Tag / todd snyder

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Rambler 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.

A great new sneaker release from a much anticipated spring collaboration.

A great new sneaker release from a much anticipated spring collaboration.

Perhaps it’s the recent influx of sunshine (however brief and chilly) here in NYC, or maybe it’s a sudden flurry of new spring arrivals hitting many a Web site, but I’ve definitely been doing some seasonal “planning-ahead” as far as #menswear goes. Do you find yourself in the same boat? With that being said, the forecast still calls for more chilly weather. Even still, the latest iteration of the ongoing Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers collaboration is absolutely a winner, and it takes the cake as this week’s Style Pick of the Week —  particularly the Nubuck Rambler Low as seen here. A great pair of crisp, clean and classically inspired white sneakers is a style essential nearly all year-round — even into the chillier days of fall. And although the Nubuck Rambler Low is a spring release, it’s a pair of sneakers you could match up with all kinds of outfits through the spring, summer and on into Labor Day. They incorporate all the elements you’d expect in a great pair of white sneakers, with a few added touches.

A slim toe shape and the captoe detailing make these suitably dressy for pairing with a blazer this spring.

A slim toe shape and the captoe detailing make these suitably dressy for pairing with a blazer this spring.

For one, the contrasting gum sole is a welcome design elements that’s popped up on lots of sneakers as of late. The captoe detailing and open-lace stitching are also nice touches that make these the ideal dressy or casual sneaker. They’d be the perfect pairing with some olive chinos and a navy polo when it gets warm out, and they’d even work now with slim dark denim and a navy bomber for a welcome shot of contrasting color. Plus, these guys would go great with an unconstructed blazer and lightwash jeans for a great Casual Friday look (the Perforated Rambler High would also work in this regard, but spring seems better suited for low-tops anyways). The Todd Snyder logo at the nylon heel tab is a cool touch that lets you know the type of designer quality you’re getting, as well. On that note, for a name brand collaboration like this, the price isn’t terrible, particularly when you consider that you can rock ’em more like dress shoes than sneakers. And the construction should definitely be solid — P.F. Flyers has decades of experience doing that.  It’s also part of a welcome series of collabs the lauded American designer has launched in recent years — look for some great new footwear on the dressier side of things from Todd Snyder’s partnership with Cole Haan later this spring. For now though, it’s sneaker time. Sadly, warm weather is likely a ways off for most of us. But hey, a guy can dream of spring, and these sneakers, and a spring style wish list … right?

Until Monday,

-Beau

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by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Watch

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.

Possibly the perfect watch? Red Wing shoe leather meets a tough-yet-sharp Timex dial.

Possibly the perfect watch? Red Wing shoe leather meets a tough-yet-sharp Timex dial.

The importance of a sharp watch — like other great style upgrades — in terms of finishing off an outfit is something that’s hard to overstate.  It can definitely help strike the right tone, whether that’s sharp and dressy or laidback and casual. And there’s no doubt that the watch you see here can do either of those  — it’s hard to overstate that quality, as well.  Watches haven’t often been part of this here Style Pick of the Week series, but that changes right now in a big way. Timex has drawn some buzz as of late for its upcoming partnership with Todd Snyder — as part of his FW16 runway show last week in New York City, Snyder (of Champion collaboration fame) sent models down the runway wearing several models of the above watch (which features, you guessed it, a Red Wing shoe leather strap). The partnership is exceptionally fitting, and it all dovetails off the fact that, somewhat confusingly, Snyder is launching his own collaboration with Timex this coming fall.  But back to the matter at hand — Fashion Week or not, you can (and definitely should) pick up this handsome watch right now.

Plenty of solid design went into this exceptionally affordable timepiece.

Plenty of solid design went into this exceptionally affordable timepiece.

The Timex Waterbury line was a welcome introduction last year as part of the brand’s anniversary celebration; it nodded to the brand’s heritage, took classic Timex style and gave it a rugged edge. You might recognize a model of the rugged-refined Waterbury  line from this past week’s post on how to style a crewneck sweater, in fact. And the Timex x Red Wing Waterbury seen here — sold exclusively through END Clothing for now — advances that design ethos perfectly. For now, it would appear END only has the 38mm model  (there are also 40mm and 42mm iterations). But 38mm works just fine — it’s the ideal balance between striking and subtle. Yes, the black-and-tan 38mm dial is just the right size for most of us, but the real standout here is the leather strap, made using leather from Red Wing’s S.B. Tanning Company. A genius idea, yeah? It’s the rare watch strap that’ll break in as superbly as your boots over time — and it’ll certainly match up well with your rugged Red Wing winter boots, to say the least. So given all the rugged refinement that’s gone into this iteration of the watch, it only makes sense that Snyder would look to the duo for style that really played well on the runways. Fear not, though — this particular watch will look superb on your wrist even if you have no modeling experience to speak of.  Style it with wingtip boots, jeans and a shawl collar cardigan now, and throw it on with a tee and tailored shorts when it (eventually) warms up. There’s no wrong way to go.

