It’s with the new lyrical stylings of Future Islands that I’ll send into your weekend with another edition of The Style Guide In Brief. If you’re new here, or returning after a while away, know that I’m rounding up the best seasonal menswear, the best coffee and craft beer, and the best music — twice a week, every Tuesday and Saturday. Hit “Subscribe” below, if you haven’t already, and know that you should also do yourself a favor and check out The Style Guide itself, my main blog, where I expound on the daily on men’s style and craft beer. Yes, this newsletter is a shorter version of my blog, in a way — it’s all good, is it not!?
We’re continuing to tackle all things fall today, that new Future Islands track included (the band has been a fixture in past editions of my newsletter, after all). I think you’ll find a couple of your favorite fall style picks here as well, from brands like Filson and more. I’ve been drawn to brands that’ll help me navigate Brooklyn in style this season, whether it’s a pass through Wild East Brewing to the north or the remote confines of Marine Park to the south. Of course, I’ve got the passionate and emotional music of Future Islands to help me along the way. When you could use a bit of reflection for a new season, I hope you turn to some of today’s picks on that journey. Cheers!
What To Listen To This Weekend: “Moonlight” By Future Islands
Yes indeed, as promised, here they are … Future Islands. We’re under a month until the Baltimore synth pop icons release their sixth album (and third for famed indie label 4AD) — mark my words, I’m counting the days until “As Long As You Are” hits digital shelves. Naturally, I’ve also pre-ordered the vinyl to spin on my record player, and if that sounds like your idea of a fall weekend, then we’ve got plenty in common. This song in particular carries on some much-loved Future Islands hallmarks. Chief among them: A cruising bass line and Michael Lowry’s smooth drumming, while passionate frontman Sam Herring’s storytelling of “love in a depressive state” floats and jabs nicely above this combo. As the man himself said in a release accompanying the song, “Moonlight’ is about acceptance because that’s what love allows us all. ‘I couldn’t see, I had a cloud in my arms, but if I asked you would you say, ‘It’s only rain, nothing more.’” It’s a delicate and lovely song, one that’s a harbinger of great things to come when taken alongside other singles — the stately-yet-heartbreaking “Thrill” and the hard-driving “For Sure.” Am I excited for this album?? How could you tell??
What To Shop This Weekend: Filson Mackinaw Jac Shirt
The next time you want to head out on a hike or a stately stroll in the fall chill, perhaps soundtracked by (of course) Future Islands, I know what you should be wearing. That’s right: Some rugged Filson menswear, and to be more specific, the newly iconic Filson Mackinaw Jac Shirt. If you want dependable, tough gear that’s fit for cold fall and winter mornings and nights, it’s safe to say that Filson goes above and beyond — way beyond. The brand always has, it seems, and I loved checking out that type of quality in person WAY back in early March on a Seattle trip (the Before Times, indeed!). This flannel overshirt is burly and tough without slowing you down, and that Oxblood-and-Black color combo is something else. I can’t recommend you head to Seattle now to check it out, but for now, for fall beers and fall hikes, the Filson Mackinaw Jac Shirt is going to become the type of layer you want in your life, day in and day out.
What To Sip This Weekend: Michter’s US-1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
In my last weekend newsletter, I recommended you check out Matthew McConaughey’s whiskey with Wild Turkey, and for good reason: It’s National Bourbon Heritage Month, after all. It’s with a similar approach in mind that I’m recommending this weekend’s prime sipping pick (available for delivery via Drizly, as ever). Take my word for it, the never-not-excellent Michter’s US-1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the kind of bourbon that pairs well with changing leaves, plummeting temperatures and crisp fall breezes. Crafted in small batches using carefully selected barrels, it’s a one-of-a-kind sipping experience, complete with tasting notes of vanilla and caramel. However you choose to enjoy (I’d recommend it with perhaps just one large ice cube from your home bar kit), it’s a winning fall sipper.
The Final Pick: Red Wing Heritage Camp Moc Shoes via UNCRATE
Has it ever been easier to get rugged fall footwear than with the UNCRATE Supply Shop? You might recall my sale picks from UNCRATE back in August on my blog, and I’m here today to tell you that it’s a sale section worth checking out. And yes, you should certainly dedicate some time to digging into the Red Wing Heritage Camp Moc Shoes, some of the best everyday fall shoes you can slip on right now. In fact, they’re the perfect pairing with the Filson Mackinaw Jac Shirt and perhaps a rich cocktail featuring Michter’s US-1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, ehh? How about that, my friends? But seriously, don’t sleep on other shoes from Red Wing Heritage aside from the brand’s famed boots, because the Camp Moc Shoes feature a rich full-grain leather upper and a comfortable traction outsole. As it were, they’re exactly the kind of shoes I’d wear to … well, camp out. Add ‘em to your fall style wish list, folks.
Is your fall gear and music browsing complete? Are you ready for the weekend? I’m fully onboard, with plans to spin some Future Islands later today with a whiskey cocktail in hand — as per a fall Saturday tradition, after all. Something’s got to take the place of what would traditionally be Michigan State football Saturday viewing sessions, so it might as well be impactful indie rock, good whiskey and great Red Wing Heritage shoes. On the other hand, if you could still go for a few fall gear picks, I’m going to point you over towards my blog, where there should be a nice, new Style Pick of the Week waiting for you this fine Saturday. If you want to connect on music or menswear in the meantime, I’m logged into Twitter 24/7, 365 (basically). Thanks for being here and thanks for your support!