fall weather. With other casual fall style essentials in tow in my Whipping Post Large Leather Messenger Bag, I finished off my look with a vintage-inspired Huckberry Explorer’s Cap and stylish leather sneakers from Frank and Oak. On the accessories front, my durable and rugged Timex Waterbury Watch in Red Wing Leather was more than up to the task of a casual Sunday. One of my destinations? The cool Bushwick outpost Montana’s Trail House. With a rugged & aesthetically pleasing design and plenty of gourmet burgers to go around, it was a neat place to relax on a long weekend.  Another destination? The seriously cool DIY venue Silent Barn for a Sunday evening of refreshments and live music.

As with other weekends spent exploring Brooklyn and traveling to see live music — from Portland to Nashville and Boston — I’m reflecting today on how grateful I am to be able to pursue my passion for great tunes, great menswear and yes, the occasional craft brew or two. And to be able to see my favorite band twice in two days? That’s a banner weekend. Being able to travel in style is something that takes work from situation to situation and city to city, as I’ve learned, so I hope you find these travel style tips helpful. If ever you’re headed out on the road and want to travel in style, let’s connect on Twitter or Instagram. For now, I’ve got to revisit a terrific set by The National. Check back tomorrow for a new #OOTD post — we’ll see you then!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Fall Style Wish List, Young the Giant and J. Crew

Alright, folks — welcome back to the Friday Read and the capper on another week here at The Style Guide. From our Fall Style Wish List to a look at the best denim jacket to wear for the season — plus, a look at a stylish hooded sweatshirt for fall — it certainly was a busy, jam-packed week. And these busy #menswear times are set to continue this weekend, as it were; I’m on the road to Nashville to take in a full weekend in and around a great Southern city. You can expect a full recap coming Monday — from checking out spots like Pinewood Social to seeing what should be a great rock show by Young the Giant and Cold War Kids, I’m absolutely thrilled to take in the city. Any tips on things to do or places to go in Nashville? Feel free to hit me up on Twitter! And in the meantime, there’s more music on the way — my favorite band, indie rock heroes The National, dropped an incredible new record today in “Sleep Well Beast.” I won’t spoil it if you haven’t had the chance to listen, but it’s …. absolutely expectional. And with that, I have a rock show to prepare for! Stick around for the below reads today — have a great one, and cheers!

  • And last but not least, because we’re keeping this one brief today — have you seen the latest edition of The List by your Style Guide author? In short, it covers all the rugged gear to shop for fall — I guarantee you that you’ll enjoy it.

OK, folks — I’m signing off early today! Enjoy the weekend and we’ll talk to you soon.

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Menswear Trade Shows, Stylish Men’s Sunglasses and Allen Edmonds

It’s with a much-needed weekend ahead of me that I’m writing today’s Style Guide missive in our ongoing Friday Read series — perhaps you feel the same way? We’re closing out an incredibly busy week on the #menswear front in NYC, including two whirlwind days for yours truly at style trade shows like Liberty Fashion & Lifestyle Fairs and Capsule Show. This week’s schedule also included a stop to view the contemporary and slightly edgier mix of brands found at MAN-WOMAN show (think tried-and-true favorites like Apolis and upstart brands like Alps & Meters — as seen in this Midwest fall style post).

At any rate, it was great to catch up with brands familiar and unfamiliar, many of whom you see regularly on this blog — from the standout sneaker makers at SeaVees to perennial Style Guide favorite Frank and Oak. I got around in style with my Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch and made sure to rock some stylish men’s sunglasses, too. And as it were, that busy week of trade show action capped off an even busier weekend, if you can believe it. Incredibly and unexpectedly, I had the chance to see my favorite band, indie rockers The National, play not one, but two breathtaking shows in the small upstate town of Hudson last weekend. They debuted tracks off their upcoming new album, “Sleep Well Beast,” and I can assuredly say after hearing it twice that it’s on track to be one of the year’s best — no joke. I won’t give away too much, but you can read an excellent write-up at Vinyl Me, Please of the two emotional, powerful shows at converted factory Basilica Hudson. In short, I was so very glad I went — no regrets at all! With that being said, I’m very much looking forward to some much-needed downtime this weekend — and on that note, I’m going to leave you with today’s #menswear news. Happy reading, enjoy the weekend and keep up with my Brooklyn explorations over on Instagram.

  • We’ll start with the menswear world here — and specifically, the world of stylish men’s dress shoes. Among American purveyors of your favorite dress shoes, Allen Edmonds has got to rank high on the list — right? This week, CEO Paul Grangaard announced he’ll be assuming an advisory role as longtime industry vet Malcolm Robinson joins the brand’s parent company as president of its men’s and international divisions. I, for one, am excited to see where the brand continues to go — after checking out the Allen Edmonds Fall 2017 line last month, I can tell you that the brand has some great product — including plenty of stylish men’s boots — on the way this next season.
  • Upgrading your everyday carry is something we talk about frequently here on The Style Guide — and it’s with that in mind that I’m recommending you pick up the Grovemade Walnut and Leather iPhone Case via my latest GearMoose feature. Ehh?
  • Last but surely not least, it’s imperative given my *ahem* “job” as editor of The Style Guide that I direct you to the latest blog series here, called The List, chronicling the best new men’s gear to buy this week, this month … heck, this year? Happy shopping!

OK, loyal readers — we’re closing up shop early today! Have a great weekend, join us for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week from site  favorites Mott and Bow, and we’ll catch you on Monday.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau