Tag / the friday read

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: New Workwear from Huckberry, A New Glenlivet Scotch & Stylish Converse Sneakers

Flint and Tinder workwear review.

It’s hard to believe it’s already March 1st, is it not? The year is flying by in leaps and bounds, from my Brooklyn birthday weekend to NYFW to some exciting March travel plans on the horizon (more on those to follow in the weeks ahead on my Instagram!).

There’s plenty in store, and naturally, I plan to take it on in style, specifically with a few choice pieces from Huckberry and the new Flint and Tinder Workwear Collection. If you read the blog on the regular, you’re no stranger to the famed in-house brand at Huckberry, which looks to the past — silhouettes like trucker jackets, chambray shirts and classic blue jeans — to update rugged gear for the modern man.

Flint and Tinder workwear review.

And the new workwear line is packed with some seriously cool (new and old) favorites, from a flannel-lined denim trucker jacket to corduroy mill pants, one of the best chambray workshirts and even a handsome quilted Western shirt that’s worth your time and hard-earned cash.

The Flint and Tinder Workwear Collection is just one of the fine finds I’ve had my eye on this week as I cover the worlds of menswear, spirits and more. Here are a few other tips to animate your weekend in fine fashion, my friends.

  • If you read the blog or follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I’m also deeply interested in the world of fine Scotch (and bourbon, of course), but Scotch is my pick today. Over at Maxim, I wrote about a curious experiment in the world of Scotch: The Glenlivet deconstructed, and then put back together, bourbon and rum casks to finish its legendary Scotch, and the results were exceedingly delicious. Head to Maxim for the full rundown.
  • What’s in your sneaker rotation lately? As we inch ever closer toward spring, it might be time to think about dusting off some fresh kicks. And basketball fans have a new option (also covered by yours truly at Maxim!) — that’d be the reintroduced, revamped Converse Weapon, a high-top style (with a new low-top edition) famously worn by Larry Bird. Check out the rundown over at Maxim.
Shop Converse sneakers and more at Maxim
  • Here’s one more tip for your reading and shopping pleasure this weekend. As you know, I can’t get enough of a great deal on some of the best menswear, especially designer menswear from Billy Reid. That’s precisely why you should dive into this post covering the Billy Reid End of Season Sale, which offers a slew of deals on plenty of refined essentials and daily must-haves. Those savings are yours for the taking, my friends.
Shop the Billy Reid End of Season Sale now

That’s going to wrap up today’s post covering the best menswear to read about and shop this weekend, my friends. Any questions or comments? Feel free to swing back through tomorrow for our Style Pick of the Week, where we’ll keep things rolling all weekend long with style in mind. Cheers, folks!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Start Of New York Fashion Week 2024

New York Fashion Week 2024.

My friends, it’s upon us again: New York Fashion Week, a momentous occasion that always lights up New York City in a cold, bleak midwinter. I’ve had the pleasure of attending New York Fashion Week for years now in some capacity, whether as part of my many freelance writing pursuits or during my days working in fashion PR. The question is, how does NYFW translate to this here style blog, which usually focuses on everyday, tried-and-true brands like Bespoke Post and Huckberry?

Shop Huckberry for menswear right now

It’s a great question, and one that I think about often. For example, at the top of the page, Todd Snyder is putting on one of his always-excellent runway shows. For a designer raised in the Midwest, Snyder’s roots are about as far from NYFW as any (as are mine, hailing from Michigan!)

And yet, he accents his everyday pieces like a rugged lambswool sweater or stretch selvedge denim with a touch of flair, like one of the best men’s overcoats. It’s a worthy mantra: Sticking with tried-and-true essentials, and then adding touches of personality in an appropriate fashion (pun intended).

Shop everyday classics at Todd Snyder

Am I encouraging faithful readers of The Style Guide to drop tens of thousands on a new wardrobe from Tom Ford or Calvin Klein or Michael Kors? Certainly not — but in the right situation, some trends (like overcoats with texture and refinement, for instance) can really shine through.

