Tag / travel style

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!)

Ben Sherman US

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.

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.

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,

-Beau
Shop the latest in Men's styles Under $50 + get FREE Shipping on orders over $100 at Frank & Oak!

by Beau H.

Fighting the chill: A November weekend in Michigan

Editor’s note: For more travel-centric blog posts, click here.

The sun sets on a crisp fall Saturday in Grand Rapids.

The sun sets on a crisp fall Saturday in Grand Rapids. View courtesy of my friend Chris’s apartment.

As I explored the lovely city of Grand Rapids this past weekend, I was struck by how lucky I am to have lived and grown up in such a beautiful state, and to have such great friends. The opportunity to travel back is, of course, not lost on me either.While it was tricky to balance working from Brooklyn and hopping on a flight back to Michigan after a whirlwind week of Timberland-centric press work, I did indeed manage to make it in one piece! And it was truly a great time in Grand Rapids, the home of famed festival ArtPrize and also some decent brews (to say the least). This was all in spite of the fact that I was greeted, in characteristic Michigan fashion, by a bit of brisk weather. Luckily though, I had proper style gear on-hand to brave the elements.

Stumbling upon cool murals was a highlight in a city known for its burgeoning art scene. Slim denim by Mott & Bow. Down jacket by JACHS NY. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Leather chukkas by Timberland.

Stumbling upon cool murals was a highlight in a city known for its burgeoning art scene. Slim denim by Mott & Bow. Grey jacket by JACHS NY. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Leather chukkas by Timberland. Dive watch by Invicta

To get home, my Satchel & Page Slim Mailbag and Navali Weekender were  more than durable, yet that wasn’t my primary concern! Packing gear to beat the cold while also in transit was the bigger ordeal– how to pack light yet layer up and stay comfortable? Answer: A terrific pair of Mott and Bow denim with stretch built in,  plus some solid outerwear. It’s pieces like these that can make your travels a heck of a lot easier in terms of comfort (UNIQLO also offers somed nice stretch denim at a different price point). To complete my travel get-up, I went with a striped J. Crew henley — always a rugged style suggestion for fall — underneath a quilted yet surprisingly lightweight down coat from JACHS NY. The jacket was comfortable to get around the airport and not too hot — it would be a good travel pickup as you look to bundle up and hit the road this holiday season.

Just a look at some of the cold-weather gear I packed, including my Reef x H.D. Lee workshirt, Iron & Resin gloves, American Trench merino watch cap and black Reef chukka sneakers.

Just a look at some of the cold-weather gear I packed, including my Reef x H.D. Lee workshirt, Iron & Resin gloves, American Trench merino watch cap and black Reef chukka sneakers.

Complementing my travel outfit were my trusty Timberland Coulter Chukka Boots — I’d also recommend you pick up a nice pair of leather chukkas for fall. To say they go with everything – even a T-shirt and jeans – is an understatement. To keep things simple packing-wise, I opted just to bring one watch — my ever-reliable Invicta 8926 Pro Diver (still ticking!). However, I loaded up on a few pairs of comfortable and stylish American Trench socks, plus my nice watch cap from the brand. The cap was a huge help, and though I had hoped it would be temperate enough to forgo them, my Iron & Resin gloves also proved invaluable in the cold.

Exploring Beer City U.S.A was a highlight. Workshirt by Reef x H.D. Lee. Slim Travel Jeans by Bonobos. Navy henley by United By Blue. Merno watch cap by American Trench. Black chukka sneakers by Reef. Glasses by Warby Parker. Photo credit: Jesse O'Brien.

Exploring Beer City U.S.A was a highlight. Workshirt by Reef x H.D. Lee. Slim Travel Jeans by Bonobos. Navy henley by United By Blue. Merno watch cap by American Trench. Black chukka sneakers by Reef. Glasses by Warby Parker. Photo credit: Jesse O’Brien.

To get around Grand Rapids, I layered up in a nice, insulating ribbed cotton henley via the fine folks at United By Blue (you might remember that piece as this past week’s Style Pick, in fact). I layered that underneath a brushed flannel workshirt from the new Reef x H.D. Lee Shelter Supply Collection Holiday capsule. You might recognize H.D. Lee as Lee Jeans, and the brand teamed up with noted surfwear retailer Reef on a seven-piece offering that you won’t want to miss if you love American heritage style (and who doesn’t??). Look for more on the workshirt this coming week on the blog, as it was a durable-yet-cozy layering piece that’ll quickly become a winter essential.

A superb burger paired with a nice stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

A superb burger paired with a nice stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

And as far as tough style goes, that was definitely in play from location to location. I had the chance to check out the legendary Stella’s, a Grand Rapids icon that serves more whiskey than you can shake a fist at – and oh yeah, their burgers also took home a pretty prestigious prize from GQ in recent years. A stop there for a late dinner Friday night was followed by trips through the tasty Mitten Brewing Company and a stop at Long Road, a great distillery that serves up excellent crafted cocktails (a tip: try The Machine, a coffee-and-vodka combination). To round out the night, we hit up The Winchester, another great bar with an easygoing vibe and plenty of Michigan beer on tap.

After all that, um, activity Friday night, we needed a bit of a pick-me-up on Saturday morning, so clad in my trusty Reef workshirt, we headed to Grand Rapids Brewing Company for an incomparable Bloody Mary bar (can’t beat $4), and a little Saturday college football action featuring our beloved Michigan State Spartans.

Ben Sherman US

I paired the workshirt with my Bonobos Travel Jeans in a fall-appropriate shade of light brown. and the combination worked seamlessly with some new black chukka sneakers, also via Reef. Having the option to take off and add layers while navigating around the city (and namely, from brewery to bar and back) was quite crucial. As to travel style — if you haven’t explored the potential of tossing on a workshirt in place of a jacket, either via Reef or another lower-priced option (like this number from UK clothier ADDICT), I’d advise you do so! Workshirts can be layered over chambray shirts, or worn on their own atop a henley, and the results scream rugged style. When you consider that it can be worn as a jacket or as a true shirt on its own, it’s worth paying a bit more than for your average flannel.

A reverential approach to beer (the brewery is housed in an old funeral home) keeps things classic at Brewery Vivant.

A reverential approach to beer (the brewery is housed in an old funeral home) keeps things classic at Brewery Vivant.

For yet another night out on the town in Grand Rapids on Saturday,  I met up with my best friend Chris, the unfortunate guy who accidentally sat next to me on the bus heading to my first day of kindergarten. So it was awesome to catch up (look for Chris running absurdly fast at your next marathon). The option as to what to do or where to go was pretty easy – being in Beer City U.S.A. makes things rather easy in that regard, so it was excellent to stop into the revered Brewery Vivant. If you want outstanding beer in a beyond-cool environment, I’d recommend you hit up that spot. (Of note: the Farmhand Farmhouse Ale is excellent.).

