Tag / stylish weekender bags

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Here’s What to Wear for Labor Day Weekend

It’s summer’s last gasp, and it’s here already. Bring on Labor Day, and let’s start the never-ending quest as to what to wear for Labor Day weekend. Well, folks … that’s a bit dramatic, but your search ends today at The Style Guide. It’s a weekend that calls to mind any number of potentially tricky men’s style scenarios. After all, you’ve likely got to dress for a road trip … while also packing enough gear to wear to a weekend BBQ or head to the beach. We didn’t say it wasn’t a busy weekend, that’s for sure. It’s a great way to close out summer and look toward fall, and with that being said, it’s a weekend to approach with transitional style in mind. The gear you bring with you needs to toe the line between casual and laidback, yet appropriate for the situation. From manning the grill to stoking the bonfire, I think the below men’s style picks have something for everyone. That means we’re reaching for a ridiculously stylish Taylor Stitch shirt-jacket, plus an American-made T-shirt and classic khaki shorts — among other choice selections. I’ll let you be the judge of whether this outfit can work for you — if you agree, feel free to hit me up on Twitter. If not… keep it to yourself, ehh?

The Weekender Bag: Nisolo Leon Weekender — $397.98

Nisolo

A handsome, durable and super-stylish way to carry your favorite #menswear.

Is the Nisolo Leon Weekender expensive compared to lower-quality brands? Assuredly. But are you that much better off for ponying up the extra cash? Absolutely. A stylish weekender bag is yet another way to complement your stylish wardrobe — and with its burnished leather and quality construction, the Leon Weekender looks outstanding and is made to get better with age. That sounds to me like a pretty great way to pack up for Labor Day — and plenty of other road trips in the months ahead.

The Shirt-Jacket: Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket in Sun-Bleached Indigo — $148

Taylor Stitch

Part shirt, part jacket — the perfect piece to wear on the road and once you’ve arrived.

With any gear — I mean, literally anything — from Taylor Stitch, you know you’re in good hands. With the rugged, casual-yet-versatile Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket, that’s perhaps no more true. It’s an ideal piece to bridge the gap between summer and fall, crafted from 100 percent selvage Japanese indigo. That gives it a distinct look and a weight that’s just right for layering over a rugged henley or an American-made T-shirt at a bonfire — and that means you can wear it all on its own for weekend travel, too. In short, Taylor Stitch has outdone itself once again with the Maritime Shirt Jacket.
Frank And Oak

The T-shirt: Flint and Tinder Slub Tee in Dusty Field Grey — $38

Flint and Tinder

An American-made T-shirt that nods to a truly American holiday.

Labor Day is a holiday celebrating hard-working Americans in the labor force across the country — why not tip your cap to them with a stylish T-shirt that’s fittingly made in the States? From durable waxed trucker jackets to your new favorite Oxford — which should also be in your bag for the weekend — Flint and Tinder does it all. In fact, this Flint and Tinder slub tee  in a pleasingly faded dusty grey should fit right in with your rugged Taylor Stitch shirt-jacket for the weekend.
Timex
The Shorts: Taylor Stitch Maritime Shorts in British Khaki Linen Herringbone — $118 AND Flint and Tinder Breaker Trunk — $38.98

Casual men's shorts

A pair of shorts for night and a pair of swim trunks for the day. Nothing else to it.

Because we’re dealing with style scenarios aplenty across Labor Day weekend, you should prep and pack accordingly. If you spend the day at the beach or the pool, break out the affordably priced, well-made and durable Flint and Tinder Breaker Trunk in a go-anywhere shade of dark grey. The tailored fit helps the Breaker Trunks wear more like shorts for day trips to a lake or the beach. And for the rest of the time — backyard BBQ or bar trip alike — Taylor Stitch delivers on both versatile style and a unique fabric blend with the Maritime Shorts in a standout shade of British Khaki. It looks to me like these are the perfect shorts to close out summer, ehh?

The Footwear: SeaVeees Hermosa Plimsoll Regatta — $69.98

SeaVees

From the custom-dyed upper to small details like waxed cotton laces, SeaVees has crafted a pair of sneakers fit for the last bit of summer.

