Tag / the friday read

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Jack Black Grooming Sets, New Wolverine Boots & A New Shinola Watch

Jack Black men's grooming

Filling you in on the best men’s groming picks from Jack Black right now.

Folks, if you can believe it, we’re back once more with another edition of the Friday Read, and on top of that, it’s the final edition of … October. Wow. Color me shocked, right?? It’s been a momentous and busy few weeks here at The Style Guide’s Brooklyn HQ, if you will — a couple weeks back, I filled you in on how you can get a discount on your new favorite weekender bag from Boarding Pass NYC (use the code BEAUKNOWS to get $10 off any purchase over $70!), and this week, I’m similarly looping you in onto some great fall deals. Let’s talk about the best men’s grooming essentials for a second, shall we? The other week, I had the chance to chat with the team at Jack Black about the Dallas-based grooming brand’s 20th anniversary, to go along with plenty of the best men’s grooming sets. I mentioned Jack Black in a previous edition of the Friday Read, but how about a refresher (literally)? From beard oil to the much-loved Most Wanted Gift Set, the brand is an outstanding resource for the best men’s grooming picks, not to mention the best men’s gift sets and stocking stuffers aplenty. Yes, stocking stuffers. It’s never too early to plan ahead, folks!

On that note, I’ve been busy elsewhere this month writing about the best Christmas jumpers for The Manual, to go along with writing about rugged Taylor Stitch boots at GearMoose. Yes indeed, my friends, if you want to plan ahead for this season and the next, I’d say I’ve got you covered (I’m biased, though!). Aside from menswear writing, I’m looking forward to getting some R&R this weekend and watching — strange as it might sound — some college football, as my beloved Michigan State Spartans take on hated rival Michigan on the road in Ann Arbor. It’s the sort of game that makes me miss Michigan in the fall, but I’ll make the best of it all the same with a cold Oktoberfest beer at a sidewalk bar. Follow along with my writing and my off-duty pursuits via my Instagram, and let’s dive into the rest of the Friday Read below.

Stylish packaging and great coffee? Sign me up.

  • To power my freelance menswear writing, I’m often imbibing quite a bit of coffee. And lately, I’ve been digging what Equator Coffees is churning out (thanks to my buddy Micah for allowing me to test the brand!). Here’s the scoop: Sustainable, high-quality coffee delivered in cool, bright red packaging — always a plus! — and made with a focus on giving back (check out the B’Cause Blend Voting Project, for starters). They also offer subscriptions and gift sets, always a bonus if you or someone you love is BIG into great coffee on the daily. The next time you want great coffee for a great cause, get yourself some excellent beans from Equator Coffees.
  • The headline of this post mentions a new Shinola watch, and that’s exactly what I had the chance to cover recently for Maxim. The Shinola Ice Monster is a burly, rugged and yet stylish watch that draws design inspiration from Michigan’s frigid winters, which I can’t help but remember (sometimes fondly, sometimes not so fondly). It’s here in time for fall and winter, so act accordingly.

As far as today’s Friday Read goes, well, we’re just about wrapped up around these parts. I’ll leave you with one final buying recommendation for fall, and that’s to pick up the season’s most versatile shirt from Western Rise. Head to my blog post here to check out the the Western Rise AirLight Shirt, a shirt that’ll fit right in both on a weekend drive or a weekend park stroll without missing a beat. Make it yours, then reap the rewards. And while you’re at it, amp up your grooming game with the best men’s grooming sets and perhaps a new pair of Wolverine men’s boots to round out your style favorites.

Most importantly: Thanks for reading & stay safe!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: USA-Made Boots from FRYE, Faherty Gives Back & A New Bespoke Post Jacket

The coolest denim jacket for a fall weekend — or a winter weekend.

