March 28, 2020February 24, 2020 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott and Bow Laight Slim Wash Light Jeans

Utterly classic slim jeans that are a winner any day of the week this spring.

If you’ve been regularly checking your calendar, you’ll notice that we’re past St. Patrick’s Day and barreling toward spring properly now — that means, of course, that you need spring style essentials. And to be more specific: You need a pair of the best light wash jeans for spring, and that’s where Mott and Bow can assuredly help you out. If you read the blog on the regular (as you should!), you’ll notice that the company frequently makes some of the best jeans on the market, period — that goes for the coolest black jeans you’ve ever seen, as well as classic, winter-ready denim. But again, let’s shift our attention toward the slim light wash jeans you need to be wearing right now. We talked last summer about these slim jeans for warm weather, and it’s the right time to revisit ’em. Warmer weather means lighter fabrics, lighter colors and generally more casual style, so welcome it wholeheartedly with the Mott and Bow Laight Jeans, I say. And when it comes to Mott and Bow denim, you should rest easy knowing you’re getting the most bang for your buck (these jeans retail for $118, after all). In this case, the Mott and Bow Laight Jeans are made with 98 percent cotton and 2 percent elastane for ever-critical comfort and stretch. The hits just keep coming, though.

SHOP: The Mott and Bow Laight Jeans

Tailored, not-too-tight jeans from Mott and Bow.

It can be tough to find slim light wash jeans that fit the bill (pun very much intended) in terms of how they drape and move. Once again, Mott and Bow comes to the rescue with some of the best men’s denim, all made to fit every body type (Slim, Straight and Skinny fits take care of that). I think you’re going to find that the Mott and Bow Laight Jeans aren’t too skinny, nor are they too baggy — they fit just right. What’s more, with Mott and Bow‘s design process, you’re getting the kind of expertly faded (stonewashed, to be exact) denim that feels great right out of the box. For the guy on the go (that’s you!) who wants to wear stylish light wash jeans with everything from a classic white tee and high-top sneakers to a navy cotton blazer and classic suede chukkas, that versatility in design (not to mention comfort and fit) is critical. And one last point: While the Mott and Bow Laight Jeans are nicely made for the weekend — throw on your favorite hooded sweatshirt and get out the door — these are also jeans you can wear to the office, particularly with a grey slub polo and the aforementioned classic suede chukkas. The world of style possiblities is nearly endless when it comes to Mott and Bow jeans, so snag this pair and get started exploring.

SHOP: The Mott and Bow Laight Jeans

March 21, 2020February 23, 2020 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt

A new everyday Oxford shirt, no doubt about it.

Alright, folks: Welcome to another Style Pick of the Week. Let’s talk all about one of the best men’s Oxford shirts, shall we? It helps that the stylish Oxford shirt in question comes from the classic menswear purveyors at Buck Mason, a longtime favorite of the blog (seriously, check out this post on Buck Mason from 2015!). But to be sure, the brand gets several things right all the way across the board, from the perfect everyday watch to the rugged field jacket you need in your closet ASAP. But back to the reason we’re here: The Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt is every bit the shirt you would expect from this lauded brand, and it’s a perfect menswear essential to snag as we head (slowly but surely) from winter into spring. It all starts with the attention to detail and construction over at Buck Mason, this much I know to be true. The brand says the fit of this shirt is similar to its other collared shirts (I love the Denim Vintage One-Pocket Shirt in particular) and its classic T-shirts, so that’s great news right off the bat. Made with 100 percent cotton for a breezy feel and finish, this essential Oxford shirt is perfect to wear on its own at the office (preferably with slim tan chinos and classic suede chukka boots) or else open atop a crisp white tee with your favorite pair of jeans on the weekend.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt

This sharp Buck Mason Oxford shirt also comes in classic white.

