Tag / the style guide

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Lollapalooza 2017, Music Festival Style and The Best New Oxford Shirt

Plugged in and ready to go for another round of The Friday Read? Let’s jump right into it. It’s already been a busy season of live shows and festival-hopping for yours truly — including a terrific weekend at Governors Ball 2017 and an incredible two-day stint at Panorama 2017, but this weekend presents a different kind of challenge when it comes to music festival style. More specifically, today finds me in the amazing city of Chicago for yet another weekend of stellar live music — that is, Lollapalooza 2017! You can expect a full men’s travel style recap coming on Monday, and feel free to check out my adventures on Instagram and Twitter in the meantime.

I’ve certainly brought along a lot of #menswear classics for the occasion, from a bevy of stylish T-shirts to my favorite summer shorts, classic summer sneakers and of course, trusty gear to wear to a rock concert. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’m absolutely thrilled to be here to see more excellent acts than I count — a list that’s topped, of course, by The Killers. I had the privilege of trekking to see The Killers in New Jersey earlier this summer, and the powerful, energetic show put on by this terrific band was more than enough to convince me to see them again. Who else is on my list? Namely, everyone from Brooklyn indie punk rockers Slothrust to the chill vibes of The xx and Alt-j. More importantly, it’s my first-ever trip to Lollapalooza — it’s a festival that’s been on my list for ages, so it’ll be an absolute thrill to check it out later today. For now, I’ve got some tunes to turn up — enjoy the weekend and stay tuned for more on Instagram and right here at The Style Guide on Monday!

AVI-8

  • In a very, very exciting development, the great team at Gear Patrol recently held its first-ever Gear Patrol Beer Week, an in-depth and wide-ranging dig into America’s burgeoning, tasty craft beer industry. Believe me, I’m a big fan of this content. I’m fortunate enough to live in Brooklyn, surrounded by standout breweries like Other Half and great beer bars like Torst — so this one hits home for me! I’m looking forward to going back and poring over some of these features — cold one in hand, more likely than not. Cheers!

  • From stylish men’s home goods right down to the gear in your everyday carry, the little things matter — this we know to be true. And that’s even the case when it comes to the best audio gear. With that in mind, I rounded up some standout audio gear to make your next BBQ the best yet over at The Menlo House. Seriously, get your groove on and flip some burgers.
  • This launch hit a few weeks ago, and I’d hope you were privy to it. But if not, know that Mott and Bow launched new Oxford shirts that look great, fit well and feature high-quality fabric that can stand up to all kinds of  wear and tear this summer. Certainly, it might just be the best men’s Oxford shirt you’ll buy this summer. As it were, was fortunate to cover the launch for The Manual, and you’re going to be seeing a lot of these shirts on my Instagram and on this blog — to say the least.

  • So, we talked beer … now let’s talk about another finely crafted beverage, coffee. And crucially, let’s talk about Bizzy Coffee Shots — perfect for folks on the go, Bizzy Coffee Shots quite literally take everyone’s favorite drink and distill it into a tasty, mobile shot. I covered this neat product for GearMoose and had a blast doing it. Bottoms up!

OK, I’m clocking out for the week — I hope y’all have a great Friday! Keep up with me on Instagram and Twitter in the meantime.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Beckett Simonon’s Nolan Brogue Boots Are Perfect For Fall

Beckett Simonon

Ridiculously well-made, stylish wingtip boots available now for pre-order. See now, buy now — at its finest.

Style Guide readers — do you ever come across a #menswear find that’s just … nearly too good to be true? That is, something like the Beckett Simonon Nolan Brogue Boots. These are a pair of stylish men’s boots so worthy of a men’s style wish list that you might be tempted to snag, well .. right this second? I’ve come across that sentiment more than a few times in running this here blog. And while I hope you’ve been enjoying The List — our ongoing, roughly bi-weekly roundup of the best men’s gear to buy now — we’re introducing something slightly different. Think of it as a quick-hit version of our Style Pick of the Week series. That is, one product from one brand that you  can (and should!) buy feasibly right after you see it — like the Nolan Brogue Boots, my friends. Get it? It’s a popular notion in fashion that you should be able to buy the gear coming off the runways — but we won’t be talking high fashion here. And while I hope I’m not hurting your pocketbook too much, know that some of these picks — like the Nolan Brogue Boots — will lean a bit more investment-worthy.


No, today, we’re talking about the Beckett Simonon Nolan Brogue Boots — an exceptionally well-crafted, extremely handsome pair of wingtip boots perfect for fall. They feature rich full-grain leather, a tough rubber sole and excellent styling potential. Slim dark denim and a rugged shawl cardigan? Check. A classic denim jacket and slim chinos? Bingo. Simply pre-order the Nolan Brogue Boots — also available in Black Calfskin Leather and  a striking Tan Calfksin Leather — and wait (sadly) until November 2017.  I know you can do it! By that time, these stylish wingtip boots will be more than ready to team up with a stylish early winter #OOTD; heck, just about any outfit you can dream up will be made better by the Nolan Brogue Boots, from a moleskin shirt and classic indigo denim to a tailored winter suit.

