Tag / style pick of the week

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Pistol Lake Sweatshorts

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 casual summer style essential made the right way.

A casual summer style essential made the right way.

This week’s Style Pick is coming at you courtesy of Pistol Lake – yes, that name keeps popping up here, particularly in regard to the brand’s henleys. It’s simply too hard to resist when a company features American-made, sportswear-inspired basics that hit that happy medium of rugged and classic, and do so at a pretty decent price. For the record, these are sweatshorts, to be sure, so they’re decidedly more dressed-down than other Style Picks — like these Billy Reid trousers. But when it’s exceptionally hot out, shorts are definitely what’s called for (check out more ways to beat the heat at the link).  And in a range of versatile colors that would definitely pair well with a crisp Pistol Lake Henley,  buying something from the brand for your bottom half is a wise move.

The sweatshorts will also soon be available in a brand-new Moss colorway.

The sweatshorts will also soon be available in a brand-new Moss colorway.

And like joggers, sweatshorts are part of the ongoing #menswear trend of using laidback materials and styling to craft everyday items. In that sense, these might be too casual for some. But if you’re looking for a comfortable pair of shorts to throw on around the house, heading to the park or zipping down the street for a patio brunch or lunch, they’re definitely a solid bet – and they definitely do look better than baggy cargo shorts. They’re comfortable, featuring a thick old-school athletic waistband and garment-dyed French terry cotton. And yet, the cut on them is surprisingly like a pair of tailored shorts – these are not your baggy gym-class shorts of old. The best part just might be the fact that they feature a built-in, hidden cell phone pocket. If you’re feeling your way toward small style upgrades, a classed-up pair of comfortable shorts in a solid color is an excellent way to spend some of your summer fun money.

Thinking about trying a pair of sweatshorts out? What’s your take on the ‘athleisure’ trend as a whole?

Ben Sherman US

Ernest Alexander

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott & Bow White Denim

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. Note that this week’s pick is a new release!

The newest introduction from an affordable e-commerce denim brand.

The newest introduction from an affordable e-commerce denim brand. Photo courtesy of Mott & Bow.

Every so often, it’s nice to switch up the normal rotation of dark denim or chinos (or lightweight dress pants) many of us throw on during the warmer months. Branching out from there can lead one to lightwash denim, maybe even some chambray trousers. But it can take some warming up to throw on all-white denim (there are plenty of ways to wear it, as seen on DETAILS.com). Some cream-colored jeans (a la James Bond in Quantum of Solace) can also fit the bill. But if you feel like giving white jeans a shot and supporting an up-and-coming brand, check out the newest release from Mott & Bow. Their brand-new, sharp white denim is this week’s Style Pick of the Week (cue fireworks and emoji applause). The brand is doing things the right way, sourcing quality fabric from Turkey for this pair and others (you may recognize them from this blog, or more likely, from the pages of Esquire).

The Skinny fit of Mott & Bow's new white denim features a trim 13 1/2" leg opening.

The Skinny fit of Mott & Bow’s new white denim features a trim 13 1/2″ leg opening.

Again, white denim is a pretty bold style move, but the best thing about this set from Mott & Bow is that unlike other designer brands or even smaller merchants like J. Crew, you won’t fork over an arm and a leg (or two legs in this case) to get them. At under $100, these should be a very solid buy. They’re available in a Skinny version featuring a 13 ½” leg opening, as well as Slim & Straight fits. From personal experience with the Skinny version, the style fits remarkably similar to a J. Crew 484 jean or a Uniqlo Slim Fit Stretch jean – and the 2% built-in elastic material in this Mott & Bow pair ensures comfort as you move around in the heat. These look to be the ideal jean to wear with … well, just about anything, from a khaki blazer or a polo to a navy pocket tee (especially the pocket tee) and some some solid leather desert boots. The look in the top photo is particularly crisp yet casual thanks to the navy blazer. Just keep the all-white get-up in the closet unless you fancy yourself a runway model, ehh?

What do you think of the newest release from Mott & Bow? How would you style white denim?

Ernest Alexander

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Stock Mfg. Co. Linen Buttondown Shirt

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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 lightweight shirt with a more open weave, like this linen number from Stock Mfg. Co., is the way to go when it's hot.

A lightweight shirt with a more open weave, like this linen number from Stock Mfg. Co., is the way to go when it’s hot.

