April 16, 2016April 13, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: The Hill-Side Indigo Denim 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.

A style swerve from classic white low-tops, crafted from outstanding Japanese indigo cotton denim.

Welcome, gents (and ladies) to another Style Pick of the Week feature. The right footwear for the spring season has definitely been on my mind these past few weeks — it seems like my fall & winter boots have seen far too much use into April, what with some colder-than-normal temperatures. But we’ve got some longer and sunnier days on the docket, and that means we should all hop to finding the perfect pair of spring sneakers (more on that next week). As you anxiously await our next Online Shopping Picks feature, let’s get right to a tremendous pair of kicks for all of us to covet … right now. The Hill-Side continues to (in the opinion of this writer) hit things out of the park with seasonal releases that merge the heritage and modern — whether it’s a striped cotton-linen tie or any number of pieces from its GQ for Gap capsule collection. Its latest offering of spring sneakers is no exception. The pale indigo washed denim sneaker you see here is a stunner that’s pricier than what you might fork over for a standard low-top pair, but it’s all the more worth it.

Made in Japan at a factory that values ethical construction — that’s not something you’d get from other sneaker brands.

If there’s one thing The Hill-Side does as well as anybody in the business, it’s the brand’s use of extraordinary fabrics, from chambray pocket squares to indigo plaid shirts. So, taking 100 percent pale indigo cotton denim and warping it into a sneaker just …. works. Having checked out a pair of these myself, the vulcanized construction feels durable and sturdy, and the textured toe cap and toe guard reinforce that notion. Even the herringbone tread on the bottom is a slight deviation from standard sneaker treads, and it’s another welcome touch from a brand that exemplifies quality. The pale indigo color breaks away from a classic white sneaker, and while that’s still a solid choice, this pair would offer a great shot of color beneath a slim plaid shirt and classic khaki chinos. They’re ethically made in Japan at one of the world’s oldest sneaker factories, so that’s an added bonus that you don’t often find brands delivering. Even if you feel like your sneaker arsenal is all set for the time being, a pair like this might make you think twice but how to cover your feet this spring.

Are you all set with spring sneakers? Or would you pick up this pair?

April 9, 2016April 7, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Jack Erwin Archie Penny Loafers

Not your grandfather’s penny loafer — the sleek, stylish Archie Penny Loafer in Hazelnut from Jack Erwin.

While sharp wingtips always work well in situations ranging from business casual to formal, it sometimes feels refreshing (literally and figuratively) to reach for something a bit different. In the case of our spring style shopping needs here at The Style Guide, that pair of footwear happens to be loafers (like the ones you see above — more in a minute). Lest we get off on the wrong foot here (sorry, had to), know that like plenty of other valuable style upgrades, there are certain iterations that move the style away from its older, slightly stuffy roots by stepping into firmly modern territory. Are we still in step with each other? (Sorry, I’m done). If you’re still following along, Jack Erwin is one brand that’s doing an exceptional job at crafting uniquely modern and stylish takes on classic footwear — and among that group, the Archie Penny Loafer in Hazelnut is … well, exceptional. The brand crafts other takes on the loafer, from a sand suede driving loafer to the moccasin-style Charlie Loafer, but the Archie in Hazelnut is Jack Erwin’s newest loafer color. After checking out a complimentary pair from the brand, the verdict is out: If I was you, I’d set aside those preconceived notions. Why’s that? Allow me…

Details like the reinforced stacked heel make these seem very unloafer-like — sturdy and durable.

It’s safe to say loafers don’t normally lay claim to construction that’s every bit as tough as a sturdy winter boot — that would be the Goodyear construction of the Archie. The full-grain calfskin upper is rich in color and leather quality, handcrafted in Spain. And the reinforced stacked heel adds another uniquely sturdy element to a style that can sometimes seem a bit too sleek. Crucially, these loafers don’t break the bank for what you’re getting. It’s a loafer that can match up with a slim chambray suit later this spring, and the sleek shape won’t feel out of place beneath rolled dark denim, either. It’s another way to do high-low style — as opposed to white sneakers with a dressier combo like chinos and a classic navy blazer, you’re taking a more traditional dress shoe and mashing it up with casual staples (like the aforementioned dark denim, plus a short-sleeve henley). It can be a bit tough to make the switch at first, but with the quality and versatility of this pair, plenty more outfit combinations abound. Oh, and with the change you’ll save compared to more expensive loafers, you’ll have enough to put toward a second pair — loafers all summer long, right?