Stops through a series of Grand Rapids bars followed on Saturday night, including The Meanwhile, an eclectic bar that wouldn’t be out of place in Brooklyn. We also managed to make it for a nice beer at the relaxed Harmony Brewing Company to round out a nice night filled with great times and great friends.

The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts features a relaxing loft space filled with Herman Miler pieces. Slim denim by Mott & Bow. Leather chukka boots by Timberland. Striped socks by American Trench.

The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts features a relaxing loft space filled with Herman Miller pieces. It’s the ideal spot to stop and recharge as you explore the city. Slim denim by Mott & Bow. Leather chukka boots by Timberland. Striped socks by American Trench.

Of course, Grand Rapids is about more than beer though – it’s got a bustling arts and culture scene, and if you’re familiar with the massive, citywide art fair and installation that is ArtPrize, you definitely know it’s worth the trip. And the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts fits right in with the city’s cultural scene. My friend Chris and I had the chance to explore it on Sunday, and the tranquil setting, crisp design and engaging artwork definitely made an impact on me.  The city, of course, also has a nice mix of up-and-established large-scale entertainment entities (like the VanAndel Arena), and it’s on the come-up as they say: construction is booming, new apartment complexes are popping up left-and-right and the city is hanging onto its reputation as being family-friendly. Other outposts like Madcap Coffee, a world-class downtown spot, helped make an afternoon spent exploring the city all the more enjoyable.

Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Delicious, creamy Oatmeal Stout by Founders Brewing.

Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Delicious, creamy Oatmeal Stout by Founders Brewing.

To cap off a whirlwind weekend, we made a stop at yet another revered beer institution, Founders Brewing. The space now features heated outdoor seating, and a relaxed vibe plus some excellent beer was a tremendous way to cap off the trip. The beautiful weather and eclectic mix of new and tried-and-true spots made for an awesome weekend reconnecting with some great friends and exploring a bit more of a city I hadn’t seen in a while. When you travel there, I’d of course recommend bringing some cold-weather travel gear – but more than that, I’d recommend you simply enjoy your time in a city that’s a fine example of the Midwest.

What do you think of these cold-weather style picks? More importantly, have you been to Grand Rapids before, or are you traveling there soon?

Shop the latest in Men's styles Under $50 + get FREE Shipping on orders over $100 at Frank & Oak!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Michigan State, Fall Colors and The Hill-side

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.

As it’s finally Friday, I almost have all of my voice back following the aftermath of that insane, thrilling and incredible Michigan State-Michigan football game last weekend. If you missed the ending, well, you’re in for a treat there. And the football hysteria is actually set to continue for me this weekend, because as luck would have it, I’m hitting the road back to East Lansing for a weekend spent with friends on the best campus in the country (in my humble opinion). I’m also getting the chance to go back to my hometown of Mason, a lovely place where time really slows down — that’ll be a welcome change of pace from New York City. And it’s always great to get back to your roots. But for matters in the present, we’ll catch you up with some of the best #menswear news of the week. On that note, thanks to all who participated in this week’s Goorin Brothers giveaway! Stay tuned for more giveaways in the coming weeks, and next week, look for a great product review of a nice fall timepiece, and a Q&A with the insightful and talented Megan Collins of Style Girlfriend. For now, enjoy your weekend — and thanks for reading!

Need more men’s style coverage to read?

  • You might recognize the subject of my latest VOUCH Mag piece from this blog — JACHS NY produces modern takes on American classics, and the brand’s backstory is just as neat.

Florsheim

by Beau H.

Coast to coast: Capping off a weekend in Los Angeles

A casual outfit for a casual (yet busy!) L.A. weekend. Rust V-neck by Pistol Lake. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Navy sneakers by GREATS Brand. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

A casual outfit for a casual (yet busy!) L.A. weekend (picture taken outside Angel City Brewing). Rust V-neck by Pistol Lake. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Navy sneakers by GREATS Brand. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

After a rather exhausting cross-country flight, the book is closed on my trip to Los Angeles. And what a trip it was. Cramming lots into a weekend can sometimes be difficult and overwhelming to do when traveling, but I can definitely say I have a newfound appreciation for the city  (even moreso than I did before), and there was zero stress in getting around; it was absolutely worth being just a bit tired today at the ole’ desk job, too. Luckily, I was able to navigate the city in style, and I found what I packed to be just enough, with a few exceptions.

A highlight of the trip was a Friday evening (or rather, a late Friday night) spent at Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, an eclectic bar styled like what can only be described as a cool, albeit 70’s-themed, house party. It’s a must-visit bar with a neat outdoor patio area and (crucially, cheap brews. I made use of my Mott & Bow denim and a United By Blue pocket T-shirt (unfortunately not line now) that transitioned smoothly from travel (along with my Grayers Russel Baseball Jacket) into a night on the town. Having versatile layers that keep you comfortable is key when traveling and making quick changes on the go, and those items served me well. I also was pleased with how my Timberland Coulter Chukka Boots held up during the transition from travel to sightseeing (although I picked up this pair through my day job, I’d recommend everyone grab a reliable pair of trusty leather chukka boots for all kinds of style situations).

Spending some more time outside Angel City Brewing before sampling some terrific beers.

Spending some more time outside Angel City Brewing before sampling some terrific beers.

As we rallied from a less-than-optimal night of sleep to watch our beloved Michigan State Spartans beat Purdue, I again turned to my Mott & Bow denim – they’re an exceptionally comfortable pair of jeans built with a nice amount of stretch. I’ve found the Skinny fit to be the ideal silhouette for the sorts of outfits I like to wear, although the brand’s Slim and Straight options appear to be just as reliable. The comfortable fit and versatile, dark color of my pair definitely served me well on the rest of our adventures through Los Angeles — it was truly awesome to be able to visit Angel City Brewery in the city’s burgeoning Arts District on Saturday in particular! I took along my Randolph Engineering sunglasses along with my ever-present Warby Parker glasses. It was only fitting to be able to take in everything while outfitted in a comfortable, soft V-neck from Los Angeles’ own Pistol Lake.  Of course, the beer at Angel City was the real highlight.

A shot from inside the well-designed, enjoyable Angel City Brewery.

A shot from inside the well-designed, enjoyable Angel City Brewery.