So this past week, it’s been hot and muggy out in NYC. Like, crazy hot. And staying cool yet stylish is a pretty tall order (one that was covered on this blog earlier this week!) during these times. While reaching for a T-shirt (especially a more luxe option like this one) is always a solid move, sometimes you need, or want, to wear something a little more crisp — yet still casual. The linen buttondown is your friend in this situation. Like its more tailored companion, the linen suit, a nice linen shirt keeps things breezy and airy, yet still offers the versatility that a more classic option (similar to the always-classic blue Oxford-cloth buttondown) might provide. Buying from a brand that supports made-in-America production and has family ties makes things that much better — hence this week’s Style Pick of the Week from Stock Mfg. Co. out of Chicago.

The Sage Linen Buttondown in person, fresh out of the box. An excellent summer staple.

The Sage Linen Buttondown in person, fresh out of the box. An excellent summer staple.

I’ve previously written about the brand for VOUCH Mag, but if you’re not familiar, you should acquaint yourself — especially with this particular shirt. One of the brand’s co-founders, Jim Snedeker, was kind enough to send along the very shirt you see here for a feature, and it’s one standout item. The linen-rayon blend means it wrinkles less easily than traditional linen garb, and when worn with some slim grey jeans  and navy sneakers, it held its shape nicely on a recent workday. The color is versatile and friendly for the weather, too. The buttondown collar definitely helps the upper part of the shirt maintain its shape, but the shirt draped well regardless and was the right length to be worn untucked. I did choose to size down, but even then the fit was comfortable and still tailored. It should pair nicely with a blazer and some light grey chinos (as well as shorts when the temps really get to be too much). It’s the type of shirt that would also work at a more laidback summer wedding. And right now, it’s the type of shirt you need in your closet — although if you can’t quite swing the price, any one of a few more affordable options from J. Crew might do the trick. If you can afford though, it’s one shirt that’ll keep you cool the rest of this summer.

Have you ever bought from Stock Mfg. before? What’s your go-to shirting move when it’s hot out?

Ben Sherman US

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Club Monaco Jacquard Stripe T-Shirt

Ernest Alexander

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.

Soft fabric, stripes and a slim fit check all the boxes for a great T-shirt.

Soft fabric, neutral stripes and a slim fit check all the boxes for a great T-shirt.

First of all on this fine Saturday — happy Fourth of July! Wearing anything from the Fourth Of July style suggestion earlier this week at all? Now, onto this week’s Style Pick. As with other weekly selections in recent months, like this short-sleeve henley from Pistol Lake or this pocket T-shirt from Gustin, some might wonder — what’s the point of featuring a T-shirt? It is, after all, perhaps the most basic men’s style item out there. But a slimmer-fitting T-shirt with some unique texture and styling potential is an excellent upgrade over a  standard tee (like the ones you might wear to the gym or to do yard work). A T-shirt with horizontal stripes specifically accentuates the wearer’s chest and shoulders while remaining casual in nature. Most importantly, this cotton-linen blend from Club Monaco is everything you could want in a warm-weather tee — trim-fitting, stylish and flattering, with a neutral stripe mix of black & white. It’s also pricey, unfortunately — like other stylish warm-weather picks from the same brand. If a bolder striped tee (and a cheaper price) is more your thing, give this V-neck from Old Navy a shot.

Behold the versatility of a slim T-shirt. Pocket tee by Everlane. Unconstructed navy blazer and linen dot pocket square by J. Crew

Behold the versatility of a slim T-shirt. Pocket tee by Everlane. Unconstructed navy blazer and linen dot pocket square by J. Crew.

With high-low style combos continuing to fly down the runways and pop up in street style shots (exhibit A here), a striped slim-fit tee is still a warm-weather go-to option for layering under an unconstructed blazer, as seen above, or pairing with a great set of chinos. It’s also the best pick up top for simply throwing on with some tailored shorts. Casual touches like low-profile white sneakers can pair seamlessly with any of the aforementioned get-ups at an agreeable price, too– a must if you’re dropping about $80 on a T-shirt.  But for the coming summer months, a striped tee is nearly indispensable — and you can also get mileage out of it as a layering piece in the fall and winter. Worth the price? I’d say so.

Do you own any Club Monaco tees? What’s your favorite way to style a slim-fit T-shirt in the warmer months?

Ben Sherman US

Florsheim

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Randolph Engineering Concorde Sunglasses

Ernest Alexander

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 Concorde Flash Lens series from Randolph Engineering -- looks similar to those worn by a certain secret agent, yes?

The Concorde Flash Lens series from Randolph Engineering — looks similar to those worn by a certain secret agent, yes?

