June 25, 2016June 20, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: GREATS Royale White Sneaker

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.

Classic, reliable, wearable with anything, and a bit dressier than the classic canvas sneaker.

So, we’re back at it again on The Style Guide with a pair of classic white sneakers, just as we covered off a few weeks ago. But there’s something different about the GREATS Royale White Sneaker. What’s that, you ask? Well unlike the SeaVees Legend Sneaker (a highly versatile set of kicks in its own right), the GREATS Royale is just a bit more premium and just a bit more fashion-forward, crafted from a premium Italian leather that makes it endlessly wearable all through summer. And if you follow this blog at all, you know I’m a sucker for great footwear (wink, wink) — that goes for everything from the GREATS Wooster Slip-on to the brand’s Navy Rosen Runner. And in this instance, the GREATS Royale is yet another excellent example of why it’s so essential to have a stylish pair of summer sneakers (or two, or three, or five) in your wardrobe rotation. So that’s why, in a nutshell, we’re covering off on a great pair of white kicks. With the casual versatility that’s permeating the #menswear world today, white leather sneakers are a reliable stand-in across at least three seasons (yes, even in fall). But when the weather’s warm out, they’re a great go-to. They add a crisp finish to simple rolled denim and a short-sleeve henley, they bring an air of sporty cool to slim tan chinos and a classic polo , and they work very well with linen khaki shorts and a striped tee (check out this Instagram post for an example of one way to style white sneakers). And that’s not even covering off on the ultimate way to style these guys…

GREATS starts with details like rich full-grain Italian leather, and builds silhouettes that are affordable and high-quality.

That, my friends, would be with a more daring combo — think rocking these guys with a textured blue chambray suit and white OCBD, or alongside some light grey chinos and that same blue chambray jacket for a great mix of tailored style. And when you mix and match other separates — like swapping in a white polo over the suit’s blue chambray trousers — you get an even more summer-ready combo; it’s not often that you find sneakers you can wear to brunch or the office, but these are just the ticket. Crucially, you get all this versatility for just $159 from GREATS, and the brand (if you’re unfamiliar) brings its knowledge of craftsmanship and quality to the table from start to finish. We’re talking full-grain Italian leather and waxed cotton laces, for starters. And if the GREATS Royale is anything like its other sneakers, it should be ridiculously comfortable, fairly easy to clean and long-lasting. You can’t ask for much more than that, can you?

Do you own the GREATS Royale? How do you like ’em, and how would you wear them?

June 18, 2016June 9, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Snyder Pocket T-Shirt

Not just any old T-shirt, thanks to the vintage wash and subtle styling details.

If you follow The Style Guide or peruse occasional photos from this author on Instagram, you’ll know I love me a great T-shirt. When you talk about a T-shirt that incorporates texture and subtle styling details, I’m sold (take this Stock Mfg. Co. Pocket Tee, for example). Sure, a tee’s not as fancy or nearly as crisp as a classic blue Oxford or a slim chambray shirt, but it’s a particularly useful summer style essential — and in the right cut and fabric, it’s a surefire style upgrade compared to athletic or logo-ridden tees you might be used to rocking. And on that note, I’m pleased to give you Exhibit A — this ridiculously stylish Todd Snyder Pocket T-shirt. It’s vintage-washed and weather-dyed for a broken-in, authentic look, and it features the sort of premium styling details we’ve come to expect from Mr. Snyder. The lauded American menswear designer is a favorite of this site (and a heck of a lot of other publications) for his approach to both continental, classic tailoring and rugged sportswear inspired by both vintage & Americana themes. It’s quite the combination, and it’s done in a way that’s wearable and relatable for the everyday guy. The Todd Snyder Pocket T-shirt is nearly as premium and well-made as a tee can get, and that means it can be rocked plenty of ways this summer.

Just one styling option for this Todd Snyder pocket T-shirt — it’ll go just as well with sweatshorts as a slim suit.

