Tag / winter style essentials

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Warm, Stylish Winter Weekend

We’ve talked in past weeks on the blog all about how to dress to really get out there and explore for fall and winter, from the best way to wear a henley to how to wear an Oxford shirt to the office (and beyond. Today though, we’re taking a different point of view — namely, we’re covering exactly what to wear on that first really chilly, really snowy fall or winter weekend, the kind of weekend where you don’t want to (or can’t!) leave the house … and it’ll be here before you know it, trust me. More specifically, we want you to be ready when it does … even if being ready involves bundling up in cozy essentials like the Faherty Brand Blanket-Lined CPO as you hunker down around the fire, book in hand. But as I always say, just because the day is spent inside with your significant other (or totally on your own), doesn’t mean you should dress like a slob. Far from it — this #OOTD is all about how to dress casually and cozily while keeping style in mind. Witness the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley, as stylish a layering piece as it gets, along with the pleasingly slim Grayers Athletic sweatpants. Heck, we’ve even got a stylish casual watch in the mix. Throw in warm house shoes, a trusted book and your favorite tunes via a stylish Bluetooth speaker, and you’ve got your fall and winter day or evening plans taken care of. Again, this look is a slight upgrade over your normal off-duty garb, and that’s something worth applauding. With the holidays coming up, I’d even say you should feel comfortable wearing this cozy ensemble around family at the cabin or after a day on the slopes. It’s that stylish — find it below, then feel free to connect with me on Twitter if you end up wearing any of these winter style essentials.

All the gear you need to stay cozy, warm & stylish this winter.

  • The Overshirt: Faherty Brand Blanket-Lined CPO, $168.98 — It helps fight the chill when your stylish winter shirt is also a jacket, and it helps even more when it’s done in rich indigo. a la this handsome Faherty Brand piece.
  • The Henley: Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley in Natural, $62 — Feel free to layer whatever you’d like underneath your stylish indigo overshirt … but for my money, the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley  is the way to go.
  • The Stylish Sweatpants: Grayers Athletic Palmer Fleece Joggers, $88 —  Hey, every guy needs a pair of easygoing pants that aren’t jeans or chinos … or pajama bottoms.  The slim, surprisingly stylish Grayers Athletic sweats seen here are a major sweatpants upgrade.
  • The Watch: Timex Archive Waterbury United Watch, $120  — Ever so slightly rugged and ever so slightly refined, the Timex Archive Waterbury could turn into your go-to everyday leather watch.
  • The Stylish Slippers: Giesswein Andau House Shoes, $98 — Available in men’s and women’s sizes, these house slippers channel a bit of menswear thanks to the charcoal boiled wool upper. A much more stylish pair of slippers than you might be used to — and fitting for padding around your house or cabin.
  • The Evening Cocktail: Naked Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky,  About $33  — I’ve had the chance to try this Naked Grouse whisky over these past few weeks, and it’s got a flavor and richness to it unlike any other spirit I’ve had. A nice way to unwind in front of a roaring fire.
  • The Audio Essential: Cavalier Portable Speaker, $254.98  — Life is about the simple pleasures, like listening to your favorite band (*cough* The National *cough*) on a chilly fall or winter evening, whiskey in hand. This stylish portable speaker upgrades the experience.
  • The Finishing Touch: Bespoke Post Dwell Box, $45 — Complete with a cozy blanket and some nice incense, the Bespoke Post Dwell Box is the right way to complement a day or night in.

I’m always an advocate for putting your best foot forward, even if you happen to be lounging around the house catching up on Netflix or diving into your favorite book. And when the situation also calls for staying warm and cozy, well, you’re not going to find a better blend of the two than with the rugged Faherty Brand Blanket-Lined CPO and the equally rugged, warm Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley. While you could easily swap in a pair of slim stonewashed jeans if you wanted to, the Grayers Athletic sweats are comfortable without being sloppy. The same can be said of the boiled wool house shoes as seen above — another upgrade from traditional fuzzy slippers. And when you’ve got the whole day in front of you at home, it helps to stay on time — that’s where the exceptional Timex Archive Waterbury United Watch is going to come into play. The rest of your accessories are as essential as can be when staying in for the day, from a stylish Bluetooth speaker to the warmth of the Bespoke Post Dwell Box. And if you happen to be looking for a cocktail to enjoy in the midst of this? Best go with a new, beautifully done whisky from Naked Grouse. Tell me: How do you dress for a day or night in? Do you agree with this #OOTD?

by Beau H.

