August 7, 2017August 7, 2017 by Beau H.

Plugged In: A Chicago Weekend at Lollapalooza 2017

Taking in Lollapalooza with my MVMT Watches Aviators, plus my rock-ready Need Supply Co. denim jacket and slim Abercrombie and Fitch denim — finished off with classic Astorflex suede chukkas.

It was under special circumstances that I hopped on an unusual Thursday night plane ride out of NYC to head to Chicago — and no, I didn’t take a wrong turn after happy hour. I hit the road last weekend to head to Lollapalooza 2017 in the Windy City — a truly momentous weekend packed full of highlights, from great #menswear to an amazing Friday headlining set by The Killers (a band I’d seen back in June) and more excellent tunes than you could take in across just two days. It was my second festival in as many weekends after attending the Panorama music festival here in NYC — with Governors Ball 2017 also under my belt this summer, you night say I’ve got it down to a science when it comes to what to wear to a music festival. What exactly did I pack and who did I see? Join me on another men’s travel style post — it should come as no surprise it was an amazing weekend that seamlessly blended my two big passions! Put on your favorite Killers track, and let’s rock.

I packed up my Owen and Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender with trusty essentials, from my Astorflex suede chukka boots to my Huckberry Explorer’s Cap.

The adventure itself really began on Thursday night, as I packed up my stylish weekender bag — namely, the Owen and Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender — with menswear essentials galore. To head from a full day at the office to the airport, I dressed in a mixture of comfort and style, starting with a new pair of Abercrombie and Fitch denim from the brand’s recently revamped line. The mobility, tailored fit and pleasingly faded wash matched nicely with one of my favorite Taylor Stitch shirts, the Sashiko Shirt — the cool detailing and texture makes it a four-season essential, and it’s yet another example of what Taylor Stitch does well. The combo was finished off with even more comfort in the form of my travel-ready Astorflex suede chukkas. There might not be a more versatile pair of three-season shoes than these classic suede chukkas, which can go from the office to the plane easily.

A stylish casual watch from Nautica and my reliable Huckberry Explorer’s Cap rounded out my travel style essentials. And the next time you hit the road, don’t forget to pack men’s grooming essentials — a few pieces from the Oars + Alps Athlete’s Grooming Kit (as seen on this site’s Style Pick of the Week series) helped me keep my skin in top form. What’s more, I even managed to prep for the festival on the music front — I plugged in my surprisingly stylish LSTN Sound Co. headphones from the essential Bespoke Post Vibes Box, and I was ready to go. The bottom line is this: When dealing with a day at work and an evening of travel, dress for comfort, style and mobility (like I did!).

Easygoing essentials for a day of music and a day in the sun — particularly a fan of my classic SeaVees Army Issue Sneakers, and they teamed nicely with my tough, versatile Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch.

My Thursday night arrival had me tired but wired (tired and wired?) going into an amazing, bright and sunny Friday full of live music. To take on Chicago’s heat, I kept things simple and stylish with a slim short-sleeve shirt from Old Navy, plus my laidback and comfortable Bridge and Burn Stringer Dune Shorts — two warm-weather style essentials fit for any trip. And just as with Panorma, I found my SeaVees sneakers to be effective, comfortable and broken-in enough to fill that crucial music festival style void. And that blend of style comfort from my SeaVees sneakers proved quite effective for bouncing around Lollapalooza’s many, many stages. That meant staying on time was quite critical — as I’ve found on many a music-themed trip, my Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch on a cotton NATO strap (similar style here) was a durable and stylish pick. I topped it all off with stylish men’s sunglasses — namely, a new favorite pair of sunglasses from Component out of Miami. And what exactly did the day have in store? Plenty — to say the least.

There aren’t many festivals where you’ve got the chance to see everyone from Brooklyn indie rockers Slothrust to classic modern indie pop duo Tegan and Sara to upstart British singer Bishop Briggs within a matter of hours, but Lollapalooza absolutely delivered in that regard — I can’t say enough about the experience. A vibe-filled, sharp set from Phantogram paved the way for an exciting, anticipation-filled evening — a long-awaited show by The Killers tends to heighten the excitement of a music festival even moreso. Having just seen this remarkable band back in June, I thought I was ready — yet nothing can really compare to the power, energy and joy brought to the stage by Mr. Brandon Flowers and company. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: There’s really nothing that can measure up to seeing songs you’ve known for half your life being played out in person. When delivered by one of my heroes, Brandon Flowers, it was all the more special. (Editor’s note: Mr. Flowers inspired my love for denim jackets and black moto jackets, surely).

From classic cuts like “Mr. Brightside,” “Read My Mind” and the roaring “For Reasons Unknown” to all-new cuts “The Man” and fan favorites like “When You Were Young,” this is a band that delivers on nearly everything that a fan could ask for. That included a soaring cover of fellow rockers Muse, plus a menacing (and yet wonderful) cover of the Joy Division classic “Shadowplay.” This is, simply put, an incredible band. I mean that sincerely, and it’s nothing short of an absolute joy to witness live. And as it were, I positively can’t wait for The Killers North American tour behind the band’s forthcoming new album, “Wonderful Wonderful” — what a run that should be. It was worth the trip in and of itself, and that’s no joke. Incredibly, I wasn’t quite fully tired out from Friday night — and Saturday promised even more tunes and even more #menswear.

Crisp and effective, rock-n-roll style featuring slim Abercrombie and Fitch Langdon denim and my classic Astorflex suede chukkas.

Although Saturday dawned hot and sunny once again, I went with sharp and simple style — perhaps inspired in part by the style of Brandon Flowers, who frequently favors all-black get-ups. For me, that meant injecting some color and texture on the footwear front with my Astorflex suede chukkas and topping it off with another pair of slim Abercrombie and Fitch Langdon denim in a slightly faded black wash. Perfect for a festival — particularly when teamed with my Knickerbocker Mfg. Co. Pocke Tube Tee. For taking on the day and seeing the vibe-filled, standout rock of The xx later, an all-black uniform certainly felt right — my trusty Timex for J. Crew field watch helped add some texture and visual interest to the look, too. Once again, I just had to get ready for the day with the stylish and high-quality LSTN Sound Co. headphones from my Bespoke Post Vibes Box.