But enough about NYFW – we’ll have two posts coming up this weekend covering rugged classics as per tradition, the kind you can wear far beyond the runway. Follow along with me on Instagram to keep up with NYFW pursuits, from runway shows to afterparties, and just know I’ll be keeping an eye out for the best ways to bring it all home for The Style Guide. Thanks, as always, for reading!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Talking New Year’s 2024 Style Resolutions

Best Timex watches for men.

My friends, welcome to the first Friday Read of 2024! It’s hard to believe, but as of this writing, I’ll have been running this humble style blog for more than a decade, from my college bedroom back in Michigan to my abode in Brooklyn (which you might have seen glimpses of if you follow me on Instagram).

It’s all a great time for reflection and perspective, especially with a new year already barreling by rather quickly. Crucially, it’s one of my favorite times to think on the best menswear essentials to guide the path ahead (perhaps including a new timepiece — like the one above — from my friends at Huckberry, yes?).

Shop menswear for a new year at Huckberry

As we’ve talked about here on the blog, a new year can be a great time for a style reset or revamp, or it can be a great time to consider what you like about your wardrobe, what you want to continue wearing and what you might need to switch up entirely. There are really no hard-and-fast rules out there (some of the time, at least). Sure, more casual trends like athleisure are firmly now in the mainstream, yes, but some guidelines certainly still apply.

And here at The Style Guide, we go for a mix of versatility, comfort and effortless style, with an emphasis on classics updated for modern times.

Timex x Huckberry 2024.

Take the rugged, durable Timex x Huckberry watch at the top of the page — it’s the kind of timepiece you can wear on your wrist alongside the rolled sleeves of an Oxford shirt, but it’s dependable enough to wear in the yard for days of winter work.

Best wool winter blazer for men.

As to some of those other rules out there: Black tie dress codes are still black tie, big-time client and work meetings might still require a suit, but if you find yourself shifting between say, working from home, hitting the road and heading back into the office, things might tend to feel a bit all over the place.

Hopefully, this blog is a helpful resource, since style is rarely ever just “one thing” — it’s the right blazer and chinos at the office, but it’s knowing when you can mix in a chambray shirt, or when you should opt for an Oxford shirt and knit tie, for instance. You see, folks? Versatility is the key, and you should look to pieces that move seamlessly between scenarios.

Best men's chinos for 2024.

That’s why I tend to lean on brands I can trust, brands that make modern variations of the classics. I’m talking about the kind of pieces and brands that you can mix and match, be it a Buck Mason Oxford shirt and a Huckberry wool blazer or Taylor Stitch chinos, a rugged henley and a shawl-collar cardigan for a blend of high-low style. At least, that’s how I’ve found myself dressing on frigid Brooklyn winter days so far.

Shop menswear upgrades for a new year at Buck Mason

For me, it’s all about striving to put my best foot forward: Even when working from home, I choose to opt for comfortable yet stylish basics like a merino T-shirt and stretch joggers, the kind I feel comfortable even wearing to run errands around the neighborhood.

What are your menswear resolutions in 2024?

Use The Style Guide to help get there!

How about you? I’d love to hear about your style goals for the new year: Do you want to dress up more “just because,” be it days at the office or date night? Do you want to find the perfect pair of jeans and rugged leather boots? Or do you want to upgrade your off-duty joggers and sneakers for remote work? Or, heck, something else entirely?

And what brands are you relying on to get the job done to kick off a new year? Keep me posted in the comments below and on The Style Guide Facebook page, and here’s to an even more resourceful, stylish and yes, fun year here on this very blog! Cheers, my friends, thank you for reading and let’s really get after it in 2024.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: What to Wear on New Year’s Eve, The Huckberry See You Out There Sale & The Year’s Best Menswear

Best menswear to buy now at Huckberry.

As the year draws to a close, reflection and perspective is top of mind here at The Style Guide and elsewhere in my neck of the woods. I’ve got plenty to look back on, after all, in my many freelance writing pursuits, which took me everywhere from Morocco to Minneapolis to Boston to cherished family time in Florida and nights spent at more than a few of New York City’s best bars. Thank you for following along on Instagram and via this blog — and that gratitude is an understatement!

