RECAP (Pt.II): The QUEEN & the Princess

So, in less then a week, i've been within a few feet of Lady Gaga and witnessed Aretha Franklin slap her own damn ass in person. Not too shabby, huh?

This past weekend, Toronto saw to it that the Much Music Video Awards would be one of the biggest and brightest productions put on by the Canadian music scene this year. And with artists like Gaga, Bruno Mars, Bieber, Drake, and more, set to make an appearance, the MMVAs were the place to be. I was lucky enough to get accreditation for the event, so I was stationed in the media room, where the artists came and had their interviews. Needless to say, the entire experience was quite surreal and kind of amazing!

RECAP (Pt.I): ABSOLUTely on TOP(shop)

So, I thought I would give you all a quick recap on the festivities that have been going on in this wonderful city. I was invited to a casual event for ABSOLUT vodka's launch of their newest drink, Orient Apple, at Brassaii restaurant (which, can I say, is just an absolutely beautiful venue!) My friend, Viktoria (who I brought as my guest), and I were treated to a 3-course meal, with each dish thoughtfully paired with a drink using ABSOLUT's Orient Apple as the foundation ingredient. Suffice to say, it was a wonderful way to introduce the company's new product. You could tell that a lot of thought was put into the event, as the choice of venue (stunning), the food, and the pairings were done in a very strategic and effective way! Great job ABSOLUT! 

Amen, Fashion

I've had this song stuck in my head all damn day.

Fashion Obsession: Walk-Over Derby 100's

Ever since I saw them in a street style shot, I have been borderline crazy trying to find out where exactly these wonderful kicks were hiding. Like any true stalker, my hunt provided fruitful after a little investigative work. The shoes are made by a company called Walk-Over, and colour me obsessed, they are just WONDERFUL.

Milan Street Style

It's a busy time of the year for men's fashion, with design houses showing off their collections in the fashion capitals of the world. Today, we go to Milan with Tommy Ton to derive inspiration from the streets! Here are some of my favourites, from his shots! 

Pitti Uomo

Men's fashion is tricky. We don't have as much versatility or selection as the ladies, so we end up having to either go for a clean and classic aesthetic, or opt for a more creative approach. In a way, it's good because it is always challenging you to think of new ways to present yourself. Every year, sartorialists migrate over to Florence, Italy for one of the biggest men's tradeshows in the industry, Pitti Uomo. Street style photographer and blogger, Tommy Ton, profiled the illustrious festivities, and can we just say, the men BROUGHT.IT. I selected a few of my favourites from his work, check them out below!

STYLE TIP: Details

Today, I woke up at 9am. Just so you know, my work also starts at 9am. Not having planned out my attire for the day the previous night either, my morning proved to be a true test of agility, willpower (otherwise known as not screaming like a mad woman upon seeing the time), and sanity. It's times like these that having a couple style rules in your back pocket come in *very* handy!

Georgio Armani

"Menswear is difficult - keeping things the same, but different."

*AMEN. However, we will say that when done well, menswear is absolutely spectacular!

Hello There, Beautiful...

Beauty is...

I was perusing through the AdWeek website and found a page chronicling the first-place winners of the Cannes Lions Film & Press Awards from the last decade. Some of them are better than others, but one of them, in particular, caught my attention. Back in 2007, Canada won the award for Ogilvy & Mather's work on the DOVE ad, titled "Evolution". I remember watching this back then, and even when I watch it now, it remains a definite thought-provoker. Guess that's the whole point right?

Fashion Obsession: Bandana?

So lately, my keen eyes (they're actually kind of blind) have been noticing these things adorning the necks of some very fashion-savvy men. I want to call them bandanas, but I feel like that just wouldn't do it justice (hence the "?"). But basically, that's what they are. Rolled up bandanas that are tied around the neck with only a hint of the tail-ends flapping out, making for an adorable, yet curiously masculine way of adding that extra oomph to your look.

How to Spruce Up Dad's Look!

Father's Day approaches! If you haven't a clue of what to get your old man for this celebratory day, have no fear! Check out my article for men's fashion and lifestyle magazine, SHARP, outlining sartorial pieces that will help Dad show the world how great he is on the inside and outside! You can view the article on the website here, or below!

the Hudson's Bay Company

Since my move to Toronto, i've been fascinated by the re-branding that has occurred with the Canadian heritage brand, Hudson's Bay Company. While the department store still very much remains on a mediocre and shoddy level of quality and aesthetic back where i'm from (Alberta), the same cannot be said for the stores here in Toronto. In fact, they're nothing short of spectacular!

Louis Vuitton

The newest image was released for Louis Vuitton's Core Values advertising campaign, featuring none other than the impeccable Angelina Jolie. The ad, shot by famed photog, Annie Liebovitz, was photographed in Cambodia's Siem Reap province, where Jolie filmed Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in 2000. The location holds a special place in her heart as well, as it was where she developed her knack for humanitarianism, leading to the eventual adoption of her first son, Maddox. 

the Relic

Check out my other blog "the Relic" for new music updates! 

Remy & "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like"

As usual, it was a busy week at the office. I was assigned to do coverage for a Remy Martin tasting event on monday at the Fairmont Royal York (I know, my job is super hard). Basically, we learned the history behind this prestigious brand and learned how to distinguish between different types of cognac, pairing them with everything from blue cheese to fine chocolates.We spent a good 20 minutes learning how to properly smell the cognac as well, resulting in a light headed-ness that was both embarrassing and entertaining at the same time. Those fumes are strong! 

Lady Gaga & the CFDAs

Her story about Anna Wintour = GOLD.

SHARP

Our new coverboy :)

Joe Fresh

Umm. Can I just say that i'm actually so impressed with the current collection at Joe Fresh? Not that i've ever doubted Mr. Mimran before, but this collection (primarily for the women) is on another level! And those PRINTS! Can we discuss those prints? Those prints, those colors, those textures! First Club Monaco, now Joe Fresh. Everything Joe touches turns into sartorial gold (in our minds, at least). Through this brand, Joe Mimran has successfully managed to show that affordable fashion is a formidable force to be reckoned with in the industry! Check out select pics (and prices) after the jump!

"Alexander McQueen, et ou"

One of the many great things about living in this city is the sheer amount of fashionable diversity there is (actually, diversity in general!) From the department stores right down to the streets, the selection is enough to make any wallet tremble in fear. And let's not even get started on the designer trunk shows and sample sales. If you know what's what, you'll probably be able to at least find one or the other (or both) every week!

Recap

Ok! So it was a pretty busy week at the office, and us busy little bees had a lot to work on! But busy is good! Earlier this week, Toronto experienced a record high in temperature (of course), resulting in weather typical of a tropical rainforest. I kid you not, the air was that thick. In case you ever need to know, wearing thick cotton pants, a long sleeved shirt and a vest is not the smartest of ideas. Making the decision to embark on a Street Style quest during the middle of the work day (when NO ONE is out) in +30 weather? Also not a good idea. Other highlights include:

STYLE TIP: Flat Collars

I might be a nitpick when it comes to certain things, but that's only because I care :) Better a nitpick than a slob, no? One thing that I have an issue with is a flat, loose collar - especially at the beginning of the work day. Nothing says tired and sloppy (and slightly retro), than this sad sight. To demonstrate, I took a picture of my collar this morning to show you exactly what I mean (pictured above). See? Not a fan...  (And yes, I really did wear a tuxedo shirt to work today. I love mixing formal pieces with casual wear, but that's for another discussion).