Tag / style essentials

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Summer Style Guide, Mainland and the 2016 Tony Awards

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 already the end of the third week in June? It’s pretty crazy how time’s been flying by so far this summer. We’ve got some big things in the works at The Style Guide HQ, including a great reader giveaway upcoming next week with my friends at Mack Weldon, plus tips on the best men’s swimsuits to buy for summer and a stylish #OOTD, per usual (wink, wink). If you haven’t hit the road yet this summer, take a look back at this site’s picks for the best men’s weekender bags for travel, as I rounded up five great ones. In fact, I just put my trusty Navali Stowaway Weekender to use as I hit the road to Timberland HQ in the rustic town of Stratham, N.H., for a great Fall 2016 planning session (again, time’s been flying by so far). If you get the chance, I’d recommend you check out lovely Portsmouth nearby. And back in NYC, the rest of the week was quite a busy one, what with catching an exciting concert put on by my buddies in Brooklyn indie rock band Mainland — if you’re in need of new music, give them a listen on Spotify. Before you catch those new tunes though, check out all the news that’s fit to print (digitally, of course) in the #menswear world this week. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!

  • Get Kempt dishes out its Summer Style Guide via its partner platform at Urban Daddy, and it’s chock-full of items for your consideration.
  • Are you feeling stuck sartorially? Here are the 10 best-dressed men of the week via GQ, and you can get some nice styling tips therein.
  • Even if you don’t follow the theater community, it’s always worth a look at red carpet style — so with that in mind, check out the New York Times’ recap of style at the 2016 Tony Awards.

In need of more men’s style reading?

  • We’ll have a full post coming on Monday, but for now, check out a quick post covering stylish new JackThreads Swim Trunks, as covered by yours truly at GearHungry.

Again, check back tomorrow for a super-stylish (what else?) Style Pick of the Week, followed by a reader giveaway with the Mack Weldon team.

New customer offer! Get your first shirt or shorts for only $20 at Frank + Oak! (Valid until June 21 on select styles and while supplies last)

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by Beau H.

Style Q+A: Leland Grossman

Editor’s note: To catch up on other Style Q+A entries, click here.

Catching up with Leland Grossman, the designer and founder of L.11 and the subject of this Style Q+A entry.

Catching up with Leland Grossman, the designer and founder of L.11 and the subject of this Style Q+A entry.

As I’ve written about in past Style Q&+A entries, the #menswear world seems to get smaller and smaller — in great ways — seemingly by the week. It’s through the online men’s style community that I’ve made some great connections and friendships, and the scope of that continues to grow. Take our latest entry in the Style Q+A series — it’s  quite the story. Through some great mutual friends who happen to play in a kickass rock band (seriously, check out Mainland when you get the chance), I met Leland Grossman, a wickedly talented designer and one of the team behind Liberty Fairs, the traveling contemporary menswear trade show. It’s always refreshing to connect with someone who’s got a unique take on the #menswear industry, particularly when it introduces you to new concepts and design aesthetics — Leland’s own collection, L.11 (or Leland.11), consists of just two items (and a neat logo pin), but both the collection’s tailored hoodie and tailored sweatpant are well-made, refined and stylish in a  way that one might not feel about regular sweats. It stands to reason that if you appreciate a great pair of boots or a rugged pair of denim, you’d also appreciate a high-quality pair of sweatpants — right? Such is the inspiration behind the collection, among other focuses.

It’s a neat approach, and shows that even if your personal tastes might be different, you can always learn more and expand your horizons — that goes for all fronts, from quality fabrication to a new design ethos. The good news is, Leland’s already at work on his second collection. And yes, you can pick up a terrific hooded sweatshirt while you wait — let the style upgrades continue! Enjoy the below Q&A, and let me know who else you’d like to see under the spotlight (kidding) over on The Style Guide Facebook page!

A look at just a few of the details inherent in Leland's well-built and well-edited collection.

A look at just a few of the details inherent in Leland’s well-built and well-edited collection.

TSG: Talk about how you first got interested in the world of style and fashion?
LG: It was around the 6th grade (11 years old). I was getting pretty into breakdancing and was dancing with mostly people I looked up to at least 5 or 6 years older than I was. The hip-hop (dance) community is pretty connected with music, fashion, etc. I think this exposure paired with being in such a melting pot of style really opened my eyes to what was out there. From that point on I started to explore eBay and cool websites and really the internet took it from there.

TSG: In terms of your own line, where do you draw that inspiration from?
LG: My personal line, L.11, was conceived from a very consumer-based stand point in the market. Being passionate about the best brands in the industry for so long, I had built a strong foundation for what I felt was missing. (I’m) not re-inventing the wheel, just doing things differently with the utmost care and attention paid at every step of the way. The L.11 brand is inspired by vintage sports themes, but more importantly, the collection represents the finest details and fabrications at a price point that makes sense, whether or not you love fashion.
TSG: How do you see that evolving in terms of new products or a direction/focus in the coming seasons?
LG: Collection 01 consists of two items, a pullover hoody and tailored sweatpant, done in two beautiful Japanese fabrics. The natural progression is for Collection 02 to expand into additional comfort basics. My take on a full-zip hoodie and a crewneck will be part of the first drop. Also, I’m researching fabrics for a “constructed” T-shirt and long-sleeve thermal done through the L.11 branding ethos. A sweat-short could be on the horizon as well!
Another look at the L.11 line, and what just might be the nicest hoodie you'll ever own.