The List: Shop These Thanskgiving Menswear Deals to Get Ready for Winter

We’re getting you ready for Thanksgiving (and beyond!) with a cozy, weekend-ready sweater.

Looking for stylish gear to upgrade your Thanksgiving? Or your fall and winter wardrobe in general? It’s all taken care of in today’s edition of The List. Whether you find yourself prepping for a weekend of hosting or a weekend of holiday travel, you need to look good (and likely stay warm) while you’re at it. That’s where men’s style essentials like the Howlin Birth of the Cool Sweater come into play. Timeless, essential, perfect for Thanksgiving and perfect for Black Friday — and every other winter style scenario upcoming. Prepare accordingly, enjoy the week — oh, and happy shopping!
Howlin Birth of the Cool Sweater — $170

Classic, understated & ready for winter layering.

You know those cozy, stylish sweaters your grandpa always wore around the holiday season? Like at Thanksgiving? Well, this rugged winter sweater from Howlin is your own version of that.
Deus Ex Machina Smart Shirt — $114

Nothing wrong with an understated, subtly stylish shirt for the season.

Able to be worn with a tan herringbone blazer & classic corduroy pants for a more formal Thanksgiving, this stylish fall shirt also does well when worn with perfectly faded denim for an afternoon of football viewing & turkey sandwiches (yep!).
Quoddy Wabanaki Chukka — $270

These chukka boots have “Thanksgiving weekend”‘ written all over ’em.

Y’know the trusty, classic chukka boots you’ve likely got in your closet for long holiday weekends? These are that pair.
Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket in Wool Beach Cloth — $178

The Long Haul Jacket you know and love, done up in a beautiful cold-weather fabric.

The Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket is a personal favorite for the way it blends rugged style and innovative design — like the Wool Beach Cloth fabric here. Layer it with a classic sweater for winter (after it pre-funds, that is).
Timex Archive Waterbury United Watch — $120

A watch that nods to the past and yet looks decidedly stylish in the present.

In short, this Timex Archive watch is dependable, rugged and able to pair visually with more textured fall and winter layers for Thanksgiving & beyond (like your favorite flannel shirt and dark indigo jeans).
Cavalier Portable Speaker — $254.98

One of the best ways to take in the sounds of your favorite band — offered in a stylish package, too.

I’m all for upgrading your home or apartment in accordance with your aesthetic — and the Cavalier Portable Speaker is assuredly a stylish home audio upgrade for the holidays.
Naked Grouse Blended Scotch Whiskey — About $33

A truly excellent whiskey that I can guarantee is different than anything in your beverage cart right now.

This time of year calls for something a little more rich, distinctive and cold weather-friendly — and when you don’t fancy sipping on a porter, there’s Naked Grouse. The perfect companion to a great book, a roaring fire and some casual Thanksgiving weekend essentials.
Bespoke Post Ember Box — $45 (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)

The essentials to fuel an outdoor weekend adventure.

Does your Thanksgiving entail a rugged outdoor adventure or tradition of some sort? Grab the Bespoke Post Ember Box in advance.
Faherty Brand Slub Cotton Pullover — $114

Give the pullover another try with this laidback layering move.

The casual, cool and laidback fall and winter weekend piece that’s going to layer with ease over a classic chambray shirt or Oxford shirt.
Duck Camp Midweight Shirt — $79.98

The durable, adventure-ready shirt to wear this holiday weekend.

You surely need an array of rugged, tough shirts in your winter wardrobe — for layering over a cozy henley or a thermal shirt on a chilly holiday weekend, the Duck Camp Midweight Shirt is the one to buy.
 
Red Wing Heritage Pioneer Belt — $89

The right belt to pair with your Red Wing boots.

The makers of your favorite boots are now making a standout belt — the Pioneer Belt is likely the one leather belt you need rigt now.
BucknBear Knives Damascus Drop Point Utility Knife — $99

You won’t need a high-quality knife … until you need a high-quality knife.

