July 1, 2017June 22, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: 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.

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

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

Style Pick of the Week: SeaVees Legend 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.

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.

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

Online Shopping Picks: The 5 Best Spring Sneakers to Buy Now

Editor’s note: For a plethora of pertinent seasonal style picks, head this way.

Sharp white sneakers — like the GREATS Brand Wilson — make spring style all the easier (even with a sunburn). Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Short-sleeve gingham shirt and shorts by Banana Republic. Sunglasses by Tom Ford. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

We’ve been talking a lot here on The Style Guide about how to transition your style seamlessly between the seasons. That includes the essentials, like a stylish spring jacket or a lightweight spring sweater, and it goes on all the way down to footwear. Be it an especially sharp pair of Jack Erwin loafers (as in a recent Style Pick feature), or something more spring-friendly, don’t leave out that part of the equation. Now, we covered off on great men’s sneakers last spring, but there’s no time like the present to deliver an update on a pair of footwear that’ll be in heavy rotation for the next four or five months (if we’re lucky). With that being said, let’s dive right into the below #menswear picks — if you see any brands missing, let me know on Facebook!

#1. The Hill-Side Pale Indigo Washed Denim Low-Top Sneakers, $175

The same fabric that goes into your favorite denim makes up these stunning sneakers.

The Hill-Side has earned its stripes since launching in 2009, what with a dedication to exceptional fabrics, neat takes on classic silhouettes and a stellar GAP Capsule collection as part of the GQ Best New Menswear Designer in America collection. It’s no surprise, then, that these pale indigo washed denim sneakers look extraordinary, crafted from 100 percent Japanese cotton in a heritage sneaker factory and assembled by hand. These are casual enough to rock with dark denim and a slim T-shirt, but they’d add a heck of a lot of cool to a slim khaki blazer and grey chinos.

#2. GREATS Royale Court in Graphite — $199

Back again, and ready for spring.

These sneakers first appeared on this blog way back in October, but lest we forget that spring can be a time of transition, they’re back. The excellent thing about picking up these sneakers now is that they add some visual interest — and a heck of a lot of sturdy high-top construction — to laidback, casual outfits (like lightwash jeans and a rugged short-sleeve henley, for example). Plus, you can safely rock them into fall and winter. Oh, and if you fancy yourself heading to a lot of summer music festivals and want a sturdy sneaker that’s still right for the occasion, the Royale Court would be an outstanding pick.

#3. SeaVees Army Issue Sneaker — $98

An sneaker with military roots, and the specs to prove it.

SeaVees is a brand that knows what it does well and sticks to it. In this case, that’s channeling a combination of West Coast vibes and classic East Coast styling — and the resulting SeaVees staple, the Army Issue Sneaker, is a nice result. Crisp white sneakers like these can be styled all kinds of ways, from rocking them with a lightweight sweater and chinos (as in this post) to pairing them with dark denim and an unconstructed navy blazer. For under $100, the full-grain leather, suede toe cap and cotton canvas lining can’t really be beat.

#4. Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Nubuck Rambler Low — $199

Just one of several ideal spring sneakers, built with quality and style in mind.

When this year’s version of the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers collaboration launched in February, it was a welcome addition to one writer’s Style Wish List. And now that spring is creeping its way forward (for some of us), there’s no better time to hop on board with ’em. Todd Snyder’s taken the same classic, heritage-inspired styling principles that have made his own line a hit, and pumped them into a solid take on a versatile sneaker that would look excellent with slim lightwash jeans and a stylish spring polo.

#5. Rancourt & Co. Court Classic Low Sneakers — $260

A low-top in navy leather that changes the pace from regular white sneakers, with a ton of quality built in.

By far the most expensive sneaker on this list (for good reason), Rancourt turned its attention last year to sneakers with the same attention to detail as its renowned boots. And that’s a very good thing for all of us #menswear fans. The Court Classic Low features a stunning full-grain navy leather upper that’s a nice change of pace from solid black or white sneakers, and it’s made in the USA — 100 percent! The Vibram sole should be exceedingly comfortable, meaning you can rock ’em with a slim chambray suit for high-low style, or a laidback tee and summer shorts.