Chances are, where you live, it’s getting hot right now about now. And sunny. Possibly even very sunny — what do you use to shield the sun’s rays stylishly? That’s a great question, and that’s why we’re here with this week’s Style Pick of the Week. It can be difficult to find sunglasses that strike a decent middle ground in terms of price, lack ornamentation or logos (looking at you, Ray-Bans), and still look good. And as far as American-made sunglasses — well, that whittles things down even further. One would be remiss to leave out American Optical, on that note. But let’s go a different direction:  Randolph Engineering’s reputation is rock-solid, their sunglasses aren’t insanely expensive (unlike, say, a similar shape worn by Mr. Bond) and the quality is self-evident. You’re getting military heritage and modern styling potential. While they stock a few different frame shapes (including a more squared-off aviator), the Concorde Flash Lens collection ties in that classic aviator shape and features looks that hit dead-on for Bond’s sunglasses, while being about half the price. Two frame options, 57mm and the larger 61m, are available — although some options take sizing down to 52mm. (A note on price: If you’re on an even tighter budget, the ever-dependable J. Crew Factory has a host of options from flashy to traditional).

Another sleek aviator option from Randolph Engineering, the regular Concorde series.

Another sleek aviator option from Randolph Engineering, the regular Concorde series.

 

While some would argue aviator sunglasses look a bit too “police-like”, it’s arguably the most versatile sunglass shape out there — thanks to the sleek chrome styling of the Flash Lens series in particular (plus the versatile blue lens color), these sunglasses work in situations both dressy and rugged-casual. Heck, the aviator style works particularly well in all seasons. And compared to even the regular Concorde series (no slouch in the looks department, either), this pair is $50 cheaper. Of course, you can’t throw on a great pair of sunglasses without some sharp swim trunks and a short-sleeve henley.

Do you own any sunglasses from Randolph Engineering? Would you consider picking up this pair? And what’s your go-to frame shape when the weather heats up?

Ben Sherman US

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: The Hill-Side Striped Tie

Ben Sherman US
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.

Japanese navy fabric and white stripes make for one sharp tie.

Japanese navy fabric and white stripes make for one sharp tie.

Out of all the Style Picks featured on this site, from Oxford shirts to slim shorts and tailored trousers, not one tie has made this category yet. That changes this week, with a striped cotton-linen number from The Hill-Side. You might recognize the brand’s name from this very blog (or, more likely, from their recent arrival as one of GQ’s Best New Menswear Designers in America). In short, the brand stocks essentials that have a modern-yet-quirky tilt, and they do so using lots of beautiful fabrics and textures (they even have a fabric shop, and its physical retail space, Hickorees, stocks that as well). But onto the tie itself — as the weather gets warmer, attire from head-to-toe should lighten up and help you beat the heat, including your neckwear.

Collect them all: available in a very narrow square-ended version or two progressively wider pointed versions.

Collect them all: available in a very narrow square-ended version or two progressively wider pointed versions.

The cotton-linen blend, narrow width and diagonal stripes convey a preppy yet modern style — thanks to the Japanese fabric — that would be ideal for wearing to, say, a summer wedding, or to the office. It’s available in a narrow or slightly wider pointed version (either 2 5/8″ or 3 1/4″), along with a square-ended variation that the brand is perhaps most known for. With Father’s Day quickly approaching, don’t forget about this as a (very) last-minute splurge gift for Dad, either, because at $85, that’s exactly what this tie is. But given The Hill-Side’s knack for pumping out quality pieces in stellar fabrics, it’s a tie that should wear well through many seasons to come.

Do you own any product from The Hill-Side? What’s your take on this tie?

(Editor’s note: If you want to knock a discount off some similarly luxurious #menswear, check out  the below promo — running through July 31 — with Ernest Alexander!)

$10 Off a purchase of $100 or more; Free Shipping on orders over $200 at Ernest Alexander Enter promo code: STYLEGUIDE10 at checkout. Valid 06-12-2015 through 07-31-2015

Florsheim

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Alberta Watches

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ben Sherman US

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

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

Ernest Alexander

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Club Monaco Baxter Shorts

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 slim fit, basic colors and imported cotton fabric make these Club Monaco shorts a winner.

A slim fit, basic colors and imported cotton fabric make these Club Monaco shorts a winner.

It hasn’t really felt like summer yet in NYC, but that hasn’t stopped me from shopping around for some nice, versatile shorts for warm weather. Ditching jeans or chinos isn’t something that everybody’s accustomed to doing, but for me, it’s a necessary (and fun) style move. Lots of designers have been updating their fits and fabrics as far as shorts go (Bonobos continues to make shorts out of its legendary Washed Chino fabric for example, and the linen shorts seen below from Frank & Oak are also a winner). And Club Monaco is the latest to follow suit with an updated, more tailored version that you might expect from a retailer with a distinct continental style. The brand’s Baxter Short is made from imported cotton with a 7″ inseam and what looks to be a fairly slim fit. Waist sizes run up to 36″ and down to 28″, a wide enough range of sizes for those looking to improve their short game.

