Tag / weekly #menswear pick

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Slim Chino in Light Stone

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

The perfect way to step into spring and summer -- with a crisp chino from Taylor Stitch.

The perfect way to step into spring and summer — with a crisp chino from Taylor Stitch.

With last week’s Style Pick of the Week, we covered a lightweight, casual layer — all in the name of moving a little toward spring. This week’s Style Pick continues to move things in that same direction, bit by bit. The fine folks at Taylor Stitch are a Style Guide favorite for an untold number of reasons. From its ridiculously high-quality and versatile Standard Issue Slim Chino to its drool-worthy Moto Jacket and  quick-selling pieces like its Blackwatch Yosemite Shirt, the brand does things the right way. That means plenty of heritage styling inspiration (plus modern fits), and tough construction that just won’t quit. That also means that some of its pieces are rightfully a bit pricey. But as far as spring style at a nice pricepoint goes, you just can’t beat the Slim Chino in Light Stone. It’s up for pre-funding right now on the Taylor Stitch Web site, so they’re set to ship in mid-May. However, I’d highly suggest you get on ’em now — namely because they’re available for $78 versus the full price of $98. Toss in a 20 percent discount for first-time email subscribers, and you’re looking at just over $60 for a highly versatile pair of chinos. If you’re intimidated by that color? Fear not — it’s still plenty versatile.

This offering represents a brand-new color for Taylor Stitch -- plenty wearable and warm weather-ready.

This offering represents a brand-new color for Taylor Stitch — plenty wearable and warm weather-ready.

Made from a 9.5oz. brushed Spanish twill in Spain and cut slim (although the more forgiving Democratic fit is also available), you should approach these chinos as you might a darker shade of khaki. That is to say, they can be mixed in with brown suede chukkas, a denim jacket and a chambray shirt for easygoing, spring-centric casual style. And that lighter color is also going to work nicely with shades of blue — everything from a heather navy polo  to a cashmere sweater for when it’s abit chillier. They can even ground a grey shawl-collar cardigan in the early fall, so they’re worth the investment. Don’t underestimate the power of pants this color to be worn in a more continental fashion, either — look to James Bond for an example. The smaller details are on-point, too — note the brand’s signature printed San Francisco map pocket liner on the interior of the pants. The inseam is cut long for some of us (36 inches, to be exact) so they might require some tailoring. But for the starter-level price of just under $80, they’re a great deal from a brand that knows how to deliver the goods, seemingly no matter the product. The most difficult part is going to be waiting until May for them to ship. Good things really do take time.

Would you pre-fund these Taylor Stitch chinos? How would you style them for spring and summer?

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Florsheim

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mack Weldon Merino Long-Sleeve Tee

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

A plain ol' long-sleeve tee? Certainly not. A premium style upgrade? Definitely.

A plain ol’ long-sleeve tee? Certainly not. A premium style upgrade? Definitely.

There are definitely categories in the men’s style world that have been overlooked for years. That’s certainly true for things like underwear (yes, we’re going there), socks and crucially, base layers like long-sleeve tees. Athletic brands have generally dominated that market and focused more on functionality, but some companies have really honed in on a particular category and owned it — good news for you, my friend. So if you haven’t met ’em yet, say hello to Mack Weldon — and what just might be your new favorite T-shirt. The brand excels (and is primarily known for) its well-crafted and comfortable line of underwear, but it also puts out undershirts, T-shirts, sweatpants and even socks. So they’ve got a lot going on. But its Merino knits take the cake in terms of combining comfort and style. Crucially, I’ve had the chance courtesy of the brand to check one out over this past week, in fact. And while this Merino T-shirt might look like an ordinary long-sleeve tee, it’s anything but. So that’s a GREAT thing for the $78 price tag (bear with me!).

Just another one of four color options made with comfort, a tailored fit and style.

Just another one of four color options made with comfort, a tailored fit and style.