Are you a fan of the Timex Waterbury line? And this watch in particular? Or are you holding out for the Todd Snyder x Timex collab?

Frank & Oak

by Beau H.

Style Upgrade: The Slim Crewneck Sweater

Editor’s note: This is the fourth in an ongoing series covering quick and easy upgrades to dilemmas a guy might face once in a while. For more entries in the series, click here.

A close-up look at an upgrade worth making -- the slim crewneck. For more on this Pistol Lake piee, read on.

A close-up look at an upgrade worth making — the slim crewneck. For more on this Pistol Lake piee, read on.

Andddd…. we’re back! With the Style Upgrade series, that is. It’s been some time since an entry in this series ran (see past entries here), but the time is just right to talk at length about sweaters — something I’ve often said to myself daily this winter. While you can use a merino V-neck sweater as part of a high-low outfit combination — like this #OOTD entry — and you can wear the heck out of nice cashmere cardigan, certain styles are definitely trending in the marketplace and on the torsos of well-dressed guys everywhere. The crewneck sweater (or sweatshirt, in its more casual form) certainly isn’t what it once was — and that goes for its more casual iterations and its dressier counterparts. So with a return to form in mind, it’s time to refresh your wardrobe — or perhaps just pick up another sweater.

A piece from a designer perhaps most known for revitalizing crewnecks -- Todd Snyder.

A stellar piece from a designer perhaps most known for revitalizing crewnecks — Todd Snyder.

Most menswear fans probably recognize the crewneck sweatshirt from its sportier beginnings, and the ways in which designers have taken the same idea and slimmed it down. Like the Reigning Champ Crewneck Sweater that was featured as this site’s Style Pick of the Week, there’s a lot that’s been done to a silhouette more commonly associated with Rocky films for years. And as this site has talked about previously, that’s due to a few forward-thinking designers who’ve made the style at once refined and still sport-inspired. If you’re looking to start your search for a crewneck sweatshirt at the top of the (reasonably priced) pyramid, Todd Snyder has exactly what you’re looking for. The designer’s crewneck sweatshirts, while simple at first glance, exemplify the idea of using high-quality fabrics to retool an older style, what with vintage-inspired stitching and added details like that chest pocket. Todd Snyder’s collaboration with Champion  is the stuff of legend (at least for this menswear writer). The pieces are well-crafted, heritage-inspired and timeless — plus, you can wear the heck out of ’em with everything from a chambray shirt and denim to tailored sweats.

Two crewneck choices from JackThreads -- one a dressy cashmere, the other a quilted indigo piece.

Two crewneck choices from JackThreads — one a dressy cashmere, the other a quilted indigo piece.

So that’s certainly one place to start. But some brands are taking this style essential and doing just as great of a job at slimming down the fit and changing up the fabrics. Take JackThreads, for example. The brand’s new menswear vertical is doing everything from a quilted indigo crewneck sweatshirt to its aptly named Daily Sweatshirt, all for excellent prices. And something like the Daily Sweatshirt, which strikes both a sporty yet business-casual vibe, can be paired with pieces you already have in your closet (look to stylist and menswear blogger Preston Konrad for some styling tips in this regard). Lest one forget, JackThreads has also amped up its fabric game — the brand’s cashmere crewneck sweaters are the budget alternative to more expensive alternatives. So that gives you two ways to go in terms of rocking a crewneck. However, the more standout style move might be picking up a casual crewneck and giving it a business-casual spin.

Contrast stitching adds yet another solid detail to this Pistol Lake piece.

Contrast stitching adds yet another solid detail to this Pistol Lake piece.

And as with other style staples that come up time and again on this blog — take henleys, for example — brands that are inspired by sportswear itself have turned their attention to this vintage piece. Style Guide favorites Pistol Lake, out of California, are producing a contrast-stitching crewneck sweatshirt in a versatile navy that’s been a hot seller this winter (the Heather Grey option is seen at the top of the page). Fellow made-in-America brands like Taylor Stitch and Buck Mason are also producing solid crewneck sweatshirts that can stand up to a campfire or a casual day at the office (considering that both can be equally treacherous). Reliable menswear stalwarts like J. Crew are also offering up an even more roughed-up take on the crewneck sweatshirt, turning to garment-dying for a lived-in look. They’re also offering a super-refined cashmere crewneck on the opposite end of the style spectrum.