Folks, I’m here to tell you as we kick off today’s Friday Read that I think I’ve found it. What exactly is it? Well, it’s nothing less than the best denim jacket for fall and winter, the Line of Trade Montana Winterized Denim Trucker Jacket, a standout new addition to the Bespoke Post Web site that you should shop ASAP. As it were, I’m going to be reviewing this Line of Trade denim jacket very soon, and in fact, I had the chance to check it out virtually via Zoom as part of the Bespoke Post Holiday Preview last week (the days of menswear events are far off in the future, sadly!). The great news is, this jacket is available right now in advance of colder weather. And let me tell you this: Right now won’t be the last you hear of this stellar denim jacket, and you can even spot it in an upcoming #OOTD post on this very site in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned, folks.

In the meantime, today’s Friday Read is packed with a heck of a lot of the best gear for fall, so I know you’ll find picks aplenty in the meantime. As for me, I’m going to stay busy this weekend working on my newsletter — The Style Guide In Brief — and you should be sure to subscribe if you want a twice-weekly (Tuesday and Saturday!) dose of menswear, gear, craft beer & naturally, indie rock. It’s all in a day’s work, folks. If you want more seasonal style content, be sure to check out my bylines at Maxim and GearMoose, too. For now, I’m off to take a fall stroll in search of a classic fall beer — and lest we forget, my beloved Michigan State Spartans return (safely, I hope!) to the college football gridiron this weekend. Go Green! It’s the theme of the weekend, after all. Here’s the rest of the Friday Read below.

Perfectly rugged boots that also go towards a good cause.

  • Here’s some great news for you if you like your purchases to give back AND look great at the same time. FRYE, the brand you know and love from this blog (and elsewhere!), is donating $10 to Feeding America for every pair of Made in USA shoes sold in October. My favorite styles include picks like the rugged-yet-ever-so-slightly-dressy Logan Cap Toe Boots and the tough-as-nails FRYE Prison Boots for all-day style this fall and winter. They’re both investment-level boots, but assuredly worth it — for both style and a good cause.
Faherty Legend Sweater Shirt

More stylish menswear that gives back, thanks to Faherty.

  • But wait, there’s more when it comes to giving back and looking great while doing so.  Faherty Brand, a personal favorite of mine for classic pieces like the Faherty Legend Sweater Shirt as seen above, is donating 100 percent of proceeds from indigenous-inspired print menswear to Doug Good Feather’s Lakota Way Healing Center — how’s that for a deal you can get behind this season, ehh?
  • Let’s ease into a fall weekend with a perfectly crafted seasonal sipper, shall we? I’ve recently been testing out Spiribam’s Clement Barrel Rhum, a longstanding Caribbean rum favorite you can enjoy in simple rum cocktails or better yet, as an after-dinner sipper. Of course, there’s good news: You can get some of fall’s best rum delivered to you via alcohol delivery service Drizly.
  • We’ve talked spirits, we’ve talked menswear, we’ve talked boots … let’s talk about men’s grooming essentials. I’ve also had the chance to test out the highly effective Disco Face Moisturizer, and it’s with dry fall weather on the way that I’m recommending you check out this brand now. They’re making unique grooming picks with innovative ingredients like eucalyptus, all the better to nourish your skin and reduce inflammation. Pick up some now and look sharp, even as cold weather rolls in.

Before I let you head off into the weekend, dreaming of a rum cocktail or a new winterized denim jacket, allow me to offer up one more fall buying guide. Perhaps a fall road trip is in your future, yes? In that case, check out my guide on how to dress for a fall road trip, featuring stylish sneakerboots, a tough denim jacket and so much more. And here’s one more reminder to hit Subscribe on my newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief, in time to get my Saturday dispatch (and next Tuesday’s of course). To connect with me further for weekend style tips aplenty, feel free to give me a follow on Twitter. OK, folks. Have a great one!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Boarding Pass NYC, The Timex Q Reissue Watch & the Best Fall and Winter Sunglasses

Running on into the weekend with Boarding Pass NYC — and a special discount just for you.