Saturday itself brought out a terrific mix of live acts, too. Canadian rockers Alvvays — a band that’s been on my list for more than two years now — brought a shimmery, sunny mix of indie rock to the Bud Light Stage in the afternoon. Later in the evening, personal favorites The Head and the Heart delivered just as rousing a performance as they did at Govenors Ball 2017 and on a winter road trip I took to Baltimore to see them play. And throughout the day, Lollapalooza delivered just as solid of a mix of artists as one might expect — from L.A. rockers Warpaint to the joyous dance grooves of pop duo Sylvan Esso and the unique rhythm and quirky vibes of British rockers alt-J (another favorite of mine). The experience and atmosphere was truly jam-packed and lively — it was as busy a two days as I’ve had at a music festival, particularly navigating multiple stages and trying to stay on time. Again, dressing for a music festival in style proved absolutely critical, and I hope my gear was up to the test. As it were, my all-black get-up fit right in during a powerful, transcendent Saturday night headlining set by British rockers The xx — another personal favorite and another band that made the entire trip worth it.

Travel-ready gear for the flight back — my Need Supply Co. denim jacket and my new Bridge and Burn Basic Tee got the job done on my top half, while my Kit Culture stretch twill pants were suitably travel-ready.

All too soon, it was time to hit the road back to Chicago — my schedule precluded me from staying another day to take in the powerful rock and spectacular live show that is Arcade Fire, but I left Chicago with nothing but happy memories from an incredible weekend of amazing music. And with a stylish weekender bag and men’s grooming essentials from Oars + Alps in tow, I made sure to dress for the road accordingly. I started out once again with my versatile Astorflex suede chukkas — they’re as comfortable and sustainable a pair of classic chukka boots as you’ll find. They were a sharp complement to my Kit Culture stretch twill pants, a tailored set of chinos that feels like an easy-to-wear pair of sweatpants. When topped off with my Need Supply Co. Denim Jacket in 96 — a retro-inspired, versatile denim jacket — I was more than ready to deal with blasting airport air conditioning. Between the light wash and the quality construction, the denim jacket was a cool topper to a new Bridge and Burn Basic Tee — think an ultra-soft blended T-shirt built with made-in-America craftsmanship. The next time you hit the road, reach for breezy basics, a well-made denim jacket and go-anywhere pieces like suede chukkas.

With all that travel in the books, I was glad to make it home last night — and it was all the better to get back to Brooklyn knowing I’d had such an amazing, fulfilling trip. Hopping on a flight to a music festival can feel like a long journey at times, but the trip was more than worth it — heck, seeing some of my heroes on the stage on Friday night made the trip in and of itself. I’m also lucky I was able to pack up just the right gear for the weekend — if I can continue to make the trip in years to come, I’ll be looking at a longer trek than just a subway ride … and I know it’ll certainly pay off.

Did you manage to make the trek to Lollapalooza? What did you bring along with you?

Lastly — thanks for reading!

-Beau

August 1, 2017July 31, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: How to Wear Dark Blue Denim This Summer

Settle in and stay for a bit – we’re talking classic style, and more specifically, how to wear dark blue denim this summer in a special Tuesday edition of our Style Suggestion series (we’ll be back with our regularly scheduled Tuesday #OOTD post next week). Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Beau, do we really need to be wearing dark denim in the summer? It’s hot out!” Well … you’re right about that. But as with plenty of other menswear essentials, there’s a way to make dark blue denim work for you in every season.

And if ever you tire of wearing slim light wash denim, it’s easy to switch back to classic dark blue jeans — like we’re doing today. In the case of the below style suggestion, that means we’re blending reliable classics – slim Taylor Stitch denim – with a stylish short-sleeve shirt. And the rest of your outfit? Well, let’s just say that these picks are just as on-point as you’d expect, from stylish sneakers for summer to a rugged casual watch and a heritage-quality leather wallet. And with that … I’ll leave you to it! Read on, shop away and shoot me a note on Twitter with any thoughts you’ve got on this #menswear ensemble.

The Classic Denim: Taylor Stitch Slim Jean in Cone Mills Standard — $98 ($68 When Signing up for Bespoke Post)

Supremely well-made, durable and stylish dark denim — just beautiful.

Here’s the crown jewel of the entire outfit, a pair of slim, classic dark denim made the right way. There might not be a better partnership in terms of rugged style and heritage quality than what Taylor Stitch has going on with Cone Mills. That means these slim blue jeans are made with only the best of the best in terms of cotton denim – that also means they’ll break in wonderfully and look great the more you wear them.

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve California Shirt in Red Madras — $118

A well-crafted, crisp short-sleeve shirt from Taylor Stitch.

Leave it to Taylor Stitch to perfect classic pieces that work in every season – like this handsome, slim short-sleeve shirt. It’s the perfect top layer for a casual, easygoing outfit – the color and fabric are unique and eye-catching. Plus, the fit and quality should be exactly as stellar as you’d expect coming from Taylor Stitch. Wear this for plenty of upcoming summer evenings through Labor Day.

The Tee: Flint and Tinder Slub Tee in Vintage Navy — $28 OR ourCaste Finley Knit in Blue Grey — $28

Two dark blue T-shirt picks for easygoing summer layering.

Layering a tee under a short-sleeve shirt might seem counterintuitive in the heat, but when you’re talking about a stylish Flint and Tinder slub tee or a uniquely textured, well-made ourCaste T-shirt, it’ll work out just fine. Either the Flint and Tinder tee or the ourCaste T-shirt give you the option to wear the Taylor Stitch madras shirt unbuttoned. The tee provides a bit of an extra layer against any summer breezes once the sun sets, too. It’s the perfect top half to wear to your next weekend BBQ.

The Footwear: Nisolo Diego — $129.98 OR SeaVees Maslon Desert Boot in Clipper Class — $108

Two finely crafted casual sneakers in unique colors.

We’re giving you two options here for casual summer sneakers, both of which make use of unique color and materials. The SeaVees Maslon Desert Boot in particular changes up your rotation from classic white leather sneakers, while the Nisolo Diego adds a bit of craftsmanship and rich quality to this outfit. Either are solid investments in terms of price. It’s worth noting that a pair of leather high-top sneakers – like the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Rambler Hi – could work here, too.