Follow along on Instagram

But before we can ring in 2024 and start talking about men’s style resolutions for the months ahead, there’s some business on my own list. You’ve no doubt seen the fact that Huckberry is running one of the best menswear sales of the year right now, the site’s #SeeYouOutThere Sale, and it’s as prime a time as any to refresh your wardrobe for the weeks ahead.

We’ll be giving you one final reminder on Sunday as we close out 2023, but for now, start your watch and keep track as the minutes tick away on menswear savings.

Learn more now at Huckberry

As for me this weekend, I’m closing out the new year where it started: Back in Brooklyn, with plans to visit the Arlo Williamsburg this coming Sunday night for a special soiree to welcome what lies ahead. What’s on your own agenda? In the meantime, perhaps some quick and easy online shopping for your favorite menswear will prove fruitful. Take your time with a few of my top weekend reading picks below, and then get ready to add a few items to your cart, my friends.

Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser review.
  • I tend to cover plenty of brands I admire and appreciate here on the blog, especially brands with an heirloom-quality attention to detail and rugged aesthetic. Chief among those brands? The good folks at Filson, and it seems many of the dedicated readers of The Style Guide (thank you!) feel the same way: In fact, my Filson review of the Filson Tin Cloth Short Lined Cruiser Jacket was the most popular new post published on the blog this year! How about that? If you scoop up this jacket now, you’ll undoubtedly reap the rewards throughout 2024 (and many years beyond that).
  • New Year’s Eve is very quickly bearing down on us, so while you might only have just enough time to secure an online order for a few new items, you can still take some style inspiration from the experts. In this case, my friends at Style Girlfriend put together a very handy guide on what to wear on New Year’s Eve, so consider your next #OOTD sorted.

  • Now, there are plenty of the best men’s style Web sites that I respect and read frequently, one of them being Valet Mag. In the spirit of reflecting on the year and perhaps refreshing your wardrobe and home goods assortment, take a look at Valet Mag’s best products of 2023. There’s something for everyone on that list, my friends.

Now, I’ve said it at least once before and I’ll say it again: I know the final weekend of the year is an exhilarating one (hopefully!), with plans to close out 2023 and welcome 2024 with open arms in style. But before we get there, note once more the Huckberry #SeeYouOutThere Sale — and stay tuned for another brief reminder this coming Sunday. For now, stay stylish, stay safe and have a cold beer for me later!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Holiday Gifts from Bespoke Post, the Best Winter Boot Socks & Winter’s Best Parkas

Best holiday gifts from Bespoke Post.

Well, folks, we’ve made it: The final push before Christmas and a great last chance to stock up on the best men’s holiday gifts from some of your favorite online retailers. Perhaps by now, you’re all stocked up on men’s gifts from Bespoke Post and sites like Huckberry, but consider the spread above (from Bespoke Post!) a reminder to cross off those last few names on your list.

Whether that person loves rugged sweaters, sleek watches, a durable flask or other everyday carry essentials, well, you know that if you read the blog, Bespoke Post has what you need (and that’s simply my own personal endorsement).

Learn more and shop now at Bespoke Post

Yes indeed, Bespoke Post is one of my go-to spots for holiday gift-giving, and again, it should prove much the same in your neck of the woods. As I wrap up my shopping (and start on wrapping!), I’ll be spending some much-needed time with family in Florida, relaxing, taking in the sunshine and enjoying a cold local beer from Point Ybel Brewing, per tradition.

What’s on your holiday slate? Here are a few choice reads to get you in the holiday spirit before Christmas Day dawns.

  • If you’ve been dealing with frigid winter weather, then here’s an option sure to help you sort things out: Head over to Maxim to check out my latest menswear guide, this one on the best parkas for winter. From purely functional to super-luxe, winter weather won’t stand in your way this season.
  • Right here on the blog, I covered a crucial, yet sometimes overlooked, style need — the need to step into the best boot socks for winter before you can put on a pair of your favorite leather boots. So, I took a deeper dive into WORN Brand Socks, a company I’ve been testing out back in Brooklyn these past few weeks — trust me, your feet will certainly thank you.
  • Allow me to make one last men’s style pick from Bespoke Post: Earlier this week, I wrote about how to save 30 percent on one of the best denim shirts from the famed NYC retailer, and this deal is still sticking around (just in time for rugged winter looks, yessir).

