August 6, 2025 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Tecovas Is Now Making Some of the Most Rugged Work Boots for Men on the Market

It might feel odd in the midst of the dog days of summer to turn your eye toward the horizon that is the slow approach of fall (replete with fall style essentials aplenty!), but it’s never too early to prepare (ever so slightly!) for a new season at hand.

You can start the process any way you like when given the proper time, but as the seasons start to shift, a pair of the best boots for men might just prove a wise building block for the rest of your wardrobe, at least in my experience. And so, we take a deep dive into Tecovas men’s boots, folks. The fast-growing Austin-based brand has been around for a little over a decade now, making waves in the world of Western menswear, its cowboy boots, denim shirts and ranch jackets very much included.

FInd out more now at Tecovas

But what if I told you the brand was also now making a pair of the best men’s work boots, for those days when even sturdy cowboy boots won’t quite cut it? Yes indeed, it’s true, and the Tecovas LongHaul Waterproof Moc Toe Work Boots should prove mighty handy, durable and functional for long days and nights in the field, on a job site, in your garage and beyond.

The Tecovas LongHaul Waterproof Moc Toe Work Boots boast all the proper specs one might expect in a set of tried-and-true work boots, including a composite safety toe and plenty of comfort-enhancing features. They’re set atop a dual-density outsole and the company’s proprietary Total Energy Cushioned insole.

What’s more, plenty of Tecovas reviews call out the extreme focus on comfort, rebound and support from a brand normally known for its utterly classic men’s Western boots. The Tecovas LongHaul Waterproof Moc Toe Work Boots are also designed to resist oil and water, with what the brand calls a “muck-off tread,” so your boots don’t retain too much debris — no matter how tough the going gets out there.

Moc toe construction reinforces the tough-as-nails Tecovas LongHaul Waterproof Moc Toe Work Boots, which are also surprisingly affordable at less than $250 for either the Espresso Cowhide option or the handsome Cashew Roughout leather option.

It’s an added bonus that either shade wears well with shades of light wash and dark wash denim, plus black canvas work pants and perhaps even grey chinos for off-duty pursuits (provided your boots get a good cleaning before hitting your favorite brewery, of course).

Meanwhile, a padded upper collar and speed hook lacing (along with five-eyelet construction) should provide a snug, easy-to-wear fit. When it comes time to get down to business — the business of hauling brush, tooling around the yard or bellying up to your favorite dive bar — consider the hard-wearing Tecovas LongHaul Waterproof Moc Toe Work Boots more than up to the task at hand.

June 13, 2025June 12, 2025 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Trek to Rabbit Hole Distillery & Huckberry Summer Menswear Classics

We’re launching into another action-packed Brooklyn summer weekend and getting back down to business after plenty of time on the road — join me, won’t you?

As you might have seen if you follow me on Instagram, and if you keep up with my many freelance writing pursuits, I spent the better part of last week in Louisville, Kentucky, the heart of American bourbon country and a place I’ve trekked to quite frequently this last handful of years as I cover spirits, gear and more for outlets like Maxim.

Follow my travels on Instagram

Of course, it goes without saying that this Brooklyn style blog keeps me plenty busy as well, as I scour the market for the best menswear essentials from tried-and-true brands — several of which I get to review and write about as I crisscross the country! More on that in the weeks ahead as my summer travel schedule ramps up.

The Friday Read: A Fall Weekend in New Orleans with 1800 Tequila

My friends and fans of The Style Guide, welcome back and let’s embark on another jam-packed fall weekend, shall we? If you’ve been following along on my Instagram, consider this a nice supplement (with a few shopping tips thrown in the mix).

You see, in addition to the usual slate of must-buy fall menswear essentials covered on your favorite Brooklyn style blog, I’ve certainly been keeping busy these past few days and weeks with my many freelance writing pursuits — spirits, menswear and music chief among them. In fact, lately, I wrote about a new gin from Monkey ’47 over at InsideHook — it’s curious, it’s delicious and it’s worth tracking down.

