Tag / todd shelton

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Danner x New Balance miUSA 585 Sneakers

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.

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Contemplating the weekend in NYC’s Bryant Park — during a Friday lunch break. miUSA 585 Sneakers from the Danner x New Balance collab. Cole Bomber Jacket by Beckett Simonon. Cove Shirt by Life/After/Denim. Slim black selvedge by Todd Shelton. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Colorblocked socks by Richer Poorer. Glasses by Frameri.

Perhaps it’s been the slightly breezy, fall-esque weather in Brooklyn, but durable, premium footwear is certainly something that’s been on the mind of your Style Guide publisher, editor and writer as of late. Although we just covered the excellent SeaVees Huckberry Chukka in last week’s Style Pick of the Week post, we’re back at it here with a pair of footwear that’s every bit as perfect for fall style — and quite a bit pricier, if we’re being honest.  Yes indeed, the Danner x New Balance miUSA 585 is quite the sneaker, blending the ingenuity and technology of New Balance with the quality and craftsmanship of Danner. Oh, and it’s made in America at New Balance’s Maine factory. Sounds too good to be true, ehh? Not so fast, my friend. Having tested out these sneakers, I can tell you that they’re the real deal — and then some. The Danner x New Balance miUSA 585 takes advantage of the best of the best that these two Portland-based companies have to offer (that would be New Balance’s roots in Maine, and Danner’s home base in Oregon). It’s part of the American Pioneer Project, and that partnership also features the Danner x New Balance Light, an outdoor boot that merges hybrid style and performance. The 585 is a bit of a different look from your classic boot or sneaker, though. The 585 takes New Balance’s traditional outdoor trail silhouette, and merges it with the sort of durable touches found on Danner boots, like rich Horween leather. Boot laces give these sneakers a sporty-yet-versatile look, and ballistic nylon found on the upper also gives it a ton of durability, as does So is it a sneaker? A boot? How do you wear it? All crucial questions given the price tag ($359.99 ain’t exactly cheap, fellas).

The answer to the first of those two questions would be that, yes — it’s a sneaker. But it can wear like a boot. The higher heel prevents you from rolling your ankle, critical whether you’re dashing to the subway or the plane — or stepping out of your favorite pub (right? Right??). It’s fit for casual Friday pairings aplenty, as you can see above — try it with a beautiful Beckett Simonon suede bomber jacket, a patterned shirt (the one at the top is from Life/After/Denim), and slim black Todd Shelton selvedge. Now, you’ll have to wait for that bomber jacket, but the good news is that you can pick up these sneakers, and wear them, right away. The rich Horween leather gives the Danner x New Balance miUSA 585 a dressier feel than most kicks — given the price tag, you’re going to want to get as much wear out of them as you can. Just be sure to keep them nice and cleaned up (soap and water on a cloth is a quick way to keep the heel and sole scuff-free). The Horween leather should develop a nice patina over time, too. And lest we forget, the combination between sporty and casual style means you can team them up with a lightweight navy blazer and dark blue denim at the office, and they’re absolutely perfect to wear with a slim cardigan and a classic Taylor Stitch chambray shirt for a sharp weekend coffee run. The difficult thing is going to be resisting the urge to wear them into winter — these are sneakers that should be stored for a  bit, then broken back out in the spring. In the meantime, the Danner x New Balance miUSA 585 will look plenty handsome on your shelf.

While you mull that sneaker purchase, follow along with The Style Guide on Facebook.

by Beau H.

Fall 2016 Style Wish List

Editor’s note: For other seasonal style wish lists, click here.

