Tag / the hill-side

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: The Hill-Side Striped Tie

Ben Sherman US
Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Japanese navy fabric and white stripes make for one sharp tie.

Japanese navy fabric and white stripes make for one sharp tie.

Out of all the Style Picks featured on this site, from Oxford shirts to slim shorts and tailored trousers, not one tie has made this category yet. That changes this week, with a striped cotton-linen number from The Hill-Side. You might recognize the brand’s name from this very blog (or, more likely, from their recent arrival as one of GQ’s Best New Menswear Designers in America). In short, the brand stocks essentials that have a modern-yet-quirky tilt, and they do so using lots of beautiful fabrics and textures (they even have a fabric shop, and its physical retail space, Hickorees, stocks that as well). But onto the tie itself — as the weather gets warmer, attire from head-to-toe should lighten up and help you beat the heat, including your neckwear.

Collect them all: available in a very narrow square-ended version or two progressively wider pointed versions.

Collect them all: available in a very narrow square-ended version or two progressively wider pointed versions.

The cotton-linen blend, narrow width and diagonal stripes convey a preppy yet modern style — thanks to the Japanese fabric — that would be ideal for wearing to, say, a summer wedding, or to the office. It’s available in a narrow or slightly wider pointed version (either 2 5/8″ or 3 1/4″), along with a square-ended variation that the brand is perhaps most known for. With Father’s Day quickly approaching, don’t forget about this as a (very) last-minute splurge gift for Dad, either, because at $85, that’s exactly what this tie is. But given The Hill-Side’s knack for pumping out quality pieces in stellar fabrics, it’s a tie that should wear well through many seasons to come.

Do you own any product from The Hill-Side? What’s your take on this tie?

(Editor’s note: If you want to knock a discount off some similarly luxurious #menswear, check out  the below promo — running through July 31 — with Ernest Alexander!)

$10 Off a purchase of $100 or more; Free Shipping on orders over $200 at Ernest Alexander Enter promo code: STYLEGUIDE10 at checkout. Valid 06-12-2015 through 07-31-2015

Florsheim

 

by Beau H.

Guest Post: Five Ties Guaranteed To Make You Stand Out

Editor’s note: The following is a guest post by Madhav Sekar of wardrobedomination.com. Madhav’s site helps young men with limited style knowledge quickly and inexpensively improve their style to live better lives. Take it away, Madhav! 

We'd all be fortunate to have this many ties in our arsenal. For now, here's a few versatile picks.

We’d all be fortunate to have this many ties in our arsenal. For now, here’s a few versatile picks below. Image courtesy Shutterstock.

It is essential to own the classic ties, those ones that have found their way into the closets of guys for decades on end (think a red pindot tie or a blue repp stripe tie). These are the kind of ties even presidents wear over and over again — the ones that are just that timeless. However, we all need to toss on a unique piece of neckwear from time to time. Style isn’t just about looking good or fitting a “dress code” — it’s a way to communicate and express yourself and your creativity. You want to show people that you are different and that you take risks.

Disclaimer: I’m not suggesting you wear psychedelic paisley ties that look like they came straight out of a hippie’s latest hallucination… just ties with a bit of personality that will get you noticed.

Here are five ties that will separate you from the herd (in a good way).

#1. The Tie Bar Washed Navy Chambray Tie — $19

A subtle pattern, great fabric, and affordable price.

A subtle pattern, great fabric, and affordable price.

 

If you haven’t heard of The Tie Bar yet, you should probably start shopping there. It’s a great brand. Their ties retail between $15-$25 and they actually combine quality and looks for the price. This tie is made from chambray, a lighter fabric that makes for an extremely stylish look, particularly in warmer weather.  Chambray is one of my favorite materials right now, and designers are literally using it to make every article of clothing. This tie will stand out in equal parts for its design, color and material.

#2. J. Crew Factory Gingham Tie — $30

Gingham is a must-have for your wardrobe.

Gingham is a must-have for your wardrobe.