Another look at the L.11 line, and what just might be the nicest hoodie you’ll ever own.

TSG: Who’s a great role model for you in the style community, or in general?
LG: My greatest role model and person the brand is dedicated to is my father, Richard Grossman. Eleven was a very special number between us and when he passed away when I was 16, I vowed to harness his spirt and make him proud no matter what I ended up doing. L.11 is about (that), but it’s also intended to connect to everyone’s story. … It’s not about who’s got it worse, but about how we deal in the face of the adversity. That to me is what true style is -not wearing what’s cool or trendy but wearing what makes you happy and confident.

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TSG: What’s a major menswear trend you see picking up steam that people might not know about?
LG: As technology has become more advanced, we’ve seen a push from non-traditional fashion companies into this wearable tech sector. In his last show, Junya Watanabe fitted his pieces with solar panels that could charge your iPhone. I don’t think jackets are going to have rocket boosters any time soon, but I’m fascinated by the intersection of technology and fashion. Specifically, there is a style I describe as “Futuristic Explorer,” which is sort of a fusion of Japanese Heritage, technical outdoors brands and pop colors. It’s “athleisure” to the next level. Specific early examples of this would be Nike’s ACG collaboration with Erolson Hugh of ACRONYM or Japanese brand N. Hoolywood’s capsule with Mountain Hardware. My favorite brands right now are in this category, such as White Mountaineering, Stone Island, Ten C and Arc’teryx Veilance.
TSG: What’s one essential item (or outfit) that every guy should have in his wardrobe?

LG: This is a tough question, as most guys have very polarized value systems when it comes to their “things”. That is to say, some feel $100 is too much for sneakers, but can understand $500 for a nice watch. I think the key is finding things that make you happy. A purchase shouldn’t be stressful but rather add value to your every day. For me, that means investing in essential items I feel will give me that happiness and are worth the price. My Shinola watch and Garret Leight sunglasses are great examples of investment pieces that I use every day.

TSG: Similar to that, what’s one item you can’t live without?
LG: My gold “R.A.G” necklace. My mom makes jewelry and when I told her I was contemplating getting my Dad’s initials tattooed, she offered up an alternative. The solid 18K chain and pendant make it easily my most prized possession, and I can’t go anywhere without it around my neck.

To follow along with the rest of the L.11 story and the new collection, check out the brand on Instagram.

Florsheim

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Short-Sleeve Shirt for Summer

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

If you’ve been keeping up with the #OOTD series here on The Style Guide, you’ll notice we’ve covered a heck of a lot of ground. But with warm weather heating up, we haven’t quite covered how to wear a short-sleeve shirt for summer. Now if you scroll ahead, you might notice this look is a bit layered up for summer. But if it goes get too hot, the jacket can always be ditched. Back to the matter at hand. A crisp short-sleeve shirt — not one that calls to mind Dwight Schrute, mind you — can be styled exactly like you might style a polo or a classic blue Oxford. So you’ll need to look for one that’s cut slim and modern, in a summer-appropriate color and/or pattern (this Bonobos Riviera Oxford is an ideal example of what we’re looking for). And given hot summer temps for most of us, short sleeves are going to be a nice substitute for, well, longer sleeves. A slim short-sleeve shirt can even be called into action under a blazer — it’s a secret warm-weather style move designed to keep you cool. But the below look aims for versatile style that looks a bit rugged, a bit polished and a whole lot of good. If you’re down with that, read on. For tips on how to style short-sleeve shirts for summer, hit me up on Instagram in the meantime.

Pairing a surefire short-sleeve shirt with a mix of style essentials.

Pairing a surefire short-sleeve shirt with a mix of style essentials.

The Shirt: JACHS NY Cream and Blue Horizontal Striped Short-sleeve Shirt, $89: JACHS NY produces style staples that are at once a bit prep-inspired and continental in nature, and this shirt is a fine example. It’s the perfect length untucked, and would look great with denim or shorts in other ensembles.

The Jacket: JackThreads Trucker Jacket in Seeded Natural, $79: Why, you might ask, does a denim jacket feature in this photo if it’s hot out? Well, it’s there to transition from day to night, and the excellent Natural color provides a great style swerve from a classic denim jacket.

The Pants: Buck Mason Iron Chinos, $135: Just like the Buck Mason Sand Chinos featured on this site earlier this spring, these Iron Chinos feature a modern cut, nice color and made-in-America construction.

The Loafers: Sebago Norwich Bison Penny Loafers, $165: These aren’t your average loafers, made with rich Horween Bison leather and designed to break in over time. Not quite too dressy, not quite too casual.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Double-Striped Webbing Belt, $14.50: Worried about pairing two sets of stripes together? The scale of the belt, plus the nice off-white color, helps the belt stand out from the shirt itself.

The Socks: Mack Weldon No-show Socks, $16.50: For just over $16, you get not one, but two pairs of reliable, comfortable socks — crucial with loafers and rolled chinos.

The Wallet: Issara Minimalist Wallet, $69: Nearly $70 certainly is a lot for a card case, but when it’s crafted from rich navy leather and fits in the front pocket of your chinos (or slim blue denim, or a tailored suit), it’s worth the price.

