Author Archives: Alexander Whitfield

Summer ’16 Music Festival Round up

May 27, 2016

The weather is heating up, summer ’16 is here and so is the music festival season. Sifting through Festival information can be overwhelming in order to find which one would be for your taste in music. We’ve provided a roundup of festivals for you to check out:

1. NXNE: June 13-19

school boy q
NXNE is an interactive music and gaming festival and conference festival. Last year they had the likes of Rae Sremmurd, Shad, Ty$. If you’re a rap/rnb/urban music fan, this is for you. ScHool Boy Q will be the headliner. On the Conference side, the founder of Atari, Nolan Bushnell will be a keynote speaker. Some of the top artists include Mstrcrft, Ghostface killer, Mick Jenkins and so much more check them out here.

 2. Electric Island: May 23, July 1, Aug. 1, Sept 4-5

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Electric Island is the continuous danceparty in Toronto they already kicked off their first festival recently (May 23rd) but the party continues every long weekend until Labor day. What’s noteworthy about this festival is that you can get a season pass and attend 3 times in a year, versus paying for each festival. Acts like Ben Klock Vs. Marcel Dettman, Apollonian Honey Dijon, Dirty Dale, Jeff Button, Koki, and Butrous are listed to be performing on their next date July 1st.  

3. Bestival: June 11-12

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Instead of having the festival at the Toronto Islands, Bestival is happening at Woodbine Park this year (thank heavens). Headliners like The Cure, Tame Impala, Odesza, Grimes, Jamie XX and more will be performing. The sound varies, artists like grimes and future are on separate ends of the spectrum. As well to the performers, traditions like their costume party will be executed as well.

4. Field Trip: June 4-5

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Field Trip is the underdog of the festival round up. The two-day line-up that will give you and your family a fun experience. The National, Robyn, July talk, Of Montreal, Santigold, Charles Bradley and much more are said to put fire to the stages. As well there will be a kid’s area with comedy, VR demos, photo galleries & photo-shoots, and food trucks that will keep everyone busy in between performance sets.

4. OVO Fest: July 29 – August 1

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If you haven’t gotten your tickets, good luck with purchasing at resale. The OVO fest is one of the biggest annual festivals in Toronto. It’s been moved from the Molson Canadian Amphitheater to the Air Canada Centre to seat more people. Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dogg are set to perform July 29th. The OVO fest overlaps with Drake’s Summer Sixteen Tour with Future which is on July 30th and August 1st. As usual, expect Drake to bring out surprise special guests.

6. TD Jazz Festival: June 24 – July 3

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The TD Toronto Jazz festival has become known as North America’s premier jazz festivals produced annually by Toronto Downtown Jazz, a Canadian registered charity. For jazz lovers, this is a must-see event, performers like Sarah McLachlan, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Grace Potter and more will be performing.

7. Digital Dreams: July 2-3
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Along with Electric Island Digital Dreams is set to up expectations at the Ontario Place location Canada day long weekend. The venue is set to have top EDM artist including Armin Van Buuren, Knife Party, Bass Nectar, Above and Beyond, Axwell & Ingrosso and many more. Hopefully, there will be good weather.

8. Veld: July 30-31

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Veld came with the EDM heavy hitters this year. Scheduled on the Simcoe long weekend, headliners like Flume, Deadmau5, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, and Kygo will be raging on stage. If you’re an EDM fan this is home. Tickets will sell like hot cakes make sure you scoop yours up before it is too late.

9. Mad Decent Block Party: August 29

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The Mad Decent party is set to be a party for the ages. Mad Decent has a roster of label hit makers like Major Lazer, CL, Xxyyxx, Jauz, What So Not and Riff Raff. The selection offers a variety of dance, urban and some music to two-step to. Though a tad bit different in music taste in a festival the performers bring an infectious energy you will never forget.

 

1 Shirt, 5 Ways: A Classic White Shirt

May 25, 2016

It’s awesome to find white shirts that are simple with an elegant design.

We’ve written a lot about expensive shirts. It’s safe to say that affordable shirts have gotten a bad rap. But having a selection of white shirts that lasts comes from having a solid rotation of dress shirts. An essential piece like our new private label Launch dress shirt does just that.

Our Launch collection is our new line of basic attire. Our clients have let us know that fundamentally affordable basics like a plain white shirt are needed so we’re here to provide. This is perfectly suitable for a guy building his wardrobe, or someone with a developed wardrobe in need of basics.

Our Launch shirt has a regular point collar, and the cotton has a soft feel on the skin. The fit is sound and it has a very subtle (not shiny) sheen that adds a hint of class. I have a few dress shirts in my closet but I don’t have any that fit this close to perfection or has the slight sheen either. Here are five different ways we styled the white shirt (although, you can probably wear it with just about anything.)