My friends, we’re going to do things just a bit different today to kick off the Friday Read. In fact, allow me to introduce you to one of my favorite brands — gear and travel accessories brand Boarding Pass NYC — run by my buddy Mike Arnot, out of Brooklyn. You should also keep reading to get a discount on Boarding Pass NYC (In short: $10 off any purchase over $70 with the code BEAUKNOWS). I’ve known Mike for years through the menswear trade show circuit in NYC and beyond, and in fact, Boarding Pass NYC was one of the first brands to send me some gear for review way back in the day (2015!). The roots run deep, and it’s with great pleasure that I caught up with Mike recently to talk Boarding Pass NYC’s past and future. Mike combined his background in marketing and communications with his passion for aviation, travel and his own Canadian military college background to launch the brand in 2012.

“I started it kind of as a hobby … if you’re wearing a business casual outfit, you don’t necessarily want to have the (gym) duffel bag to wear with your gear. We have purposefully created more stylish duffel bags … not made of plastic, made of good quality materials, stylish (and) with colorways that are more evergreen.”

If you like what you hear, again, here’s a reminder that you can head to the brand’s Web site and use the code BEAUKNOWS to get $10 off any purchase over $70 — my first recommended pick is the aptly named, affordably priced “Work Hard, Play Hard” Duffel Bag, one  of the best weekender bags for fall trips. As it were, the bag retails for the excellent price of $79. And if you’ve followed Boarding Pass NYC for a while, you might also recognize the brand’s famed luggage tags. Boarding Pass NYC also sells through sites like J. Crew, with a strong E-commerce base. They also gained crucial early support from outlets like GQ, so you know they can deliver the goods.

The “Work Hard, Play Hard” Duffel is a great pick-up from Boarding Pass NYC, no doubt about it.

 

As Mike says, “it evolved over time to be more carry-oriented products. We’re making lifestyle products for all of your journeys,” from the subway to the airport and back. Speaking of the airport: Mike’s passion for aviation runs deep, seeing as he has his pilot’s license and is quite confident flying (I should know — I’ve been up in the air with him!). That aviation focus extends to some seriously cool vintage travel-themed accessories on the site, too. But back to that promo. If you want an affordable, stylish, functional duffel bag, you want Boarding Pass NYC. This promo is running through November, and this certainly won’t be the last you hear about the brand.

Once more before you click through the rest of the Friday Read, use the code BEAUKNOWS to get $10 off any purchase over $70 at Boarding Pass NYC. And now: Here are a few other choice picks for your fall weekend reading pleasure. Enjoy, my friends!

You can’t top this incredibly cool, affordable watch.

  • Let’s talk about an utterly classic fall beer, shall we? In fact, you can enjoy the Rogue Dead Guy Ale just about any time of year (with the exception of the high heat of summer, perhaps), but it seems to me that this Maibock-style beer would do exceptionally well for the colder months (Take my word for it — I’ve tried it!). And best of all? You can get this beer delivered to you via Drizly in a matter of hours. Cheers to that!
  • Eyecare remains critical through fall and winter — trust me on that — and it’s with this in mind that I covered the best fall and winter sunglasses for Maxim.com. With picks ranging from Persol to Oakley, there really is something for everyone on that list, and that’s a guarantee from yours truly.

It’s with fall style on the brain that I’ll leave you with two final tasks for your weekend. Task no. 1: Head over to this post to shop the Schott NYC Cafe Racer Jacket at UNCRATE, and be prepared to get your hands on a leather jacket you’ll have for years and years to come. Task no. 2: Head over to my twice-weekly newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief, and hit “Subscribe” to get dispatches delivered to your inbox covering everything from menswear and gear to indie rock and craft beer (all my passions, and hopefully some of yours, too)! With both those tasks accomplished, I’d say your fall weekend is ready to start right now. Cheers, my friends!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Fall Whiskey, the Best Pants for Fall and the Aston Martin Residence

Michter's Whiskey

Some of your new favorite fall whiskey? Quite possibly.