It was quite tough to put together this list — after all, even brands that made the cut (like The Hill-Side or GREATS) deliver all sorts of exceptional sneakers for a variety of price points. If you’re looking for a super-simple style that certainly won’t break the bank, the GREATS Wilson is the way to go. Premium retailers like J. Crew also offer a heck of a lot of sneakers picks (as detailed in this site’s Sneaker Style Upgrade piece). And of course, it’s worth checking out Converse for its classic Jack Purcell Sneaker alone. With that being said, the awesome thing about today’s menswear world is that a great pair of sneakers can take you a ton of different places — spring, summer, and beyond. Not a bad deal to me!

What’s your take on the above picks? Are there certain brands you’d add? Let me know!

July 13, 2015July 1, 2021 by Beau H.

The Product Review: GREATS Brand Leather Wooster Slip-on

The infinitely wearable Leather Wooster slip-on from GREATS Brand. Organic cotton pocket T-shirt by United By Blue. Glasses by Warby Parker. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Dark denim by Mott & Bow.

If you follow this site with some regularity, you know the importance of buying some of the best sneakers for men and then wearing them with abandon this summer. And you’re well aware that I’m a fan of the quality and classic styling potential of sneakers from GREATS Brand. In fact, these leather slip-ons have popped up here before as a Style Pick of the Week. And, I’ve previously written on them for GearHungry. But in the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to go even more in-depth with what’s quickly becoming a summer footwear staple — thanks to some assistance from the brand’s PR team, of course. I’ve absolutely been pleased with what I’ve experienced — although they’re different than a classic pair of white sneakers, a slip-on (especially one made with lux Italian leather) is worth a go this summer if you want to give your footwear a shot in the arm.

The perfect type of shoe to wear with some rolled denim; shown after a few days’ wear. Dark jeans by Mott & Bow. Leather slip-ons by GREATS Brand.

GREATS produces these sneakers in Italy using premium and supple leather uppers; the quality of the upper on the shoe actually feels somewhat thicker than that of a dress shoe thanks to the calfskin lining, but it doesn’t show at all — in fact, that lining creates an added benefit. The leather isn’t too stiff or starchy, and because of that, the shoe has been comfortable to wear with both no-show socks and sans socks for a brief period of time (a note on sizing: the brand says that they do run about a half-size larger than normal; I found the size I was sent, a 9.5, works just fine). The Margom sole is thick yet flexible and pliable — it makes for a fairly comfortable walking experience. The construction of the upper, with small elastic side inserts, makes it easy to slip the shoes on and off your feet.

One of the more unique touches of any pair of GREATS sneakers, this time stamped in gold lettering. Photo courtesy of GREATS Brand.

The interior of the shoe, lined in calfskin, features a cool touch that GREATS has been known to incorporate into its other models — a listing of locales around the world where GREATS shoes are sold; this small design touch is one of those neat things that elevates this slip-on above offerings that are oftentimes more expensive. And it’s a good thing they provide such good value for the price — just $149 — when other brands like Common Projects charge more than twice that.

Blanco and Cadet — two of the other colors in which the Wooster is available.

You definitely get a bang for your buck from GREATS, generally speaking, as $150 is still more than some would spend on sneakers, to be sure. However, the fact that these slip-ons come in shades from white (Blano) and navy (Cadet) to the olive (or Cargo) option pictured here means that there’s a color out there to satisfy every preference. Especially when incorporating something a little different into your wardrobe — that is, switching out captoe sneakers for something sleek and lace-less — a neutral color that doesn’t draw too much attention to itself is definitely the preference.

Instagram-ready: A look at the initial packaging of the GREATS Leather Wooster.

While the white, black or navy pairs would be more fit for wearing with a crisp summer suit, any option could be worn with some more adventurous tailored get-ups, as Mr. Wooster himself does when it comes to the slip-on style in general. These shoes are perhaps best suited though to casual weekend wear — with a slim T-shirt and rolled dark or lightwash jeans, and absolutely with a well-fitted pair of shorts, too. And when in doubt, it also makes sense to sub them in whenever you might wear white sneakers — so definitely with a blazer and T-shirt combo, or a dialed-in polo and chinos ensemble on a Casual Friday. Another bonus to these sneakers, however slight, is the packaging as seen above — you get a sturdy blue cardboard GREATS box and a small notecard, plus that out-of-the-box smell that only great leather sneakers have.