Editor’s note: Stay tuned for a full Effortless Gent feature on how to style these loafers coming at the end of the month.

Are you on-board with penny loafers? How might you style this particular pair?

April 2, 2016March 31, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Stock Mfg. Co. Pocket Tee

An update to the standard T-shirt, crafted from durable cotton and dyed with indigo for a unique color.

When the weather warms up, there’s probably no style I love to rock more consistently than a slim pocket tee made from durable fabric. Of course, I always appreciate a rugged short-sleeve henley, too. But a pocket tee is a great visual go-between for when you don’t just want to throw on a plain T-shirt. Is it the fanciest item of clothing in the world? Certainly not. But hey, who said T-shirts weren’t essential items of clothing for the weekend — or under a slim navy blazer? No one, that’s who (had to put my foot down there). What’s more, looking great in a T-shirt is another plus of warmer weather. So with all that being said, allow me to introduce this week’s Style Pick of the Week: The Indigo Vintage Wash Pocket Tee from Stock Mfg. Co. The brand, like so many other Style Guide favorites, is all about refining (and re-defining) American classics, like the humble T-shirt, with great fabrics, modern fits and a dash of heritage quality. In fact, the brand’s Sage Linen Buttondown was a summer style favorite of this writer. The fact that the brand produces its garments in a family-owned factory that also makes non-combat military garments is applause-worthy in and of itself, and this T-shirt is no exception.

The Indigo Vintage Wash Pocket Tee is made from a durable 6.6oz. cotton that should hold up quite well over time thanks to the heavier weight (a flimsy tee from a fast-fashion retailer, this is not). The pigment dye and enzyme wash should give it an exceptionally soft fabric feel, too. That means it’ll feel just as well-worn (in a good way) as your favorite broken-in tee. That quality gives it the styling potential to be paired with everything from white sneakers and lightwash denim to an unconstructed blazer and slim tan chinos (a favorite combination of your humble author, in fact). Plus, the lighter blue allows it to play nicely off a tough denim jacket for a nice way to mix up your blues. You’re paying quite a bit more than you would for a standard white tee, but you also get all kinds of styling potential through spring and summer (feel free to throw it on under a grey shawl cardigan in winter, too). Just a T-shirt? Anything but.

Happy shopping and thanks so much for reading!

-Beau

March 26, 2016March 24, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Daniel Wellington Dapper Watch

Devilish details that strike a very dressy (and dapper) tone from Daniel Wellington. Thanks to the brand for this stunning watch!

As it says in the above disclaimer, these Wish List picks cover “expensive splurges” from time to time. And as luck would have it, today’s pick definitely feels splurge-worthy. While the versatility of a great dive watch is something every guy should keep in mind when shopping, there’s another category that can be pretty fulfilling to… well, fill when it comes to your watch game. Specifically, there’s something inherently special about a timepiece that looks, feels and functions like a true dress watch — with a higher price point, to match. In today’s case, the new Daniel Wellington Dapper Reading Watch fits into that niche perfectly. Daniel Wellington, if you’re not familiar, has exploded in popularity in the past five years thanks to its understated, minimal watch designs that mix clean lines with a classic aesthetic. They just launched a SoHo pop-up, which I had the great fortune to attend earlier this week. Pop-up shop aside, they’re a favorite of this menswear writer. It always pays off to have a slim, crisp watch in your regular rotation — after all, the Daniel Wellington Sheffield (for example) can be paired with everything from a tee and jeans to a sharp suit. But the Dapper Reading Watch — part of the brand’s new Dapper Collection — is in a league of its own, built and designed beautifully.