So, you’ve seen the Nolan Brogue Boots … will you buying them?

And just as importantly: What do you think of this new Style Guide entry? Should we keep it going? Let me know in the comments!

Greats

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Jack Mason Aviator Watch

 

Jack Mason

A no-nonsense timepiece designed with aviation elements and versatile casual style.

Who doesn’t love adding to an ever-growing watch collection? For your Style Guide author, a watch is an essential accessory available in seemingly endless options — but when you find the right watch, you know it unequivocally. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I certainly can’t pass up a stylish watch. And if you need a new one of your own … well, that’s the journey we’re embarking on today. In fact, your search for a stylish new watch might start and end with the Jack Mason Aviator Watch — it’s potentially the perfect casual watch, a blend of handsome and crisp style at an affordable price point. It’ll work right now — the depths of summer — and the rest of the year. Rest assured, the watch we’re discussing today belongs on any list of the best men’s gear to buy now — and it’s certainly not too good to be true.  Jack Mason draws on classic, masculine influences to design its crisply appointed timepieces — good news if that’s what you’re into stylistically. Blending elements and detailing drawn from pilot and field watches, the results are definitely very, very covetable — take the Jack Mason Nautical Three-Hand Watch, a personal favorite of this author. And that same rugged-yet-wearable ethos shines through with the affordably priced, accessible Jack Mason Aviator Watch. It’s striking in nearly every way, from the surprisingly wearable black dial-brown leather strap combo to the clean design and the durable (yet not overwhelming) 42mm case diameter. In short, it’s the watch to buy now — and wear now.

Jack Mason

A durable-yet-wearable 42mm case diameter and handsome brown leather strap finish off the Jack Mason Aviator Watch quite nicely.

Among many other positives, the Aviator Watch is available to you for the low price of $150 when you sign up for Bespoke Post— gotta love those deals, ehh? And the value in terms of style points? It’ll far surpass the price tag. Like any versatile, stylish watch, it can team up with casual style combos — think a grey pocket tee, slim blue denim and leather high-top sneakers — or dressier ensembles (say, a cotton suit at your next casual summer wedding). It’ll seriously look great all year, a testament to its simple-yet-effective design rooted in field-ready functionality. If that sounds like it’s in your wheelhouse, then step right on up and pick up the Jack Mason Aviator Watch. Wary of buying from a relatively upstart brand? Know that the folks at Jack Mason have put in the work to back up their products (and it helps that they design watches in the hard-to-handle Texas heat). In testing out Jack Mason watches, I can vouch for their quality and durability — to go along with versatile and easily wearable style, that is. If the Aviator Watch isn’t quite your speed, Jack Mason also makes a host of other crisp, eye-catching watches, all geared toward go-anywhere looks. From racing-inspired chronographs to simple field watches, there’s a watch for every taste. And yet… there’s something about the no-frills style potential of the Aviator Watch. Do you agree? And will you be buying any timepieces from Jack Mason this summer? Let me know in the comments. For now — let’s take on the weekend in style!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Here Are The Best T-Shirts to Buy Right Now

For years, you’ve likely had a closet or dresser drawer jammed with tees. Old high school and college tees, loud logo tees, maybe a much-loved band tee here or there … but what about a stylish T-shirt to wear when, well, you just want to wear a great-looking, no-fuss slim T-shirt for summer? That’s what we’re covering in today’s #menswear rundown. We’ve talked about how to wear a T-shirt with a  suit (it can be done!), but it’s even more refreshing to see that some of your favorite menswear designers are taking the classic staple and upgrading it with quality fit and fabrication.

Timex

Indeed, the humble T-shirt can turn into a style weapon of sorts …. if you buy the right one, that is. And if you, like me, love shopping for the best new  gear for men, I’d urge you to leave some space on your list for what might be your new favorite T-shirt (or heck, several new favorite T-shirts). You’ll recognize brands familiar — like Outerknown — and perhaps more unfamiliar, and that’s what we want. Buy one of the best men’s T-shirts on this list, and you’ll be set for layering with a light wash denim jacket, teaming with an unstructured navy blazer and rocking it on its own to your next music festival. Let me know what you think of the below picks in the comments or on Twitter. Oh, and as per usual … you can see how I’m styling my T-shirts on Instagram. Let’s get right to it!
Frank And Oak

#1. Outerknown Pagoda Stripe Tee in Whitewater OR Ink Stripe — $53.98

Two unique, textured tees fit for wearing with plenty of ensembles this summer.

