6ixess Academy x Sully Wong Launch the Wolf Sneaker
CTA’s, 6ixess Academy have partnered up with Canadian business and fashion leaders for the ultimate collaboration. The Wolf Sneaker – conceptualized by the students, is brought to life by Sully Wong.
Students at the Central Toronto Academy have been hard at work with the help of staff and Fashion Helps founder Sheila McElrea for the exclusive project. From idea development to production, the art students stretched their skills set for a common goal.
CTA Arts Director Beckie Dileo is determined to encourage students to think outside the classroom and into the community. “The program goes beyond traditional arts programming. Our goal is to inspire students to apply their creative skills set into real life experiences and build social entrepreneurship,” says Dileo.
Approximately 70 students are enrolled in the program, all of whom lent a hand in the six-month long project – taking the concept from a thought, to paper to real life. Dileo reached out to various industry leaders to mentor the students and provide guidance as the project came to fruition. Mentors for the program include: Melissa Austria, Founder of Gotstyle, Amanda Lao, Director at Liquid Communications, Roger Gingerich from Gingerich Group, George Sully + Henry Wong of Sully Wong, Sheila McElrea founder of Fashion Helps, and Shannon Passero from The Post Office.
George + Henry have been supporters of the program for some time and have donated product on a number of occasions, making Sully Wong a natural fit for the project. “We did it for the kids,” says designer George Sully. “Everyone has a dream, this is a great way to help students understand that if you have the right people helping you facilitate them, those dreams can become a reality.”
The Wolf Sneaker Launch will be taking place at Toronto’s Spoke Club {1stfloor- free admission} on Nov. 3rd, 2016 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, with theexclusive media preview from 6:00pm – 7:00pm.
The limited edition, unisex sneakers will be available in November and sold exclusively at Gotstyle. All proceeds from sales will be put back into the Arts Department at CTA to continue building the community connection program and giving the students opportunities like this.
Footwear is an investment and deserves proper shoe care
Clothing always comes with a care label. What temperature to wash it in, how to dry it, whether to iron it or not and even what colours to wash it with. However, shoes don’t seem to come with the same manual. You might wear the same shirt two days in a row but you’ll most likely wear the same pair of shoes for a whole week. They’re an investment and naturally you’d want them to live a long beautiful life. So what is the proper shoe care? We’ll go through different ways to maintain your shoes so they last.
Paradigma Shoes
First off, if you are still wearing square toed shoes, we have to request that you burn them (sorry, not sorry).
Major key: Look for shoes that are Goodyear welted. This allows you to replace the soles which eventually wear out so your shoes can stand the test of time. Try a pair of our Gotstyle ones, you won’t regret it.
The Basics: Waterproof, condition & polish
This is the kind of stuff that everyone generally knows is important for maintaining their shoes.
There are many products out there that do a combination of shoe maintenance. Waterproofing of your shoes should be done every six months or so.
Conditioning is something that should be done regularly. About 1-2 times a month. The reason for this is that leather is skin. A cream conditioner will keep your leather soft and keep it from cracking.
Polishing is completely subjective. Do it as often as you want depending on how shiny you like it.
Important Maintenance Tips
1. Keep your shoes dry
Even if you’ve waterproofed your shoes, the intensity of the weather is something you cannot avoid. Do your best to keep your leather shoes clean and dry. A pair of Swims Galoshes is highly recommended.
Major key: Remove any salt stains with a little vinegar and water. Apply sparingly and wipe clean with a cloth.
IF they do get wet, stuff them with newspaper immediately and keep it away from direct heat. Drying leather too fast will cause it to crack.
Shoes are an equally good investment. They keep the same of shoes, lowers the chances of creases and actually absorbs moisture (think sweat) and odours. The best are unfinished cedar ones. You don’t need to own a set for each pair of shoes. The trees should be put into your shoes within 1-2 hours after you’ve taken them off and after that, they can be taken out.