Hey, the Damascus Drop Point Knife is the type of piece you won’t need until … you need it. As mentioned above. Perfect for fall and winter yard work, or Thanksgiving weekend chores.
OK, we’re all wrapped up and ready to keep this holiday week going. Any new additions to your shopping list? I love the Quoddy Wabanaki Chukka Boots and think they’re perfect for whatever this long weekend throws your way. Thanks for reading!
by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Your New Favorite Winter Boots, How to Host a Party and the Best Fleece Jackets

Simply gorgeous boots that pack a punch when it comes to winter functionality.

Lately as we kick off every Friday Read — our weekly recap of the things to know in men’s style — we’ve been spotlighting a standout series of winter style essentials. That continues today with the beautiful, investment-worthy Yuketen Maine Guide Boots, exclusive to our pals at Huckberry. There’s really not a pair of rugged leather boots quite like these ones, what with their handmade construction, an eight-layer midsole and the use of Horween leather. Again, the Yuketen Maine Guide Boots belong on your list of fall weekend essentials. As it were, that’s why we’re here today. I’m coming off a weekend to remember back in my home state of Michigan, deep in the woods near Big Rapids, celebrating my best friend Mr. Chris Spyke’s bachelor party! A rustic log cabin and plenty of beer & chicken wings proved the perfect way to acknowledge the occasion (and if you follow me on Instagram, maybe you saw I broke out my Huckberry Duck Boots)! At any rate, it was an amazing and refreshing weekend deep in the Michigan wilderness, complete with a light snowfall — what could be more perfect? For now, I’ve turned my attention back here to Brooklyn.  This weekend, I hope to visit one of my favorite menswear shops, the well-appointed Modern Anthology, and I’m also looking forward to venturing out to UpNorth, a Canadian-themed bar in Bushwick (this cold weather is really getting into me). What’s on your weekend agenda? Besides checking out the below Friday Read, shopping for some men’s style essentials & reading our Style Pick of the Week? Get it all started here. Thanks for reading!

  • It’s official — the fleece jacket is back, and better than ever. When it comes to cozy, essential  casual style — especially for the holiday season — you’d do worse than to read my roundup of the best fleece jackets over at GearMoose.
  • Our friends at Esquire, ever focused on refinement for the modern man, tell you how to host a party this winter. Not a pregame, a real party. I hope to try out that pre-batched Manhattan recipe soon!
  • Is there any season in which a pair of casual blue jeans won’t work? Nope, there’s truly not. That’s why I’m sharing once again my take on a new favorite pair of jeans from my pals at Huckberry. They’re laidback, they’re comfortable, and they’ll work as readily at Thanksgiving dinner as they will on a weekend coffee date. Cheers!
  • I talk often about the best men’s style essentials, especially for transitional weather. In that same vein, you won’t misstep if you read my guide to the best men’s winter boots, as compiled for The Manual.

OK, that’s going to give you the go-ahead to get started on your weekend. Looking for one last thing to read before you go? Check out this go-to fall and winter layer from Buffalo Jackson.  Better yet, get yourself a new field watch to wear it with. Alright, I’ll leave you to it — have a great weekend!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Movember, The Best Men’s Parkas and the Leather Boots to Buy Now

A comfortable, soft flannel that’s brushed for comfort & ready to take on fall and winter.

Ahh, yes. Another Friday, another edition of The Friday Read … and another recommendation for the best fall menswear to buy now. Specifically, the handsome, versatile Proof Heatseeker Flannel— made from brushed polyester flannel for comfort and movement — is leading us off to start the weekend.  In short, the Heatseeker Flannel will go anywhere you go, from the office to happy hour, and it’ll look great doing it. Now, onto the rest of today’s entry. Have you made sure to keep up with the blog as we get you fully prepped for this season? We’re looking at Thanksgiving just a few weeks away — dressing in style for the occasion is crucial, and we’ll have more content in that regard next week on the blog via our #OOTD series. In other matters: We debuted a new look on The Style Guide this week! What do you think of it? Feel free to let me know on Twitter. And elsewhere: I’m very, VERY excited to be heading back to my home state of Michigan this weekend for my kindergarten (yep!) best friend’s bachelor party! What’s on tap? Plenty of amazing Michigan craft beer, plus college football (Go Green!) and of course, the chance to break out some of my rugged fall gear as we spend the weekend at a log cabin retreat. To keep up with all the action, you know where to go — follow me on Instagram, and then be sure to join us again tomorrow for another edition of the Style Pick of the Week. OK, I’ve got a flight to catch — thanks for reading!