In the spirit of letting you get on with your holiday festivities, shopping, wrapping and imbibing, I’m closing up shop on today’s post. Hopefully, you found some style inspiration from the selections above. If not, well, we’ll be back here tomorrow and Sunday for my Style Pick of the Week, as well as some Christmas Eve savings via the Sunday Sale. In the meantime, thanks as ever for reading and stay stylish!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Heading West with Stranahan’s Whiskey

Stranahan's American Single Malt.

My friends, thanks for passing through The Style Guide as we launch headfirst into another winter weekend. We’re past the hustle and bustle of the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, but the pursuit is still a fast one when it comes to shopping for the best gifts for men (and for everyone on your list). I’ll have two new product recommendations of my own coming up this weekend, but I’m focused first and foremost on yet another whiskey-focused freelance writing trip.

If you follow me on Instagram or keep up with my many freelance writing pursuits, you’ll see I’ve had the exciting post-pandemic opportunity to dive headfirst into the industry, writing about everything from luxury Scotch to the best American bourbon and more. It’s a passion of mine alongside covering essentials like the best leather boots and the best men’s flannel shirts, of course.

And that passion extends to covering distilleries both old and new, traditional and innovative, like Stranahan’s American Single Malt Whiskey. That’s where this coming weekend will find me, as I trek to cold and snowy Denver for what should prove an epic weekend: It’s the annual release of the ultra-exclusive, distillery-only Stranahan’s Snowflake Whiskey, accompanied by a festival and lots of fanfare (and yes, great whiskey all around). To say I’m excited is likely an understatement!

Learn more at Stranahan’s

I’m also excited to spend time with Stranahan’s first-ever Head Blender, Justin Aden — the whiskey veteran just so happens to be a fellow graduate of my beloved Michigan State University, and that’s about as cool as it gets, if you ask me.

In the meantime, I’ll be bundled up with some of the best winter menswear in tow, and I’ll be sharing full details over on my Instagram. How’s that for a winter weekend? Stay warm, stay stylish and we’ll see you for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week. Thanks as always, my friends!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Very Best Black Friday & Cyber Monday Menswear Deals to Shop Now

Best Black Friday deals at Huckberry 2023.

It’s certainly not the first time I’ve said it this week, and it won’t be the last — it’s an outstanding time, and I mean positively outstanding, to shop the best deals for Black Friday.

Not just any deals, of course: There are plentiful savings in more menswear categories than you can shake a stick at, whether it’s buying a pair of the best men’s jeans, stocking up on the best holiday gifts at Huckberry or saving big on a new Shinola watch.

Shinola 10-Year Anniversary Sale.

Naturally, that’s just the tip of the iceberg as we dive wholeheartedly into the best Black Friday menswear deals (and more) to kick off your weekend. Of course, those deals will run well into Cyber Monday shopping, so there’s really no time to waste. Take note: Over at Maxim.com as part of my many freelance writing pursuits, I covered more than 70 of the best holiday weekend shopping deals. Yet here today on the blog, I’m going to do things a little differently.

KOIO Fabro

You see, I’ve decided to dial things down to the 10 best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for guys. It’s a crowded market out there, you’ve got minimal time to shop between taking of, well, everything else this holiday weekend, and besides, shouldn’t you make a beeline for the best online menswear brands anyways?

Make no mistake: Just because a brand doesn’t make this list doesn’t mean I don’t endorse ’em fully as a menswear resource. It’s just a new way to look at your wardrobe and your purchasing habits. So, without further ado, the below Cyber Week menswear deals get my seal of approval. Happy shopping out there my friends! Cheers!

