Thom Browne

Thom Browne

Something about this designer that gets to me. Maybe its the quality of his clothing. The details. His take on true classic Americana Menswear or maybe its because he makes clothes one size smaller ideal for men that are 5'4 - 5'9. Thom Browne is known for transforming the ordinary suit into something more modern, slim, cut short, and unexpectedly sharp, with that his clothes are recognized by the American tri colour grosgrain detail he puts on his clothes. Even this New York based brand is making its way to the Asian pacific getting much recognition for his menswear. I can't blame the popularity in the east his clothes just fit and the style & quality is remarkable. Also did you know Thom Browne once worked for the creative end at Club Monaco, a brand owned by the Ralph Lauren group before he started doing his own thing. So without his influence in Club Monaco, the brand would probably not be as popular as it is now. Just take a look and see. You probably noticed the inspiration of classic staples in Club Monaco's clothing with the basic oxford shirts, plaids, flannels, suits cut slim with classic details and clothes tailored down to fit better than it was before in the 90's, transforming the brand to its casual New York American style it is known for today. Thom Browne is definitely one of my favourite designers out there, making such a huge impact in menswear from working with the Ralph Lauren group to designing Brooks Brothers new label 'Black Fleece' and launching his own brand. He stays true to his classic American roots, which shows how greatly appreciated he is as an American designer.

MA-1 Flight Bomber Jacket

MA-1 Flight Jacket 

This jacket is my current clothing obsession right now, maybe it's because I've been too inspired watching classic military movies or the stealth look it as, the details, the simplicity. Whatever it may be this jacket is a timeless piece and will always be one of my favorite outerwear clothing.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year to all

 I promise to post more on this blog in 2013, I have new plans for the new year. Hope everyone has a good time tonight!.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! to everyone and all my followers

oh the weather outside is getting colder, suggestions to keep yourself warm

The weather has been getting to the point where you can't even walk out with just a sweater or a shirt anymore. Here is a list of pieces to keep yourself warm but with style through the winter.

Quilted Jacket

(Mens Barbour Millton quilted jacket)

A quilted jacket is great piece for those chilly windy days. Quilted jackets are engineered to keep the wind out and keep the heat inside. Some quilted jackets are waterproof as well. Compared to other winter jackets, the great thing about quilted jackets is that they can be very light and not thick like the others, which means to say this jacket will keep you warm and stylish with its fitted shape unlike other jackets that puffy and oversized.

Wool patterned scarf

(J.Crew fair isle scarf)

A scarf is always essential for proper winter clothing. Go grab yourself  not just an ordinary scarf but a thick wool scarf like a lambswool one. Pick nice patterns for winter like fair isle prints, plaid, solids  or floral. Whatever suits you or gives your winter clothing a good stylish lift.

Leather Gloves

No leather gloves are not just for old people. I see people wear cotton gloves and complain about it not being warm enough and waterproof. Well if you are going to be touching snow or going to be out in wet cold weather, a leather gloves will probably solve the problem. Most heavy duty gloves are somewhat made out of non permeable leather whether its from animal skin or synthetic. Leather gloves like this will keep you warm but will also give you maneuverability with a elegant style. Not saying black leather gloves like these will do you for the snowboarding or skiing in the mountains but atleast it will casually beat the cold and wet weather. Buy gloves specifically for what activity your intending to do during winter whether its for casual days for keeping you warm or for winter activities out in the mountains, just make sure its leather not those cheap knitted cotton or wool gloves that get wet when you touch snow all the time.

Winter Parka

(Woolrich snow terrain parka)

Nothing but a good ol' long winter parka. The good thing about these jackets is there abit long compared to your average winter jacket. With that said parkas usually cover 3/4 of your body, from your head down to  your knees leaving you warm through the winter especially in places with higher elevation like the mountains.

Beanies

(Carhartt beanie)

You always need to cover your head during these cold winter days. Don't just get an ordinary beanie but something nice and basic but at the same time a brand that has a reputation for good quality winter accessories like Carhartt,  North Face, Patagonia, Penfield, etc. 

Wool Pants

(Norse Projects military trouser)

Nothing is more warm and appropriate like a pair of nice wool trousers. Unlike ordinary cotton pants, wool trousers will keep you warm and comfortable without having to sacrifice that casual work attire for those weekdays at your job. There are many choices of woolblends from tweeds, to thick wool, thin, lined, cashmere or mohair blends.

Fashion shops and boutiques in Vancouver

Here is my list of places, shops, and boutiques to visit here in Vancouver. Whether your looking for brand name clothing, accessories, shoes or places to wander, this list is a must to visit. Male or Female. Westcoast has it all here...