They have a positively massive, multi-level warehouse space built out with pleasing industrial décor, an outdoor food stand and of course, excellent beer brewed on-site. Sampling flights of delicious beer and taking in the atmosphere on a beautiful day made it worth the trek across town. It’s part of an area of Los Angeles that seems to be coming up quickly — and it’s also close to the well-designed Apolis Common Gallery. Filled up with great beer and ready to tackle the rest of the day, our adventures took us through much of the rest of downtown L.A., including Grand Park, the Grand Central Market and portions of the city’s Historic District. Viewing some of the city’s surreal architecture was quite neat — the California Department of Transportation is a distinct highlight (even for a government administration building).

The perfect shirt for a night out, and the perfect bag for cross country travel. Polka dot short-sleeve Oxford by Saturdays NYC. Stowaway Weekender Bag by Navali.

The perfect shirt for a night out, and the perfect bag for cross country travel. Polka dot short-sleeve Oxford by Saturdays NYC. Stowaway Weekender Bag by Navali.

As a lot of walking was involved throughout the rest of the day and into the early part of the evening, my reliable navy suede Rosen sneakers from GREATS Brand proved the perfect sneaker both in terms of versatile style and comfort (just as I had hoped). For the larger part of the night however, I turned to my Coulter Chukka boots from Timberland, along with one of my all-time favorite shirts, a polka dot short-sleeve Oxford from Saturdays Surf NYC (as seen above). And the night was certainly an adventure — more great beer was on-tap at Sunset Beer, a Silver Lake bottle shop featuring a wide range of bottles available for purchase and consumption on-site; the draft selection included hard-to-find (in NYC) brews from heavyweights like Deschutes. Checking out nice cocktail bars like The Thirsty Crow in the trendy neighborhood was also a highlight.

The Devil's Mess egg scramble featuring some solid sides.

The Devil’s Mess egg scramble featuring some solid sides.

And a  much-needed Sunday brunch also brought us back to Silver Lake, and the delicious Millie’s Café. As you can see in the photo above, the meal was something else! Given the laidback nature of the day, I kept my outfit rather simple on Sunday, but opted (mistakenly) for shorts rather than denim — a bad move considering temperatures were breezy and in the low ’60’s! And on that note, I would definitely swap out another pair of shorts in my bag for another pair of denim or chinos. However, my Michael Bastian x Uniqlo polo proved polished enough for all the day’s adventures, including lots more walking through Silver Lake. To go with the sportier style I tried out, my Goorin Brothers vintage ballcap (back in stock in November, I’m told!), was a solid accessory to pair with my clean, minimal Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol watch throughout Sunday, in addition to the rest of the trip.

Perusing the excellent Shinola flagship. Polo by Michael Bastian x Uniqlo. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Linen-blend shorts by Frank & Oak. Braided leather belt by Target Merona. Glasses by Warby Parker. Classic Bristol leather watch by Daniel Wellington.

Perusing the excellent Shinola flagship. Polo by Michael Bastian x Uniqlo. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Linen-blend shorts by Frank & Oak. Braided leather belt by Target Merona. Glasses by Warby Parker. Classic Bristol leather watch by Daniel Wellington.

In addition to brunch, our Silver Lake exploration also took us to the outstanding Shinola flagship store. The selection of watches was, as always, outstanding. And as one might expect from such a design-focused company, the layout was pleasing and the rest of the product, including fine leather goods, journal supplies and an amazing shearling bomber jacket done in collaboration with Golden Bear, was stellar. Although it wasn’t in the cards (or the budget, rather) this time, a Shinola timepiece is definitely on my wish list. Swinging through Hollywood finished up what proved to be a whirlwind trip (but closing it out with an excellent Thai coffee near my friend’s apartment was the way to go).

It was a trip that packed a ton into a short period of time, but it’s certainly one I would repeat. Navigating the city was an adventure, but not overly difficult, and covering so much ground and seeing so many different cultures and sights n such a short period of time was definitely the best way to experience the city. There are some standout, up-and-coming spots and some excellent menswear stores, too — all good things to look for when traveling if you’re like me! It may have been a quick trip this time, but I’ll definitely be back.

Ever been through Los Angeles? What’s your favorite spot in the city?

by Beau H.

Cross-country: Heading West for a weekend in L.A.

Polka dots popping out. Taking my favorite Saturdays Surf NYC shirt and my trusty Navali Stowaway Weekender Bag. Luggage tag by Frank & Oak.

Polka dots popping out. Taking my favorite Saturdays Surf NYC shirt and my trusty Navali Stowaway Weekender Bag. Luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

Editor’s note: For more travel style dispatches, head here.

Out of the major American (and international) cities I’ve visited, I have perhaps the fondest memories of Los Angeles — and I only spent about twelve hours there. The last time I was in the L.A. area was, without question, one of the best weekends of my life — a trip West as part of a graduation gift to watch my beloved Michigan State Spartans take down Stanford in a legendary Rose Bowl game. I slept on a hotel room floor, edited stories from my phone as part of my work at The State News (MSU’s student newspaper) and basked in the glow of a historic school moment. Spending the next day driving around L.A. with my newspaper colleagues was particularly momentous after such a great win. But I quickly realized the city had more to offer — and when one of my best high school & college friends headed West earlier this year, I knew I had to make it back. So that’s where this weekend is set to take me — and as always, I resolved to travel in style despite the promise of pretty sweltering Los Angeles weather. (Let’s call this trip #StyleGuideLosAngeles, shall we?)

Three options for hot weather, pictured top to bottom -- lightweight JACHS NY grey chinos, flexible Mott & Bow dark denim and lightweight linen shorts from Frank & Oak.

Three options for hot weather, pictured top to bottom — lightweight JACHS NY grey chinos, flexible Mott & Bow dark denim and lightweight linen shorts from Frank & Oak.

I’m bringing along a good mix of product to combat the heat, starting with some linen shorts from Frank & Oak (as pictured above and detailed in this April post). I’m also bringing along a pair of Banana Republic khaki shorts and my Pistol Lake French Terry Sweatshorts, a seasonally-appropriate pickup from a brand that just happens to be based in L.A. They should pair nicely with one of my Pistol Lake V-neck tees. And that get-up should in turn go well with my ever-reliable GREATS Brand Rosen sneakers, a pair I’ve come to rely on in all sorts of situations. They’re exceptionally comfortable and work to dress down a blazer and T-shirt (a combination I’ll likely be wearing on the plane, as I’m heading to the airport after a half-day at work — #WheelsUp!). And should those sneakers need some time out of the rotation, I’m sure my GREATS Brand Wilson sneakers in White will definitely get the job done with multiple pant options.

