Melissa Austria, owner of Gotstyle, featured in Toronto Tourism
Check out the editorial and full issue of Toronto Tourism
Check out the editorial and full issue of Toronto Tourism
On a visit to Baldwin village, you can’t help but be inspired by the eclecticism of the neighbourhood. Tucked away just east of Chinatown an enclave of row houses converted into shops and restaurants is a great opportunity to push your fashion boundaries. Mix prints and patterns with pops of colour as you dine your day away before a visit to the AGO.
Outfit details: Sweater by Philippe Dubuc $350, Leather Jacket by Baldessarini $1495, Woven by Selected Homme $110, Chinos by Selected Homme $95, Boots by John Varvatos $358
Once named by Vogue as one of the world’s hippest neighborhoods Queen West is where you let your fashion flag fly! Take selfies in graffiti alley and sip coffee from White Squirrel as you make your way to the iconic Drake Hotel. From weekend brunch at the cafe to post dinner cocktails on the roof, it truly is a Toronto landmark where you can spend the entire day, as long as you remain on trend.
Outfit details: HIP & BONE Hoodie $165, VITALY Tee $44, JOHN VARVATOS Scarf $198 & Gloves $198, VITALY Necklace $66, KOLLAR Jeans $168, JOHN VARVATOS Boots $498, LOWELL Leather Backpack $545
A weekend visit to the brunch epicenter of the city is the perfect opportunity to keep it casual. Jeans, sweaters, and comfy footwear is practically the uniform for this family-centric hood. Leslieville keeps it cool by hosting hot spots such as The County General, Boxcar Social and La Carnita. Strolling to get caesars has never looked so good.
Outfit details: TUCK SHOP Vest $378, SELECTED HOMME Zip Up $120, BENSON Tee $60, NUDIE Jeans $179, OUTCLASS Sneakers $395
An early morning spent at St Lawrence Market is perfect opportunity to sport your athleisure wear. Scarfing down peameal bacon sandwiches from Carousel Bakery and shopping for organic produce at Uncle Jorge’s Farm in the south tent calls for comfy joggers. And the best part, there’s no need to change when you get home and crawl back into bed!
Outfit details: Quilted Vest by Benson $165, Sweater by Outclass $275, Jeans by Neuw $198, Scarf by Strellson $98, Boots by John Varvatos $358
There should be no mistaking it- when you’re in Yorkville, dress to impress. The mink mile, known for its high priced fashion, is where you will see the peacocks flaunt their feathers. Join in by sporting luxe fabrics and tailored silhouettes as you sip on champagne at D Bar in The Four Seasons and satiate your palate with steak at STK.
Outfit details: HARDY AMIES Sport Coat $695, OSCAR OF SWEDEN Dress Shirt $225, GOTSTYLE Scarf $49, SUNWILL Pants $185, GOTSTYLE Boots $295, NIXON Watch $325
King West is where the bad boys of bay street come to play. Happy hour turns to
late night antics as these titans of industry toss the ties from their tailored threads. After burrata at Bar Buca and small plates at Portland Variety do some laps and Lavelle before calling it quits.
Outfit details: SAND Overcoat $795, TIGER OF SWEDEN Sport Coat $599, TIGER OF SWEDEN Turtleneck $179, RIVIERA Pants $250, JOHN VARVATOS Boots $358, PHAULET Pocket Square $45
In this vast gray city, calm spaces can often be hard to find. But in the heart of the DVP that divides us is the Evergreen Brickworks. Load up on layers to spend the day, starting with brunch at Cafe Belong, and a visit to the farmer’s market, and hike through the trails. Finish off with a drink and a nosh at one of the city’s culinary pop-up events often inhabiting the abandoned kilns.
Outfit details: SELECTED HOMME Bomber Jacket $275, TODD SNYDER Sweater $295, OUT- CLASS Oxford $169, OUTCLASS Pants $279, LOWELL Bag $385, NIXON Watch $175, JOHN VARVATOS Boots $498
Tucked just north of High Park and Bloor St West is a paradise for the independent spirit. Visit namesake Junction Craft brewing for a pint and then swing by Playa Cabana Cantina for a taco or two for a great night on the town. But make no mistake this laid back hood isn’t for the fashion faint of hart; The Junction is where clothing and craftsmanship collide.
Outfit details: HARDY AMIES Overcoat $1395, GOTSTYLE LAUNCH Cardigan $145, JOHN VARVATOS T-Shirt $98, RIVIERA Pants $250, A. CHRISTENSEN Pocket square $55, DORO Lapel pin $20, NIXON Watch $225, GOTSTYLE Leather boots $295
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.
@Garyvee, @mattymatheson, and@love.watts.
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.
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.
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.