Tag / style pick of the week

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Grayers Dalton Terry Crew

A morning coffee plus this sweater? Looks great to me.

Folks, it’s time to layer up for spring with the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew. It’s as simple as that, and this stylish spring sweater is where we begin today’s Style Pick of the Week. It’s high time you started thinking about lightening up the textures and colors in your seasonal wardrobe. It can certainly be tough to store away chunky cardigans and cable-knit sweaters when it seems like winter has the tendency to stick around so long, but the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew is the right sweater to help you make that transition. We sure do love the Grayers brand here at The Style Guide — they harness that crucial mix of everyday style, easygoing sensibility and a knack for making the right essentials at the right time (I.E. The start of spring). The Grayers Dalton Terry Crew is Exhibit A in that regard, made with visually interesting stripes in a fit that’s easy to throw on over a classic blue chambray shirt or a charcoal Oxford. It’s also made from French terry fabric for comfort and breathability — think the same fabric as your favorite hooded sweatshirt, yet in a silhouette that’s slightly more polished and ready to wear with chinos and classic white sneakers.

And in terms of other design details, the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew more than gets the job done. The raglan sleeve stitching can make your shoulders look broader — something that can help those of us who don’t hit the gym regularly. The crewneck collar also allows you to layer it over regular old T-shirts or a Oxford cloth buttondown, too. To your humble neighborhood menswear writer, the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew would look best when worn casually — atop a white Oxford shirt, with slim tan chinos and suede desert boots. Roll the cuffs of your chinos, rock the collar of the Oxford unbuttoned and roll up those sleeves to your show off your favorite casual leather watch, too. It’s a weekend-ready look that all comes together because of the easygoing nature of the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew — lest you think you’re going to shelve your sweaters for spring, it’s best to keep this one handy for cool spring nights and morning coffee runs. It’ll even layer nicely with an indigo denim jacket — when it comes to dependable off-duty style, there isn’t much that the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew can’t do.  At least, I think so.

What’s your take on the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew? How would you style this classic and affordably priced spring sweater?

As always, thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Szanto Military Pilot Watch

A rugged, classically inspired timepiece with both functionality and style in spades.

We’ve talked about a lot of standout essentials over the past few weeks when it comes to accessories — from a vintage-inspired ballcap to a pair of stylish casual sneakers, so let’s talk now about what’s on your wrist. The Szanto Military Pilot Watch should be your answer this time around, my friends. If you’re looking for a tough, rugged and yet perfectly versatile timepiece to carry you through into spring, look no further than this classic military watch. Don’t let the term “classic” fool you into thinking this timepiece is a relic from another era — no, it’s got modern styling potential in spades.  And spring really is a prime time to upgrade your watch game, as we shed layers and move toward wearing outerwear that allows you to show off some wrist action. Take the classic denim jacket, for instance. Throw on a short-sleeve henley, some timeless white leather sneakers and slim chinos, flip those jacket cuffs and rock the Szanto Military Pilot Watch to that first warm-weather patio bar outing. You needn’t worry about the specs or dependability of the Szanto Military Pilot Watch, either. At $250, it provides dependable value and sharp looks, plus added design features like a stainless steel case and two-chronograph functionality. That’s only the beginning, though.

It’s rare to find a watch with a hand-finished leather strap that costs what the Szanto Military Pilot Watch costs — you simply don’t see that around. And the aesthetic, from the handsome black-and-tan combo to the sharp white markings, goes great with casual style essentials aplenty. It’s the right watch to wear when you rock something more pared-down (like an off-white pocket tee, dark indigo denim and suede chukka boots). Believe me, the Szanto Military Pilot Watch stands out for all the right reasons. And when you fancy going a bit sharper, the Szanto Military Pilot Watch works with easygoing office picks like an unstructured cotton blazer, a grey pocket tee and slim tan chinos. That’s as good as it gets when it comes to Casual Friday in my book. If you fancy a watch with some added toughness and durability, the Szanto Military Pilot Watch offers a 46mm diameter — slightly large for some wrists, but at a decent middle ground for others. It’s likely that you don’t have a watch like this one in your collection, so the Szanto Military Pilot Watch offers nice variety and versatility. What’s more, that price tag is more than agreeable. Can you go a season without adding the Szanto Military Pilot Watch to your watch rotation? I’d wager not — and spring is as good a time as any to start with it.

