Style Pick of the Week: Filson Tin Cloth Lined Field Jacket – A Hard-Working Jacket Made for Fall

If something is so well-made that you can’t quite think of a way to improve upon it, then you just might have come across some of the rugged menswear that’s a staple of the Filson lineup. The all-American brand, hailing from the Pacific Northwest, has a knack for making some of the toughest gear on the market, and that frequently includes its waxed outerwear, usually fabricated from its Tin Cloth waxed cotton fabric.

Originally fashioned for the toughest conditions imaginable in the Pacific Northwest, the lineup now includes new updates to old favorites — like the Filson Lined Tin Cloth Field Jacket, which delivers a fresh outlook on a hybrid of the field jacket and the barn jacket (to say the least).

As you’ll find out when you dig deeper as far as the Filson Lined Tin Cloth Field Jacket is concerned, this piece is truly overbuilt in the best way possible — remarkable fabrication and construction go a long, long way when you’re dealing with extreme conditions, do they not?

In this case, it’s the use of water-resistant waxed canvas that delivers sturdy toughness in the field, accented by the company’s classic Dark Tan shade and a plethora of pockets.

The water-resistant waxed canvas sheds rain and wind with ease, while the Filson Lined Tin Cloth Field Jacket features wool-lined hand pockets and divided cargo pockets with extra room to store your everyday carry essentials. The Filson Lined Tin Cloth Field Jacket also features a wool-lined collar for added warmth, while the slightly longer cut and roomier fit lend themselves to an admirable number of layering options for the colder months ahead.

Consider the handsome and impossibly rugged Filson Lined Tin Cloth Field Jacket a hybrid between the outfitter’s shorter, trucker jacket-style Cruiser Jacket and something like the classic L.L. Bean Field Coat — all admirable options in their own right, but each with their own staying power and durable quality.

You’ll note that the hard-working design of the jacket also includes inner elastic ribbing at the cuffs, all the better to deliver a secure fit while keeping out wind and rain this season. Sturdy brass hardware makes all the difference, as does the option to add or remove optional, additional Filson liners when it comes to the wearability of the Filson Lined Tin Cloth Field Jacket.

Don’t fret if you want to invest in the best with one of the finest outerwear and menswear companies on the market — the remarkably well-made Filson Lined Tin Cloth Field Jacket has you sorted out right now.

See Now, Buy Now: This American Trench Field Shirt is as Durable and Dependable As It Gets

Best American-made menswear

We’ve been talking plenty as of late on this New York City style blog (by way of rural Michigan, remember that!) about how to best prepare for the season ahead while also dressing stylishly for the close at hand.

Curating a wardrobe of reliable stylish men’s basics that actually aren’t so basic is a curious proposition at times — how can a guy possibly be prepared for every circumstance out there? Well, start by looking at the fabrics and fashions you need for your day-to-day life — I think you’ll find that the American Trench Field Shirt as shown above might fit the bill nicely.

It’s hard work, folks, but brands like American Trench — and their selection of the best USA-made menswear — make it easier to dress in versatile, reliable, durable fashion, as my American Trench reviews have so often found here on this Web site (which started 12 years ago this month — how about that!).

And that certainly holds true in today’s more casual times, where the right, rugged-yet-stylish buttondown shirt can go a long way — from a road trip weekend to a day in the countryside and perhaps even back at the office (if your office leans more creative and casual).

That’s plenty of boxes to check, but the American Trench Field Shirt might just meet the moment for all of those situations — as summer winds down and early fall ramps up, of course. You might say it’s one of the best American-made shirts for men, a tall order these days as so much production has been phased out of the country.

But what’s made to last often stands the test of time in matters of style and function, and that’s what American Trench does very well, at least in my experience. In the case of this particular shirt, it all starts with sturdy cotton twill fabric, the kind that resists dust and debris out in the field while wearing stylishly back in the city.