The Watch: Huckberry x Lum-Tec GMT — $498 OR Aulta Acuatico Automatico — $240

Two watch picks, two durable, tough and stylish options for ya.

Since this outfit is filled with rugged, casual and yet versatile basics from the ground up, it’s fitting to offer up two rugged watch options. The Huckberry x Lum-Tec GMT is a strong, hard-wearing and noteworthy addition to any watch collection. And the Aulta Acuatico Automatico is just as functional and durable — it’s a no-fuss timepiece for a no-fuss outfit.

The Socks: Arvin Goods Crew Socks (Three-pack) — $30

A simple set of athletically inspired socks, the ideal complement to a casual outfit.

If it’s not already, your sock drawer should likely be filled up with a whole lot of Arvin Goods socks. Stylish, sustainably made, simply designed and comfortable no matter the weather – that’s the case with the brand’s no-show socks and the Arvin Goods crew socks you see here. They’ll complement the colors in this ensemble quite nicely, and that’s all there is to it.

The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt – $80

A handsome, well-crafted belt that’ll get better with age.

If you’ve ever encountered the issues that arise with buying cheap accessories, consider those problems solved with the handsome, rugged and incredibly well-made Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt. Richly crafted to break in and get better with age, this Sturdy Brothers belt could become an everyday belt if you’re a guy who wears lots of stylish brown leather boots and the like.

The Grooming Essentials: Way of Will Natural Deodorant — $18 AND Way of Will Natural Body Wash — $29.50

One brand packed with grooming options to keep you fresh in the heat.

One brand – the responsibly made Way of Will – and two great options to keep you smelling fresh and looking great in the heat. The Way of Will Natural Deodorant is a marked departure in terms of quality and design compared to standard drug store deodorants, and the Way of Will Natural Body Wash is a crisply scented, finely crafted body wash that’ll come in handy every day.

The Sunglasses: J. Crew Irving Sunglasses — $118

A classically designed pair of sunglasses made for plenty of summer style scenarios.

While J. Crew sunglasses aren’t particularly cheap when you compare them to other stylish men’s sunglasses, they’re a quality investment. They provide unique looks and breezy, laidback style – the kind of style that should perfectly complement your Taylor Stitch denim and a breezy Taylor Stitch madras shirt. Throw these sunglasses on without fear – whether you’re bringing along the best beach gear or strolling to your local farmer’s market.

The Ballcap: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap — $38 OR FairEnds Brushed Cotton Ballcap — $48

Take your pick between easygoing, casual and versatile ballcaps to complement this outfit.

With a casual, subtly stylish ensemble like this one, you’re going to want accessories that hit the mark, too. A simple ballcap crafted from premium materials looks great, finishes off your outfit with some visual interest and protects your face from the sun. The Huckberry Explorer’s Cap offers up a pleasingly vintage look, while the FairEnds Brushed Cotton Ballcap is a no-nonsense hat that plays well off the Taylor Stitch madras shirt.

The Backpack: Filson Daypack — $99.98 OR Bradley Mountain Scout Backpack — $219

Add a rugged, ridiculously well-made backpack to finish off this outfit.

I do love a stylish messenger bag as much as the next guy, but there are certain situations that call for style that’s a little more functional and efficient. For hopping around from bar to bar, heading out on a stroll around town or loading up gear to take on a casual day trip, either the heritage-quality Filson Daypack or the Bradley Mountain Scout Backpack are going to get the job done. Two bags, two rugged, casual and yet versatile options to add to your everyday carry gear.

The Wallet: Bellroy Travel Wallet in Cocoa — $120 ($79 When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)

A heritage-quality wallet that should get a ton of use going forward.

Let’s leave no stone unturned in the way of your everyday carry. The Bellroy Travel Wallet could be the last wallet you need to buy for a long time – it’s that well-made. Crucially, it’s also available for a heck of a deal when you sign up for Bespoke Post. Like the Filson Daypack or the Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt, it’s an accessory that’s going to get better with age – that much is absolutely true.

We covered a lot of ground there, didn’t we? Wearing dark blue denim in the summer is easy when you keep it crisp, simple and casual. The Taylor Stitch slim jeans you see above are made to break in over time while looking terrific – that much is true. And when you complement them with easygoing basics – like the Flint and Tinder Vintage Slub Tee or the ourCaste Finley Knit – you should be set for lazy backyard cookouts or a day-long upstate exploration.

Complementing reliable essentials with versatile, stylish summer sneakers is also a critical step to keep in mind. Without a doubt, either the Nisolo Diego or the SeaVees Maslon Desert Boot are going to treat you just fine. And when it comes to your everyday carry – as critical a component as any – the rugged Huckberry x Lum-Tec GMT or the Aulta Acuatico Automatico are both reliable watches. Of course, don’t leave home without a bag like the Filson Daypack – agreed? Lastly, grab the Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt and the Bellroy Travel Wallet if you want to accessorize in style. Have a better handle on how to wear dark blue denim? I hope so! Follow me on Instagram to see how I style my dark blue denim, and I’m looking forward to hearing from ya in the comments.

Stay stylish!

-Beau

July 31, 2017July 31, 2017 by Beau H.

See You at the Show: Attending Panorama 2017 In Style

The perfect setting for a selfie in the background, perhaps? Going with a mixture of laidback style and classic #menswear essentials — including my Original Penguin Utility Shirt, Flint and Tinder denim and Component sunglasses — for a great day of live music on Friday.

If you’re a regular reader of The Style Guide, you might have an inkling that I love live music — anytime, anywhere. So when I heard earlier this year that Panorama 2017 was coming back to the Big Apple — and just a quick subway ride away at that — I jumped on tickets in a hurry. These weekends always seem to go by too fast — having attended Governors Ball 2017 earlier this summer, I know that all too well. Indeed, it’s tough to believe that once again, another excellent Panorama music festival has come and gone. I’m so fortunate to be able to attend this excellent NYC music showcase — for the second year in a row, I had a tremendous time (to say the least!). It was with anticipation, excitment and essential summer style in mind that I hit the road — well, the subway — to head to a hot and breezy weekend of music at Randall’s Island. If you follow me on Instagram, you might be well-acquainted with my love of live music and craft beer — and this weekend had requisite helpings of both. Plug in and join me, won’t you?