Huckberry Black Friday deals 2023.
  • Huckberry: The proper way to lead off holiday weekend shopping? With one of the best online menswear shops, where you can shop hundreds of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on Flint & Tinder and many more. Learn more.
  • Bespoke Post: Get up to 40% off Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at the well-stocked NYC retailer, with savings on everything from bar cart essentials to rugged menswear and EDC gear. Learn more.
  • Todd Snyder: One of the country’s best menswear designers is giving you up to 25% off sitewide with the code BLACKFRIDAY25, with other deals to follow on Cyber Monday.
  • Filson: For a limited time, save 30% on a rare, exclusive selection of rugged menswear from the Pacific Northwest retailer. Learn more.
  • Mott and Bow: The NYC brand well known for making some of the best men’s jeans is running a standout deal, delivering up to 40% off sitewide on men’s jeans, T-shirts and menswear bundles. Learn more.
  • Billy Reid: As we talked about last Sunday covering top menswear deals, the Alabama-based designer is serving up 20% off orders of more than $400, 30% off orders of more than $800, and 40% off orders of more than $1,200. Learn more.
  • Taylor Stitch: Another one of my personal favorite brands is going gangbusters, offering 20% off select full priced items and up to 50% Last Call sale items, no code needed, through the weekend. Learn more.
  • Shinola: The famed watchmaker (and one of my personal favorite brands) is offering 25 percent off sitewide on the best men’s watches and more for its 10th anniversary. Learn more.
  • AETHER Apparel: The technically focused, savvy menswear brand — known for making gear that’s as ready for the trail as a night on the town — is running a rare sale, giving you up to 30% off sitewide for the holiday. Learn more.
  • HELM Boots: The Austin-based bootmaker of some of the best boots for men is running its biggest sale ever, offering 30% off sitewide for the holiday. Learn more.

AND: A bonus “sale” of sorts. Now, the good folks at Buck Mason aren’t one to offer up discounts, but you should keep an eye out online for a new drop in the Buck Mason Vintage Collection this afternoon (Friday). Again, the best vintage menswear could be yours for a very, very limited time at Buck Mason. Bookmark that page accordingly.

Learn more about the Buck Mason Vintage Collection

As for me, well, I’ll be doing some shopping of my own this weekend from the above brands (and plenty more), and I’ll be enjoying cold local craft beer as I trek back to Michigan for a brief holiday weekend respite after some time in Florida (follow along with my Instagram for all the fun!).

Follow me on Instagram

Hopefully, this guide serves you well as you scour the market for the best holiday shopping deals. And one more thing: I’m wishing you a restful weekend filled with great times with family and friends, the finest whiskey on the market, cold beer, delicious food and stylish menswear.

I’m thankful for your support, and I’m hopeful that this blog will continue to prove a stylish resource for you and yours in the weeks, months and years to come! Onward!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Vermont Getaway with Darn Tough Socks

Best men's socks for fall.

My friends, my question today on this fine fall Friday (say that five times fast) is a simple one: What’s in your sock drawer? Hopefully, more than a pair or two of the best socks for men to wear with, well everything else in your footwear rotation, be it a pair of rugged men’s boots or streamlined leather sneakers.

For me, the answer as to which pair of the best men’s socks I’m wearing just got a whole lot more simple. How so? Well, I’m coming off yet another media trip, a trek to lovely Vermont with the one and only Darn Tough Socks.

Darn Tough socks for men.

Perhaps you’re already familiar with Darn Tough Socks, which is due to celebrate 20 years next year and currently makes some of the very best men’s socks across three facilities in Northfield, Vermont. I trekked north to see the entire process and meet the team, of which there are plenty of dedicated people making sure your socks are made precisely (using machines with 168 needles and guaranteed for life).

Learn more now at Darn Tough

Yes, that’s right: Darn Tough Socks guarantees its products for life, and that includes everything from its comfortable hiking socks to stylish lifestyle socks that I’d say you’ll love. Of course, I had the time to stroll the lovely shores of Lake Champlain back in Burlington, and I enjoyed sipping on famed The Alchemist Heady Topper and visiting Foam Brewers in my spare time.

But for rugged, stylish men’s socks, I found there’s hardly anything better than a pair of Darn Tough Socks. I’ll have much more to say as part of my freelance writing pursuits, but for now, you’ve just set your sights on a new favorite pair (or pairs!) of Darn Tough Socks. Cheers and thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: New Men’s Footwear from Billy Reid & Classic Fall Whiskey from Castle and Key

Billy Reid men's footwear.

My friends, here we are on the brink of what promises to be another most excellent fall weekend — it might be a blustery and rainy one in New York City yet again, but I’m equipped with the proper fall style essentials for the task at hand, including my trusty Shinola leather watch (and many more).