It’s built with antimicrobial technology, soft Merino wool and a Tencel blend that aids in that softness even more. The slim fit and raglan sleeves are modern design features that might seem small at first, but actually pay off in a big way. Raglan stitching (that’s the curved stitching at the chest) makes your chest and shoulders look broader, and the slim fit has a two-part function. Say you feel like going extra casual and rocking this tee with a blazer (something you can and should do) — the slim fit absolutely helps with that style maneuver, while the soft fabric and color options still make it different than a normal tee. And if you decide to wear it on its own with tapered sweats or even dark denim on the weekends? The modern fit is going to help you out immensely. My personal favorite of the bunch (four solid and versatile color options) is the Bluestone color — it echoes lighter shades for spring, yet it’s not so loud that it couldn’t be worn alongside darker colorways of blue, rust or even burgundy cords in the fall and winter. Unfortunately, the small size is sold out in that color at the moment; thankfully, there are other options!  At $78, it’s a premium investment for sure. However, you might not want to go back to your plain T-shirts after trying one of these on.

Do you own any Mack Weldon gear? How would you rock this long-sleeve tee?
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by Beau H.

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

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

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

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

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

Plenty of solid design went into this exceptionally affordable timepiece.

Plenty of solid design went into this exceptionally affordable timepiece.

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

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

Frank & Oak

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Everlane Cashmere Sweater

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

A luxurious update to the classic V-neck, courtesy of Everlane.

A luxurious update to the classic V-neck, courtesy of Everlane.

While I’m sure we all have our assortment of dependable V-neck and crewneck sweaters in hard-wearing fabrics, there’s something to be said for taking the time to look into — and buy, and wear — a more lux piece. It might start out as an aspirational goal, but taking a leap upward to a more premium product can definitely be worth it. That goes for something like the Zady Organic Men’s Buttondown, and it certainly carries over to another, equally transparent retailer — the good people at Everlane. The site’s product selection has long been solid (check out this 2015 piece on shopping picks from Everlane), but it’s expanded even deeper in the past few months, from the brand’s essential Slim Pant to its selection of wool overcoats. That goes double for its luxurious-looking cashmere V-neck sweaters (also available in a crewneck style). For sale in versatile colors like Navy and the unique grey-and-black Donegal blend seen at the top, plus a rich Burgundy, the brand is once again showing its knack for refining simple basics. And that’s why, maybe (just maybe), you should fork over some hard-earned cash — and if you wrote down a style resolution to cut back your clothing allowance this year, I do apologize.

A rich color from a brand normally known for its subdued palette.

A rich color from a brand normally known for its subdued palette.

Made from 100 percent Grade-A cashmere and featuring a slim fit — both details that shouldn’t be overlooked, there’s no question that this is the ultimate style upgrade as far as V-neck sweaters go. Rest assured that staple brands like Banana Republic still do excellent, and cheaper V-necks in fabrics like extra fine merino. But again — it’s always great to have one stellar item in your closet that’s a step above of the rest, one that you can reliably wear without fail. This V-neck is your answer, folks. Take the Charcoal color, for example. That piece would work quite well with some burgundy corduroys and a white Oxford for a day at the office, and you could likely layer it over a soft V-neck tee with some slim denim for a casual weekend outing. The great thing is, with Everlane’s pricing system and emphasis on transparency, you can be sure you’re getting a nice deal from a company that approaches things the right way. The good things just keep piling up — and this sweater’s certainly at the top of the heap.

Do you own any Everlane sweaters? What are your thoughts on the brand?
Shop the latest in Men's styles Under $50 + get FREE Shipping on orders over $100 at Frank & Oak!


by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Goorin Brothers Wool Flatcap

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

A flatcap -- best worn when the weather's cold. Elbow-patch cardigan by JACHS NY. Chambray shirt by GAP. Wool flatcap by Goorin Brothers. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Glasses by Warby Parker.