When you need style that’s simple and effective, you should reach for a sneaker like the SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Regatta. The timeless silhouette of the SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll channels the kind of laidback, go-anywhere vibe you need for Labor Day. The Hermosa Plimsoll also features a custom-dye herringbone textile upper and waxed cotton laces — two touches that upgrade it considerably over your average pair of sneakers. When it’s time to hit the beach or the pool, just kick ’em off — SeaVees sneakers are practically made for it.

The Socks: Arvin Goods No-show Socks (Three-pack) — $30

Arvin Goods

Sustainably made no-show socks crafted with style in mind.

Never one to skip out on the details, stylish no-show socks are going to be an essential as you pack up this Labor Day weekend — particularly if you’re bringing easygoing sneakers. Available with simple color combos and blocked designs that won’t look half-bad after you’ve slipped off your sneakers, Arvin Goods makes the brand’s no-show socks with sustainability, style and fair pricing in mind. Another brand that’s tailor-made for Labor Day, ehh?

Greats

The Watch: Ventus Caspian C-01 Brass Watch — $299

With a case that’ll patina over time and a black canvas strap, this is a durable weekend watch.

When a weekend calls for a little bit of everything — from beach time to pool time to grill time — you need a stylish casual watch that’s up to the task. The rugged, durable and uniquely crafted Ventus Caspian C-01 Brass Watch is your pick, fella. The brass case on the tough Caspian C-01 Watch is designed to patina over time — that’s a good thing, because this timepiece can stand up to adventures aplenty. The black canvas strap and 100-meter water resistance add another dimension of functionality, too. In summary: Definitely bring this watch with you for Labor Day.

The Sunglasses: Steven Alan Bristol Sunglasses in Brushed Gold — $148
Steven Alan

Throwback vibes make for a distinct and versatile pair of sunglasses.

Make no mistake, you don’t want to be caught away from home without a pair of stylish sunglasses. And with their retro-inspired design, versatile shape and unique gold finish, these Steven Alan Bristol Sunglasses are perfect for laidback beach days and day trips this coming Labor Day weekend. And the good news? The Bristol Sunglasses will look just as great for Labor Day trips in years to come as they do now.
Grooming Essentials: Harry’s Essential Travel Shave Kit — $49.98
Harry's Shaving

All the gear you need to get the perfect shave while on the road.

Another thing you don’t want to leave behind? Your toiletries. And if you’re a guy who likes to keep his scruff maintained — as you should be — the easy-to-use, travel-friendly Harry’s Essential Travel Shave Kit bundles everything into one package that’s, well, essential. Trust me: Don’t leave home without it.

Florsheim

The Ballcap: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap — $38
Huckberry Explorer's Cap

Grab this ballcap, toss it on and hit the road — it’s perfect for travel and Labor Day weekend particularly.

Among #menswear picks you see pop up consistently on this site, the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap might top that list. Maybe it’s the fact that these vintage-inspired ballcaps are so well-made and subtly stylish, yet it’s the perfect spring and summer … and fall … and winter accessory to me. When you want to keep the sun off your face this Labor Day weekend, there’s not a better ballcap out there to grab.
The Essential: Orange Vessel Co. Stoneware Growler — $69.98
Stoneware Vessel Co.

Perhaps the best way to transport your favorite beer — and keep it fresh and flowing at your destination.

Now, is beer a “must-have” essential in the way that the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap or a Taylor Stitch shirt-jacket might be? Surely not. And if you’re hopping on a plane this Labor Day weekend, well, this Orange Vessel Co. growler will have to stay behind. But if you’re making the trek to a friend’s house and can spare some room in your ride? This durable growler can more than handily help you transport your favorite craft beer.
Gifts for the Host: Brooklyn Slate Company Slate Coasters — $27 AND Spiegelau IPA Glasses, Set of Four — $32
Spiegelau

Two gifts that pair nicely with one another — oh, and great beer.