I don’t know about you, but as we kick off today’s Friday Read, I’m feeling more in the spirit of fall already, just by looking at the excellent lineup of Michter’s Whiskey above. I’m particularly a fan of Michter’s US-1 Kentucky Straight Rye, an exceptional whiskey to enjoy in an Old Fashioned (if you prefer a Rye Old Fashioned). As I’ve mentioned in my newsletter (The Style Guide In Brief — be sure to subscribe!), you can use alcohol delivery service Drizly to get some sent right to your door — how’s that for a Friday night, ehh? It’s with that sort of spirt that I’ve been enjoying fall in Brooklyn, including a few (safe) stops at excellent whiskey and craft beer bar Sycamore, which features a backyard and patio set-up that’s perfect for enjoying a cocktail under the stars while it’s still nice out. It’s the kind of place that serves Michter’s Whiskey, too — a great spot, all in all.

For your own fall adventures, today’s Friday Read is jam-packed, per usual. Before I send you into the weekend, I’m going to also recommend you follow my Work From Home playlist on Spotify, featuring the kind of laidback indie rock jams to soundtrack a day and night at home — and a post-work happy hour with Michter’s Whiskey, naturally. Let’s get into the rest of it below — cheers to the season!

  • Folks, here’s another men’s style essential for fall that you’ll recognize if you read my gear-indie rock-craft beer newsletter: The American Giant Roughneck Pants, as worthy a pair of pants for your fall weekend as any. These are some of the most rugged men’s pants out there, featuring a durable stretch canvas fabric that retains its polish thanks to a slim fit and classic five-pocket pant styling. Wear them in place of jeans when you want to go ever-so-slightly rugged, yet versatile. Again, perfect pants for the weekend, ehh?
  • Dreaming of a James Bond-inspired getaway? Add a bit more to your budget in that case, because Aston Martin just unveiled seriously cool plans for its first-ever private residence, an incredible estate set in Rhinebeck, New York and featuring an underground lair and wine cellar (yes, believe it). Even better? I had the chance to write about it for Maxim, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

An old-school pullover that’s as great as it gets.

HELM Boots- $50 Off Your First Purchase

Once again, it’s with the weekend in mind that I leave you with today’s final pick. For nights at home, plugged into your record player or listening to a Spotify playlist (like the one I mentioned above!), you can’t go wrong with some Master & Dynamic headphones, crafted in NYC. I reviewed them in this blog post, and needless to say, they’re some of the best Bluetooth headphones on the market. To let me know what you’re listening to at the moment, be sure to join me on Twitter. Thanks, as always, for reading!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: New GlassesUSA Eyewear, An Everlane Cardigan & the Best Beer for Fall

Just a few of the stylish eyewear options from Champion and GlassesUSA.com for your weekend.

My friends, can you see clearly heading into the weekend? Get it? Well, your eyewear and sunglasses rotation is about to get a heck of a lot more stylish heading into Saturday and beyond, thanks to the exclusive launch of the Champion x GlassesUSA.com Collection last week. That’s right — the lauded athletic brand is teaming up with one of the best eyeglass retailers out there. You might remember GlassesUSA.com from another edition of the Friday Read covering the best blue light glasses, and this new launch is a welcome addition to the brand’s rotation of the best men’s eyeglasses out there. Consider shopping Champion x GlassesUSA to keep your eyes in fine form heading into fall, folks. So, we’ve got that out there — what else is on the rest of your fall weekend to-do list?

I’ll certainly do my best to keep you entertained and well-stocked in matters of style in today’s Friday Read, so stay tuned for more below. Perhaps you’re also of the mind to subscribe to my newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief? Every Tuesday and Saturday, I send out a dispatch via Substack covering the best seasonal gear, the best craft beer and whiskey or coffee and indie rock to soundtrack your reading and shopping. Fun, right? I certainly think so, and I’d be honored if you subscribed. In the meantime, you can check out my bylines at GearMoose.com and Maxim.com, naturally. As for me, well, I’ll be checking out favorite spots like Threes Brewing in Brooklyn this weekend for safe and distanced to-go beers, and if you’ll be doing something similar, consider this a virtual toast to fall.

Everlane Felted Merino Cardigan

Possibly your new favorite cardigan? Yes, very possibly indeed.

PAIGE Cooper Shirt

Possibly the best casual shirt for fall? You decide.

