Author Archives: Shaeleigh Afton

About Shaeleigh Afton

Digital Marketing Manager

Graphic Tees That Speak for You

September 14, 2016

Graphic tees have had a bit of a bad rep with cheesy slogans and overly loud branding. Luckily they’ve been rescued and revived with cheeky remarks and badass images. We like graphic tees that speak for you before you even open your mouth and support brands or cultures that we appreciate.

Burning Tees Collaboration

Graffiti, in general, is a cool subculture. Whether you admit it or not, it’s a feat as an artist to make your mark on the city and have everyone recognize it. Waves Apparel has collaborated with infamous Toronto artists to create these tees. Each one is hand-crafted and hand-printed right here in Toronto.

10% of all proceeds support Sketch Toronto. Providing tools, education and a safe place for Toronto’s street youth to develop careers in their creative passions.

: Jonny Cakes Collaboration

: birdO Collaboration

: Cruz1 Collaboration

: Elicser Collaboration

: Lovebot Collaboration

: Poser Collaboration

: Sewp Collaboration

: Tensoe2 Collaboration

: Uber 5000 Collaboration

Toronto Forever

When you wear Toronto Forever, you help build the city’s future.

15% of your purchase is donated to Toronto Youth Development – an organization committed to improving the quality of life of the city’s at-risk youth. Together we will empower inner-city children and teenagers to overcome the repression of their environments and achieve their dreams.

Peace Collective

Peace Collective's iconic "Toronto vs Everybody" t-shirt has been worn by Jose Bautista, Cory Joseph, Josh Donaldson, Kevin Pillar, and Marcus Stroman. The shirt says it all with a bold statement that shows the love and support we have for the city.

With the purchase of select Peace Collective garments, $4 is donated to Breakfast for Learning and helps feed a hungry Canadian child two healthy meals and a healthy snack.

RVLT

RVLT is a brand for those who wear their heart on their sleeves- or in this case on their chest. A tribute to those who don't fear the daily grind - they embrace it. - We salute the everyday heroes.

They keep it simple with a little graphic/patch. Our favourite? The 3D heart that says "fuck what you heard." It may not be appropriate to wear around your grandmother but it definitely sends a message.

Grayson Miller Chats With Gotstyle

September 7, 2016

Grayson Miller is the VP at StyleDemocracy and is an aficionado of the retail landscape in Canada. We sat down with Grayson to talk chat about retail, #TorontoStyle, and what he reeeeally thinks about us.

What first sparked your passion for the digital space?

My passion for the digital space arose from my interest in the fashion industry. I wanted to be a part of the industry but did not see an opportunity that interested me until the proliferation of social media. I saw the power of connecting brands to digital audiences and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it.

Who are your ‘must follow’ influences on Instagram?

@Garyvee, @mattymatheson, and@love.watts.

What makes “style” in Toronto unique?

In all honesty, Toronto’s style isn’t that unique right now. Every guy in the city seems to own a bomber jacket and ripped jeans, which is similar to Montreal, Vancouver, New York, and LA. I think the best part of Toronto’s style is the multicultural approach that individuals take to elevate their style. I love seeing cultural influences seep their way into common and everyday outfits.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is an evolution of my past interests. Over the last 29 years of my life, I’ve been influenced by skate style, hip-hop, prep, and sportswear. I think that my look now pays homage to all of those elements as I try to incorporate each into my everyday style.

What tips and tricks can you share when it comes to shopping for Fall?

My advice for fall shopping is to splurge on outerwear and footwear and try to save big on sweaters, shirts, and jeans. There is nothing that pulls a fall outfit together better than a killer jacket and shoes.

If you could invest in 3 pieces for the upcoming season, what would they be?

I would invest in a versatile heavy wool blazer that can be worn as a stand-alone or as a layering piece for colder days.
A pair of suede Chelsea boots. The Chelsea boot can be dressed up or down, making it a great fall option.
A blue denim jacket. Great for fall, a denim jacket is very versatile and can act as a layering piece. The denim jacket is a must because when styled right, it can make a shirt and tie seem more casual, and make a T-shirt and jeans appear more formal.

Gotstyle – Describe us in 3 words

Community
Menswear
Haven

Gotstyle Presents: Events in September

September 6, 2016

Upcoming events in September

1. Gotstyle x Nixon: Sights & Sounds Art Show & Silent Auction
September 8th

On Thursday, September 8th from 6PM to 9PM, we would like to invite you to an evening of art, music, style, and heart in support of Akin Projects for CAMH. A group of artists designed and painted Nixon blasters which will be available for auction.

Proceeds from this event will support Akin Projects‘ artist-led workshops and activities for Youth Addiction & Concurrent Disorders Services at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

PLEASE RSVP by Tuesday September 6th to andrea.ciccone@nixon.com or to charlotte@gotstyle.ca

Artists featured: Justin Broadbent, Jeff Blackburn, Mike Echlin (Spazz), Lauren Hurley, Joel Macleod, Cassandra Moy, Oliver Pauk, Jacqueline Poirier “The Crazy Plate Lady”, Lauren Pirie, Callen Schaub, Daniel St –Amant, Samara Shuter, Tony Taylor, Jon Todd, Michael Vickers, Natalie Waddell

2. Hardy Amies Trunk Show
September 15th

Every Hardy Amies collection is designed exclusively in-house on Savile Row. The row, as it is commonly known, is famous for producing the highest quality tailoring since 1730.

Be the first to view their new Fall/Winter collection at Gotstyle, one of the few stores that carry the brand in Canada. The trunk show will feature every style available at Gotstyle.