Yet again, let’s keep in mind a golden rule of travel: Always bring a gift for the host. Or in this case, gifts. And hey, there’s some beer in the mix again! Brooklyn Slate Company makes a coaster that’s, dare I say it … stylish and rugged. And Spiegelau crafts some of the more unique glassware in the beer world — bring along the Orange Vessel Co. growler and fill it with your favorite IPA. Those IPA glasses will do the rest of the work.

Ready for some fun in the sun — and a few choice brews — this Labor Day? I know I am. And I hope you’ll be packing and wearing the best men’s summer gear for the occasion. I can’t recommend easily wearable pieces like an American-made T-shirt and a rugged Taylor Stitch shirt-jacket enough — from the beach to the bonfire, both layers absolutely work. Accessories like the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap are definitely critical, as is a rugged casual watch and the right weekender bag. It’s also critical to remember stylish shorts, and luckily for the both of us, the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shorts fit the bill nicely. Packing up men’s grooming essentials is pretty critical when it comes to staying fresh — let the Harry’s Essential Travel Shave Kit do the work for ya. I’d definitely be remiss if I didn’t remind you to bring along stylish sunglasses (preferably something retro-inspired like the Steven Alan Bristol Sunglasses). Lastly, don’t leave home without your favorite brew — the Orange Vessel Co. growler helps check that box. How will you be dressing for Labor Day? And what do you think of the above picks?  Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page!

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by Beau H.

#OOTD: Wear This Outfit on Your Next Weekend Trip

Come along for the ride today on The Style Guide as we dive into an #OOTD that should come in pretty darn handy over these next few weeks and months. Folks, we’re talking today about a stylish, mobile and versatile #menswear look to wear on your next weekend trip. And we’re building it from the ground up, focused on wearable classics like stylish leather chukka boots and a durable, great-looking weekender bag. Whether this outfit takes you to a quaint country town, a friend’s house or an upstate trip — or, dare I say it, a “staycation” — I think you’ll be ready for the road, followed by a stop at a new favorite watering hole. Truly all the goods are here. I’m telling ya, you’re gonna love this Taylor Stitch shirt-jacket and the casual staple pieces we’re pairing it with,  It’s an outfit that’s just a bit rugged, just a bit refined and very ready for nearly anything. We’ve got a few choice layers to combat late summer and early fall breezes, plus a stylish leather watch to wear as you travel, too. All sounds pretty great, right? Dive in, leave any feedback below and hop on over to my Instagram or The Style Guide Facebook page if you can’t get enough of what we’re serving up.

Layer right on up with a stylish shirt-jacket, a classic Oxford and other staples ready for travel or play.

The Top Layer: Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket, $148 — Seeing as chillier temperatures are approaching, it’s a wise bet to outfit yourself with a rugged shirt-jacket that slips on and off with ease — Taylor Stitch makes one of the best out there.

The Oxford: Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Oxford, $89 — If there’s one workhorse you need in your bag for a weekend trip, it’s  a classic Oxford shirt. Try this charcoal Oxford from Flint and Tinder — it’ll play nicely off the Taylor Stitch shirt-jacket, and it’s made in America.

The Chinos: Banana Republic Aiden Slim Rapid Movement Chino, $98 — A relatively recent offering from a brand that specializes in versatile gear for the modern man, these stretch chinos are perfect for a day of travel.

The Chukka Boots: Nisolo Luca Chukka Boot, $174.98 — Packing light on the footwear front is easy when you wear classic chukka boots like the Nisolo Luca Chukka Boot — agreed? Agreed.

The Socks: (Not Pictured) Anonymousism Cotton Stripe Sock in Khaki, $8 — You’d do well to stock up for your trip on at least a few sets of affordable, stylish and unique Anonymousism patterned socks.

The Briefs: Bread and Boxers Boxer Briefs in Black, $18 — Comfort and simple looks are two qualities you should always keep top of mind when packing (and wearing) briefs — Bread and Boxers will sort you out nicely.

The Watch: Timex Waterbury in Red Wing Leather, $139 — Just as with your classic Oxford, there’s one other essential you’re going to want to keep handy, and that’s the ever-stylish Timex Red Wing Waterbury. Durable, tough and sharp.