It’s hard to make any sort of clothing recommendation without mentioning J. Crew.  While this tie doesn’t have striking colors or crazy patterns, it will still help you stand out. I am personally a huge fan of gingham (I may or may not own five different gingham shirts). Gingham may be the most underutilized pattern in a man’s closet. This tie can be worn in any sort of situation – for a big meeting or a more casual event. It would look especially stellar paired with a crisp khaki suit. If you need more convincing: anytime I’ve worn any gingham article of clothing, especially this one, at least two or three people have complimented me on it.

#3.  Barney’s Multi-Stripe Tie — $39

 

Rebelling from the classic repp stripe tie.

Rebelling from the classic repp stripe tie.

Even though this piece is a mere striped tie, it still brings a unique edge thanks to the rather unusual color blending (a couple shades of blue, some white & red and a caramel stripe, too).  I love this tie because of its implications for the rest of your outfit. First, you can find a great pair of socks that complement or match this tie in terms of color. Second, the possibilities for your pocket square are endless. You can choose a square with similar color and a different texture, a completely different color with a similar texture, or something completely random!  As always, you should be wearing a watch with this outfit.  The other ties in this list are either too bold or not bold enough for this kind of accessory freedom. When paired with a neutral khaki suit, each piece should work quite well together.

#4. J.Crew Silk Tie with Embroidered Insects — $75

 

For the first time on this site — recommending you wear an insect pattern.

For the first time on this site — recommending you wear an insect pattern.

This tie is probably the first, and last, time you’re going to see insects mentioned in any style-related context. But here they are. Ties with some creepy crawlers on them. It’s different, but different is good. I could actually imagine this tie working especially well in a formal setting. Here’s why: when you rock this tie with a nice suit or blazer you’re basically saying, no proclaiming, “I respect the workplace environment, but I’m also bold enough to explore and do unconventional things if I have to!” The chance of a promotion after wearing a tie like this increases 98-99% on average (source: too much data to cite). A note on price — try and use that student discount if you can swing it!

#5. Bo Clothing Fasel Tie – $80

Can you handle this tie?

Can you handle this tie?

This tie is a bold piece – and also an expensive one. Here’s how you can justify your purchase. The chance that you’ll accidentally wear a similar tie as a co-worker or friend is basically nonexistent. You will get compliments. You will get asked about it. You will cement your position as a man who knows what he’s doing. If you need more convincing, think of this tie as an investment. You won’t get tired of wearing it and you’ll get endless happiness from looking at yourself in the mirror. Another tie that brings similar pattern for much less can be picked up from team at Harrison Blake Apparel. Tone this one down with a crisp white OCBD and a navy blazer.

Honorable Mention:

Another great and essential piece is the silk knit tie.  This tie is super versatile in that it can be used to dress down a formal outfit or dress up a casual one.  Regardless of which route you choose it is a highly stylish piece.  Wearing it will definitely get you noticed.

The Hill-Side has a vast selection of unique ties made out of lovely fabrics, in addition to also unique clothing and accessories in general.  While these ties are a bit pricier, they are undoubtedly worth the investment.

The ties by the folks over at General Knot are also well-made and similarly priced. They’re all limited edition and created using rare and vintage fabrics found all around the world (Editor’s note: Anyone have experience with this brand? Never tried them out, but curious!).

Whichever selection you go with, each of the ties on this list really bring great spring & summer styling potential — from the boardroom to the bar and back.

Would you experiment with any of these ties?  Do you have any more suggestions?  

Editor’s note:  Need more spring style content? I’ve been writing a series of weekly Buyer’s Guide pieces on VOUCH Mag — the next is coming up on Wednesday, April 29.

 

by Beau H.

Brand Profile: The Hill-Side

Brothers Sandy and Emil Corsillo, founders of The Hill-side, with menswear blogger and brand supporter James Wilson.

Brothers Sandy and Emil Corsillo, founders of The Hill-Side, with menswear blogger and brand supporter James Wilson. Image courtesy of GQ.