If you don’t yet have a short-sleeve shirt or two in your closet, it’s a wise bet to pick up one that goes with quite a few ensembles — the striped blue-and-cream number above works with dark denim, slim light wash jeans, tan chinos or a stylish pair of chino shorts, along with all kinds of summer footwear picks. When you add in the fact that it looks great over top a pair of four-season chinos and some rugged loafers, it’s certainly a winning style move. Crisp, minimal accessories like a handmade lanyard and a reliable wallet certainly work well in nearly every style situation, too. If you’re hestitant to try one out, think of it like a slim summer polo, or even a classic chambray shirt, and go from there. Give me a shout on Twitter with style questions — come one, come all!

What’s your take on the above #OOTD? Would you change any pieces?
Florsheim

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by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt

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.

An extremely versatile, extremely wearable and extremely well-made chambray shirt from Taylor Stitch.

An extremely versatile, extremely wearable and extremely well-made chambray shirt from Taylor Stitch.

What’s one shirt you find yourself reaching for (or at least wanting to reach for) every day? If you’re like me, it very well could be an essential chambray shirt, like the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt — known as the California — pictured above. Rain or shine, cold weather or warm weather, I find myself drawn to a few chambray shirts in particular (because you assuredly need more than one). In fact, I’ve written about a few different chambray shirts here on The Style Guide, from the Todd Shelton Chambray Shirt to a classic GAP Chambray Shirt.  There’s a very good reason for that, and it likely ties into the fact that a chambray shirt is such an easily wearable piece – whether you’re just getting started out in the style realm, or whether you consider yourself a seasoned pro looking to expand on his wardrobe.  A chambray shirt is the more visually interesting answer to the classic blue Oxford, in that chambray as a fabric has great texture and often incorporates workwear design details — the crisp white color of the piece you see here is an added bonus. We’re talking small touches like front button patch pockets or a tab collar (like the famous J. Crew chambray shirt we all know and love). Lucky for us #menswear fans, the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt is more refined than its mass-market brethren, and has just the type of details you should look for in a great chambray shirt, plus a few extra.

Unbreakable Japanese urea buttons and a stellar fabric make this shirt a workhorse.

Unbreakable Japanese urea buttons and a stellar fabric make this shirt a workhorse.

It’s made in America using the care and attention to detail for which the brand is known – and that’s something that’s made your trusty #menswear author a big, big fan. From the brand’s stunning Moto Jacket to its Long Haul Jacket and especially its famous Standard Issue Chinos, Taylor Stitch gets it right, from head to toe. Particularly if you want to take a step up in terms of price, but don’t want to completely deplete your bank account, they’re a brand to watch – and shop on repeat. They’ve also done a great job introducing more technical fabrics and designs as part of their recent collaboration with Mission Workshop, but this good ol’ chambray shirt is the piece to buy today. It features a 7 oz. Japanese chambray and genuine unbreakable Japanese urea buttons, for starters. Plus, the lack of pleats make it super-clean and easily wearable with dark raw denim, slim tan chinos or heck, stylish chino shorts. The double needle construction is something you won’t find on hardly any other shirts (if at all), and the soft California collar looks great unbuttoned, but could easily smarten up when buttoned with a navy knit tie. So if you’re lucky enough to get this shirt in your closet, there’s a very good chance you’ll soon start reaching for it every day – rain or shine, cold weather or warm weather.
Frank & Oak
Do you own any shirts from Taylor Stitch? How would you style this classic chambray shirt?

Florsheim

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Viral Instagram Poses, Summer Seersucker and The Strokes

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.  

How was your week? As it seems with most of these posts as of late, it’s the capper on another extremely busy one here at The Style Guide. It admittedly took me a day or two to get back into the swing of things after an extraordinarily fun weekend with great friends at the epic Governors Ball here in NYC; for more on the #menswear I brought with me, check out that post. There’s really nothing like great live music, and if you get the chance to check out any summer music festivals, I’d urge you to do so (in fact, we’ve got a summer festival style guide all set for you). Aside from that, it was great to catch up with the fine folks at JackThreads to see what they’ve got in store for the coming summer season, and we’re deep in the throes of preparing for Father’s Day over at The Style Guide HQ. What are you getting your dad this year? Check out my Father’s Day gift guide for more suggestions. Before you move onto the next task (or the next browser tab), stick around for a bit and check out this week’s #menswear news. For more random style musings, follow my stylish alter ego on Twitter, and check back here on the blog for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week.

  • The debut issue of GQ Style gets right into it by covering the viral Instagram pose you should never strike again — who even knew there was such a thing?
  • In the spirit of true summer style, the great folks at Maxim talk over the only 5 seersucker items you need this summer.
  • Here’s a style note for you: If you find yourself in the L.A. area this summer, be sure to check out the great pop-up shop being convened by the fine folks at Bridge & Burn (a Style Guide favorite); they’re running a special partnership with the team behind the Liberty Fairs trade show — that’s at 8366 1/2 West 3rd Street in L.A., if you get curious.
  • To close things out on a non-style note, it was an absolute treat to see The Strokes rock out at Governor’s Ball this past weekend — PAPER examines why New Yorkers love The Strokes.

Not done reading yet?