Travel essentials for a cross-country trip. Russel Baseball Jacket by Grayers. Navy sneakers by GREATS Brand. Socks by American Trench. Leather chukka boots by Timberland. Leather watch by Daniel Wellington. Dive watch by Invicta. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Dopp kit by Baxter of California.

Travel essentials for a cross-country trip. Russel Baseball Jacket by Grayers. Navy sneakers by GREATS Brand. Socks by American Trench. Leather chukka boots by Timberland. Leather watch by Daniel Wellington. Dive watch by Invicta. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Dopp kit by Baxter of California.

On that front, I’m anticipating the weather to be quite hot — so my Mott & Bow dark denim should pair well with my Rust V-neck from Pistol Lake (check out that shirt here) and my navy GREATS sneakers. However, I’m ready to sub in my JACHS NY grey chinos, which are about the same weight as a Bonobos Washed Chino, should the situation call for it. I think the dark denim in particular will also team up nicely with two shirting options I’m bringing — my polka-dot Saturdays Surf NYC Esquina Oxford (from the Spring 2014 line), and my Michael Bastian x Uniqlo polo, featuring a nice royal blue color and a thin striped collar The polo in particular (seen more closely here) has a nice bit of stretch and a breathable fabric, key in the heat. My Mott & Bow denim should also do well in that regard. In case the weather does turn cooler, I’m bringing my trusty Russel Baseball Jacket from Grayers (as seen above), which should provide a crisp, versatile outerwear option. On my head, I’ll be throwing on my Goorin Brothers vintage ballcap — a favorite from a brand that really does know how to make great hats. To round out my apparel, some standout socks from American Trench (as discussed in this week’s Style Q&A) will definitely prove breathable and comfortable. Of course, no trip would be complete with a great timepiece — I’m expecting my stainless steel Invicta Pro Diver 8926 and my Classic Bristol Leather Watch from Daniel Wellington to work interchangeably with footwear I’m bringing (particularly my well-worn brown leather Coulter Chukkas — courtesy of my day job repping Timberland).

Grooming gear fit for the road ahead. Featuring Beard Oil & Pure Pomade from Doc Elliott, Shampoo from Baxter of Californina and the Wahl Grooming Stainless Steel Trimmer.

Grooming gear fit for the road ahead. Featuring Beard Oil & Pure Pomade from Doc Elliott, Shampoo from Baxter of Californina and the Wahl Grooming Stainless Steel Trimmer.

To round out my luggage and grooming situation, I’m hauling everything in, as ever, my Navali Stowaway Weeekender Bag and my hard-wearing Satchel & Page Slim Mailbag, both of which have provided formidable and tough options for carrying luggage across the globe. And as toiletries are just as key when traveling as at home, I’m rounding up some essentials to bring with me (in travel sizes, of course). My haul will include the Travel Essentials Kit from grooming giant Baxter of California, as well as some Pure Pomade from Doc Elliott and my Wahl Grooming Stainless Steel Trimmer. I’ll be lugging it all in the Baxter Quilted Dopp Kit, which should make things easy to access throughout the trip. While I’m looking forward to sampling the finest food & drink *namely beer, can’t forget about the beer* that L.A. has to offer, I’m also hoping to meet with a brand I admire and whom I’ve interacted with a bit in the past — the fine folks at Apolis. After seeing a press preview of a neat industrial design project they’re working on, plus profiling  them for VOUCH Mag and GearHungry, it’s a definitely a cool opportunity.
Florsheim
As always, look for the regularly scheduled Friday Read post before I jet-set, along with a new Style Pick of the Week. Follow me during the trip via Instagram and Twitter, if that catches your fancy! And look for more from out West next week.

And do let me know — what’s on your must-see list in L.A.? Best restaurants or spots to check out? Drop me a line via Twitter or give me a shout in the comments!

Ben Sherman US

by Beau H.

Style abroad: Travels through Greece and Italy, Part 3

The lovely waters on the beach in Mykonos -- just one of the many excellent sights we saw on our trip. Setter Swim Trunks by Orlebar Brown. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

The lovely waters on the beach in Mykonos — just one of the many excellent sights we saw on our trip. Setter Swim Trunks by Orlebar Brown. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

The good news is that I made it back to the States in one piece! The bad news is that my family cruise to Greece is now done. It really was an absolutely amazing time though, from hours spent eating and drinking on the beach in Mykonos and Katakolon to days exploring the Acropolis in Athens and the legendary Olympia. Our trip also swung through the lovely and iconic island of Santorini – with its whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone streets and old-world charm, it was a huge highlight of the trip. And luckily, I found the clothing I packed to be more than adequate, too! [You can check out a packing roundup, plus entries from Part 1 and Part 2 of the trip, here].

Getting out and about in casual style. Slim Mailbag by Satchel and Page. French Terry Sweatshorts by Pistol Lake. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Sneakers by Athletic Propulsion Labs.

Getting out and about in casual style. Slim Mailbag by Satchel and Page. French Terry Sweatshorts by Pistol Lake. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Sneakers by Athletic Propulsion Labs. Guest appearance by a fellow tourist on the right.

I knew going in that the trip would present lots of options for what to wear – from casual days at the beach (and the cruise bar) to formal dinner nights and a bike ride that actually proved to be quite strenuous. Days spent at the pool also called for a versatile swimsuit, like my Orlebar Brown Setter Swim Trunks as seen above.

For active-casual wear, I found myself consistently reaching for my Pistol Lake French Terry Sweatshorts and my Athletic Propulsion Labs sneakers. The futuristic slant of the sneakers made them feel like less of a running shoe and more of a cool-casual sneaker option, while the sweatshorts (as seen here in a Style Pick of the Week entry) were comfortable and breathable. For those situations where I had to turn to dressier yet cool clothing, my Banana Republic khaki shorts and Michael Bastian x Uniqlo polo were more than adequate, while a pair of linen-blend shorts from Frank & Oak also worked quite well.

Relaxing in casual style leaving Katakolon. Swim Trunks by Orlebar Brown. Printed T-shirt by J. Crew. Leather Wooster Slip-ons by GREATS Brand. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

Chatting with my dad (on the far right) and relaxing in casual style leaving Katakolon. Swim trunks by Orlebar Brown. Printed T-shirt by J. Crew. Leather Wooster Slip-ons by GREATS Brand. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Beer by Newcastle.