Can you believe it’s (nearly) here already? Fall? Me neither. As always seems to come up with these seasonal style wish list posts, it feels as if I just sat down to write the last one — did you manage to pick up everything from your spring style wish list, while we’re at it? Making what can feel like the rather abrupt transition from style built for the heat of summer to style geared toward cooler climes is a luxury for some of us, but it can be just as much of a struggle if you’re looking to add transitional pieces to your wardrobe. And of course, it might still be a bit warm in your area. But fall is coming, and we’ll get to that in the coming weeks. For now, we’re still in Wish List mode here at The Style Guide. So, the below pieces are picked (sometimes) with budget in mind, but they more likely represent the best of fall style out there — according to this #menswear editor, that is. That means we’re looking for pieces that more often than not exude rugged, versatile and exemplary fall style — it’s a time for crisp breezes, crunching leaves, walks in the park, some football-viewing and beer-drinking … it’s, in short, the most wonderful time of the year (wink, wink). Don’t believe me? Read on for the below Style Wish List picks, and follow along on Instagram for more transitional style inspiration — you won’t be let down, promise!

#1. Flint & Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket — $198

A durable new piece of outerwear that's built for darn-near anything.

A durable new piece of outerwear that’s built for darn-near anything.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls — step right up, because the good folks at Flint & Tinder have done it again with this stunning waxed trucker jacket. The makers of your favorite domestically produced boxer briefs and a stupendously great hoodie have really outdone themselves this time with a beautiful piece of outerwear that’s practically tailor made for fall. The Whiskey color is rich and should look great with dark denim and a rugged henley, and the herringbone flannel lining should keep you nice and warm through all sorts of fall festivities. Feel free to rock this guy into winter, too — the Martexin 7oz. waxed sail cloth can handle a little inclement weather.

#2. Todd Shelton Classic White Oxford — $200

The ideal Oxford to offset the ideal fall jacket -- right?

The ideal Oxford to offset the ideal fall jacket — right?

This Oxford shirt right here is another Wish List-worthy piece, if only based on price alone. Every guy needs an essential Oxford shirt in his closet — we’re talking one that pairs with everything from chinos and crisp white sneakers in the summer to that durable waxed trucker jacket in the fall. Well, this Oxford fits that bill beautifully. It’s made from a substantial but breathable 100/2 ply cotton (that’s two fine yarns twisted together), and the made-in-America construction and customizable fit are huge bonuses to a piece that’s investment-worthy in every sense of the word. It’s a great piece year-round, but it would add an extra touch of crisp refinement to your favorite fall style essentials, like a shawl cardigan and sturdy dark denim.

#3. Johnston & Murphy Eldredge Wingtip Boot — $275

Italian-made leather wingtip boots that you won't want to take off? Sign me up.

Italian-made leather wingtip boots that you won’t want to take off? Sign me up.

From my recent travels to Michigan to  a Labor Day weekend in Asbury Park, Johnston & Murphy has certainly won over this style writer for blending comfort, quality and affordability. With that spirit in mind, it’s easy to see why a dependable, durable-looking and just plain handsome pair of wingtip boots makes the cut on this list.  Handcrafted in Italy, these tan calfskin leather boots are the ideal mix of rugged and refined, able to add a bit of flair to faded grey denim or a pair of slim wool trousers — try out either combination from one day to the next if you don’t believe me.  Oh, and don’t forget stylish socks that add a bit of color and comfort, will ya?

#4. Flint & Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley — $62

The answer to your search for the perfect fall henley, made right here in America.

The answer to your search for the perfect fall henley, made right here in America.

Yet another piece from Flint & Tinder on this list? Believe me, the brand’s new fall collection really is that on-point. We here at The Style Guide (ahem *just me*) love a rugged henley, and it looks as if the newest addition to the Flint & Tinder line takes the cake in terms of the designated henley spot on this year’s Fall Style Wish List (only partially kidding). While it’s also available in versatile colors like Navy and Olive, you really can’t go wrong with  a classic white henley. It’s another made-in-America piece that’s going to have you covered for all sorts of style situations, particularly including pairing with a certain tough trucker jacket (can you see a theme here?). Of course, it’ll also set you right for layering under everything from a wool blazer at the office to a navy field jacket at your next rock concert.