  • We’ve been rolling through  November for a while now, which means it’s time to turn our attention toward men’s health. Believe you me, it’s not too late to get into the spirit of Movember — my friend John Jones at The Manual dives into why, exactly, it’s worthwhile for us fellas.
  • The chill of winter is going to be bearing down on us in short order, which is why I rounded up the best men’s parkas for GearMoose! There’s something for every price point and every style, without a doubt.
  • In the way of other other men’s style essentials you need for fall, you can add stylish leather boots to your list — such as the Rhodes Dean Boots, a handsome and low-profile pair of sleek leather boots that I again covered for GearMoose. Lace up, then hit the road.

Still want something else to read? Check out thebest henley to buy for fall. Or, busy yourself reading about the all-weather boots you need in your closet (and on your feet). Still not ready to go back to work? Check out a recent edition of the Friday Read, covering the best leather boots and the best live music venues out there. They go hand-in-hand, right? OK, that’s all for now.

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Right Way to Layer Your Favorite Shirt Jacket This Season

We’re back at it today on The Style Guide with a new dose of men’s style essentials for you — I have a feeling you’re going to enjoy this #OOTD if you enjoy rugged layers. The centerpiece of this outfit comes, of course, from a Style Guide favorite — it’s the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket, and if you’re going to invest in a shirt jacket, now is the time to do it. The shirt jacket can be worn in plenty of style situations, including in inclement weather. It’s a reliable replacement for a bulky jacket, and it teams with other shirts already in your closet — as you’ll see below.  In my mind, this is an #OOTD to wear on a chilly fall weekend out and about, or during a cabin weekend retreat … you get the picture. Heck, you could even reach for the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket at a late-season football tailgate or bonfire. Of course, if you have, y’know, actual work to do? Well then, it’s serviceable in that regard, too. So, here;s the deal: We’re going to layer up with a stylish casual shirt, then we’re going to throw on some rugged chore pants and some stylish leather boots, and then … well, you’ll be able to see the rest shortly.  As I always stress here on the blog, if you start your outfit with one reliable centerpiece — a la the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket — the rest can easily fall into place. Lo and behold, here we are.

You’ve got your rugged shirt jacket, you’ve got your tough chore pants … you’ve got one heck of an #OOTD.

  • The Shirt Jacket: Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket, $188 — We’re starting off this #OOTD the exact way we should — with the absolutely incredible Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket.
  • The (Other) Shirt: Flint and Tinder Check Buttondown, $108 — Can you layer a shirt … under another shirt? When it’s the handsome, casual Flint and Tinder Check Buttondown, of course you can.
  • The Rugged Pants: Flint and Tinder Mill Pants, $108 — The great thing about layering a stylish casual shirt under something like the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket is that you can go a little more rugged or more classic with your pants — the Flint and Tinder Mill Pants are reasonably rugged.
  • The Stylish Leather Boots: Nisolo Mateo Moc Toe Boots, $288 — That same adage applies to your boots — the durable moc toe construction and versatile profile of the Nisolo Mateo Boots in particular.
  • The Socks: American Trench Merino Activity Socks with Silver, $19.50 — If you follow the blog, you surely know that American Trench makes some of the best men’s socks in the game. And that’s why they get the nod here.
  • The Belt: Dango Products CNC-Machined Belt, $79 — The theme of this #menswear ensemble seems to be durable, dependable gear, and this leather belt is surely one of the best leather belts  out there.
  • The Watch: Huckberry x Lum-Tec Combat B-42 Watch, $499 — Not yet acquainted with the dependability of the Huckberry x Lum-Tec series of watches? Change that right now, will ya?
  • The Everyday Carry: Bespoke Post Light Up EDC Kit, $89 — Whether the day calls for an upstate hike or a swing through your favorite brewery, this kit from Bespoke Post is handy and helpful in the way of everyday carry essentials.