OK, so you’ve surely seen Outerknown and the brand’s Pagoda Stripe Tee in our Style Pick of the Week series — right? If you’re on the hunt for a tee that can work reliably well on its own, you’re going to want something with a bit more texture and heft to the fabric — and that’s what the Pagoda Stripe Tee brings to the table. Your Style Guide author likes it in the crisp, pleasingly earthen Whitewater shade, but the Ink Stripe Tee would look great with a slim denim jacket or a grey cotton blazer. Two options, two winners — both among the best men’s T-shirts for summer, no questions asked.

#2. Flint and Tinder Slub Tee in Dusty Field Grey OR  Coral — $38

Flint and Tinder

Two broken-in options from F&T — both featuring a modern fit and excellent colors.

The key with picking out a stylish slim T-shirt to wear entirely on its own, sans jacket or other layers? Looking for a T-shirt that’s crafted with proper texture and fit in mind. It’s those visual details that make the difference — and as always, Flint and Tinder gets the little things right. The Flint and Tinder slub tees for sale this season get the little things  just so, with a range of dusty color options ideal for pairing with slim light wash denim and your favorite suede chukka boots. As for me? I love the Flint and Tinder Coral Slub Tee, and would definitely wear it with a khaki cotton blazer.
Greats

#3. Bread & Boxers Relaxed V-neck in White — $28

Bread & Boxers

A simple, classic V-neck tee made for easygoing style.

We’ve talked about how the best men’s T-shirts incorporate subtle visual details, right? Well, let’s make some room for that timeless men’s style essential, the classic white T-shirt. There should be space for one in every closet — even if you only wear it in the most pared-down of style situations. We’re talking slim grey denim, stylish leather high-top sneakers and a tee like the Bread & Boxers Relaxed V-neck — for example. And when you want to layer it — say, under a classic chambray shirt or a cotton bomber jacket — it’ll work just as stylishly. And the Relaxed V-neck is priced right, too.

Florsheim

#4.  Old Navy Textured Stripe Pocket Tee — $16.94

Old Navy

You get what you pay for with Old Navy — simple, quality style.

There are times when you just want an affordably priced tee with a simple (yet visually interesting) design, right? That’s where Old Navy comes in. You could feasibly stock your closet with the brand’s no-frills basics, including this neat red striped tee that’s available for under $20. With the cash you’re saving here, you should have some left over for a burger and a beer — wear it with a leather moto jacket for a dose of added cool.

#5. Iron and Resin Indigo Tide Tee — $43.98

Iron and Resin

A well-made, richly colored tee that’ll earn you serious style points.

As we’ve talked about previously, the best men’s T-shirts pack a serious punch in terms of quality style, excellent visual details and the best fabric money can buy. For a shockingly low price, that’s what Iron and Resin delivers with its handsome, rugged Indigo Tide Tee. Featuring a custom look that comes from the unique indigo dye process, the Indigo Tide Tee is made from soft cotton jersey — that makes it the exact type of tee you’re going to want to wear with your favorite chinos and stylish summer sneakers. Feel free to layer it under a rugged cardigan when the temperature drops this fall, too.

#6. Bespoke Post Crew Box — $45

Bespoke Post Crew Box

You get two excellent layering pieces for the price of one — including a stylish pocket tee.

We’re going beyond our usual five picks today, if only because there’s simply too much out there when it comes to stylish men’s T-shirts. Just as with other Bespoke Post gear — if you’re not familiar, get acquainted — the Bespoke Post Crew Box packs a tremendous value for a low price. In fact, you get plenty more than just a classic pocket tee in the Crew Box — you also get an easy-to-layer indigo crewneck sweater, perfect for breezy summer nights or packing up some of the best gear to head to the beach. Wear the tee on its own, then add the sweater as it gets a bit colder — you can’t go wrong.

#7. Huckberry Modern Visual Language Pocket Tee — $32

An entirely unique pocket tee with a cool design — easier to wear than you’d think.

Want a T-shirt that’s anything but ordinary? Enter the Huckberry Modern Visual Language Pocket Tee. It’s a visually intriguing, conversation-worthy tee designed for Huckberry by artist Kyle Steed. Featuring an unexpected white-and-pink color combo, it’s a breezy summer tee to wear on your next bar crawl — preferably alongside slim chino shorts as you sip on one of the best summer beers, ehh?

#8. La Paz Guerreiro Pocket T-shirt — $54

La Paz menswear

A timeless option available through Huckberry for an affordable price.

