Tag / style pick

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Apolis Standard Issue Utility Chino

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 Standard Issue Utility Chino from Apolis. A rich caramel color, modern fit and attention to detail make these worth the higher price point.

The Standard Issue Utility Chino from Apolis. A rich caramel color, modern fit and attention to detail make these worth the higher price point.

In keeping with the theme of last week’s Style Pick, I tried to switch things up from the typical offerings that have categorized this series (y’know, mostly shirts and outerwear). And while it was a tough call, the stylish and sturdy-looking Standard Issue Utility Chino from Apolis is this week’s selection. It’s that time of year where it’s not quite warm enough to bust out a short-sleeve printed shirt and shorts  just yet, so a little thicker pair of pants will have to suffice. Made out of a 9.5 oz. cotton canvas and finished with buffalo horn buttons, these Apolis chinos are one dependable pair of pants. And if you’re not familiar with the brand, it’d be wise to take a peek at the continental classics they’re crafting — the right way.

These aren't Apolis chinos, for the record, but this is just one way the classic pant could be styled. White henley by Pistol Lake.

These aren’t Apolis chinos, for the record, but this is just one way the classic pant could be styled. White henley by Pistol Lake. Chromexcel Horween leather watch strap by Form-Function-Form.

Like the rest of the brand’s offerings (including a white pocket tee seen on GQ earlier this week), the price is a heck of a lot to pony up for a pair of chinos. But, the brand is using rigorous social & environmental standards to craft its product, something in which more of us should probably be taking an interest. And in a neutral, rich Hunter Khaki color and a slimmer, modern-leaning fit, these chinos should work with everything from a trim white henley and patterned watch strap to brown loafers and a slim blazer for occasions calling for more polish. Also available in Grey, Olive and a lighter, cream-like Khaki color, the dark caramel shade pictured at the top of the page is probably going to be the best pick — and for $138, it had better be. Maybe one day?

Have you bought from Apolis before? What are your thoughts on the brand?

P.S. Apolis isn’t involved in this giveaway, but if you still want some great gear & goods from Gustin, The Motley and Taft Clothing, the trio is running a giveaway until April 30 here! 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Clarke Pants

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  — like the pants discussed below. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Luxurious pants from an esteemed retailer.

Luxurious pants from an esteemed retailer.

So recent Style Picks have really centered around … shirts. Lots and lots of shirts, from a great henley to a nice set of pocket T-shirts and even a soft-looking French terry stadium jacket. It was high time to change things up in that department, and a trip to the excellent West Village Billy Reid store secured this week’s Style Pick (fear not — these beautiful pants are available online, too). And before you ask — I was not able to buy them; this Style Pick belongs in the expensive splurges category above). But, like much of the famed American designer’s work (including the covetable Bond peacoat), these are truly outstanding.

A tailored but more traditional cut.

A tailored but more traditional cut.

Made of a ridiculously soft and luxurious-feeling 60% cotton, 40% silk (yes, silk), blend, these pants feature a single pleat (which has been building on the runways for a while now) and tab adjusters in lieu of a belt. The texture definitely feels similar to that of a knit tie, actually. Despite the pleats, these are the kind of pants that are trend-resistant, not fashion-forward — and for that eyepopping price tag ($395!), they better be. The cut is traditional but still looks tailored in an old-school sort of way. In the event that you’re able to buy these (maybe a nice tax refund came your way?), I could see them being worn with everything from an unconstructed blazer, dress shirt and striped tie to a high-low T-shirt & trousers combo. As a final note to tempt you, the brand is running a 20% Off deal for its SS15 collection through tomorrow night at midnight with the code: SS15. So, still pricey — but worth it?

Tell me: What’s on your Expensive Splurges list as of late? Would you ever consider buying these?

One last note: Before the weekend’s up, this site will transition to The Style Guide (if you haven’t gotten the previous memos!), covering the same great categories in men’s style and fashion.

Stay stylish,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Saturdays Surf NYC Esquina Oxford

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 — like the pick below. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here.

A deep indigo color & extremely soft wash make this the perfect spring shirt.

A deep indigo color & extremely soft wash make this the perfect spring shirt.

It was a close call determining this week’s Style Pick of the Week. Go for another, similarly awesome buttondown (this short-sleeve shirt from Apolis) or a great jacket for the spring (this pricey but stunning Todd Snyder bomber)? In the end, an early day out of work and a trip to the awesome Saturdays Surf NYC store in SoHo led to the pick you see here — the brand’s Esquina Oxford in Indigo.

A rack full of lovely cotton buttondowns from Saturdays NYC. If you look closely, you can spot this week's Style Pick!

A rack full of lovely cotton buttondowns from Saturdays NYC. If you look closely, you can spot this week’s Style Pick!

For those not familiar with Saturdays NYC, the brand launched in 2009 selling wetsuits, surfboards and beach equipment to surf-crazed New Yorkers. They’ve since expanded to producing and designing their own menswear and were part of GQ’s 2012 Best New Menswear Designers in America cohort — high accolades to pick up in just a short time. So the quality speaks for itself. Yes, $98 is a pretty high figure for a short-sleeve shirt — but having checked out this particular shirt in person (and having worn last year’s polka dot version to death), it’s a splurge worth making. The shirt is exceptionally soft, slim-cut and well-designed, too. It’s also available in light grey, white and black — but the indigo color is, to me, that rare blue shirt that would pair well with lightwash blue jeans or dark denim — not to mention khaki chinos or tailored shorts.

Do you own any items from Saturdays NYC? What brand of short-sleeve shirt are you picking up for spring?

Editor’s note: Like free stuff? Like $1,000 worth? The great folks over at TRNK Club have partnered with Apolis, The Motley & Valet to deliver a grand of spring essentials — enter this awesome contest here until April 7!