Tag / taylor stitch review

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Blazer When It’s Hot This Summer

Let’s get down to business right off the bat — in the remaining time we’ve got this summer, you should certainly be considering how to wear a blazer this summer.  That’s especially true for when it’s hot out — like, really hot out. You’ll surely need all the help you can get. It seems simple enough at first, yet there are plenty of #menswear tips and tricks to consider when throwing on a streamlined suit jacket or a lightweight, classic blazer. For one, you’re going to want to start your search for the perfect summer jacket by going both lighter in weight and lighter in color — fabric blends that incorporate linen, like the option we’ll discuss in today’s #OOTD, are the way to go. The featured jacket in today’s ensemble does a nice job of checking both of those boxes — that featured jacket just happens to be he Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket, featuring a pleasantly earthy (yet summer-ready) charcoal color and a stretchy wool-linen blend. The fit is going to be modern, classic and easily wearable with other summer style essentials — a slim navy polo among them. Like other entries in our #OOTD series, it’s all geared toward casual, versatile and seasonally friendly style. But I won’t give the rest away — that’s for you to find out. Got questions on all things style and men’s lifestyle? Fire off a Tweet in  my direction, and keep up with all of my summer men’s style tips on Instagram.

Take your favorite lightweight blazer and pair it with a sharp polo and classic men’s dress shoes.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket, $278 —  You certainly know the Taylor Stitch brand and its body of handsome, stylish work — this stylish suit jacket functions just as well as a blazer, with more style and comfort to boot.

The Polo: Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Polo, $68 — Certainly, you can swap in your favorite navy polo here without buying this sharp, well-made option from Flint and Tinder… but why would ya want to do that?

The Pocket Square: J. Crew Cotton Pocket Square, $45 — A somewhat overlooked accessory that’s still crucial here — the cotton pocket square livens this outfit up and provides visual contrast to the casual polo.

The Trousers: Banana Republic Slim Non-Iron Cotton Stretch Pant, $89.50 — For solid, well-fitting and accessibly priced work staples, Banana Republic knows how to set you up. The light blue color contrasts nicely against the navy polo and light charcoal jacket, too.

Florsheim

The Belt: Banana Republic Stretch Leather Belt, $34.50 (On-Sale) — Might as well get your belt from the same spot you get your pants, right? This textured stretch belt is versatile and not overly dressy.

The Shoes: Allen Edmonds Strandmok Cap Toe Oxford, $295 — A positively gorgeous pair of exquisite footwear, crafted to last from the excellent footwear purveyors at Allen Edmonds.

The Socks: Arvin Goods No-Show Socks (Three-pack), $30 — You guessed it, folks. We’re actually going with no-show socks here — cuff those trousers a bit for European-inspired style points.

Nautica

The Watch: About Vintage 1844 Chronograph,$309.98 — Similar in nature to the refined, sleek and yet accessible Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph from Armogan, this About Vintage timepiece channels wearable, eye-catching style.

The Sunglasses: Knockaround Fast Lanes Sunglasses, $19.98— If you don’t yet have a pair of  stylish summer sunglasses in your rotation, then I’d say … you need the simple, durable and ridiculously well-priced Knockaround Fast Lanes Sunglasses. How much better can it get?

What’s the biggest key to keep in mind when styling a blazer this summer? In addition to finding that perfect fit for your stylish summer jacket, lightweight fabric is critical. The Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket  knocks it out of the park in that regard, and it’s able to be layered up casually with the crisp-yet-laidback Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Polo. A patterned pocket square rounds things out on your top half, and light blue trousers and a rich brown leather belt should provide solid visual interest to complete the main components of this summer-ready #OOTD. And when it comes to footwear? There’s hardly a more reliably stylish and well-crafted American footwear brand than Allen Edmonds — just don’t forget your stylish no-show socks. And before you leave the house, I’d strongly advise you to strap on a stylish leather watch from About Vintage — it’s vintage inspiration without the vintage price tag. The same can be said for those handy, durable Knockaround Fast Lanes Sunglasses. That’ll wrap things up for today — as always, the difference is in the details. How will you be styling your polo and blazer for the rest of the summer?