So there are certainly plenty of options out there to go more casual with your crewneck, or a bit more dressy. On the lux end of things, Shinola has expanded its product offering into crewneck sweaters, drawing on perhaps the most vintage inspiration of all — Muhammad Ali’s signature style — for its “Cassius Clay” Sweatshirt. If you find yourself with quite a bit of cash to spend, know that Mr. Porter stocks crewneck sweaters from the likes of Brunello Cucinnelli — and that’s all the proof you need that the silhouette is mainstream! With such a variety of price points, it can be a bit daunting to pick out just one — even if it is just a crewneck sweater. It’s a style that shouldn’t be overlooked, though. The styling potential is on-point (be it over a blue Oxford or a simple tee), and designers have updated the fits and colors in new and unexpected ways. Toss in solid options for every price point, and you’ve got a style upgrade worth making.

Have you upgraded your crewneck sweater (or sweatshirt) yet? What’s your favorite of the options listed here?
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by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Snyder Hemingway Elbow Patch 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.

Rustic yet refined at the same time -- the Hemingway Elbow Patch Shirt from Todd Snyder.

Rustic yet refined at the same time — the Hemingway Elbow Patch Shirt from Todd Snyder.

During my Christmas trip to Florida last week, I was pretty lucky to get some terrific gifts (mostly #menswear-inclined) from Santa. And among those gifts was none other than the standout Hemingway Elbow Patch Shirt you see at the top of the page from lauded American menswear designer Todd Snyder. The Midwest-born designer has been delivering on modern updates to heritage classics these past few years, and this soft cotton shirt with sturdy suede elbow patches definitely checks off some key boxes in that regard. Even better for you, my fellow menswear fan — it’s on-sale right now (marked down to $129 from $185). That price is still enough to scare people away, but given the brand’s history of quality and style, it might not be a bad way to spend your bonus. It’s great in another regard, too: As the weather gets colder, I’m all about incorporating texture into my wardrobe, from a wool bomber to a thick shawl cardigan and tough denim.The inclination toward richer textures goes for shirting as well, and it’s a move that you should consider making yourself — a cotton flannel shirt can serve a two-fold role; if it’s cut slim enough, you can wear it under a V-neck sweater, and if it proves to be hardy enough, you can definitely layer it over a henley (as I did on a trip to Grand Rapids this past fall).

Cold-weather style essentials with which to pair this shirt -- the Buffalo Bobber Glove from Iron & Resin, and a Merino Watch Cap from American Trench.

A closer look at the elbow patches and texture that make this piece special. Pictured with cold-weather style essentials ideal for the season — the Buffalo Bobber Glove from Iron & Resin, and a Merino Watch Cap from American Trench.

The grey plaid of this shirt is understated, and the spread (not buttondown) collar means this shirt leans a bit dressier than most flannels — especially when worn under something like a slim navy blazer. Crucially, the elbow patches add a nice bit of visual interest and a vintage look when the shirt is worn on its own.  In fact, it could be a neat style swerve to ditch the jacket and throw on a slim herringbone tie and some tan chinos for an office-ready take. Throw in some brown leather sneakers and that look could be complete. Of course, this shirt is probably going to work best alongside rugged denim and sturdy winter boots, maybe even underneath a vest if you’re feeling particularly rugged. The slim collar and muted colors make it dressy, but those elbow patches and the rustic pattern make it rugged — that’s exactly what you need in a shirt this winter.

Do you own any Todd Snyder shirts? How would you style this piece, elbow patches and all?
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Florsheim

 

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.

Sand & sun, Part 2: Celebrating Christmas in Florida

Editor’s note: Click this link for more posts on how to travel in style.

Exploring J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge near my parents' home in Fort Myers, Fla.

Exploring the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge near my parents’ home in Fort Myers, Fla.

In the midst of planning ahead for 2016 on both the work and blogging fronts, I was really grateful and glad to be able to get to Florida for a bright and sunny Christmas. It was a rather hectic travel day on Wednesday between wrapping up some work for my day job representing Timberland, and travel delays out of New York City didn’t help the situation  — the chaos at the airport was pretty unimaginable! But that gave way to warm evenings and long, sunny  (but all-too-brief!) days in Fort Myers with great family and friends — for that, I’m definitely thankful. And making the style transition from the in-between weather in NYC to the record-high temperatures in Florida proved more than doable with the gear I brought along for the trip.