The blue hands and Roman numeral hour markers put this watch firmly in dressy territory. Photo courtesy of the brand.

After checking out both the collection and this watch earlier this week, I’m happy to report that it’s just as sharp in terms of design and functionality as it is in terms of style. While you can combine your purchase with an additional strap for more versatility, I stuck with the black crocodile-texture version — and man, it’s a beauty. Note that it’s also available for purchase with a vintage Rose Gold case if silver isn’t your thing. The 38mm case diameter feels understated and dressy, yet it’s not too diminutive in size (although a 34mm version is also offered for women). The crown operates very smoothly, as well. Critically, the black crocodile texture strap is an excellent compliment to sharp tailored wear and crisp black shoes. Although black dress shoes can feel too plain for some, it’s actually a way to set yourself apart from the crowd — look at Bond. That brings us to perhaps the most crucial detail of all — the eye-catching, razor-sharp Roman numeral hour markers (which stand in contrast to the crisp single-line markers on other Daniel Wellington timepieces). The date window at 6 o’clock is a pleasant and understated addition, and the blue hands are yet another lovely design touch. Yes, this watch is certainly worth every penny of the $299 price tag, and there’s no question that it would be an excellent purchase if you’re in the market for a dedicated dress watch — or better yet, if you simply want to treat yourself to something (wait for it) … dapper. Done and done.

Do you own any Daniel Wellington watches? Would you splurge on the Dapper Reading watch?

March 19, 2016October 25, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott & Bow Wooster Denim

What’s in a name? Just about everything when it comes to the Wooster from Mott & Bow.

OK, I’ll admit it. I’m quite the fan of Mott & Bow denim. If you clicked this post and thought “Gee, I’ve seen that brand here before,” it’s because, well … you have. They occupy a fairly unique space in the style world — that of being an E-commerce retailer focused solely on denim — but the great thing about the brand is they do it so well. That is, they look to offer new washes and styles with regularity, they deliver on quality for the price and they throw in some nice added benefits, like a home try-on program that allows you to pick out the perfect size via free shipping. Admittedly, the jeans — particularly the Medium Blue rinse you see above — also made my Spring Style Wish List. Needless to say this writer’s certainly been eyeing them for a while. While Mott & Bow can definitely do raw denim well, and it delivers in terms of straightforward dark-wash denim, the brand also does a nice job with less-common varieties of denim. In the case of the Wooster Jean in Medium Blue, that would be a not-quite-stonewashed, not-quite-dark indigo pair of jeans that come with a truly remarkable amount of stretch — 35 percent, to be exact (35!). For comparison, the Mosco in Dark Blue features 2 percent. So, we’re absolutely talking next-level comfort here. Why should that matter to you, my fellow denim lover? Well, Mott & Bow simply gets the job done.

Black detailing — like the back patch and rivets — complements the unique wash of the Wooster from Mott & Bow.

Namely, it’s in the details, some of which can be seen above. Specifically, these jeans (which I was lucky enough to receive for a review), are absurdly, remarkably comfortable (note that they’re available in Straight, Slim and Skinny fits). It’s tough to explain, but it certainly doesn’t feel like you’re wearing jeans. They definitely seem to get better and more comfortable throughout the day, as well.And yet, you still get all the styling potential of your favorite pair of denim, complete with a slightly more unique wash. We’re certainly advocates for the versatility of dark, inky blue jeans here at The Style Guide, but there’s also something to be said for incorporating something a bit more eyecatching and lighter in color (not to mention weight) for the spring and summer months. If you’re the type to wear heavy indigo denim everyday, these would be an excellent change of pace while still giving you the option to pair with several ensembles. These aren’t a decidedly dressy pair of denim (the brand’s dark blue-black Mercer fits that bill), but they can still be rocked with a navy blazer and brown wingtips — check out this visual example here for some style inspiration. They’d perhaps be at their best when worn on casual weekend outings, though — think a pocket tee and some colorful sneakers. Give these Mott & Bow jeans a try with nearly anything you can think of — given the high comfort level of this pair of jeans, you probably won’t want to take them off.

