Sartorial Cravings

Craving a leopard print tie. 

SPOTTED...

Yours Truly at the TopMan pop-up shop

When Louis Met Tiffany

Elena had many things to pick up. 

Kicks

OAK + FORT

Check out my latest article for SHARP Magazine in the "Brands You Should Know" series! You can read it on their site here, or below! 

In our ongoing quest to improve mankind, sometimes we come across certain brands that deserve more attention. In Brands You Should Know we provide short profiles of designers, products and people that make the world a sharper place.


There is an ongoing myth in this industry that fashion does not equate with function. For years, sartorial enthusiasts have been relegated to the restrictions and limitations of a nonexistent law ruling that one need be uncomfortable in order to look good. We, and the folks over at OAK +FORT, would like to put that rumor to rest. In fact, comfort is the very foundation that the Edmonton-born brand sits upon.  The fledgling company, with its Gastown (Vancouver) and Whyte Avenue (Edmonton) locations, uses comfort and style as mantras in its overall brand philosophy.

OBSESSED: Coats

At this point, i'm thinking "Obsessed" or "Obsession" would be a more appropriate name for my blog, since all I seem to do is find more things to add onto my already massive list of sartorial desires. Sigh, plight of a fashion addict. I'm sure many of you can relate. It's quite a love/hate relationship, no?

Ironically, right in the middle of the hottest summer i've ever experienced (sidebar: My friend knows someone who lives in Toronto and went on a trip to India recently. She said the climate is comparable. WORST!!!), i've had this odd and completely inappropriate obsession for winter coats. Perhaps it is my yearning for summer to end and for fall to begin. Like a bear prepares its body for hibernation, I prepare my wardrobe for fall fashion. In my opinion, it is the best time of the year to go hunting for clothes, as the sheer amount of possibilities for dressing oneself are endless! Maybe i'm biased because I grew up in the Rockies of Alberta, where a weeks' worth of +15C to +20C would be considered a great summer success, but I am so over this heat. My body is not conditioned to it, and as result, leaves me in a constant state of abnormal perspiration. Which of course, is super attractive.

Can You Say "Whistle Range"?

This makes me happy.

Vintage Hunters

Craving some good vintage finds, my friends and I decided to take a lovely little stroll down Kensington market and Queen Street West on a sunny saturday afternoon. Vintage shopping can be a really interesting experience. You honestly don't ever know what to expect, it's very hit or miss. But every once in a while, you'll find a gem amidst a pile of junk that'll be the exact piece you were looking for. And the fact that it's vintage, that it's pre-worn, means that there is a story behind that piece, a history - I like that.

Rock With U

Nothing wrong with a little Janet.

She Wears YSL...

Elena is my coworker. She has impeccable taste.

Hat Head

Do we like this? I loved it. Unfortunately, it squeezed the shit out of my ginormous head and made me feel like popping an advil after wearing it for only half an hour. I returned it two hours after I bought it. I'm pretty sure the people over at Club Monaco were super impressed.

FASHION OBSESSION: McQ

God Bless McQueen.

This sweater is so bad-ass, yet refined, it's actually quite amazing.

Need.

Haute and Bothered

Oh, what wonders and opulence has the world of Haute Couture brought us now? Fall is right around the corner (thank god, I'm not sure how much more of this heat/humidity I can handle) and with it has come a surge of great fall fashion. Fall Couture Week just wrapped up and it did not disappoint! From Giambattista Valli's luxuriously voluminous collection to the house of Dior's revival sans fallen designer, John Galliano, it was an eventful time!

Music Moment

It's a beautiful day. The sun is shining. The skies are blue. I just ate an entire bag of chocolate. And it's the weekend.

Life is good.



Thought I'd leave you with this Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World medley by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, which always leaves me in a happy mood :)

Indochino

I recently conducted an interview for SHARP Magazine with Kyle Vucko, co-founder of mass bespoke retailer, Indochino, to talk about the company's humble beginnings, positioning, and offerings. You can view the interview here, or read below! Unfortunately, due to the nature of the "Brands You Should Know" segment that we feature for the magazine, the interview had to be cut down significantly. But i've included the rest of it below :)

Dan Levy

Just interviewed the incomparable Mr. Dan Levy for an article i'm working on for the magazine. Check back for the piece later!

Note: Did not intentionally mean to dress like a waiter :(

Fashion Travesty: Toe Shoes

What, in Wintour's name, are these - and why am I seeing them everywhere. More importantly, why do they exist. Did I miss some sort of ugly-shoe memo here? I don't care how much they enhance your performance, or whatever it is the athletically-inclined kids are saying these days, these shoes are blasphemous.