Sturdy waxed canvas made this bag a great travel companion. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred

Sturdy waxed canvas made this bag a great travel companion. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred

To get from Point A to Point B, I brought along my trusty Satchel & Page Slim Mailbag and my new but still-reliable United By Blue Mt. Drew Duffle — I would definitely recommend picking up a trusty weekender bag crafted from a durable waxed canvas, particularly if you only find yourself on the road for a weekend or a few days at a time. It proved more than accommodating for the gear I brought with me, and the extra gifts I brought back! And it’s a good thing I packed relatively light, as temperatures throughout the Fort Myers area were in the 80s throughout the duration of the trip! That made it extra-refreshing to check out a sure-to-be-favorite spot — the nearby Point Ybel Brewing, a relatively recent addition to the burgeoning craft beer scene in southwest Florida. Myself and my family sampled some great brews, including the delicious Captiva Cream Ale seen below — if you can get your hands on it, I’d recommend you bring home some fresh-canned beer from the brewery itself. For that excursion and much of the rest of the trip, I found a comfortable tee (in this case, a rugged-yet-stylish Pistol Lake short-sleeve henley) and some tailored shorts worked just fine.

Sipping on a great brew at the nice Point Ybel Brewing Company in Fort Myers. Olive short-sleeve henley by Pistol Lake. Classic Bristol leather watch by Daniel Wellington. Glasses by Warby Parker.

Sipping on a great brew at Point Ybel Brewing Company in Fort Myers. Olive short-sleeve henley by Pistol Lake. Classic Bristol leather watch by Daniel Wellington. Glasses by Warby Parker.

The laidback outfit also worked well to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens — and MAN, what a movie. We capped off Christmas Eve with some more family traditions, including watching “Love Actually“, playing a few games and enjoying a delicious meal before awaiting Santa… And my sister and I were certainly very lucky and blessed this year — Santa definitely fulfilled some of my #menswear wish list! I’m extremely excited and grateful for the incredible gifts I received, including the stellar Hemingway Elbow Patch Shirt from Todd Snyder and an amazing pair of Tom Ford Snowdon sunglasses (as worn by James Bond — WOW.). Those will definitely be accompanying me on future trips!

A look at some of the gifts Santa left for me. Brooklyn Field Guide by Wildsam. Beard Balm by Brooklyn Grooming. Beard & Face Brick by Clifford Originals. Notebook by Public Supply. Beer tasting book by 33 Books Co. Chocolate by (who else?) Toblerone.

A look at some of the gifts Santa left for me. Brooklyn Field Guide by Wildsam. Beard Balm by Brooklyn Grooming. Beard & Face Brick by Cliff Original. Notebook by Public Supply. Beer tasting book by 33 Books Co. Chocolate by (who else?) Toblerone.

It was an amazing Christmas Day, and I’ll now have even more new style gear to add to my wardrobe, including an eco-friendly watch from Sprout and a pair of lovely Americano Dress Cords from Bonobos. But perhaps the best part of the day was relaxing with my family and enjoying a traditional turkey dinner – it’s a good thing I went with casual style, as I was plenty stuffed with Christmas cookies. There’s perhaps no better way in my mind to cap off a great holiday than by spending it with the ones you love, so that made things even better.

Dressed casually for a hot Florida day. Organic cotton pocket tee by United By Blue. Olive sweatshorts by Pistol Lake. Navy Rosen Runners by GREATS Brand. Eco-friendly watch by Sprout. Glasses by Warby Parker.

Dressed casually for a hot Florida day. Organic cotton pocket tee by United By Blue. Olive sweatshorts by Pistol Lake. Navy Rosen Runners by GREATS Brand. Eco-friendly watch by Sprout. Glasses by Warby Parker.

But there was no time to rest with a shortened visit – and we had to work off all that food! We made the most of the day after Christmas by heading to the famous J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge for a bit of exploring – – I tackled that part of the trip with a pair of comfortable (but not sloppy) Pistol Lake sweatshorts and my reliable GREATS Brand Rosen Runners. Both picks proved more than adequate for lots of walking – as you may know, I’m a huge fan of GREATS, so I’d recommend you toss a pair in your bag on your next excursion.

Exploring the beaches near Fort Myers. Setter Swim Trunks by Orlebar Brown. Organic cotton pocket tee by United By Blue. Eco-friendly watch by Sprout. Snowdon Sunglasses by Tom Ford (thanks Santa!).

Exploring the beaches near Fort Myers. Setter Swim Trunks by Orlebar Brown. Organic cotton pocket tee by United By Blue. Eco-friendly watch by Sprout. Snowdon Sunglasses by Tom Ford (thanks Santa!).