When you’re putting on your shoes, use a shoe horn. It’s not only about proper shoe care but also about usage. It’s easy to ruin the heels when you wiggle your feet into them.
4. Wear socks
It seems silly to put this here as part of proper shoe care but it’s a must. It creates a barrier between your feet and shoes. Leather is absorbent and adding that to wearing your shoes for a minimum of 8 hours in a day means you get sweaty and maybe even stinky feet. If you don’t like your socks showing, wear no-shows.
This is a public announcement: stop wearing square toed shoes!
We are still shocked to see that men refuse to get rid of their beloved square toed shoes. Today, we’re here to lightly pat you on the back and say “Sir, it’s time to throw them out and never look back.” The harsh reality is that square toed shoes aren’t fashionable and will never be.
Let’s be honest, first impressions are everything. You’re being viewed from top to bottom and having square toed shoes at that bottom, is not the best look to go for. Here are 10 reasons why you should get rid of them and not show up at our party with them. Please, check out our Gotstyle shoes for better options.
New Arrivals for 2016 are better than ever. Bookmark this page for new arrivals. We get product every day so make sure you check to see what we’ve got.
New Arrivals from Champion x Todd Snyder
New Arrivals from OHW Shoes
New Arrivals from Benson
New Arrivals from John Varvatos
New Arrivals from Vitaly
New Arrivals from PRPS
Sand FW16
Sand – 3 Tone Check Wool Blazer $650, Sand – Symphonia Micro Bunny Print Cotton LS Shirt, Dibi Tie violet $55
Sand – Windowpane Check Super 100s Blazer $725, Liberty Micro Floral Print Cotton LS Shirt
Sand – Micro Jacquard Melange Blazer $696 Sand – Micro Jacquard Heart Cotton Shirt $225 Seaward and Stern $150 – Printed Tie Armstrong & Wilson – Linen Pocket Square $45
Sand – 3 Tone Check Wool Blazer $650, Symphonia Micro Bunny Print Cotton LS Shirt $225 A Christensen – Self Tie Bow Tie $95
Sand – Micro Jacquard Melange Blazer $696, Paolo Verri – French Cuff Stripe Dress Shirt $155, Grey. Van Gils – Polka Dot Tie $55.
NYFS Sport Coats
Canadian brand “Not Your Father’s Suit” has been a go to Gotstyle jacket for quite some time. The brand fits all body types but has become a favourite to our big and tall clientele. Jacket sizes range in 38-46T. This season boasts bold plaid Italian fabrics produced right here in Canada.
Large Glen Check Peak Lapel Sport Coat $700
Bold Windowpane Peak Lapel Sport Coat $695
Contrast Glen Check Peak Lapel Sport Coat $700
Paradigma Shoes
Gotstyle welcomes a new line of handmade all leather shoes from Portugal. Paradigma shoe makers have been producing high quality handmade shoes for over two generations. They are known as experts of blake construction system. Blake welt construction means provides a close cut and fewer layers making them more flexible.
All styles can be purchased at Bathurst and Distillery locations.
Paradigma Shoes
Leather Lace Ankle Boot $375
Suede/Leather Brogue $375
Suede Brogue, $375
Suede Brogue, $375
Suede Brogue, $375
Suede/Leather Brogue, $375
Double Monk Strap w/ perforated Leather, $375
Garment Project
Copenhagen based brand Garment Project is driven by a passion for meticulous Scandinavian look in a fine balance with an effortless and eye-catching look.
Sneakers in timeless design contrasted by a contemporary focus make Garment Project stand out as a supplier of wardrobe essentials for both Girls and Gents. Crafted for style and comfort and with a touch of understated textural intrigue, our relaxed sneakers and clean boots will give an elevated touch to every outfit. Much energy is put into developing a new range of accessories to reflect and accentuate our sneakers, and as of Spring 2016 our first collection of bags with reach the shops.
At Garment Project we are experts in creating an unmistakable line of must-have products – for everyone who appreciates easy-to-wear fashion and value for money.