Learn more about my writing here

And of course, a big part of the job involves getting out in the field and going to work with my favorite gear close at hand. Just this month, I’ve had the chance to test out some of my favorite rugged fall menswear during a Pennsylvania cabin weekend, I had the rare opportunity to put my Scotch sipping & fly fishing to the test in Wisconsin, and I’m once again off on another adventure as we speak.

That adventure? A visit to parts unknown, or at least, a city I’ve — rather shockingly — never visited… the Big Easy, New Orleans! A city of culinary delights, intrigue, mystery and a series of jam-packed, arts-focused celebrations for 1800 Tequila’s latest Artist Series offering (debuting next month). I also had the chance to stroll the city, grab a cold one on Bourbon Street and enjoy a muffaletta and Zapp’s chips (bingo!).

If you’ve been keeping score at home, I was fortunate enough to travel to Mexico with 1800 Tequila earlier this year, as I wrote about at Maxim. So when this invite came across my inbox, I could scarcely say no.

These past few days have brought a group of writers, myself included across the city to sip on 1800 Tequila expressions — like the Reposado shown above — as well as a series of imaginative fall-centric cocktails that reinvent what you think tequila can become. Along the way, we were immersed in the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and stayed at the lovely Hotel Henrietta.

The weekend was framed around both a new release from 1800 Tequila (again, more to come soon!) as well as the New Orleans’ contemporary art triennial, Prospect.6 — a fitting meeting of the minds celebrating the art and craft of both pursuits.

Discover Prospect.6 now

Of course, you can view past examples of the 1800 Tequila Artist Series above. Tequila that drinks (and looks) like a work of art? Sign me up, and I’ll be there wearing my favorite Huckberry menswear. A black tie gala awaits tonight — time to break out my best suit — and of course, more 1800 Tequila sips and spirits are on the horizon.

My freelance life takes many twists and turns (as you can see by the wide scope of my writing at Maxim), but I’m filled with gratitude along the way — and ready for a weekend of rest afterwards! As always, thanks for reading, thanks for shopping via The Style Guide and thanks for tuning into a duo of weekend style posts! Cheers, my friends!

December 1, 2023November 30, 2023 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Heading West with Stranahan’s Whiskey

My friends, thanks for passing through The Style Guide as we launch headfirst into another winter weekend. We’re past the hustle and bustle of the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, but the pursuit is still a fast one when it comes to shopping for the best gifts for men (and for everyone on your list). I’ll have two new product recommendations of my own coming up this weekend, but I’m focused first and foremost on yet another whiskey-focused freelance writing trip.

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If you follow me on Instagram or keep up with my many freelance writing pursuits, you’ll see I’ve had the exciting post-pandemic opportunity to dive headfirst into the industry, writing about everything from luxury Scotch to the best American bourbon and more. It’s a passion of mine alongside covering essentials like the best leather boots and the best men’s flannel shirts, of course.

And that passion extends to covering distilleries both old and new, traditional and innovative, like Stranahan’s American Single Malt Whiskey. That’s where this coming weekend will find me, as I trek to cold and snowy Denver for what should prove an epic weekend: It’s the annual release of the ultra-exclusive, distillery-only Stranahan’s Snowflake Whiskey, accompanied by a festival and lots of fanfare (and yes, great whiskey all around). To say I’m excited is likely an understatement!

Learn more at Stranahan’s

I’m also excited to spend time with Stranahan’s first-ever Head Blender, Justin Aden — the whiskey veteran just so happens to be a fellow graduate of my beloved Michigan State University, and that’s about as cool as it gets, if you ask me.

In the meantime, I’ll be bundled up with some of the best winter menswear in tow, and I’ll be sharing full details over on my Instagram. How’s that for a winter weekend? Stay warm, stay stylish and we’ll see you for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week. Thanks as always, my friends!

June 9, 2023June 6, 2023 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Long Weekend in Las Vegas & A Trip to the Twin Cities

My friends, travel is the name of the game this weekend, as I’m in Las Vegas for a longtime college friend’s bachelor party. I’ve traveled to Las Vegas to visit the likes of the Tao Beach Club, but this one isn’t a business trip (wish me luck at the blackjack tables!).