I found my footwear options to be adequate as well – I wore a pair of Timberland Coulter Chukka boots (courtesy of my day job) for travel, which proved comfortable and effective. The two pairs of loafers I brought along, one by Andre Coton and one pair by G.H. Bass, also saw use during casual and formal dinner situations alike, particularly with my Combatant Gentleman Sky Blue Chinos. My trusty GREATS Brand Wilson sneakers also proved durable and comfortable for exploring Athens and the Acropolis, and worked for dinner later in the day, too!

A look at some of the accessories I brought along for the trip. Vintage wool baseball cap by Goorin Bros. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering.

A look at some of the accessories I brought along for the trip, pictured specifically in Olympia.. Vintage wool baseball cap by Goorin Bros. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering.

If anything however, I brought along one too many long-sleeve shirts – while I wore my GAP chambray shirt, I didn’t get the chance to wear my Gustin Spring Plaid Shirt, as I often found myself reaching for more laidback short-sleeve options to pair with white denim or my Taylor Stitch chinos. On the accessories front, my black rubber strap Stuhrling watch was a sporty choice to pair with my sweatshorts and sneakers for strenuous shore excursions, and my Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol leather watch worked well with lots of dinner outfit combinations in particular. My stainless steel Invicta dive watch, a personal favorite, was a solid option with which to hit the beach, and I frequently reached for my Goorin Brothers vintage wool baseball cap (currently sold out online) – it was comfortable and breathable, crucial in the heat of Greece.

For those exploration-filled shore excursions, I took along my Satchel and Page Slim Mailbag – it’s proving to be very durable, sturdy and well-made (plus, who doesn’t love the smell of new leather??).

A formal look for the final night of the cruise. White Poplin Endurance Shirt and Steel Blue Glen Plaid Double-Breasted Suit by Combatant Gentleman. Glasses by Warby Parker. Watch by Daniel Wellington.

A formal look for the final night of the cruise. White Poplin Endurance Shirt and Steel Blue Glen Plaid Double-Breasted Suit by Combatant Gentleman. Glasses by Warby Parker. Watch by Daniel Wellington.

And my Randolph Engineering Concorde Flash Lens sunglasses worked excellent to combat the sun’s rays too. On the toiletries front, my Baxter of California Travel Kit was convenient, easy to pack and of course, very useful! For formal wear, my Combat Gent White Poplin Shirt and Steel Blue Glen Plaid Double-Breasted Suit were sharp, well-fitting and also able to be mixed and matched among the jacket and a separate pair of custom grey suit pants from Black Lapel.

Definitely one of the highlights of the trip -- checking out the amphitheater at the Acropolis in Athens.

Definitely one of the highlights of the trip — checking out the amphitheater at the Acropolis in Athens.

While the process of getting overseas was lengthy (to be expected!) and the time change was a somewhat difficult adjustment at first, I found the whole adventure to be beautiful, serene and highly enjoyable – Royal Caribbean and its staff are friendly, helpful and very gracious, too! It’s certainly a cruise I would take again, and I found several areas I would love to visit again, too.

I’m definitely grateful for the opportunity and the time spent with family as well – and of course, having the chance to work with a few excellent brands on trip gear was pretty neat, too! We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled content here on Wednesday (a product review of the aforementioned Taylor Stitch chinos), but if you’d like to check out more trip photos and content, check out #StyleGuideAbroad via my Twitter and Instagram accounts. Until next time, Greece!

by Beau H.

Style abroad: Travels through Greece and Italy, Part 2

A portion of the stunning Acropolis site in Athens.

In lieu of the regularly scheduled Friday Read, I wanted to take the opportunity to share another dispatch from abroad – the trip has simply been too excellent not to do so! Wednesday and Thursday’s stops on the Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas took us to world-famous Mykonos and the equally famous Athens. (Catch up on part 1 of the trip here, and on what I’m packing here). 

The payoff after a bike ride to the beach in Mykonos. Setter Swim Trunks by Orlebar Brown. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering.

 

For a bike ride through the hills of Mykonos to a stunning beach (and then a ride back to an organic winery), I went with functional gear – namely, my Pistol Lake sweatshorts and Athletic Propulsion Labs sneakers, both of which worked perfectly for a rather strenuous bike ride (having barely survived, I can only assume the beer and cigars the night before didn’t help, either!). The vibrant blue waters and lovely sand beach made for a great atmosphere, especially as we enjoyed homemade lemonade prepared by our tour guide.

Of course, the picturesque vista was a prime opportunity to break out some James Bond-inspired (or rather, authentic) swim trunks from Orlebar Brown, along with my Invicta dive watch. My parents gave the family GoPro cameras to chronicle the trip as well, so the waterproof option was handy to have!
 

Exploring the Acropolis in a casual get-up. Polo by Michael Bastian x Uniqlo. Khaki shorts by Banana Republic. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Leather watch by Daniel Wellington. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering.

 
During dinner, I kept things laidback with some Taylor Stitch chinos and my ever-reliable GREATS Brand sneakers – a combination perfect for strolling from cruise bar to cruise bar. And the heat of Athens on Thursday made it essential to keep rocking my GREATS sneakers plus a tailored Michael Bastian x Uniqlo polo as we explored the Acropolis, as seen above. My trusty Daniel Wellington watch was also a crisp complement to the outfit, and it’s gone well with T-shirts and tailored wear alike.

 

The cruise has presented the opportunity to kick back a lot, too. Slim chinos by Taylor Stitch. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Beer by Corona.

 
Down the hill from the legendary site, the line-up of cafes and small shops is nice and not too overwhelming – the fresh lunch choices, including authentic fare like lamb kebabs – are delicious, too. Our final port stop on Friday takes us to the small seaside village of Katakolon, where a private guide is set to take us to yet another legendary tour stop, Olympia – site of the ancient Olympic games.

The enchanting Rhapsody then sails back to the port town of Civitavecchia, Italy across the weekend – but between now and then, keep a weather eye out for the weekly Style Pick. In the meantime, follow along via my Instagram and Twitter accounts using #StyleGuideAbroad.

Stay stylish,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style abroad: Travels through Greece and Italy, Part 1

The view from a small boat to Santorini, Greece.

If you’re just joining us (or just catching up to TSG), this dispatch comes to you from the high seas! Specifically, somewhere between Greece and Italy for a family cruise. The biggest takeaway so far: what a trip it’s been. I knew going in (and packing) for the trip that it was bound to be incredible — but until you’ve experienced the beauty of this part of the world, there’s really nothing like it. It’s been an unmatched experience, but thankfully, my wardrobe has withstood the test to this point. 

Exploring the port town of Civitavecchia, Italy pre-cruise with some comfortable Mott & Bow white denim. Brown leather chukkas by Timberland.