What’s your favorite current watch? And will this one be joining your rotation? 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket

A grab-and-go jacket that offers a heck of a lot of style and versatility.

What’s one thing you need in your wardrobe (and on your back) this spring more than anything? I’d say it’s got to be a dependable spring rain jacket. Dependable and stylish, that is. But where to go for such a tricky find? Iron & Resin is, simply put, one of those brands you can always turn to in the clutch when you want stylish, wearable and tough gear. From a rugged men’s henley to the excellent Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket that you see on display today, you can be sure the brand is building pieces that are seasonally friendly and more than ready for adventure. With roots in making rough-and-ready threads for chopper enthusiasts, this is one brand that doesn’t skimp on quality or construction (you know we’re all about those two focuses here at The Style Guide). The Reserve Jacket embodies that approach quite nicely — it’s more than just your standard lightweight polyester jacket. Notably, the Reserve Jacket is filled with recycled polyfill, a crucial bit of insulation that provides nice cover on cool spring nights (and breezy spring days, come to think of it). Welt handwarmer pockets offer a handy place to store your everyday carry essentials and keep your hands toasty at the same time — a pretty crucial benefit as well, right? You got it. As we always strive to do here on the blog, the Reserve Jacket packs a hefty punch on the style front, so you’re in luck there.

Polyfill insulation adds some needed warmth for chilly spring nights.

In a black color that actually looks like it might lean more navy, the Reserve Jacket is the sort of classic piece of outerwear that works well in just about any ensemble. Fancy wearing a grey slub tee and some faded denim alongside stylish leather sneakers to get a weekend coffee? Toss on the Reserve Jacket. Want to rock a knit tie and a classic Oxford shirt alongside slim tan chinos and white sneakers? The Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket is a worthy and functional blazer substitute. And when you find yourself in need of a go-anywhere coat for a spring road trip or a music festival (The National’s Homecoming Festival is my pick!), then the Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket is the one to buy. The Reserve Jacket ditches the logos and crazy colors of other spring rain jackets, and it looks all the better for it. So, what’s not to like about that? Let me know in the comments below if you’ll be picking up this crucial spring addition.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Red Wing Merchant Boots

Right off the bat, just know that rugged leather boots — like the Red Wing Merchant Boots as seen above — aren’t going anywhere just ‘cuz we’ve now moved into March. No, there’s hardly a wrong time for a pair of stylish leather boots, as we so often say here at The Style Guide. In last week’s Style Pick, we dove into why you needed to pre-order some classic dress shoes from Taylor Stitch, but let’s return once more to durable leather boots — perfect even in March. Red Wing has gone to great lengths to up its style game over the years, and pieces like the handsome Merchant Boots exemplify that approach nicely (along with the brand’s coveted 1000 Mile line). The Mohave leather in a rich and unique color helps set the Red Wing Merchant Boots apart from the rest of the pack, as do touches like a steel shank and Goodyear welt construction for absurd durability. Brass eyelets also provide the type of durability you’d expect from a pair of classically styled boots like the Red Wing Merchant Boots. And speaking of classic style … a simply designed pair of plain toe leather boots can work with a heck of a lot of spring style essentials, to say the least.

Indeed, the Red Wing Merchant Boots can be styled in straightforward, classic fashion — think faded blue denim and a crisp Oxford shirt — or in ways a little more office-ready (an unlined navy cotton blazer, charcoal chinos and a light blue chambray shirt ought to do the trick). Therein lies the magic of a timeless pair of leather boots like the Red Wing Merchant Boots — they’ll go with plenty of gear you already love to wear (for instance: Slim tan chinos, a short-sleeve henley and a denim jacket, for one). That easy-to-wear styling potential makes the price tag of $320 a little more bearable, and when you consider their versatility and durability (especially when dealing with spring rain), that’s all the more applause-worthy. When rainy spring weather hits, you can throw on these boots in place of your typical suede chukkas, and be ready for just about anything. And the Red Wing Merchant Boots are only going to get better with age, another key benefit to investing for the long-term. So, to recap: Just because it’s spring doesn’t mean you need to shelve your boots entirely. Far from it, in fact. If I were you, the Red Wing Merchant Boots would have a permanent place in my footwear rotation in the months ahead.

How about you? Do you like the look of the Red Wing Merchant Boots?

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Brogues in Espresso Leather

Absurdly stylish and well-crafted brogues, available right this very minute for pre-order.