An increased focus in recent years on men’s style and fashion has had a lot of really positive benefits for those outside the industry, too — like the launch of GQ’s Best New Menswear Designers in America program. It’s an awesome way to check out what’s new and what’s next while finding out about great brands — like The Hill-Side (and on that note, the brand’s collaboration with GAP as part of the program should be drool-worthy). You might recognize the brand from its appearance on the head of a certain famous NBA player, too. The Brooklyn-based brand was launched in 2009 by denim-obsessed brothers Sandy & Emil Corsillo with business partner & friend Hisashi Oguchi. Obsessed with outstanding fabrics & Japanese workwear brands, the brand has found itself a nice niche — eclectic styles that manage to look of-the-moment at the same.

Some of the store's wares, including standout socks and great chinos, on display in Brooklyn.

Some of the store’s wares, including standout socks and great chinos, on display in Brooklyn.

I had the chance to stop into Hickoree’s, the brand’s physical outpost opened by the team in Brooklyn. And man, was I impressed with what I saw. In addition to stocking gear from The Hill-Side itself, the store also sells items you never knew you needed — like cool leather keyholders and Japanese pottery. The space is also, for one, exceptionally cool. There’s almost too much high-quality menswear to even begin to describe. The store stocks everything from indigo T-shirts and jeans from Blue Blue Japan to amazing chambray slip-ons and hemp denim sneakers (made in Japan for the brand).

Indigo wares on display from Blue Blue Japan, among others.

Indigo wares on display from Blue Blue Japan, among others.

Casual, washed shirts from The Hill-Side and the Gitman Brothers Vintage line are a highlight too, as are the unique trousers the store also stocks (like these sturdy jeans from Phivgel). The brand’s lightweight, infinitely wearable blazers are unlined and unconstruced, making them easy-wearing, and they have a tailored fit that’s not too restrictive. There’s also a standout selection of ties and pocket squares made from soft, textured fabrics — something that put the brand on the map in the first place. Pair that with a casual shirt and one of the many workwear-inspired jackets they also stock, and you’d have one standout outfit. Things can be topped off with a set of super comfortable and breathable socks  in a variety of colors (also the brand’s own). In fact, I picked up an olive Donegal tweed pocket square and some charcoal-tipped socks on this trip.

Beautiful ties in textured fabric from The Hill-side.

Beautiful ties in textured fabric from The Hill-Side.

Another personal highlight had to be the store’s stunning selection of sneakers — all from The Hill-Side itself. Whereas lots of brands are going for super clean, minimal shoes at the moment, there’s something to be said for sneakers that have unique texture and great construction (Donegal tweed sneakers or denim sneakers for the fall, anyone?). A set of herringbone twill sneakers in all-black were also quite well-made.

Just one pair of the awesome sneakers sold by The Hill-side.

Just one pair of the awesome sneakers sold by The Hill-Side.

Now, it’s absolutely worth noting that these pieces, from the blazers to the sneakers and even the socks aren’t cheap. They’ll set you back a pretty penny, to be sure. But the fabrics are beautiful on every piece, the quality and construction is top-notch and the styling potential for say, a chambray blazer or some clean white slip-ons, is huge. The great thing about the brand is that even though their line has expanded to more eclectic pieces (for example, small wooden display planes), they still have a grounded, defined sense of who they are — vintage, workwear-inspired and still very on-trend without trying too hard.

Soft-washed shirts from Gitman Brothers Vintage. Very well-made.

Soft-washed shirts from Gitman Brothers Vintage and The Hill-Side. Very well-made.

While not everyone will probably be able to get into the physical store soon, it’s for sure worth a trip if you ever find yourself in Brooklyn. And in the meantime, the brand’s excellent and quirky Web shop will have to suffice. Happy shopping!

What’s your favorite piece from The Hill-Side? Let me know!

by Beau H.

2014 Men’s Style Christmas Wish List

If you’re a  newly burgeoning or seasoned style enthusiast, there are lots of enviable, investment-worthy items out there that you’d presumably like to have in your wardrobe (I know I’ve got my share!). Unfortunately, cost is simply prohibitive for some of these items  — but the holidays (and the end of the year) are a great time to set new aspirational style goals and yes, dream of what Santa might be putting under the tree this year. If you’ve got your gift giving all taken care of, great! Onto your style wish list. If not, get on it! (This guide from earlier this week could help). It seems like there are new pieces that pop up on the personal wish list every day, but these are the highlights this season.