The key when dressing for a music festival revolves around nailing that tricky balance between comfort, style and easygoing looks. When plenty of festival-goers throw on cargo shorts and sports jersey — at least here in NYC — it can be easy to fall into a style trap. Yet, I’m here to urge you not to do that! And I certainly tried my best to keep my style in line in terms of great fit and comfort in the heat. As it were, I also had to prep accordingly by listening to my favorite tunes — as you’ll see below, my stylish and well-made LSTN Sound Co. headphones from the Bespoke Post Vibes Box were the ideal accessory.

A mix of useful essentials — like my Original Penguin Garment-Dyed Utility Shirt — and tried-and-true favorites, like my Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch 2.0 and classic Astorflex chukkas.

That process started with my Original Penguin Garment Dye Utility Shirt, the perfect blend of style and well, utility (I used it to store small items in the chest pocket). The Burnt Olive color is a unique shade that works well in both spring and summer — and heck, fall and winter — and it teamed nicely with faded Flint and Tinder All-American Washed Jeans. Not a full-on light wash and not a pair of classic dark blue denim, these American-made jeans feature a pleasingly faded wash and a tapered cut that’s not too tight — crucial when dealing with the sweltering NYC sun. I also teamed them with another multi-season pick, my casual and classic Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots. The sustainably made chukka boots fit the bill in terms of a comfortable and easy-to-wear summer style essential. To finish the look and stay relatively cool in the heat, I rolled my slim light wash denim and slipped on some stylish no-show socks, complemented by my tough, versatile Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch 2.0. Once again, to get prepped for a day of listening to live music, I had to reach for my Bespoke Post Vibes Box and plug in with my LSTN Sound Co. headphones.

Needless to say, my gear proved quite helpful at navigating Panorama’s mix of beer stands, gourmet food offerings and stages. Crucially, I snagged a good spot near the main stage to see one of my favorite acts of late — passionate Baltimore-based synth rockers Future Islands. On a monumental tour behind their latest album, the excellent and emotionally charged “The Far Field,” it was a treat to see the power and raw emotion of that record brought to life by energetic frontman Sam Herring. If you get the chance, I’d urge you to see them — and you can check out more of my music-related adventures on my “other” Twitter account over here. Of course, playing right before mid-2000s hitmakers MGMT is a tough act for anyone, but Future Islands more than prepped the crowd for a high-energy MGMT set. Excellent acts were scattered throughout the day, including crowd-pleasing folk crooner Vance Joy and the evening’s two closing acts, Solange and Frank Ocean. To be able to see such variety of music within one day — and on a series of stages just a quick walk apart — is a huge benefit of a well-curated festival like Panorama. It had me just as excited for day two — time to press on!

Taking on the heat with my breezy Original Penguin Scout Shorts, classic SeaVees sneakers and a well-made Taylor Stitch shirt.

Saturday unsurprisingly promised a hot, humid and yet overcast day of excellent live music, tasty craft beer and again, gourmet bites & great #menswear. In all, that’s my kind of day. With the promise of laidback, eclectic sets on the way fro Alt-j and Tame Impala , plus an emotionally charged set by powerful Brooklyn rocker Mitski, I dressed to beat the heat in style. That meant once again reaching for Original Penguin gear — my Stretch Cotton Garment-Dye Scout Shorts featured a tailored cut, breathable fabric and excellent mobility for hopping from stage to stage. For long hours on my feet, I stepped into a dependable pair of classic SeaVees sneakers — always an excellent pick in terms of easygoing, subtle style. I’d urge you to pick up a pair of SeaVees for your next festival, and perhaps team it with a rugged Taylor Stitch shirt, as I did. The number you see above is the well-made Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Indigo Star. To keep the sun off my face, I threw on a charcoal Huckberry Explorer’s Cap for suitably easygoing style and protection from the sun.

And the entire combo helped me move around the festival with ease — that gave me plenty of time to take in Mitski’s set. Having seen her play in front of 300 people on Valentine’s Day 2016 and nearly 2,000 people this past spring at Brooklyn Steel, it was an absolute treat to see her take a large festival atmosphere and boil it down into power and emotion. And I was just as pleased with the excellent vibes and quirky sound that Alt-j brought to the Pavilion Stage. Truly, they didn’t disappoint with their most recent release, the edgy, well-crafted “Relaxer,” and it was neat to see them translate that record into a live show — along with modern indie radio hits like “Left Hand Free” and “Breezeblocks,” plus subtly beautiful tracks like “Something Good” and “Dissolve Me.”

Tame Impala also proved a huge highlight of the day. I was captured by the band’s absolutely killer light show back in 2015 on a Sunday evening at Governors Ball, and the Aussie group delivered yet again with a blazing headline set to close out the evening. It was the perfect way to round out two days of fun, unique and tremendous live music — count me a huge fan of Panorama, and know that I’ll be back next year if they deliver again on a great lineup and a great experience!

Easygoing, breezy essentials for a Sunday of rest and relaxation in Brooklyn — I can’t recommend my Huckberry Explorer’s Cap or Grayers Feeder Stripe Polo enough!

The weekend wasn’t over yet, though — I had more than enough time to rest, relax and hit up sunny Prospect Park and my favorite coffee/menswear shop, Upstate Stock. For a breezy Sunday, I prepped accordingly — that process started with my comfortable and modern Grayers Feeder Stripe Polo, an easy-to-wear piece that fits well and feels great. I complemented that shirt with a pair of modern, tailored Volcom slim chinos in a crisp navy color. Comfortable, well-fitting slim chinos that can go anywhere — from exploring a park to hitting up a coffee shop — are a must when hopping around Brooklyn, and these didn’t disappoint.

Lest we forget about sneakers, I teamed my chinos up with my easygoing, retro-inspired Abercrombie and Fitch x Tretorn Sneakers and the refined-yet-casual Electric California Carroway Leather Watch (a timepiece you might remember from this #OOTD on how to wear a T-shirt this summer). At any rate, the breezy Brooklyn weather also gave me the chance to break out my trusty Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, this one in a deep shade of green that played nicely off the blues of the chinos and the polo. Seriously, if you want a stylish, vintage-inspired ballcap that’s also made in America, the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap is the way to go — particularly for keeping the sun off your face following a long weekend out and about at a music festival.