Really, the versatility of the Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt comes down to the fit — the fact that you can rock untucked on its own with classics like edgy black denim or office-ready olive chinos is a big bonus. And yet, it’ll look sharp and stellar beneath a navy or khaki cotton blazer as the weather starts to warm up. The baggy Oxford shirts of days gone by are simply a thing of the past. Heck, if you were feeling really ambitious (and seriously cool, for that matter), you could pair this classic blue Oxford with one of Buck Mason’s leather moto jackets — talk about a menswear match made in heaven, right? It’s fitting that the Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt is so versatile and so classically cool: It was made by a brand that believes in those things, after all. The next time you want an Oxford shirt that’s as comfortable as a broken-in tee and yet stylish enough to wear at the office, get this handsome number from Buck Mason.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt

March 14, 2020February 10, 2020 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: SeaVees Huntington Middie High-Top Sneakers

Easygoing sneakers to wear all spring.

Maybe in your neck of the woods, it’s starting to warm up ever so slightly — and with the hint of a spring breeze comes the need to swap in some of the best men’s sneakers for just about any seasonal style pursuits you can possibly dream up. On that note, please welcome to the stage: The SeaVees Huntington Middie, and they’re quite possibly some of the best men’s high-top sneakers to slide onto your feet this season (and of course, into summer). These classic high-top sneakers have been a favorite of this very blog over the years, and we’re bringing them back into the fold today for good reason: You simply need to start wearing easygoing spring sneakers right now in place of rugged leather boots (at least some of the time, that is). The right spring sneakers, especially from a brand like SeaVees (which helped pioneer California cool via unique styles of the 1960’s) can evoke a sense of time and place, and in the case of the SeaVees Huntington Middie, they call to mind spring barbecues, sunlit days in the park, easygoing days on the patio at your favorite brewery … and plenty more. Even if you’re dealing with more rain than sunshine at the moment, I promise you that warmer days are ahead, and when they get there, you won’t find a finer pair of classic spring sneakers for the moment than the SeaVees Huntington Middie. That’s high praise, but the brand can back it up.

SHOP: The SeaVees Huntington Middie

One of three classic colorways in which you’ll find the SeaVees Huntington Middie.

These sneakers blend the best of both worlds — a cut that’s similar to classic chukka boots or high-top sneakers, yet the lightweight look and feel of timeless SeaVees sneakers. The suede upper is supple and pretty perfect for spring, as these should be easy to slip into right out of the box. That versatility from day one means you can (and should) team them with your favorite spring style essentials — take slim light wash jeans, a classic white tee & stylish shades, then add the SeaVees Huntington Middie & call it good to go. These are the sort of easygoing sneakers you can get away with taking for a spin at the office, too — team them up with a classic Oxford shirt & tan chinos, maybe add an unstructured cotton blazer … there it is. All the while, you can rest easy knowing that these affordable sneakers also happen to be durable and stylish at the same time. Get with the program, get the SeaVees Huntington Middie, then get ready for spring.

SHOP: The SeaVees Huntington Middie

March 7, 2020February 10, 2020 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Camelia Packable Shirt Jacket

A fashionable-yet-functional jacket from a designer who just gets it.

We’re turning our attention today in our Style Pick of the Week series toward one of America’s best menswear designers, Mr. Billy Reid. More specifically, we’re diving into why you need one of the best men’s shirts jackets from this handsome brand — the Billy Reid Camelia Packable Shirt Jacket checks all the right boxes when it comes to an unbeatable early spring layer, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Lest Billy Reid‘s association with the fashion world scare you away (he holds an annual Shindig to celebrate music, fashion & art), know that Reid is a master at making the sort of functional-yet-fashionable gear every guy needs — in fact, you might know him from the standout Billy Reid Bond Peacoat, a true must-buy when it comes to a stylish men’s jacket. But back to the matter at hand, because the Billy Reid Camelia Packable Shirt Jacket is the perfect shirt jacket for the moment.

It’s the kind of multi-faceted piece that Reid does so well, featuring a water-resistant exterior nylon shell that just so happens to be crafted from Reid’s custom Camelia fabric — you might not find a more durable shirt jacket (in camo, no less!) than this one.