Casual Italian Flair

Double breasted blazer, white shirt burgundy wingtips, john varvatos, launch shirt

Outfit details: Tiger of Sweden Double Breasted Blazer $599, Launch – Dress Shirt $95, John Varvatos Bowery Fit Jeans $268, Paradigma – Fancy Suede Shoes $375, A. Christensen – Paisley Pocket Square $45

Living in Toronto you will subconsciously inherit elements of the cities melting pot especially when it comes to style. This outfit here is a perfect example of that. One of my favourite pieces from Tiger of Sweden this season is this navy double-breasted sportcoat. The sportcoat gives a subtle Italian panache a regular blazer wouldn’t. I paired it with a paisley red pocket square. In many occasions, I’m dressing between casual and formal. Fits like this one go perfectly with the setting I’m occupied in.

Summer Styling

purple blazer, paradigma wingtip shoes, launch shirt white shirt

Outfit details: Without Predjudice – Buckley Linen Blazer- $595, Launch – Dress Shirt $95, Dimattia – Navy Chinos $245, Paradigma – Brown Shoes $375, Spitfire – Shades $80

What’s beautiful about a white shirt is its adaptability. I kept a cool colour concept with this fit. A standout piece I’ve seen this season is the incredible purple linen blazer from Without Prejudice. It is lightweight with a slim cut to give you that “V’ shape you want. I paired it with textured blue cotton trousers and brown wingtips. A blazer paired with a textured separate pant and a white oxford shirt is timeless. When it comes to building your wardrobe, add pieces that fit for your unique body type so creating outfits are a breeze.

Sleek Casual

Outfit details: Dimattia - Jacquard Chinos $245, Launch - Dress Shirt $95, , Selected Homme Suede Bomber $450, Gotstyle -Double Monk Strap Shoes $225

Outfit details: Dimattia – Jacquard Chinos $245, Launch – Dress Shirt $95, Selected Homme – Suede Bomber $450, Gotstyle – Double Monk Strap Shoes $225

In a metropolis like Toronto, Montreal, New York, etc. transitional clothing is a must, unless you live 5 minutes away from where you work. In that case peace be on to you. But for the majority of us outerwear like this cream suede bomber jacket compliments our lifestyle. The piece is light and not too heavy for any summer afternoon or night, the sporty bomber contrast with the scholastic air of the white shirt and olive chinos making the outfit a perfectly casual. I styled double monk strap shoes with the fit to add an air of class along with the sporty level of the bomber jacket.

3-Piece Dapper

Gotstyle - Super 130's Glen Check Notch lapel 3-piece suit brown $995 Paradigma - Fancy suede brown brogue $375

Outfit details: Gotstyle – Super 130’s Glen Check Notch Lapel 3-piece Suit $995, Launch -Dress Shirt $95, Horst – Tie $95, Paradigma – Fancy Suede Bogue $375

Good tailoring makes a statement.

Make a statement with dapper 3-piece plaid suit. The suit has an amazing glen check with a hint of light blue that catches the eye. This makes it adaptable to wear with both warm and cool colours. As well to making a statement good tailoring should be versatile. For the upcoming summer days, you can wear the vest alone with the trousers or opt the vest out.

All About Business

Plaid Suit White Shirt

Outfit details: Tiger of Sweden – Extra slim Window Pane Check suit $999, Launch – Dress Shirt $95, Seaward & Stern – Tie $150, Anderson’s – Leather Belt $160, Gotstyle – Double Monk Strap Leather Dress Shoe $295, Spitfire – Black Shades $80

This suit is one of my favourites for the slim notch lapels. If you don’t already know the rule is to pair slim lapels with a slim tie, and wide lapels with a wide tie. Think Harvey Specter and Don Draper. I kept it minimal with a textured grey stripe tie. Double monk straps have become the signature shoe for men developing a sense of style, with this mid-grey suit they make an excellent complimentary shoe.

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New to Gotstyle: ofSky Design

May 25, 2016

Get Your Hands On Some ofSky Design

You know how the saying goes: the devil is in the details. Adding accessories gives your outfit character. Many men feel like wearing jewellery is too feminine. On the contrary accessories up your perception of taste.

New to Gotstyle is ofSky Design.

Each piece is handcrafted in Toronto.  One of our favourites is the triple wrap gunmetal-plated bracelet. It has a magnetic clasp. It is a flexible go-to bracelet for any occasion. For a more luxe look, try the hand-braided leather bracelet which has a badass snake clasp. The selection is available for purchase in stores.

 

Get Your Tuxedo At Gotstyle

May 24, 2016

You feel like your suit game is on point. You’ve mastered the black, navy blue and charcoal grey suit. Your pocket square game. Fire. You have an event coming up that needs upgraded attire, Sir, it’s time for a tux.

If you’ve been to a black tie event before or going to be at one, it is worth it to invest in a tux. Whether it’s a jacket or a full suit. Why? It definitely never hurts to have one handy. Think of weddings you need to go, special events, galas or parties. Renting one will only cost you more in the long run vs. owning one. We also know the downsides of renting: the ill-fit, the limited selection… and the fact that other people wore it.