It seems I say this nearly every day, or at least every week, but Taylor Stitch appears to have outdone themselves again. The brand always delivers on items that are somewhat unexpected, especially its spring-ready Telegraph Collection. Our pals in San Francisco blend a classic design touch with a bit of rugged edge, all wrapped up in a line of suiting and accessories that’s got plenty of timeless appeal. So it goes with the Taylor Stitch Brogues in Espresso Leather, a stunning dress shoe from a brand that cut its teeth making rugged menswear essentials like leather boots and chambray shirts. Yet, the Taylor Stitch Brogues in Espresso Leather carry on the brand’s focus on quality and style quite nicely. Another great part about the Taylor Stitch Brogues in Espresso Leather? They fit right in with other TS essentials, no questions asked. Made from beautiful Espresso full-grain leather — a nice departure from tan or light brown dress shoes — these handsome brogues cover all your bases in terms of an utterly classic dress shoe that you’ll have for years and years to come. It starts with handmade construction in Mexico, and it carries through to small touches like the sheepskin lining for a clean fit and plenty of comfort. Goodyear welt construction means you can keep these ridiculously stylish Taylor Stitch Brogues in Espresso Leather around for a heck of a long time, too. That durability is going to be crucial, because you can wear these stylish men’s dress shoes with nearly anything (aside from shorts, I’d say).

Rolled denim and chunky socks? No problem, these Taylor Stitch dress shoes were made for it.

Seriously, Taylor Stitch hit the nail on the head with this pair — it’s somewhat rare to find a pair of dress shoes that look just as great with cuffed dark blue denim (see above) as they do with one of the brand’s expertly crafted Telegraph Suits, but that’s what the Taylor Stitch Brogues in Espresso Leather achieve. They’re only going to get better with age, but the toughest part about the entire process isn’t breaking ’em in … it’s waiting for them to arrive. Yes indeed, these bad boys should ship out just in time for summer wedding season — I’d imagine they’ll look mighty fine with a navy linen suit and a knit tie at your first outdoor shindig when the thermostat climbs. For now, I’d wager you’ll want to devote plenty of thought as to how to style the Taylor Stitch Brogues in Espresso Leather; this is a classic pair of footwear that again drives home that Taylor Stitch ethos: They always outdo themselves.

Will the Taylor Stitch Brogues in Espresso Leather be putting a dent in your bank account? How would you style them?

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: SeaVees Bayside Moc

A sneaker that’s going to prove a nice change of pace from winter boots? Sign me up.

Are you getting sick of your winter boots yet? No matter how much you might love to break out a pair of stylish men’s boots for these chilly times, it can get old after a few months. So, what’s a guy to do? Well, that guy — you — should reach for a pair of durable, winter-ready men’s sneakers like the SeaVees Bayside Moc. Yep, that’s right; you certainly can break out sneakers in winter, provided the conditions on the ground are right (shelve them during the polar vortex or when navigating snowdrifts on a blustery day). But most of the rest of the time, especially as we transition to spring, the SeaVees Bayside Moc is going to get the job done in rugged, casual fashion — the perfect respite from wearing boots day after day … after day.  It’s no secret that here at The Style Guide, we sure do love SeaVees; the brand draws on decades of California heritage to make sneakers that are classic and yet versatile enough to wear with your favorite style essentials. And yessir, that goes for winter style essentials as well — all thanks to the SeaVees Bayside Moc. This is a pair of grab-and-wear-anywhere sneakers, complete with classic chukka construction. They work especially well when paired up with navy chinos and a cable crewneck sweater to head to Sunday brunch or weekend coffee, in this writer’s opinion. That’s not all they have going for ’em, though.

A casually rugged profile, thanks to the classic moc toe stitching.

The specs on the SeaVees Bayside Moc are just what you’d expect from SeaVees, from the suede upper to the handsewn moccasin construction. Yet, there’s quite a bit of comfort built right into the Bayside Moc, starting with a comfort memory foam footbed designed to allow air flow and provide nice cushioning. It’s a pair of sneakers with comfort that’s going to pay off in the long run — after all, you can wear the SeaVees Bayside Moc quite a few places even in the winter. I’m talking a trip to your favorite brewery or a spontaneous vintage store shopping run (try it with a date sometime, perhaps?). At any rate, the Bayside Moc looks great with more casual style staples like slim dark denim and a rugged henley — as nearly all kicks from SeaVees just so happen to do. Again, it can take some work getting used to wearing sneakers in the winter, especially if you’re dedicated to your boot game. Give the SeaVees Bayside Moc a try sometime, though — they might just replace a pair of your boots the rest of this season.

