Learn to Sew?

Over the last few years I have given a lot of thought to starting my own company.  Originally I thought about strictly starting my own retail store, but eventually that had progressed into starting my own men's wear label.  Now I have begun to tinker with the idea of learning how to sew.  The fact that it may actually be possible for me to create something that could ultimately be sold under my banner is invigorating.... I am just not sure it is really feasible.  Let's see how this goes.

A Fresh Start

I started this blog as a first step in my plan to open up my own Men's Wear shop, as well as to develop my own brand in the retail and fashion world.  It's a big world after all, and with the Internet populated with thousands of others trying to do what I want to do, it is hard to stand out.

The start of 2014 brought with it some significant change in my life professionally.  I moved on from my former Retail Management job and into a new career in the Tennis industry.  While still performing retail duties, I moved into the technical side of the industry, working directly with players to help find the right equipment for them, and to maintain that equipment.  It is a rewarding job, and has given me a new perspective on customer service, high end retail, and working as part of a team in a sport based environment.

One drawback has been that my dream I set out towards had been put on the back burner for quite some time.  Those who have looked at my blog in the past would know that I would post frequently, but come March my focus had trailed off.  It was not intentional.  Having so much on my plate that I had to learn on the fly began to take precedence, and my thoughts moved away from my future plans to my current career.

I have made a conscious decision to go for my dream once again.  I feel like there is no better time than now to make a move back into blogging, and to truly start my business plan in order to see my dream move towards reality.  I hope you will come along for this journey, or at least stop by from time to time.  I don't pretend to know everything about the industry, or to be as hip as some of the other blogger's out there, but I will shine a light on the people, places, stores, brands, and icons I respect and love.  I hope you will walk in style with me.

-Mike

The Future of Retail WE-Commerce by: Douglas Brundage, Highsnobiety

I recently came across this informative and interesting article on Highsnobiety regarding a shift in the future to online-only retailing.  As a retailer myself with ambitions to work independently and start my own business, the online only concept is interesting to me.  I've thought for some time that it would be possible to work in an online capacity as a small business retailer, however the idea of not having any type of physical storefront would be the total opposite of why I want my own business.  Check out the full article on Highsnobiety and let me know what you think.  The Future of Retail

Tanner Goods - Los Angeles

Portland’s Tanner Goods recently opened up its newest storefront in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Located down the street from the new Ace Hotel, the menswear store houses an extensive selection of the brand’s highly sought-after leather accessories, as well as apparel and lifestyle goods from their sister brand, The Woodlands.
Tanner Goods
860 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014
-Brian Farmer, Highsonbiety

What Exactly is Pitti Uomo?

By Corey Stokes (Complex)

Pitti Uomo kicks off today, and while the #menswear world is buzzing with the hype that comes this time of the year, we thought it'd be the right time to break down exactly what this bi-annual event is.

Aside from being a destination to potentially get snapped by street-style gawds Scott Schuman and Tommy Ton, Pitti Uomo is a place of business. As the men's portion of the Pitti Immagine collection of fashion events, Pitti Uomo is a tradeshow in Florence, Italy that's been around since 1972. It's a four-day market-facing event in which retailers, buyers, and editors come together to view upcoming collections (in this case, Fall 2014).

Most importantly, brands gather under one roof to display a full season (mainly) for buyers, who select the pieces and quantities they wish to order. This is the moment that stores decide what they're going to eventually sell to you, the customer. Once these orders are filled out, the brands spend the next few months producing the correct quantity and they eventually make their way to stores approximately six months later.

(Check out the rest of this great article by Corey Stokes over at the Complex Magazine website.)

Mr. Olive Spring/Summer 2014 Lookbook

Courtesy of our friends at Highsnobiety we bring you a sneak peak at Japanese brand Mr. Olive's Spring/Summer 2014 lookbook.  The looks are inspired by the west coast lifestyle of the 1970s, as well as the Dogtown and Z-boys skaters Stacy Peralta, Tony Alva, and Jay Adams etc. Check it out online at http://www.mr-olive.net/

HARDY AMIES AW 2013 CAMPAIGN

I came across this photo campaign from our friends at Style Stands Alone.  Hardy Amies has come out with a sweet line of rugged yet sharp looks for the fall/winter.  Their mandate of looking like you've put thought into your style of dress, yet once you've got it on, you've forgotten all about it; is a perfect way to be stylish but not look as though you are trying too had.  Check out the full campaign at StyleStandsAlone

WMCFW Wrap Up

So World Mastercard Fashion Week in Toronto has come to an end. I had a great time getting back into the fashion scene again, and am looking forward March when the F/W 14 shows will take place. Keep it classy everyone, see you next year.

Thomas Balint WMCFW

Billabong Grinder Shirt

This long sleeve flannel shirt from Billabong's Garage Collection is a perfect look for fall, combining super soft heathered navy flannel and a print front pocket that adds colour and texture.  It combines the vintage look Billabong has been going for the last few years with a little bit of a tribal influence, and would not look out of place at your local gastropub or the beach.  Check it out here http://ca.billabong.com/shop/product/mens-shirts/grinder-ls?color=NVY

Punch Laundry Bag

Laundry day comes for most people once a week, and while there are those of us that may not mind spending their afternoon separating whites and colours, the rest of us may need a way to take out our frustrations from missing out on the day.  That's where the Punch Laundry Bag comes into play.  Hang this bad boy up in your house and not only do you have a discrete way in which to hide your dirty unmentionables, but you have a pretty solid way to work on your right hook.  Check them out at http://www.gentsupplyco.com/punch-laundry-bag

Game Set Match, Lacoste

If you're like us and spend your Saturday perfecting your one handed back hand, then it's time for you to wear you love of tennis across your chest.  This Lacoste l!ve ultra slim-fit embroidered sweatshirt comes adorned with the phrase "Jeu Set et Match", perfect for next year's French Open, or for a trip to your local watering hole.  Find it online at Lacoste L!ve

RVCA Swim 2014 Sneak Peak

Check out this peak into RVCA's swim line for 2014.  www.rvca.com

Supreme Fall/Winter 2013 Lookbook

The Supreme F/W 13 lookbook is out online, and offers a sweet look into the New York based streetwear lines direction for the coming season.  Their offering consists of athletic inspired gear with autumn colours, and cold weather city life inspired looks.

Supreme will also be working with the estate of artist Jean-Michel Basquait on a collection highlighting Basquait and his works.  Check it out at http://www.supremenewyork.com/

Workwear/Streetwear for F/W13

This fall, the idea of functional, authentic workwear has permeated itself within the designs of many fashion lines.  From heavy knit sweaters and thick canvas bags, to Denim shirts and utility jackets, this fall the functionality of workwear is really coming out in many interesting way.  Brands like Lifetime Collective, Vans, Element, and Us Verses Them have all come out with some wicked takes on the workwear theme. Check out a few of the pieces we really like here

http://www.usversusthem.com/store/

http://www.lifetimecollective.com/Mens-Collection-p-1-c-3513.html