It also comes on the heels of a busy travel schedule for yours truly as part of my many freelance writing pursuits, which also took me to Minneapolis this spring to sample the city’s many culinary delights and plenty of whiskey. As luck would have it, my guide to the city was published this week at Maxim, and I hope you like what you find therein.

I’d encourage anyone to take a trip to the Twin Cities, all part of the process to rethink what you thought you knew about the city. It certainly offers something for everyone (particularly for myself as a major fan of The Replacements). And if you check out my byline today at Maxim, you’ll see another recent travel guide from a whirlwind trip I took to Dublin and Wicklow with Glendalough Gin, also in April. So, once again: Travel is the name of the game.

Our regularly scheduled programming will take place this weekend with our Style Pick of the Week and the Sunday Sale, so go forth, get that credit card at the ready to score some new menswear essentials, and we’ll See You Out There.

March 17, 2023March 16, 2023 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: An Atlantic City Road Trip To See The Killers & The Best Whiskey for St. Patrick’s Day

Folks, the time has come for me to hit the road again, as you know if you follow me on Instagram. Just this year, I’ve trekked to Morocco to review the Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier for Maxim.com, and I’ve also taken a jaunt upstate on a frigid weekend to visit the Wylder Windham Hotel in lovely Windham, New York. I’m keeping things a bit closer to home, but sticking right in my wheelhouse when it comes to my favorite way to travel: Hitting the road to see a powerful live show, of course!

It’s my first time on the surprisingly sunny boardwalk in Atlantic City, and as you can guess by the photo above, the show in question was one by none other than one of my favorite bands — led by a hero of mine, the ever-stylish Brandon Flowers. It’s hardly my first time seeing The Killers (I also visited Boston, Detroit and Orlando last fall in pursuit of the Vegas-born rockers!), but it’s always a welcome, incredible and jaw-dropping event — some of my favorite live shows of all-time are by The Killers, last night’s very much included.

A word to the wise: Any time The Killers play near you — especially in a throwback casino setting, as they did last night at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino — do your very best to make it out to that show.

You can check out more of the fun on my Instagram, but here’s another fun tidbit: It’s St. Patrick’s Day! Perhaps consider treating yourself to some of the best Irish whiskey via my latest Maxim.com guide, yes? To dress for the day and the rest of the season, consider as well stepping out with some of the best Chelsea boots from Huckberry.

And one more thing: Here’s hoping your NCAA Tournament bracket makes it through this first weekend unscathed! I’ll be keeping a close eye on the action from Atlantic City and eventually, back in Brooklyn this weekend. In the meantime: Thanks for reading, cheers to the weekend and long live The Killers! Nobody does it better. Cheers, my friends!

March 10, 2023March 7, 2023 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Southbound Trek to Austin, Texas

Best rugged gear for men from Huckberry.

Folks, the time has come again: I’m gearing up to hit the road with my favorite travel essentials, all in pursuit of yet another story in my many freelance writing adventures. As luck would have it, I’m once again venturing down to Austin, Texas — a favorite city of mine that’s also a second home to one of my favorite brands, Huckberry. Naturally, gear from the retailer is just the right blend of rugged and refined, ready for just about anything — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Shop Huckberry menswear now

The reason for my trip? Exploring the city and getting to learn plenty more about Still Austin Texas Whiskey, a rising Texas whiskey brand that should fit nicely into my spirits writing over at Maxim.com. Naturally, I’ll be wearing Huckberry menswear as I venture around the city and the distillery itself — from Texas whiskey blending sessions to cocktails and bar visits, there’ll be no shortage of some of the best Texas whiskey around.

If you want to keep up with my travels, give me a follow on Instagram. In rather exciting news, I’m hoping to use Saturday to explore some favorite spots from past trips, like Easy Tiger’s beer emporium and the righteous blend of iced coffee, cold craft beer and tasty food trucks over at Cosmic Coffee. In the meantime, do yourself a favor and gear up for your own weekend with gear from Huckberry — tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week is on the way, and as always, thanks so much for reading!

