October 3, 2015October 3, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: JACHS NY Merino Wool Cardigan

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

The ideal type of sweater to get you through fall, with some on-trend elbow patches, to boot. Short-sleeve henley by Pistol Lake. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

Just as we talked about in this very space during last week’s Style Pick, fall weather is quickly approaching for a lot of us. And that brings up my favorite time of the year — when you really get the chance to start layering up. Before it gets excruciatingly cold though, there’s some transition time, calling for pieces that are breathable and comfortable, but just a bit warmer than that unconstructed blazer you might have worn throughout the summer and into September. For me, that means reaching for a nice, lighter-weight cardigan. There’s plenty of time for chunky knit shawl cardigans, but it’s always nice to be able to put on a comfortable, well-made and feather-light (well, almost) option in the meantime. Thus, enter this week’s Style Pick of the Week. JACHS NY is a hyper-local brand that’s still grabbed the eyeballs of some prominent menswear Instagrammers (like my digital pal Everyday Drew), and they stock a nice product assortment at the brand’s well-curated flagship store. Case in point — one of the brand’s F15 arrivals, the Light Grey Merino Wool Cardigan. For the record, it is a bit much at $129 for what some might view as a simple sweater. But as with most Style Picks here, these are aspirational items worth considering. And this one’s got a rad touch — some old-school elbow patches. Read on to find out why that earns it major style points (and note that it also comes in a darker Charcoal color).

And yes, it’s wool, and it might not be too cold for that yet, right? Wrong. Before you associate wool with some scratchy, heavy monstrosity, know that this cardigan (which the brand sent me for a variety of fall features) is nothing like that. It’s soft, it’s got a relatively trim and modern fit — that’s key when avoiding the negative style association some people have with cardigans. The trim fit and soft fabric ensure that it wears more like a thermal henley or overshirt than a thick cardigan (you can check out more product details on GearHungry, in fact). The softer fabric has made it comfortable to wear on its own over a henley in a slight fall breeze. And now, onto perhaps the top styling point — those elbow patches! They’re a soft suede, and they’re a pretty neat stylistic feature (in my opinion) that harkens back to real rustic, outdoors-y style — even if you only work in a cubicle. They make the cardigan a little less dressy, yet this is still one sweater you can throw on with slim khaki chinos, a blue Oxford and brown wingtip boots for office wear. Conversely, it’s done just fine over a simple white T-shirt for relaxing around my apartment. It’s the type of cardigan made for fall & into winter with some proper outerwear thrown on over it — best of all, those elbow patches assuredly make it the type of sweater you can put on to go grab some coffee and crunch some leaves in the park, weekend after weekend.

Have you bought from JACHS NY? Are you on-board with cardigans, or elbow-patch cardigans, for that matter?

September 26, 2015September 23, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: KOMONO Winston Herringbone Watch

Tons of fall texture in an unlikely place — your wrist. The Winston Herringbone from KOMONO.

The theme of my wardrobe has centered, in recent weeks, around trying to will fall here — that is, wearing thicker boots, sturdier denim and wishing for a cool chill in the air. That’s why it’s (nearly) entirely appropriate to extend this focus to other, more unexpected pieces of clothing — like the watch you wear on you wrist. It’s a place that more brands are viewing as a complementary style piece — whether it’s a patterned NATO strap or something with a more fall or winter-centric tilt, like the KOMONO Winston Herringbone Watch. It’s simple yet eyecatching in a modern, minimalist way (even the offkilter logo doesn’t jump too much), and KOMONO is absolutely worth a look. They’re a quickly growing brand that offers a bevy of watch styles — nearly 250 — plus hundreds of sunglass styles, too. And they do so at prices that are quite manageable — more than a Timex (although the new Waterbury collection gets up in their price), yet far below Omega territory (this watch goes for just under $90). That’s all the better, because while some KOMONO options — like the Royale Silver — are more versatile, something like the Winston Herringbone is more unique, and thus less wearable across the board.

Some interesting detailing at the end of the strap adds a bit of flash to a sharp timepiece.

A closer look at the texture and off-kilter logo on a super-crisp dial.