Now, before we go our separate ways (at least until tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week!), let me leave you with one last essential fall buy: The FRYE Tyler Boots, as covered here on the blog, are easily some of the best men’s boots for fall, what with their rugged good looks and durability, plus plenty of seasonal style potential. Check out my post, then be sure to outfit yourself accordingly with a pair of the best fall boots, my friends. OK, that’s all I’ve got today. Stay safe out there this weekend, my friends. Cheers!

 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A New Timex Watch, The American Giant Vault Collection & Everlane Jeans

Timex Allied Watch

A durable, casual and rugged watch to wear all fall.

First things first: I’d say it’s well and truly *time* to step into the weekend right now with anoher edition of The Friday Read, preferably with the rugged Timex Allied Watch (as seen above and as sold by UNCRATE) on your wrist. It’s one of the best men’s casual watches I’ve seen in some time, and one of the most affordable watches of the moment, for that matter (it retails for $125 at UNCRATE). The Timex Allied Watch has rugged good looks and easygoing style to pair with all your seasonal favorites — a few of which we’ll cover today, of course. It’s been a busy few weeks around here in terms of fall style, what with plenty of new products finding their way to my Brooklyn HQ (read: apartment), from the excellent Faherty Brand Legend Sweater Shirt to some new Mott and Bow denim (all as seen on my Instagram, of course).

logo

I’m feeling more than ready for fall to pick up in earnest — how about you? I’ve definitely been busy on the writing front, covering the best weekender bags over at Maxim.com and writing about the best bourbons for National Bourbon Heritage Month for GearMoose, too. I’ve also been making sure to support my favorite craft beer breweries in Brooklyn when possible, including picking up some to-go beers at Gold Star Beer Counter, all the better to enjoy in my craft beer growler at home. Perhaps you’re in much the same boat? It’s tough to not be able to enjoy a brewery or beer bar in person, but I’m urging you (and reminding myself!) to stay safe and strong in the meantime. To get your weekend started off on the right foot, check out a few choice reads below.

One more note: Have you subscribed to my gear, music & beer newsletter The Style Guide In Brief? You get two free dispatches delivered right to your inbox every Tuesday and Saturday.

A seriously limited-edition American Giant hoodie to power your fall weekends.

  • Let’s get right down to it: This fall, you’re going to need a stylish hooded sweatshirt for casual weekends and outdoor adventures aplenty. You might as well go ahead and make it a limited-edition hoodie from the American Giant Vault Collection, for that matter. The Vault Collection is the latest sustainability initiative from the brand — they’ve built one of the best men’s hoodies out of old, unused fabric, inspired by the ingenuity needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vault “opened up” this past Monday, and prior to that, American Giant had a waitlist of thousands wanting to get their hands on this sweatshirt. How cool is that!? Assuredly, all those fans can’t be wrong. Stay tuned for more from the Vault Collection this fall.
Everlane Uniform Collection

A perfect pair of black jeans for fall — right?

Luminox Land Collection

The toughest adventure watch your money can buy? Very nearly.

So, what’ll it be to start your weekend? Will you be checking out the American Giant Vault Collection and getting your hands on your new favorite hoodie? Perhaps shopping some slim black jeans from the the Everlane Uniform Collection is more your stride, or better yet on the accessories front, maybe the Luminox Atacama Adventurer is now on your fall style wish list (I know it’s on mine). As for me, I’ll be trying to narrow down my own personal style wish list. One last thing: If you could use some fall weekend style inspiration, you can’t go wrong with my guide on how to wear a waxed trucker jacket this season. It’s everything you need, and then some. Wherever your weekend adventures take you, stay safe, stay stylish and thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Red Wing Boots Giveaway, New Mott and Bow Denim & Tom Brady’s New Sunglasses

Men's Classic Moc 6-Inch Boot in Brown Leather 1907 | Red Wing Shoes

An iconic pair of classic Red Wing boots, and just one of the many covetable pairs on offer from the brand this season.