May 30, 2016May 31, 2016 by Beau H.

Taking some time: An upstate Memorial Day getaway

Editor’s note: Click this link for a full set of posts on how to travel in style this summer.

Taking some time away from NYC. The Jack in Indigo Star Shirt and Slim Chinos in Light Stone by Taylor Stitch. Heritage Tassel Loafers by Sebago. Maximus Sunglasses by Sunday Somewhere. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing collab. Striped webbed belt by J. Crew.

I’ve been fortunate so far this year to hit the road quite a bit, from a New Year’s weekend in Detroit to a stylish weekend visit to Washington, D.C. and a quick few days in the sunny state of Florida. Each trip has presented a pretty nice mix of work and play (some more play than work, admittedly), but it’s definitely helped me get more acquainted with packing and planning ahead in the midst of a busy work and writing schedule, and I’ve been able to document the trips as they’ve happened on Instagram. Given how hectic things have been during my 9-to-5 and beyond, I felt the urge to get away for just a bit this past weekend. What better place to go than a relaxing, tranquil, chic spot just outside NYC? Specifically, the Time Nyack Hotel. In fact, I was astonished as I researched the lovely village of Nyack; it’s a beautiful location, and even as I type this, the hotel’s scarcely been open a month! Such a modern hotel in a quaint town also presented the chance to break out style that’s fit for the city yet ready for a quick upstate trip. Do you follow? Yeah? Good.

A look at my packing essentials. Voyager Waxed Weekender and leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred. Chapter Travel Kit by Herschel Supply. Slim Chinos in Light Stone and Jack in Indigo Star Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Heritage Tassel Loafers by Sebago. Leather lanyard by Tanner Goods. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks. Maximus Sunglasses by Sunday Somewhere.

As with my trip to Washington, D.C., my jaunt to Nyack proved to be another ideal chance to test out my new Owen & Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender. The Martexin Original Waxed canvas is some of the sturdiest and toughest in the business, the Wickett & Craig leather straps are sturdy and breaking in nicely, and the bag’s always provided plenty of room for my menswear essentials (including a trusty Bridge & Burn Flat Wool Cap and Word Notebooks Adventure Log). On this particular trip, that also included extras like my trusty Herschel Supply Co. Chapter Travel Kit — made from water-resistant polycoat in a sharp navy color and featuring a vegetable tanned leather pull, it accented the bag and my Tanner Goods leather lanyard nicely while holding some Baxter of California grooming essentials. However, the small details were just one focus of my trip in terms of packing, planning and exploring.

A look at some of the stylish grooming essentials from C.O. Bigelow provided by the hotel, plus my Herschel Supply Chapter Travel Kit and Doc Elliott Pomade.

For work style that would take me from the office to upstate on Friday (as it seems lots of New Yorkers do), I brought along that aforementioned Owen & Fred bag, and dressed to meet the demands of the cubicle and the train ride (hint: Both involve lots of sitting, just in different environments). In this case, that meant tossing on one of my favorite shirts (heck, perhaps my favorite?), the Jack in Indigo Star from the fine folks at Taylor Stitch. The shirt is crisp-yet-casual, able to be worn tucked in or untucked, and complete with high armholes and slim sleeves — that’s exactly how I want my shirts to fit, and I’d wager that’s how yours should fit for travel and the office. A sleek pair of Sebago Heritage Loafers completed my Friday travel ensemble, alongside a versatile striped webbed belt from J. Crew (it goes with denim and a tee as well as it does with slightly dressier outfits). And given the heat and those pesky rays, eye-catching sunglasses from Sunday Somewhere finished off my travel accessories for the day (and the weekend in general).