The Weekender: Bradley Mountain Utility Bag in Brush Brown, $159 — Sized just right for a few nights away, this handsome, rugged and stylish weekender bag from Bradley Mountain should be your next luggage purchase.

The Wallet: Herschel Supply Co. Raynor Passport Wallet in Nubuck, $49.99 — Even if you’re not heading overseas, having a useful, utilitarian-yet-stylish passport wallet like this one from Herschel Supply is a solid way to round out your everyday carry.

Well, do you think we packed enough essentials for your trip? Starting with a durable pair of leather chukka boots and a stylish weekender bag only sets you up for success — and layering accordingly keeps you traveling in style, too. I can’t say enough about the rugged versatility of the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket — it’s seriously perfect for chilly evenings and day trips alike. And we’d be remiss if we left out a classic Oxford like the one seen above from Flint and Tinder, another remarkably wearable addition to your travel gear. Well-considered details like Anonymousism patterned socks are also the name of the game, and the Red Wing Waterbury from Timex is a watch that could feasibly never leave your wrist throughout the trip. Have any questions on how to pack for your trip or what to wear on the road? Shoot me a note on Twitter — let’s talk menswear!

Thanks so much for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender

Blue Claw Co.

An all-around standout bag, from the waxed canvas exterior to the design exclusive to Bespoke Post.

Before you hit the road on your next trip, grab the Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender — you’re gonna need it, and I’ll tell you exactly why today on The Style Guide. For starters, you can make the argument that every guy needs a stylish weekender bag in his rotation. It’s an accessory that’s more than just a place to stash your stuff as you dress for summer travel. Think of it like an extension of your outfit — as I always say, the small details count, and your weekender bag is definitely among those details. The best men’s weekender bags get a few things right. Oftentimes, those things revolve around sturdy construction, expert detailing, handsome looks (all the better to pair with everything from a tee and jeans to a polo and blazer) and the ability to haul all of your favorite gear.Today, we’re all in luck — the Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender checks all of those boxes. It’s a worthy buy before your next trip — and thanks to Bespoke Post, it’s affordable as heck, and entirely unique Why should you snag the Waxed Weekender over other options, though? Keep on reading, fella.

Nautica

Notably, the Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender is exclusive to Bespoke Post — you really won’t find it anywhere else. It’s got the sort of rugged specifications and strong construction you’d expect from an American-made weekender bag. As it were, Blue Claw Co. designs all of its gear in Minneapolils and produces it with attention to detail — if this bag can stand up to Minnesota winters, it can certainly stand up to summer travel. It’s similar in size to the Owen and Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender, so it should be a trusty trip standby — that goes for whether you pack it with American-made denim aplenty or your favorite suede chukka boots and one of the best men’s dopp kits.

Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender

Handsome bridle leather accents and durable hardware give this bag a solid look and feel.

And as we’ve said before, the small touches set the Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender apart. As you can see above, touches like a solid brass zipper and complementary brass hardware give it all the durability you need when hitting the road weekend after weekend.  It can readily fit in an airplane overhead bin, and with that durable waxed canvas exterior, you can chuck the Waxed Weekender in the back of your car for a summer upstate trip or a weekend at the beach. That brings us to perhaps the most important point. The Waxed Weekender is a bit of an investment at $295 in full. However, get this: When you sign up for Bespoke Post, you can snag the tough, durable and stylish  Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender  for $215 — not a bad deal, ehh? And keep in mind that signing up for Bespoke Post also gives you access to the brand’s monthly subscription box for just $45. But that’s another post entirely. At any rate, the  Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender is among the best men’s weekender bags to buy now — that much is true. Will you be hitting the road with the  Waxed Weekender  in tow? Let me know in the comments, and catch up with us over at The Style Guide Facebook page!