Stay stylish and stay cool,

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Upgraded Way to Wear a T-Shirt This Summer

Who doesn’t love breaking out a comfortable, slim-fitting and stylish T-shirt in the summer months? It’s an underrated pleasure in the men’s style world to shed extra layers and simply wear a great tee through warm summer days and into the evening. But what if you want a new, upgraded way to wear a T-shirt this summer? Something that’s at once laidback and yet refined, comfortable to wear and yet sharp? Dare I say it: A #menswear ensemble that works at happy hour and in the hours leading up to it? Indeed, an ensemble that blends a bold T-shirt with … a tailored summer suit fit for the office? That’s where today’s #OOTD is taking us. We’re shaking it up with dressy leather sneakers, a handsome leather watch and a durable, investment-worthy bag for your everyday carry. Make no mistake, the below outfit is quite bold if you’re normally a regular suit-shirt-tie guy. That’s why it pays to keep in mind the versatility of the below suit — and the below Nautica T-shirt. As you’ll see, you can mix and match that Taylor Stitch suit with casual pieces — like a slim chambray shirt — in other looks. And you can even ditch the jacket and simply pair the slim linen suit trousers with the T-shirt. But enough idle chitchat — check out the full outfit below, follow me on Instagram for styling tips galore and enjoy a pleasant summer filled with plenty of stylish suit-wearing.

Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit

A head-turning T-shirt worn in a head-turning way — with rich leather sneakers and a lightweight, versatile summer suit via Taylor Stitch.

The T-Shirt: Nautica Color Block T-Shirt, $29.50 — It’s all got to start with a well-made, slightly bold T-shirt — right? This Nautica T-shirt makes use of strong colorblocking — easy to wear on its own or under the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit.

The Suit Jacket: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Linen Jacket in Charcoal, $278 — That ties nicely into my next point here — the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit is slim-fitting, very well-made and ready for summer layering — even with a T-shirt.

Timex

The Suit Trousers: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Linen Trousers in Charcoal, $178  — Just as with the Telegraph Suit Jacket, the  Taylor Stitch Telegraph Linen Trousers are handsome, tailored and versatile — so much so that you could even ditch the jacket and just wear the colorblocked tee and trousers individually.

The Sneakers: Florsheim Forward Lo Lace-up, $99.99 Sneakers and a tee with a suit? That’s how we’re doing it this summer. These handsome Florsheim sneakers are crafted from rich leather and almost wear more like dress shoes or loafers.

The Socks: Arvin Goods No-Show Socks (Three-pack), $30 – Underneath the tailored hem of your Taylor Stitch Telegraph Linen Trousers, you’re going to want easily wearable no-show socks — like the Arvin Goods No-Show Socks —  to team up with those leather sneakers. Who’s with me?

Greats

The Watch: Electric California Carroway Leather Watch, $225 — I would hope you recognize the Electric California brand from my Memorial Day trip to Florida— if not, acquaint yourself accordingly with this remarkably crisp and suit-friendly watch.

 The Sunglasses: Raen Optics Arlo Sunglasses, $109.98 — Because this outfit is fit for all-day wear, sharp and stylish sunglasses are in order. Ditch the athletic-inspired frames and reach for the striking Raen Optics Arlo Sunglasses.

Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Bag: Billykirk Small Carryall, $279.98 —  Don’t let that price tag scare you off — the Billykirk Small Carryall is as investment-worthy and versatile of an everyday carry piece as it gets; plus, its design means you won’t be slinging a backpack or messenger bag over the shoulders of your carefully constructed Telegraph Suit Jacket.

That brings today’s #OOTD to a close, Style Guide fans. If you thought a colorblock tee could only be worn casually, let’s hope you’re thinking differently now. The key comes in choosing a suit in a modern-fitting silhouette with casual, summer-friendly texture — that means the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit is your new best friend. Eye-catching leather sneakers from Florsheim are another seasonally appropriate way to play off the casual nature of the linen suit-and-tee pairing, and I’d wager you’ll be very pleased with the handsome design of the Electric California Carroway Leather Watch. Throw in essential everyday accessories — like the Billykirk Small Carryall  and the Raen Optics Arlo Sunglasses — and consider yourself set for work, happy hour and perhaps a patio nightcap at a rooftop bar. Who else is with me here? Good luck — let me know how you wear your T-shirt this summer via Twitter.

Stay stylish!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts, Style Girlfriend and Taylor Stitch

We’re here on the cusp of another weekend — and the start of another Friday Read — here at ye olde Style Guide. Can you believe June is flying by? And we’ve got a big weekend coming up, too — it’s Father’s Day, after all! But more on that in a bit. It’s certainly been a momentous summer here already, what with my weekend trip to see The Killers in New Jersey, preceded by a joyous weekend of live music at Governors Ball 2017 and then a Memorial Day weekend trip to Florida before that.