It’s done up with just the right amount of style details, including subtle double-stitching on the sleeves, pocket and collar. The button at that front chest pocket is a nice visual change of pace, too. Those small touches make it the type of tee you can wear very confidently atop your favorite pair of dark blue denim, and they also make it very suitable to rock with slim olive chinos and some classic white SeaVees sneakers, for example. The slim fit and premium construction make it Exhibit A for another reason, too. Thinking about trying the oft-tricky styling move of pairing a T-shirt with a suit? A tee with some variation in texture plus a slim cut is going to be the way to. Heck, it might not look all that bad with one of the Todd Snyder White Label suits that seem to be gaining in popularity, either. In more casual situations, it’s going to look just as right. Rock it with slim chino shorts and stylish leather loafers for a solid high-low style combo on the weekends, then pair this slim pocket T-shirt up with an unconstructed chambray blazer during the work week. Beneath a sportier crewneck sweater, it’ll also fare well in the fall and winter. The price is assuredly a lot for “just a T-shirt,” but you’re getting so much more styling potential and quality than that. Just tell them to put one on hold for me, ehh?

Are you a fan of this Todd Snyder tee? In what ways would you style it? Chime in on Twitter or via Facebook!

June 11, 2016June 8, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt

An extremely versatile, extremely wearable and extremely well-made chambray shirt from Taylor Stitch.

What’s one shirt you find yourself reaching for (or at least wanting to reach for) every day? If you’re like me, it very well could be an essential chambray shirt, like the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt — known as the California — pictured above. Rain or shine, cold weather or warm weather, I find myself drawn to a few chambray shirts in particular (because you assuredly need more than one). In fact, I’ve written about a few different chambray shirts here on The Style Guide, from the Todd Shelton Chambray Shirt to a classic GAP Chambray Shirt. There’s a very good reason for that, and it likely ties into the fact that a chambray shirt is such an easily wearable piece – whether you’re just getting started out in the style realm, or whether you consider yourself a seasoned pro looking to expand on his wardrobe. A chambray shirt is the more visually interesting answer to the classic blue Oxford, in that chambray as a fabric has great texture and often incorporates workwear design details — the crisp white color of the piece you see here is an added bonus. We’re talking small touches like front button patch pockets or a tab collar (like the famous J. Crew chambray shirt we all know and love). Lucky for us #menswear fans, the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt is more refined than its mass-market brethren, and has just the type of details you should look for in a great chambray shirt, plus a few extra.

Unbreakable Japanese urea buttons and a stellar fabric make this shirt a workhorse.

It’s made in America using the care and attention to detail for which the brand is known – and that’s something that’s made your trusty #menswear author a big, big fan. From the brand’s stunning Moto Jacket to its Long Haul Jacket and especially its famous Standard Issue Chinos, Taylor Stitch gets it right, from head to toe. Particularly if you want to take a step up in terms of price, but don’t want to completely deplete your bank account, they’re a brand to watch – and shop on repeat. They’ve also done a great job introducing more technical fabrics and designs as part of their recent collaboration with Mission Workshop, but this good ol’ chambray shirt is the piece to buy today. It features a 7 oz. Japanese chambray and genuine unbreakable Japanese urea buttons, for starters. Plus, the lack of pleats make it super-clean and easily wearable with dark raw denim, slim tan chinos or heck, stylish chino shorts. The double needle construction is something you won’t find on hardly any other shirts (if at all), and the soft California collar looks great unbuttoned, but could easily smarten up when buttoned with a navy knit tie. So if you’re lucky enough to get this shirt in your closet, there’s a very good chance you’ll soon start reaching for it every day – rain or shine, cold weather or warm weather.

Do you own any shirts from Taylor Stitch? How would you style this classic chambray shirt?

June 4, 2016June 3, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Sand Chinos

The perfect pair of four-season chinos — just maybe?