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I was also fortunate enough to get the chance to check out a pair of the brand’s exceptionally high-quality Slim Chinos in Stone, as I wrote about in this site’s Style Pick of the Week series earlier this spring. The fabric and construction are just as on-point as the last pair of Taylor Stitch Standard Issue Chinos I reviewed last summer, and the slim fit and versatile styling potential are to be applauded; I definitely felt as if I could rock them at work and at dinner later on Friday, and that’s exactly how it worked out!

A look at a few of my trip accessories, with a cool backdrop via The Time Nyack. Leather lanyard by Tanner Goods. Cooper Boat Shoes by Jack Erwin. Maximus Sunglasses by Sunday Somewhere.

On the footwear front, I also tried to pack light yet reliably — I’ve become a huge fan of the comfort and sleek style of my Jack Erwin Cooper Boat Shoes, as I also rocked ’em during my family’s trip to NYC a few weeks ago. They were a nice change of pace alongside my classic, dressier Sebago leather loafers. The Caramel Nubuck color of the boat shoes, and the slimmer profile (compared to other boat shoes, that is) helped them fit right in with my more casual Bridge & Burn Stringer Dune Shorts and a lightweight, comfortable Richer Poorer pocket tee (as seen below). The tee is slim, modern and able to be worn a bit more ruggedly (with the sleeves a bit rolled up, for example). Plus the cotton-polyester-rayon blend is comfortable and breathed easily in the heat. The best part about the boat shoes is that they would’ve worked just as easily with my Friday office/travel outfit as on Saturday! Looking for crisp, comfortable, dependable shoes when traveling is a definite must, and particularly for the summer months, the Cooper is absolutely one shoe you should consider.

Saturday’s outfit to beat the heat. Stringer Dune Shorts and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn. Cooper Boat Shoes in Caramel Nubuck by Jack Erwin. Maximus Sunglasses by Sunday Somewhere. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing collab.

Now if this trip were longer, I’d definitely consider adding some sharp spring sneakers and a nice pair of light wash denim, but the gear I packed in the interim definitely sufficed. Now, just because I packed light doesn’t mean I skimped on accessories. I love traveling with a great watch or two — as of late, I’ve been digging the rugged, dependable Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono, which Timex was courteous enough to provide for a review (thanks, folks!). The watch wears slightly larger at 42mm, and the case is thick and sturdy. It’s a beauty in terms of the vintage-inspired dial design, too. The same goes for the rugged Red Wing leather strap — is there a better material to forge a watch strap out of? Probably not. It’s already proven a work-week staple, and it’s sure to see plenty of use in the coming weeks and months. My Sunday Somewhere sunglasses have already taken me all around New York City, and they proved just as reliable and stylish for exploring the much quieter confines of Nyack. Lest we forget, when packing low-cut shoes, lightweight no-show socks are in order — luckily, Pair of Thieves provides breathable no-shows with built-in performance for breathability and comfort.

What time is it? Time for a Memorial Day trip to the Time Nyack Hotel. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing collab.

As to the hotel itself: the Time Nyack was lovely, an eclectic mix of clean, modern design thanks to the loft-style rooms, high ceilings and the building’s past life as a factory. I felt the #menswear accessories I brought along, including that Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono, fit right in! The décor was chic, modern and refined – definitely as upscale as expected. And the on-site restaurant and bar, BV’s Grill, had a nice beer selection and some killer cocktails. Elsewhere in Nyack, this small town is bustling and felt much larger than the listed population of about 7,300. I had the chance to check out The Local Tap House of Nyack on Main Street, which even served some excellent beer from Brooklyn stalwarts Evil Twin and Other Half (a surefire sign of any good beer bar). And if you get to the area , be sure to stop by Brickhouse for a stellar burger (the BBQ Bacon Burger is a treat), and more great beer (including some craft exclusives from the likes of Maine Brewing).

Saturday’s travel outfit in action outside Gypsy Donut. Heather Grey Pocket Tee by Richer Poorer. Stringer Dune Shorts and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn. Cooper Boat Shoes by Jack Erwin. Watebury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing collab. Maximus Sunglasses by Sunday Somewhere.