The Pennsylvania-based American Trench says the substantial Japanese cotton twill, which is then fashioned in America into the shirt you see here, “positions the Field Shirt to take on the demands of everyday wear,” with military-style sleeve buttons, eye-catching angular chest pockets and a fit that wears well either tucked or untucked.

In my experience, the military roots of the American Trench Field Shirt should pair up nicely with faded blue jeans, dark indigo selvedge, black jeans or perhaps even chinos in a contrasting shade. And the American Trench Field Shirt is practically positioned as an overshirt atop a thermal henley or a pocket tee — starting now and rolling into fall. For reliable fashion you can trust, I’d wager that a well-made pick like the American Trench Field Shirt is ready to go the extra mile.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Classic Chore Coat – An Expert Layer for Early Fall and Beyond

It’s like we’ve talked about plenty here on the blog: While it might seem strange to start planning ahead for early fall with the best seasonal menswear, it’s never too early to give your men’s style rotation some extra forethought, particularly as far as the best chore coats for men are concerned.

The chore coat’s workwear roots are just as relevant now as they were decades ago, when railroad workers, engineers and outdoorsmen wore the style for adventures far afield.

With a foldover collar, sturdy patch pockets and a length that hits below the hip, the chore coat is as functional as it gets — of course, the good folks at Huckberry have you covered.

Finding the right, rugged jacket now can pay dividends as early fall rolls into town, and in fact, the chore coat is perhaps the perfect layer to wear as you look from summer to one of the best seasons for menswear — let’s get into it, shall we? The Flint and Tinder Classic Chore Coat is the latest entry into an already-stacked outerwear rotation from the beloved Huckberry brand, which is best known for its tough-as-nails waxed trucker jackets, cozy flannel shirts and effortlessly cool, highly versatile stretch chinos.

The Flint and Tinder Classic Chore Coat is a more lightweight outerwear selection than a flannel or wool-lined waxed trucker jacket, and this new option boasts a soft cotton-blend twill fabric blended with a hint of stretch.

Huckberry notes the midweight feel of the Flint and Tinder Classic Chore Coat makes it ideal for year-round wear, and the style should prove plenty useful in the weeks ahead — whether worn over a cotton T-shirt, styled with a thermal henley or topping off a chambray shirt for a mix of rugged high-low style on a casual day at your (very creative) office.

Patch waist pockets are further complemented with a side-entry pocket design for additional storage of your favorite everyday carry essentials from Huckberry, and corozo buttons enhance the durability of this sturdy jacket. The famed Americana retailer notes this durable jacket boasts a classic fit that’s true to size, while a range of dusty, earthen color options should deliver maximum versatility in terms of style points.

In my experience, colors like the classic Earth tone shown above pair nicely with everything from dark blue denim to olive chinos and well-worn leather chukka boots. If early fall style is on your mind at the present — as it very well should be — then a dependable layer like Flint and Tinder Classic Chore Coat belongs in your seasonal menswear offering starting ASAP.

See Now, Buy Now: Get This Rugged Heritage Jacket from Flint and Tinder As Soon as Possible

Flint and Tinder wool jacket review.

These days, as brisk weather persists and leaves crunch underfoot, rugged style remains the name of the game. And folks, that’s where Huckberry continues to deliver with yet another standout style from its Flint and Tinder line.

We’ve talked plenty as of late about the best men’s jackets and boots for fall (and beyond) from the famed retailer, and the Flint and Tinder Heritage Wool Jacket is a return to form in every way possible.

Or rather, it carries on the brand’s legacy of bringing forward classic styles — like the time-honored heavyweight wool jacket — into the present. The Flint and Tinder Heritage Wool Jacket takes its cues from old-school work jackets, the kind your grandfather might have worn on a frigid fall or winter day, and boasts all the design cues needed to really get down to business.

Those touches include wool snap chest pockets (including a double pocket on the left side), along with sturdy double stitch construction at key stress points. Yes indeed, the Flint and Tinder Heritage Wool Jacket is everything you need in a warmer wool jacket — it’s a durable step up from the famed Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket, no doubt about it.

