Take the hand that's reaching toward you

When the shadow stands before you

There are times when I sit down to write this newsletter and I get a bit … stumped. Like right now: It’s cold and it’s rainy in Brooklyn, it’s been a long day, and I need a reset. I often turn to old favorites or new standbys in this case, in terms of menswear for my evening walk (in this case, it’s the Taylor Stitch Welterweight Winslow Jacket) and in terms of the music to guide me through (in this case, today’s theme is an introspective track from talented singer-songwriter and ex-Walkmen lead singer Hamilton Leithauser, pictured above in epic tailored style in NYC). More on both of those in a second, of course, but both are fitting for the fall season in the best way possible. After all, that’s what we (and by we I mean me!) are all about here at The Style Guide In Brief — music, menswear, gear and more. Of course, allow me to put in a shameless plug for my regular blog, The Style Guide, but while we’re here, you might as well check out my picks for what to spin, sip and wear for fall.

What To Listen To This Week: “Here They Come” By Hamilton Leithauser

As I said above, the fall weather in Brooklyn has provided quite the occasion to revisit some favorite tracks from earlier this year, albums from months ago (in this case, April!) that now seem a little bit more at home in the confines of a Brooklyn fall, flannel shirt on and whiskey in hand. Hamilton Leithauser’s most recent solo effort, “The Loves Of Your Life,” blends the kind of big band swing with the quiet, subtle solo singing and guitar picking for which the former lead singer of NYC indie stalwarts The Walkmen has become known since launching his solo career earlier this decade. He’s a heck of an accomplished singer and musician in his own right, and he used personal stories of old friends and current characters in his life as the musical basis for one of my favorite albums of this year, including the song “Here They Come,” about a friend who hides from his problems by quite literally sneaking into multiple movies in one day. It’s really great stuff, the kind of music that calls to mind the quiet murmur of a dark bar and a strong drink — or maybe a show by Hamilton Leithauser himself at the Cafe Carlyle in NYC. I’m still kicking myself that I missed his January run of shows at the famed NYC institution, but luckily, I’ve got his most recent effort on vinyl and continue to enjoy it so far this season. Check it out and let me know what you think, but I think it’s a fitting addition to his entire catalogue (his soulful and hard-rocking work with The Walkmen included!).

What To Shop This Week: Taylor Stitch Welterweight Winslow Jacket

While Mr. Leithauser famously favors crisp tailoring and sharp suits, my walks through rainy weather in Brooklyn call for something a little more durable, a la the rugged and ever-dependable Taylor Stitch Welterweight Winslow Jacket. It’s the kind of jacket I can count on day and in day out, complete with a soft organic cotton lining, a rough-and-tumble exterior, a functional hood and useful touches like leather pull tabs to cinch down the hood and keep the elements out. When the going gets tough, I’d urge you to reach for this jacket yourself this season, because you can’t go wrong with Taylor Stitch.

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What To Sip This Week: Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon via Drizly

Here’s another fitting homage to Mr. Leithauser and the kind of richly crafted music he so often makes. As I said above, this is the kind of music well-suited to an Old Fashioned in a refined bar — or in this case, an Old Fashioned underneath the twinkling lights of a backyard patio bar, safely distanced. And for those occasions, you need Hamilton’s music as the soundtrack and you need one of the best bourbons as part of your cocktail or your laidback sipper, one that you can even get delivered via Drizly to amp up your home bar cart. It’s with that in mind that I’m recommending you get Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a pick that, while I can’t guarantee would garner the approval of The Walkmen, well, I’m certaint it’sa fitting substitute all the same. Cheers to Tuesday, folks.

The Final Pick: Thrills Buzzuct Black Denim Jeans

Let’s go with a final pick on this Tuesday of which Hamilton Leithauser and his ex-Walkmen bandmates might quite enjoy for fall. Sharp black tailoring and denim were hallmarks of many an aughts NYC band (and stilll are — looking at you, Interpol), so it’s with that in mind that I’m recommending the sharp-as-can-be Thrills Buzzuct Black Denim Jeans for a daily pair of slim black jeans that’ll add an edge to any look. They’re available via a nice price from Bespoke Post, and I’d say that should be more than good enough to round out your wardrobe this season.

Although we’re going with some decidedly more downcast style picks (like black denim a la the Thrills Buzzuct Black Denim Jeans), I’d say today’s newsletter is ultimately about the spirit of fall, the gear to carry you through and the contemplative music you can use as a soundtrack for your week. Not bad, right? If you end up picking up the Taylor Stitch Welterweight Winslow Jacket or, say, Hamilton Leithauser on vinyl, feel free to go ahead and give me a follow on Twitter so we can talk shop. Cheers to the week ahead, my friends!