And if you can believe it, I’m on the road yet again this weekend — my travels are taking me South to lovely (and sweltering) Charleston for a family wedding. I’ll of course be doing my best to dress in style for a summer wedding — that means wearable, breathable staples like a classic navy blazer and stylish leather loafers, for starters. In addition to getting dolled up for the occasion, I’m also looking forward to catching up with family and spending some quality time with my own dad. On that front, I do hope your Father’s Day shopping is going (or went) smoothly — and if you’re in need of some last-minute Father’s Day gifts, I’d highly suggest you check out the gift guide we pulled together last week. And if you’re still in search of a few other ideas? I’ve assembled my favorite quick #menswear picks below. Enjoy the weekend, enjoy tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week and enjoy Father’s Day! I’ll be recapping my trip to Charleston on Monday, and you can follow along on Instagram the whole way through.

Timex

As I said above, time is ticking away very quickly indeed to buy that great Father’s Day gift — right? If you’ve got a dad who loves either stylish sneakers or the finer things in life (a handsome pen, anyone?), shop these quick hits below.

    • From CrossPens: The Peerless TrackR Quartz Blue Ballpoint Pen is a smooth-writing, sharp-looking pen that’ll never get lost, thanks to its technologically savvy tracking capability.
    • From Filson: Father’s Day Gift GuideWhile the brand excels at making many types of rugged, durable and hard-wearing gear, I’m a big fan of several picks within the brand’s , geared toward an outdoors-loving dad.
    • From TOMS: Didn’t think TOMS could make something fit for the sneaker-loving dad? Think again, because the  TOMS Del Rey Sneaker features a simple, wearable silhouette that your dad might — no, will — enjoy pairing with stylish light wash denim this summer.

  • Does it feel too early to be thinking about rugged style for fall? The thermostat might read full-on summer in your neck of the woods, but Taylor Stitch knows that it’ll be time to crunch leaves underfoot and head out on weekend coffee dates galore before you know it. That’s why you should certainly look into ordering the Taylor Stitch Chore Jacket from the Taylor Stitch Good Acre Collection — I covered it recently for GearMoose, and it’s very worthy of your time.

Greats

  • In the way of other Father’s Day gifts, if you find yourself in the Los Angeles area, you’d do well to stop by the Sportie LA shop — the shop has teamed up with “Cars 3” to showcase and sell a series of collaborative merchandise from Style Guide favorites like Richer Poorer. The colors and styles are inspired by the film itself, making it potentially perfect for a little family outing (and if you go, you’ll find the shop at 7763 Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles).
  • And before we let you go for the weekend, I’m going to remind you one last time about two stylish shopping hints for ya. Namely, we’re mixing menswear, home goods and accessories in my Style Guide Father’s Day gift guide — it’ll help tremendously if you haven’t given it a read! Lastly, the great team at Style Girlfriend — a site you should definitely be reading — tells you via Cool Material exactly what your girlfriend wants you to wear. Helpful tips, indeed!

That’ll round out this week’s take on the Friday Read — join us again tomorrow for a healthy weekend helping of #menswear, and catch my full travel style recap forthcoming on Monday.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: SeaVees Mariner Boot

A stylish collaboration between SeaVees and Taylor Stitch resulting in a standout pair of spring footwear.

A stylish collaboration between SeaVees and Taylor Stitch resulting in a standout pair of spring footwear.

Just when you thought you couldn’t be more ready for spring and summer the weather shifts gears — right? Maybe the forecast calls for breezy rain, or colder-than-expected seasonal temperatures — in any case, consider the SeaVees Mariner Boot your new transitional footwear go-to. In that tricky in-between time where you’ve stowed away your rugged winter boots but have yet to break out classic white sneakers, you need footwear that blends functionality and versatile. Again, that means you need the  SeaVees Mariner Boot. It’s the latest in a slew of excellent seasonal gear released by Style Guide favorites Taylor Stitch . From the winter-ready Maritime Submariner’s Jacket to the always-essential Everyday Chambray Shirt, the brand is a powerhouse when it comes to crafting tough, stylish, durable and timeless men’s style essentials. We can’t get enough of ’em here on The Style Guide (and by we, I mean myself). At any rate, it helps that Taylor Stitch  teamed up with another Style Guide-approved brand on the Mariner Boot. Yessir, they’ve enlisted the help of SeaVees, another brand that embodies California cool and classic style. The result is a pair of footwear that looks great and performs admirably — that goes for whether you pick up the Navy Mariner’Boot or the Olive Mariner Boot shown here. Just why exactly do you need the Mariner Boot so badly? That’s easy, folks.
Beckett Simonon

Olive and black makes a sharp combo for all sorts of spring style situations.

Olive and black makes a sharp combo for all sorts of spring style situations.