As to the refuge itself — it’s an incredibly tranquil setting that’s really second-to-none in terms of natural beauty in southwest Florida – if you’re a fan of bird-viewing or fishing, definitely consider exploring the refuge. We also stopped by a local beach for a bit of exploration, which I was more than able to tackle in my Orlebar Brown Setter Swim Trunks and an organic cotton United By Blue pocket tee (similar style here), plus the aforementioned Tom Ford sunglasses. When you hit the road yourself, consider picking up a pair of sunglasses that’ll look sharp with outfits both dressy and casual – some slim Randolph Engineering aviators would be a great start.

Before enjoying some brews at The Lodge, we saw some of the sights around Fort Myers. Vintage 'drinks' shirt. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Navy Rosen Runners by GREATS Brand. Snowdon Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Before enjoying some brews at The Lodge, we saw some of the sights around Fort Myers. Vintage ‘drinks’ shirt. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Navy Rosen Runners by GREATS Brand. Snowdon Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

We finished up our day in Fort Myers by heading to The Lodge, a cavernous downtown bar replete with rustic wood furnishing, delicious barbeque and (my personal favorite), the ability to pour your own beers from their long list of taps (the Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter from Fort Myers Brewing is worth a few sips!). We were joined by some old family friends in town for a visit (Hi, O’Brien family!)  — it was a wonderful evening filled with lots of laughter and reminiscing, plus new memories made.

Catching the last of the Florida rays. Ringer Pocket Tee by Tommy John. Khaki shorts by Banana Republic. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. White Wilson sneakers by GREATS Brand. Snowdon Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Catching the last of the Florida rays. Ringer Pocket Tee by Tommy John. Khaki shorts by Banana Republic. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. White Wilson sneakers by GREATS Brand. Snowdon Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

But as with all great trips, the journey home has to start sometime. We had the chance to pick up some locally-famous donuts from Bennett’s Fresh Roast on Sunday morning– once again, this place is a must-visit if ever you find yourself in the Fort Myers area. We finished off that leg of the trip by taking in the last of the nearby ocean views. With walking in the itinerary, I grabbed a comfortable Tommy John Ringer Pocket Tee in Heather Grey, which fits slim and is crafted from remarkably soft fabric. I topped off the look with a vintage ballcap from Goorin Brothers – although the option you see here is sold-out, a stylish, minimal cap never goes wrong when traveling, nor do versatile captoe sneakers.

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With all that activity (and new #menswear gear) in the bag, it was time to hit the road – for travel, I threw on my trusty Mott & Bow denim and some sturdy Thursday Boots suede chukkas. I’d certainly recommend you reach for comfortable, stylish pieces the next time you hop on a flight. Aside from some travel delays on the way down, the trip was about as amazing of a holiday as I could have hoped for, and I can’t wait to visit southwest Florida again. The natural beauty is second-to-none, the local attractions are unique, and the sunshine isn’t a bad way to spend Christmas – or any other time of year! I’ll be looking forward to my next trip, and I hope you’re able to travel & see loved ones as we head into 2016. For now, look for a New Year’s Eve Style Suggestion hitting right here tomorrow.

Until then – stay stylish!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Men’s Style Christmas Wish List 2015

Editor’s note: To check out past Christmas Wish List posts, click here.

Alright, folks — you know the drill. In just a little over two weeks, Santa’s coming to town (yes, Santa!). And that hopefully means some stylish gifts for us menswear aficionados out there — but more importantly, some great time spent with loved ones. However, it can be pretty sweet undoubtedly to get just what you want under the tree. As to your humble style blogger over here — well, I’ve got my eye on some nice gear as well (just look at my Wish List Pinterest board for starters). Budgetary constraints definitely put some limits on these things the rest of the year, but a guy can dream … right? What’s on your Christmas Wish List?

#1. FRYE Company Grand Tall Lace Sneaker — $288

Antiqued leather and rawhide laces put these sneakers a cut above the rest.

Antiqued leather and rawhide laces put these sneakers a cut above the rest.

If you follow this blog, you’re probably well-acquainted with the fact that I love me a great sneaker (particularly from Brooklyn’s own, uh, GREATS). And throughout the fall and winter, I find myself always on the hunt for a terrific high-top leather sneaker — the style just seems to go well with the heartier textures and colder weather of the season. FRYE is normally known for its rough-and-tumble boots, yet these sneakers look absolutely superb. The rich cognac color would pair well with black, grey or blue denim, and they look dressy enough to wear with a navy blazer and some burgundy cords, too. Alas, they’ll have to stay on the wish list for now.