And with its handsome plaid colorway and classic good looks, it’s a timeless piece that wouldn’t look out of place on, say, Robert Redford decades ago. If that’s the kind of style and utility your wardrobe could use, you’re certainly in luck when it comes to the Flint and Tinder Heritage Wool Jacket. Cheers, my friends.

Style Pick of the Week: Shinola + Golden Bear Wool Bomber

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

The popular watch brand tapped the equally iconic team at Golden Bear for this bomber.

The popular watch brand tapped the equally iconic team at Golden Bear for this bomber.

If you swung through this very small piece of the blogosphere pie a few weeks back, you might recall the jacket you see here from the Best Men’s Fall Jackets feature — but we’re back again. And that’s simple — both in-person and even online, it’s pretty neat to see how Shinola is evolving its product selection, which now includes some sweatshirts. The American brand probably better known for its crisp, classic watches prides itself on its commitment to homegrown partnerships, so it was a smart move to tap the expert jacket makers at Golden Bear for this wool bomber. Beyond this viewpoint, it’s simply a great (and yes, expensive) piece of outerwear if you find yourself frequently trekking through the snow and slush. It plays off a classic masculine silhouette, the A-2 bomber, and features premium details like leather trim and a sturdy brass zipper. It’s these little details — plus the overall excellent look — that make it worth that price tag. On the less expensive end of things, you could always snap up another shearling bomber via JackThreads.

It's also available in Black, although the Grey color still works plenty well for fall & winter.

It’s also available in Black, although the Grey color still works plenty well for fall & winter.

But back to this Shinola number. On top of those other details, the authentic sheepskin shearling collar buttons at the throat too, in case it gets insanely cold. The Melton wool should also keep you extra warm. There’s no word yet on how these jackets fit, but from the looks of it, they’ll feature a modern, contemporary fit that still leaves room for layering. Keep in mind that once you get past all the bells and whistles, this jacket can be styled like even a more basic light grey peacoat would. It’ll add a terrific amount of texture to dark denim and some crisp leather sneakers, and you can certainly dress it up with some navy trousers, brown leather wingtip boots and a light blue dress shirt.  And with a long-sleeve henley and some corduroys, you’ll have the perfect high-low combination for weekend adventures. Given the investment-worthy nature of the price, you’ll certainly want to wear it as much as possible.

Are you a fan of this bomber jacket? Would you invest in this piece?

Florsheim

Cross-country: Heading West for a weekend in L.A.

Polka dots popping out. Taking my favorite Saturdays Surf NYC shirt and my trusty Navali Stowaway Weekender Bag. Luggage tag by Frank & Oak.

Polka dots popping out. Taking my favorite Saturdays Surf NYC shirt and my trusty Navali Stowaway Weekender Bag. Luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

Editor’s note: For more travel style dispatches, head here.

Out of the major American (and international) cities I’ve visited, I have perhaps the fondest memories of Los Angeles — and I only spent about twelve hours there. The last time I was in the L.A. area was, without question, one of the best weekends of my life — a trip West as part of a graduation gift to watch my beloved Michigan State Spartans take down Stanford in a legendary Rose Bowl game. I slept on a hotel room floor, edited stories from my phone as part of my work at The State News (MSU’s student newspaper) and basked in the glow of a historic school moment. Spending the next day driving around L.A. with my newspaper colleagues was particularly momentous after such a great win. But I quickly realized the city had more to offer — and when one of my best high school & college friends headed West earlier this year, I knew I had to make it back. So that’s where this weekend is set to take me — and as always, I resolved to travel in style despite the promise of pretty sweltering Los Angeles weather. (Let’s call this trip #StyleGuideLosAngeles, shall we?)

Three options for hot weather, pictured top to bottom -- lightweight JACHS NY grey chinos, flexible Mott & Bow dark denim and lightweight linen shorts from Frank & Oak.