 
I’ve had the chance to try out a few different outfit combos and to date, I’ve found my Mott & Bow white denim to be both comfortable and versatile, perhaps the best pair of pants I brought along. They’ve proven a crisp option for travel when paired with brown leather chukkas, and that’s equally true of my unconstructed J. Crew blazer (get the scoop on other great blazer options here). My GAP chambray shirt, in breezier situations, and my Banana Republic khaki shorts (in hotter temps) have also fared well, as have the range of summer T-shirt options I  brought along –namely my Pistol Lake henley is a well-fitting yet breathable option, as is a lightweight H&M v-neck. And the Combatant Gentleman chinos I packed — soon to be featured as this week’s Style Pick — are casual yet tailored enough for dinner wear.

 

Shore style in Santorini. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Bros. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Charcoal pocket tee by American Apparel. French Terry Sweatshorts by Pistol Lake. Sneakers by Athletic Propulsion Labs. Black rubber strap watch by Stuhrling. Slim Mailbag by Satchel and Page.

 
For a particularly strenuous shore excursion in Santorini,  I turned to my  Pistol Lake sweatshorts and sweet Athletic Propulsion Labs running shoes — hiking the mountains of Greece absolutely calls for it, yet thankfully, they’re futuristic and unique enough that they feel less like a running shoe and more like a new-age sneaker you’d see on a fashion runway. My Satchel and Page Slim Mailbag has also proven more than up to the test of tagging along for the journey, and it’s pretty neat to be carrying a bag that’ll only get better with age (full review of that in the coming weeks).

 

Kicking back in casual style. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Bros. Blue V-neck by H&M. Shorts by Frank & Oak. Glasses by Warby Parker. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Beer by Heineken.

 
And in the rest of my downtime, I’ve found myself reaching for lightweight linen blends, like my Frank & Oak shorts or a Stock Mfg. Co shirt, plus crisp-casual accessories (like a versatile wool-blend Goorin Bros. hat or my trusty G.H. Bass brown leather loafers). My Orlebar Brown swim trunks (more on those here) are faring quite nicely, too. On the footwear front, my trusty GREATS Brand Wilson sneakers and Leather Wooster Slip-ons have also pulled some double-duty on shore trips and casual wear to date, and I’m excited to continue pairing them with the selection of chinos and denim I brought.

   

Hoping to strike it rich in my Combatant Gentleman double-breasted suit jacket, custom Black Lapel suit pants, G.H. Bass loafers and Combatant Gentleman shirt. Watch by Daniel Wellington. Italian beer by Peroni.

  
 For formal wear, I’ve mixed and matched my Combatant Gentleman Steel Blue Glenplaid Double-Breasted Suit Jacket with some custom grey suit pants, brown loafers and a crisp White Endurance Shirt from Combat Gent, and my Combat Gent chinos as seen above (with some Andre Coton loafers) are also working well. On the accessories front, my Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol watch is holding up quite nicely — the pared-down, minimalist design is a big benefit when packing and traveling.

Luckily, the weather’s proved sunny and warm, so I haven’t tripped up on not bringing outerwear — yet, that is. The rest of our trip calls for a bicycle tour and some town and shore exploration in Mykonos today, followed by stops in Athens and Katakolon! At any rate, check back here on Friday for the weekly Friday Read post, and swing back through on Saturday (if you feel like it) for the Style Pick of the Week. More coming from Greece next week on The Style Guide, too!

Stay stylish,

-Beau
Ernest Alexander

Ben Sherman US

by Beau H.

Style abroad: Packing for a cruise on the open seas

Hopping on a plane for a 10-day jaunt (read: cruise) to Italy and Greece later this week. Watch by Daniel Wellington. 'This Bag Is Not Yours' luggage tag by Owen & Fred. Weekender by Navali.

Hopping on a plane for a 10-day jaunt (read: cruise) to Italy and Greece later this week. Watch by Daniel Wellington. ‘This Bag Is Not Yours’ luggage tag by Owen & Fred. Weekender by Navali.

There are certain types of trips it seems you only get to take once in a lifetime, honestly. This coming weekend, I’ve got the great opportunity to embark on one such trip, as luck would have it. The Hayhoe family (Mom, Dad, sister, brother and sister-in-law) is heading overseas for a cruise through the Mediterranean — starting in the glorious city of Rome and swinging through Greece (Santorini, Mykonos, Athens and Katakolon, to be specific). It’s sure to be scenic and extraordinary, despite the economic tensions gripping Greece. But I face a decidedly more trivial challenge — what the heck am I going to wear? And how am I going to get it all there?

While I’m absolutely a Lean Wardrobe advocate, a slightly longer trip and variety of situations has me raiding my (somewhat extensive) closet to come up with outfit solutions. Formal cruise dinners, casual excursions, time spent by the pool and on the water and of course, some extensive travel. Yes, this trip has it all. So I’m hoping what I throw in my Navali Stowaway Weekender (a companion on other trips) sticks. To carry the rest of my gear, I’ll be toting along a durable

On the left: Olive Bonobos Washed Chinos, Sky Blue Combat Gent chinos, grey Billy Reid selvedge denim, white Mott & Bow denim (just part of the lineup). On the right, top to bottom: Pistol Lake henley, J. Crew Factory printed shirt, Steven Alan pocket tee, H&M V-neck, American Apparel & Everlane pocket tees.

On the left, from the bottom: Olive Bonobos Washed Chinos, Sky Blue Combat Gent chinos, grey Billy Reid selvedge denim, white Mott & Bow denim. On the right, top to bottom: Pistol Lake henley, J. Crew Factory printed shirt, Steven Alan pocket tee, H&M V-neck, American Apparel & Everlane pocket tees.

For the everyday wear, I’m bringing along a selection of T-shirts both more plain (like my heather burgundy Steven Alan pocket tee, an American Apparel tee and a new Ace Rivington crewneck, not pictured) and ones with a bit more visual cues (like my Pistol Lake henley and a J. Crew sailboat tee — unfortunately sold out). For time spent by the pool and heading ashore, any option should work within reason. And when I travel, I’ll be throwing on my favorite Everlane pocket tee under my older (circa 2013) J. Crew blazer for easygoing travel style. I’m packing a vintage ballcap for a bit of extra protection from the sun, too — courtesy of the excellent folks at Goorin Bros.

From left to right: Pistol Lake sweatshorts, Athletic Propulsion Labs basketball shorts, Frank & Oak linen shorts and Orlebar Brown swim trunks.

From left to right: Pistol Lake sweatshorts, Athletic Propulsion Labs basketball shorts, Frank & Oak linen shorts and Orlebar Brown swim trunks.