We’ve already talked about transitional spring style, and these high-top sneakers embody that spirit perfectly in terms of durability and great looks.  Starting with the use of British Ventile waterproof duck canvas in the upper, the SeaVees Mariner Boot might be one of the tougher pairs of spring kicks on the market — they can certainly handle dressing for a rainy spring day, and then some. Plus, the natural gum rubber sole on the SeaVees Mariner Boot features a SeaVees signature touch — a herringbone grip outsole for extra (wait for it)… grip. Inside of the shoe, the two brands added a cotton canvas lining for extra comfort and even greater durability; the toughness of these shoes is only reinforced by the brass eyelets and nylon lacing. Seriously, there’s no stopping these kicks. Wear the SeaVees Mariner Boot with a your favorite pair of dark denim and a slim crewneck sweatshirt on the weekend, pair ’em up with a classic navy blazer and slim khaki chinos at the office, and definitely bring them on your next road trip — just don’t forget a timeless leather weekender, ehh? You could even pair them up with an upgraded pair of stylish slim sweatpants for quick weekend outings — they’re that versatile. And there’s no question that you get an agreeable price and great value when it comes to the Mariner Boot, too: Under $180 is a heck of a deal when you consider that the Mariner Boot is part boot, part sneaker and supremely stylish and tough all the way around.  Alright, are you sold yet? Don’t take my word for it — pick them up ASAP via our good friends at Huckberry.

Alright then — that’s another Style Pick of the Week in the bag! Good luck out there and fight the good fight.

-Beau

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by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt

Available in a plethora of colors and made with durability, style and toughness in mind -- the Explorer's Shirt from Huckberry and Taylor Stitch.

Available in a plethora of colors and made with durability, style and toughness in mind — the Explorer’s Shirt from Huckberry and Taylor Stitch.

Although we’re eagerly looking toward spring here at The Style Guide, we aren’t quite there yet — and that’s why you’ll need the Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt these next few weeks. While it’s tempting to stow away your tough winter accessories in favor of lighter fare, transitional spring style still calls for gear that’s a little heartier than normal. There’s certainly a chance of rain, and heck …. a few snow flurries? Sorry, folks … had to go there. With that being said, the Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt has a lot of great things going for it — namely, it’s made in tandem by Huckberry and a near-weekly Style Guide favorite, Taylor Stitch. That the two companies share office space is fitting, because they both do an admirable job carrying the flag for high-quality, rugged and timeless #menswear. And as you’ve seen from this site’s Style Pick of the Week series, there’s a lot that Taylor Stitch does well — including stellar shirting options like the Crater Shirt. In this instance, the Explorer’s Shirt kicks things up a notch, starting with the durable and tough stone-washed duck canvas exterior — that makes it one of the best men’s overshirts you can buy, and simultaneously, one of the best men’s workshirts to buy, too. Ya dig? Of course, with all great gear from Taylor Stitch and Huckberry, there are plenty of extra touches that make it worth buying (especially in the versatile and unique Natural colorway seen here). Keep in mind that the Explorer’s Shirt is also available in a plethora of colors, from a handsome Rust Gold to a faded Dusty Blue. Regardless of shirt color, you get tremendous quality any way you slice it.

Beckett Simonon

Tough brass buttons, a clean fit and sturdy fabric make this shirt a winner.

Tough brass buttons, a clean fit and sturdy fabric make this shirt a winner.

Heck, even the buttons on the Explorer’s Shirt are sturdy — made with brass, they’re a vintage-inspired touch that lends this piece more of a shirt-jacket feel than something like a classic chambray shirt. In that case, you could absolutely layer the Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt  with just about any combo you can dream up, be it over a timeless Oxford shirt or your favorite long-sleeve henley (particularly a henley — talk about a one-two combo ideal for weekend style). And because both brands build their gear with paramount functionality  in mind, the Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt features an inner chest pocket with a neat, screen-printed map design and enough space for your everyday carry. Heck,  Huckberry  even notes that you can treat the shirt with Otterwax to make it weatherproof — learn more here.  When you can get a shirt that doubles as a jacket, fights off the rain, layers up easily and stands out stylishly with everything from slim dark denim to classic chinos, you should absolutely buy it. From there, wear the Explorer’s Shirt plenty — ideally with other Taylor Stitch gear, yes?

Would you buy the Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt? How would you style it?

Frank & Oak

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner 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.

Right down to the smallest details -- Taylor Stitch gets it right, again.

Right down to the smallest details — Taylor Stitch gets it right, again.