Three options for hot weather, pictured top to bottom — lightweight JACHS NY grey chinos, flexible Mott & Bow dark denim and lightweight linen shorts from Frank & Oak.

I’m bringing along a good mix of product to combat the heat, starting with some linen shorts from Frank & Oak (as pictured above and detailed in this April post). I’m also bringing along a pair of Banana Republic khaki shorts and my Pistol Lake French Terry Sweatshorts, a seasonally-appropriate pickup from a brand that just happens to be based in L.A. They should pair nicely with one of my Pistol Lake V-neck tees. And that get-up should in turn go well with my ever-reliable GREATS Brand Rosen sneakers, a pair I’ve come to rely on in all sorts of situations. They’re exceptionally comfortable and work to dress down a blazer and T-shirt (a combination I’ll likely be wearing on the plane, as I’m heading to the airport after a half-day at work — #WheelsUp!). And should those sneakers need some time out of the rotation, I’m sure my GREATS Brand Wilson sneakers in White will definitely get the job done with multiple pant options.

Travel essentials for a cross-country trip. Russel Baseball Jacket by Grayers. Navy sneakers by GREATS Brand. Socks by American Trench. Leather chukka boots by Timberland. Leather watch by Daniel Wellington. Dive watch by Invicta. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Dopp kit by Baxter of California.

Travel essentials for a cross-country trip. Russel Baseball Jacket by Grayers. Navy sneakers by GREATS Brand. Socks by American Trench. Leather chukka boots by Timberland. Leather watch by Daniel Wellington. Dive watch by Invicta. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Dopp kit by Baxter of California.

On that front, I’m anticipating the weather to be quite hot — so my Mott & Bow dark denim should pair well with my Rust V-neck from Pistol Lake (check out that shirt here) and my navy GREATS sneakers. However, I’m ready to sub in my JACHS NY grey chinos, which are about the same weight as a Bonobos Washed Chino, should the situation call for it. I think the dark denim in particular will also team up nicely with two shirting options I’m bringing — my polka-dot Saturdays Surf NYC Esquina Oxford (from the Spring 2014 line), and my Michael Bastian x Uniqlo polo, featuring a nice royal blue color and a thin striped collar The polo in particular (seen more closely here) has a nice bit of stretch and a breathable fabric, key in the heat. My Mott & Bow denim should also do well in that regard. In case the weather does turn cooler, I’m bringing my trusty Russel Baseball Jacket from Grayers (as seen above), which should provide a crisp, versatile outerwear option. On my head, I’ll be throwing on my Goorin Brothers vintage ballcap — a favorite from a brand that really does know how to make great hats. To round out my apparel, some standout socks from American Trench (as discussed in this week’s Style Q&A) will definitely prove breathable and comfortable. Of course, no trip would be complete with a great timepiece — I’m expecting my stainless steel Invicta Pro Diver 8926 and my Classic Bristol Leather Watch from Daniel Wellington to work interchangeably with footwear I’m bringing (particularly my well-worn brown leather Coulter Chukkas — courtesy of my day job repping Timberland).

Grooming gear fit for the road ahead. Featuring Beard Oil & Pure Pomade from Doc Elliott, Shampoo from Baxter of Californina and the Wahl Grooming Stainless Steel Trimmer.

Grooming gear fit for the road ahead. Featuring Beard Oil & Pure Pomade from Doc Elliott, Shampoo from Baxter of Californina and the Wahl Grooming Stainless Steel Trimmer.