But if you’ve built out a nice watch collection — maybe with a few styles from this post — it could be time (tick, tock) to look for something a bit different. And thanks to the cold weather-friendly texture on this strap, now is a great …. time to try out this move. It does, of course, have that black dial, so wearing it frequently in business casual situations with some brown chukka boots or brown dress shoes might look off. But on the weekends with a chunky cardigan, some trusty jeans and a beat-up pair of captoe boots, it should look just fine. The same goes for more neutral situations — like when paired up with suede chukka boots and a V-neck sweater on a casual work day. The black herringbone pattern even ensures that it could, in theory, work up against a tan wool blazer. It’s clean and minimal enough where it won’t look out of place in casual or appropriately matched dressier situations. And it’s affordable enough for you to take the plunge and still have a bit left over to celebrate Oktoberfest.

Would you rock a fabric watch? How about this particular style?

September 19, 2015September 18, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Standard Shirt Spread Collar Dress Shirt

Rocking the Standard Spread Collar Shirt at a lovely Michigan wedding. Silver knit tie by Banana Republic. Tie bar by The Tie Bar. Navy suit and floral pocket square by J. Crew. Tan suede Chelsea boots by ASOS. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Glasses by Warby Parker.

Whereas last week’s Style Pick post covered the very well-made (and very expensive) Boiled Wool Sweatpant from Apolis, this week’s Style Pick takes things in a more classic — and dressier — direction. As you head toward wedding season (or even just return to throwing on more suits now that summer’s winding down), hardworking basics are going to be your best friend. That’s especially true of the classic (and more and more underrated) white dress shirt. The team at Standard Shirt passed along one of its, well, standard shirts for review, and I had the chance to test-drive it during a Michigan wedding. The quality is to be applauded, and it presents a great argument for wearing a crisp white dress shirt more often. The company aims to make the best dress shirt in your closet, and its focus on doing that is exceptionally tight — they offer just two shirt styles, both in crisp white. Founded by three friends in New York City, the company’s singular focus is reflected in its partnership with an expert textile industry insider in Seoul, Korea and the shirts definitely represent that focus. One features a cutaway collar, while the other features a standard (that word keeps coming up) spread collar. And for only $59, this shirt can give those other, pricier options in your closet a run for their money.

Two collar styles in a basic — yet essential white dress shirt.

In addition to that noticeable and welcome price differential, a few other key things jump out about the Spread Collar option from Standard Shirt. It’s got a wider collar than many other dress shirts on the market right now that I’ve encountered — I was a bit hesitant to try this style out at first, but it’s a positive. It complemented my tailored yet not overly trim suit (plus the slightly more traditional break on my suit pants). The wider collar also helped the collar of the shirt hold its shape better even with a tie, and it created a pretty pleasing visual effect — no slim collars a la One Direction here. And it’s part of a swing back to more classic tailoring in the broader menswear world — trim cuts, but not severely skinny, seem to be coming back; just look at the type of dress shirts that James Bond will wear in SPECTRE. There’s still something to be said for keeping everything in proportion — that means your lapels should be the same width as your tie, which should be the same width as your shirt collar. That means this shirt in particular gives wider lapels and a thicker tie knot some more strength and visual heft — a definite positive when rocking some strong tailoring. This is the type of shirt that would do well with V-neck sweaters and even on its own under a suit. At $59, picking up one or two could leave you set for white shirts for a while — and if you should find you like it so much that you want more from them? Well, you can pick up any style you want — as long as it’s white! You won’t regret it.

How often do you wear a classic white dress shirt? Any experience with Standard Shirt?

September 12, 2015December 10, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Apolis Boiled Wool Sweatpant

Sweatpants as the Style Pick of the Week? Read on to find out why.

So in the span of about a week-and-half or so, it seems we’ve jumped from Labor Day style to the impending return of fall in our collective #menswear minds — right? That brings us to this week’s Style Pick — sweatpants. Not just any sweatpants, though. Apolis really is a remarkable company, one that does more than just put out excellent basics for every lifestyle. They’re committed to ethical practices and social responsibility in manufacturing– and that’s just the start. It should come as no surprise, then, that one of its newest releases is as fairly made as it is stylish. The Boiled Wool Sweatpant takes the typical college-esque silhouette and turns it into something you can feel comfortable wearing outside the house. That’s not the preference for everyone (and tapered sweatpants, or joggers, are certainly divisive), but if you’re going to wear sweatpants, they might as well be made from a premium alpaca fiber and wool blend and cut in a flattering silhouette. Of course, as with most Apolis products, you do pay a price for that quality and craftsmanship — that could be the breaking point for some folks, particularly when it comes to sweats. But that’s why these made the hypothetical Wish List, right?