#5. M.Gemi Netto Leather Sneakers — $228

Low-top leather sneakers in the fall? If you know how to style them, yes indeed.

Low-top leather sneakers in the fall? If you know how to style them, yes indeed.

Yes, we’re going with another pair of footwear to round out this list (although it was mighty hard to narrow it down to just five!). These sneakers are certainly a worthy Wish List — or wait list — addition, as they’ve sold pretty quickly (that seems to make them even more covetable, however). A pair of rich brown leather sneakers is a pretty underrated style accessory in fall — it’s still sneaker weather, even if at first it might not seem like it. The color of this particular pair makes them as versatile as leather chukka boots — style them with a white Oxford and navy chinos for a high-low office look, or pair them up with a crewneck sweater (and yes, even that waxed trucker jacket) for a dash of slightly dressy weekend style. What are you waiting for? Hop on them before they sell out!

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

Are you fully on-board with the above Fall Style Wish List picks? I certainly hope so. There’s plenty more fall style-centric content to come in the weeks ahead, particularly focused on pieces you’ll love to wear, like leather chukka boots, slim henleys and yes, a trucker jacket or two. If tackling the changing seasons at first feels daunting, look for investment-worthy pieces you can wear across all seven days of the week — dependable boots and a crisp white Oxford should certainly be on your shopping list if you don’t have ’em already, and a reliable long-sleeve henley is a must-buy (at least in the mind of this author). Everyone should splurge — truly — on a staple piece of outerwear that you can wear all season long, and that waxed trucker jacket is Exhibit A. Heck, the longer it takes me to write this post, the more ready for fall I get. If you’re in the same boat, or if you feel I missed any fall style picks, give me a shout on Twitter.

by Beau H.

The Product Review: Todd Shelton Natural Chambray Shirt

Editor’s note: For product review on watches, boots, bags and everything #menswear, click here.

It can sometimes be surprisingly tough to find durable style essentials. That is, the type of piece you can wear over and over again thanks to its quality, reliability and yes, style. While there are a plethora of options out there for these types of things, from endless varieties of dark denim to great leather sneakers, how do you know which style or size or cut is right for you? That’s where Todd Shelton comes in — to take care of that guesswork for you, at least on the shirting front. You might be familiar with the brand — and this very shirt — from its inclusion in our Style Pick of the Week series, but we’re here today to go just a bit more in-depth. Why should that matter to you, my discerning menswear fan? For starters, the brand is all about the kind of style essentials this site (AKA yours truly) writes about in droves. For another, they’re a company that knows where its allegiances are forged — like a good number of stand-up, standout brands these days, that’s right here in America. And they sure do know how to craft a heck of an essential chambray shirt.

The chambray shirt on its own -- a slim fit and nice texture to the fabric make this shirt a keeper!

The chambray shirt on its own — a slim fit and nice texture to the fabric make this shirt a keeper!

That’s definitely what makes the brand worth a look — the knowledge and intuition to stick to doing great basics very well. And if you’re wary of ordering a chambray shirt like this one online, fear not. In fact, that’s a highlight of this review process. When the brand initially reached out to me late last fall, I myself was a bit skeptical of ordering sight unseen. However, that’s where Todd Shelton’s ingenious Fit kit comes in remarkably handy. You can either choose from basic fit options (which include the rarely found Small/Medium, Medium/Large and so on), or register for the Fit Kit. Once you fill in some basic customer information, a kit is shipped out to you containing what you might call a test shirt. You try on said test shirt and follow their instructions to record your measurements, before sending the test shirt and the aforementioned measurements back to the brand using a free return label (again, another small key that makes a big difference).