  • In addition to some of my choice Father’s Day picks on The Style Guide, I just had to cover essential Father’s Day gifts over at The Manual — some pieces were so great, they made it into both features!
  • If you still find yourself in need of summer swimwear, keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming Style Guide feature — and in the meantime, scoop up a great pair of JackThreads Swim Trunks.

So, that closes out another Friday Read; enjoy your weekend!

And as always… stay stylish,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Lights up: Attending Governors Ball in style

Editor’s note: Start here for more festival style posts.

gov-ball-friday-edited

Taking in the sights and sounds of Governors Ball 2016 with the Abe Canvas Boot by CAT Footwear. Natural Trucker Jacket by JackThreads. Striped chambray shirt by JACHS NY. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Glasses by Warby Parker. Brown leather watch by MVMT Watches.

Outside of writing about men’s style for a number of Web sites and working my day job in fashion PR, there’s maybe nothing I love more than checking out live music and hanging out with lifetime friends– anywhere, anytime. So when this year’s Governors Ball lineup dropped, I knew from the get-go I had to be there — we’re talking tons of bucket-list bands, great food and great times with very special friends. Now, I’ve traveled as far as San Francisco for the Outside Lands music festival, but Governors Ball holds a special place in my heart. It’s not all that far via subway and ferry from my Brooklyn apartment, and it brings the best of the best in so many genres to NYC’s backyard. It was a treat to attend last year to check out everyone from Tame Impala to Lana Del Rey, and that made it essential that I convince my great college friends Lauren Gibbons and Summer Ballentine to trek across the country for this year’s festival. It was a considerably easier trek for us to meet up with another lifetime friend and former State News journo, Kyle Campbell, who’s based in NYC. Even though day three was cancelled due to the threat of severe weather, I’d consider it a mission accomplished! And as with lots of my recent weekend excursions, it was essential to meet the affair in style. The next time you head to a summer music festival, I recommend you do the same — that’s even more important if you’re dealing with up-and-down weather. Keep in mind that it’s about the music, but dress for the occasion nonetheless — that’s why we’re here, ehh?

To kick off day one of the festival, I grabbed some trusty, rugged style essentials to combat the threat of thunderstorms.  The great team at CAT Footwear was kind enough to provide me with not one, but two rugged pairs of boots to stomp around the festival grounds with. The Abe Canvas Boot  is rugged, durable, festival-appropriate and yet still quite comfortable. The canvas side inserts and twill lining added an extra dimension of tough style, as did the rich Bossa Nova (dark brown) color. And my reliable Mott & Bow Skinny Mosco was a very solid pair of denim to rock alongside those, made with a hint of stretch and featuring that classic dark blue denim color. The boots did just as well at the festival as they’ll do at your next summer bar crawl, and they helped out tremendously given the threat of rain. Up top, I went lightweight and casual with an essential JACHS NY Striped Chambray Short-Sleeve Shirt. And since fighting inclement weather comes down to outerwear, and my friends at JackThreads were kind enough to hook me up with the JackThreads Trucker Jacket, a seriously cool update to a retro style, especially in the Seeded Natural color. It’s a downright bargain at just under $80, too.

Frank & Oak

Luckily, the rain held off, and we jammed to the essential NYC rock of The Strokes Friday night — they packed their set list with a long run of classics and some new material, and scorched their way through epic renditions of “Someday,” “Last Nite,” “Reptilia” and “You Only Live Once.” It was a once-in-a-lifetime performance! I couldn’t have been happier to be there. There also was plenty of action before that, with jams from Of Monsters & Men, Father John Misty, an epic set from Bloc Party  and the endlessly fun Matt & Kim during the day. Remember Bloc Party? I sure as heck do. And Matt & Kim are definitely workhorses in the music festival season, and they put on a heck of a fun show — if you get the chance to see ’em, please do! Friday certainly didn’t disappoint when it came to the tunes on stage, even if the beer prices were a tad high for my taste.

Taking in Governor's Ball, day two. Slim-fit Henley by Old Navy. Denim jacket by American Apparel. Indigo Linen-Blend Shorts by JACHS NY. Luca Sneakers by SWIMS Official.

Taking in Governors Ball, day two. Slim-fit Henley by Old Navy. Denim jacket by American Apparel. Indigo Linen-Blend Shorts by JACHS NY. Luca Sneakers by SWIMS Official. Maximus Sunglasses by Sunday Somewhere.

On the other hand, Saturday presented a positively gorgeous first half of the day — the second half, not so much. However, the day still provided a wall-to-wall schedule jam-packed with even more must-see shows. From a personal standpoint, that meant kicking off the afternoon with the upbeat, fun vibes of MisterWives, followed by a really stellar late afternoon show from Michigan natives Lord Huron, who seem to be everywhere with their own take on folk rock — and some excellent tailored gear as part of their on-stage apparel. They sound great, and dress sharply to match. Of course, those afternoon shows coupled with the NYC heat meant two things — a few critical refreshments and some critical warm-weather gear. I kept it simple and paired my JACHS NY Indigo Linen Blend Montauk Shorts with a slim-fitting Old Navy short-sleeve henley (a new favorite piece for hot temps) and my trusty American Apparel denim jacket.  The shorts were comfortable and lightweight yet still had a nicely tailored fit, and the color played nicely off the SWIMS Luca Sneaker, an incredibly comfortable pair of footwear that’s also breathable and machine-washable (crucial for navigating the muddy fields).

