10. Lileo

Lileo | 55 Mill St. (at Parliament St.), Bldg. 35 | 416-413-1410
Hours : (Fall–Winter) Mon – Sat 10–7, Sun 10–6 (Spring–Summer)Mon – Wed 10–7, Thurs – Sat 10–9, Sun 10–6

9. Got Style

Got Style | 489 King St. W. | 416-260-9696
Hours : Mon –Wed 11–7, Thurs – Fri 11–9, Sat 11– 7, Sun 12-5

8. Jacflash

Jacflash | 1036 Queen St. W. | 416-516-8766
Hours : Mon – Sat 11–7, Sun 12–5

7. Jonathan + Olivia

Jonathan + Olivia | 49 Ossington Ave. | 416-849-5956
Hours : Mon – Sat 12–7, Sun 12–5

6. Kamakazi Boutique

Kamakazi Boutique | 781 Queen St. W. | 416-304-0887
Hours : Mon – Wed 11–7, Thurs – Fri 11–8, Sat 11–6, Sun 12-6

5. Sydney’s

Sydney’s | 795 Queen St. W. | 416-603-3369
Hours : Mon – Wed 12–7, Thurs – Fri 12–8, Sat 12 – 7, Sun 12 – 6

4. Buckler

Buckler | 700 Queen St. W. | (416) 551-8441
Hours : Mon – Fri 12–8, Sat 11–7, Sun 12–6

3. Nomad

Nomad | 431 Richmond St. W. (at Spadina) | 416-682-1107
Hours : Mon – Sat 12–7, Sun 12–6

2. Next Door / Due West

Next Door | 433 Queen St. W. | 416-593-6267
Hours : Mon – Wed 11–7, Thurs – Fri 11–8, Sat 11–7, Sun 12–6

Due West | 431 Queen St. W. (at Spadina) | 416-593-6267
Hours : Mon –Wed 10–8, Thurs – Fri. 10–9, Sat 10–8, Sun 12–7

1. Boomer

Boomer | 309 Queen St. W. | 416-598-0013
Hours : Mon – Fri 10:30–7, Sat 10:30–6, Sun 1–5

Don’t let its size fool you. This Queen West nook houses some great local and international designers. You will love the innovative men’s accessories. This is a definite stop for the man who wants that “mature aesthetic with an urban edge.”

Decibel | 200 Queen St. W. | (416) 506-9648
Hours: Mon–Thurs 11–7, Fri 11–8, Sat 11–7, Sun 12 – 6

[mappress]

Got Style | 489 King St. W. | (416) 260-9696
Hours: Mon–Wed 11–7, Thurs–Fri 11–9, Sat 11– 7, Sun 12 – 5

www.gsmen.com

[mappress]

]]> http://www.torontoshoppinglist.com/toronto-shopping/style-style/feed/ 0 http://www.torontoshoppinglist.com/toronto-shopping/harry-rosen/ http://www.torontoshoppinglist.com/toronto-shopping/harry-rosen/#comments Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:46:32 +0000 Logan Steele http://torontoshoppinglist.com/?p=361 When you think Harry Rosen you think impeccable men’s fashion. This Toronto menswear institution has been around for 55 years and is still a front-runner in defining what it means to be a male driven fashion retailer.

Its ever growing inventory remains current and inventive, consisting of such highly sought-after designers as Hugo Boss, Belstaff, Burberry, Parajumpers P.J.S.–to name just a few. And it still serves the man who wants custom tailored pieces.

Its staff is known for being both knowledgeable and attentive. There is no question why this store continues to flourish in the competitive market of men’s style, blending an old-fashioned classic sensibility mixed with modern flare. I wish Mr. Rosen another 55 years of prosperity!

Harry Rosen | 82 Bloor St. W. | (416) 972-0556
Hours: Mon–Wed 10–7, Thurs Fri 10–9, Sat 10–6, Sun 12 – 6

[mappress]

Founded in 1991 by the Cure’s keyboardist Roger O’Donnell, this shop instantly became the “must go-to” vendor for all current street-oriented fashion, and originally carried its own line along with other international brands. At the time, every known local and visiting celebrity had made their way into this budding boutique. To have an item from Uncle Otis had become a status symbol within the urban community. Many argue that it is the template of the high end street wear store for Toronto, and I’d have to agree. At very least, it is an original. Of course honourable mentions must be given to other highly influential local lines such as 2 Black Guys and 100 Miles. But for some reason, Uncle Otis still stands and maintains its relevance, throughout all of fashion’s many changes.