To round out my luggage and grooming situation, I’m hauling everything in, as ever, my Navali Stowaway Weeekender Bag and my hard-wearing Satchel & Page Slim Mailbag, both of which have provided formidable and tough options for carrying luggage across the globe. And as toiletries are just as key when traveling as at home, I’m rounding up some essentials to bring with me (in travel sizes, of course). My haul will include the Travel Essentials Kit from grooming giant Baxter of California, as well as some Pure Pomade from Doc Elliott and my Wahl Grooming Stainless Steel Trimmer. I’ll be lugging it all in the Baxter Quilted Dopp Kit, which should make things easy to access throughout the trip. While I’m looking forward to sampling the finest food & drink *namely beer, can’t forget about the beer* that L.A. has to offer, I’m also hoping to meet with a brand I admire and whom I’ve interacted with a bit in the past — the fine folks at Apolis. After seeing a press preview of a neat industrial design project they’re working on, plus profiling  them for VOUCH Mag and GearHungry, it’s a definitely a cool opportunity.
Florsheim
As always, look for the regularly scheduled Friday Read post before I jet-set, along with a new Style Pick of the Week. Follow me during the trip via Instagram and Twitter, if that catches your fancy! And look for more from out West next week.

And do let me know — what’s on your must-see list in L.A.? Best restaurants or spots to check out? Drop me a line via Twitter or give me a shout in the comments!

Ben Sherman US

Brand Profile: Ace Rivington

Editor’s note: For a wide array of brand profiles covering companies big and small, click here.

Aviation, as you might guess, figures strongly into the backstory of this brand. Photo courtesy of Ace Rivington.

Aviation, as you might guess, figures strongly into the backstory of this brand. Photo courtesy of Ace Rivington.

At a special media preview sponsored by ethical lifestyle brand Apolis earlier this summer, I ran into a situation that rarely, if ever, happens. I was chatting briefly with Apolis co-founder Raan Parton when he introduced his companion — another Beau, in fact. It just happened to be Beau Lawrence, founder of up-and-coming menswear brand Ace Rivington. What he had to say about his brand and the backstory behind it immediately caught my attention, and discerning consumers would do wise to listen up, too.

The sweater that started it all --a colorblocked crewneck made out of high-quality fabric.

The sweater that started it all –a colorblocked crewneck made out of high-quality fabric. Photo courtesy of Ace Rivington.

Ace Rivington first made a name for itself with a wildly successful Kickstarter (to the tune of $60,990 raised) for its Homespun Sweatshirt, a crisp upgrade to the once-casual crewneck sweater. The fact that the crewneck sweater is now an accepted menswear staple definitely contributed to the brand’s initial success, but in the time since then, they’ve moved beyond just sweatshirts. That staple item was borne out of a simple set of perfect fabric, though. Once he’d found the right knit, Lawrence quit his job in November 2013 and got to work — bringing with him more than 18 years of experience in the denim industry. Add in the fact that the brand focuses on American manufacturing and you’ve got the makings of #menswear success.

A playful historical narrative accompanies many of the brand's products. Photo courtesy of Ace Rivington.

A playful historical narrative accompanies many of the brand’s products. Photo courtesy of Ace Rivington.

What’s even more compelling about the brand is the playful, heritage-filled story woven into its products. Consumers can follow along with the daring Ace Rivington and his family through the brand’s blog. Ace is a fictional pilot who provides the sartorial inspiration for the brand’s rugged staples — and spirit of adventure. The concept is something that few, if any brands, have tried. Sure, plenty tie back to the ideals of heritage quality, history and pieces  built for decades — but Ace Rivington is the only one that provides quite literally an inspired story to back it up. Some might find it too much, but the ways in which the product is designed and the creative is presented definitely help build the narrative into a cohesive brand identity.

American-made denim in a variety of washes rounds out the brand's pants offering.

American-made denim in a variety of washes rounds out the brand’s pants offering.

The company’s offerings are tight and controlled, particularly its shirting — five models are for sale on the site right now, including a Beach Washed Chambray option that would serve as a fine complement to the brand’s made-in-the-USA selvedge denim. That denim however, does run for a premium price — more than $200. Its chinos also venture into Bonobos-esque pricing territory ($89) but pack classic military styling inspiration into one pair. And while some are against the jogger trend entirely, Ace Rivington does indeed stock an aptly named pair — after having checked out a pair from the brand, the Layover Jogger (made out of a lightweight cotton weave) is actually the type of pant you’d want to be wearing if you found yourself stranded in an airport.