It was with a great weekend of live music playing in my head that I took in a restful, relaxing Sunday (filled with some requisite work on The Style Guide, of course). I’m always thankful and grateful any time I get to combine my passions into one weekend. Between breaking out some excellent menswear, enjoying delicious craft beer and rocking out to stellar bands like Future Islands, I absolutely can’t get enough of Panorama — it makes me feel fortunate to live in NYC, to say the least! There are more music and men’s style adventures coming up soon — and if you continue reading this blog, there might be more travel style content coming sooner than you think! For now, you can follow along with our #OOTD series tomorrow.

As always … thanks for reading!

-Beau

July 17, 2017July 17, 2017 by Beau H.

The List: All The Best New Men’s Gear to Shop This Week

From a durable watch to handy items for your everyday carry, check out the latest and greatest men’s gear — rare Russian River beer not included.

Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on another rendition of The List — courtesy of your fashion department of one at The Style Guide, it’s a full rundown of the best men’s gear to buy right now. Similar to the gear seen above, today’s edition includes a bit of everything. Today, we’re looking at classics like stylish summer sneakers, versatile shorts, a handy yard game and essential everyday carry items. Without giving too much away, you can read the rest of The List below. To keep up with my #menswear adventures the rest of the time, follow me on Instagram — if you please, that is.

Outlier Ramielust T-shirt, $125

Made from the world’s oldest fiber, this tee is soft, breathable and breezy.

Way more than just your average summer tee, this revamped number from functional and minimally minded style purveyors Outlier features exceptionally breathable Ramie fabric — quite possibly the oldest fabric in the world.

SeaVees Legend Sneaker in Selvedge Denim, $90.98

A recognizable silhouette done up in crisp selvedge denim.

Handsome and uniquely wearable, SeaVees offers up yet another pair of potentially your new favorite summer sneakers — except these ones are made from rich selvedge denim. Wear ’em with slim chinos and a white pocket tee.

Arvin Goods No-show Socks (Three-pack), $30

Well-made socks that are ready for purchase in a handy pack of three.

Just what exactly are you going to wear with those SeaVees sneakers as shown above? Other than slim chino shorts and your favorite polo, that is? Comfortable, stylish no-show socks are absolutely the correct answer.

Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve California Shirt in Red Madras, $118

Terrific work — as always — from Taylor Stitch. Summer-ready pattern and color make this shirt a winner.

You’d expect a stylish short-sleeve shirt like this Taylor Stitch number to be sold out by now, right? Wrong. There are plenty of sizes left in this well-made shirt in a pleasingly summer-friendly pattern and fabric.

Shinola + St. Pierre Horseshoe Set, $130

A modern American brand meets a classic American brand for the best-looking yard game you’ve ever seen.

Thought Shinola only made stylish men’s watches? Think again. They’ve teamed up with the largest producer of horseshoes in the world for a custom-branded set that’ll liven up your next backyard BBQ.

Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Oxford, $89

A soft, well-made and tailored Oxford shirt able to be worn through the summer months.

Because every guy needs a classic, stylish Oxford shirt, this particular Flint and Tinder shirt makes this round of The List. It’s nicely tailored, made with Portuguese cotton and available in a range of colors. What’s not to love?

Worn and Wound Harris Tweed Watch Roll, $200

The ideal carrying method for your watch collection — or part of it, at least.

It’s a bit hot to be thinking about wearing Harris tweed as a layering piece — but as a handsome accessory for your favorite watch? Absolutely. With trimming crafted from Horween Chromexcel leather, it’s quite simply a stellar piece.

Myles Apparel Everyday Shorts, $49.98

A well-cut pair of shorts that merge a summer-friendly color and solid design.

The hits, they just keep comin’ — right? As far as summer style essentials go, it’s tough to pass up tailored shorts that blend athletic material and tailored wearability. That is to say: Buy the Everyday Shorts, ASAP.

Bespoke Post Shine Box, $45

All the accessories needed to upgrade your summer eyewear.

I think we can more than agree that Bespoke Post does an admirable job curating stylish men’s goods. And the Shine Box, with handmade sunglasses and carrying accessories for just $45, is a stupendous value.

Hasami Gloss Blue Porcelain Mug — $27.50

A stylishly designed mug for your morning (or afternoon) coffee.

We’re ending today on a non-menswear note (for once). Maybe it’s the clean design, maybe it’s the rich blue color — my favorite in the style world — or maybe it’s my love of coffee… either way, the Hasami Gloss Blue Porcelain Mug is on my list.

With that, we’ve come to the end of today’s post. Did you find any new, or investment-worthy, purchases? Leave your thoughts in the comments, or join me on Twitter to continue the discussion.

We’ll be back tomorrow for a very stylish #OOTD — see you then!

-Beau

July 11, 2017June 27, 2017 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.

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.

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

July 4, 2017July 4, 2017 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear A Polo Shirt This Summer

If you’ve been dressing for warm weather for a few months now, perhaps your #menswear rotation feels a bit stale. After all, perhaps you’ve got that slim-fit polo shirt and yet … don’t quite know how to wear it or what to wear it with? Aside from pairing it up with slim light wash denim or tailored chino shorts, there are a few key moves you should keep in mind when using a slim polo shirt as the basis of your ensemble. Importantly, don’t shy away from pairing up said polo with a tailored jacket. The key to getting that oft-coveted versatility so many of us seek in a stylish summer polo? It all starts with a shirt that’s dressy, crisp and tailored — yet easy to wear with just about anything. That’s where Criquet Shirts comes into play. Namely, its Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt — crafted with a sharp collar, quality fabric and breathability in the summer heat — is a winner. I can certainly vouch for that, having taken a few of the brand’s polo shirts on a Memorial Day weekend trip to Florida. And I think you’ll be similarly pleased if you pick up a Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt for yourself — so stay tuned, read on and let me know what you think of the following outfit via The Style Guide Facebook page.