The town itself really was busy despite a lot of folks apparently heading away for the weekend – if you want a retreat that feels far away from the city and offers some unique, local spots, this is the place to go. In fact, zipping up and down Main Street will give you the chance to check out a ton of hotspots for dinner or cocktails. And if you’re a fan of delicious donuts and excellent coffee, like they’ve got on-hand at Gypsy Donut, you’ll have just as much fun at breakfast as you will when out on the town later. The Maple Bacon Donut is the stuff of dreams, I tell you.

It was a much-needed getaway, and it proved a lot of fun! If you need a respite from NYC or are looking for a small-town getaway with premium accommodations and a host of restaurants and bars to match, Nyack is the place to be. It’s a cute area with beautiful views of the Hudson River on the drive over, the Time Nyack is conveniently situated close to the town, and I’d wager you won’t run out of places to go or things to do on a weekend trip. Pack smartly, efficiently and stylishly, and you’ll be all set for plenty of adventures.

Where are you heading this summer? Let me know of any neat trips, and what you’re bringing along, over at The Style Guide Facebook page!

December 28, 2015December 28, 2015 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 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

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 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 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.

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!).

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.

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.

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.

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

November 23, 2015November 22, 2015 by Beau H.

East Coast style: A weekend away in Washington, D.C.

Editor’s note: For more travel style features, punch your ticket here.

Hitting the road again. Slim denim by Mott & Bow. Chocolate Suede Scout Boots by Thursday Boots. Stowaway Weekender Bag by Navali. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

This past weekend, I found myself on the road yet again, hopping on a quick train from NYC to another bustling East Coast metropolis, Washington, D.C. to reconnect with some high school friends. And along the way, I realized there might not be a better way to travel the coast than by train — the scenery was beautiful, especially seeing fall colors change as the sun set. And the weekend in D.C. was a fun, if fast-paced, trip that also gave me the long-awaited chance to break out some of my favorite fall style items. It was also neat to be able to explore more of a city I had previously only known for its monuments — I can safely say the nightlife scene is excellent, and stretches of the city (particularly the Georgetown area) offer superb #menswear shopping.

Exploring DC and walking along the Potomac River. Burgundy henley by Pistol Lake. Russel Baseball Jacket by Grayers. Leather gloves by Iron & Resin. Chocolate Suede Scout Chukkas by Thursday Boots. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Broothers. Glasses by Warby Parker.

To travel down to D.C. on Friday evening, I kept things simple and casual, pairing my trusty Mott & Bow denim with perhaps my new favorite pair of shoes, my Chocolate Suede Scout Boots from Thursday Boots (as seen in this Thanksgiving Style Suggestion last week). The boots are the perfect epitome of high-low footwear — they appropriately dressed up the navy crewneck sweater and Russel Baseball Jacket (via Grayers) I wore to travel, and their sleek shape, comfortable fit and high-quality suede made for a nice finishing touch to a new burgundy henley I received from the great folks at Pistol Lake. That piece in particular is a perfect fall color, and it’s crafted from soft-yet-sturdy jersey cotton for some nice comfort (although it is a bit more expensive than a typical henley). As you travel, I would definitely recommend investing in some similarly stylish travel gear, namely layers that you can take off and add with ease (like the crewneck sweater and baseball jacket), and solid shoes able to be worn from dinner to the bar and back around town.

Hitting the road in style again. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Stowaway Weekender Bag by Navali. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

Accessories that are a step up from the norm (i.e. a vintage ballcap versus an athletic logo ballcap) can definitely complement travel style, too — the Goorin Brothers cap pictured above is one of my favorites for that reason. And for the cold weather, I would recommend ponying up a bit more for a nice pair of go-anywhere leather gloves, as I did with my Buffalo Bobber Gloves from Iron & Resin. They were comfortable to throw on and should definitely break in beautifully over time — the leather is just that nice! Some well-crafted socks in a toned-down yet stylish Fair Isle pattern (as seen later in this post) from American Trench capped things off and paired well with my suede boots. And it was crucial to have comfortable accessories to get around town.