Are the SeaVees Bayside Moc going to enter your footwear rotation soon? Let me know in the comments!

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Ebbets Field Flannels Bespoke Post Cap

A unique way to upgrade your outfit — throw on a cool, vintage-inspired hat.

Since when you do need a new ballcap? Since right about now, I’d wager. A ballcap is a somewhat underrated style move in the menswear world — and not everyone is a fan of wearing caps. Bear with me, though. When done right, the humble ballcap can add visual interest and even provide a bit of a talking point for your outfit (seriously, people love cool hats). So, which hat to pick up? Well, the Ebbets Field Flannels Bespoke Post Cap is the ballcap you didn’t know you needed, complete with throwback style points and an air of vintage cool. Ebbets Field Flannels has experienced a resurgence in recent years, resulting in gear that nods to the past and looks great in the present — kind of like your other favorite men’s style essentials (I.e. the classic chambray shirt). It’s also just the right time to break out a stylish vintage-inspired ballcap like this one, provided it’s not a blizzard out there. Yes indeed, the finely crafted Ebbets Field Flannels hat is the right topper for your next winter weekend ensemble — even outside of the work week, we know that the small style details count in every single ensemble. The Ebbets Field Flannels Bespoke Post Cap is also a one-of-a-kind offering, made exclusively for our pals at Bespoke Post to mark the site’s six-year anniversary (hence the use of the felt “B”). And the specs are to be applauded, from the tonal stitching to the hand-crafted construction and that distinctly cool feeling you get from snagging something that’s made in America.

A leather back fastener and nickel pull tab are a departure from regular athletic ballcaps.

Seriously, if you haven’t considered throwing on a ballcap the next time you head out to grab a weekend coffee, run errands or head to Sunday brunch, you can ease into it the right way. The Ebbets Field Flannels Bespoke Post Cap certainly checks off all the boxes — it’s low-key, it’s easy to style and it features much cooler design touches than a regular athletic logo ballcap. The Ebbets Field Flannels Bespoke Post Cap is the type of cap to throw on with a casual crewneck sweater, rugged moc toe boots and perfectly faded denim as you head out for a casual evening. It’ll also work nicely as a travel cap, offering protection from the elements and a bit of shade from the sun if you’re the type to head out on day hikes. No matter what casual ensemble floats your boat, this cap can likely pair up with it. And it just makes sense to round out your wardrobe with a casual, cool hat like this Ebbets Field Flannels ballcap — after all, why not cover all your bases in the menswear playing field?

Are you going to be picking up the Ebbets Field Flannels Bespoke Post Cap? And how will you be styling it? 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket

A remarkably well-made jacket that packs a serious punch in terms of standout style, too.

Alright, folks — given the hectic pace and jam-packed schedule of #NYFWM (that’s New York Fashion Week: Men’s), we forewent yesterday’s regularly scheduled Friday Read. However, we’re sure as heck not skipping this weekend’s Style Pick of the Week, not with so many crucial winter style essentials to discuss at this key juncture. And if at first glance the Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket looks more like a jacket you’d throw on come spring or summer, rest assured that it’s got the specs to handle just about anything this winter. The Winslow Jacket‘s durability and style comes from the use of water and wind-repellant waxed canvas, a heck of a way to ensure that you stay warm and dry this winter. But if it’s just a waxed canvas jacket, how exactly is it going to keep you warm this winter? That’s where the wool-blend blanket lining comes into play — there’s really not too much like the  Winslow Jacket out there when it comes to covering all of your bases. And if you follow Taylor Stitch and read The Style Guide regularly, you know that all too well, ehh? Indeed. So when you’ve got specs that are that dependable and stylish, it certainly makes it easy to build outfits around it — shockingly easy, in fact.

The blanket lining adds a crucial bit of warmth and neat style.

I’m talking pieces that you already love to wear in the winter, like a rugged crewneck sweatshirt and your favorite pair of faded denim, plus the right pair of tough winter boots. Yessir, the Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket is your new grab-and-go top layer — just be sure to accessorize it with a stylish scarf and a beanie cap to cover yourself completely for winter. The bright yellow color is also a bonus — a fun, slightly vintage-leaning way to break out of the gray winter doldrums. And if you’ve yet to experiment with punching up your outerwear in terms of color, the Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket can help you do that in a manner that’s not too far off base. It’ll add a pop of visual interest to normally more reserved or laidback outfits, including slim black denim a classic chambray shirt. Oh, and it also works as a handy travel jacket, packed with pockets for easy utility. Truly, the Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket is a unique beast of a coat, more than able to take on what’s left of winter.

