The Friday Read: Valentine’s Day, Ryan Reynolds and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

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

While last week was a big one (for me, at least), with the second iteration of  #NYFWM, perhaps this week has been a big one for you. After all, Valentine’s Day is upon us! What are you set to wear? Here’s your Valentine’s Day style suggestion. And do you have a gift all sorted out? If not, best get to it with these Valentine’s Day gift suggestions for that special someone. And if you have all of that in order, congrats! Enjoy what’s hopefully a three-day weekend! But before you get going on that last-minute shopping and outfit wrangling, catch up on some menswear (and yes, non-menswear) news. I won’t bug you for too much longer — after all, there are gifts to buy! Look for a Monday product review covering the standout Color No. 8 Diplomat Boot from Thursday Boots, followed by another sharp #OOTD entry and of course, the usual weekly content here at The Style Guide. Stay stylish!

  • This could come in handy in advance of Valentine’s Day, as GQ offers some standout layering tips courtesy of Ryan Reynolds — huge fan of that electric blue cardigan.
  • It might not quite be spring yet, but Apolis still is offering up its Civilian Travel Suiting bundles for a nice deal — within the higher-end market, that is.
  • Get away on a tropical vacation (or at least, start dreaming of one) by checking out the first in a series of global travel and adventure videos from the fine folks behind lifestyle brand Reef.
  • Long(ish) Read of the Week: Harry Potter fans, rejoice! Unless you’ve been living under a rock (apologies if so), Time and others have reported that the script for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child — the play, that is — will be published in book form later this summer, and released, fittingly enough, on Harry Potter’s birthday! So exciting.

Frank & Oak

On the hunt for more to read? Look right here.

    • The newly revamped VOUCH Mag is up-and-running in a big way — check out my latest feature on the best boots to survive winter, and keep an eye out for some brands you might recognize.
    • Here’s a new one, too — never lose your umbrella again with the BLUNT + Tile Traceable Umbrella; it was neat to learn more about it for GearHungry.

Florsheim

The Friday Read: #NYFWM, Super Bowl 50 and Dockers

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

Perhaps you find yourself not paying attention to the runways or the sights and sounds of #NYFWM, the dedicated, NYC-hosted week for menswear writers, editors, buyers and industry pros to get their first look at upcoming seasonal collections. But after spending some time around great media and bloggers at a brand styling suite I helped run on behalf of Timberland, I must say — looking at the American iteration of fashion week is something you might consider. That’s especially true when perennial, classic favorites like Todd Snyder and Billy Reid step in the ring — after all, not every runway show is Zoolander-esque. Timberland-centric events gave me the terrific opportunity to connect with friends new and old, including my buddy Jamal of StyleSocietyGuy (the subject of this week’s Style Q+A), and my pals at Brothers & Craft (who are curating a consistently awesome men’s lifestyle site and brand). So even if you don’t pay attention to runway shows — something that’s admittedly not a huge focus for me, either — I’ve learned there are definitely things you can gleam from those around you, and that’s a rewarding part of any profession. And with that being said, it’s nearly time for me to go take a nice, long nap. And maybe enjoy a brew or two this weekend. Have fun with this week’s #menswear news recap in the meantime!

  • Speaking of NYFWM, Dockers, of all brands, kicked off the second-ever event by hosting a star-studded party  (by the way, don’t sleep on the brand’s Alpha Khakis).
  • In honor of Super Bowl 50 this weekend, the stylish folks at Get Kempt tracked down the best menswear in San Francisco.
  • The team at Well-Spent tells you the goods they’d rather blow their rent money on this month (hint: the piece includes a stellar American Trench merino watch cap).
  • Long “Read” of the Week: If you believe in the transformative power of music, you’ll love this stunning photo series from Narratively (hence “read” in quotes, ya dig?).

Run out of things to read? Look no further.

And on that note, if you made it to the end of this post — congrats! You’re free to enjoy your weekend.

Stay stylish,

-Beau


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Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Women

Editor’s note:  For more gift ideas to get your gears turning, click here.