Even though summer is well and truly here (being past Memorial Day and all), it seems like there’s still an adjustment period in terms of what works and what doesn’t in terms of all-season wear. On a personal level, that means it still feels weird to ditch even light wash denim in favor of shorts, for example. That’s why it’s a positive (and useful) thing to be able to incorporate simple seasonal style essentials into your #OOTD no matter the weather. And in this instance, a great pair of cotton chinos definitely qualifies as a four-season #menswear staple. So if you recognize the chinos at the top of this page, you’re in good company. Buck Mason has popped up from time to time on The Style Guide before (including the brand’s classic blue Oxford), and they’re back again today for very good reason. Finding investment pieces that work in multiple outfits is a tough thing if you don’t know where to look (or even if you do), and the brand’s Sand Chinos are just the ticket to solving those issues — and although they come in shades ranging from Olive to Iron, the Sand color is the way to go this week. Crafted from a 10oz. cotton twill in a color that’s a versatile take on khaki, they feature a tailored fit, a mid rise and the sort of look that works with everything from a slub pocket tee to a slim polo and classic navy sneakers. Really, that’s just the start.

Easily wearable with classic sneakers and a white shirt.

They’re American-made, so that’s another thing going for ’em. And although the price is higher than, say, the Taylor Stitch Standard Issue Chino, it’s just as worth it. Particularly in the summer, they’ll work just as well as your favorite pair of classic dark denim. Pair these with a slim white henley and brown leather sneakers for crisp weekend style, or toss these on with a cheeky graphic tee and chukka boots for a night out. And during the work week, they’re an especially solid style move — with a slim chambray shirt and brown suede wingtips, they’ll set you apart from other folks at the office — in a good way. And even for an outdoor wedding, they’ll do the trick. Sharp leather loafers and a white chambray shirt are the ideal complements for such a style scenario, and they’ll do you well in cold weather with a shawl cardigan and thermal henley. So that’s 12-month style for one price up front — not a bad deal, right? Let me know what you think over on Twitter, and thanks for reading!

Have you tried out Buck Mason chinos? How would you style this pair?

May 28, 2016May 23, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: SeaVees Legend White Sneaker

A style that’s stood the test of time — and can certainly stand up to your summer wardrobe needs.

The Style Pick of the Week series is back in full force, and we’re at it just in time for Memorial Day weekend. It’s the official start of summer, and it’s time (for the most part) to transition away from spring jackets and sweaters to classic warm-weather gear. And if you don’t have your footwear sorted in that regard, it’s high time for you to get on it. Chief among your (hopefully not-too frantic) purchases should be a true style essential — the classic white sneaker. Don’t know where to turn, or how to style it? Well, we’ll start by answering the first of those questions — make things simple by picking up an easygoing, crisp, stylish classic. The Seavees Legend Sneaker ticks all of those boxes, living up to its billing and then some. It’s been on the style scene for more than five decades, and it continues to get better and better every year. The silhouette’s stayed the same, yet it’s more current than ever. Not possible, right? Wrong. For just under $80, you’re getting a sharp poplin sneaker that’s lightweight yet durable, and fairly cost-effective, too. It’s also in high demand — you very well might have to wait until after June 6th to get your hands on a pair (maybe snag something off this list in the meantime). Having checked out a pair myself via the brand, they’re fit to claim the title of your new favorite summer sneakers (maybe?).

If you’re lucky enough to grab a pair now, know that they’re just as ready for a casual weekend date or a coffee run as they are for the office or the boardwalk. As near as I can tell, that’s about all your summer style scenarios sorted out (but bear with me(. Pair them with a navy blazer, a classic blue Oxford and slim khaki chinos for versatile workday style, and use that same combo to great effect when you have drinks later that night — or if you travel after work. Then, rock them with slim chino shorts and a casual pocket tee on the weekend. Oh, and if you’re feeling daring, clean them up and match them with a slim chambray suit and a casual white Oxford. Not enough options for you? Stylish white sneakers can act as an upgraded footwear option in place of flip-flops when you head to the beach (just kick the sneakers off before you hit the sand). And when you match up durable poplin sneakers with an essential pair of no-show socks, you’ve got a combo that can last and last through many summer outings to come thanks to the extra layer of protection between your foot and the sneaker. So, you’re getting style that can work at least five days a week and beyond, and you’re getting a classic white color that’ll hold up just fine with care. What are you waiting for? Let me know how you like ’em over on Twitter, and see how I’ve styled mine over on Instagram.

Before you take off on your Memorial Day hijinks, know that we’ll have a look at my own weekend upstate coming on Monday. For more travel style, click here.