The whole combo was topped off by my Maximus Sunglasses from Sunday Somewhere. All good things must come to an end, and that meant the great music continued even as the sunny weather ran out. The lovely ladies of HAIM shredded their way through two new songs and an insane live set despite insane rain; they’ve got a tight rhythm, great vocals and a distinct sound that’s second to none. We proceeded to dance our way through a rainy set by the incomparable Miike Snow, and things thankfully cleared up seemingly just in time for once-in-a-lifetime show from a band I’ve waited about 12 years to see, The Killers. Words simply aren’t enough. You talk about the power of music to transcend and connect people, and that’s about as close as it gets. It could not have been more epic. Hopefully, it’s not another 12 years before I get to see them again!

Trying to stay upbeat despite missing day three of Governors Ball due to weather. The Alaric Boot from CAT Footwear was critical in the rain. Field jacket by Timberland. Pima Crewneck by Mack Weldon. Light Ludlow Denim by Mott and Bow. Flat Wool Cap by Bridge and Burn. Rubber-strap watch by Stuhrling Original.

Trying to stay upbeat despite missing day three of Governors Ball due to weather. The Alaric Boot from CAT Footwear was critical in the rain. Field jacket by Timberland. Pima Crewneck by Mack Weldon. Light Ludlow Denim by Mott and Bow. Flat Wool Cap by Bridge and Burn. Rubber-strap watch by Stuhrling Original.

Now, the real kicker came on Sunday — as we headed to the festival, we found out day three was cancelled due to weather concerns! Talk about a major bummer. That did give us more time to explore NYC, including a delicious brunch at Brooklyn’s Aita, some time in Brooklyn Bridge Park, and a trek across the Brooklyn Bridge. For those activities, the Slim Ludlow Denim in Light/Medium Blue via Mott & Bow worked quite well, as did the Alaric Boot from CAT Footwear. It’s a dependable, rugged hiker with colorful laces, a sturdy, jagged sole and a microfiber lining for comfort and function. They’ll definitely do quite well if you find yourself traveling to any other festivals this summer, and they did very well walking all around NYC. I’d also recommend a comfortable Mack Weldon Pima Crewneck and my reliable Bridge and Burn Flat Wool Cap to top off any travel gear.

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The adventures didn’t stop after brunch — far from it, in fact! Irish indie rockers Two Door Cinema Club took us completely by surprise when they announced a secret show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, a personal favorite venue in NYC, to make up for the Governors Ball cancellation. That left us battling about 3,000 other eager fans to see them — in a venue with a capacity of about 550, the numbers don’t quite work! In spite of that, we had a nice evening checking out some of Williamsburg’s finer establishments, and were in bed well before the announcement of the surprise Kanye West show at Webster Hall. Now, I’m still bummed I missed Cold War Kids and CHVRCHES, on Sunday (along with Death Cab for Cutie), but I feel very sure I’ll see them again soon.

The music (and #menswear) were small parts of the weekend, though — it was truly so great to catch up with outstanding lifetime friends, and I’m really fortunate I was able to rock some great gear from a few terrific brands at the festival, too. More importantly, I thoroughly enjoyed taking in some amazing, awe-inspiring music. I might be a little tired today, but there’s perhaps nothing more fulfilling as a music fan than seeing a band you love deliver on a great show at an outstanding festival. When you get the chance to sing along to songs you’ve known half your life, it’s all the better. Add in lifetime friends and the equation’s complete. Governors Ball is totally worth it, bad weather and all. I can’t say enough about the weekend, but for now, I know I’ll be back next year!

See you in the front row and stay stylish,

-Beau

P.S. For more menswear, check back here tomorrow for a summer-friendly #OOTD.

Florsheim

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: SeaVees Legend White Sneaker

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.

A style that's stood the test of time -- and can certainly stand up to your summer wardrobe needs.

A style that’s stood the test of time — and can certainly stand up to your summer wardrobe needs.

The Style Pick of the Week series is back in full force, and we’re at it just in time for Memorial Day weekend. It’s the official start of summer, and it’s time (for the most part) to transition away from spring jackets and sweaters to classic warm-weather gear. And if you don’t have your footwear sorted in that regard, it’s high time for you to get on it. Chief among your (hopefully not-too frantic) purchases should be a true style essential — the classic white sneaker. Don’t know where to turn, or how to style it? Well, we’ll start by answering the first of those questions — make things simple by picking up an easygoing, crisp, stylish classic. The Seavees Legend Sneaker ticks all of those boxes, living up to its billing and then some. It’s been on the style scene for more than five decades, and it continues to get better and better every year. The silhouette’s stayed the same, yet it’s more current than ever. Not possible, right? Wrong. For just under $80, you’re getting a sharp poplin sneaker that’s lightweight yet durable, and fairly cost-effective, too. It’s also in high demand — you very well might have to wait until after June 6th to get your hands on a pair (maybe snag something off this list in the meantime). Having checked out a pair myself via the brand, they’re fit to claim the title of your new favorite summer sneakers (maybe?).
Frank & Oak