#2. Apolis Wool Chore Jacket — $328

A versatile color and an updated take on a classic silhouette make this item worthy of the Holiday Wish List.

A versatile color and an updated take on a classic silhouette make this item worthy of the Christmas Wish List.

Yet another item that’s pricey yet drool-worthy, and that’s why it fills out the second spot on this list. Apolis has done a great job combining quality product and an emphasis on doing business the right way. They don’t lose any style points in the process — its outerwear across the board represents updated takes on classic workwear styles, and versatile options ike this olive chore jacket provide great styling potential. That goes for blue or black denim, or even light grey chinos. Its indigo jackets are frequent hot sellers as well, but I think this colorway would be just as versatile — can you hear me, Santa?
Ben Sherman US
#3. Shinola Runwell 41mm Watch — $550

A football leather strap and a crisp dial are excellent finishing touches for a stellar timepiece.

A football leather strap and a crisp dial are excellent finishing touches for a stellar timepiece.

A Shinola Runwell watch made my Christmas Wish List last year too, and a new Shinola Runwell watch from the American-made brand is more than worthy of inclusion in this year’s edition. Shinola has a penchant for watches of exceptional quality, on top of subtle design touches that create a pleasing overall package. The dark camel football leather strap is one such feature here. The black dial and gold numerals build off the crisp style for which the brand is known, and that 41mm case diameter hits the sweet spot. Again, taking notes Santa?

#4. JackThreads The Bomber — $149.50

Just one of the many Wish List-worthy items from JackThreads' new menswear line.

Just one of the many Wish List-worthy items from JackThreads’ new menswear line.

Two jackets on one Christmas Wish List? Yes, sir — they’re both that great-looking. While this bomber jacket certainly isn’t as cost-prohibitive as the other items on this list, a buck-fifty is still a good chunk of change to throw down — and this is coming from a guy who loves his jackets.  JackThreads has done a tremendous job launching its new menswear line, and it’s filled with modern updates on stylish essentials; one such example can definitely be seen here. This is the kind of jacket I might wear with a great henley and some slim denim on the weekends, or over a knit tie and chambray shirt to work.

#5. Todd Snyder Great Lakes Sweatshirt — $198

A touch of home in a stylish (and expensive) sweatshirt.

A touch of home in a stylish (and expensive) sweatshirt.

Just as Shinola nabbed a spot on this list for the second year in a row, so too does Todd Snyder. There’s something about the noted American menswear designer and his penchant for mixing heritage sportswear and contemporary fits, as he continually does with his collaborations with Champion. I have a soft spot for the Great Lakes Sweatshirt in particular, as I love visiting my home state of Michigan. The piece on its own is the epitome of a casual weekend sweater — stylish, versatile and made with what looks to be high-quality washed cotton. Can you ask for much more in a crewneck sweater?

So that about wraps up my Christmas Wish List for this year, although I can say in advance that I’ll certainly be looking forward to spending plenty of high-quality time with my family in sunny Florida in a few weeks’ time. And if in the meantime, one of these gifts ends up under the tree, I certainly wouldn’t be mad about it!

What’s on your Christmas Wish List? Any of the above picks?
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by Beau H.

The Friday Read: 2015’s Best Albums, Common Projects and Star Wars

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. 

While last Friday was quite momentous (it was Black Friday after all), today’s edition of The Friday Read is a little quieter — and  that’s a good thing, because it’s certainly been a busy week! I had the pleasure of attending a few action-packed menswear events in New York City this week, kicking off with an evening at the Club Monaco Men’s Shop hosted by Michael Williams, the founder of noted heritage menswear & lifestyle Web site A Continuous Lean. A more gracious host you couldn’t find — it was great to meet him and chat for a bit. As if the week could go up from there, my friends at PR firm Bollare were kind enough to invite me to the #Force4Fashion event, a star-studded evening featuring special one-off Stars Wars-inspired designs from the likes of Todd Snyder and Billy Reid (it’s even cooler that each piece will be auctioned off for charity). I capped off the week by swinging by the Dr. Scholl’s showroom for a look at the brand’s S16 line. That’s right — Dr.  Scholl’s makes men’s shoes, including these neat boots. Look for more on the brand on the blog in the coming weeks. But in the meantime, enough menswear event talk, yes? We’re still rolling right ahead with a big weekend and kicking it off, as always, with a fine selection of newsworthy items from across the Web. Wherever your weekend takes you, I hope it’s an enjoyable one!