Are you thinking of picking up the Wooster from Mott & Bow? What’s your go-to styling move with lightwash denim?

March 12, 2016March 9, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Abercrombie & Fitch Patterned Pullover Shirt

A deep blue color and refined pattern set this Abercrombie & Fitch shirt apart from the brand’s other offerings.

Attribute it to a sudden onslaught of very warm, spring-like weather here in NYC, but I’ve got full-on spring fever. Throw in the fact that Abercrombie & Fitch offered up an excellent slew of new releases geared toward seasonal transitions this week, and you’ve got yourself this week’s Style Pick. Now, to be sure, the brand has definitely been maligned in the past for controversy — be it the brand’s approach to hiring employees or the questionable fashion decisions the brand inspired many of us to make (cargo shorts, anyone). Those days look to be well (I mean, well) in the past though, and you can thank the former head men’s designer at Club Monaco for the switch-up. The announcement of Aaron Levine’s hiring at Abercrombie & Fitch last summer was a lauded move that at least promised a style turnaround. Thankfully, if this first crop of spring releases is to be believed, he’s delivered. Take the Patterned Pullover Shirt you see here (also called a popover for the way it pops over the head). It might look somewhat simple, as the popover is a rather classic silhouette, but it’s a welcome — and very wearable — offering that should have plenty of us looking to warm days ahead.

A full look at this easygoing spring shirt, complete with a slim fit.

It’s crafted from lightweight 100 percent cotton in a rich blue color; this is the type of shirt you should grab when you tire of wearing polos or pocket tees. While some popover shirts feature buttondown collars, this number favors a more relaxed collar sans buttons — all the better for conveying laidback style this summer (although if you want to throw this guy on under a khaki blazer, collar stays would be advised to keep the collar looking sharp). The subtle pattern here (perhaps lined diamond would be the best description?) is a welcome change of pace from a plain polo, too. And taken together — the rich blue color, the eye-catching pattern and the slim fit — it’s a terrific new offering from the brand. Seriously, Abercrombie & Fitch crafting popovers that can compete with the likes of J. Crew, and at a cheaper price? Sign me up. The fact that it’s got all kinds of style potential — from pairing with slim grey chinos to lightwash denim and colorful sneakers — is ideal as well. It can be dressed up with a grey knit blazer and some white jeans, too. After the winter that most of us have had, there’s really no wrong way to wear this.

What do you think of the new spring offerings from Abercrombie & Fitch? Would you pick up this popover?

March 5, 2016March 3, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Slim Chino in Light Stone

The perfect way to step into spring and summer — with a crisp chino from Taylor Stitch.

With last week’s Style Pick of the Week, we covered a lightweight, casual layer — all in the name of moving a little toward spring. This week’s Style Pick continues to move things in that same direction, bit by bit. The fine folks at Taylor Stitch are a Style Guide favorite for an untold number of reasons. From its ridiculously high-quality and versatile Standard Issue Slim Chino to its drool-worthy Moto Jacket and quick-selling pieces like its Blackwatch Yosemite Shirt, the brand does things the right way. That means plenty of heritage styling inspiration (plus modern fits), and tough construction that just won’t quit. That also means that some of its pieces are rightfully a bit pricey. But as far as spring style at a nice pricepoint goes, you just can’t beat the Slim Chino in Light Stone. It’s up for pre-funding right now on the Taylor Stitch Web site, so they’re set to ship in mid-May. However, I’d highly suggest you get on ’em now — namely because they’re available for $78 versus the full price of $98. Toss in a 20 percent discount for first-time email subscribers, and you’re looking at just over $60 for a highly versatile pair of chinos. If you’re intimidated by that color? Fear not — it’s still plenty versatile.

This offering represents a brand-new color for Taylor Stitch — plenty wearable and warm weather-ready.

