Write you a letter tomorrow

Tonight I can't hold a pen

My friends, it’s high time we stepped into a new season, is it not? And as the title of today’s newsletter calls to mind, well, I can’t hardly wait (that’d be the legendary track by The Replacements, newly remastered and covering the music portion of today’s dispatch!). If you’re just joining us for the first time at The Style Guide In Brief, welcome — be sure to share and subscribe below, naturally. Here’s the rundown: Twice a week, I cover the best new gear, indie rock, craft beer (or whiskey or coffee — you get the picture) and more for your days ahead.

In my spare time, I run my own blog, The Style Guide, out of my humble Brooklyn abode, and I write for outlets ranging from Maxim to Huckberry’s revamped Journal. Give it all a read, if you feel so inclined. For now though, let’s get into the spirit of fall — it won’t be the last time I say this, but as a new season rolls in, well, I just can’t hardly wait. Cheers, my friends.

What To Listen To This Week: “Can’t Hardly Wait” By The Replacements

It’s with this joyous track that I urge you to kick off your week, seeing as the Minneapolis indie rock legends and forebears have just reissued and remastered perhaps the band’s most famed song (off of “Pleased To Meet Me,” due for a full reissue next month). Heck, my words hardly do the band justice. Better than they get credit for, and yet determined to do things their own way, they expertly captured the angst and ennui of the early ‘80s … and it’s very fitting music for right now, too. Call this song iconic, call it instantly recognizable, call it one of the best love songs ever written … I think it’s a bit of all of the above. Immortalized in movie form with the title of the same name, and sung wonderfully on Saturday Night Live back in the day by lead singer Mr. Paul Westerberg (yes, after The Replacements were initally banned after a disaster of a debut on the show), it’s been in *heavy* rotation for me these days. The Replacements, as ill-fated as their career proved to be, are a band that, in my mind should need no introduction, and yet … they seem to fly under the radar even still these days. The 2011 documentary “Color Me Obsessed” offers a wonderful view of the band’s impact on so much of modern indie rock music, if you’re inclined to dive deeper, but if not, this soulful track is a great place to start. Other recommended listening? Of course, the cult classic “Let It Be,” possibly one of the most underrated rock albums of all-time — The ‘Mats, as fans coined them, could be one of the best bands on the planet when they showed up and put the pedal to the metal. Songs like “Can’t Hardly Wait” prove that, without a doubt.

What To Shop This Week: American Giant Vault Collection Full-Zip Hoodie

If you’re not familiar with American Giant, consider this your introduction. For nearly a decade now, the American-made brand (as the name would imply) has made one of the best hooded sweatshirts on the planet, using American materials and production to truly deliver an essential hooded sweatshirt. They also make everything from denim to workshirts, but it’s the American Giant Full-Zip Hoodie that’s become the stuff of legend. In fact, it’s at the point where American Giant decided to repurpose old, unused fabric as part of the newly launched American Giant Vault Collection. This classic hooded sweatshirt is the result of that work, and man oh man, is it ever stylish. It’s quite possibly your new favorite hoodie for fall weekends and work-from-home style in equal measure, and that makes it applause-worthy in my book.

What To Sip This Week: Bell’s Brewery Octoberfest

Hey now, ‘tis the season to pick up one of the best Oktoberfest beers, is it not? As you know from my newsletter and perhaps my Instagram, I’m a huge craft beer fan, and indeed, I’m a big advocate for Bell’s Brewery out of my home state of Michigan. It’s with that spirit in mind that I recommend you pick up some Bell’s Octoberfest (a reminder that you can get it delivered via Drizly!) for the fall season. It’s one of the best beers for fall, what with a rich amber color and delightful flavor. Bell’s Brewery also celebrated 35 years of brewing some of the best craft beer in America recently, and in my opinion, that’s more than worth toasting this season.

The Final Pick: Everlane No-Sweat Sweater

With a unique name, a subtly stylish and streamlined design, and a great price ($64 at Everlane), the Everlane No-Sweat Sweater is one of the best men’s sweaters for fall, and that’s just a fact. Now, we shouldn’t forget about the Everlane women’s line, but we’ll keep the attention today squarely on this essential fall sweater. It’s the right time to consider picking up transitional layers to help navigate fall’s chill, and when you’ve got the chance to pick up a stylish crewneck sweater in a classic fall color, I’d certainly recommend you take it. The specs on the Everlane No-Sweat Sweater are as good as it gets, from the organic cotton construction to the easy-to-layer fit. It’s going to become a new go-to to pair with your favorite pair of blue jeans and rugged leather boots this fall, no questions asked.

Folks, is anybody else so thrilled for fall, they can’t hardly wait?? Sorry, just had to get that one in there one final time — but hey, we’re on the verge of the best season in menswear and one of the best times to enjoy fresh Octoberfest beer, to name but a few things I’m excited for right now (and yes, I’ve been listening to The Replacements on repeat!). All that being said, I hope you’re gearing up appropriately for socially distanced fall adventures, perhaps with the Everlane No-Sweat Sweater or the American Giant Full-Zip Hoodie in tow in your fall weekender bag. And as always, if you’re still on the hunt for more fall gear and more men’s style news, you can (and should!) check out my regular blog, The Style Guide. Until this newsletter hits your inbox on Saturday, stay safe, listen to The Replacements and raise a glass of Bell’s Octoberfest. Cheers, folks.