  • Land’s End, they of catalog fame, is making a concerted effort to revamp its brand image, according to the New York Times. That includes bringing in stylish models for its lookbooks and opening up an NYC pop-up.
  • Although it’s definitely boot season around these parts, get a load of the latest Common Projects collab, an update of the classic Achilles Low in partnership with Unis.
  • Popular Mechanics notes that you — yes you, lucky rich guy — can have your chance at buying the last watch to orbit the moon, the famed Omega Speedmaster, on Dec. 15. Save up.
  • Long Read of the Week: Paste Magazine ranks the 50 best albums of 2015 — any of your favorites make the list? I personally loved this year’s releases from CHVRCHES, Tame Impala and Beach House. See, I’m not just all about style!

Still need to get your menswear fix before the weekend?

    • Over at VOUCH Mag, I covered two worthy addtions to your holiday wish list — a great dopp kit from Richer-Poorer and Byrd Hairdo Products, and a stellar duffle via United By Blue.
    • If you’ve been following the brand’s relaunch, you’ll be familiar with the Camel Topcoat from JackThreads (it looks amazing) — if not, check out my latest post for GearHungry.

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by Beau H.

The Friday Read: SPECTRE, Todd Snyder and Sneaker Collabs

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.

If your plans last night didn’t involve seeing the latest James Bond movie (as mine did), I would highly recommend you get yourself to a theater right this very second. Yes, not even this post should keep you from checking it out. Opinions on the film have actually been mixed from major outlets, but your friendly style expert and massive James Bond fan recommends you go see it, as much for the excellent menswear as for the film itself. It’s also been a busy and exciting week in other areas, too — I had the chance to see the great indie band Mainland on Monday night (recent openers for Atlas Genius), and they’re also a group I’d recommend checking out just as soon as you can. And that little intro brings us, as always, quite comfortably to this week’s edition of the Friday Read. After you, Mr. Bond…

  • Over at GQ, one writer and fan reflects on the moment his opinion of the series changed completely — and what brought him back (hint: It was the terrific last Bond installment, Skyfall).
  • In one of the  biggest American menswear business moves in recent memory, American Eagle announced this week that it acquired famed designer Todd Snyder’s offshoot, collegiate-centric company Tailgate Clothing; while Snyder’s brand will continue to operate separately, he’ll join AE as an executive VP — that’s a change of pace from 007 news, ehh?
  • My pal Barron at Effortless Gent covers off on how to choose the right watch for your outfit, a big key when getting dressed every day.
  • Style Notes of the Week: While this small space is normally reserved for a great long read, today we’re calling your attention to new great new collaboration drops — Brooklyn-based sneaker brand GREATS (a favorite of yours truly) is teaming with NYC menswear designers Orley on a three new chukka sneakers. And speaking of sneakers, the folks behind heritage-focused Tanner Goods and P.F. Flyers just released a stunning update to the classic Center Hi silhouette.

Got an extra minute or two?

    • Upgrade your fall outerwear game with a slim-fit, warm and stylish quilted down coat from the terrific folks at JACHS NY — read more on it via my latest post for GearHungry.

Florsheim

Ben Sherman US

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Fall and Winter Sweaters

Editor’s note: For more Online Shopping Picks than your credit card can possibly handle, click here.

Just one sweater style you could throw on this season. Cardigan & shirt by Frank & Oak. Glasses by Warby Parker. Braided leather belt by Target Merona.

Just one sweater style you could throw on this season. Cardigan & shirt by Frank & Oak. Glasses by Warby Parker.

It seems we’ve had a bevy of Online Shopping Picks posts on this site in the past few weeks, simply because there’s so much standout fall product cramming store (and digital) shelves now. And, transitioning from the hot days of summer into the cooler days of fall & winter can happen rather suddenly — case in point: It was sunny and about 70 degrees in Brooklyn not too long ago, and now I’m fighting off the chilly fall rain; time to stock up on fall gear, and quick. So picking up a standout sweater or two would be a wise move. This latest Online Shopping Picks doesn’t focus on one style, like V-neck sweaters, and it doesn’t necessarily make the distinction between sweaters you might want to dress up and ones you want to dress down — although a V-neck sweater can certainly do both, as I noted in this throwback Effortless Gent post. The picks below, on the other hand, run the gamut of styles, brands and price points, all while bringing good versatility — so hopefully, you find one (or two, or heck, three) options that catch your fancy. And for a complete sweater hierarchy, head to Dappered in the meantime. Let me know if I missed any stellar selections in the comments below!

#1. Uniqlo Cotton-Cashmere V-neck Sweater — $29.90

A classic color and a can't-beat-it price.

A classic color and a can’t-beat-it price.