Made from a 9.5oz. brushed Spanish twill in Spain and cut slim (although the more forgiving Democratic fit is also available), you should approach these chinos as you might a darker shade of khaki. That is to say, they can be mixed in with brown suede chukkas, a denim jacket and a chambray shirt for easygoing, spring-centric casual style. And that lighter color is also going to work nicely with shades of blue — everything from a heather navy polo to a cashmere sweater for when it’s abit chillier. They can even ground a grey shawl-collar cardigan in the early fall, so they’re worth the investment. Don’t underestimate the power of pants this color to be worn in a more continental fashion, either — look to James Bond for an example. The smaller details are on-point, too — note the brand’s signature printed San Francisco map pocket liner on the interior of the pants. The inseam is cut long for some of us (36 inches, to be exact) so they might require some tailoring. But for the starter-level price of just under $80, they’re a great deal from a brand that knows how to deliver the goods, seemingly no matter the product. The most difficult part is going to be waiting until May for them to ship. Good things really do take time.

Would you pre-fund these Taylor Stitch chinos? How would you style them for spring and summer?

February 27, 2016February 26, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mack Weldon Merino Long-Sleeve Tee

A plain ol’ long-sleeve tee? Certainly not. A premium style upgrade? Definitely.

There are definitely categories in the men’s style world that have been overlooked for years. That’s certainly true for things like underwear (yes, we’re going there), socks and crucially, base layers like long-sleeve tees. Athletic brands have generally dominated that market and focused more on functionality, but some companies have really honed in on a particular category and owned it — good news for you, my friend. So if you haven’t met ’em yet, say hello to Mack Weldon — and what just might be your new favorite T-shirt. The brand excels (and is primarily known for) its well-crafted and comfortable line of underwear, but it also puts out undershirts, T-shirts, sweatpants and even socks. So they’ve got a lot going on. But its Merino knits take the cake in terms of combining comfort and style. Crucially, I’ve had the chance courtesy of the brand to check one out over this past week, in fact. And while this Merino T-shirt might look like an ordinary long-sleeve tee, it’s anything but. So that’s a GREAT thing for the $78 price tag (bear with me!).

Just another one of four color options made with comfort, a tailored fit and style.

It’s built with antimicrobial technology, soft Merino wool and a Tencel blend that aids in that softness even more. The slim fit and raglan sleeves are modern design features that might seem small at first, but actually pay off in a big way. Raglan stitching (that’s the curved stitching at the chest) makes your chest and shoulders look broader, and the slim fit has a two-part function. Say you feel like going extra casual and rocking this tee with a blazer (something you can and should do) — the slim fit absolutely helps with that style maneuver, while the soft fabric and color options still make it different than a normal tee. And if you decide to wear it on its own with tapered sweats or even dark denim on the weekends? The modern fit is going to help you out immensely. My personal favorite of the bunch (four solid and versatile color options) is the Bluestone color — it echoes lighter shades for spring, yet it’s not so loud that it couldn’t be worn alongside darker colorways of blue, rust or even burgundy cords in the fall and winter. Unfortunately, the small size is sold out in that color at the moment; thankfully, there are other options! At $78, it’s a premium investment for sure. However, you might not want to go back to your plain T-shirts after trying one of these on.

Do you own any Mack Weldon gear? How would you rock this long-sleeve tee?

February 20, 2016February 18, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Rambler Sneakers

A great new sneaker release from a much anticipated spring collaboration.

Perhaps it’s the recent influx of sunshine (however brief and chilly) here in NYC, or maybe it’s a sudden flurry of new spring arrivals hitting many a Web site, but I’ve definitely been doing some seasonal “planning-ahead” as far as #menswear goes. Do you find yourself in the same boat? With that being said, the forecast still calls for more chilly weather. Even still, the latest iteration of the ongoing Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers collaboration is absolutely a winner, and it takes the cake as this week’s Style Pick of the Week — particularly the Nubuck Rambler Low as seen here. A great pair of crisp, clean and classically inspired white sneakers is a style essential nearly all year-round — even into the chillier days of fall. And although the Nubuck Rambler Low is a spring release, it’s a pair of sneakers you could match up with all kinds of outfits through the spring, summer and on into Labor Day. They incorporate all the elements you’d expect in a great pair of white sneakers, with a few added touches.