#1. Allen Edmonds Bleecker Street Captoe Boot, $345 (On Sale)

As sharp a pair of dress/casual boots on the market.

As sharp a pair of dress/casual boots on the market.

A pair of Allen Edmonds shoes made last year’s Christmas Wish List, and these boots are certainly worthy of that same distinction. Available in several eye-catching shades from the venerable American retailer, (including the classic Bourbon Calf shown above) this pair of boots would look as great with a suit as they would with dark denim and a striped henley. They’re certainly sleek, but the captoe breaks them up visually, making them a little more casual. And the ankle boot style is perfect for fall and winter, although at this price, they’d be a tremendous pair of year-round shoes.

#2. Shinola Runwell 41mm Leather Watch, $550

A classic in the making.

A classic in the making.

Shinola has exploded across the past roughly two years in terms of hype and media attention, with increased production and an even greater brick-and-mortar presence planned for 2015. The company’s ethos speaks for itself: sturdy, American-made products that combine great style with an authentic vibe (although there’s more to that ‘authentic vibe’ than meets the eye). While plenty of different colorways and strap combos are available (including a lovely burgundy-dial timepiece), the cream face and dark brown leather strap of the watch above caught my eye particularly. The dial isn’t absurdly dressy of course, but the watch has a certain refined air that could allow one to pull it off with a winter-weight suit and dress boots.

#3. Scotch and Soda Ralston Slim-Fit Jeans, $149

A slim, dark pair of jeans as worn by James Bond (off the screen, that is).

A slim, dark pair of jeans as worn by James Bond (off the screen, that is).

When most people think of high-quality denim, Scotch and Soda might not be that high on the list — after all, there are other brands making excellent denim on the cheap. However, this pair of Scotch & Soda jeans has something special going for them – they’re the same style and wash frequently worn by Daniel Craig; on top of that, they’re a solid, clean dark wash with a slim cut. Criticize Craig as James Bond, sure, but you can’t deny his excellent style on and off the screen. Additionally, yours truly once had the great fortune of owning a pair of the Ralstons — an untimely rip after years of hard wear ended that great run though, and these ended up back on the wish list as a result. Maybe one day…
#4. The Hill-side Cotton Herringbone Tweed Tailored Jacket, $396
A rugged jacket that's ready for winter.

A rugged jacket that’s ready for winter.

Brooklyn-based The Hill-side has a great thing going right now — a partnership with J. Crew is an excellent reflection of their current momentum. And the aesthetic — clean, well-made basics in unique fabrics and styles — is working very well for them. The above blazer captures that vibe perfectly. It looks to have a tailored cut and the ability to wear it casually with dark denim or some seasonally-appropriate burgundy cords. The patch pockets dress it down slightly, as does the marled herringbone tweed texture. On a budget-friendly note, Uniqlo makes a cheaper, similar-looking alternative here, although sizes are very slim at the moment.
#5. Todd Snyder x Champion Baseball Jacket Sweater, $295
A vintage-looking, sport-inspired shawl cardigan for when it gets cold.

A vintage-looking, sport-inspired shawl cardigan for when it gets cold.

Todd Snyder’s brand continues to rise quickly through the menswear world. He’s already taken home a slew of accolades in recent years, and he’s hit the sweet spot as far as designers who perfect a tailored, casual-rugged vibe. His collaborations with Champion always seem to be a major hit, and one would hope the high prices are a reflection of the inherent quality — thankfully, other pieces in the collaboration aren’t as expensive (when on-sale, at least). This baseball “jacket-sweater” looks thick and warm, and it also gives off a rugged, stylish vibe thanks to the sport-inspired trim and cuffs. The shawl collar is another masculine touch, too. Thus, it makes this wish list.
What’s on your style Christmas wish list? Any thoughts on this list? Leave them below!