Thanks so much for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Weekender Bags for a Road Trip

That bag you’re packing up for your next getaway — is it one of the best men’s weekender bags for a road trip? No? You’re not sure? Don’t worry — it’s taken care of. A stylish weekender bag is the lofty subject we’ll tackle in today’s latest Online Shopping Picks entry — and I think you’re going to like the results.  As we so often talk about here on The Style Guide, developing great style really is the sum of a lot of moving parts. From the stylish  sneakers on your feet to that slim short-sleeve shirt hanging in your closet, looking and feeling great comes down to the details — and that’s certainly the case when it comes to the bag you’re bringing with you on your next road trip.
Florsheim
If the goal is to get out of town in style, you’re going to want a functional, durable weekender bag that looks just as great as it performs. We’re talking about a tough weekender bag that can go from the trunk of your car to the overhead bin to the floor of your rustic, refined boutique hotel without missing a beat. The right bag has got good looks, easy utility and investment-level quality in spades. And as to the below options? Well, I’d say that each of them certainly pass muster. Chime in on Twitter with any thoughts on this list of the best men’s weekender bags, and follow me on Instagram to see how I’m packing in style this summer.

#1. Nisolo Leon Weekender — $397.98

Relatively rare all-leather construction, excellent looks and an agreeable price.

Is the Nisolo Leon Weekender pricey? Yes. Is it a Style Guide favorite for its combination of rugged good looks and smart craftsmanship? That’s also a definitive “Yes.” An all-leather weekender like the Leon Weekender is a pretty rare find these days, particularly with a price tag that’s not too outrageous. Think of this as a stylish weekender bag that’ll look just as handsome with a tailored suit on a business trip as it will with a chambray shirt and chinos on a casual weekend getaway.

#2. Billykirk Large Sport Carryall — $251.98

Billykirk

The rugged ability to serve as both a gym bag and a weekender bag — you should expect nothing less from Billykirk.

Leave it to Billykirk to make a weekender/gym bag that works twice as hard as you’d expect. In one instance, the Large Sport Carryall is a uniquely stylish way to lug your favorite gym gear to and from a morning workout. And the next day, it could reliably serve as a durable weekender bag for an upstate trip. With its use of Cordura material and Mil-Spec hardware — not to mention sturdy, USA-made construction — picking up the Large Sport Carryall is almost like getting two bags for the price of one.

Timex

#3. Bespoke Post Weekender Box — $45

$45 for the Bespoke Post Weekender Box? Too good to be true, right? Wrong.

That price above isn’t a typo. You really can get the Bespoke Post Weekender Box for just $45 (when you sign up for Bespoke Post, that is). In all seriousness, why on Earth wouldn’t you want to sign up for Bespoke Post when the result is a bag like the weekender shown here? Available in a range of colors and made from what the brand calls “thick and capable canvas,” it’s the type of bag that’ll only get better with age — and I’m sure you’ll reach for it time and again. Yes indeed, the Bespoke Post Weekender Box might be the smartest purchase you’ll make this summer.

Nautica

#4. Topo Designs Mountain Duffel — $229

The Topo Designs Mountain Duffel is all business — sleek, no-nonsense and definitely very functional.

If you consider yourself a guy who favors more minimal, functional style and performance rather than bright, loud colors when shopping for a stylish weekender bag, the Topo Designs Mountain Duffel is the bag for you. It’s water-resistant right down to the YKK zippers, and it offers handy design touches like a padded base and side panels (all the better to keep your gear safe). In a sleek black color, it’s a low-key way to upgrade your weekender bag — it’s more than ready for camping trips, hikes or day trips.

#5. Filson Small Duffel — $297

Filson

A richly crafted, durable and timeless bag from Filson — that’s all you can ask for, really.

Leave it to the lauded gear makers at Filson to continually deliver on classic pieces that stand the test of time. While not quite as large in size as some of the other options on this list, the Filson Small Duffel is every bit as deserving of a spot here. It starts with the brand’s attention to detail and namely, Filson‘s own rugged, functional, abrasion-resistant twill. Other helpful design touches — such as the tough bridle leather straps and solid brass zipper — help make this bag an investment-worthy classic.
Ben Sherman

Honorable Mention: Bradley Mountain Utility Bag — $159

A carryall that can also serve as a weekender bag — that’s the way it’s done, folks.