A flatcap — best worn when the weather’s cold. Elbow-patch cardigan by JACHS NY. Chambray shirt by GAP. Wool flatcap by Goorin Brothers. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Glasses by Warby Parker.

If you’re joining us today on The Style Guide, then you understand the value of a well-composed ensemble — and even moreso of a great accessory. Whether it’s a sharp leather dress watch or a nice pair of American-made socks, those little touches can go a long way in making an outfit. And that’s certainly the case with a nice hat. As we’ve talked about before on this blog, hats can definitely be divisive. Make the wrong pick and you might look a little more junior than you’d want. But make the right pick — and here you have it. So even though some aren’t partial to hats, its value as a finishing touch is still pretty solid. And that’s the case with this week’s Style Pick, from our friends at Goorin Brothers. The cold weather that whipped its way across the East coast did a pretty good number on all of us — and much of the rest of the country — so it’s high time to fix your hat conundrum and go for something that packs in seasonally appropriate texture and a dash of vintage style. That, my fellow #menswear fans, is where the Sammy Flat Cap comes into play.

A look at the inside of this wool flatcap --- made in America with a black suede underbill.

A look at the inside of this wool flatcap — made in America with a black suede underbill.

Goorin Brothers certainly knows what it’s doing in terms of crafting nice hats to suit every occasion, from standard knit hats to a dapper selection of top hats and bowlers for the adventurous among us. But there’s something a bit more level-headed, workman-like and versatile about a nice flatcap, especially one constructed from high-quality Woolrich wool, like this one. Heck, the newsboy cap style is one that’s long been associated with rough-and-tumble workers — and the lead singer of everyone’s favorite rock band — so you know it can stand up to new style combos you throw at it. The charcoal color of this flatcap is spot-on for wearing with a navy peacoat or even a charcoal topcoat (like this number here), and it even works when worn a bit more dressed-down — say, with a navy crewneck and tan corduroys. So it’s a piece that can at once finish off an outfit for some outdoor exploring, or add a bit of visual interest if you decide to rock it on a coffee date or, more likely, out drinking down by the docks (I kid, I kid).  Note that if you fancy trying one on in-person, Goorin Brothers has shops spread across the country, where they can easily fit you to your liking. And should you not find the one you want in your size, they’ve got a plethora of flatcap options. Plus, here’s the real kicker — they’re one of the few brands making hats like this in America, and this number right here is going for under $100. I’m not saying you should pick one up right now …. but I am saying your commute will be a whole lot more enjoyable wearing one.

Would you pick up a wool flatcap? Or are you in the no-hats camp?

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Reigning Champ Crewneck Sweatshirt

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Slim-cut, a classic color and plenty of styling options -- the navy crewneck sweatshirt from Reigning Champ.

Slim-cut, a classic color and plenty of styling options — the navy crewneck sweatshirt from Reigning Champ.

As with reaching for a pair of sturdy winter boots or a warm peacoat, there are some style moves that you just have to make in the winter time — mostly out of the increasingly cold weather, but also out of a desire to stay comfortable (and look good!). As far as style essentials go, the crewneck sweatshirt fits into that category. It’s a silhouette that’s really made a comeback into the style mainstream over the past few years going from a long-lost, poor-fitting piece (i.e. Jim Belushi’s crewneck sweater) to a silhouette that designers have turned to when seeking sportswear inspiration. Credit should go to a designer like Todd Snyder and his collaboration with Champion, and credit should also go to our brethren to the north, and the subject of this week’s Style Pick — Reigning Champ. The Canadian-based brand is focused on crafting timeless style staples — like basic tees and varsity jackets — alongside its impressive collection of sportswear-inspired pieces, like its Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt. You very well might recognize the brand from its partnerships with everyone from East Dane to Club Monaco, and the fact that they’re sold in those higher-end retailers is reflective enough of their quality and style — and that’s why you should consider picking one up, good sir.