On the shirting front, it does appear as if the brand is planning a broader expansion come next spring, as they teased out a product shot of a neat-looking short-sleeve shirt on the company’s Instagram account recently.

Available in a plethora of colors, the brand's crewneck sweaters helped Ace make his name. Photo courtesy of Ace Rivington.

Available in a plethora of colors, the brand’s crewneck sweaters helped Ace make his name. Photo courtesy of Ace Rivington.

The iconic sweater the brand launched with is also on the site in multiple colors, and colorblocked cuffs plus a ribbed collar help it stand out from your average crewneck. At a 90% cotton/10% polyester blend, it might not be the kind of sweater that shields you from an Arctic chill, but it would be the ideal layering piece for fall, particularly underneath a herringbone blazer. At $129 however, it’s again an investment to give some thought.

Ace Rivington sells, among other footwear offerings, some casual-rugged chukkas from SeaVees.

Ace Rivington sells, among other footwear offerings, some casual-rugged chukkas from SeaVees.

Ace Rivington’s outerwear selection is small but does feature a café racer jacket. Likewise, it keeps its footwear offerings on the small, yet classic, side as well. Two pairs of excellent Wolverine boots, a classic three-eye chukka from SeaVees and two pairs of utilitarian SeaVees sneakers round out the product focus.

The brand’s accessories add a dash of the unexpected to your everyday carry, including a branded Zippo lighter and aviation-themed playing cards that line right up with the brand’s aviation-minded backstory. As to be expected for a brand that built its foundation on a simple sweatshirt, its basics are similarly well-constructed. The brand was kind enough to send along a Home Washed Heathered Crewneck in Oatmeal, and it’s extremely soft with a slim yet comfortable fit — exactly how a T-shirt should feel.
Ben Sherman US
Judging by the brand’s quick rise through Kickstarter, planned product upgrades in the coming seasons and compelling backstory, Ace Rivington seems like the type of brand that can definitely strike a chord with customers looking for crisp basics that incorporate just-different-enough touches and reliable quality. And if you happen to be an aviation enthusiast, there’s perhaps no better brand out there.

Have you bought any product from Ace Rivington? What’s your favorite item from the brand’s site?
Ernest Alexander
Greats

Style Q + A: Barron Cuadro, Effortless Gent

Barron Cuadro of Effortless Gent talks style tips, the development of his site and more. He also nails this classic blazer-and-denim combo.

Barron Cuadro of Effortless Gent talks style tips, the development of his site and more. He also nails this classic blazer-and-denim combo.

Editor’s note: To check out other Style Q&A pieces, head here. As I’m abroad this week, stay tuned for a Wednesday trip post!

Across the past few years, I’d say my personal style has developed a lot. More specifically, starting in about my sophomore year of college, I began to pay a lot more attention to what I wore, how I got dressed and how it helped me shape my life in terms of organization and focus. What was an outside interest at first turned into hours of reading about style and finding my own sense of style therein. One of the biggest sources in that development was (correction: is) Effortless Gent, an outstanding menswear and lifestyle site focused on helping guys improve their style (and everything that goes with it). What started as me merely perusing (poring over) the site’s pages in my free time led to a writing opportunity that continues to this day — my “Five Ways to Wear One” series — and a friendship with Barron that I’m definitely grateful for, as I think I can safely say that I might not have found my passion, and my career, without his guidance. But enough of the dramatic stuff — I caught up with Barron to talk all things Effortless Gent, the development of his personal style and his transition from San Francisco to NYC, and if you know Barron, I think you’ll like what you read.

Take me through the process of starting Effortless Gent, and how that dovetailed off your own style journey?