Happy Saturday, folks — and if it’s Saturday, it’s that time. Yes, it’s everyone’s favorite recurring menswear series, the Style Pick of the Week. We’ve introduced you over the past few weeks to all kinds of winter style essentials, from a durable and unique American-made moleskin shirt  to a slim leather wallet to a great pair of rugged leather boots for winter. Now, what’s the one thing that’s going to tie together all those everyday pieces? A beautiful, durable and beastly coat like *cue fireworks* the Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket. Bingo. Available in a quickly dwindling size run via the Taylor Stitch Web site, the great news is that you can get the uniquely tailored and rugged Maritime Submariner Jacket right now, this very instant, via Huckberry. It’s worth doing — trust me. Made from a positively tough and hefty 19oz. Italian boiled lambswool, this jacket is impeccably tailored and comes with the bells and whistles you need this winter. That starts with the maritime-inspired anchor buttons — no loose threads in sight — and carries through to the welted handwarmer pockets and hip patch flap pockets for handling your daily haul (maybe the Taylor Stitch Minimalist Collection, come to think of it?).  Oh, and the fit and style points? Nearly off the charts.

Welted handwarmer pockets and patch flap pockets translate to functionality, top-notch construction and great style.

Welted handwarmer pockets and patch flap pockets translate to functionality, top-notch construction and great style.

With a trim silhouette and sharp Ash Donegal Lamsbwool fabric, it’s the perfect classy-but-casual weekend — and weekday — jacket. It’s made for slipping over a classic Oxford shirt alongside garment-dyed chinos for your 9-to-5 grind, and it’s built to withstand a weekend’s worth of outdoor adventures atop inky blue selvedge denim and a trusty pair of (can you guess?) … your favorite brown leather boots.  And if you happen to be able to style it with something as essential as the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt, you’ll be set for nearly any situation — Sunday brunch, a weekend coffee date … you name it, this jacket works in cozy, durable and handsome winter style. It’s almost as coveted by this menswear blogger as the Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket — at this rate, you might end up with a whole closet full of Taylor Stitch gear. Not that that would be a bad thing at all, of course.

Get the Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket via Huckberry while it lasts.
Beckett Simonon

by Beau H.

Fort Myers Festivities: Celebrating a Florida Christmas

Dressed for Christmas the Florida way. Printed shirt by Quiksilver. Chambray shorts by Canvas by Lands' End. Ripper Sneakers by Reef. Nautical 3-Hand Watch by Jack Mason. Glasses by Frameri.

Dressed for Christmas the Florida way. Printed shirt by Quiksilver. Chambray shorts by Canvas by Lands’ End. Ripper Sneakers by Reef. Nautical 3-Hand Watch by Jack Mason. Glasses by Frameri.

When the holiday season hits, I tend to think back to Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons spent in Michigan — who doesn’t love traditions of years gone by? With those memories in mind, it’s been a fun process the past three years to start new traditions in my parents’ adopted home of Fort Myers, and I always welcome the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City for a warm and sunny Florida vacation. I traveled to Fort Myers last Christmas, and I get back every few months — including a recent visit for Thanksgiving — but it never gets old spending time in the sand and sun (especially when the alternative is dealing with a polar vortex in New York City).  Yes, the holiday season in Florida is always a treat, an adventure and a bit of a sight to behold — palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights looks a bit different. But it was great to be with family and friends, and I brought along as much stylish travel gear as I could pack.

thursday-travel-grid-edited

Gear fit for Florida and NYC. Jack in Indigo Star Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Kinzie Jeans by Mugsy Jeans. Academia Chariot Sneakers by Brooks Heritage. Watch by Timex for J. Crew. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. Wallet by Brothers Leather.

Surviving a frigid day in New York City and capping that off with a flight to breezy Florida is no joke, so I wore gear that could stand up to both challenges (the rest, I packed in my trusty, durable Owen & Fred weekender bag — but you knew that, right?). Of course, my packing list looked a lot different than my winter weekend in Baltimore, but I stuck with the ever-versatile Taylor Stitch Jack in Indigo Star Shirt,for starters. It’s as reliable and well-fitting of a casual shirt you can buy, and it provided a nice bit of contrast to my light wash Kinzie Jeans — they’re the perfect travel denim from Mugsy Jeans.
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For the day in NYC, I layered up with the heritage-inspired, ultra-comfortable Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, and accented the sporty sweatshirt with my comfortable and casual Brooks Academia Chariot Sneakers. They proved easy to slip on and off at the airport, and I’d wager they’ll work just as well for you the next time you travel. On the accessories front, I found my simple, effective (and unfortunately sold out!) Timex for J. Crew watch provided easygoing-yet-crisp travel style. And throughout my trip, I loved throwing on my vintage-inspired Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, a one-of-a-kind grey cotton flannel baseball cap with a navy felt “H” — for Huckberry, of course. So, that gear helped me make it to Florida in style — and it’s a good thing, as we had lots in store for Christmas weekend.

Looking out on a lovely day at Cayo Costa. Brando T-Shirt by Barking Irons. Swim Trunks by JackThreads. Gratton Sneakers by Fronteer. Expedition watch by Timex. Explorer's Cap by Huckberry. Runaway Aviators by MVMT Watches.