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The customizations even go so far as to include Stomach Taper, Sleeve Taper and options to add on a pocket. And after all those boxes are checked off, you get a shirt sent back to you within a matter of weeks, completely customized and, in my case, exceptionally well-fitting. It’s the little things like that — plus the big things, like made-in-America production — that warrant the higher price tag. And yes, $200 is a steep price tag for a shirt if you’re on a budget or want to spend less on clothes this year. But as always seems to come up, compare that price to what you might grab at some place like H&M — three or four or heck, five times over. That’s the silver lining, my friend.

Just one way to style this shirt. Charcoal blazer by UNIQLO. Floral pocket square and brown leather belt by J. Crew. Red knit tie by 15ties. Navy suede 1000 Mile Boots by Wolverine. Striped socks by American Trench.

Just one way to style this shirt. Charcoal blazer by UNIQLO. Floral pocket square and brown leather belt by J. Crew. Red knit tie by 15ties. Navy suede 1000 Mile Boots by Wolverine. Striped socks by American Trench.

Now as to the shirt itself. The Natural Chambray fabric has excellent texture to it, and the flecks of white in the fabric help differentiate it from a classic blue Oxford shirt. This makes it a little more rugged and unique-looking, but just because there’s some texture to the fabric doesn’t mean the shirt is scratchy or uncomfortable to  wear. In fact, it’s soft and breathes fairly well for a chambray shirt. I went with  a slimmer fit all-around, and it fits like a charm. The armholes are high and the sleeves and shoulders are trim but still comfortable. Be advised that if you do choose the Short length in terms of the shirt’s hem, it is indeed a tad on the short side (but again, that’s likely the result of human error from yours truly). In terms of other looks, the white buttons make it a bit dressier than the black buttons on my GAP chambray shirt, so it can be worn a bit more easily with a wool blazer.

The versatility of this shirt means it's great for travel, too. Mt. Drew Duffle by United By Blue. Chocolate Suede Scout Chukkas by Thursday Boot Company. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

The versatility of this shirt means it’s great for travel, too. Mt. Drew Duffle by United By Blue. Chocolate Suede Scout Chukkas by Thursday Boot Company. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

The light blue color also makes it the ideal contrast to slim dark denim and a shawl-collar cardigan — perhaps one of my favorite ways to wear the shirt, as you can see at the top of the page. It can also be layered with ease over a white henley for a vintage-inspired look. And the color stands out well with some slim tan chinos, too. My guess is that it can also pair just fine with some great spring or summer shorts when warmer weather does roll around. So it really is a true four-season chambray shirt, as the texture and the nice roll of the buttondown collar help it stand up to beefier sweaters and dark denim during the fall and winter. When it finally does warm up, there’s plenty of potential to wear it with all kinds of outfits, as well. The bottom line is that if you’re initially on the fence about dropping a lot of cash on this shirt, think of it as a great investment (and it can be made even more versatile if you pick up the point-collar option). Plus, it’s not often you can team a made-in-America shirt with everything from khaki shorts to grey chinos and still stand out for the right reasons.

Get the Natural Chambray Shirt from Todd Shelton here.

Do you own anything from Todd Shelton? How would you wear and style this chambray shirt?

by Beau H.

On the road again: Kicking off 2016 in Detroit

Editor’s note: For more details on part 1 of this trip, click here.

Spending time in Midtown near Shinola & Willy's Detroit. Collegiate Bomber by JackThreads. Plaid flannel shirt by Todd Snyder. Skinny Fulton Chinos by Banana Republic. Chocolate Suede Scout Chukkas by Thursday Boots. Patterned socks by Richer Poorer. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta

Spending time in Midtown near Shinola & Willys Detroit. Collegiate Bomber by JackThreads. Hemingway Elbow Patch Shirt by Todd Snyder. Skinny Fulton Chinos by Banana Republic. Chocolate Suede Scout Chukkas by Thursday Boots. Patterned socks by Richer Poorer. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta

When I first got word that a big group of friends was heading to Detroit to ring in the new year (and watch our alma mater Michigan State play in the College Football Playoff), I knew I had to make the trip — even after being on the road in Florida just a few days before. While I was definitely disappointed in Michigan State’s loss in the College Football Playoff, I wasn’t disappointed at all with the rest of my time in Detroit. The city has been the subject of tons of national headlines for its economic woes, and certain parts of the city are definitely still feeling that blight (I’ll leave it to the experts to talk more about that). Even still, there are plenty of cultural and economic bright spots that, at least outwardly, are helping put the city back on the map — and yes, as with any trip, there’s plenty of great menswear to go along with that.