Get your pair of the SeaVees Legend Sneakers now.

May 21, 2016May 15, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Grayers Exmouth Nylon Blazer

A blazer that’s built with the quality and construction of a rain jacket.

So, are you just about set with your spring style wish list? Yes? No? Maybe? The great thing about keeping a diligent eye on the #menswear community is that it’s always neat to see how brands are taking more traditional silhouettes and pieces — like that of the classic navy blazer — and turning them on their head from time to time. Take the Grayers Exmouth Nylon Blazer, part of a solid line of spring outerwear from the brand. It’s the ideal example of the ways in which brands are introducing products that meet the active lifestyles of lots of customers — and this piece looks a heck of a lot better than some other active, athleisure-inspired looks. That’s because it retains the traditional features of the blazer, right down to the flap patch pockets, three-button front and space for your pocket square, and yet, it’s crafted from lightweight nylon. It’s part rain jacket, part blazer and would stylishly complement just any outfit you can think of — including some of the picks on this Spring Style Essentials list. In fact, it’s got something else on other, more classic blazers. It’s practically built for a commute, especially if you need to hop on your bike (and seeing as May 20 was National Bike to Work Day, that just makes sense).

It’s got all the touches of the traditional blazer, including the casual flap patch pockets and room for a trusty pocket square.

And should it happen to rain or get breezy this spring, you’re more than covered there. Have I mentioned that it can be packed into its own drawstring pouch? Because it can do that, too. It’s especially suited for travel, be it by train, plane or automobile (sorry, had to). The lightweight nylon should prove comfortable for moving inside and outside, and it would smartly finish off even something as simple as a natural pocket tee and slim khaki chinos. Plus, throw in some sharp suede derbys and you’ve got a look that’s both office and commute-ready. And it would look particularly sharp with a classic white Oxford, yet again, it’s got the functionality of a rain jacket. The price is pretty agreeable considering you get two jackets for the price of one, and it’s just the right piece of outerwear to rock through spring, into summer and even into early fall when layered right. That’s not bad for just one jacket, right?

What do you think of the Exmouth Blazer? How would you style it?

May 14, 2016May 12, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: M.Gemi Strada Derby Shoes

A very continental, very stylish pair of footwear from a new men’s line.

So, by a show of hands — how many of you here recognize the name M.Gemi? Possibly a few? That definitely makes sense — and it means we’re off to a good start. If it’s because your wife, mom, girlfriend or sister is a fan of their luxurious women’s shoes, it’s time for us fellas to start paying attention. Namely, the brand launched men’s shoes earlier this spring — and has done a darn good job of nailing the crisp, classic aesthetic beloved by #menswear fans everywhere. And, whether you have or haven’t come across the brand’s men’s shoes before, they just might have your summer footwear conundrum solved. Certainly, there’s a time and place for stylish leather loafers or classic white sneakers (heck, even denim sneakers work), but there’s a sort of versatility and continental style that’s unmatched when it comes to a classic pair of suede Derby shoes — like the M.Gemi Strada. So named for their casual, open lacing and constructed from Italian Santa Croce suede and a durable leather-and-rubber sole, they very well might be unlike any pair of shoes in your closet — and that’s ideal if you need a footwear refresh this spring. While you’ll have to get on the wait list for some pairs (and figure out your European shoe size), it’s worth the time. And take specific notice of the Sand Strada in the meantime — it’ll match seamlessly with everything from chambray trousers to light grey chinos.

A premium leather-and-rubber sole should stand up to everything from cobblestones to city sidewalks this spring and summer.