Last but certainly not least, take a cue from the easy, breezy style of guys the world over by putting on a classic striped T-shirt this summer (and well beyond). As it were, the La Paz Guerreiro Pocket T-shirt provides the perfect chance to step out in continental style — think slim chinos, white sneakers and perhaps an unstructured grey linen blazer. Given the fit and quality fabrication of this La Paz tee, it’s even the type of T-shirt you can wear with a suit (preferably the handsome Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit, ehh?). So, that’s a lot of value packed into just one tee — what are you waiting for?

OK, folks. That’s all for today in terms of stylish men’s T-shirts to buy now. What did you think? As we’ve discussed before, designers and brands continue to do a very reliable job in terms of upgrading the fabrics and fits of your favorite T-shirts. Whether you’d consider a classic American-made shirt — like one of the essential Flint and Tinder slub tees as seen at the top — or if you want to go with something a little bolder (like the Modern Visual Language Pocket Tee), there are options aplenty.


And there are certainly tees that can work in situations both casual and dressy — the Indigo Tide Tee from Iron and Resin can easily slip under a khaki cotton blazer or a light wash denim jacket in equal measure. If quality and value is what you seek, then I hope the Bespoke Post Crew Box gives you what you’re looking for. In the way of classic American style, it’s also true that an essential white tee belongs in your wardrobe  — I think the Bread & Boxers Relaxed V-neck more than gets the job done.  Lastly, continental style can be had in spades with a pick like the La Paz Guerreiro Pocket T-shirt  — as with the rest of our picks for the best men’s T-shirts, getting the look you desire is as simple as buying a tee that you love. To add to this list, hit up The Style Guide Facebook page or leave a comment below.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Wear This Casual Outfit to Work Remotely

OK, step right on up — we’re talking today on The Style Guide about a somewhat difficult style conundrum that seems to be popping up more often in today’s economy of the 21st century. To get right to the point: We’re covering the best #menswear to wear to work remotely — so, how to dress for comfort and style when working from home, working on the road or working from your favorite Brooklyn coffee shop (as I so often do on weekends and my days off from the old day job).  One thing is clear — you need plenty of the best men’s gear to keep you going. And what are my top picks (and possibly yours, too)?The trick is to keep it simple, stylish and certatinly not sloppy. Think a bit like a business casual look, yet … more casual. And yes, even if you’re not in the office, dressing a bit better ramps up your focus and productivity just a bit. Let’s start with a classic Oxford shirt and team it with other reliable basics — slim grey chinos, a trusty pair of classic suede chukka boots and other favorites — including a timeless leather watch and plenty more.  Are you ready? Let’s gear up to get to work. Chime in with your thoughts on this #OOTD on Twitter, and catch my daily ensembles on Instagram. Thanks for reading!

The Shirt: Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Oxford in White — $89

Flint and Tinder

A crisp, classic and clean white Oxford — great even for working from a coffee shop.

The great folks at Flint and Tinder do so many things so well, and you can now add a stylish Oxford shirt to that offering.  There’s a reason the classic Oxford shirt is a menswear staple — it’s among the men’s shirts out there, it’s timeless and it looks great on every guy. It also adds some needed polish to even the most laidback of ensembles — I’m not saying you can wear it with slim sweatpants, but I am saying it’ll clean up in a jiffy if you need to throw on a navy blazer to head to an unexpected meeting as you work remotely. Plus, it’ll work stylishly through all four seasons. Not bad at all, ehh?

The Tee: Outerknown Pagoda Stripe Tee — $53.98

Outerknown

A reliable tee that’ll work nicely for layering — and sustainable style.

In the name of adding visual interest to your white Oxford shirt, we’re throwing on a slim striped tee underneath. It serves a dual purpose — coffee shops can be a bit chilly if the A/C is blasting, so a tee helps add both comfort and style. Oh, and since it’s from Outerknown, your purchase of this tee champions the brand’s mission of sustainable style. First seen in a Style Pick of the Week entry, this pleasingly textured shirt is a reliable second layer — you can even ditch the shirt and wear only the Outerknown Pagoda Stripe Tee (which I’d also support).

The Mid-Layer: Life/After/Denim Awash Hoodie in Dark Blue — $80

Life/After/Denim

Absolutely more than a hoodie — absolutely the nicest hooded sweatshirt you’ll buy.

As we mentioned above, coffee shops can get a tad chilly. And if you happen to be holed up working away, you might just want another layer to keep you cool and comfortable (you’ll hear that word a lot in this post). We’re not just throwing on a ratty hoodie and calling it a day, though. Life/After/Denim takes everyday basics for the stylish guy and amps them up a bit, focusing on excellent fabrics and just-right construction. That’s what makes the Awash Hoodie such a neat buy — it’s a refined hoodie that wouldn’t look out of place over a classic Oxford.

The Pants: Outerknown Ditch Crop Pants — $99.98

Outerknown

A pair of laidback, casual-yet-stylish chino pants that work for everyday wear.