Paris Men's Fashion Week (Pt.II)

My favourite looks from the Paris men's fashion week! For those quick to judge, keep in mind that I chose these looks for a variety of reasons. When looking at the outfits that are sent down the runway, one cannot just judge based on face value. You have to be able to see a look and have the ability to disassemble it, appreciating each piece for the contribution that it makes to the overall presentation of that outfit, or the contribution that it could make in another. You have to be able to imagine certain pieces in different settings. Perhaps in a beautifully stylized advertising campaign, perhaps in a whimsical street shot. Fashion and style are never singular formulas. These looks have been chosen for a multitude of reasons and are appreciated for their versatility! I encourage you to think outside of the box when looking at these pieces and try to imagine ways that they work instead of ways that they don't!

Paris Men's Fashion Week

My favourite looks from the Paris men's fashion week! For those quick to judge, keep in mind that I chose these looks for a variety of reasons. When looking at the outfits that are sent down the runway, one cannot just judge based on face value. You have to be able to see a look and have the ability to disassemble it, appreciating each piece for the contribution that it makes to the overall presentation of that outfit, or the contribution that it could make in another. You have to be able to imagine certain pieces in different settings. Perhaps in a beautifully stylized advertising campaign, perhaps in a whimsical street shot. Fashion and style are never singular formulas. These looks have been chosen for a multitude of reasons and are appreciated for their versatility! I encourage you to think outside of the box when looking at these pieces and try to imagine ways that they work instead of ways that they don't!

Milan Men's Fashion Week Pt.II

So

i've finally finished compiling some of my favourite looks from the Milan men's fashion week! For those quick to judge, keep in mind that I chose these looks for a variety of reasons. When looking at the outfits that are sent down the runway, one cannot just judge based on face value. You have to be able to see a look and have the ability to disassemble it, appreciating each piece for the contribution that it makes to the overall presentation of that outfit, or the contribution that it could make in another. You have to be able to imagine certain pieces in different settings. Perhaps in a beautifully stylized advertising campaign, perhaps in a whimsical street shot. Fashion and style are never singular formulas. That boldly printed D&G blazer may be a bit much for some, but it would look absolutely stunning in a magazine spread. Or perhaps that hot pink double-breasted blazer by Cavalli? Paired with a crisp, white button-up, some casual navy trousers, with the sleeves rolled up, and you've got a luxuriously casual look! These looks have been chosen for a multitude of reasons and are appreciated for their versatility! I encourage you to think outside of the box when looking at these pieces and try to imagine ways that they work instead of ways that they don't!

Milan Men's Fashion Week

So i've finally finished compiling some of my favourite looks from the Milan men's fashion week! For those quick to judge, keep in mind that I chose these looks for a variety of reasons. When looking at the outfits that are sent down the runway, one cannot just judge based on face value. You have to be able to see a look and have the ability to disassemble it, appreciating each piece for the contribution that it makes to the overall presentation of that outfit, or the contribution that it could make in another. You have to be able to imagine certain pieces in different settings. Perhaps in a beautifully stylized advertising campaign, perhaps in a whimsical street shot. Fashion and style are never singular formulas. That boldly printed D&G blazer may be a bit much for some, but it would look absolutely stunning in a magazine spread. Or perhaps that hot pink double-breasted blazer by Cavalli? Paired with a crisp, white button-up, some casual navy trousers, with the sleeves rolled up, and you've got a luxuriously casual look! These looks have been chosen for a multitude of reasons and are appreciated for their versatility! I encourage you to think outside of the box when looking at these pieces and try to imagine ways that they work instead of ways that they don't!

Battle of the Covers

Three of Canada's leading publications in women's fashion have recently released the covers for their August issues, all of which are kind of amazing. From the romantic and whimsical Flare (with Mila Kunis in Lanvin) to the stunning Elle Canada (with Malin Akerman) to the striking Fashion (with Lady Gaga in Gareth Pugh), I think it's safe to say that all three magazines BROUGHT.IT. The colour palettes on the covers are fantastic, and the chosen cover girls/designers are great! I'm so happy that the Canadian fashion industry, from our designers to our publications, is finally starting to see the recognition that it deserves. Regardless of which cover you think is best, these magazines have proven that they are formidable forces to be reckoned with, comparable to that of our neighbors down south and overseas! Way to go, Canada!

*note* Does anyone know who Malin Akerman is wearing?