SHOP: The Billy Reid Camelia Packable Shirt Jacket

Reid takes great care when it comes to the details, too.

The camo print on this surprisingly rugged shirt jacket might seem to be a bit too much at first, but rest assured: When styled the right way, this piece can be minimal-yet-attention-grabbing (in a good way). The best men’s shirt jackets work well with other menswear classics, especially those more geared toward spring style, like a slim pair of light wash denim and a crisp white T-shirt — in this case, your new favorite shirt jacket does all the talking. You can also wear the Billy Reid Camelia Packable Shirt Jacket on the road (when it’s not packed in your bag, of course) — simply pair it up with tan chinos and a slim chambray shirt, then add rugged leather chukka boots for the ultimate in all-day travel style. To head to the office — yes, the office, swap in this stylish shirt jacket in place of a blazer atop your favorite Oxford shirt, then keep those same chinos and chukka boots handy. It’s a versatile, unique combo that’s just different enough to add a shot in the arm to your wardrobe, and that’s what it should be about as we start spring. No doubt about it, this shirt jacket could become your new go-to layering move.

SHOP: The Billy Reid Camelia Packable Shirt Jacket

February 29, 2020January 27, 2020 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Sanders Hi-Top Dress Chukka Boots

Stepping out with sleek, effective high-top chukka boots.

There’s never a bad time to step out wearing a pair of the best men’s chukka boots — especially on a late winter weekend, and especially when the stylish chukka boots in question are the Sanders Hi-Top Chukka Boots. They channel the perfect kind of dressy-yet-versatile style that only the best men’s chukka boots can provide, what with the kind of elegance required to be worn with a navy herringbone suit or your favorite pair of dark denim in equal measure.

Tell me: Do you have any chukka boots in your arsenal currently that can do that? Not quite? That’s why you need these Sanders chukka boots. Mark my words, though: The list of positives goes on (and on, and on). They check all the proper boxes as you search for your new favorite pair of chukka boots, including a sleek profile and a rich suede leather upper (ideal to start wearing now, then keep around come spring and summer). And what’s more, the lineage of Sanders should be enough to buy these dress chukka boots on merit alone. After all, Sanders has been making some of the best men’s footwear (period) since the 1870s — based in England, they’re a sleeper brand that deserves your attention and hard-earned cash, too.

SHOP: The Sanders Hi-Top Chukka Boots

Unbeatable quality, the best materials and top-notch construction set these apart.

The crepe sole, with a thicker cut than, say Clarks desert boots, provides even more comfort and a smooth ride than you might expect — that’s what makes these boots perfect for pairing with everything from slim olive chinos (in the approaching spring) or the best corduroy pants (right now). The versatility of this seemingly simple style shines through in the color selection of these hi-top chukka boots, too — choose from rich Polo Snuff Suede or Moss Green Suede, then pair either with everything from light wash jeans or navy chinos to faded dark denim. As to where exactly you can take the Sanders Hi-Top Chukka Boots, well, that’s really up to you. The comfortable crepe sole and refined, yet not-too-dressy design mean these would be apt for overseas travel or a day at the office in equal measure. Especially when worn with slim tan chinos and a navy polo in the spring, you’re channeling some 007 style in Casino Royale. Seriously, how cool is that?? Not bad at all — I think James Bond himself might even approve of the Sanders Hi-Top Chukka Boots, so you might as well see for yourself.

SHOP: The Sanders Hi-Top Chukka Boots

February 22, 2020February 20, 2020 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch

The perfect casual watch to pair with the rest of your Buck Mason menswear.