If you’re lucky enough to grab a pair now, know that they’re just as ready for a casual weekend date or a coffee run as they are for the office or the boardwalk. As near as I can tell, that’s about all your summer style scenarios sorted out (but bear with me(. Pair them with a navy blazer, a classic blue Oxford and slim khaki chinos for versatile workday style, and use that same combo to great effect when you have drinks later that night — or if you travel after work. Then, rock them with slim chino shorts and a casual pocket tee on the weekend. Oh, and if you’re feeling daring, clean them up and match them with a slim chambray suit and a casual white Oxford. Not enough options for you? Stylish white sneakers can act as an upgraded footwear option in place of flip-flops when you head to the beach (just kick the sneakers off before you hit the sand). And when you match up durable poplin sneakers with an essential pair of no-show socks, you’ve got a combo that can last and last through many summer outings to come thanks to the extra layer of protection between your foot and the sneaker. So, you’re getting style that can work at least five days a week and beyond, and you’re getting a classic white color that’ll hold up just fine with care.  What are you waiting for? Let me know how you like ’em over on Twitter, and see how I’ve styled mine over on Instagram.

Before you take off on your Memorial Day hijinks, know that we’ll have a look at my own weekend upstate coming on Monday. For more travel style, click here.

Get your pair of the SeaVees Legend Sneakers now.

by Beau H.

City lights: A weekend in the Big Apple

Editor’s note: For more posts covering style adventures big and small, click here.

Ready for some Sunday brunch and brownstone envy. Denim jacket by American Apparel. Printed graphic tee and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge and Burn. Slim Light Mercer Denim by Mott & Bow. Cooper Boat Shoes in Caramel Nubuck by Jack Erwin. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing. Sunglasses by Spine Optics. Striped webbed belt by J. Crew.

Ready for some Sunday brunch and brownstone envy. Denim jacket by American Apparel. Printed graphic tee and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge and Burn. Slim Light Mercer Denim by Mott & Bow. Cooper Boat Shoes in Caramel Nubuck by Jack Erwin. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing. Sunglasses by Spine Optics. Striped webbed belt by J. Crew.

Just in the past few weeks alone, it’s really hit me that I’ve been fortunate enough to live in NYC for two years (well, two years and one weekend officially). It’s been an ongoing, ever-expanding adventure, from some classic NYC real estate struggles (email me for more on that) to some exciting job transitions and the opportunity to write, blog and work with some fantastic brands and fantastic people. In the midst of all this activity, I always relish the chance to see (and occasionally host) my family and friends when they visit — it’s turned out to be quite the destination! And while it’s not the same as traveling for work or play, that still means I plan ahead and try to dress well to meet the demands of the weekend. These past few days were another such chance, as I hosted my mom and sister in my Brooklyn apartment (my wood floor is the backdrop of my Instagram photos, wink, wink). We had an action-packed weekend, and although I do call this place my home now, I’m always excited to see new places in the city, and try new things — one can’t possibly do it all even living here!

An outfit fit for the cubicle and a Broadway viewing. Slim-Fit Travel Jacket by Combatant Gentleman. Slim grey chinos by Bonobos. Slim chambray shirt by Old Navy. Archie Penny Loafers by Jack Erwin. Maximus Sunglasses by Sunday Somewhere. Customized Weekender Fairfield by Timex.

An outfit fit for the cubicle and a Broadway viewing. Slim-Fit Travel Jacket by Combatant Gentleman. Pin dot pocket square by The Grunion Run via SprezzaBox. Slim grey chinos by Bonobos. Slim chambray shirt by Old Navy. Archie Penny Loafers by Jack Erwin. Maximus Sunglasses by Sunday Somewhere. Customized Weekender Fairfield by Timex.

After their Thursday arrival, we had time for a lovely lunch in Bryant Park on one of the best spring days we’ve had yet. As it was a work day for me at Coyne PR (followed by a Broadway viewing of the musical “She Loves Me,”) I stuck with versatile, classic style fit for the office and a more refined night — that is, an Old Navy dark chambray shirt paired with slim grey Bonobos chinos and one of my favorite jackets, the crisp Slim-Fit Travel Jacket from Combatant Gentleman. I finished off that pairing with some accessories fit for 9-to-5 and beyond — that would be a pin dot pocket square from the folks at Grunion Run via SprezzaBox and sharp Jack Erwin leather loafers (the Archie, to be specific). Both fit right in for my work day, and also looked presentable at a Broadway show — if you’ve got dinner plans after work or something similar, essential tailored accessories like that are very helpful. And a new pair of the Maximus Sunglasses courtesy of the Australian eyewear brand Sunday Somewhere looked stylish and … eye-catching (had to do it).
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The show (starring an extremely talented ensemble cast, including Zachary Levi, formerly of NBC’s “Chuck”) was a fun way to cap off a busy work day, even for a non-Broadway buff like myself. Friday meant another casually-dressed work day for yours truly, and a day of exploration around Manhattan for my mom and sister — but Friday  night was a real treat. After a stop at the Brazen Fox for a few brews and a tasty burger (never a bad call), we headed deep into Brooklyn to one of my favorite stops, Threes Brewing. The craft beer hotspot was hosting the release of the acclaimed Day of the Dead Grateful Dead tribute album, curated by Aaron & Bryce Dessner, Brooklyn rock heroes currently of The National. So it was a night featuring tracks from my mom’s favorite band, and an appearance from a few members of one of my favorite bands. Not a bad way to cap off the work week! (Oh, and Scott Devendorf of The National said “we’re working on new stuff for you,” so… make of that what you will).