Equal parts rock music and menswear -- the John Varvatos shop in downtown Detroit

Equal parts rock music and menswear — the John Varvatos shop in downtown Detroit

For a quick flight to Detroit and a brief afternoon of exploration before kicking off the New Year’s Eve festivities, I layered up with my Todd Shelton chambray shirt, my trusty Pistol Lake henley and some skinny Fulton chinos from Banana Republic (also seen in the photo at the top of the page). The outfit was versatile and comfortable, and it made for some quick walking to the nearby John Varvatos shop, a large installment that pays homage to both the designer’s Detroit roots and the brand’s deep love for the rock music industry. The clothing and the shop itself definitely have a substantial rock n’roll vibe, which suits some but  can be a bit much for my taste. However, the shop is impressively merchandised and also has a great selection of audio and music equipment for sale.
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A walk by some other notable downtown sites (including The Fillmore, Comerica Park and Ford Field), ate up the rest of the afternoon before game time (definitely a different change of pace on New Year’s Eve!). With a few quick changes (namely, throwing on my JackThreads Fisherman Cardigan and swapping out the henley), I was ready for the rest of the night. Detroit’s Greektown district was buzzing with activity and a fitting place to catch the game — that is, until things turned south for our beloved Spartans. Try as we might, that did put a bit of a damper on the new year, but the Firebird Tavern was still a fun spot to check out, and worthy of a trip if you find yourself in Greektown.

Cozy, versatile and stylish. Collegiate Bomber by JackThreads. Nomad French Terry Sweatpants by Bonobos. Striped socks by American Trench. Black chukka sneakers by Reef.

Cozy, versatile and stylish. Collegiate Bomber by JackThreads. Nomad French Terry Sweatpants by Bonobos. Striped socks by American Trench. Black chukka sneakers by Reef.

A hearty brunch to kick off the new year was in order, and the Hudson Café definitely delivered in that regard — the rest of the large crowd gathered there thought so, too. Staying cozy and comfortable was also in order to start the new year, and my JackThreads Collegiate Bomber — plus some striped American Trench socks and my Bonobos French Terry Sweatpants— proved more than up to the task. My Reef Outhaul Lux Chukka Sneakers were also minimal, comfortable and stylish — exactly the type of sneaker you should reach for if you decide pair them with tapered sweatpants on a cold day off. New Year’s Day football was definitely a treat (although not as fun as an MSU win would’ve been!), and our dinner plans led us to the Cornerstone Barrel House, a tap house equal parts rugged-and-refined that offers some delicious local beer and tasty bites.

A delicious coffee from Shinola's in-store cafe is crucial. Collegiate Bomber by JackThreads. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

A delicious coffee from Shinola’s in-store cafe is crucial. Collegiate Bomber by JackThreads. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

A great dinner and a relaxing night was crucial, as I got out the door to see the rest of Detroit’s #menswear scene on Saturday. That included a stop by the revered Shinola store — coming from someone who loves the brand’s NYC store, it was a real treat to be able to see what the brand can do with more real estate, and in its hometown. Shinola really is continuing to cement its legacy in the Detroit area — the installation of the brand’s own watch dial production facility in its flagship store is nearly complete, and it’s got that Detroit work ethic down pat. It’s great news in the meantime that Shinola offers up other great goods, like American-made journals and an entire assortment of bicycles. Plus, the on-site coffee shop is a key pit stop before exploring other nearby haunts, like Willys Detroit — a sister shop of Shinola that’s packed to the brim with rugged menswear from Filson, Steven Alan and Apolis, plus women’s apparel & accessories. It’s also worth a visit, if only to enjoy the impressive retail experience rather than purchase something.