Once again, Outerknown pops up in this style suggestion, partly due to the brand’s emphasis on easygoing-yet-sharp styles and partly due to its commitment to sustainability.  Both are important to consider, and it should make purchasing the Outerknown Ditch Crop Pants that much easier.  The versatile grey color goes with just about any off-duty style combo you can dream up, while the tapered and cropped fit offers more room to show off your classic suede chukka boots. Speaking of…

Timex

The Boots: Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Chestnut — $145

Astorflex

A wear-with-anything set of chukkas that’ll look better than plain sneakers.

We here at The Style Guide love our versatile chukka boots –any time of the year. Bear with me — this particular pair, made sustainably by Astorflex, incorporates plenty of comfort and a very wearable silhouette. They’re timeless and laidback, easy to take on and off, and polished enough to team up with more refined pieces in a hurry. And they provide a nice, earthy contrast to the slim grey chino pants and white Oxford.  There’s certainly a lot to like — no, love — about the Astorflex Greenflex.

The Socks: Arvin Goods Casual Socks (Three-pack) — $36

Arvin Goods

Well-made socks that are far from flashy — just what you need to work outside the office for the day.

Fear not, my fellow menswear lovers. We’ve got you covered right down to the socks today. When your outfit is composed of casual basics, from suede chukkas on up to a slim striped tee, socks might be seen as an afterthought. Not so fast, my friend.  Made in a simple grey-and-red color combo from lightweight fabric, these Arvin Goods Casual Socks won’t slip down your legs throughout the day — and they’ll provide a bit of color in terms of your overall outfit. Nothing too flashy, though. Sounds like a winner on all fronts.

Greats

The Watch: Timex Weekender Chrono in Brown Leather — $82

Timex Weekender

Nothing overly fancy about a well-made, tough Timex watch. Just the right pick for this outfit.

As with the rest of this ensemble, the “less is more” approach works out quite nicely. So, we’re ditching a flashy watch for something casual, low-key and distinctly stylish. And it frequently seems to be the case that the Timex Weekender is the right watch to pick for those types of circumstances. Featuring handy chronograph functionality and a rich brown leather strap, the Timex Weekender Chrono should be your go-to watch for when you want to feel casual, yet look sharp.

The Belt: Line of Trade Veg-Tanned Leather Belt — $55 ($40 When Signing up for Bespoke Post)

Line of Trade

A rugged, well-crafted belt to complement those light grey chinos.

Leave no stone unturned when it comes time to put together a stylish outfit to wear when working remotely. This Line of Trade belt is handsome, rugged and very well-made. It’ll age beautifully the more you wear it, and it’ll stylishly complement that classic Timex watch — whether you’re at your favorite coffee shop or the nearest Starbucks (happens to the best of us).

Frank And Oak

The Essentials: Filson Pullman Bag — $420.98 AND Tactile Turn Brass Slider Pen — $59

Filson

Two picks that could feasibly go everywhere with you. Definitely add them to your daily haul.

We were just talking about leaving no stone unturned when gearing up to work remotely, and you certainly need the right goods to get the job done. The recognizable, heritage-quality Filson Pullman Bag is a durable, tough and stylish pick to haul around your everyday carry (plus, it fits with the rugged-casual nature of this outfit). And a good pen — with great writing quality — is an underrated desk essential. Make sure the Tactile Turn Brass Slider is in your bag.

The Laptop Carrier: This Is Ground Mod 15-Inch Laptop Carrier — $419.98

 

Designed and sized to carry everything you could possibly need for a day of work.

There’s nothing you want less when working remotely than to realize you forgot something essential. That’s where the ridiculously handy and well-made This Is Ground Mod Laptop Carrier comes into play. It’s priced on the high side (to say the least), but it’s worth it. Sized to help you haul just about everything you might need to work remotely, it comes in a handsome shade of French Grey, the Mod Laptop Carrier features plenty of space for your phone, your laptop and a plethora of pens and office supplies. It’s practically a must-buy.

The Wallet: Jack Mason Leather Front Pocket Wallet — $95 ($70 When Signing up for Bespoke Post)

Jack Mason

The slim wallet that you’ve been looking for — ideal for slipping into your bag as you head out to get some work done.

Particularly when working away from the office, the daily essentials take on that much  more significance. Which is to say: You don’t want to be caught without your wallet. The handsome, meticulously crafted Jack Mason Leather Front Pocket Wallet solves that problem easily, what with its rich leather and easy accessibility from the front (or back) pocket of your Outerknown chinos.

The Headphones: Marshall Major II On-Ear Headphones — $100

Nothing beats great tunes and a little peace, quiet and … freelance work?