They’re available in two other highly versatile colors — Navy and Gray — each of which would complement everything from rolled lightwash denim to white jeans. A suede derby shoe in and of itself is also a great shoe to toss on if you fancy trying a bit of a monochromatic look, too. As a footwear piece, they work well as a sneaker substitute with chinos and a blazer, or with a chambray shirt and slim black jeans. Even the Navy Strada packs enough visual contrast in the rich Italian suede to offset slim navy chinos or classic dark denim quite nicely. The same goes for the Sand Strada, seen here. Don’t be afraid to pair those with an indigo pocket tee and light khaki denim for a pretty pleasing visual effect. While it takes some getting used to at first, the art of nonchalantly wearing a great pair of footwear with style staples both casual and tailored has been perfected for years by the guys at Pitti Uomo (whether it fits your sense of style or not). So, given that these are a premium price but not out-of-this-world expensive, it might be time to look into rounding out your closet with your own pair of M.Gemi men’s shoes. These should be the first pair you reach for on Mondays, and they’d be a wise pick for travel, summer weddings and lots of stops in between. With the right suede shoe cleaning kit, you’ll have them for several seasons ahead.

Would you pick up this pair from M.Gemi? What are your thoughts on the brand? Let me know at The Style Guide Facebook page!

May 7, 2016May 2, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II Watch

Packed with a ton of military style inspiration and featuring a unique strap-and-dial combo, to boot.

Let’s say you’ve got your spring outerwear covered, and maybe even some nice, made-in-America sneakers to go with that. What other accessories might you need in that instance? Well, for starters, a durable, tough casual watch never hurt an outfit in terms of finishing it off right. If you don’t yet have a stylish watch in your arsenal — or if you just want to mix things up a bit — it wouldn’t hurt to reach for a timepiece that draws on heavy military inspiration and packs a lot into one beastly package. In this case, we’re talking about the AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II, a rough-and-tumble watch inspired by Harrier Jump Jets (those planes designed to be used in advanced theatres of war conflict). If there’s a more rugged piece of style inspiration out there, I’ve yet to find it. Heck, there’s even a small missile marker next to the date window. And it’s the perfect option when it comes to changing up your casual watch rotation — for a really solid price, considering what you’re getting. Let’s say you’ve got a classic stainless steel dive watch, a brown leather dress watch, maybe even a black leather dress watch — but are looking for something more suited to, well, not wearing a suit. The Hawker Harrier II has a textured black dial, white numerals that pop nicely against said dial and a beige leather strap complete with contrast stitching — all the makings of a watch that can complement shorts and a simple graphic tee quite nicely. Again, the price is commendable, too.

The full offering — including a neat detail next to the date window, and a beefy 45mm case diameter.

The Japanese quartz movement is reliable and without frills (although some watch enthusiasts prefer a more complicated timepiece), and the 45mm case diameter is just what the doctor ordered as far as a casual watch goes. That larger case diameter means it can take a beating and still look good doing it, namely. It’s not nearly as laidback as a sporty rubber-strap watch, but that means it should look more natural next to a slim spring polo and lightwash jeans. This particular watch is only water resistant to 50mm, so it’s probably best not to go swimming with it — but for the rest of your spring and summertime activities, it’s the way to go. The brand also has a host of other military-inspired watches, including the Flyboy (complete with a NATO strap). There’s just something about the combo of a black dial and a beige strap that’s pretty pleasing when compared to other potential dial-and-strap combinations. And given that the brand has already drawn so heavily off timeless military style inspiration, it’s worth betting that other stylish, unique combinations like the Hawker Harrier II are on their way in the future.

Would you pick up this AVI-8 watch? How would you style it?

April 30, 2016April 26, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Tanner Goods Court Classic Mid Sneaker

Does it get better than high-top sneakers made in America out of Horween leather? Only when they carry the Tanner Goods name.

When it comes time to write up each week’s Style Pick, it’s often a pretty tough call — this week, there was no doubt about the item to feature. Hands-down, the stunning, splurge-worthy and incredible-looking Tanner Goods Court Classic Mid took the top spot. The reasons why are too numerous to count, but we’ll try to outline them nonetheless. These terrific high-top sneakers are coming at you via a partnership between Tanner Goods and another equally excellent purveyor of American-made craftsmanship, Rancourt & Co. The brand has been making shoes domestically for nearly 50 years, and if its recent foray into sneakers is any indication, they’ll be around for at least that long going forward. In this instance, they’ve turned their expertise toward the classic high-top sneaker, done up this time in fantastic Natural Horween leather and a really distinctive Honey Vibram sole — that’s nearly the best of the best when it comes to footwear, all boiled down into one shoe. The Natural leather of this pair of sneakers is going to age positively beautifully over time — and for the price tag, you’d be better be darn sure to hang onto ’em for years to come (they certainly qualified for my Style Wish List). It’s another great addition to the Tanner Goods footwear family –last fall’s P.F. Flyers Center Hi collaboration took a rich-looking Indigo Horween leather and redid it in much the same fashion. Talk about a pair of sneakers that’ll turn heads — and they’re extremely limited (just 80 pairs made). How exactly can you wear these guys, though? Just you wait.