Looking out on a lovely day at Cayo Costa. Brando T-Shirt by Barking Irons. Swim Trunks by JackThreads. Gratton Sneakers by Fronteer. Expedition watch by Timex. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. Runaway Aviators by MVMT Watches.

Getting some quality time out and about on the Florida water was in order for an early Friday boat excursion through the waterways of Fort Myers, from Cayo Costa State Park to Cabbage Key — both scenic islands with ample beach space. I stuck with a combination of gear both new and old, starting with my durable-as-heck FRONTEER Super Gratton high-top sneakers. I wore them on my last Florida trip and found they provided comfort and serious durability. A breathable, vintage-inspired Barking Irons Brando G.I. T-Shirt, courtesy of the New York-based design and apparel company, helped me stay cool on the water. Inspired by infantry T-shirts from the Vietnam era, the little details — like the scalloped hem and raised sleeves — make it a great pick-up. Of course, my JackThreads Swim Trunks were just as needed for the day, with their trim fit and neutral navy color. And my crisp, classic Timex Expedition field watch  on a tough black NATO strap held up more than fine, as did my MVMT Watches Runaway Aviators and my stylish — yet adventure-ready — Huckberry Explorer’s Cap.

With a day of exploration behind us and Christmas Eve ahead, it was time to look to the weekend. I did so with a mix of pieces both tropical-inspired — like my Quiksilver Sunset Tunnels Shirt — and my Canvas by Lands’ End shorts. Those pieces worked easily for a nice Christmas Eve dinner and some much-needed time in the sun. It felt slightly odd to not be bundled up on Christmas Eve as in past years, but some subtly stylish, comfortable black canvas Reef Ripper Sneakers helped me navigate the day in style, as did my Jack Mason Nautical 3-Hand Watch on a warm weather-friendly blue perlon strap. The watch, like the black canvas sneakers, proved just as stylish for exploring sunny Fort Myers as it did for grabbing a few brews and enjoy my family’s traditions — a classic Christmas Eve film and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” Doesn’t get much better, ehh?

An amazing Christmas featuring some great men's style essentials (of course. Vintage-style cotton sweater by Hillflint. Book by Esquire. Chocolate by Toblerone.

An amazing Christmas featuring some great men’s style essentials (of course. Vintage-style cotton sweater by Hillflint. Book by Esquire. Chocolate by Toblerone.

With a delicious Christmas Eve dinner complete, I went to bed with visions of my #menswear wish list dancing in my head (indulge me, will you?).  I hope you were able to come through with key shopping pick-ups of your own, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed with what Santa left me under the tree this year. I was really lucky to get an amazing vintage Michigan State sweater from Hillflint — it’s a super-premium cotton knit piece that I’ll look forward to wearing on Saturday fall trips back to East Lansing and chilly weekends in NYC alike. I’m also looking forward to breaking out an amazingly high-quality Todd Snyder White Label dress shirt for New Year’s Eve, and I’ll be reminding myself of proper dress etiquette with Esquire’s “New Rules for Men,” a fun, informative and quick-hitting feature from the fantastic pages of the essential Hearst publication. I also snagged a great Ticketmaster gift card from Santa — so you can expect more live music and menswear in the coming year on the blog!  Needless to say, I’m definitely a fan of the Christmas season, and I’m very thankful for such a great day!

monday-travel-gear-edited

Comfortable, crisp style essentials. Chambray shirt by Old Navy. Alpha Stretch Khakis by Dockers. Academia Chariot Sneakers by Brooks Heritage. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. 810 Wallet by Brothers Leather.

Given the need to put together a stylish New Year’s Eve outfit — not to mention those crucial menswear resolutions — I’m sure plenty of this gear will more than come in handy in the weeks ahead. Even moreso than those stellar gifts, it was a day that made me feel very lucky and grateful to spend it with my amazing family — that’s my true takeaway from this Florida trip (and of course, the added #menswear goodies will make it a bit hard to pack up for my flight home).  So with an overstuffed duffel bag packed for later this week, I reached for sharp essentials for another day today in Florida, starting with a classic Old Navy chambray shirt — casual but still crisp. And my Flint and Tinder Pocket T-Shirt proved a comfortable base layer. Because great style doesn’t stop with your top half, I reached for my slim-fitting, easily wearable Dockers Alpha Stretch Khakis and my  Brooks Academia Chariot Sneakers. When the occasion calls for simple style, I’d wager you’ll do just fine with similarly versatile, do-everything pieces like a classic chambray shirt and chinos.