Just when you thought your wardrobe was packed with enough stylish menswear from Buck Mason, the lauded brand comes along and releases the ideal accessory to complement those pieces: The Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch. It’s got the potential to be your new favorite casual watch, with all the trappings you need and expect from a rugged timepiece that’s crafted for everyday wear. The specs on this stylish casual watch are certainly up to the standard the brand has set for itself — in this case, Buck Mason teamed up with watchmaker A.W.C. to re-tool a Seiko 7S26C. To wit: The 42mm stainless steel case is water-reistant to 200 meters, so you know this watch can take a beating beyond the coffee shop and out on the road (perhaps teamed with a rugged Buck Mason leather jacket for your travels, ideally).

And even the NATO strap delivers on its promise of tough performance: The Phoenix G10 NATO nylon strap (available for the Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch in two colorways) plays off the original 1970’s strap made for the British Ministry of Defense. But why pack all of this into a humble wristwatch? For starters, it’s so much more than your average watch — again, it’s as if the Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch was crafted to be worn specifically with the rest of your Buck Mason-centric ensemble … and in a way, it was.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch

Pick from two NATO straps that accompany this stylish casual watch from Buck Mason.

Before we go any further: You should know that this highly versatile, highly stylish casual watch comes with a bit of a price tag — OK, I’ll spill the beans. You’re dropping nearly $900 for this vintage-inspired watch, but trust me … it should be worth it.

After all, what other watch can you wear to the office (with a Buck Mason Oxford shirt) and then out on a road trip with your new favorite leather jacket without having to switch things up? For your money’s worth, make it the Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch. It’s the type of highly wearable, understated wristwatch every guy needs in his rotation, and the even better news? You can start wearing this watch now (the rugged NATO strap pairs nicely with a classic henley and denim), and then keep it handy to throw on before you head to the beach this summer. Talk about a classic watch that offers some serious bang for your buck — it’s like we said. You shouldn’t expect anything less from Buck Mason and Co.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch

February 15, 2020January 13, 2020 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Wellen Headlands Sweater

A dependable winter sweater to wear any time the chill gets the best of you.

Perhaps right off the bat, you recognize today’s Style Pick of the Week — after all, we’ve featured this rugged winter sweater in my guide to dressing for a chilly morning, as well as my roundup of the best new menswear for 2020. With that being said, let’s dig right back into exactly why you’re going to love the Wellen Headlands Sweater (courtesy of Huckberry) for the rest of this season. So, why exactly do you need this classic winter sweater right now? Well, for starters, it’s (likely) cold as heck out there right now — one of the best winter sweaters is simply a must. This isn’t your garden-variety winter sweater, however: It’s got all the necessary chops you’d expect from one of Huckberry’s two in-house brands (you’ve probably read about the Wellen Slub Flannel previously on the site, for instance). Naturally, the Wellen Headlands Sweater has all the trappings of a rugged winter sweater you’re going to enjoy wearing, from the waffle knit construction to the use of recycled polyester and wool. Sustainability is more important in the style world these days than ever, and Wellen makes every effort to amp up its work from the norm — a typically flimsy fast-fashion sweater, this is not.

SHOP: The Wellen Headlands Sweater

One of two excellent color options available.

Plus, with the Wellen Headlands Sweater, you get the ability to layer up your favorite winter style essentials right alongside this beautiful piece of knitwear. Want to wear a rugged flannel shirt underneath this sweater on a particularly chilly winter day? Go for it. Feel like throwing on the Wellen Headlands Sweater atop a casual long-sleeve tee? It’ll work for that, too. The texture of the waffle-knit construction makes it a worthwhile complement to tougher, more textured winter menswear, too — take your favorite chore pants or a pair of inky blue dark denim, for instance. This classic winter sweater is going to stand out reliably (but not too much!) when worn with either of those pieces. As to where exactly you can take the Wellen Headlands Sweater? Well, that’s up to you — team it with a timeless Oxford shirt and that same pair of inky blue dark denim to wear to a casual office, or take that same combo mixed with rugged leather chukka boots for a weekend coffee date. And if you really want to layer up on a chilly winter morning? The Wellen Headlands Sweater is going to be your best bet underneath, say, the Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket. Talk about making your favorite winter style essentials work for you, ehh? It doesn’t get any better than that.