The impressive, and brand-new, physical outpost of Third Man Records is definitely worth a trip.

The impressive, and brand-new, physical outpost of Third Man Records is definitely worth a trip.

No stop along that stretch is complete without stopping into the brand-new physical outpost of Third Man Records, another offshoot of the record company founded by Detroit rocker Jack White — if you’re a fan of rock music, or just the art of vinyl and music-making in general, it’s a must-visit. We also took the time to swing by Atwater Brewery on Saturday night, an expansive waterfront location serving up delicious staples like its famous Vanilla Java Porter and the equally tasty Pheasant Hog, a rich brown ale. It’s great to be able to see businesses continue to dedicate time and resources to bringing back Detroit, through both retail and music experiences, plus delicious food and drink — all are necessary for travelers and locals alike!

Dependable travel gear to fight the cold and stay stylish. Buffalo Bobber Gloves by Iron & Resin. Mt. Drew Duffle by United By Blue.

Dependable travel gear to fight the cold and stay stylish. Buffalo Bobber Gloves by Iron & Resin. Mt. Drew Duffle by United By Blue. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

A busy end to a busy weekend was capped off on Sunday with a stop by Will Leather Goods, another business with deep, decades-old Detroit roots that’s a new addition to the city’s Midtown neighborhood. The entire store is nearly a work of art, packed with everything from excellent leather messenger bags to vintage finds like barber’s chairs and a massive teepee (yes, a teepee). To explore that part of town, I reached for my sturdy Mott & Bow Norfolk raw denim — it’s one pair of jeans that’s breaking in quite nicely, and the heavier weight made them more than ideal for the chilly weather Detroit threw at us. A striped henley from J. Crew and my ever-reliable Todd Shelton chambray shirt, plus my dependable Invicta Pro Diver, helped me tackle both my final hours in Detroit and travel back to NYC on Monday morning (those flight delays always seem to catch up with me!).

It was tough to say goodbye to great friends and an unexpectedly awesome city filled with some terrific shopping and a steady cultural scene. Were I to visit again (and I’ll be back!), I’d love to check out the Detroit Institute of Art, and some other similar spots. Although some parts of Detroit still leave something to be desired (to say the least), there’s no question that the right businesses and people are around to continue to drive the city forward — and those same businesses would definitely make it worth a trip for you… although might I suggest a stop when it’s warm?

Until I hit the road again — stay stylish!

-Beau
Ben Sherman US

by Beau H.

Onward: Packing for a Motor City New Year’s Eve and Recapping 2015

Editor’s note: To see more travel style posts, click here.

Rolling up the ol' (Gustin Spring Plaid) shirt sleeves to get to work on more content for 2016. Thanks for reading!

Rolling up the ol’ (Gustin Spring Plaid) shirt sleeves to get to work on more content for 2016. Thanks for reading!

As I think back on 2015 and the opportunities I received through my day job in fashion PR and through writing on this blog and elsewhere, I’m nothing but extremely grateful. I’m grateful for the amazing people I’ve met, from fellow bloggers to readers, and the excellent brands I’ve gotten to work with on reader giveaways and product reviews. — lots of great businesses run by even better people. I’m equally grateful for the cool ongoing features that have developed (however small) at The Style Guide — including the Style Pick of the Week and Friday Read series — and I’m especially grateful for those that have taken the time to read this blog.  Of course, I’m really grateful for the support of my family and friends above everything, who’ve read these posts, offered their feedback and snapped most of the photos of me you see here — and that’s on top of everything else!
I hope you like what you’ve read, and I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey along the way, whether you’ve stopped here for a new wardrobe on a budget or just sought out a great style upgrade or two to improve your closet. 2016 will definitely bring more menswear content, from product reviews and style suggestions to brand profiles, along with travel style posts. It’s become one of my favorite things to do, and I’ve immensely enjoyed seeing everywhere from Greece and Italy to Los Angeles and Grand Rapids in the past few months.