Handmade in Maine from a company with nearly five decades of heritage.

Easy answer there — the distinctive color of these sneakers really lends itself well to rocking with dark denim or slim grey selvedge denim particularly, although they’d also add a nice pop to slim stone chinos. Lest we forget that spring and summer are about lighter colors and textures, don’t rule out how they’d look beneath slim light wash jeans alongside a natural pocket tee. And they’re the type of sneaker that can easily work with a blazer-and-tee combination (a personal favorite of this author). For the more stylistically adventurous, they’d add a great shot of color to a slim blue chambray suit this season. When you need dress stylishly for a spring bar crawl, they’re a solid option, too. The antique brass hardware finishes off the sneakers handsomely, and you even get a limited-edition coaster and key fob made from the same high-quality leather. It’s the little details that make the difference when it comes to style, and this pair of sneakers gets them absolutely right.

Would you invest in these Tanner Goods sneakers? How would you style ’em?

Connect with The Style Guide on Facebook and Twitter.

April 23, 2016April 23, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: JackThreads 3-in-1 Field Jacket

A British Khaki color, plus functional style details, that are anything but ordinary.

Hello there Style Guide reader, and Happy Saturday! This week’s Style Pick of the Week turns things back to something that’s been missing in other recent Style Pick entries — a terrific piece of spring (and fall and heck, winter) outerwear. If you read this blog regularly, you’re probably hip to JackThreads; that is, the E-commerce site that launched its own menswear line last fall to some great press (and much love from this here blog). They’ve concentrated on creating an edited collection of essentials sure to please any #menswear aficionado, from simple style staples like its Daily Tee to very spring-ready chino shorts and a classic lineup of pieces ranging from striped polos to Oxfords and chambray shirts (oh, and one heck of a shawl cardigan). Add to that collection a growing lineup of excellent outerwear — particularly its Collegiate Bomber (a favorite of this writer) and of course, the stellar 3-in-1 Field Jacket you see here. It certainly doesn’t command the price tag of certain other field jackets from bigger retailers, so some might be skeptical of the quality — but if you still haven’t pulled the trigger on a piece from JackThreads as of yet, rest assured that the quality really is remarkably on-point. And even though it’s warming up a bit, it’s still not too late to jump on this one– you’ll get plenty of use out of a durable, sturdy and sharp-looking field jacket on breezy spring and summer days (and nights). Heck, layer it up with the brand’s Indigo Sweatshirt when that snow hits (yikes, thinking ahead!), and you’ll be set.

Think you only get one jacket for the price? Think again. This liner is definitely fit for use on its own.

In fact, a rugged field jacket is exactly the type of piece that would serve you quite well for occasions equally formal and laidback — like a spring bar crawl on the one hand, and atop a blue Oxford and navy knit tie the next. With its roots in, y’know, the actual military, it’s the perfect way to add some masculine style to already-masculine pieces like a cream henley or slim, dark denim. And the British Khaki color of this particular field jacket switches the palette up a bit from the typical navy or olive green field jacket you might see. It would definitely complement some slim light wash denim well, too. And lest you think it’s too rugged for wearing with anything but sturdy boots, it would probably do just fine when matched with navy chinos and brown leather sneakers for stepping out on the weekends. The detachable hood is perfect for when spring showers hit, and it packs in even more function on top of that. The navy inner shell would actually work as a fine jacket in its own right, what with hip pockets, a slim fit and a look that’s just a bit more ready to stand on its own than other jacket liners. And yes, you get all this for under $150. Unbelievable, right?

Have a suggestion for a standout item you think would work as a Style Pick of the Week? Let me know via Twitter!

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