My friends, it’s time you stepped into fall with a pair of Red Wing moc toe boots (available via UNCRATE) — like the rugged leather boots shown above, in fact. I’ve got some even better news, though. You’ve got a chance to win your own pair of archival Red Wing Heritage boots right now. The legendary footwear company is opening the Red Wing vault this fall, releasing a limited vintage footwear offering each month — one pair per month, with some styles dating back to 1963. Simply head to the brand’s Instagram page to find out more. And if, in addition to trying your luck, you’d also like to buy some Red Wing boots right now, you can snag ’em at retailers like UNCRATE in the meantime. Alright, now that we’ve stepped on into the weekend a little bit, who’s ready to get down to business?

There’s plenty to get excited about in the world of men’s style as we get ever closer to fall. To help you prepare for the season ahead, I’ve started writing for Huckberry’s revamped Journal — it’s back and better than ever, and I’m so pleased to be able to cover the best waxed trucker jackets and plenty more along the way. I’ve also kept plenty busy contributing to Maxim.com to start fall — more on that below, too! And before I put on another pot of coffee and start to scheme my next brewery visit (likely to Brooklyn’s Threes Brewing!), I’ve also got to shout that you can (and should!) hit Subscribe to get my newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief, delivered twice-weekly to your inbox — every Tuesday and Saturday, in fact. I’m talking indie rock, craft beer, the best fall gear and much, much more. How about it? Of course, you can also swing back through the blog tomorrow to check out my Style Pick of the Week. The rest of your Friday Read awaits below.

Men's - Faherty Brand

The best way to prep for the season ahead? Gear up with Faherty Brand, folks.

American Giant Hoodie Review - AllOutdoor.com

  • Here we are with more of the best gear for a fall weekend. In fact, it comes from a brand you probably recognize from the blog: That, my friends, would be the good folks at American Giant. With a focus on casual, rugged men’s basics — including the best hooded sweatshirt for fall — the American Giant team is on the case when it comes to outfitting you in easy-going yet cool style for the season ahead. After all, when you put in the hours and focus on American-made menswear, the results are going to speak for themselves. Note that the brand has also shifted production to make some of the best face masks on the market during these trying times, too.
  • As I mentioned above, I’ve certainly stayed plenty busy on the writing front, including a recent feature for Maxim.com that’s definitely a highlight of my writing career. I caught up with NFL legend Tom Brady to talk all about his new eyewear collaboration with Danish brand Christopher Cloos! The partnership features plenty of stylish sunglasses and Blue Light eyeglasses, too. Read more before you snap up a (surprisingly affordable!) pair.

Well, how about it? Are you ready for the weekend — and ready to stock up on the best men’s gear for fall, no less? I certainly know I am. In the spirit of always being ready for what lies ahead, I’m going to point you toward my 25 best men’s gear picks for fall, an extensive offering (if I do say so myself) that really does have something for everyone. To wit: I cover everything from stylish leather boots to American-made socks, classic Persol sunglasses,   Filson Dry Tin 5-Pocket Pants and much, much more. Sounds too good to pass up, does it not? My friends, thank you for reading, thank you for being here & let’s start the weekend off right.

 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Labor Day Weekend, How to Wear a Denim Shirt & Grilling Essentials

Probably Whiskey Mug - Cool Material

A well-appointed way to head into the weekend, right?

Cheers, my friends, to the impending start of Labor Day weekend. Let’s kick it off with a choice beverage via Swag Brewery’s Probably Whiskey Mugs at Cool Material — perfect for a camping trip, a cabin weekend or a bonfire. But back to Labor Day: Can you believe it’s here already? As I always tend to say when the summer wraps up, it feels like we were just talking about the best summer shorts or the best way to wear boat shoes. Rest assured, both of those tips will still come in handy, because of course, it’s prime time to close out the season the right way. So, here we are.

Be it the best grilling essentials for Labor Day weekend or, say, a new way to wear a denim shirt, it’s all below in today’s Friday Read. Those picks today will also include a stylish watch from the well-appointed UNCRATE Supply Shop, which holds a bevy of the best gear picks for men. Of course, there’s one thing you should also take care of before and during the weekend, and that’s getting your favorite beer delivered right to your door. You’ll see this in future posts here on the blog, but I’ve taken to using Drizly alcohol delivery to get my favorite craft beers in a flash, along with whiskey and much more.