Mingle, shop and enjoy cocktails and refreshments. All guests will receive a no tax discount on purchases from 6PM to 9PM.

PLEASE RSVP to charlotte@gotstyle.ca

3. John Varvatos Pop Up Shop
September 21st to 25th

John Varvatos is the epitome of rock ‘n’ roll and casual cool. Join us for the launch party on September 21st from 7PM to 9PM. Enjoy cocktails and refreshments while you shop the new fall collection with a few statements styles from the runway collection. The pop up will continue to be open from the 22nd to the 25th.

Please RSVP to charlotte@gotstyle.ca if you’re interested in attending.

What To Wear: Film Festival Style

September 6, 2016

If you’ve ever wondered what to wear to a film festival we have the answer.

You can’t actually wear jeans and a t-shirt to a movie this time of year.

If you’re going anywhere in Toronto this week you better bring your style A-game. With a week full of events, movie screenings, celebrity sitings, and after parties, you’re going to need to look good to get in.

Here are four looks that should get you through this week’s red carpets, movie premieres, celeb sightings and after parties.

Classic Twist

We’re all about a classic twist. That’s when classic pieces are done a little differently. Canadian Designer Hussien X. Dalla is really good at it. That’s probably why The Weekend can’t stop wearing his pieces.

Works For: Red Carpet, After Parties, The Party

Dalla Tuxedo Jacket

Outfit Details: Philippe Dubuc – Slim Fit Dress Shirt $195, Dalla – Velvet Shawl Lapel Tuxedo $1299, Dion – Pocket Square $40, GS Launch – Five Eye Cap Toe Derby Shoe $195

The Gentleman

You’re not as young as the new guys out there but you practically wrote the book on how to party. Show up with a very now fashion statement that tells ’em whos boss.

Works For: Movie screenings, Opening Parties, The After Party, Hotel Lobby Pre-Drinks

Outfit Details: Gotstyle – Windowpane Notch Lapel Wool Blazer $725, Tiger of Sweden – Merino Wool Turtleneck $179, Doro – Lapel Pin $19, A. Christensen – Pocket Square $45, Paradigma – Fancy Suede/Leather Brogue $375

Fashion Guy

You’ve done it all before and you’re wondering how to stop them in their tracks this year? This asymmetrical crosshatch suit is one way to do it. A wax like finish and modern cut make you the life of the party.

Works For: Opening Night Parties, Dinner, Red Carpet, After Parties

Outfit Details: Philippe Dubuc – Cross Hatch Fashion Suit $1295

Mr. Always On The Scene

You go out all the time, so why would this week be any different? If a suit just ain’t your steez don’t fake it, people can tell! Instead ask, what would John Bon Jovi do? All black skinny jeans fitted t-shirt to send the ultimate I’m on the list vibes. Do you boo-boo, you’re getting in any way.

Outfit Details: Neuw – Classic Perfecto Berlin Leather Jacket $698, Vitaly – Fishtail Long Tee $44, John Varvatos – Bowery Slim Straight Leg Fit Jeans $248, Gotstyle – Sleek Chelsea Boot $295

Works For: The Films, Opening Night, After Parties, Parties,

If you still don’t know what to wear, shoot us an e-mail and we’ll solve your style emergency. Follow us on Instagram for daily style inspiration.

New to Gotstyle: Buckson Slacks

August 30, 2016

Buckson Slacks are the perfect pair for the modern man.

Buckson Slacks is my new favorite pant. Just off the first touch, I could tell that Buckson pays attention to quality. The slacks are proudly made in Canada (yeah eh), and the fabric is organic cotton made in Italy.

Quick side note, organic cotton is a telltale sign of a brand that cares. From pesticides and insecticides used on the plants, harvesting cotton can be extremely harmful to a cotton farm’s surrounding environment. Organic cotton is a more expensive option to make sure the cotton is sustainably made. When it comes to pants there’s a trifecta of quality, fit, and style that needs to be assessed. I love these pants because it hits all of these points.

I just talked about the quality so let’s talk fit. There are 3 major fits for the Buckson slacks; the classic buck, the hockey buck, and the skinny buck.

The Classic Buck: After trying on the classic I fell into jean love. The classic fit pant is slim all the way through with just a tad of lycra. From trying them on, I understood that they will make a great slack to break-in over time and keep on reserve as a closet staple. The fit is slim (not skinny) through and thigh and lower leg. This is the perfect standard slack.Whether you pair it with a graphic tee or a button-up with a blazer, it gets the job done.

The Hockey Buck: The hockey buck is the most comfortable of the three. There is more room through the waist. Your football players can spread out across the field a little bit more in this pant. The difference between the classic and the hockey is very subtle. There is more room in the waist but it still fits slim and maintains comfort.

The Skinny Buck:
As the name states the skinny buck is slimmer. The fit in the thigh remains the same but the knee to cuff tapering has less width than the other two fits. While trying them on I realized several small details in the jeans that all of them have. Buckson gives the selvedge denim detailing a twist with blue stitching instead of the traditional burgundy.

The styling goes along with the fabric and fit. The fabric selection is modern and minimal, hues stay toned down and not too vibrant which is accessible to guys like me. The fabric is super soft and the details are minimal yet present for those with a keen eye.

All in all, Buckson presents a great assortment of slacks for the modern man. The fit, quality, and style is for any man that’s got style.

2016 VMA Awards Winners And Losers

August 29, 2016

The 2016 VMA awards was full of risks.

But taking risks is what fashion is all about… right? All you need is the confidence to pull it off… right? Sort of. Except when you do any of these things. Here is a list of winners and (mostly) losers of last night’s 2016 VMA awards.