Packing a soon-to-be-reliable United By Blue duffle bag once again.

Packing a soon-to-be-reliable United By Blue Mt. Drew Duffle bag once again. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

So it’s only fitting that, to cap off 2015, I’ll be in Detroit for the weekend to visit with college friends, watch my alma mater Michigan State play in the College Football Playoff and explore more of an up-and-coming city. That means I might not be as formal as James Bond in this New Year’s Eve Style Suggestion, but maybe one day? Of course, it wouldn’t a true road trip if I didn’t bring some of my favorite picks along with me (sans tuxedo and handgun). As on my Christmas trip to Florida, I’ll be packing great gear in my new favorite bag, the sturdy United By Blue duffle you see above.

Cozy gear for a cold weekender. French Terry Nomad Joggers by Bonobos. White henley by Pistol Lake. Collegiate Bomber by JackThreads.

Cozy gear for a cold weekend. French Terry Nomad Joggers by Bonobos. White henley by Pistol Lake. Collegiate Bomber by JackThreads.

As the forecast in Michigan calls for lots of chilly weather, I’m definitely packing to stay as warm as possible, from my new Bonobos French Terry Nomad Joggers and a JackThreads Collegiate Bomber, to my ever-reliable Pistol Lake Henley — each should definitely prove suitable for weekend wear and a quick brunch run or two. Accompanying me on the trip will be a few reliable pairs of shoes — notably, my Reef Outhaul Lux Chukka Sneakers, which are quite comfortable and also right at home with the colder climes of the city thanks to the high-top cut. I’m also bringing along my Timberland West Haven Side Zip Boots, and (assuming my bag can fit ’em!) my trusty Thursday Boot Company Chocolate Suede Scout Chukkas.

Tried-and-true trip essentials -- a chambray shirt and suede chukka boots. Shirt by Todd Shelton. Chocolate Suede Scout Chukkas by Thursday Boot Company.

Tried-and-true trip essentials — a chambray shirt and suede chukka boots. Shirt by Todd Shelton. Chocolate Suede Scout Chukkas by Thursday Boot Company. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

To keep warm the rest of the time, I’m turning to some trusty style staples. Those will include my JackThreads Fisherman Cardigan, some tough Iron & Resin gloves and some comfortable American Trench socks. Throw in a merino watch cap (also from American Trench), and I should be all set. As to your own bag, a few sets of reliable socks– maybe ones with some premium fabric — are going to prove helpful and quite comfortable if you find yourself on the road a lot, too. I also plan to rock my Reef x H.D. Lee Workshirt — it’s a tough seasonal style essential, and I’d recommend you  look to layering pieces that can function as outerwear should you ever find yourself short on packing space. Of course, no trip to a cold-weather climate would be complete without tossing in a rugged shir; my Todd Shelton Chambray Shirt should do just the trick for layering over a henley (yes, I do love me some henleys!). I’m also happy to get to the chance to test out my beautifully crafted Hemingway Elbow Patch Shirt from Todd Snyder, by way of Santa — check back here on Saturday for more on that shirt.

A crisp watch that strikes a dress-casual balance is crucial for weekend trips. Watch by MVMT Watches.

A crisp watch that strikes a dress-casual balance is crucial for weekend trips. Watch by MVMT Watches.