Those tees should be a  nice complement to the selection of casual shorts you see above– my Pistol Lake sweatshorts, pictured at left, are proving to be a personal favorite, comfortable yet functional and relatively tailored for a pair of sweatshorts. I’m also tossing some technically advanced Athletic Propulsion Labs basketball shorts in my bag for work-outs and hiking through the mountains of Greece. My Frank and Oak linen blend shorts should be ever-reliable in the heat, too (read more about them and the brand here), and I’m also packing my Banana Republic khaki shorts (similar to these). On the swimwear front, I’m looking forward to taking my Orlebar Brown Setter trunks out for a dip (as featured here – haven’t been working out as much as Bond though).

Pictured on the left: A rundown of versatile shirting for the trip, including a Bonobos Oxford, GAP chambray, short-sleeve Saturdays NYC buttondown and a vintage thrift store shirt perfect for sipping some brews.

Pictured on the left: A rundown of versatile shirting for the trip, including a Bonobos Oxford, GAP chambray, short-sleeve Saturdays NYC buttondown and a vintage thrift store shirt perfect for sipping some brews.

Which brings me to my steadfast decision to bring perhaps more pairs of pants to a Mediterranean cruise than you might expect — what can I say? I prefer pants. For the flight there, I’ll undoubtedly be wearing my new pair of Mott & Bow white denim — they’re exceedingly comfortable thanks to a hint of stretch and will hopefully allow me to blend in stylishly once I land in Italy (I’ll also be bringing along some olive Washed Chinos from Bonobos for comfortable travel). And because one can never bring enough jeans on a trip, my grey selvedge Billy Reid denim should do the job nicely for more dressed-down dinners and travel days, while some sky blue Combat Gent chinos in a versatile slim-straight cut should do the trick for both casual and more crisp wear. For pairing with those jeans, I’ve got both a brown leather J. Crew dress belt  and more casual striped and braided options. The number of pairs of pants I’m packing means I’m actually dialing in my shirts (somewhat) – a white Combat Gent Oxford, a blue Bonobos Oxford, my trusty GAP chambray shirt and my breathable and airy Stock Mfg. Co linen shirt should work well within a rotation. I plan to complement those with a patterned Saturdays NYC short-sleeve shirt and a vintage thrift store ‘Drinks’ shirt (check it out in more detail here).

But for those occasions that call for a significantly upped style game, I’ll be pulling out the big guns. As this is a Mediterranean cruise and all, I enlisted my friends at Combat Gent to set me up with perhaps the most fashion-forward number in their arsenal, the Steel Blue Glenplaid Double-Breasted suit as you can see above. I’m looking forward to breaking up the blazer with some custom grey suit pants and a crisp white Endurance Shirt via Combat Gent as well — and the rest of the time, my J. Crew blazer should certainly be able to pull double duty when worn with accessories like a red floral pocket square (similar to this one).

The footwear rundown for a continental trip. Jute loafers by Andre Coton. Brown leather loafers by G.H. Bass. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Black athletic sneakers by Athletic Propulsion Labs. Leather chukka boots by Timberland.

The footwear rundown for a continental trip. Jute loafers by Andre Coton. Brown leather loafers by G.H. Bass. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Black athletic sneakers by Athletic Propulsion Labs. Leather chukka boots by Timberland.

And given the variety of outfit pairings I’m hoping to line up, my shoe ensemble is stretched a little bit more than usual. For travel, my Timberland Coulter Chukka boots (courtesy of my day job, in full disclosure) will likely get the job done while the rest of my footwear is packed — neatly — away. I’m also bringing along my versatile G.H. Bass leather loafers (read more on them here) as well as my trusty GREATS Brand Wilson sneakers. I’m planning to pair the loafers with everything from chinos and T-shirts to jeans and short-sleeve shirts. And on the athletic and shore exploration front, I’m quite excited to try out my Athletic Propulsion Labs sneakers (a GearHungry post on those sneakers will be up soon!). But the footwear that might best fit in with the continental style one sees throughout Greece and Italy is coming on the trip courtesy of start-up loafer brand Andre Coton. These jute fabric loafers are without a doubt the most unique footwear style I’ve tried, but I’m hopeful (confident?) they’ll go well with my more formal outfit pairings.

More everyday carry accessories to round out the suitcase. Travel Kit by Baxter of California. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Steno Book by Field Notes. Tan leather keychain by Apolis.

More everyday carry accessories to round out the suitcase. Travel Kit by Baxter of California. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Steno Book by Field Notes. Tan leather keychain by Apolis.

Rounding out what looks to be a very full set of bags is a great Travel Kit courtesy of Baxter of California (read more on the brand here; I’m told the Travel Kit restock is imminent, so keep your eyes peeled). And while I’m not packing many socks, a few pairs of Richer Poorer no-show socks and a pair or two of patterned socks (for matching with shades of blue) should fit right in. A few everyday carry accessories, like a handy pair of American-made sunglasses, my black rubber Stuhrling Aquadiver watch, my stainless steel Invicta dive watch and my new Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol watch will also be with me as options for daily rotation. Luckily other than my blazer for travel, I’m leaving outerwear behind — which will hopefully prove to be the right choice. To protect my laptop, I’m stowing my computer in my new Issara leather laptop sleeve (available now on the brand’s site), while a reliable Field Notes Brand steno book should more than help me keep track of my travels.

Ernest Alexander

That marks just about everything I’m bringing with me — whether it’ll prove foolish or a wise choice to forgo (somewhat) the Lean Wardrobe philosophy, time will tell. Just because I’m jetting off doesn’t mean the site will be forgotten, however — look out for another guest post via Madhav of Wardrobe Domination, as well as a Style Q&A with my buddy Barron from the excellent menswear site Effortless Gent. Of course, we’ll still close out the week here with the Friday Read and a good ol’ Style Pick — stay tuned, stay stylish!

Are you taking any big trips to close out the summer? What are your go-to travel essentials?
Ben Sherman US

by Beau H.

What To Wear Today: Travel in Style This Summer

A blue Oxford cloth buttondown -- just one of the many style essentials you should pack this summer. Shirt by Bonobos. Weekender bag by Navali. Luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

A blue Oxford cloth buttondown — just one of the many style essentials you should pack this summer. Shirt by Bonobos. Weekender bag by Navali. Luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

It might only be Wednesday right now, but my mind’s already thinking ahead to the weekend — I’m hitting the road for a family wedding in the lovely and historic city of Charleston, South Carolina (one of the home bases of my friends over at creative lifestyle site Brothers & Craft, in fact). And I’ve also been brainstorming how to pack in style while getting from fast-paced NYC to the decidedly more laidback Southern locale. Traveling and looking good is definitely something that should be top of mind for all of us as we hit the road the rest of this summer, too. Sharp travel accessories are one thing to elevate your overall game — but what do you wear while traveling and once you get there? Here’s a look at what I’m packing, and what you (maybe? possibly?) should throw in your bag, too. (Editor’s note: Unless you’re a real jetsetter, let’s assume you’re just packing for a long weekend away in a temperate climate – if it’s hotter or colder than that, layers could be added or subtracted). 