A sharp, slim-fitting polo plus a crisp suit jacket and garment-washed chinos — all staples that are stylish and summer-friendly.

The Shirt: Criquet Shirts Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt in Midnight Cowboy, $79 — As we’ve mentioned before, Criquet Shirts knows how to make a nice, wearable and modern-yet-classic polo — you know, the kind McQueen might’ve worn.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket, $278 — Made in part from linen — the of-the-moment fabric you need in your closet this summer — the modern Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket nicely offsets the sharp polo.

The Trousers: Johnston and Murphy Slim-Fit Garment-Washed Chinos, $88 — While you could certainly wear your Criquet Shirts Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt with matching Taylor Stitch suit trousers, slim chinos in a pleasing off-white shade are summer-friendly and a bit more casual.

The Shoes: Nisolo Calano Oxford, $188 — Clean, simple and well-constructed, the Nisolo Calano Oxford is a sharp alternative to traditional brown wingtips.

The Socks: Arvin Goods No-show Socks (Three-pack), $30 — Thanks to past entries on this site — including how to wear linen trousers this summer — I’d wager you’re familiar with the comfortable, affordable Arvin Goods No-show Socks — they’re a critical way to keep your feet cool when worn with rolled chinos.

The Watch: Orient Bambino Second Generation, $179.98 — For a look that incorporates both tailored and more casual elements, reach for a handsome, clean watch like the Orient Bambino Second Generation.

The Sunglasses: Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, $99.98 — A returning entrant from this site’s Style Pick of the Week series, the Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses blend versatility and retro style easily.

The Everyday Carry: This Is Ground Mod 15-Inch Laptop Case, $419.98 — Want to look sleek and office-ready? Take all of your daily essentials in the This Is Ground Mod Case, a handy, sharp accessory.

When stepping out in something a little bit different from the everyday — in this case, a slim-fit polo shirt worn with the sharp Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket — the key is getting that polo fitted properly from the get-go. That allows you to throw on a tailored jacket and slim chinos. With those pieces in order, you’ll definitely step out in style with the sleek-yet-rugged Nisolo Calano Oxford. Naturally, other stylish accessories should get some play, too. Although a small detail, I can’t recommend the Arvin Goods No-show Socks enough, and I certainly can’t recommend the Orient Bambino Second Generation enough, either. Oh, and lastly ….retro style inspiration is the way to go when wearing a throwback polo, so something along the lines of Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses should treat you very nicely. Where are ya going? Don’t leave before securing your everyday carry with the This Is Ground Mod Case. I think that covers all of the bases here — with that being said, I leave it up to you to shop this look, wear this look and quite simply … crush it wearing this look.

Thanks for reading — stay stylish!

-Beau

June 26, 2017June 26, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Here’s What to Wear to Your Next Summer Wedding

You got the invite months ago, and the time has come — wondering what to wear to your next summer wedding can be quite the daunting question to answer. Right? Right. If you’re in the bridal party, that part of the equation is likely covered — just be sure to get your measurements right when it comes time to get fitted for your rental kit. What are the rest of us going to wear, though? That’s where today’s style suggestion is coming to the rescue. We’re talking tailored style for the heat, namely. A classic navy blazer, slim linen suit trousers and crisp leather loafers are the building blocks of this outfit — no doubt about it. I think you’ll find that the below picks are all about staying cool and sharp even as temperatures rise — that’s crucial if you happen to be attending an outdoor wedding (as I just did in my latest trip to Charleston). And I think you’ll also find that any of the below #menswear picks can be repurposed for travel, too — that’s what classic summer style is all about. The navy blazer seen here? Wear it on the plane atop a classic Oxford. Those stylish leather loafers? Wear ’em on the plane, too. If your interest has been captured, read on for the full ensemble below. To see how I’m wearing tailoring in the heat, check out my Instagram account, or hit the ‘Like’ button over at The Style Guide Facebook page. Cheers!

The Jacket: GANT Diamond G Stretch Blazer with American Pima Cotton — $277

Sharp, slim and breathable — just what’s needed for a summer wedding.

Here’s the first step to nailing summer wedding style — start with a great jacket. What do I mean by a great jacket? I mean a classic navy blazer in a modern — yet not overly tight fit — made with American pima cotton. Unlike lined suit jackets, this lightweight blazer blends nylon and cotton for a final product that’s stretchy, breathable and easy to wear for summer travel or a summer wedding. Pick it up in dark navy or — if you happen to be wearing dark trousers — the jacket’s additional color option, a bright marine blue.

The Shirt: Outlier Freecotton Button-up in White — $165

There’s a hefty price to pay for this crisp white shirt — but it’ll perform well in the heat.

Want to stay cool during an outdoor summer wedding? It’s an extremely tough challenge — believe me, I’ve been there, done that. But there’s help on the way — companies like Outlier are blending breathable, performance-ready fabrics with the familiar tailored fit and styling details of classic dress shirts. The Freecotton Button-up should be your go-to shirt for the heat — that goes for a summer wedding or a high-pressure business meeting. Know that Mizzen+Main offers similarly well-made, breathable dress shirts, too.

The Pocket Square: The Tie Bar Stamped Flowers Coral Pocket Square — $10

A summer-friendly, highly affordable pocket square to complement that navy blazer.

Now, we’re skipping the tie in this semi-casul ensemble — if per chance you need to pick one up, reach for something classic, like a silver knit tie. We’re not, however, skipping over another crucial finishing touch: A stylish pocket square. And The Tie Bar makes options in a plethora of affordable colors and patterns. In particular, this coral-colored floral option should handsomely offset the dark navy blazer and sharp white shirt — ya dig?

The Trousers: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers in Charcoal OR Cobalt— $178

Two color options from Taylor Stitch, each featuring comfortable fabric and a modern fit.

The trousers you go with here are all dependent on the color of your blazer — going light in color with your jacket? Reach for the cobalt blue, wool-linen blend Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers. Going dark in color with your jacket, like the GANT Diamond G Blazer seen above? The light charcoal Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers are your best bet. Either option features a tailored fit, excellent fabric and easy wearability in the heat. And the rest of the summer? Team them with a slim-fit white polo and classic suede chukkas on casual Friday.