Although in actuality it’s 13 days away on the calendar, perhaps Valentine’s Day feels a little closer for you — particularly if you’ve got a big night or a big trip planned, or if you still need to sort out a gift. I’m certainly no travel agent, and I can’t offer up a great dining recommendation (unless you’re a Brooklyn craft beer fan), but I can hopefully help you start to think about a nice gift for your significant other. Ahh — and as to what to wear, that’s coming next week! Hang tight until then, and know that you can always rush delivery on both a gift for her, and a new outfit for yourself, if need be.  Some of these picks lean on the budget-friendly side of things, and others are a little more spendy — of course, handmade touches, things like a card or some nice flowers, can be just as thoughtful as other experiences. So the ball’s in your court now!

For The Writer (Or Crafter): Shinola Light Pink Medium Paper Journal Two-Pack — $9

A simple-yet-functional and refined-looking gift for the writer.

A simple-yet-functional and refined-looking gift for the writer.

Gifting something as simple as a paper journal can seem just that — too simple. However, as a writer myself, and a person who likes to actually write things down (different yet related, ya dig?), there’s nothing more satisfying than mapping out a to-do list and crossing things off. They’re also handy to jot down random thoughts, and they lend a cool aesthetic sitting on a bookshelf or coffee table. Plus, these Shinola Medium Paper Journals are made in America from sustainably-managed forests. These would be a great gift as part of a larger gift package (maybe with a nice carrying pouch and pen?), and they’d look pretty neat in tandem with some of the other items on this list (hint, hint).

For The Fashionista: Kate Spade Cedar Street Cami — $148

Just two of a multitude of color options in a refined leather accessory.

Just two of a multitude of color options in a refined leather accessory.

Kate Spade is a brand that, much like J. Crew or Bonobos on the #menswear side of the equation, can do no wrong as far as designing fashionable, refined basics that bring a lux touch to everyday items. Take, for instance, the Cedar Street Cami, a small leather crossbody clutch. I don’t purport by any means to know a thing about women’s accessories, but I can assure you that something like this Kate Spade bag echoes refinement and class, and it’s reasonably priced. At any rate, this purse leaves room for the essentials and looks nice doing so.

For The Jewelry Collector: Shinola + Inesse Ceramic Squat Jar — $100

A slightly unexpected gift that adds some nice color and functionality to any space.

A slightly unexpected gift that adds some nice color and functionality to any space.

Shinola again pops up on this gift list for the second time, but for good reason. Again, I don’t know jack-squat about women’s jewelry (which this piece looks like it’d be great to hold), but I do know this squat jar …. would look great on a dresser or desk! The Shinola + Inesse ceramic jar is handmade in the small Inesse studio in Minneapolis, hence the higher markup than you might see from somewhere else — but it adds a welcome shot of color in these dreary winter days, and the Inesse name is a neat one (it’s a play off the Latin phrase meaning”in actual existence,” a reference to the tangible experiences the company wants to create for its customers through its products. Neat, yeah? And as to the jewelry to place therein — might I direct you back to Ms. Spade?

For The Foodie: A Night Out at Your Favorite Restaurant OR A Great Meal In

Whether you make something like this or order it, a nice meal can be a great part of Valentine's Day.

Whether you make something like this or order it, a nice meal can be a great part of Valentine’s Day.

There are some things in life that are less tangible than jewelry or accessories, but still just as appreciated — and that certainly is still in play even if your significant other isn’t a true gourmand. Something as simple as a nice night out on the town, be it a lovely dinner or some upscale cocktails, can be an underrated experience that’s sometimes forgotten as we move so fast through life. It can serve as a nice complement to other gifts, too. If the restaurant or cocktail lounge has some special meaning, that’s all the better. And if cooking in is more your thing (admittedly, it’s not mine), then the terrific team at Dappered has some excellent “Make it For Your Date” suggestions to get you started.

So that brings us to the end of this gift guide — did you find what you were looking for? If so, I’m glad I could be of service! If not, best of luck to you in your search — and be sure to swing back through here next week to cross off that other Valentine’s Day to-do, your ensemble. It’ll be a good one, promise.

Until next time!

-Beau
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