 Effortless Gent: Throughout high school and college, my guy friends would ask me style-related questions. After 8ish years of hearing the same questions over and over, I realized there are probably other guys out there with the same questions but no one to ask. My professional background is in web design / development, so I decided to put together a site and answer these questions for a much larger potential audience than just my friends.

What’s been the most rewarding part of helping guys improve their style?

EG: I love the emails I receive from guys who have quietly put into practice all the things we teach on the site. They realize how big a difference it has made in their lives and they’re just writing to thank me. That never gets old; it just proves that a little attention to detail and a bit of guidance can go a long way.

Even with more low-key, casual ensembles, Barron keeps it crisp and classic.

Even with more low-key, casual ensembles, Barron keeps it crisp and classic.

TSG: You advocate for a Lean Wardrobe and the idea of a personal uniform — tell me a little bit more about those concepts.

EG: The Lean Wardrobe philosophy has become the cornerstone of the site, and it guides everything we teach. The idea of a personal uniform is similar and fits into that philosophy.

We define the Lean Wardrobe (LW) as the minimum number of clothes a man needs to create the most well-rounded, flexible wardrobe that suits his daily life.  Rather than a concrete list of items, LW is a philosophy or a set of principles that guide you when buying. The LW is also super flexible, because not every guy has the same situation, income, or surroundings.
Florsheim
TSG: What’s one initial mistake you see most guys make when it comes to trying to improve their style?

EG: I guess not having a proper plan, or a direction they want to go. That usually leads to premature buying and then eventually being unhappy with those purchases, requiring him to purchase something else. That cycle usually repeats until he finds something that’s truly him. And it can happen with every article of clothing, from shirts, to socks, and everything in between. That trial-and-error process can be time consuming and expensive, but if you follow the LW guidelines, you can generally avoid 95% of that headache.

TSG: If you had to pick one outfit to wear every day, what would it be?

EG: It would have to be a pair of medium-dark denim, white OCBD, unlined, unstructured sport coat in navy, and tan leather loafers. I wear something similar most of the time (unless it’s unbearably hot or cold, and when it is, I adjust by removing or adding layers). 

TSG: Playing off that question, what’s one essential item every guy should own?

 EG: I always say a navy sport coat. It instantly dresses up whatever you have on.

The devil's all in the details when it comes to a great outfit.

The devil’s all in the details when it comes to a great outfit, according to Mr. Cuadro — and I agree!

TSG: You’re new to NYC from San Fran — what’s that transition been like and how has it changed your style? 

EG: SF is much more casual with their style, which personally doesn’t suit me very well. In NYC, people dress up more. It’s not crazy to be in suits and ties, or creative smart casual rigs… It’s just the nature of the city and the people who are here.  Since I enjoy dressing well, NYC has allowed me to be more myself, if that makes sense. In Build A Lean Wardrobe, one of the things we teach is to plan a wardrobe around your surroundings. Not just your physical surroundings, but the way in which people around you dress… Not that you have to dress exactly like everyone around you, but it’s a great way to gauge what’s considered “normal” and “appropriate”, and you can adjust course from there.  Anyway, NYC hasn’t really changed my style much, other than the fact that it allows me to be more… me.

 TSG: Given that the site’s home base has changed, do you think content on the site will continue to evolve in that direction as well? What’s next for EG? 

 EG: I think it will, and only for the better. I’m constantly inspired by the variation in styles I see here, plus the firsthand experience I’m getting by dressing for distinctly different seasons. In SF, we had one season almost all year round, so you don’t always get the opportunity to experiment. As far as what’s next, we’ll be focusing more on our eGuides and courses, especially our upcoming launch for Build A Lean Wardrobe, and hopefully continue to put out articles that help guide and inspire our readers to amp up their style game, no matter where they are.

Head to the Effortless Gent Instagram here for a daily glimpse into the happenings behind EG (and some great outfit shots from Barron), and check out the site here for tons of excellent style content.

Ben Sherman US

The Friday Read: Epaulet Sneakers, GAP Closings and the Most Stylish Men Alive

Florsheim

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.