I’d say there’s a lot to love about the reliability and extraordinary style of this #OOTD, correct? Maybe it’s just me, but you really can’t go wrong with the remarkable Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket, and then the rest of your ensemble follows from there. Whether you make this work during a chilly fall morning or your first winter retreat, the other complementary pieces of this ensemble are every bit as excellent as you’d expect. The Flint and Tinder Check Buttondown gives you some visual interest — wear it on its own every chance you get, too. And for days where the job calls for real work — or a few rounds of your favorite beer — the Flint and Tinder Mill Pants are a solid choice, the ideal choice to sit atop the Nisolo Mateo Boots, which blend rugged style and refined durability in one package. They’ll be all the more comfortable and warm when you team them with cozy, surprisingly stylish socks from American Trench.Lastly, I’d urge you to never — nope, never — leave the house without a rugged, durable watch like the one shown here from Huckberry x Lum-Tec. And lastly, you don’t know the gear you need until you don’t know it — that’s where the Bespoke Post Light Up EDC Kit comes in handy.  With that, this #OOTD is in the books. How are you wearing it? Let me know on Twitter. 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: A New Way to Take on Casual Winter Layering

We always love talking new and fun — well, hopefully fun — ways to wear your favorite men’s style essentials here on The Style Guide. In the case of today’s #OOTD,  that means taking pieces you’ve got in your wardrobe and mashing them up in a way that’s laidback, rugged and nearly ready for anything. We’ve talked consistently about pairing up pieces that you love with, well, other pieces that you love — it can make even the most seemingly basic outfits that much more fun to wear. As ever, using basic building blocks together in just one ensemble results in an outfit that’s weekend-friendly or ready to take on a casual final day of the week at the office — that’s exactly the direction you need to go when stuck in the winter style doldrums. We’re pushing through and nearly into March, so relief is in sight … and ideally, you won’t have to reinvent new ways to wear your favorite flannel shirt so often. At any rate, I think you’re going to like what’s on tap here, from a rugged slub henley to perfectly faded denim and tough leather chukka boots. Feel free to weigh in on the below #OOTD in the comments or via Twitter. To check out what I’m wearing, you can also head to my Instagram. For now, thanks for reading!

The perfect combo of tough and transitional layers.

The Jacket: Bridge and Burn Fraser Waxed Canvas Jacket, $215 –Take a weather-ready canvas jacket out for a spin to kick this outfit off — we sure do love the Fraser Waxed Canvas Jacket here on the blog.

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Crater Flannel Shirt in Navy Plaid, $128 — Here’s your new favorite flannel shirt, as we mentioned before — the Taylor Stitch Crater Shirt combines a cool pattern and tough fabrication.

The Henley: Grayers Todd Slub Henley in Navy Heather, $65 — Grayers has a penchant for using excellent fabrics to make men’s style staples, like the Todd Slub Henley.

The Denim: Flint and Tinder One-Year Wash Jeans in Slim, $128 — When you reaching for laidback, rugged pieces like a stylish flannel shirt and a waxed canvas jacket, expertly faded jeans from Flint and Tinder are entirely acceptable (and recommended).

The Chukka Boots: Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka, $230 — Casual leather chukka boots are a perfect complement to this outfit — grab the Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka and go.

The Socks: American Trench Slub Crew Socks in Charcoal, $19.50 — With rugged leather chukka boots in the mix, stylish slub crew socks — especially American-made socks — are a worthy style move.

The Watch: Nezumi Studios Bailene Watch, $500 — Nezumi Studios is a new addition to the Huckberry roster, and a worthwhile purchase at that. The Bailene Watch is just the right balance between rugged and casual.

The Beanie: American Trench Ribbed Beanie in Charcoal, $110 — You’re going to need to top off your outfit the right way — with a durable beanie cap to help you fight winter’s chill.