Features like side-zip pockets make these feel a bit different than your ordinary sweatpant.

As to styling these sweatpants, they’re certainly cut in a trim enough way to mimic some casual get-ups you might wear with dark denim. Think a crewneck sweater and easygoing chambray shirt plus navy runners. Or, style them as a pair of joggers in this post — with leather sneakers and a lightweight military jacket. A vintage-inspired leather jacket and a simple crewneck tee could also look quite sharp. The color options for this particular Apolis pair (navy or charcoal) are neutral enough that they you can push the envelope a bit more, but they’d probably look best with a laidback fall cardigan and a henley. And when it gets colder in the winter (for most of us, that is), they’d be a heck of a cozy option should you need to brave the elements at all. Quantities of this are limited, and that price could stretch some budgets, but for a pair of sweatpants, they’d be worth every dollar.

Would you consider taking the leap on these Apolis sweatpants? How would you style them?

September 5, 2015September 3, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket

Details like a hidden snap-down lend some edge to a piece that's already filled with downtown cool.

A vintage piece that combines rugged cool and heritage quality.

We’re just into September, which means that it’s time for this blogger to … switch from writing about polos to leather jackets? Well, when the offering is as stellar as the latest release from Taylor Stitch, it’s definitely time to cue up a few paragraphs. Taylor Stitch, makers of excellent slim chinos as reviewed on this blog, has really hit it out of the park with its latest endeavor, the Moto Jacket (part of the broader Moto Collection).The pre-sale campaign for the Moto Jacket started just about a week ago, and consumers have responded — this bad boy is a whooping 770% funded. It really does have all the pedigree (and styling potential) that you could want from a great leather jacket — and you’d certainly expect that given the $875 price tag. It’s made in partnership with renowned sportswear purveyors Golden Bear and based off a 40-year-old jacket produced by the same brand. Yet, the two have taken the principles that made the original so great, including a vintage racer silhouette, and brought the entire item into the 21st century.

A contemporary fit and quilted lining keep this jacket sleek and functional.

The thick 3.5oz. steerhide leather looks as if it should break in beautifully over time, and a diamond quilted lining should also keep you insulated from fall’s chill. The jacket looks to fit slim and contemporary, a definite positive that ensures it’ll pair up well with both tailored cords and rugged denim. Leather jackets are one of only a host of outerwear options for the colder months, to be sure, but it’s fall’s answer to the spring denim jacket — able to replace your blazer, if need be. The trickiest thing about it (other than having to fork over that much cash) will definitely be the waiting — it’s set to start shipping around November 23. So, there’s need to buy anything for Black Friday, right? On the plus side, its current price is $300 lower than the regular price. And at the end of the day, it’s truly a jacket that should last at least as long as the one off which it was modeled — and likely beyond that. Pair it with a henley and some dark denim, and consider yourself set for many seasons to come.

What’s your reaction to this moto jacket? Would you wear it (or spend the cash) and how would you style it?

August 29, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Grayers Slub Nep Jersey Polo

Sticking with a polo right through the end of summer.

Hopefully, there’s not too much off about this week’s Style Pick — a polo? Right at the end of “summer” for a lot of us? Yes, of course. Here’s why — there’s still plenty of time to wear that polo on its own, then layered up under some more unique combinations, like henleys or casual sweaters, in the weeks thereafter. Of course, you’ll then have a newer polo in your rotation come spring as well (if that’s even an issue). And the more casual the fabric and texture, the more the polo might wear like a T-shirt, anyways. That’s what the Slub Nep Jersey Polo from Grayers accomplishes. It combines a textured nep yarn and a just-right three-button collar for a polo that could even work under a blazer (provided you’re equipped with some collar stays). Grayers has got a lot going for it in terms of styles that walk the line between continental and preppy, so it only makes sense that a polo from the brand would blur those lines, too.

One of three color options for this style of soft-knit polo.

And in a slightly heightened shade of blue when compared to a deeper navy, it can be styled in the exact same ways as the classic color while bringing a bit of pop. After all, a navy polo is a style stalwart that can be dressed up or down — check out my Effortless Gent series for more suggestions. If you’re on the hunt for a slightly different color, a Light Blue Denim option is available on the Grayers website, as is a Charcoal polo that could pull double-duty with earthy olive chinos well into fall. Prices are up there when you stack it up next to something like an H&M polo, but you get a reliably classic option that should offer a modern fit and well-made fabric. Even if summer’s almost over, that’s still a pretty good buy.