Best chukka boots for men.

With today’s post (or yesterday’s post on the best shirt jacket for men), hopefully, you feel the same way. On that note, let’s talk some of the best fall boots — and from an unlikely source, at least until recently: Billy Reid. You see, the famed Alabama-based menswear designer, one of my favorite brands and menswear companies, period, hadn’t made footwear in recent years — that all changes now though, with two classic styles that should cover plenty of style scenarios.

Learn more now at Billy Reid

Billy Reid footwear now includes both a sleek pair of leather moto boots and a stylish pair of chukka boots, and you can certainly look for much more on two of the best pairs of shoes for men this weekend on the blog (hint, hint). I don’t know about you, but it’s an exciting prospect that one of the best menswear designers in the country is now making some of the best men’s boots — it’s almost worthy of a toast, don’t you think?

And a toast or two was once again the focus of my week, as I trekked to the lovely, rolling hills of Kentucky and Bourbon Country itself. The mission? Visit the historic Castle & Key Distillery outside Lexington as part of my spirits and freelance writing pursuits, a trip that included a tour of its famed grounds and plenty of sipping on Castle & Key Restoration Rye.

Pick up some Castle & Key rye whiskey now

Speaking of rye whiskey, you should also check out my latest Maxim.com feature on an excellent new rye whiskey from the spirits innovators at BHAKTA. But in the meantime, back to Castle & Key.

We also visited charming Lexington restaurants like Eppings on Eastside, and spent a very memorable day sipping bourbon and watching horse racing at the iconic Keeneland race track. Consider this just a taste of what’s to come regarding this heralded, fast-growing spirits company.

Add Castle & Key whiskey to your bar cart

It was once again another reminder that I’m so fortunate to do what I do, be it covering menswear on this very blog or trekking around the country visiting the best distilleries and menswear factories in the business.

For now, I’m going to put some Billy Reid men’s boots on my wish list, and later, I’ll be enjoying some Castle & Key bourbon on a crisp fall night. I hope you consider doing the same! Cheers, and thank you for reading!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Fall’s Best Men’s Style Essentials From Taylor Stitch & More

Taylor Stitch fall menswear 2023.

My friends, let’s close out “the week that was” in fine form, first by taking a look at some of the best fall style essentials on the market. Those fall style essentials, if you’ve been keeping up with the blog the past few days, come from a plethora of places, but namely: Taylor Stitch. As I always say, a reminder can be more than helpful at times in the menswear world, right?

Shop Taylor Stitch now

Of course, the San Francisco menswear masters are a personal favorite brand of mine (and one I’ve covered extensively on the blog over the years). They craft everything from rugged-yet-soft flannel shirts to expertly crafted denim, chinos and hard-working outerwear.

Why, I wrote about the rugged and simply excellent new Taylor Stitch x Danner Ridge Boots only earlier this week, and they could very well be your new favorite pair of fall boots. Yes indeed, this fall weekend is a prime time to shop the brand.

I’d wager you don’t need me to tell you twice, but shopping for the best fall menswear should only be part of your equation this weekend. In fact, if I were you, I’d consider bolstering my bar cart with the warming spice of Ancho Reyes chile liqueur.

Add Ancho Reyes to your bar cart ASAP

This recommendation isn’t out of left field: If you follow me on Instagram, you’re well aware that I trekked South of the Border this week to see the chile fields of Puebla, tour the Ancho Reyes operation and of course, sip on two Ancho Reyes expressions while staying at the excellent Hotel La Purificadora. This is all part of my many freelance writing pursuits, including covering spirits (and much more!) over at Maxim.com.

Taylor Stitch men's cardigan.

You’ll have to stay tuned for more from this trip in the weeks ahead, but know that it was a vibrant, colorful getaway — one that made me grateful for the high heat and sun of Mexico, and yet all the more ready for a stylish fall in Brooklyn (and all the more ready to wear pieces like that stylish cardigan shown above!).

On that note, I’m signing off to go browse over at Taylor Stitch (and I recommend you do the same!), and you can find me back here tomorrow for Saturday’s Style Pick of the Week. Cheers and thanks for reading, as always!