So, what’s on the docket for the rest of the week? Definitely some rest, some reflection before 2017 and yes, plenty of planning for a stylish New Year’s Eve in New York City. You can stay tuned for business as usual tomorrow, starting with a winter style #OOTD, and continuing right on through to what to wear to ring in the new year via Wednesday’s style suggestion. Oh, and if you didn’t enter last week’s men’s lifestyle giveaway, do so before the 28th to win a Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card and get a jump on those fitness goals. At any rate, thanks so much for reading along — I hope you’ve had a stellar holiday season, and I hope you’re ready for lots more menswear on The Style Guide. Thanks, as always, for reading!

-Beau

NOV CAMPAIGN: Photo of multiple shoes on white background with logo (border)

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Rover 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.

A one-of-a-kind jacket from a one-of-a-kind brand.

A one-of-a-kind jacket from a one-of-a-kind brand.

Here at your trusty neighborhood Style Guide, we love ourselves a dash of rugged, tough and versatile menswear. It’s handy to be able to dress in business casual style — and it’s even better to look great for your holiday party —  but there are definitely times where you want to step out in something a little more functional and perhaps … heritage-inspired? The fine folks at Taylor Stitch get lots of love on this blog because, well, they simply don’t seem to strike out when it comes  to the gear that you — and me — know and love and wear … a lot.  They really check a lot of boxes when it comes to essential pieces like the Everyday Chambray Shirt, and dressier fare like the sharp, versatile Telegraph Suit  — and if you need another sturdy, durable-as-heck and ultra-reliable piece of outerwear to add to your rotation? That’s what’s on the agenda today. Yes sir, the Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket is a piece of work, and I mean that in the best way possible. It’s workwear-inspired and calls to mind the kind of jacket your grandfather might have worn (or still wears). Made with a tightly spun cotton canvas that’s impregnated with a natural wax, it’s the perfect alternative for those situations when you need something a bit more functional and longer in cut than, say, the Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket. It’s cut to hit below the hip, and features three front button pockets for functionality you can’t beat — and yes, one of the pockets on the Rover Jacket  can even hold your iPhone 6. Oh, and in the style department, this jacket is an A-plus, surefire winner.

Small, considered details -- right down to the leather pull tab on the zipper.

Small, considered details — right down to the leather pull tab on the zipper.

The Field Tan Waxed Canvas is handsome and unique, a worthy complement to inky blue slim dark denim and even a pair of cognac leather boots. In fact, the Rover Jacket  is also the perfect jacket to toss on over a slim grey crewneck sweater and navy chinos for a more a laidback — yet functional-as-heck — ensemble for your commute and a casual work day. Of course, it’ll ensure that when you do dress up a bit — think pairing a blue chambray shirt with a navy knit tie — you’ll stay warm and dry. The water-repellent, wind-repellent functionality means the Rover Jacket  is heck of a piece to wear in nearly any condition — yes, even as you dress for the first snowfall. Since it’s fully in stock via the great folks at Huckberry, I’d recommend you snag the Rover Jacket  as quickly as you can. For under $300, you get the kind of stylish looks and durable toughness that only Taylor Stitch can provide — seriously, if you don’t own any of the brand’s gear … take the plunge. It nearly goes without mentioning that the moleskin lining throughout various portions of  the jacket– also wind-repellent — will keep you warm and comfortable whether your weekend pursuits involve chopping wood or fighting crowds for some last-minute Christmas shopping. Wearing this thing to shop? For sure. Heck he Rover Jacket is so stellar, stylish and functional, you’ll wear it everywhere — even to the mall.

Get the Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket  in time for Christmas via Huckberry.

Happy shopping, good luck out there and stay stylish!

-Beau
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by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Crater Shirt

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 rugged, Portuguese-made shirt from a brand that consistently delivers on style essentials.

A rugged, Portuguese-made shirt from a brand that consistently delivers on style essentials.

There are brands that almost make it ridiculously easy to get all your shopping done in one place — if you read The Style Guide, you know that Taylor Stitch is definitely one such brand.  It seems that just about anything you need on the #menswear front can be fulfilled by the brand — that goes for things like essential chambray shirting, classic men’s chinos made from durable fabric, and a drool-worthy leather jacket or two, and it’s particularly evident during times best suited to rugged gear (like fall). If you thought you couldn’t possibly need another reason to shop at Taylor Stitch, think again. In this instance, gentlemen (and ladies), the Crater Shirt is that very reason — and it’s a heck of a good one. It’s available for pre-order right now on the brand’s Web site for the very reasonable price of $98 — that means you should hop on  ordering one just as soon as you can. Clearly, fans of the brand got the memo — the Navy & Charcoal Plaid version seen here has been funded to the tune 146 percent. Now, what are you getting for that price? Starting with the brushed Portuguese flannel and rolling through to small details like the flap chest pocket and Japanese Urea cat’s eye buttons,  a heck of a shirt is what you’re getting. It plays right into the brand’s focus on producing timeless pieces that quickly turn into hard-wearing wardrobe staples. If you’ve checked out something as seemingly straightforward as the brand’s Brushed White Oxford, then you know that sentiment to be true. No matter the style, you’re getting the best they’ve got to offer. With the Crater Shirt, that means you’re also getting to pick between two color choices practically made for late fall, early winter and beyond.