How do we feel about the Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket? Let me know in the comments, and cheers! 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket

A simple, standard jacket? Far from it. Relwen does a nice job here with the Bonded Pile Jacket.

Lately, we’ve been all about durable, rugged and casually stylish layers here on The Style Guide. The thermostat isn’t climbing any higher these days, and that’s where the Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket comes into play. It’s the type of easygoing jacket that you should (hopefully) have plenty of in your closet, the type of piece that works well on the weekends and even as a mid-layer on a blustery morning commute. The Bonded Pile Jacket is a recent addition to the Relwen product line as sold via Huckberry, and it calls to mind the type of classic, easy-to-wear jacket that you might find yourself reaching for after a hard day on the slopes. Yes indeed, the Bonded Pile Jacket just has something about it that calls to mind decades gone by — it’s slightly vintage thanks to the charcoal nep texture, but sleek and modern at the same time. That aesthetic fits in well with how Relwen does things, from outerwear like the Quilted Patrol Jacket to pieces like, well, the Bonded Pile Jacket.  The Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket is a piece that blends warm functionality with a classic, clean aesthetic, which is good news if you want to pair it with other men’s style essentials you’ve got in your wardrobe, like an American-made Oxford and classic blue denim. Between the blend of a soft knit outer and a warm fleece interior, you’ll hardly want to take it off (especially when you see how good it looks with classic menswear staples).

You’ve seen the outside of this jacket — now, get a load of the inside.

The Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket is the sort of subtly stylish jacket that it pays to keep around for the cold months, be it an unusually brisk morning stoking the fire on your back porch or dashing out for morning coffee. Yet, the Bonded Pile Jacket has the sort of straightforward look that can work during a casual Friday, too — especially when you match it up with other staples like a slim chambray shirt and classic tan chinos. It’s got a trim-but-not-too-tight fit, all the better for feeling great and looking quite polished in the process. The knit-ribbed cuffs, hem and neck offer protection from the elements, perfect for when you want to wear the Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket as a top layer with durable chore pants and tough leather boots for a weekend park stroll. That’s but one of the places where the Bonded Pile Jacket is going to come in handy, however. I’m sure you’ll dream up plenty more #OOTD scenarios and outfits once you’ve got your hands on the Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket.

Are you a fan of this casual, essential outerwear piece? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket in Chocolate Beeswaxed Canvas

If the product title of today’s Style Pick of the Week is a bit too much bfor your take in all at once (Chocolate Beeswaxed Canvas, oh my!), rest assured that we’ll give you plenty of time to process just how great the Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket really is. It’s certainly among my favorite rugged style essentials this season, I can tell you that much. And it’s that time of year where we’ve all got to batten down the hatches, trude through snow and slush and sleet, and simply get on with things — without missing a beat in terms of style or substance. That’s where, once again, Taylor Stitch has outdone itself with its Rover Jacket. We sure do love Taylor Stitch for gear from top to bottom, from the brand’s Slim Chinos to the layering-ready Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt, and the Rover Jacket is definitely a tried-and-true silhouette that’s received a nice upgrade this season. It’s the same look that you know and love — and perhaps already have in your closet — done in a way that’s sure to fight winter weather and look absolutely stunning in the process. The beeswax cotton canvas exterior is some of the toughest stuff around, able to keep you mobile and adventure-ready while also fighting nasty winter storms. That water and wind-repellant functionality is crucial stuff, believe me.
Holiday 2017Small touches like a classic moleskin collar and lining put the Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket within the realm of outerwear you might find in the Scottish Highlands or simply … hiking through your local park. Either way, there’s hardly a tougher jacket out there that looks this great. Brass armpit grommet vents give you mobility and dexterity for climbing, hiking, scaling rocks or tipping back a few pints at your local pub. The Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket is absolutely fit for pairing with gear for either setting, be it tough chore pants and durable work boots or something more casual (think brewpub-ready gear along the lines of faded slim denim and classic leather chukka boots). Any way you look at it, the  Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket is yet another piece from a brand that’s taking up more and more real estate in my closet by the day — how about you? Will the  Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket be your next purchase? Chime in on Twitter if so!

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

Holiday 2017