One way to wear shorts in the warmer months. Linen herringbone pair seen here by Frank & Oak. Nautical print T-shirt by J. Crew Factory. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Glasses by Warby Parker.

One way to wear shorts in the warmer months. Linen herringbone pair seen here by Frank & Oak. Nautical print T-shirt by J. Crew Factory. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Glasses by Warby Parker.

The fact that the Club Monaco pair comes in just three basic yet highly versatile colors is another positive — the Graphite, Navy or Khaki shades would work with just about any color combination up top — especially a printed short-sleeve shirt or a colorful pocket tee (one variation on that can be seen above; those shorts are by Frank & Oak). Throwing on shorts certainly doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or reverting back to the cargo shorts that many of us (myself included) probably wore in past years. Club Monaco’s iteration is pricey and it seems as if they don’t offer too many sales, but the quality of the fabric and the fit should be some comfort when investing in a pair.

Would you consider picking up some shorts from Club Monaco? What’s your go-to pair for the summer?
Ernest Alexander

Ben Sherman US

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Bonobos Riviera Short-Sleeve Floral Shirt

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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 wild blue floral print grounded thanks to subtle stripes.

A wild blue floral print grounded thanks to subtle stripes.

By this time next week, we’ll be into June — that means weather that’s hot and getting hotter.  Keeping cool and staying stylish is about to become a daily ordeal, but a printed short-sleeve button-up shirt is the well-dressed guy’s secret weapon in the fight against heat. Short-sleeve shirts (like this previous Style Pick from Saturdays Surf NYC) are an easy pickup for afternoons and evenings on patios and beaches — and you might even be able to get away with wearing one to the office under a well-fitting blazer. They don’t sacrifice style or fit, particularly one from Bonobos. As with most of the company’s menswear offerings nowadays, this short-sleeve floral in particular has a lot going for it.

A slightly more subdued printed shirt cut from the same comfortable fabric.

A slightly more subdued printed shirt cut from the same comfortable fabric.

The pattern isn’t an obnoxious multi-color Hawaiian floral print that you might have seen out and about at a barbeque in days gone by; the navy flowers are downplayed by the  light blue stripes on the shirt. But if the floral pattern’s too much, you could always pick up a slightly more subdued navy-based shirt like this one (also pictured above). The  color combination on the floral print shirt in and of itself though means that this shirt is wearable with lightwash jeans, dark denim or, perhaps most crucially, khaki shorts and white sneakers. Both Slim and  Standard sizing options are available in several sizes as of post time, too. But as warm weather heats up, shirts like this won’t stick around too long — pick yours up while they’re still in stock.

Have you bought your summer shirt yet? What’s your experience been like with Bonobos?

Ernest Alexander

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by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Oxford Shirt

Ernest Alexander

A versatile shirt ready for all kinds of wear.

A versatile shirt ready for all kinds of wear.

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.

Seeing as it’s Memorial Day weekend,it seems only fitting that this week’s Style Pick of the Week should come from a company making things with a ton of attention to detail and quality right in the U.S. of A. Buck Mason’s T-shirts first made an appearance on this blog earlier this week in fact, and it only makes sense that one of the company’s superb buttondowns would show up shortly thereafter. The light blue Oxford shirt in particular is selling so fast, the company can barely keep it barely stocked — although light grey, white or deep navy would be highly versatile as well.

 

Just one of the five shades in which you could pick up this classic wardrobe staple.

Just one of the five shades in which you could pick up this classic wardrobe staple.

This shirt is the kind of piece that’s more than worth it’s made-in-the-USA price, regardless of the color you go with. The sleeves and chest look to fit trim, making it a classic choice ready for slightly dressier wear instead of a spring and summer T-shirt or even a slim polo. This shirt would also work exceptionally well with black or blue denim, even in the deep navy shade available through Buck Mason.  And slim chinos would absolutely finish off a sharp, versatile outfit, too (you can check out more ways to style the classic Oxford buttondown shirt here). So that’s the pick for this Memorial Day weekend — if you’re traveling, be sure to stay safe and check out these suggestions for the best men’s travel accessories.

Have you bought from Buck Mason before? What’s your experience been like with the company?

Ben Sherman US