A slim toe shape and the captoe detailing make these suitably dressy for pairing with a blazer this spring.

For one, the contrasting gum sole is a welcome design elements that’s popped up on lots of sneakers as of late. The captoe detailing and open-lace stitching are also nice touches that make these the ideal dressy or casual sneaker. They’d be the perfect pairing with some olive chinos and a navy polo when it gets warm out, and they’d even work now with slim dark denim and a navy bomber for a welcome shot of contrasting color. Plus, these guys would go great with an unconstructed blazer and lightwash jeans for a great Casual Friday look (the Perforated Rambler High would also work in this regard, but spring seems better suited for low-tops anyways). The Todd Snyder logo at the nylon heel tab is a cool touch that lets you know the type of designer quality you’re getting, as well. On that note, for a name brand collaboration like this, the price isn’t terrible, particularly when you consider that you can rock ’em more like dress shoes than sneakers. And the construction should definitely be solid — P.F. Flyers has decades of experience doing that. It’s also part of a welcome series of collabs the lauded American designer has launched in recent years — look for some great new footwear on the dressier side of things from Todd Snyder’s partnership with Cole Haan later this spring. For now though, it’s sneaker time. Sadly, warm weather is likely a ways off for most of us. But hey, a guy can dream of spring, and these sneakers, and a spring style wish list … right?

Until Monday,

-Beau

February 13, 2016February 12, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Watch

Possibly the perfect watch? Red Wing shoe leather meets a tough-yet-sharp Timex dial.

The importance of a sharp watch — like other great style upgrades — in terms of finishing off an outfit is something that’s hard to overstate. It can definitely help strike the right tone, whether that’s sharp and dressy or laidback and casual. And there’s no doubt that the watch you see here can do either of those — it’s hard to overstate that quality, as well. Watches haven’t often been part of this here Style Pick of the Week series, but that changes right now in a big way. Timex has drawn some buzz as of late for its upcoming partnership with Todd Snyder — as part of his FW16 runway show last week in New York City, Snyder (of Champion collaboration fame) sent models down the runway wearing several models of the above watch (which features, you guessed it, a Red Wing shoe leather strap). The partnership is exceptionally fitting, and it all dovetails off the fact that, somewhat confusingly, Snyder is launching his own collaboration with Timex this coming fall. But back to the matter at hand — Fashion Week or not, you can (and definitely should) pick up this handsome watch right now.

Plenty of solid design went into this exceptionally affordable timepiece.

The Timex Waterbury line was a welcome introduction last year as part of the brand’s anniversary celebration; it nodded to the brand’s heritage, took classic Timex style and gave it a rugged edge. You might recognize a model of the rugged-refined Waterbury line from this past week’s post on how to style a crewneck sweater, in fact. And the Timex x Red Wing Waterbury seen here — sold exclusively through END Clothing for now — advances that design ethos perfectly. For now, it would appear END only has the 38mm model (there are also 40mm and 42mm iterations). But 38mm works just fine — it’s the ideal balance between striking and subtle. Yes, the black-and-tan 38mm dial is just the right size for most of us, but the real standout here is the leather strap, made using leather from Red Wing’s S.B. Tanning Company. A genius idea, yeah? It’s the rare watch strap that’ll break in as superbly as your boots over time — and it’ll certainly match up well with your rugged Red Wing winter boots, to say the least. So given all the rugged refinement that’s gone into this iteration of the watch, it only makes sense that Snyder would look to the duo for style that really played well on the runways. Fear not, though — this particular watch will look superb on your wrist even if you have no modeling experience to speak of. Style it with wingtip boots, jeans and a shawl collar cardigan now, and throw it on with a tee and tailored shorts when it (eventually) warms up. There’s no wrong way to go.

Are you a fan of the Timex Waterbury line? And this watch in particular? Or are you holding out for the Todd Snyder x Timex collab?

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