A crisp, classic outfit for two Broadway shows. Baker Mountain Field Jacket by Timberland. Blue Oxford by JackThreads. Slim Bowie Chinos by JACHS NY. Customized Weekender Fairfield by Timex. Printed socks by Pair of Thieves. Maximus Sunglasses by Sunday Somewhere. Suede Strada Derby Shoes by M.Gemi.

A crisp, classic outfit for two Broadway shows. Baker Mountain Field Jacket by Timberland. Blue Oxford by JackThreads. Slim Bowie Chinos by JACHS NY. Customized Weekender Fairfield by Timex. Printed socks by Pair of Thieves. Maximus Sunglasses by Sunday Somewhere. Suede Strada Derby Shoes by M.Gemi.

That led us right into an exciting start to the day on Saturday, as we stopped by a true Brooklyn classic, the always-excellent Milk & Honey Café. I’d definitely recommend the shop’s new Maple Bacon Cronut — it’s delicious, and it’s a stellar way to start your day, even if it is a little far into Brooklyn. We had to zip into Manhattan to then prep for the first of not one, but two incredible Broadway shows — including the much-acclaimed and much-lauded “Hamilton,” an astonishing work of musical theater, and the most interesting account of the life of Alexander Hamilton that you’ll ever see. It was just … jaw-dropping (thanks, Dad!). We nearly topped that with an evening viewing of “Les Miserables,” another all-time musical classic that’s just as much of a sight to behold — and going off Broadway later this year, to boot. Needless to say, it was an emotional, enthralling and exciting day.

While I was focused on getting to (and making it through) those emotional shows, I still tried to meet the demands of travel across Brooklyn & Manhattan in style. I paired a classic blue JackThreads Oxford with the smart, well-tailored Bowie Chinos from JACHS NY, complemented by the crisp, versatile M.Gemi Strada Derby, plus some navy-and-orange Pair of Thieves printed socks and the always-classic Timex Weekender Fairfield. I topped off my outfit to fight the rain with the Baker Mountain Field Jacket via Timberland (I’d absolutely recommend you grab a stylish spring rain jacket if some breezes or showers are in the mix). And to finish things off, I once again grabbed the Maximus Sunglasses from Sunday Somewhere — part of my latest Spring Style Essentials at GearMoose, as it were.

The "outfit grid" version of the ensemble seen at the top of the page. Printed graphic tee and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge and Burn. Light Ludlow Denim by Mott & Bow. Cooper Boat Shoes in Caramel Nubuck by Jack Erwin. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing. Sunglasses by Spine Optics. Striped webbed belt by J. Crew.

The “outfit grid” version of the ensemble seen at the top of the page. Printed graphic tee and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge and Burn. Slim Mercer Light Denim by Mott & Bow. Cooper Boat Shoes in Caramel Nubuck by Jack Erwin. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing. Sunglasses by Spine Optics. Striped webbed belt by J. Crew.

After a busy, bustling day in the city, we were pretty exhausted — and that made a hearty Sunday brunch to close out the weekend all the more enjoyable. While our first choice (Rucola in Brooklyn Heights) was filled up with a pretty feisty Brunch Village crowd, we swung back just a few blocks to a new favorite spot (as of yesterday), Building on Bond, a slightly rustic, vintage-feeling spot with a quaint vibe and some tremendous iced coffee and corned beef hash. If ever you get to Brooklyn (it’s just one stop in!), stop through.
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For a casual final day of my mom and sister’s trip, I grabbed some comfortable yet still put-together weekend pieces, including two great new items from my friends at Bridge & Burn — the brand’s comfortable, slim-fitting and witty “Win Always” graphic tee, plus a neat Flat Wool Cap (complete with a handy stitched “B” on the front). I accented those pieces with the versatile Slim Mercer Light Denim from Mott & Bow. And they looked just right alongside the exceedingly comfortable Jack Erwin Cooper Boat Shoes, shoes that are crafted for the city rather than the dock thanks to that elongated loafer last (pick up a pair for just $125 — seriously, do it). Two critical accessories complemented my look — the stunning Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing collab. plus the durable Spine Optics Aviator Sunglasses. Whether the occasion calls for casual Sunday brunch pieces or finishing touches fit for the workday, I think either would suit you well.

Just as was the case with my weekend in Washington, D.C., the trip definitely went far too quickly, but it was action-packed and tons of fun. I’m certainly hopeful I can get down to Florida to see the rest of my family again soon — but in the meantime, if their visits to NYC include more viewings of “Hamilton,” my family’s welcome all the time! Let me know if you’ve had any stylish weekend adventures over on The Style Guide Facebook page, and look for an #OOTD post coming tomorrow, plus travel style coverage of a trip upstate coming along next Monday.

Until next time — thanks for reading, and stay stylish!

-Beau
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by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Apolis Nomad Market and Hang Ten x Urban Outfitters

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.  

Now open at the Wythe Hotel -- the Nomad Market Pop-up via the fine folks at Apolis. Photo courtesy of the brand.

Now open at the Wythe Hotel — the Nomad Market Pop-up via the fine folks at Apolis. Photo courtesy of the brand.