Whether you’re willing to pony up the money right now is up to you, but this is a top-notch pair of kicks well worth the investment as long as they’re treated with care — and a shoe made with this much attention to detail should last long past this summer season and into future warmer months.

Do you have a pair of the GREATS Leather Wooster? Considered picking one up?

July 18, 2014May 31, 2021 by Beau H.

The Product Review: Tretorn Nylite Canvas Sneakers

A great pair of white sneakers. T-Shirt by Bonobos. Jeans by Levi's. Watch by Stuhrling. Sneakers by Tretorn.

A great pair of white sneakers. T-Shirt by Bonobos. Jeans by Levi’s. Sneakers by Tretorn.

Nothing beats a crisp, casual sneaker in the summer. Especially when days are hot, the ground is free of crazy winter weather, and you’re in need of something cool on your feet, few things are more ideal than the right canvas sneaker. While styles like the Converse Jack Purcell are plentiful in many places (as well as classic), sometimes it’s nice to change things up a bit with another pair of the best men’s sneakers. Particularly in the past few years, we’ve seen the classic white sneaker get a high-fashion upgrade, popping up outside runway shows and on menswear blogs with alarming regularity and with all different kinds of outfits. Now the great thing about classic white sneakers is that you don’t have to drop hundreds of dollars to snag the perfect pair — variations and price points abound, especially in this category. In particular, Tretorn’s done a great job separating itself from the pack, and their Nylite Canvas Sneaker fits the definition of the ideal pair of crisp, white kicks — all for an astonishingly low price. You can also find other picks for the best sneakers for men right here. Among other white sneakers, I also love sneakers from Huckberry.

The breathable canvas exterior is surprisingly comfortable — perfect for a day walking around NYC. Watch by Stuhrling.

While on a recent spin through the men’s section at Club Monaco (a fun trip all on its own), I stumbled across just the pair of shoes I’d been looking for this summer. Tretorn’s canvas sneakers have gotten a lot of play across the Web recently for their clean styling and versatility (for more on their other sneaker offerings, see this review from Dappered). And this pair certainly meets my expectations. The sneakers are incredibly lightweight and breathable, perfect for strolling around sans socks.

Sneakers by Tretorn. Jeans by Levi’s. Holding up very well so far.

For being a low-cut sneaker, they wear very comfortably — they don’t feel flimsy at all, unlike other types of ankle-high canvas sneakers. The solid rubber sole seems pretty durable, something you’d expect from a company that originally started making car tires. After three consecutive days of wear across the past weekend and into the week, the shoes have held up quite well. And surprisingly for being all-white, they seem to resist dirt and stains pretty well. Stylistically as well, these sneakers are on-point. Without the clutter of additional colors or lines, they’re totally streamlined. Unlike a higher-cut sneaker (like the ALDO Gia), these pair more naturally with cuffed chinos or jeans and without socks. And they add a casual, yet crisp, flair to other outfits, too. The sharp white color helps ground more outlandish prints, including that shirt in the link from Saturdays Surf NYC (a personal favorite).

On top of their casual versatility (wearable with T-shirts, polos, printed short-sleeve shirts and shorts alike), these kicks could more than hold their own with something like an unstructured navy blazer (like this one seen here) and perhaps some light grey washed chinos and a heathered oatmeal henley. While that outfit might seem a bit odd at first thought, the surprising thing about a clean pair of white sneakers is the flair they lend to any outfit — sharp, and sophisticated … yet they’re still a sneaker — a nice sneaker, at that. When seeking out some new kicks, there’s no need to spend lavish amounts on a luxury brand. These Tretorn sneakers (and other ones in that range), are the ideal white sneaker for the price.

Again, if you’re still looking for suggestions for the best sneakers for men, click that link.

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Tag / summer sneakers