A view from the back of the Reigning Champ crewneck sweatshirt, featuring raglan should stitching.

A view from the back of the Reigning Champ crewneck sweatshirt, featuring raglan shoulder stitching.

While it is just a crewneck sweatshirt after all, the timeless craftsmanship and neutral color give it lots of styling potential. A navy crewneck hits the sweet spot between dressed-down and business casual — it can be paired with slim tan chinos, captoe sneakers and a chambray shirt (as in this post), and you can even swap out those sneaks for chukka boots and a knit tie. David Beckham even pairs darker navy sweatshirts with blue denim. Of course, a simple navy crew meshes just as well with slim sweatpants and black sneakers on the weekends, too. And coming from Reigning Champ, you know you’ll get exactly what you pay for (from personal experience, the brand’s sweatshirts fit slim, and the fabric is soft & wears nicely). To boot, the Canadian exchange rate puts the Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt at a shade under $90, far less expensive than Todd Snyder’s more Wish List-worthy crewnecks — still pricey, but more agreeable. This Reigning Champ piece doesn’t have the collar or front raglan-sleeve stitching that one might expect from a typical crewneck, but that helps dress it up a bit, while the ribbed side panels, cuffs and hem add some visual interest. For one simple navy crewneck sweatshirt, there’s a lot of upside — and even more potential to wear it a few different ways.

Do you have a navy crewneck in your arsenal? Would you pick up this piece from Reigning Champ?

Florsheim


by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Frank & Oak Plaid Light Flannel Shirt

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Another modern shirting release from Frank & Oak for consideration in your wardrobe.

Another modern shirting release from Frank & Oak for consideration in your wardrobe.

Here on The Style Guide, I write a lot about excellent seasonal pickups, from trim fall and winter blazers to slim corduroys. There’s one brand that nails some of those seasonal pickups better than the rest, though. If you’ve kept up with the digital #menswear scene and the digital pages of this blog (good for you!), you’ll recognize Frank & Oak. The brand popped up in this week’s Holiday Party Style Suggestion, and they’ve also been featured in two Hunt Club Crate reviews. However, if you’re not familiar, they’re absolutely worth a look. The Canadian retailer has made its name delivering monthly collections featuring of-the-moment looks for not a lot of money (for the most part), and they’ve also upped their retail presence significantly recently with several Canadian locations and shops Stateside in Boston, Chicago and Washington, D.C. for now. You can get in on those collection releases via the brand’s Hunt Club, which offers free shipping and home try-ons, and that’s a great thing considering F&O offers some of the better -value shirting on the market. Luckily, the Plaid Flannel Shirt that you see here — part of this month’s Hunt Club collection — has hit the market just in time for chillier days ahead in December and beyond.

A slim buttondown collar keeps this shirt casual yet ready to pair with like-minded lapels.

A slim buttondown collar keeps this shirt casual yet ready to pair with like-minded lapels.

At just $48, it’s priced higher than something from the likes of J. Crew Factory but comes in lower than a blue J. Crew flannel shirt — yet one could argue the quality of Frank & Oak’s shirts is definitely on-par with the big-brother brand. This Frank & Oak shirt has just as many positives to it as a more expensive piece — combine a trim fit with a rather understated plaid pattern and a casual buttondown collar, and you’ve got a shirt that can pull double-duty under a herringbone blazer during the week and atop a henley and some navy cargo pants on the weekends. The slim collar is an oft-overlooked aspect of some shirts, too — in this case, that helps it pair just fine visually with a thin-lapel blazer (as most suiting leans that ways these days). And the color and styling potential is such that it’s a nice upgrade from a typical buttondown — injecting some pattern where you might normally go with a solid shirt is always a good call. Here’s hoping this finds its way into your stocking this holiday season — or into your closet before then.

What’s your shopping experience been like with Frank & Oak? What’s your take on this shirt and how would you style it?