In the dark, for a while now
Join me on this fine Saturday morning, fire up your Bluetooth speaker and let it wash over you that “Day & Age” by The Killers (including today’s featured track, “I Can’t Stay”) was released 12 years ago (12!) as of this week. If you feel like you need another cup of coffee before you can process that, well, that’s perfectly fine. And if you’re worried that this is turning into a Killers fan newsletter, rest assured that this is just another edition to The Killers-centric archives here (sadly, today’s featured menswear pick is not in fact the Dior feather blazer shown above). All that being said, thanks for joining us once again at The Style Guide In Brief, a twice-weekly offshot of my regular blog, The Style Guide.
It’s nice to throw it back to the “good old days,” as it were, with some fun weekend nostalgia, so that’s what we’ll cover in today’s newsletter, from menswear to music, as we roll into the holiday season next week. Hit “Subscribe” below, consider this your guide to weekend listening, shopping and reading, and be sure to come back next Tuesday (or heck, just check your E-mail!). Let’s get into it.
What To Listen To This Weekend: “I Can’t Stay” By The Killers
I don’t know about you, but trying to select a favorite song by The Killers is a tall, tall task. Heck, trying to select a favorite song off of even just one album, like “Day & Age,” is a tall task in and of itself. As I listened to this album this week, though, I realized mine might just be “I Can’t Stay,” beating out the soaring and emotional “A Dustland Fairytale” (although “Spaceman” & “Human” are incredible in their own right!). See what I mean? A tall task indeed. When Mr. Brandon Flowers, ever-stylish and cool, introduced this song during a 2018 show here in New York, he referenced an Ernest Hemingway quote: “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man. True nobility comes from being superior to your former self.” It’s a moment that’s always stuck with me, especially this week — and especially as one considers the stunning “comeback” album of sorts that the band just put out (that would be “Imploding The Mirage”). Step back in time with me to simpler days by playing this track — it always carries me through. Now, the age-old question … if I were Brandon Flowers, what would I wear this weekend?
What To Shop This Weekend: Unmarked Toro Boots
As past editions of this newsletter have covered, the blending between both the music and style worlds is pretty evident when you consider a stylish, sharply dressed band like The Killers. The great news is, you don’t have to be a rock star (or have the income of one, in the Before Times at least!) to wear these stylish black leather Chelsea boots. Consider them an easygoing holiday footwear option if your plans involve navigating slick city streets in style. Better still, consider them a great gift for the style-minded guy in your life if you want to get an early jump on your holiday shopping at Huckberry.
What To Sip This Weekend: Anchor Brewing 2020 Christmas Ale via Drizly
Is it too early to be talking about a Christmas ale? Well, considering that Anchor Brewing’s 2020 Christmas Ale has been on digital shelves and in draft lines for a few weeks now, I should think not! It’s a throwback-inspired sipper with a recipe that changes every year (and a cool label that’s also new every year!), so it’s simply perfect for a bit of lovely holiday nostalgia. That’s particularly true if you’ve been enjoying Anchor Christmas Ale for years (in fact, I covered it for GearMoose!), and early indications are that this beer would be a wise addition to your fridge this season. As per usual, you can get it delivered to your door via Drizly — make sure to spin The Killers’ Christmas songs to get in the holiday spirit.
The Final Pick: Billy Reid Denim Shirt
For our final pick today, we’re going to channel a bit of Western-inspired style with the type of rugged denim shirt you might have found Brandon Flowers wearing during his early 2010s solo album run . This classic denim shirt is exceptionally well-made (I should know — I own it!), plus it looks great with everything from grey selvedge denim to faded black jeans to tan chinos for holiday gatherings or eventually, a mid-to-late 2021 concert (not to jinx anything, though!). Layer it over a T-shirt, wear it all on its own or team it with your favorite shawl cardigan day after day — I know one frontman who would approve.
Who’s ready to roll into the weekend with the energy of “Day & Age” by The Killers powering you through (coffee also along for the ride, of course). Put each of these picks together, from a classic throwback track to a classic denim shirt and a nostalgia-inducing winter beer, and I’d say your November Saturday is just about complete. If you want more style and craft beer, you can always check out my top winter gear picks over on my blog (sadly, music isn’t as much of a focus over there!). Regardless, enjoy yourself this weekend and give me a follow on Twitter if you want to talk music, menswear or beer.