After my quick train ride, our Friday night took us to Kelly’s Irish Times, a revered D.C. bar that took home prestigious honors as Esquire Magazine’s top bar in the District last year. The beer was tasty (as always), and I would recommend you grab the tater tots if you get the chance to stop by. A Metro ride — an easier experience compared to getting around NYC on the subway system — took us back to my friend’s brother’s apartment and an early night in preparation for a marathon day of watching football (GO GREEN!)and exploring D.C.

Stopping for a second near the Capitol Building. Quilted shirt-jacket by Addict. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Slim denim by Mott & Bow. Black chukka sneakers by Reef. Black rubber strap watch by Stuhrling.

To get around the city, I threw on another new favorite pair of shoes, my Reef Outhaul Lux sneakers.I’m normally not a fan of much black footwear, particularly sneakers, but I’ve found myself drawn more and more to black sneakers and boots as of late (perhaps NYC is rubbing off on me?). These sneakers in particular were comfortable and easy-wearing for lots of walking; there’s a substantial amount of traction on the sole, and the full-grain black leather upper gives them a nice, premium touch. Comfortable sneakers are definitely another must on any trip (read up on some the sneakers you should own now, while we’re at it). Good footwear was definitely crucial as we explored the area near the Capitol and posted up at the Capitol Lounge, a Michigan State-centric bar that proved the perfect atmosphere for another thrilling finish and Spartan victory (again, GO GREEN!)

I was more than able to fight a bit of a chilly evening thanks to some nice brews at the Capitol Lounge (again, worth a stop in D.C. if only for the French fries) and of course, a quilted shirt-jacket via UK sportswear company Addict. I wrote on Saturday about the great layering potential a nice shirt-jacket or workshirt can provide, and this padded option worked as a jacket pretty seamlessly. Although I hadn’t heard of the brand before, I’m definitely happy with this piece, and it’s another lightweight yet insulating layer that can work effectively as you travel from, say, the airport to an afternoon exploring the city. A great pair of jeans is also an absolute must-have, and it doesn’t get much better than Mott & Bow, who’s nailed the fit of their denim for a pretty nice price — they were a terrific pick for lots of walking and also different style situations.

Refined chukka boots helped with high-low style throughout the trip. Chocolate Suede Scout Boots by Thursday Boots. Slim denim by Mott and Bow. Russel Baseball Jacket by Grayers. Fair Isle socks by American Trench. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

Dark denim is a fail-safe style option, and this pair also proved appropriate for some celebratory festivities at the massive Penn Social, an arcade-bar hybrid with fun games and a nice atmosphere. From there, we stopped through a classic college-type bar, Sign of the Whale, before calling it a night — celebrating Spartan wins can be exhausting! Luckily, we were still able to make it into D.C. for a relaxing afternoon walking along the Potomac River and admiring the lovely view from atop the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. All that activity was made more enjoyable despite the cold thanks to the layers I wore, namely that comfortable Pistol Lake henley and my Grayers baseball jacket. Again, the comfort and traction provided by my chukka boots was also key, as I covered a lot of ground exploring the Georgetown neighborhood and its standout menswear scene, from Billy Reid to COACH and Jack Wills.

Inside the much-hyped Billy Reid store in the Georgetown neighborhood of DC.

If you do get the chance to go to that area of town, I’d definitely recommend you make a point to stop through Billy Reid — the shop is very well-curated, the product is beautiful and the staff is friendly and attentive (can you tell I’m a fan of the brand?). With that being said, all that activity made for a fun but tiring afternoon — and that capped off what was a quick yet extremely fun-filled weekend! It was neat to see more of the character of Washington, D.C. — particularly some of the quirky touches (bunches of Richard Nixon memorabilia at the Capitol Lounge, for one), that the city has to offer. While it’s different in pacing and the overall atmosphere from New York City, it’s a prime city to visit in the fall, and I’m certain there are more hidden gems I didn’t find yet! I’ll definitely be back. Until we hit the road again, thanks for reading.

Stay stylish,