To be fair, not everyone likes to listen to music when working. Ladies and gentlemen … I am not one of those people. Let’s upgrade your listening experience in terms of both style and quality, though — shall we? Marshall on-ear headphones are high-quality and distinctive — and what’s more, they’ll provide a neat complement to your home listening experience as well as when you work remotely. They’re well-priced, too. That’s a heck of a lot of positives to consider, no?

There are certainly challenges inherent when it comes to dressing to work remotely. You need to consider comfort and style in equal measure — two areas that can sometimes be difficult to match up. I think you’ll find a classic Oxford shirt, like the Flint and Tinder piece featured here, helps out. As far as your basics go, the Outerknown Ditch Crop Pants  provide easy wearability when matched up with classic suede chukka boots. And essential accessories — from a rugged leather watch to a stylish Filson bag — are going to make your remote work that much more enjoyable (and timely).  Don’t forget to keep your laptop safe with the investment-worthy This Is Ground Mod Laptop Carrier. As far as musical accompaniment to your day, I’d also urge you to snap up the Marshall Major II On-Ear Headphones.  Again, there’s certainly a lot of gear — and quite a few variables — to keep in mind when working remotely, especially if you want to look (and feel!) your best. With that being said — what do you think of this list? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks so much for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Menswear Trade Shows, Stylish Men’s Sunglasses and Allen Edmonds

It’s with a much-needed weekend ahead of me that I’m writing today’s Style Guide missive in our ongoing Friday Read series — perhaps you feel the same way? We’re closing out an incredibly busy week on the #menswear front in NYC, including two whirlwind days for yours truly at style trade shows like Liberty Fashion & Lifestyle Fairs and Capsule Show. This week’s schedule also included a stop to view the contemporary and slightly edgier mix of brands found at MAN-WOMAN show (think tried-and-true favorites like Apolis and upstart brands like Alps & Meters — as seen in this Midwest fall style post).

At any rate, it was great to catch up with brands familiar and unfamiliar, many of whom you see regularly on this blog — from the standout sneaker makers at SeaVees to perennial Style Guide favorite Frank and Oak. I got around in style with my Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch and made sure to rock some stylish men’s sunglasses, too. And as it were, that busy week of trade show action capped off an even busier weekend, if you can believe it. Incredibly and unexpectedly, I had the chance to see my favorite band, indie rockers The National, play not one, but two breathtaking shows in the small upstate town of Hudson last weekend. They debuted tracks off their upcoming new album, “Sleep Well Beast,” and I can assuredly say after hearing it twice that it’s on track to be one of the year’s best — no joke. I won’t give away too much, but you can read an excellent write-up at Vinyl Me, Please of the two emotional, powerful shows at converted factory Basilica Hudson. In short, I was so very glad I went — no regrets at all! With that being said, I’m very much looking forward to some much-needed downtime this weekend — and on that note, I’m going to leave you with today’s #menswear news. Happy reading, enjoy the weekend and keep up with my Brooklyn explorations over on Instagram.

  • We’ll start with the menswear world here — and specifically, the world of stylish men’s dress shoes. Among American purveyors of your favorite dress shoes, Allen Edmonds has got to rank high on the list — right? This week, CEO Paul Grangaard announced he’ll be assuming an advisory role as longtime industry vet Malcolm Robinson joins the brand’s parent company as president of its men’s and international divisions. I, for one, am excited to see where the brand continues to go — after checking out the Allen Edmonds Fall 2017 line last month, I can tell you that the brand has some great product — including plenty of stylish men’s boots — on the way this next season.
  • Upgrading your everyday carry is something we talk about frequently here on The Style Guide — and it’s with that in mind that I’m recommending you pick up the Grovemade Walnut and Leather iPhone Case via my latest GearMoose feature. Ehh?
  • Last but surely not least, it’s imperative given my *ahem* “job” as editor of The Style Guide that I direct you to the latest blog series here, called The List, chronicling the best new men’s gear to buy this week, this month … heck, this year? Happy shopping!

OK, loyal readers — we’re closing up shop early today! Have a great weekend, join us for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week from site  favorites Mott and Bow, and we’ll catch you on Monday.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Styling Your New Favorite Oxford Shirt for Summer

The best part about owning plenty of men’s style essentials is the freedom and flexibility they give you as you put together your next #OOTD — even in the warmer months. That’s certainly the case in today’s edition of our ongoing Style Guide series — we’re telling you all about how to wear a classic Oxford this summer. That’s right — a stylish Oxford shirt can be part of your #menswear rotation even when the mercury climbs. Although we associate the summer months with short-sleeve renditions of our favorite fall and winter staples — take the short-sleeve chambray shirt, for instance — you can still reliably wear a well-made Oxford shirt in the heat of summer … as long as you pair it with like-minded summer style essentials. Certainly, if you start with one of the best men’s Oxford shirts, you’re stepping out on the right foot.