That’s it, there’s your newest winter #OOTD! It comes down to using rugged-yet-casual and versatile pieces, like the Taylor Stitch Crater Shirt, paired up with similarly laidback essentials. Layering with the Todd Slub Henley adds both visual interest and warmth, while the Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka offers durability and plenty of tough style points on the footwear front. You’re getting similarly rugged layering potential on the outerwear front with the Fraser Waxed Canvas Jacket, while the American Trench Ribbed Beanie will also keep you warm during a chilly winter day.  And you’re going to need to step out with a stylish watch on your wrist, whether you’re heading to the coffee shop or your favorite brewpub — the Bailene Watch blends throwback style with tough durability. Plus, American-made socks are the new accessory move you didn’t know you needed (or perhaps you did?). Last but not least, we sure do love the Flint and Tinder denim on tap here. I’d love to see if you’d style these pieces together, or break ’em up and wear ’em separately — let me know in the comments below! As always, thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: SeaVees Bayside Moc

A sneaker that’s going to prove a nice change of pace from winter boots? Sign me up.

Are you getting sick of your winter boots yet? No matter how much you might love to break out a pair of stylish men’s boots for these chilly times, it can get old after a few months. So, what’s a guy to do? Well, that guy — you — should reach for a pair of durable, winter-ready men’s sneakers like the SeaVees Bayside Moc. Yep, that’s right; you certainly can break out sneakers in winter, provided the conditions on the ground are right (shelve them during the polar vortex or when navigating snowdrifts on a blustery day). But most of the rest of the time, especially as we transition to spring, the SeaVees Bayside Moc is going to get the job done in rugged, casual fashion — the perfect respite from wearing boots day after day … after day.  It’s no secret that here at The Style Guide, we sure do love SeaVees; the brand draws on decades of California heritage to make sneakers that are classic and yet versatile enough to wear with your favorite style essentials. And yessir, that goes for winter style essentials as well — all thanks to the SeaVees Bayside Moc. This is a pair of grab-and-wear-anywhere sneakers, complete with classic chukka construction. They work especially well when paired up with navy chinos and a cable crewneck sweater to head to Sunday brunch or weekend coffee, in this writer’s opinion. That’s not all they have going for ’em, though.

A casually rugged profile, thanks to the classic moc toe stitching.

The specs on the SeaVees Bayside Moc are just what you’d expect from SeaVees, from the suede upper to the handsewn moccasin construction. Yet, there’s quite a bit of comfort built right into the Bayside Moc, starting with a comfort memory foam footbed designed to allow air flow and provide nice cushioning. It’s a pair of sneakers with comfort that’s going to pay off in the long run — after all, you can wear the SeaVees Bayside Moc quite a few places even in the winter. I’m talking a trip to your favorite brewery or a spontaneous vintage store shopping run (try it with a date sometime, perhaps?). At any rate, the Bayside Moc looks great with more casual style staples like slim dark denim and a rugged henley — as nearly all kicks from SeaVees just so happen to do. Again, it can take some work getting used to wearing sneakers in the winter, especially if you’re dedicated to your boot game. Give the SeaVees Bayside Moc a try sometime, though — they might just replace a pair of your boots the rest of this season.

Are the SeaVees Bayside Moc going to enter your footwear rotation soon? Let me know in the comments!

by Beau H.

The Road Back Home: A Winter Trip to Grand Rapids

Hitting the road to catch up with old family and friends is assuredly of my favorite things to do — although I do appreciate the hustle and bustle of NYC, it’s always nice to get back home. That’s the case whether it’s my adopted home state of Florida, the site of my last #menswear trip, or my native state of Michigan, which still plays host to plenty of beloved family and friends. Yes indeed, just as with a February 2017 trip back to Grand Rapids, I packed up my favorite winter style essentials this past weekend and got ready to see my brother and his family (hi, guys!), plus my lifelong friend (and groom-to-be), Mr. Chris Spyke. There was great craft beer to be had in Beer City U.S.A., to go along with rugged layering of pieces like my Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket and classic suede chukkas from Astorflex. It was certainly an early Friday morning getting out of NYC, but it was well worth it — and I did my best to travel in style, of course.