Speaking of gear picks for men, have you had the honor of subscribing to my newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief? Of course, I only kid. But if you want a  bit more of The Style Guide than I’ve got room for here, from indie rock to coffee to the best gear picks, twice a week, do yourself a favor and subscribe. I’ve featured favorite bands like Future Islands and The War On Drugs alongside some of my favorite boots and more. It’s a good time, guaranteed.

How will you be enjoying your weekend? I’m going to be capping my time off in Florida in relaxing fashion, heading to Orlando to (safely) see my sister, and what’s more, experience (safely!) Universal Orlando Studios. It’s always a favorite of the Hayhoe family, especially The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (a huge part of my childhood!). To follow along with all my adventures in style, be sure to follow me on Instagram. For now, I’m off to kick back, listen to the new album by The Killers and enjoy what’s (probably) some coffee. Cheers & thank you for reading!

A rugged, durable, affordable watch for late summer and early fall.

Vintage-inspired high-top sneakers that’ll come in handy for fall.

Let’s close this thing out by talking about early fall style, OK? I’ve got a pair of rugged leather boots for you right now that’ll come in handy on September adventures, as well as when the weather takes a turn for the worse in the season ahead. The Taylor Stitch Moto Boots are about as good as it gets if you want some of the best leather boots for men, and that’s just a fact. Read my full Taylor Stitch boots review for more. As always, thank you again for reading — have a great weekend and let’s look toward fall in style. I’ll raise a glass to that!

 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: New HELM Sneakers, A New Watch from UNCRATE & The Best Fall Jacket

HELM Cole Sneakers

Rugged, hiking boot-inspired sneakers that’ll offer plenty of fall wearability.

Thank you, my friends, for joining us for another edition of The Friday Read, where we’re starting things off with the right *step* for the weekend. I’m talking, naturally, about the excellent, brand-new HELM Boots Cole Sneakers as seen above. That’s right — the makers of some of your favorite boots (as covered here on the blog!) are launching the brand’s first pair of sneakers, and it’s fitting that they’re a nice hybrid between sneakers and boots. I love the HELM Cole Sneakers in rich wheat leather, and I dig the hiking-style speed lacing and the versatile high-top construction. The best new sneakers for fall? Very possibly. Remember, you can get $50 off your first order at HELM, plus free shipping. So, that’s my recommended footwear pick for many a weekend ahead. Onward to the rest of the weekend. And yes, another reminder to check out my Tuesday-and-Saturday newsletter if you just can’t get enough of what we’ve got going on here. The Style Guide In Brief won’t let you down. 

Frank And Oak

As for me, I’m still enjoying a bit of R&R (call it a working vacation) visiting my parents in Florida — talk about a much-needed break. We’ve been able to hit the beach for some socially distanced sunshine, we’ve made plenty of trips to support local craft brewery Point Ybel Brewing (get the Kitten’s Paw, a light and refreshing hoppy pils!) and I’ve been able to work on features for the likes of Maxim.com (including a piece on the best leather sneakers) and GearMoose, naturally. I’ll be headed back to New York in the coming days, but have really loved being able to rest and relax down here. Hopefully, your weekend is filled with plenty of menswear, plenty of time to kick back, and perhaps some listening to the new album by The Killers. Cheers to the weekend, my friends.

Introducing MW07 PLUS True Wireless Earphones in Black Pearl

An iconic, one-of-a-kind watch – without a doubt.

The Gibson Jacket in Charcoal Birdseye Wool | Taylor Stitch…

Pre-order this classic wool jacket in advance of fall right now.

  • I’ve got a bit more of an affordable deal for you now these days — for a limited time only, the outstanding Taylor Stitch Gibson Jacket (a combination travel jacket and blazer and perhaps the best fall jacket) is available for a discount via the Taylor Stitch Workshop, so you best get on it. What’s more, you can read my full Taylor Stitch review over at GearMoose.
Topo Designs Summer Sale

Yes, it’s true — you can, and should, head over to Topo Designs to shop this standout sale. 