And in the case of today’s #OOTD, that means we’re ditching slim light wash denim for stylish chino shorts — among other crucial moves to fight the heat. I won’t take up any more of your time, though — you can find the rest of today’s men’s style suggestion below. To get in touch with questions on styling your classic Oxford shirt, find me on Twitter, or drop a note in the comments below. Stay cool out there!

Huckberry

Take your favorite Oxford and mash it up with summer style essentials.

The Oxford: Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Oxford, $89 — Ahh yes, the shirt that makes this whole outfit work. From everyone’s favorite menswear purveyors at Flint and Tinder comes a Portuguese cotton shirt made at a family-owned factory. Roll up the sleeves and order a beer, ehh?

The Shorts: Finisterre Coverack Shorts, $66.98 — As seen in this site’s post on the best men’s shorts to buy this summer, these classic khaki shorts blend a modern fit with summer-friendly fabric.

The Sneakers: Novesta Star Master Sneakers, $57.98 Novesta— So, we’re talking stylish summer sneakers for under $60 when on sale? Seems too good to be true, but is a cult classic that makes an easily wearable set of kicks.

The Socks: Arvin Goods No-show Socks, $30 (Exclusive Three-pack) — Leave it to Arvin Goods to make a nice, Huckberry-excusive set of stylish no-show socks to keep your feet cool and comfortable in this #OOTD.

The Belt: Radius Woven Belt in Navy, $35 (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post) — Don’t step out of the house without the details accounted for — the Radius Woven Belt is a stylish, casual and affordable accessory (that is, when you sign up for Bespoke Post).

Greats

The Watch: Timex Waterbury in Natural Tan Leather, $84.98 — There’s nothing too fancy about this well-made, stylish Timex watch — and in the case of this casual ensemble, that works out just fine.

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $39.98— Between the classic Oxford shirt and the stylish chino shorts, this outfit is certainly fit for any laidback summer activity you might find yourself in. Throw on a vintage-inspired ballcap for good measure.
Frank And Oak

The Grooming Essential: Harry’s Essential Travel Shave Kit, $49.98 — Certainly useful for more than just your next road trip, this Harry’s shaving kit has all the goods to keep you looking fresh and sharp for summer weekends.

If at first an Oxford shirt seems like it might be too stuffy to wear in the summer, think again. In the right fabric and fit — such as the fabric and fit of the Flint and Tinder Oxford shown here — this shirt can be every bit as versatile as your favorite polo shirt. As long as you team it with like-minded pieces (such as casual Finisterre shorts and classic summer sneakers), this combo is going to be cool and breezy. Seasonally appropriate accessories — like the classic Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, stylish Arvin Goods no-show socks and a handsome, versatile Timex Waterbury watch — also help set the tone as you dress for summer adventures. Last but certainly not least — keep your summer grooming in line with a well-priced and very useful Harry’s shaving kit. I guarantee that if you follow those steps, you’re going to be looking mighty sharp this summer — from the boardwalk to the patio bar, and anywhere else you go.

As always — thanks for reading, and stay stylish!

-Beau

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

Outlier

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
SeaVees

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
Arvin Goods

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.

Greats

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

Taylor Stitch

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
Shinola

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

Flint and Tinder

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
Myles Apparel

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.

Timex

Bespoke Post Shine Box, $45
Bespoke Post Shine Box

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
Hasami

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

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender

Blue Claw Co.

An all-around standout bag, from the waxed canvas exterior to the design exclusive to Bespoke Post.

Before you hit the road on your next trip, grab the Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender — you’re gonna need it, and I’ll tell you exactly why today on The Style Guide. For starters, you can make the argument that every guy needs a stylish weekender bag in his rotation. It’s an accessory that’s more than just a place to stash your stuff as you dress for summer travel. Think of it like an extension of your outfit — as I always say, the small details count, and your weekender bag is definitely among those details. The best men’s weekender bags get a few things right. Oftentimes, those things revolve around sturdy construction, expert detailing, handsome looks (all the better to pair with everything from a tee and jeans to a polo and blazer) and the ability to haul all of your favorite gear.Today, we’re all in luck — the Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender checks all of those boxes. It’s a worthy buy before your next trip — and thanks to Bespoke Post, it’s affordable as heck, and entirely unique Why should you snag the Waxed Weekender over other options, though? Keep on reading, fella.

Nautica

Notably, the Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender is exclusive to Bespoke Post — you really won’t find it anywhere else. It’s got the sort of rugged specifications and strong construction you’d expect from an American-made weekender bag. As it were, Blue Claw Co. designs all of its gear in Minneapolils and produces it with attention to detail — if this bag can stand up to Minnesota winters, it can certainly stand up to summer travel. It’s similar in size to the Owen and Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender, so it should be a trusty trip standby — that goes for whether you pack it with American-made denim aplenty or your favorite suede chukka boots and one of the best men’s dopp kits.

Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender

Handsome bridle leather accents and durable hardware give this bag a solid look and feel.

And as we’ve said before, the small touches set the Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender apart. As you can see above, touches like a solid brass zipper and complementary brass hardware give it all the durability you need when hitting the road weekend after weekend.  It can readily fit in an airplane overhead bin, and with that durable waxed canvas exterior, you can chuck the Waxed Weekender in the back of your car for a summer upstate trip or a weekend at the beach. That brings us to perhaps the most important point. The Waxed Weekender is a bit of an investment at $295 in full. However, get this: When you sign up for Bespoke Post, you can snag the tough, durable and stylish  Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender  for $215 — not a bad deal, ehh? And keep in mind that signing up for Bespoke Post also gives you access to the brand’s monthly subscription box for just $45. But that’s another post entirely. At any rate, the  Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender is among the best men’s weekender bags to buy now — that much is true. Will you be hitting the road with the  Waxed Weekender  in tow? Let me know in the comments, and catch up with us over at The Style Guide Facebook page!

Thanks so much for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Gear to Shop in July, The Best Men’s Running Shorts and Amazon Prime Day

It’s another Friday here at The Style Guide, and a particularly momentous one at that.  For one, we’re capping off another hectic, fast-paced and incredibly fun New York Fashion Week: Men’s, the twice-yearly event that allows America’s top menswear designers — Style Guide favorite Todd Snyder among them — to showcase next season’s wares. Held at a mix of intimate studios and the cavernous shipping center-turned-exhibition site Skylight Clarkson Square, it’s a great week to catch up with industry pals (like my pal Jamal of StyleSocietyGuy) while taking in the season’s coming trends. It’s, in short, an excellent reminder of why I love menswear — the diversity, the modern takes on classic styles and more importantly, the great peole who make it all happen. It’s often a whirlwind of a week — that’s why I’m excited for the coming weekend and the festivities to follow.

That’s because it’s not quite your ordinary weekend exploring Brooklyn (as much as I do love those!). No, I’m heading north this afternoon to the quaint upstate town of Hudson — I took a November trip upstate to Hudson just last year, and I thoroughly enjoyed the town’s focus on excellent gourmet food, arts and culture. My trip has a bit of a different purpose this time around, though.  Famed indie rock heroes The National are hosting what should be a very special evening at former factory and current rustic performance space Basilica Hudson on the edge of town. It’s not quite your average concert, either. Dubbed “Guilty Party” — a direct play on the band’s latest single — the evening features a collaborative performance “in the round,” all taking place not far from where the band recorded said album. It promises to be an incredibly unique, heartfelt and meaningful evening — as any evening curated by your favorite band should be. So, that’s where Friday evening will find me.


And that’s not at all — in a crazy and quite busy turn of scheduling, Saturday brings the fun, quirky and eclectic New Belgium Tour de Fat to NYC. The craft beer festival and all-around extravaganza blends a circus-like atmosphere (think vaudeville performers and trick cycling races) with live music — as it were, an all-time favorite band, New Zealand indie rockers The Naked and Famous, are capping off the night. In short, it’ll be a jam-packed weekend to cap off a jam-packed week. But right now, I couldn’t be more excited. Before you start your own weekend of adventures, stick around a bit longer for our weekly #menswear news recap. Thanks, as always, for reading! Rock on!

  • Equally as important as your prep for the weekend is your weekend shopping strategy — at least, I think so. That’s why I’ve had quite the fun time putting together The List, an ongoing Style Guide series covering the best men’s gear to buy this month.  From the handsome and surprisingly affordabe Newgate Pimlico Wall Clock to the rugged and handy Line of Trade Waxed Canvas Watch Roll, I’d wager that this is gear you’re going to want to buy as soon as you can.

  • I’ll be the first to tell you I enjoy a nice, head-clearing jog through the quite streets of Midwood here in Brooklyn. It’s all the more helpful that the next time I pound the pavement, I’ll have a few ideas on how to do so in style — that’s because I covered the best men’s running shorts for GearMoose! Effective AND stylish, all at once.
  • Amazon Prime Day — the famed shopping portal’s offering of a bunch of deals through its Prime membership service —  flew by this week (Julu 12th, actually). Did you shop any deals? Let me know in terms comments!

And with that, my fellow Style Guide fans … I leave you to the weekend! Feel free to follow me on Instagram to check out Friday and Saturday’s music-filled fun, and be sure to join us tomorrow for our Style Pick of the Week.

-Beau