As with most Uniqlo products, it seems there might not be a better value for a sweater on the market in terms of price and quality than this V-neck sweater (although a budget brand like J. Crew Factory is also worth a look). But there are certainly some positives to this Uniqlo number aside from the price. It features a fit that’s likely quite slim, and the cotton-cashmere fabric should actually have a hint of stretch to it. It’s also available in a plethora of colors (every option but those Orange or Light Green picks should do very well this fall). And the price simply can’t be beat!

#2. H&M Wool-Blend Sweater — $19.90

Two bold chest stripes and a deep navy color helped this sweater land at No. 2 on this list.

Two bold chest stripes and a deep navy color helped this sweater land at No. 2 on this list.

Have you caught wind yet of the Fall 2015 version of David Beckham’s Modern Essentials collection for H&M? If the product is anything like the spring offering, it should be a well-curated collection of both tailored and casual wear with a continental edge. And that wool-blend sweater just might be the best of the bunch. It’s a got a noir-ish vibe to it thanks to the dark navy color, and the chest stripe provides enough contrast that it should still pair well with dark blue denim. A chest stripe is always a nice touch on a sweater, as it can accentuate your build. And it’s the kind of piece that be paired with something as casual as a chambray jogger or as dressy as some light grey trousers and a white Oxford. Again, the price is an absolute highlight (although it’s best to pay close attention to how you wash it, as it could shrink – this is H&M, after all).

#3. Grayers Avalon Cardigan — $125

A shawl cardigan and soft fabric make this a nice high-low piece.

A shawl cardigan and soft fabric make this a nice high-low piece.

Here, we’re jumping right from affordable, versatile pieces to a chunky shawl cardigan that leans more casual in nature – and is definitely more expensive. That could turn some away from it, but this Grayers cardigan still has a lot going for it. It’s an in-between shade of grey-blue that meshes nicely with some navy trousers (as modeled by my friend Clay of Brothers & Craft on the Grayers site). It looks like it’ll be thick, warm and comfortable, too – the type of sweater to throw on for casual weekend errands or a casual Friday on the job with some dark denim (you could even throw it together with some tweed trousers and a blue Oxford for a high-low work week look). And any way you style it, a shawl cardigan is an excellent piece to convey tough, rugged style – a la everyone’s personal favorite, James Bond.

#4. Todd Snyder Classic Pocket Sweatshirt in Olive — $98

A pricey basic that remains a great investment.

A pricey basic that remains a great investment.

This is, again, a decidedly casual sweater that won’t be for everyone – after all, it is just a crewneck sweater, yes? Well, not quite. Todd Snyder’s been pumping out reliably well-fitting, well-made updates to sportswear classics for a few years now and his crewneck sweatshirts are always a hit. They fit slim, incorporate small details like that chest pocket and come in versatile colors, like this olive option here, which will do well to dress down grey denim, wingtip boots and perhaps a chambray shirt and navy knit tie. If splurging on a crewneck sweatshirt isn’t your bag, Old Navy offers similar styles for much, much cheaper.

#5. JACHS NY Light Grey Merino Wool Cardigan — $125

The ideal type of sweater to get you through fall, with some on-trend elbow patches, to boot. Short-sleeve henley by Pistol Lake. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

This cardigan was first seen here as a Style Pick of the Week just last week, and it’s the kind of sweater to buy now, wear now and keep in your rotation through fall (and likely into winter). The merino wool is surprisingly lightweight and breathable, while that light grey color provides some good versatility (pair it with everything from navy corduroys to olive chinos). Because it’s lightweight, that’ll make it a bit more of a tricky play in winter, though. The elbow patches, on another note, are a neat styling touch that seems to have come back into play across the menswear board. The price is another matter for most of us, but maybe it’s a pre-fall splurge. Or, you could pick up a solid handful of multi-colored V-neck sweaters from a place like Uniqlo and call it good.

Florsheim

Sorting through such an assortment of sweaters proved fairly difficult, what with lots of brands, fabrics and styles. As always, J. Crew did an excellent job with its sweater offerings this fall, particularly this lambswool colorblock number. Brands like Old Navy and even Target’s Merona line ($8.74 per sweater!) absolutely shouldn’t be pushed off to the side, either. And if you can make the trip into a physical retail location, it’s worth it to swing through Express for a look at the brand’s V-neck sweaters, which fit slim and (when free of that lion logo) are quite comfortable & affordable when on-sale. And if you fancy yourself a sweater addict (again, *raises hand*) picking up a few of these styles will leave you well-set for this fall and winter … and the next.

Which of the above picks will you be snagging for the season? Any styles or brands that you think are worth a look?

Ben Sherman US

Ernest Alexander