There are simply far too many options out there in terms of stylish weekender bags to end this list at just five. It was a tough call, but the Bradley Mountain Utility Bag just barely missed the cut here (Editor’s note: Catch a full write-up on this bag in our Style Pick of the Week series). Able to be fashioned into a carryall for just about anything you can think of — including your favorite summer gear — the Utility Bag is also the type of bag that could reliably haul enough clothes for a weekend away.  The Bradley Mountain Utility Bag features rugged good looks and the sort of durability that you only get from using a custom oiled and waxed leather construction. That is to say, it’s a one-of-a-kind bag that you need in your summer travel arsenal … now.

END. Clothing

In summary: You need — like, need — at least one of the best men’s weekender bags in your rotation for the months ahead. Whether you reach for a two-in-one bag like the Bradley Mountain Utility Bag or the handsome, durable  Large Sport Carryall from Billykirk is entirely up to you — either one would be a wise move. And a sturdy weekender bag from a heritage brand like  Filson provides both instantly recognizable looks and classic style. If that’s not your cup of tea, you can’t go wrong with a minimally designed number like the Topo Designs Mountain Duffel. And in terms of looks, quality and affordability? Well, the Bespoke Post Weekender Box is a surefire winner, available in a diverse range of colors and geared to go anywhere you can dream up. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the best weekender bags below — and of course, I’m reachable at all hours on The Style Guide Facebook page.

Thanks for reading — and stay stylish!

-Beau

Greats

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Bespoke Post Weekender Box

Bespoke Post Weekender Box

Available in a plethora of colors, the Weekender Box is likely the best value on the market when it comes to a durable, handsome and stylish weekender bag.

If you’re still searching for a stylish weekender bag, you’ve come to the right place today. Better yet, if you’re looking for a deal that’s affordable as heck, high-quality and very stylish, the Bespoke Post Weekender Box is the absolute next thing you should purchase … right this instant. What separates the Weekender Box from any regular old weekender bag? In short, it’s the combination of accessibility, affordability and style that you’re not going to find anywhere else on the market. As in — the  Weekender Box  costs at most, $55. Yes, that’s right. How so? If you’re not familiar with Bespoke Post, the company offers a monthly subscription plan that’ll ship boxes of stylish, unique and extremely useful goods to your door, time and again.  What exactly is in these boxes? It could be handsome and functional audio gear, like the Bespoke Post Vibes Box, or it could be something as summer-ready as the Bespoke Post Chill Box (a durable cooler and portable beer glasses). Ultimately, the choice is yours. I’ll tell you this, though: If you sign up for Bespoke Post, you can get boxes for just $45. In my years of menswear writing (and avidly shopping Bespoke Post), there’s not a better deal out there. And that’s particularly the case when it comes to the  Weekender Box. Seriously … a durable weekender bag for just $45? It’s true, and it’s got the quality specs to give you some great bang for your buck.

Greats
Available in a plethora of colors — I personally like the handsome Olive option the most — the Weekender Box is the kind of bag it can take a while to find. After all, the Bespoke Post Weekender Box is functional, affordable and great-looking. It’s a custom design made by Bespoke Post, and it features a sturdy canvas exterior that’ll age  nicely the more you use it. If I were you, I’d certainly use this thing as much as I could — from a summer road trip to a stylish beach getaway, it’s certainly got plenty of room to handle everything on your menswear shopping list.

The cotton webbing shoulder strap on this particular weekend bag should prove durable and sturdy, giving you more than enough room to pack it full of everything from your favorite summer sneakers to slim chinos and perhaps … a slim chambray shirt to round things out? And that’s another bonus when it comes to the Bespoke Post Weekender Box — it’ll look as great as the gear you pack inside, what with a versatile color and simple-yet-rich leather accents. With plenty of summer travel on the horizon, I wouldn’t wait one more second to order the Weekender Box — are you with me? Let me know if you plan to buy it over on Twitter. Happy shopping and safe travels out there!

-Beau