Getting there was quite easy, all thanks to my dependable Voyager Waxed Weekender — packed with plenty of travel style essentials — from Boarding Pass NYC (always a road trip favorite).  The classic, comfortable Langdon Slim Denim from Abercrombie & Fitch helped me stay comfortable and yet stylish through my flight, while Astorflex came through once again with comfortable suede chukka boots that managed to go from airport to airport and the Grand Rapids beer scene quite easily. To fight the cold (and stay on point in terms of style) the Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket proved a handy travel jacket — gotta love those handy front snap pockets — and teamed nicely with an easygoing-yet-sharp, classic men’s shirt from my pals at Todd Snyder. Seriously, you can’t top a tailored weekend shirt in a soft fabric — it works for travel, the office and yes, happy hour brews.  And on the watch front, my Timex x Todd Snyder MS1 Maritime Sport Watch was durable, versatile and travel-ready. When traveling on quick weekend trips, find pieces you love wearing — like classic slim denim and dependable chukka boots — and wear them time and again. Oh, and don’t forget the accessories — my reliable-as-always Huckberry Explorer’s Cap rounded out my ensemble for a laidback day hanging with my nieces and nephews (four in total!), plus catching up with Mr. Spyke and company  later in the day for the first weekend of the incredible (and well-timed) Grand Rapids Beer Month! An absolutely tremendous occasion, and a perfect way to kick off the weekend, complete with stops at spots like Mitten Brewing Co. to get Friday going.

As one might expect, Saturday proved an ideal occasion to break out some of my favorite winter style essentials, pieces that layer up nicely and work for on-the-go brewery-hopping (and some shopping). I layered up with my durable-as-ever Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt, a highly coveted piece that I’d recommend you snap up before it’s gone. I also simply had to break out the Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos for style that was polished and able to work all day long.  Again, Taylor Stitch consistently proves its value as a brand, whether grabbing brews in Beer City, U.S.A or hopping from the bar to a show in NYC. And on the watch front, it was easy to reach for the Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono, a consistent favorite that I find myself wearing more days than not — it can be tough to find a stylish leather watch at an affordable price, and Timex consistently delivers.

When you want to make it easy to pack your favorite accessories on the road, reach for a stylish timepiece (and other essentials) that you already love wearing.  Oh, and when it comes to getting around Grand Rapids, even in the snow? My CAT Footwear Abe Canvas Boots (as seen above) got the job done, blending durability with crucial style points. And we certainly had a busy day — there are absolutely some stellar spots you simply have to hit in Grand Rapids on a Saturday, from new brewery City Built Brewing to the Nordic-inspired Sovengard, an excellent spot for cocktails.

Sunday once again called for more citywide exploration, and a terrific brunch at soccer-themed bar SpeakEZ. I also loved the quiet tranquility of the city’s Grand Rapids Art Museum, always a pleasant weekend stop (and a nice way to relax on Sunday after a busy night out and about in GRA). We also grabbed coffee at the excellent Madcap Coffee, followed by beers at the always-tremendous (and continually growing!) Founders Brewing, a Michigan favorite. For a final day braving the G.R. chill, I again turned to CAT Footwear and the brand’s Chronicle Boots, featuring tough plain-toe construction and stylish brown leather that gets better with age. They worked more than admirably on a cold Grand Rapids day — I’d recommend similarly stylish winter boots enough for the remaining weeks (or months) of winter.

I had to complement my outfit yet again with a travel-friendly timepiece, the absolutely fantastic Timex x Todd Snyder MS1 Maritime Sport Watch, featuring welcome new design touches like a domed crystal case, INDIGLO lighting and a sporty NATO strap, calling to mind throwback diving timepieces. In short, it provided some nice visual interest when it came time to layer up for the day — I again threw on my Mission Workshop Bridgeman Peacoat atop a rugged crewneck sweater from my friends at Pistol Lake, complemented by my classic Flint and Tinder denim. The combo helped me kick back, relax and enjoy a few more hours in one of my favorite cities (and it’s not just because of the beer!). When you want to get around a favorite city in the cold weather, layer up with a tough jacket, a sporty NATO strap watch and expertly faded denim for comfort on the road. 

It was unfortunately time once again to head back to NYC — all too soon, if you ask me. I’m grateful to be able to hop a quick flight back to Grand Rapids to see my family and friends, all the while exploring and finding out new things about one of my favorite cities. It’s also a plus to be able to pack and dress in winter style essentials, from made-in-America denim to tough leather boots, a stylish casual watch and a warm thermal shirt.  It’s not all about the packing list, though — I also find that Grand Rapids has something for everybody, from excellent coffee to great beer to a cool shopping and museum scene. Add in great company and times with lifelong friends, and you’ve got a recipe for success.