Stentroms Micro Houndstooth Shirt With Contrast $249.00, Braemore Tie $125.00, Baffin Wooden Pocket Square $40.00, Gentleman of the North Socks $14.00
Stenstroms Micro Houndstooth Shirt with Contrast $249.00, A.Christensen Pocket Square $45.00, A.Christensen Tie $95.00, Ted Baker Belsfed Card Holder $85.00
New Arrivals From Sand Copenhagen
“Sand’s SS16 collection is all about structures and textures. Nothing is just flat anymore. It is about the mixture of fabrics and the experiment of classic fabrics in new constructions. It has Japanese influences with graphics, calligraphic and floral prints meeting in a full picture of a carefree spirit and easy-to-wear attitude.”
You know the guy that’s a little bit too obvious about being on a 5 day work wardrobe rotation? Don’t let that guy be you. It may be easy to get caught in the trap of wearing a boring office uniform, but dressing for success is key to showing professionalism and ambition. Switching up your style and taking things to the next level can be easy. I’m here to help with 5 ways to elevate your office style.
OFFICE STYLE TIP #1: GO CUSTOM When it comes to suits, great fit matters over everything. Even if you don’t wear a suit every day, it’s important to have a perfectly tailored suit in your repertoire for meetings, presentations, and events. Think of your best suit as your go-to for when you need to step things up — and nothing will fit (and look) better than a suit made expressly for you.
For details on the made to measure process, pricing, and advantages, Gotstyle’s tailor extraordinaire Konstantine has got you covered.
OFFICE STYLE TIP #2: ACCESSORIZE The easiest way to elevate your office style is to add new accessories to your existing office wardrobe. It’s simple addition by, well, addition. Lapel pins, pocket squares, tie bars, shoe laces, and even work bags are all ways you can add pops of style and colour.
OFFICE STYLE TIP #3: ADD A VEST A vest is a simple way to class up any office look. Wear it with one of your standard 2 piece suits to add complexity, texture, and contrast. Or, just roll up your sleeves and wear it over a well fitted dress shirt as a more casual look (this looks good on literally every guy).
One thing to watch out for: don’t try to match a new vest colour to an existing suit. Unless you have the exact same fabric, it won’t work, and will look off. The solution? Go with a contrast vest, and introduce a new colour to the suit entirely. It’s an unexpected look that shows off your style chops. Grey and blue (like in the photo above) always pair well, and can be used interchangeably between vest and suit.
OFFICE STYLE TIP #4: WEAR A TIE If you don’t normally wear a tie, step up your office style and wear one! There’s no better way to show you mean business.
If your office is casual or you don’t see yourself as a “tie guy,” try a knit or textured tie as a casual midway point between your usual laidback style and something that’s too formal.
OFFICE STYLE TIP #5: SUITS WITH BOOTS Wearing a suit with boots is an awesome way to switch up a stale office rotation, but you need to do it right. If your suit fits well (which it should), the boots you pair with it need to be sleek and slim fitting. You want the outfit to look well put together and intentional — and not like you haven’t changed yet from your morning commute. The best way to achieve this? Chelsea boots.
Both of these looks (courtesy of GQ) add some rocker edge to a suiting look, without being too chunky or out of place. It’s a menswear power move, and you can totally pull it off. Reserve this look for fall and winter, and make sure to match your belt and boots to keep everything tied together.
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Ready to step things up? Gotstyle’s stylist team has got you covered. Book your appointment today at 416-260-9696 or info@gotstyle.ca.
A great blazer is one of the most reliable and versatile pieces in any guy’s wardrobe. The classic way to wear a blazer is similar to a suit jacket — with a dress shirt and tie — but slightly less formal (the jacket isn’t a matching set with the suit pants). The differences between a blazer, sport coat, and suit jacket can be subtle, but they’re important to know.
Think you’ve got the classic blazer look covered? Great. Let’s step up your style to the next level, and explore 5 new looks to make the most of your awesome blazers that have been trapped in the confines of nine to five.
A double breasted blazer with dark denim is a modern power look any guy can pull off. The double breasted blazer is bold, so pair it with a solid colour dress shirt and let the blazer do the talking. Always keep the inside button and upper outside button fastened when standing. The only time you shouldn’t do up a button is if your blazer has multiple rows of buttons on the centre. If that’s the case, the same rule as with single breasted blazers applies — leave the bottom button undone.
Make sure that when wearing jeans with dress shoes the jeans are well tapered at the bottom, like on our model above. This will add height and slim down your look. If the front cuff of your jeans covers either of the monkstraps, it’s a sign the cuffs are too wide.
It may not be what you’re used to, but trust me, tapered lower legs are the way to avoid the dreaded “dad jean flare” you may not even realize you’ve been rocking. Once you wear one pair of properly tapered jeans and see the difference, you’ll never go back.
Throw your best dark blazer on over a designer tee, jeans, and military style boots to pull off a Justin Theroux inspired rocker look. Some tips to make sure you do it right:
Treat this as a casual look. A t-shirt with a blazer is cool. A t-shirt with a blazer when everyone else is wearing a suit? Not so cool.
Make sure your jeans are tapered right. Come on man, we already talked about this.
Let your boots develop some character.
Leave the blazer unbuttoned — with a t-shirt, better to keep it casual.
The t-shirt should hit just below your belt.
Avoid tight tees. When wearing a t-shirt with a blazer, try not to look too…slick. I like to gently tug on the collar of my shirts before wearing them under a blazer. A bit of a slouchy look is perfect. You’re not wearing this to a black tie event anyways, so it’s cool to grunge up this particular blazer look.
Here’s where a blazer can be useful as a transitional layering piece. Pair a casual, natural shoulder blazer like this one with a hoodie, joggers, and luxe sneakers for a super comfy outfit that will turn heads. In the right way.
Make sure the hoodie is thin. Not just any hoodie will work — too thick and it won’t layer nicely with a properly tailored blazer. As much as you love your college sweater, save it for the couch and opt for a sleeker fitting piece.
Seize this opportunity to wear your coolest, boldest sneakers (as long as they match what you’re wearing above the ankles). Joggers were made popular by sneakerheads because they show off a guy’s kicks — so go all out! An eye-catching pair like these ones from Sully Wong elevate the look from good to great.
Gotstyle Navy Wool Notch Lapel Blazer with Metal Buttons: $695, Selected Homme Charcoal Skinny Fit Stretch Chino: $95, Swims Navy Sport Loafer: $100, Taft No-Show Socks: $60 (4-pack)
This preppy spring/summer look works best with a navy blazer. Start with a polo, tucked or untucked (I prefer untucked, but either can work). Roll up your blazer sleeves a bit, even cuff your pants at the ankle if you feel like it. Slim fit chinos are a must, especially when your loafers tie in to the rest of the outfit as well as these ones do.
Pro tip: when going “sockless,” wear no-show socks. The exact same look is achieved, minus the blisters and lingering stink. You’re welcome.
This is a great transitional layering outfit for fall days when you don’t quiiite need a jacket yet, or the end of winter when you’ve ditched your parka for the season. The different textures (fuzzy flannel on the blazer, herringbone pattern pants) complement well and are way comfier than you’re used to for a look this sharp. The thin crew neck sweater under the blazer gives you some flexibility on whether to button or unbutton.
Last thing — show some cuff. Having that sweater peek out from both the chest and sleeves may not be something everyone notices, but those who do will appreciate the attention to detail.
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Ready to pull the trigger on your new blazer look? Our team of stylists is here to help, with private appointments and free wardrobe consultations. Book your appointment today at 416-260-9696 or info@gotstyle.ca.
Remember to bring your blazer(s) with you when you shop. Try layering them with different pieces, and see what works best for you!