Can you believe it’s almost July? Unbelievable, truly! Have you done any traveling yet this summer? I’ve been in the midst of starting a new job this past month while mixing in a family wedding and a music festival; both have made it a great summer to date. Now, we’re almost on the Fourth of July, and on that note, we’ll have a style suggestion coming up for your reading pleasure next Monday. In the meantime, I suggest you check out my weekly roundup below of only the best pieces fit for weekend reading — and let me know what you’ve been reading yourself on Twitter or via the Contact page!

  • Design and style website Selectism details Epaulet’s stunning new line of made-in-America unfinished leather trainers (sneakers, to us common folk)
  • My buddy Joe over at the always-stylish Dappered reflects on the news earlier this week that GAP will close a quarter of its stores by recapping 10 of the best pieces from the brand in recent years (including one item that also appeared in this site’s Style Pick of the Week series)
  • NBA superstar LeBron James made GQ’s list of the 20 Most Stylish Men Alive and talked to the menswear magazine briefly about his style choices and inspiration (on that note, anyone else have some qualms about that list?
  • Long Read of the Week: In a fascinating set of entries, 10 New Yorkers share their most memorable “dusk to dawn” nighttime memories of the city that never sleeps

Need more of The Style Guide?

  • My latest piece for Effortless Gent, covering five ways to wear slim shorts this summer, was published on Thursday; check it out here!
  • Might I also suggest an earlier Style Guide entry this week detailing stylish men’s dress shoes on a budget?
  • Lastly:  If you’re shopping for some new denim, you might want to give Mott & Bow jeans a whirl after you check out this product review

 

Ernest Alexander

Style Pick of the Week: Alberta Watches

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Your choice of a lovely blue or deep green dial (with black or brown leather strap), plus a classic field watch design from the newly launched Alberta Watches.

Your choice of a lovely blue or deep green dial (with black or brown leather strap), plus a classic field watch design from the newly launched Alberta Watches.

If you read any of my work over at VOUCH Mag, you might recognize this week’s Style Pick of the Week. While past Style Pick entries have run the gamut from American-made henleys to drool-worthy knit trousers , there’s something that’s simply too good to pass up about an affordably priced watch. And that’s exactly what Alberta Watches is offering with its newly launched Kickstarter campaign. The brand, inspired by the Canadian wilds and launched by former product designer Leo Josephy, is delivering classic field watches starting at just $58. That’s right … $58 (but for a limited time!). Funding spots at the low, low early bird price of $47 already filled up via the Kickstarter campaign, (which has quickly shot past its funding goal), but the standard price of $65 for one watch is stellar, too. Throw in your choice of a black or brown leather strap and either a vibrant blue or deep green dial, and you’ve absolutely got a winning combination.

An up-close look at the handmade Horween leather strap that's also an option through the Kickstarter campaign. Photo courtesy of Alberta Watches.

An up-close look at the handmade Horween leather strap that’s also an option through the Kickstarter campaign. Photo courtesy of Alberta Watches.

Ben Sherman US

Get in on this while it lasts, because these watches feature a just-right 41mm diameter, mineral glass crystal and a Japanese Miyota movement. The option to swap in a Horween leather strap handmade by a master saddlemaker in Calgary, Alberta sweetens the deal, too. Note that the early bird Kickstarter price of $76 gets you the Horween leather strap, with a standard price of $95 thereafter. So at the most, under the century mark for a beautifully produced watch (set for production in the same factory that handles Bulova timepieces).  While it’s essential to match your watch leather to your belt and shoes in dressier situations, this is one watch that could wear just as easily with a crisp pocket T-shirt and shorts as it could with a blazer and khaki chinos. The difficult part about funding this campaign will be the waiting — delivery date is slated for October 2015 — but this is one watch I’ve got on my hot list now.

Would you fund this Kickstarter campaign? What are your thoughts on the design and construction of these watches?

Ernest Alexander