The Loafers: Nisolo Chamberlain Loafers, $188

Unique nubuck leather and a classic profile help set these Nisolo loafers apart from the pack.

If the wedding location happens to be outdoors — be it the stifling South or the dry heat of the West — you’re going to want to use any means possible to stay cool. Ditching the stuffy dress socks for a pair of stylish no-show socks and sharp leather loafers is as good a place to start as any. Luckily, the Nisolo Chamberlain Loafers balance a sleek silhouette with solid construction and great quality. Plus, they’re a nice style swerve from the sea of black shoes normally found at weddings — am I right, or am I right?

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

In a handy pack of three, these Arvin Goods no-show socks are a crucial summer wedding accessory.

As we just talked about, comfortable no-show socks are the way to make this whole outfit work. From the modern Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers to those crisp Nisolo leather loafers, you’re not going to want any sock showing — are we clear there? Good. Arvin Goods makes its no-show socks in packs of three, so you have options to wear to and from the wedding — and the rest of the weekend when paired up with stylish summer sneakers.

The Belt: J. Crew Braided Leather Belt — $55

A reliable accessory pick-up from a reliable brand.

If you’ve got a trusty leather dress belt that you’ve had for years, this is the time to break it out. And if you’re looking to add some texture and visual interest to this summer wedding ensemble, J. Crew is the place to go. This belt should last exceptionally long for the price, and it’ll match up nicely with your Nisolo leather loafers in terms of color, too.

The Watch: Linjer Classic Watch — $250

A sharp, sleek watch that’ll play nicely off your navy blazer and leather loafers.

We’re nearing the end of this summer wedding style suggestion — but not before we recommend a stylish leather watch for the occasion. If you recall, the folks at Linjer Leather Goods started with a small run of products like minimal wallets before ramping things up considerably. The result of that expansion is the mighty fine, mighty minimal and exceedingly sharp Linjer Classic Watch. Refined and sharp enough for a wedding, simple and sleek enough to pair with a stylish short-sleeve shirt through the rest of the summer.

The Sunglasses: Pacifico Optical Blair Sunglasses — $159

Just the right balance of dressy and casual — just what you want at a summer wedding.

If you’re looking to check a few key boxes when it comes to stylish summer sunglasses, the team at Pacifico Optical might be able to sort you out. When it comes to wearing sunglasses to a summer wedding, leave the sports shades at home. Instead, think of a pair that’s simplistic, classic and versatile — yet slightly unique. In this case, the Pacifico Optical Blair Sunglasses get the job done quite nicely. And the rest of the summer, you can easily wear them to the beach or as a laidback complement to your favorite summer shirt.

Did you pick out that wedding gift yet? Flight all booked? Done and done. And if you follow the above style tips, I’d wager you’ll be more than set to dress in style at your next summer wedding. If you keep the basics in line — starting with a navy blazer and a breathable-yet-crisp white dress shirt — you’ll set yourself up for success. From there, it’s all about nailing the fit and details of supporting accessories, including essential pieces like the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers. Round things out with sharp leather loafers — like the Nisolo Chamberlain Loafers — and hone in on stylish details like a Linjer Classic Watch or Arvin Goods No-show Socks. Add in sharp sunglasses — I’d recommend the Pacifico Optical Blair Sunglasses — and you’re ready to take on afternoon and early evening weddings in equal measure. What will you be wearing to your next summer wedding? Drop me a line in the comments below, and swing by Twitter for a lively discussion on all things men’s style.

Cheers and all the best — thanks for reading!

-Beau

June 20, 2017June 20, 2017 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.

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.

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?

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.

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

June 16, 2017June 14, 2017 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.

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.

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

April 24, 2017May 24, 2017 by Beau H.

Plug Me In: Adventures and Live Music in Brooklyn

Just hanging around in Brooklyn waiting for the Chairlift show. Denim Jacket by Forever21. Graham Shirt by Mott and Bow. Super Skinny Skinny Jeans in Light Wash by Abercrombie & Fitch. Service Boots by Viberg. Military Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Flight Brief by Owen and Fred. Glasses by Frameri.

It was with great excitement that I sat down to write this post — after all, this past weekend combined some of my favorite things (certainly, the chance to make AC/DC references in headlines is among them). But on another note, if you follow along with yours truly at The Style Guide, you might have an inkling as to a few of my favorite things. In short order: Live music, #menswear and Brooklyn explorations. Luckily for me, all three were on the docket this weekend. And as you might have read in past travel feature posts, there’s nothing I love more than dressing for a rock concert, hitting up a choice brunch spot, and enjoying an excellent show. It was a momentous weekend for all those reasons –namely, it was my first chance to check out the newly opened Brooklyn Steel, now the largest music venue in the borough. Of course, I hit up a few great coffee shops — and unlike my recent road trip to Pittsburgh, I didn’t even have to lug around a rugged weekender bag! Join for me the ride and see how I took on the weekend in style.

Mixing high-low style with the Life/After/Denim Patchwork Shirt, the standout Standard Issue Utility Chino from Apolis and the handsome Allen Edmonds Liverpool Chelsea Boots. Leatherback Writer by This Is Ground. Pen by Cross Pens. Watch by MVMT Watches. Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

The weekend really kicked off properly on Friday, what with the chance to break out a bit of festive spring style for time on the clock at my day job in fashion PR. The real highlight though? It has to be Life/After/Denim Patchwork Shirt, an entirely unique piece that’s fit for the office and fit for a Friday evening. Seeing as I spent mine both taking care of business at work and shooting a few photos with Megan Collins of Style Girlfriend (new project coming soon!), this piece worked out perfectly for both pursuits. And it proved a breezy complement to my durable, classic and versatile Apolis Standard Issue Utility Chinos — the neutral color and clean fit played perfectly off what are quickly becoming my new favorite boots: the Allen Edmonds Liverpool Chelsea Boot, which merge a sharp silhouette with beautiful brown suede.

Useful everyday carry pieces like my This Is Ground Leatherback Writer and a crisp, classic MVMT Watches brown leather watch proved essential, too. More importantly: If you seek a subtly stylish pen made for daily use, the Peerless TrackR Ballpoint Pen is seemingly immune to being misplaced thanks to a built-in locator app. It writes quite nicely and looks great, too. So, those were the essentials I used to take on a last day of work — but what about the rest of the weekend, ehh?