As is proving customary on these trips, I’m looking to round out my bag with some travel-ready denim from Mott & Bow, and I’ll also be bringing a new pair of skinny Fulton chinos from Banana Republic — the caramel color should prove versatile and ready for just about anything, including travel days. To top it off, I’m definitely bringing a dependable pair of watches, including The 40 – Blue/Brown Leather from MVMT and my Invicta Pro Diver. So all of that stellar #menswear should leave just enough room for some everyday carry supplies — namely a new Public Supply notebook and some sweet Woodbuds headphones, plus my reliable BYRD Hairdo x Richer Poorer Dopp Kit. When you next hit the road, I’d say don’t skimp on those small goods- – brands like Richer Poorer and Baxter of California offer terrific travel-friendly toiletries kits, and it never hurts to bring along a notebook and nice headphones.

Now that my bag’s ready to go, I’m just about set to jet off for another fun weekend — and an incredibly fun way to close out 2015! I can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store, and I’ll hope you’ll be back! For now, know that I’ll be here with a Detroit edition of the Friday Read to kick off the new year, followed by the first of 2016’s weekly Style Picks on Saturday. Thanks so very much for reading, and as always…

Stay stylish,

-Beau


by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Shelton Chambray Shirt

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.

A medium-blue color and natural chambray make this shirt comfortable and versatile.

A medium-blue color and natural chambray make this shirt comfortable and versatile.

With just enough time to spare before Christmas, Santa is here with a helpful — and highly versatile — Style Pick of the Week. I’ve written often on the power of having items you can dress up or down, and wear in just about any situation. Essential items like a well-tailored blazer or a great pair of dark denim can certainly carry you far in most circumstances, and you can add to that mix a trim chambray shirt — like the Todd Shelton chambray shirt you see up top. This blog covered off on a great chambray shirt from GAP earlier this year, but the style is so versatile that it’s never a bad thing to consider having another one in your rotation (this is coming from a guy with bunches of henleys in his closet, though). Make no mistaken, it’s unlike a standard blue Oxford cloth buttondown. Chambray finds its roots in workwear — rough, rugged styles worn by those actually out in the field. The style has seen a resurgence in the past five years or so as those silhouettes have come back, but as far as this #menswear blogger is concerned, it’s here to stay — a chambray shirt is nearly as firmly entrenched in the style lexicon as slim denim or a great pair of chukka boots.

Todd Shelton's chambray shirt pairs well with other style staples. Charcoal wool blazer by UNIQLO. Raw dark denim by Mott & Bow. Navy suede 1000 Mile boots by Wolverine. Knit tie by 15ties. Striped socks by American Trench. Belt & floral pocket square by J. Crew.

Todd Shelton’s chambray shirt pairs well with other style staples. Charcoal wool blazer by UNIQLO. Raw dark denim by Mott & Bow. Navy suede 1000 Mile boots by Wolverine. Knit tie by 15ties. Striped socks by American Trench. Belt & floral pocket square by J. Crew.

That’s why it pays to invest in one up front — especially when it can work seamlessly with other wardrobe staples you might already have (like those pieces in the above photo). If you’re familiar at all with Todd Shelton, you’ll know the New Jersey-based brand has a penchant for producing everything from its denim to knitwear with great care here in America. So the price you see on the site certainly pays off. You could definitely walk into J. Crew and pick up a chambray shirt for about $50 less — but I can guarantee the fit  won’t be as spot-on as  a Todd Shelton shirt, for starters.Todd Shelton offers standard Small through XXL sizes, but its Advanced Fit options dial down everything from Sleeve Width to Stomach Width. Crucially for all those in between sizes, it even offers Small/Medium hybrid options. The brand was kind enough to work with me on my own measurements, so you can expect a full product review in the coming weeks. What you should know in the meantime is that as an investment, a Todd Shelton chambray shirt delivers great value — as any chambray should. Wear it with dark denim, boots and a blazer right now, or rock it with a leather bomber in the weeks to come. You can’t go wrong with a crisp color and trim fit in a style essential like this.

What’s your go-to chambray shirt? Would you pick up this piece from Todd Shelton?
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