Tuxedos are classic. Colours and patterns may come into the mix but really the style never changes. It’s something you can have in your closet that will never go out of style. We’ve selected some of our favourite ones below and just like any suit you’ve gotten from us, we’ll make sure the fit is to a tee and is complemented by the right accessories.

Our in-store tuxedo sale is now on. Buy any tuxedo suit or jacket and get the tuxedo shirt 50% off

Hardy Aimes navy tuxedo notch lapel $1295

Outfit details: Hardy Aimes Navy Tuxedo Notch Lapel $1295

GotStyle Contrast Colour dinner jacket $795

Outfit details: Gotstyle Contrast Colour Dinner Jacket $795

Tiger of Sweden Tuxedo Shawl Lapel in black 899

Outfit details: Tiger of Sweden Tuxedo Shawl Lapel $899

Phillip Dubuc notch lapel tuxedo jacket $1295

Outfit details: Phillip Dubuc Notch Lapel Tuxedo Jacket $1295

Pal Ziler navy peak-lapel Jacket tuxedo $1295

Outfit details: Pal Ziler Navy Peak Lapel Tuxedo Jacket $1295

 

Gotstyle Shoes: Classic High Quality Footwear

May 12, 2016

GOTSTYLE Purple Label Shoe Collection

A quality pair of shoes goes a long way. The problem is they’re usually pretty expensive and if you’re just starting out your career the investment can seem like a big one. To remedy this situation we’ve designed our own collection of high-quality men’s shoes at an affordable price.

To remedy this situation we’ve designed our own collection of high-quality men’s shoes at an affordable price.

Gotstyle’s purple label shoe collection are made in Portugal’s lush countryside by 3rd generation shoemakers that hand-stitch and hand-polish every shoe.

They work with high profile European tanneries to only use the highest quality full grain leathers.

Using the Gold Standard in the footwear industry, Goodyear welting is an intricate process resulting in a long lasting, weather resistant, low maintenance shoe with an impeccable fit. Shoes made with this time-honored technique are so durable that they can be re-soled, extending the life of the shoe and the customer’s initial investment.

The leather sole of the shoe has a rubber insert that provides the benefits of a regular leather sole (comfort, shape retention and allowing the foot to breathe) with the added grip and protection of a rubber sole.

The inside of the shoe is leather lined in our signature purple and offers a cushioned insole for added comfort.

Gotstyle has styled our purple label shoe collection to offer the new modern basics every man should have in his shoe collection.

Goodyear welt infographic

The GOTSTYLE Purple Label Collection

Shop Online

 

what to wear right now

What to Wear Right Now in This Weather

April 12, 2016

Living in Canada, having trust issues with weather is as engrained in us as saying “eh” or “sorry”. The weather throughout the day can range from -5° to +5°. A great way to stay stylish and ready for the unpredictable spring weather is through layering. We chose three go-to jackets to show you how it’s done and what to wear in this “in-between” weather.

Look 1

This water resistant Strellson jacket is made of lightweight man-made fibers so it is the perfect weight for transitioning from winter to spring. A simple formula when it comes to layering is to keep the certain key pieces neutral so it can be interchanged. We paired a lightly patterned blue shirt with a jersey grey blazer to compliment. The cool colour palette warrants a navy cardigan for extra warmth. We added more character to the outfit with the patterned chinos. Shoe selection is always crucial, we chose these precious brown wingtips to formalize the outfit to completion.

Strellson Water Repellant Jacket ($398), Blue Industry Jersey Blazer ($349), Individual Navy Knit Cardigan ($95), Blue Industry Circle Print Shirt ($170), Outclass Over Dyed Chino ($195), Krane Leather Portfolio ($175) Paradigma Leather Brogue ($375), Nixon Watch ($175)

Look 2

Rains is definitely a must have for unpredictable weather. It’s completely waterproof and lightweight making it easy to add extra layers for warmth. It’s exactly what to wear between winter to spring or spring to summer.

For a more casual look we paired it with a hoodie from Outclass along with a graphic tee from Aviator Nation. The name might ring a bell; they were recently announced one of the best new American designers by GQ. The print adds a pop of colour. We’re currently loving the new Outclass sneakers, the olive Italian calf leather with the suede heel gives a clean minimal finish.

Rains Classic Rain Jacket ($129), Outclass Hoodie ($185), Aviator Nation ($98), nudie jeans ($179), outclass sneakers ($395)

Look 3

You can’t go wrong with blue, white and khaki. Presented here with a black jacket from Selected Homme. A black transitional jacket is a versatile closet staple. It goes with essentially everything while keeping you cool and minimal, especially in this untrustworthy weather A great spring office look is a white oxford shirt layered with a blue linen crew neck (no tie), this offers a modern look to a classic silhouette while staying cool.

Selected Homme Transitional Jacket ($155), Blue Industry Smooth Stretch Chino($145), Strellson Traveller White Shirt ($178), Strellson Blue Luther Crew Neck ($168). Paradigma Black Monk Strap ($375) Nixon Watch ($175)