Newly renovated and at twice its former capacity, this Yorkville maverick has held its own in a part of town that is known for its tough-to-please crowd. Although the store no longer manufactures its own line it still houses some of the most cutting-edge urban apparel the U.K. and the U.S. have to offer. Brands such as: Levi’s Warhol, Vans Vault, Corpus, W+H, Helmut of the Hill, Luggage from Burton, Mosley Tribe eye wear and more. Not to mention Stussy, a line that it was one of the first to carry in the city. For both the young and those who’ll never grow old, Uncle Otis still has some tricks up his sleeve. Why don’t you give the old man a visit?

Uncle Otis | 26 Bellair St. |416-920-2281
Hours: Mon – Fri 11:30–7, Sat 11:30–6, Sun 12–5

[mappress]

Although at times I may have missed the mark, as do we all, I can still defend my occasional faux pas. I recently however; have come to a revalation, women are attracted to men who dress like men.

Let me explain.

Metrosexuality, although generally a good thing, has given birth to some excessive and fanatical subscribers. Men who have fallen victim to overly practiced grooming habits, obsessive self checks and far reaching fashion choices. Just because your favorite male celebrity chooses to drape themselves in Ed Hardy from head to toe. Does not give the rest of us, the green light to follow suit. In short, this little blurb is for you my fellow man.

First and foremost men, “be yourself“!

Not all trends are meant for all people, this goes for you too ladies. The trick with being stylish and fashionable is knowing where to draw the line and what works for you. I’ll give you an example – The skinny jean. Sure it does give one a sleeker and more constructed sillouhette. And, appears in every collection, from every reputable designer. But, even these designers know that there are only a small certain percentage of buyers that will do this look justice. Guys, if you can barely walk in those Cheap Monday Extra Slim Selvage Denim, take them off and try a straight leg. You can’t expect to circulate attention if you can barely circulate the blood flow in your lower body. This is just one of many examples.

The same could apply to: Gucci fanny pouches, printed fedoras, all True Religion jeans, over-sized Dior sunglasses, embroibered trucker hats… These are not intended for every man. And, to be honest I’m not completely convinced that the men they are intended for, should be wearing them either. I guess a good basic rule to follow would be; If your twenties involved Drum n’ Bass, Napster or Y2K, leave it alone and let it be. Women like a man that looks both confident, as well as comfortable in their own skin and neither can be achieved by dressing out of your depth.

Secondly, wearing clothes that fit. Once you have determined what clothing best suits your style, buy the appropriate size. I’m all for being comfortable and having a bit of room to breath but, that does not mean going up three sizes. This can also apply to those men who buy colthes three sizes too small as well, I see you out there. The average guy hates to shop for clothing. I totally get it. The selection can be overwhelming, paying attention to current styles and tailoring, what colours and fabrics work for you etc. I get it believe me. So wouldn’t you prefer to do it right the first time, so you wouldn’t have to go back and correct your past mistakes? Try things on, get in the the change room and “get ‘er done”, as they say. This way you know what works immediately. You can get the proper size, style and fit all in one shot.

Just a note guys: try not to buy clothing that is too flamboyant and forward. Women are not drawn to a man whose wardrobe’s mirrors their own. Clothing that is too loose make many men look juvenile and clothing that is to tight make them look self-absorbed. Today’s words are; Happy Medium. I think even the gay men out there would agree, its all in the way you work it and they are infamous for always having the hottest female friends, so take note.

Thirdly, invest in some nice shoes. Woman almost inherently upon seeing a man they find even remotely attractive, will eventually look at their feet. Most high-end bars and lounges in the city have trained their door staff to allow and restrict entry based on the occupants shoes and watch. What does this tell us? A man’s shoes tell more about the person than we care to believe. Now, I myself am a sneaker and overall shoe fanatic, it almost disgusts me to think about the amount of money I have sank into footwear. But, just like every building needs a strong foundation. A great outfit can be kiboshed by a bad shoe choice. Sneakers are great and comfortable but, should not be paired with every single out fit. Those Steve Madden mock-croc skin boots looked great on Saturday night but it’s now your Monday morning meeting and you look ridiculous. There is a time and place for everything so, choose wisely. The problem is men don’t think people notice what is on their feet or don’t care but, the truth is that it is the one of thing that doesn’t go unnoticed. So, step your shoe game up!

Lastly, dress appropriately. Remember that old saying “a woman loves a man in uniform”. Well that certainly can apply to everyday attire as well. Whether it is for work, a formal outing, leisure, professional or even just based on climate. It is next to impossible to look bad if you are dressed for the occasion. This isn’t rocket science. Old staples like; not weaing a t-shirt and a hoodie to a nice restaurant and not needing to get all dressed up to grab milk on a Sunday. Pick your battles! I know that I’ve given you a lot to absorb but, I do it out of love.

Good luck out there!