Do you own any Grayers product? How would you style this polo into the fall for maximum versatility?

August 22, 2015August 20, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Gustin Classic Boot

The latest release from Gustin — a shockingly affordable and stunning boot made right in America.

The folks over at San Franciso-based Gustin have been on something of a tear in recent months — the brand released its first pocket T-shirt earlier this spring, and if it wasn’t enough to deliver well-crafted basics on top of excellent everyday wear, the brand then put out some stunning sneakers this summer. Those releases were the cherry on top of its already standout line of durable and well-crafted denim and complementary pieces like chore coats. And each item funded quickly as per the brand’s crowdsourced production model. Consider Gustin one step further into completely dominating your wardrobe now, thanks to the release this week of a lineup of made-in-America boots that look positively outstanding. If the speed at which they’re funding is astonishing, the price point is nothing short of jaw-dropping, too — just $199. That’s a good chunk less compared to similar-looking boots from Wolverine or Red Wing, for starters, yet they’re made by the very same craftsmen.

The Inferno Tan shade brings heavy vintage vibes, an eyecatching color and a heck of a price point.

Gustin’s boots are available in three different looks, ranging from the chocolate brown shade seen at the top to a bright shade of tan and a grey-and-gold tinged Natural color. The specs of the boots are equally impressive, particularly for a pair that retails at what’s normally a final sale price for other brands. Built to last with Chromexcel leather from the world-renowned Horween Leather Company, they feature a tough Goodyear welt. The brand even used a custom last to create a pleasing, slim-yet-rugged profile that should pair well with its dark denim — and particularly rough-and-tumble fabrics like herringbone and tweed come fall. The waxed brown laces and brown metal eyelets on the CXL Brown Classic Boot are the kind of details that make these both a boot that can take a beating and a boot that’ll look all kinds of right when worn with dressier cold-weather essentials — is it fall already?

Will you be funding Gustin’s latest release? How would you style the boots seen here?

August 15, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: RibbedTee V-neck Undershirt

The Retro Fit Tri-Blend Heather Grey V-neck — just one of several excellent undershirt options from RibbedTee.

While style’s certainly about what you wear in terms of outer layers, it can sometimes be just as much about what lies beneath. Some brands have made it their mission to upgrade the basics guys wear closest to their body – for the record, today we’re talking about undershirts. It’s not as noteworthy a Style Pick as a pair of tailored trousers or a great short-sleeve shirt perhaps, but the details are absolutely worth checking out, too. And making a splash in a rather niche area is certainly something that RibbedTee has done in the past few years. They’ve gained some attention through pieces on sites like Effortless Gent, and the brand is definitely continuing to grow. If you’ve been looking around for an undershirt brand to really get into (literally), look no further. Some absolutely prefer not to wear undershirts (especially in the heat), but as it gets a bit colder later this fall, wearing an extra layer could prove insulating and comfortable. And an undershirt from RibbedTee would be an excellent way to go regardless – these are designed to wear year-round, and the fabric, comfort and fit make it easy to see why.

Before and after -- the Retro Fit Tri-Blend Heather Grey V-neck pictured on its own, and then beneath a shirt. No bunching of fabric near the collar. Spring Plaid Shirt by Gustin.

Before and after — the Retro Fit Tri-Blend Heather Grey V-neck pictured on its own, and then beneath a shirt. No bunching of fabric near the collar, even with one button undone. Spring Plaid Shirt by Gustin. Looks like the beard could use a trim…

The thing about RibbedTee’s undershirts is that they don’t feel scratchy or starchy like other undershirts sometimes do. After checking out a set of three undershirts earlier this week — the Tri-Blend Heather Grey V-neck, the CoolWear Supima V-neck in White and an exceptionally soft MicroModal Black V-neck — I’m sold. In addition to the popular V-neck options that the brand was kind enough to send me, they also stock crewneck T-shirts, tank tops and a scoop neck pocket tee designed for everyday wear. I don’t normally wear undershirts all that often but when I do, I’ll be reaching for one of these. Although they come in multiple collar styles, the V-neck collar sits perfectly beneath a buttondown collar shirt sans tie (helping you avoid what I’ve coined the visible-undershirt-beneath-a-buttondown syndrome). Note however, that the deeper V-neck on some of their options means you likely shouldn’t wear the shirt on its own — just as it should be! On a positive note, the fabric is remarkably soft and breathable. And the lack of a tag on the back of the shirt prevents that dreaded collar itch. Plus, the longer shirttail is designed to stay tucked into pants even beneath other shirts. So while you might not find yourself reaching for an undershirt now, a pack from RibbedTee is worth pulling out your credit card for when the temperatures drop down – or even right now.