  • Ready to look towards the trail and the weekend? You best gear up over at Topo Designs, and more specifically, with the Topo Designs Summer Sale, featuring plenty of top picks for on and off the trail. To make it easy on you, I’d recommend you get the rugged Topo Designs Field Plaid Shirt or the Field Pants, quite possibly some of the best men’s field pants around.
  • Speaking of new gear, what could be a better way to close out summer and welcome fall than with a versatile men’s watch from Shinola? Check out my full rundown on the Shinola Duck Watch for Maxim, and then get ready to get out on the water to end summer.

Folks, that’ll do it for today’s Friday Read. I’ve got one more shopping recommendation for you, though. If you missed last Saturday’s Style Pick of the Week, now’s the chance to redeem yourself. I wrote all about the excellent Taylor Stitch California Chambray Shirt, so you would do very well to read my Taylor Stitch review before you power through the day. Enjoy the weekend, my friends. Cheers!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Jack Black Grooming, Sustainable Sneakers & The American Trench Sale

GREATS Royale Eco Canvas

The most sustainable sneakers for your weekend and the season ahead? It sure seems like it.

Let’s step right on into the weekend with some of the most sustainable sneakers on the market, shall we? The pair you see above are perfectly ready for one of the last true weekends of summer: We’re talking, of course, about the GREATS Royale Eco Canvas, a recent addition to the Brooklyn-based sneaker brand‘s line of classic, subtly minimal sneakers for guys.  I’ve been a big fan of GREATS for years, and to power your weekend, I’d surely recommend you snap up some of, well, the best sneakers for men (and they also make women’s sneakers, naturally). Recycled cotton canvas uppers and a custom lining highlighting the brand’s commitment to sustainability set these stylish sneakers apart, too. Seriously, how about that to start your weekend?

Everlane.com Low Cost. High Quality. Classic wardrobe essentials for less!

My own weekend is off to a pretty swimming start, if I do say so myself — literally, in fact. Since early last week, I’ve been with my parents and sister in quiet, laidback Fort Myers, Florida. Quiet and laidback given the ongoing pandemic, and also quiet and laidback given the remote beaches we’ve been able to safely visit. We’ve also managed to pick up to-go craft beer from Point Ybel Brewing, a personal favorite of any trip. All along the way, I’ve managed to get some quality time with family while working on the blog (there’s a new Style Pick  of the Week coming up tomorrow!), plus my ongoing writing work at Maxim.com and GearMoose.

Freemans Sporting Club

To start your weekend right, I’ve assembled the below men’s style deals and picks. What’s more, I know exactly how to soundtrack your weekend — the just-released, propulsive, emotional, joyous “Imploding The Mirage” by Las Vegas rock legends The Killers. How’s that for a weekend kick-off, ehh?? I’ll have it on rotation for days to come. Back to a bit of menswear, though — check it all out below.

Everlane Sweatpants

The coolest new sweatpants to wear from summer into fall.

  • For these casual days at home and beyond, I’m going to point you toward a brand I’ve long admired: San Francisco-based Everlane, a subject on the blog here dating back to 2015. Here in the present, they’ve just launched the excellent-looking, affordably priced Everlane French Terry Sweatpants, part of the made-to-be-mixed-and-matched Everlane Uniform Collection. Think daily style staples that look great and are made with radical transparency in mind. The best men’s sweatpants to wear at home? You decide. 
20th Anniversary

20 years of the best men’s grooming gear from Jack Black, done up in a limited-edition capsule collection.

American Trench Summer Sale

Plenty of stylish menswear and gear here for the taking here from American Trench.

Paige Men

OK, so we’re almost wrapped up here today. But again, before I let you loose on the weekend, I’ve got one last suggested bit of shopping and reading. If it’s a rugged base layer or a stylish T-shirt to wear all on its own that you seek, you’re going to want to check out my post on the best pocket T-shirt for men (from NYC’s Freemans Sporting Club, of course). Enjoy, gear up, get out there — and make sure you subscribe to my newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief (a new edition drops tomorrow!). Alright, it’s time for me to get some more coffee. Cheers to the weekend!