The Shirt: A Go-Anywhere Oxford Cloth Buttondown [+ Slim, casual T-shirts & polos]

Versatile and ready for anything -- the classic blue Oxford cloth buttondown from Buck Mason.

Versatile and ready for anything — the classic blue Oxford cloth buttondown from Buck Mason.

Although that shirt seen above is sold out online (and it’s easy to see why), it’s the perfect stand-in for the type of shirt that would be perfect to wear when traveling — and to have once you get where you’re going. On the cheaper side of things, Old Navy offers up a version at a pricepoint that could allow you to get one in both white and blue. The classic Oxford cloth button-down is the ideal mix of casual-meets-crisp style; it can be paired with a lightweight spring or summer jacket or a blazer in dressier situations, and it works with chinos, stylish shorts or denim (as long as the fit is trim and the shirt doesn’t hang too low when untucked). On the more casual side of things, a polo or two also wouldn’t hurt — this year’s Michael Bastian x Uniqlo polos are affordably priced and feature a wide spread of colors and patterns. On the even more toned-down side of things, slim pocket tees are your friend for casual travel style — in a slim fit, the right tee can even be worn under a blazer.

The Pants: Slim chinos or dark denim [+ laidback shorts]

The Standard Issue Utility Chino from Apolis offers the right color and fit for easygoing, polished travel style.

The Standard Issue Utility Chino from Apolis offers the right color and fit for easygoing, polished travel style.

The slim khaki chino is an all-American classic that’s been freshened up as of late and can be worn just about any way you please (for at least five variations, see an Effortless Gent piece I penned last fall). Dark denim is every bit as versatile, too — either can go with pocket tees or polos, plus that trusty Oxford cloth buttondown shirt. The same goes for matching with different types of footwear, too (more on that below). And assuming you’re heading somewhere slightly warmer than where you are now, tailored shorts in a neutral color are a good pick — perhaps these Club Monaco shorts might do the trick, in fact. If you want something with some stretch and mobility, J. Crew Factory’s Stadium Shorts would be a wise wardrobe addition.

The Shoes: Crisp white or navy sneakers and brown leather loafers

Two pairs of shoes styled two different ways. White sneakers done up casually and leather loafers ready for dressier wear.

Two pairs of shoes styled two different ways. White sneakers done up casually and leather loafers ready for dressier wear. On the left: Printed shirt by Saturdays Surf NYC. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Patterned watch strap by The Knottery and watch by Timex. On the right: Blazer by GAP. Leather loafers by Bass. In both looks: Lightwash jeans by J. Crew.

White sneakers, especially in the world of men’s style nowadays, can be worn with just about anything — even a suit if you play your cards right. If you reach for a pair with a slim silhouette, like the GREATS Wilson, the styling potential is ready for just about any situation — short of a black tie dinner. Navy runner-style sneakers are an equally unique option that combine retro cool and modern flair as well. If the occasion calls for a dressier pair of footwear, a pair of classic leather loafers is virtually foolproof; functional and cooling with rolled chinos in hotter weather while still looking sharp. Rugged-yet-refined brown leather desert boots (like the Florsheim Jet Chukka) also strike the right note — and if you had room for just one other pair of shoes on your trip besides sneakers, they would be the best pickup.

Ernest Alexander

The Watch: Stainless steel dive watch (Or your favorite, versatile timepiece)

From sneakers and shorts to denim and desert boots, a stainless steel dive watch is highly versatile.

From sneakers and shorts to denim and desert boots, a stainless steel dive watch is highly versatile.

When it comes down to it, space packing for a trip is limited, no matter how great your weekender bag might be. Packing one watch to meet a variety of situations is one way to free up some of space for souvenirs or another T-shirt or two. There are lots of options out there that fill the under-$100 price point and pack versatility into one package, and in a situation where you might have two pairs of shoes to mix and match with shorts, chinos and denim, ditching a leather strap (which would require coordination with your shoes and belt) is an easy fix. An interchangeable nylon-strap watch could easily stand in if the trip leans more casual (and you don’t mind coordinating with a blue dial).

The Jackets: A cotton knit jacket and a classic navy blazer

A lightweight knit jacket or a lightweight navy blazer (or both) keep things cool, crisp and stylish during travel. For more outfit details, check out my Instagram.

A lightweight knit jacket or a lightweight navy blazer (or both) keep things cool, crisp and stylish during travel. Cotton knit herringbone jacket by Grayers. Navy blazer by J. Crew For more outfit details, check out my Instagram.

While the Grayers Russel Jacket seen in the photo at left is down to just Large and Extra-Large sizes, Old Navy can be counted on here to offer up an equally sporty and equally stylish jacket (made from cotton).  In the right fit and with the right staples (like a chambray shirt), an outfit very similar to the one on the left could be worn to work and then right onto the plane. Likewise, an unstructured navy blazer fits the bill perfectly if the occasion calls for something more polished. In a more wrinkle-resistant and lighter fabric, that same blazer could  be worn from the office onto  the plane, too.

Ben Sherman US

The Rest: A reversible belt, versatile socks and a sharp swimsuit

A reversible belt, neutral socks and a striped swimsuit should finish things off nicely.

A reversible belt, neutral socks and a striped swimsuit should finish things off nicely.

Trying to coordinate different pairs of shoes together with varying types of bottoms is another hurdle that requires some packing expertise. The easy way out of that is a simple reversible belt — not always the highest-quality things on the market, to be sure, but effective nonetheless. That way, you solve that pesky space issue and pack (or most likely, wear) just one belt throughout the trip.  If space allows, a casual webbed belt could be a nice change of pace. Patterned socks are lots of fun, to be sure, but picking up a couple pairs in neutral colors — like grey, charcoal or navy — would work best for maximum versatility. And reaching for a swim suit with a slimmer cut, like any of the options from this site’s recent swimwear roundup helps you look good while hitting the water  (if that’s in the itinerary, that is).

So you’ve got some ideas from the above — what’s on your go-to list when packing? What would you add or omit from this packing suggestion? Give me a shout on Twitter!

Nunn Bush