Are you an undershirt or no-undershirt kinda guy? Would you buy a set of shirts from RibbedTee?

August 8, 2015August 8, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Combatant Gentleman Chinos

A peached Italian cotton makes for a comfortable fit and nice quality for the price.

Although the calendar reads that we’re into the second week of August here, it’s not time to even think about reaching for all that heavy fall gear yet — particularly since I’m currently cruising the Mediterranean. Regardless of where you might be, it’s an even better time to continue getting wear out of four-season staples — things like classic Oxford buttondowns and four-season chinos. I resolved to do just that this past week during my trip to Greece. My friends at Combatant Gentleman were kind enough to supply me a pair of chinos for the voyage — how fitting (pun … maybe intended?) that they just happen to be made out of premium Italian cotton. In a slim-straight cut that’s neither too restricting nor too loose, these chinos have proven crisp, versatile and comfortable — all at an absurdly low price point. Given that, it’s high time you grabbed a pair of these for yourself. I’d even go so far as to say they’re one of the better values on the market in terms of chinos (although Everlane’s recent foray into the pant game does give them some competition).

Breaking out the chinos with a pair of Andre Coton tassel loafers and a vintage ‘drinks’ shirt. Watch by Daniel Wellington.

At just $40, the peached cotton feels much thicker and more durable than a comparable (in style) pair of cheaper chinos from H&M feels upon first inspection. And that’s definitely a good thing. The peached cotton doesn’t wrinkle too easily, and the hook-and-tab closure at the front waist lends these the feel of a dressier pant (similar to something from Bonobos). They’re able to be cuffed or rolled with ease, too (as you can see in this Instagram shot). The one downside, perhaps, is the lack of longer inseam lengths — just 30, 32 and 34-inch inseams are offered as of post time (waist sizes do run up to 40, however). Throughout my recent cruise, I’ve found myself turning to these time and again — I’ve worn them with a vintage short-sleeve shirt as you can see here, but they’ve also worked with a casual T-shirt for a more easygoing look. We haven’t yet hit the crisper temperatures of fall, but even this color would continue to work well in the States, especially up against sweaters in heather red, grey and navy. At the price they’re going for now though, they might not be around that long.

Do you own a pair of Combatant Gentleman chinos? How do you (or would you) style these for the summer or fall?

August 1, 2015July 28, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Everlane Slim Pant

They’re finally here, folks. A long-awaited release from buzzed-about Web retailer Everlane.

Drumroll, please … after years of doing simple basics the right way for guys, Everlane stepped into uncharted territory with its latest release earlier this week — pants. The Everlane Slim Pant, to be specific. A year-plus of research led the brand to its newest offering, which joins other minimal yet well-designed pieces like pocket T-shirts, polos and sweaters in an increasingly expanding number of styles. But right now, the pants are what have people talking. And for this first big foray into a new product category, Everlane has (in characteristic fashion) kept things exceedingly simple. Just three colors (midnight black, a pleasing shade of heightened navy, and classic khaki). The versatility of these colors goes without saying — even a black pair of pants is starting to look promising again, ehh? And the fit details they’ve worked into the design make them even more versatile.

A tailored but not tight fit and classic colors — like Navy shown here — knock these ones out of the park from the Web retailer.

They feature 2% elastane stretch built in (similar to Mott & Bow denim), offering a little give when you move around. And the slim yet not overly tailored fit is definitely to be desired as well. GQ got the scoop on the release earlier this week, and had nothing but good things to say — promising words indeed. While these pants appear at first to have several great things going for them, the transparency and lack of a retailer markup is key — that makes these a $65 pair of pants as opposed to $140, according to the brand. The breathable cotton weave should make these as versatile as something like the Washed Chino from Bonobos — a true four-season chino. The navy (or heck, black or khaki) would look excellent right now with an olive henley and equally sharp with a grey sweater come chillier fall nights.

What are your thoughts on the latest release from the brand? Will you be picking up a pair?

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