The inverse of the option seen at the top of the page -- yet still just as stylish and versatile.

The reverse of the option seen at the top of the page — a Charcoal & Navy Plaid pattern that’s still just as stylish and versatile.


Seriously, you can’t go wrong with either the Navy & Charcoal Plaid  seen at the very top of the page, or the Charcoal & Navy Plaid pattern seen above. Still with me? Hopefully. Either way, you’re getting a durable, modern-fitting flannel shirt that’s heavy enough to wear as a shirt-jacket over a long-sleeve merino tee, comfortable enough to wear on its own, and stylish enough to fit in at the office with slim chinos — or atop slim raw denim at your favorite weekend watering hole. By pre-ordering now, you’re setting yourself up for a heck of a stylish November (that’s when the shirt ships out). It’s a hallmark of the brand that the style is still one you could easily wear with a variety of looks — that goes for the snowy depths of January just as much as it does for crisp November days. If it sounds strange to think that far ahead, think of this as a long-term investment that’s well worth your while. Heck, if the Crater Shirt is anything like the brand’s lauded Yosemite Shirt, it’s absolutely a keeper. For all of us fans of Taylor Stitch, that’s excellent news indeed. What are you waiting for? Head to the Taylor Stitch site to pre-order the Crater Shirt now (that’s not a request!).

If you do pre-order it, let me know on Twitter — and stay stylish in the meantime,

-Beau
Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Long Haul Waxed Canvas Jacket

The Long Haul Field Jacket -- another stunning crowdfunded piece up for grabs from Taylor Stitch.

The Long Haul Field Jacket — another stunning crowdfunded piece up for grabs from Taylor Stitch.

There are some items that you see online and immediately think — or in this case, exclaim aloud — “WHOA,” and certainly one of the best men’s field jackets is good enough to do that. The item that did that for me this week is the crazy-sweet Taylor Stitch jacket you see at the top of the page — and that’s almost not even a good enough adjective to describe it. Yes indeed, the Long Haul Jacket in Field Tan Waxed Canvas is the latest in a growing line of exceptionally stylish and durable-looking product releases from the made-in-America purveyors at California-based Taylor Stitch. If you’re not familiar with the brand, take a moment to acquaint yourself. They stock both a regular rotation of everyday Essentials  — things like chambray shirts, Oxfords and their famous Standard Issue Chinos — in addition to the crowdfunding they use to produce products (like the jacket you see here) in small batches. That model is clearly working, as the Long Haul Jacket is a runaway hit to the tune of being more than 350% funded as of press time. They’ve become a Style Guide regular (check out a past Style Pick feature here), and that’s due in large part to the strength and style potential of their product, which is timeless and well-crafted. The Long Haul Jacket would certainly seem to stand up to that test at first glance — and that first glance is a stunner (or is it just me?).

The jacket comes complete with the brand's signature map lining interior, not to mention a host of other durable design features.

The jacket comes complete with the brand’s signature map lining interior, not to mention a host of other durable design features.

This rather beastly-looking jacket is crafted from 7 oz. Martexin waxed canvas designed to repel water, and comes complete with tonal Brisbane Moss corduroy-lined cuffs and collar for an extra bit of vintage style inspiration. The flap chest pockets and front-welt hand-warmer pockets (along with the silhouette in general) call to mind a classic denim jacket — except a denim jacket won’t pack nearly the punch that this thing will. The copper rivets and buttons look sturdy, an underrated point of emphasis that can make a big difference — don’t want any buttons falling off, eh? So the design features appear at first glance to be exceptionally solid. And of course, the styling potential for this jacket is nearly through the roof. The weight and water-repellent functionality should make it a terrific spring jacket — that’s perfect, given that it should ship in late March after pre-funding and production. And the color and sturdy waxed canvas mean you can wear it into fall with solid layers, too. It’s the perfect jacket to toss on over a grey henley and black denim, and you can mix up your office style by pairing it with a chambray shirt and a navy knit tie. And about that price — for a jacket that you can wear that much, the pre-funding mark of $148 is a downright steal. Get on it, and get excited for spring.

How would you style this field jacket? Do you have any experience with Taylor Stitch?