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

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

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.

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?

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Florsheim

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket

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.

Details like a hidden snap-down lend some edge to a piece that's already filled with downtown cool.

A vintage piece that combines rugged cool and heritage quality.

We’re just into September, which means that it’s time for this blogger to … switch from writing about polos to leather jackets? Well, when the offering is as stellar as the latest release from Taylor Stitch, it’s definitely time to cue up a few paragraphs. Taylor Stitch, makers of excellent slim chinos as reviewed on this blog, has really hit it out of the park with its latest endeavor, the Moto Jacket (part of the broader Moto Collection).The pre-sale campaign for the Moto Jacket started just about a week ago, and consumers have responded — this bad boy is a whooping 770% funded. It really does have all the pedigree (and styling potential) that you could want from a great leather jacket — and you’d certainly expect that given the $875 price tag. It’s made in partnership with renowned sportswear purveyors Golden Bear and based off a 40-year-old jacket produced by the same brand. Yet, the two have taken the principles that made the original so great, including a vintage racer silhouette, and brought the entire item into the 21st century.

A contemporary fit and quilted lining keep this jacket sleek and functional.

A contemporary fit and quilted lining keep this jacket sleek and functional.

The thick 3.5oz. steerhide leather looks as if it should break in beautifully over time, and a diamond quilted lining should also keep you insulated from fall’s chill. The jacket looks to fit slim and contemporary, a definite positive that ensures it’ll pair up well with both tailored cords and rugged denim. Leather jackets are one of only a host of outerwear options for the colder months, to be sure, but it’s fall’s answer to the spring denim jacket — able to replace your blazer, if need be. The trickiest thing about it (other than having to fork over that much cash) will definitely be the waiting — it’s set to start shipping around November 23. So, there’s need to buy anything for Black Friday, right? On the plus side, its current price is $300 lower than the regular price. And at the end of the day, it’s truly a jacket that should last at least as long as the one off which it was modeled — and likely beyond that. Pair it with a henley and some dark denim, and consider yourself set for many seasons to come.

What’s your reaction to this moto jacket? Would you wear it  (or spend the cash) and how would you style it?
Florsheim
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