For Chairlift’s final NYC, I had to break out my Abercrombie & Fitch Super Skinny Denim tough Viberg Service Boots and grooming gear from Oars + Alps. 1951 Traveller Bag by Graf Lantz.

Saturday brought with it the promise of a brooding-yet-bright, eclectic and plain fun synthpop show from Brooklyn duo Chairlift — the group’s last-ever NYC show — plus the chance to get out and explore Brooklyn with my favorite men’s style gear in tow. The breezy and temperate spring day proved the ideal chance to break out my new favorite spring shirt: The soft, slim and well-made Mott and Bow Graham Shirt, with a light blue shade that’s a great change of pace from more traditional chambray shirts — truly, a nice way to offset my Forever21 Denim Jacket. The shirt was one part of a monochromatic look alongside a slim pair of Abercrombie & Fitch Super Skinny Denim — the light wash calls to mind the ’90s quite nicely, and fit right in at Saturday’s show. Equally perfect for the occasion? My durable, tough and essential Viberg Service Boots — an incredibly well-made, distinguished pair of boots that I’ve already begun breaking in around Brooklyn. They’re quite simply the nicest pair of boots I’ve ever owned. And coming from a guy who loves tough leather boots … that’s saying something.

For a day that took me around Williamsburg, I loaded up my new, sustainably made and very effective Graf Lantz 1951 Carrier Bag. Made with biodegradable 100 percent merino wool felt in a rich shade of green, this is one bag that carries enough clout and style to be used every day. I supplemented my everyday haul with the essential Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch and the This Is Ground Leatherback Writer — both well-priced favorites critical for any writer. And crucially, I had to prep for the day ahead with new grooming gear from Oars + Alps. The Active Armor Deodorant is a winner — it’s effective and made with a crisp scent. While my gear helped me navigate the borough, there are a few other key ingredients that helped considerably. Namely, a caffeine pit stop at my favorite coffee and menswear shop in Brooklyn, Upstate Stock, plus a delicious pastrami sandwich at coffee shop The West and a trip for craft brews at Beer Street in advance of Saturday evening’s Brooklyn Steel show.

And as to the show itself: A winner all-around, to say the least. As you might have expected from my winter trip to New Haven and my December trip to see The Head and the Heart in Baltimore, it’s very tough to top the excitement and buzz around checking out a new venue. In just its second full week of action, Brooklyn Steel — housed in a former steel fabrication shop and jammed with a crowd of 1,800 — didn’t disappoint. Critically, neither did Chairlift. They’re perhaps most well-known for their hit song “Bruises,” of Apple commercial fame, but there’s more to it. The duo of Caroline Polachek and Patrick Wimberly embody making it in the Brooklyn music scene — by way of Colorado — and then sticking around long enough to build a strong local and global following.

It’s a testament to the group’s unique sound that even in just three albums, they’ve amassed a deep catalogue. That catalogue includes the band’s 2016 release, “Moth,” which is their strongest yet — both brooding and light thanks to Polachek’s stellar voice, which helped make the evening a great one. It was a a special show, and a long day on my feet, but my Viberg Service Boots are breaking in nicely, and the show was absolutely worth it. Rest assured, Caroline Polachek’s work as a solo artist post-Chairlift will have a big-time fan in this live music enthusiast, and we should all be grateful for the music they’ve left us with.

Blending the sporty and the classic. Wenlock Chambray Shirt by United By Blue. Slim Stone Chinos by Taylor Stitch. Sneakers by Gola. Leatherback Writer by This Is Ground. Red Wing Leather Waterbury Chronograph by Timex x Todd Snyder.

Sunday brought with it some much-needed relaxation to cap off a busy week — and a busy Saturday. But what would Sunday be without a little great style, ehh? And so, I broke out my slim, essential United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt, featuring a pattern of neat mini-plus signs and a crisp blue color. The Wenlock Chambray Shirt complemented my Taylor Stitch Slim Chino in Light Stone, made in Portugal and featuring the tailored fit one would expect from a brand that prides itself on quality. And Sunday also provided a prime chance to slip into my Gola Classic Comet Plimsoll Trainers, a clean pair of retro-inspired trainers from a classic British brand. The entire ensemble was an effective high-low mix when matched up with everyday carry essentials like my Timex + Todd Snyder Red Wing Leather Chronograph. That timepiece is a hard-wearing watch made for just about anything (including more Williamsburg exploration of choice spots like menswear emporium The Hill-Side). And seemingly as always, my Owen and Fred Flight Brief proved effective at hauling around all the essentials needed for a day of blogging.

The right gear for a Sunday in Brooklyn. Wenlock Chambray Shirt by United By Blue. Slim Chinos in Light Stone by Taylor Stitch. Denim jacket by American Apparel. Plimsoll Comet Trainers by Gola. Red Wing Leather Chronograph by Timex x Todd Snyder. Runaway Aviators by MVMT Watches. Flight Brief by Owen and Fred.

And the next time you find yourself in Williamsburg, I’d say you’ve got another key stop to make. For one, who can resist an incredible donut …. or fried chicken … or both?? That’s where Pies ‘n’ Thighs comes in. The breakfast and lunch menus are packed with incredibly delicious, indulgent entrees (who wants an Insane Burger, ehh?) and you absolutely can’t pass up their donuts. Like, at all.

Indeed, this past weekend really did provide just about everything I could ask for — even though it was a weekend spent at “home” in Brooklyn, home really is a great place to be. I can never pass up a chance to explore the borough, sip on some craft brews and wear my favorite menswear — all while checking out a great show and a venue that’s now very high on my list. It was a special first show at Brooklyn Steel, and I’ll absolutely be back. The fact that I was able to do all of this just by hopping on the subway across a matter of days really is quite unique and one-of-a-kind. So, as long as those subway trips culminate in great adventures, excellent live music and new opportunities, I’ll keep swiping my MetroCard.

Until next weekend — and until the next show!

-Beau

The Style Guide

All the best men's style essentials you need, every day.

Tag / taylor stitch

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