Does it feel like summer to you yet? It’s probably got something to do with the glorious weather these past few days in Brooklyn, and a slew of summer-centric events I was able to attend this week, including a neat bar crawl hosted by my friends with the colorful sock brand Pair of Thieves around NYC. Those socks, if you’re not familiar, are colorful and quirky yet easily wearable (see this outfit for an example), and it was fun to catch up with the brand’s co-founders, as well as my pal, the ever-stylish Jamal Jackson of StyleSocietyGuy. Even before that event, it was a busy one in NYC — I helped host Timberland’s Fall 2016 Collection Preview at the Hotel on Rivington. Thanks to everyone who came out! And be on the lookout for some incredible leather jackets and tough boots coming up from the brand later this year. One other NYC-centric note: If you get the opportunity to head over to Brooklyn, one of this site’s favorite #menswear brands — Apolis — celebrated the opening of the first East Coast edition of its traveling pop-up (known as the Nomad Market) at the Wythe Hotel, as seen above. It’s packed full of stellar goods, including the brand’s chore coats, denim and knitwear. Check it out through August 17th, and maybe put a piece on hold for me?

Since we’re feeling very much summer-ready over here, it’s definitely time to grab a few rays — if you need a swimsuit or T-shirt refresh, grab an item or two in a colorful, retro-inspired print from the new Hang Ten x Urban Outfitters collab — these pieces harken back to days on the beach and lots of sun, particularly these corduroy shorts (ideal for after you catch hit the water). Do these pieces come with a cooler and a cold beer? I’ll report back. Know that we’ll have a Memorial Day style suggestion coming up next week, along with guides to the best men’s sunglasses for summer. And until then, check out the rest o’ the week in menswear.

Need to satisfy your craving for more men’s style?

  • I love a great watch — especially one that’s rugged, durable and still casual. Given that, it was a blast to write this post on the best men’s field watches for GearMoose earlier this week!

Until tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week,

-Beau

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by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style Leather Chukka Boots

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

As I’ve so often written about on The Style Guide, style doesn’t have to be too taxing or complicated. It’s not about chasing too many trends (things like athleisure and ridiculously distressed clothing come to mind), but I find that it’s about taking basic pieces and making them work for you by nailing the fit, texture and color. And if you stock a wardrobe full of versatile, casual pieces, that’s a job that can be taken care of quite easily. Take the below #OOTD. It’s perhaps endlessly versatile, from a first (or second, or heck, third) date to a day at the office to weekend brunch or shopping. That’s what you get when you focus on pieces that are relatively classic and dial in the fit and proportions to make them work for you. So in the case of the chambray shirt you’ll see below (spoiler!), that means looking for a piece that fits trim and flatters your frame. The same goes for the chinos on display. When you check those boxes off, it then gets easier to focus on other crucial areas – like pattern and color (or, grabbing a great pair of essential chukka boots). With all that being said, let’s not waste another moment! Onto the #OOTD below.  Hit me up on Twitter or Facebook if you like what you see!

Taking a classic pair of brown leather chukka boots and pairing them with style staples -- simple, effective and sharp!

Taking a classic pair of brown leather chukka boots and pairing them with style staples — simple, effective and sharp!

The Boots: Thursday Boots Brown Scout Boot, $149 — While plenty of brands make a solid leather chukka boot (see here for one option), it’s tough to find a brand that’s nailing a solid price point for even higher quality.

The Shirt: Old Navy Slim-Fit Chambray Shirt, $25 — Because we’re starting with the boots and building from there, a solid, reliable and remarkably affordable chambray shirt is for sure the way to go.

The Chinos: Bonobos Jet Blue Washed Chinos, $88 — Again, navy chinos are classic, reliable (saying that a lot, aren’t we?) and well-fitting — particularly with your pick of three fits. The navy blue plays nicely off the chambray, too.

The Socks: Pair of Thieves Splelurking Socks, $10 — You might recognize this brand from a past Style Guide #OOTD, and this pair is a nice way to break up the shades of blue between the chinos and chambray shirt.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Braided Leather Belt, $27.50 — Playing off the adage that simple is better, this relatively affordable and durable belt breaks up the outfit with solid texture and keeps things casual yet crisp.

The Watch: Timex Weekender Fairfield Watch, $75 — A new introduction from a brand that’s really upped their design as of late — the casual nature of this outfit means you needn’t worry about matching the leather to the chukkas all that much.

The Money Clip: Owen & Fred Brass Money Clip, $19 — If you live by the principle that style is in the details, this money clip streamlines your everyday carry and looks great in the process.

The Bag: Owen & Fred Flight Brief, $245 — If you prefer a larger bag, this might be a bit small for you. However, if you prefer to keep things simple, sharp and stylish, picking up this flight brief is a great investment.

And with all of that, we’re set. This outfit isn’t tremendously groundbreaking, and it’s not build to turn all that many heads in terms of street style. But it’s sharp, effective and versatile — be it going from the office to a weekend trip, or out and about on the weekends. Pairing shades of blue is a personal favorite of this menswear writer (although I’m trying to mix up those colors!), so it’s a tried-and-true combination. And crucially, starting with a remarkably handsome pair of shoes — chukka boots in this case — is always a solid bet no matter what occasion you might be dressing for. Be sure to take care of them with brown leather shoe cream or polish, and they’ll stand up to everything from tailored wear to a casual weekend outing.

Are you a fan of this week’s #OOTD? How would you style brown leather chukka boots?

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