Are you heading to Grand Rapids soon? Let me know via the comments below, and feel free to say “Hi” via E-mail or The Style Guide Facebook page!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket

A remarkably well-made jacket that packs a serious punch in terms of standout style, too.

Alright, folks — given the hectic pace and jam-packed schedule of #NYFWM (that’s New York Fashion Week: Men’s), we forewent yesterday’s regularly scheduled Friday Read. However, we’re sure as heck not skipping this weekend’s Style Pick of the Week, not with so many crucial winter style essentials to discuss at this key juncture. And if at first glance the Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket looks more like a jacket you’d throw on come spring or summer, rest assured that it’s got the specs to handle just about anything this winter. The Winslow Jacket‘s durability and style comes from the use of water and wind-repellant waxed canvas, a heck of a way to ensure that you stay warm and dry this winter. But if it’s just a waxed canvas jacket, how exactly is it going to keep you warm this winter? That’s where the wool-blend blanket lining comes into play — there’s really not too much like the  Winslow Jacket out there when it comes to covering all of your bases. And if you follow Taylor Stitch and read The Style Guide regularly, you know that all too well, ehh? Indeed. So when you’ve got specs that are that dependable and stylish, it certainly makes it easy to build outfits around it — shockingly easy, in fact.

The blanket lining adds a crucial bit of warmth and neat style.

I’m talking pieces that you already love to wear in the winter, like a rugged crewneck sweatshirt and your favorite pair of faded denim, plus the right pair of tough winter boots. Yessir, the Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket is your new grab-and-go top layer — just be sure to accessorize it with a stylish scarf and a beanie cap to cover yourself completely for winter. The bright yellow color is also a bonus — a fun, slightly vintage-leaning way to break out of the gray winter doldrums. And if you’ve yet to experiment with punching up your outerwear in terms of color, the Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket can help you do that in a manner that’s not too far off base. It’ll add a pop of visual interest to normally more reserved or laidback outfits, including slim black denim a classic chambray shirt. Oh, and it also works as a handy travel jacket, packed with pockets for easy utility. Truly, the Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket is a unique beast of a coat, more than able to take on what’s left of winter.

How do we feel about the Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket? Let me know in the comments, and cheers! 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Iron & Resin Penton Henley Is The Ideal Winter Base Layer

As good as it gets when it comes to a road-ready henley that can carry you through winter.

The Iron & Resin Penton Henley is, simply put, the henley you didn’t know you needed in your winter wardrobe. That’s why we’re back with today’s See Now, Buy Now entry — that is to say, if you don’t yet have a rugged long-sleeve T-shirt in your layering arsenal for this chilly winter weather we’re experiencing, the Penton Henley is the piece to buy, well, now.  It’s certainly among a host of rugged style essentials we love here on the blog, and that puts it in good company.  Iron & Resin makes dependable gear for those who live life on the road, specifically on a motorbike, but that doesn’t mean the Penton Henley is exclusively for guys who clock hundreds or thousands of miles. Heck, with its lightweight cotton French terry and raglan stitching, it’s the kind of piece that would suit any guy who appreciates versatile layering potential. Love wearing your favorite henley under a rugged winter blazer? The Penton Henley can work there. More of a guy to team a henley with a denim jacket or a classic field jacket?  Here comes the Iron & Resin Penton Henley  to save the day.
Holiday 2017
The two-button henley collar is more unique than you’re going to find on a typical henley, making it slightly more dressy and visually interesting (almost like a cooler band collar shirt). And the Olive Green colorway on the Iron & Resin Penton Henley is suitable for both fall and winter, able to be worn with everything from a navy shirt jacket to a tan herringbone blazer. Don’t forget to pair up the Iron & Resin Penton Henley with your favorite pair of broken-in blue denim and some classic suede chukka boots (two pieces that can work at any time of year, lest we forget). So, there’s no time to waste when it comes to picking up the Iron & Resin Penton Henley — how would you wear this bad boy? Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau