Tag / style pick of the week

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Uniqlo Printed Polo Shirt

 

Not that unusual from far away, but from close-up — that's what makes this worthy of a feature.

Not that unusual from far away, but close-up — that’s what makes this worthy of a feature.

This week’s Style Pick of the Week is coming at you a little earlier than normal thanks to a planned weekend trip to Florida. And it’s times like this one, with warm weather approaching, that really have me searching for a great polo shirt. Now, that’s not just any old white polo up top. Squint hard — or just gaze normally — at the small pindot pattern on this piece and be … amazed? While lots of us are fans of Uniqlo’s Michael Bastian polos and could be holding out for a spring release, options like the above one will have to suffice for now. At just under $25, the price is absolutely right. Unlike those of other brands, Uniqlo’s pique polos are nice and breathable with a good amount of stretch and a trim fit — all keys to keep in mind when browsing online and in-stores.

This Uniqlo polo shirt in particular switches things up with that small flurry of red and blue dots. It’s the type of item that looks cool from far away, but should really catch eyes (in a good way) up close. Some of the designs of Uniqlo’s polos (particularly the Michael Bastian collection) have been a  bit out there, but this is a good example of turning the dial up just enough without overdoing it. The dots are small enough to wear this shirt with different shades of blue — even lightwash jeans or navy shorts if you’re going for a one color type-of look.

What’s your take on this polo? Would you wear it? Let me know! 

Editor’s note: Just because I’m jetting away for the weekend doesn’t mean the work stops! A post on wearing green for St. Patrick’s Day is coming up tomorrow!

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: J. Crew Cotton Sweater

Editor’s note: Expect these posts with some regularity 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.

Affordable. Spring-ready. And perfect for fall layering. All in one sweater.

Affordable. Spring-ready. And perfect for fall layering. All in one sweater.

This week’s style pick of the week is on a decidedly more affordable tilt than the somewhat pricey (but no less alluring) Stadium Jacket from Welcome Stranger featured last week. Specifically, the sweater above comes from standout everyman retailer (and personal favorite) J. Crew. The brand does a lot of things great, from its Ludlow suiting collection to casual washed buttondown shirts, sweaters and even a relatively new line of luggage & accessories.

You could absolutely get dressed head-to-toe in J. Crew and go just about anywhere (and I often do just that!). And this sweater would be a great place to start. It also comes in navy or a light tan or “pumice” color, but it’s the rich caramel shade that really caught my eye. The use of cotton should make this sweater light enough to wear in the spring over crewneck T-shirts or a basic buttondown, but that deep color would also fit well layered in the fall under a waxed coat with dark jeans. At $70, it’s a bit of a reach — sales and discounts by the brand should eventually drop that down into the low $50’s, hopefully. With the looks and potential for this piece, it might be gone before then though!

How would you style this sweater? How much J. Crew do you have in your wardrobe?

Stay stylish and have a great weekend!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Welcome Stranger Stadium Jacket

Editor’s note: Expect these posts with some regularity 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.

The Stadium Jacket from San Francisco's Welcome Stranger.

The Stadium Jacket from San Francisco’s Welcome Stranger.

So there you have it — that’s what a $150 spring jacket looks like above, courtesy of the excellent San Francisco fashion and lifestyle boutique Welcome Stranger (spring will be here soon enough, mark my words!). The Welcome Stranger Web shop alone is worth drooling over, with a nice mix of heritage brands and trendier offerings like button-down shirts from Saturdays Surf NYC and of-the-moment grooming products.  It’s worth a mention that none of these items are cheap or budget-friendly — so the jacket above definitely qualifies as aspirational thinking.

But it’s a piece worth aspiring to — a cotton-poly blend that combines a very springlike heather grey fabric with a silhouette that echoes the iconic MA-1 jacket (note the ribbed collar, cuffs and waist). It also looks to be a trimmer fit. Keep in mind that the higher price tag goes toward covering the cost of production right here in the States, too. This piece would work exceptionally on top of some dark denim, a navy polo, white sneakers and maybe a patterned watch strap on spring weekends. I also see it meshing well over a blue OCBD, navy chinos and some unique shoes (maybe some dark olive oxfords?) in a crisp Casual Friday setting. A guy can dream, right?

What’s one splurge purchase you’re aiming for right now? Would you snap up this jacket?