The Friday Read: The xx, Stitch Fix and Menswear Essentials to Own

As I write this edition of the Friday Read, I’m kicking off day two of a much-needed and long-awaited trip to Florida to see my family! I was previously here on a little Style Guide spring break of sorts back in March, but given the Memorial Day weekend holiday, it’s even better to be back. That also begs the question — what are you wearing this weekend? Hopefully, you’ve got a stylish pair of spring sneakers in tow for wherever your travels might take you.  Of course, you’d do well not to forget stylish accessories, like essential grooming accessories or a great pair of headphones. In that case, the Bespoke Post Vibes Box would probably be of interest — trust me.  As it were, I’ve got all of those essentials with me here on this trip (but if you follow me on Instagram, you know that already).  In any case, let’s look back on this past week. In addition to keeping up with all things menswear, I also had the stunning, nearly unheard-of chance to see British electro-pop rockers The xx play two incredible shows (back-to-back!) last weekend at the lovely, iconic Forest Hills Stadium in Queens. Touring behind one of the year’s best albums — the beautifully crafted “I See You,” they’ve come into their own more than any time before — the result is a poignant, moving and emotional show. In short, go see them on their expanded North American tour! It’s worth a listen as you kick back on Friday evening, absolutely. And with that, I’ll leave you to this week’s #menswear news.

Sutro Shoes Inc.

Stitch Fix

Via the Stitch Fix styling service, you can get pieces like the Cole Haan Grand Pro Sneaker delivered right to your door — as easy as it gets. Cotton jersey blazer and white chinos by Johnston and Murphy. Striped T-shirt by Bourbon and Blue. Watch by Nautica. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

  • Ever feel like your wardrobe could use a seasonal refresh? Same here.  Yet, there are other — even easier  — Stitch Fix ways to get expert style advice. Namely, the good folks at offer personalized styling services that result in a sharp selection of menswear for your enjoyment (like the sharp, easy-to-wear Cole Haan Grand Pro Sneakers seen above — my favorite from my own box!). Seriously, it’s all customized to your tastes after a series of simple questions. And what’s more, you only pay for what you keep. Yes indeed, it’s that great. I’d encourage you to sign up for Stitch Fix now — you won’t regret it!

  • Let’s talk more menswear, shall we? When Sunspel puts its stamp of approval on a collaboration, you can be sure it’s got the goods — the brand made James Bond’s polo shirt in Casino Royale, for goodness’ sakes. So that’s what makes the brand’s approach on its Sunspel x Iffey Road collaboration so neat. The heritage knitwear maker teamed up with the British running gear aficionados on pieces like the functional, breathable and technical Stanton Pique Polo, for instance. It features Iffey Road’s drirelease fabric merged with the same silhouette as the brand’s Riviera Polo. That’s a winning combination. And if you’re a track fan, you might recognize the name Iffey Road — it’s the site where Sir Roger Bannister broke the 4-minute mile mark in 1954. In short: That should be more than enough performance pedigree (and style!) to keep you cool all summer long.

Greats

  • Alright, let’s keep it moving here toward the weekend — shall we? I had a heck of a fun time pulling together an extensive — and I mean, extensive — list of the 25 menswear essentials you need to own for The Manual. You’ll recognize picks from Style Guide favorites like Abercrombie & Fitch, Todd Snyder, Apolis and plenty more. How many of those picks do you have? Let me know over on Twitter, if you please.

We’ll wrap things up early today — for now, I’ve got to hit the beach! I’ll catch you on the blog with our regular Style Pick of the Week tomorrow, followed by a full travel style recap incoming on Monday.

Thanks for reading — surf’s up!

-Beau

Florsheim

The Friday Read: Kings of Leon, Menswear Trade Shows and SuitSupply

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.

Menswear never sleeps, especially not if it’s Friday and there’s more work to be done before the end of the week. Welcome back to The Friday Read, where we’re going through all the men’s style tips and essentials you need to know to kick off your weekend, well, in style. We’re a few days closer to the positively massive and hectic trade show season in New York City, followed by another edition of New York Fashion Week: Men’s. I’m looking forward to scoping out new brands at the likes of Capsule Show and Liberty Fairs, just as I did on a summer trip to Las Vegas via my PR day job (with a bit of hustling on the side, of course).  Checking out new brands and reconnecting with great supporters at Style Guide favorites like Owen & Fred and Tanner Goods is always pretty great — if a little tiring between the daily grind and the afterparties! So, I’m definitely going to enjoy this weekend — particularly kicking it off tonight by seeing the arena-sized rock show that is Kings of Leon! To see a show at Madison Square Garden is pretty special, and that’s no more true than with a group you’ve followed since middle school.  Of course, I’ll be dressed in rock concert style — no doubt about that. What are you weekend plans? If it’s chilly where you are, I hope you layer up in classic winter style — there’s no better way to dress for the season, trust me.  Enjoy the weekend, thanks for reading and join us for a winter travel-centric Style Pick of the Week tomorrow.

  • Who knows how much gear is still left on the brand’s digital shelves, but the fine folks at SuitSupply opened up the SuitSupply online outlet for your shopping pleasure earlier this week — it’s the type of sale that many get excited about every year, and with great deals on slick tailoring and accessories, it’s not hard to see why.  Just how to style that new winter suit, though? Have I got the tailored #OOTD for you.
  • If we’re talking handmade craftsmanship and fine attention to detail, then we’re talking Markhor, a footwear company out of Pakistan that’s changing the industry’s approach to stylish men’s dress shoes — and trying valiantly to do so. I covered the brand via my latest post for The Manual, and it really was great to learn more about the unique and intriguing ways in which they craft their sleek, classic shoes.
  • Let’s step outside the menswear world for a second — and you might want to grab your headphones, because the xx put out “I See You,” the best album of this young year, last Friday … if you haven’t been able to stop listening, you’re not alone. It’s filled with essential tracks rendered with lush music, and I’d say they’re an essential act to see come summer festival season.
  • Before New York City’s menswear trade shows and the resulting fashion week scene heat up, take a look at GQ.com’s rundown of the best Milan street style  from the European style circuit.

Thanks, as always, for reading — and enjoy the weekend!

-Beau

Beckett Simonon