Alife
Founded in the streets of New York with only 2 locations in North America. Vancouver's Gastown is now proud to carry this streetwear brand. So for all you skaters, streetwear, hip hop enthusiasts, you best bet to check out this store.
http://www.alifenyc.com/

Brooks Brothers
The classic business and casual American clothier. There is so much history in this brand from the early 19th hundreds, the 60s decade leading up to today. Your grandparents probably have clothes from here. This brand is one of the oldest clothing brand still existing today in North America with only 3 major locations in Canada. Looking to buy a well made suit and a fine cravat, if you do you can't deny that this classic brand will make you feel like your buying a piece of history.
http://www.brooksbrothers.com/

Dutil
Your destination for name brand jeans like Nudie, A.P.C, Naked and Famous  and much more. If you love denim, this is the right place for you. 
http://www.dutildenim.com/

Gravity Pope
Just imagine a garden with beautiful plants and trees. The store is literally equivalent to that but with shoes. For Men or Women, this place is going to blow you away with the variety of brands and styles to choose from. Rag & Bone, Adidas, Vans, Michael Kors, A. Wang, Isabel Marant, Grenson, Churches, Redwings, Clarks, Opening Ceremony etc. They even have there own line. Whatever brand your looking for, Gravity Pope's got your covered.
http://www.gravitypope.com/

Haven
With brands like Wtaps, Undercover, Comme des Garçons, Sophnet, Junya Watanabe, Reigning Champ. Japanese streetwear enthusiasts and others, your not going to want to miss this store. These are only some of the brands they sell, there is so much more. If your looking into coping or seeing that new line of heritage, americana or Japanese street wear. You best mark this store as a destination.
http://havenshop.ca/

Holt Renfrew
The high end luxury chain with 9 locations and expanding across Canada. Similar to that of Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys Newyork. Holt Renfrew carries the most popular high end brands out there in the market. Hugo Boss, Dolce and Gabbana, Chanel, Louis Vuitton,  Givenchy, Burberry, Helmut lang and much more.
http://www.holtrenfrew.com/

Hudsons Bay Downtown
Not your usual The Bay. This Flagship store is equip with a six story high building, carrying more designer brands and services to you with a showroom style on each floor than any other Hudsons Bay department store. Toronto's Queen st. and Vancouvers Granville st. locations are the only Bay stores that feature "The Room" which offers more brands and collections from popular international designers.
http://www.thebay.com/
http://brandsearch.thebay.com/store/vancouver-downtown-B1101-EN.html

Inventory
The well known Japanese menswear, culture and craft magazine. Headquarters found right here in the heart of Gastown's style district. The place shares high quality garments and crafts. Heritage brands like Engineer Garments, Margaret Howell, Woolrich Woolen Mills, Redwing, Carhartt, etc. Here is the place you have to go if you want to know the history and creation of well made products from local and international designers. 
http://www.inventorymagazine.com/

Misch on S. Granville
Beautiful and Elegant Womens fashion boutique. 
http://www.misch.ca/

Neighbour
Located in Gastown, this small shop would probably be one of the simplest unique store you'll ever come across. Filled with great garments, accessories, shoes from designers and local brands and what not, its one place your not going to miss around the block.
http://www.shopneighbour.com/

Robson Street Shopping District & Pacific Centre
The shopping strip were you want to be in downtown. Fashion brands, apparel, cosmetic stores, accessories, travel necessities and more. This three block stretch has it all in a walking distance. Pacific Centre the most popular mall in Vancouver.
http://www.robsonstreet.ca/
http://www.pacificcentre.ca/

Roden Gray
With top designer brands like Thom Browne, Band of Outsiders, Givenchy, Adam Kimmel etc, you may just call this place Menswear heaven. They also carry the well known heritage brand Vancouver's one and only "Wings + Horns", made right here in the westcoast. Whether your looking for high quality luxury clothing, suiting, casual wear, streetwear or techwear, whatever it may be, this store has all you need to put versatility in your wardrobe. 
http://rodengray.com/shop/index.php

Topshop
The U.K based brand is now available on Canadian soil and planning to expand east. Located by Granville station inside The Bay. This is currently the largest Topshop/Topman international store outside of the U.K.
http://www.topshop.com/
http://www.topman.com/

West 4th District Kitsilano 
Just a couple blocks from Kitsilano beach. This shopping strip has the best selection of fashion stores, boutiques, specialty services, eatery, lounges and much more all in one street. A nice place to spend time especially during the summers here. 
http://www.shopwest4th.com/


Note: I know this list is not complete but the places I've listed are personally my favourite shops, boutiques and places to go in Vancouver. There are many other independent local stores and places out there, but these are the most popular and talked about places to shop for clothes, accessories, shoes and to go out that I know. Now go enjoy and visit these stores and places when here in Vancouver!.

Sorry for the delay, here are some pictures of the home show event I worked at. This was my first time going inside BC Place, its definitely a large stadium, different from the ones i've been too. It was great working in a tradeshow atmosphere, especially when there's alot of interests going into the showrooms, booths, and venues. It makes the experience even better.

Come find me, I will be working in a venue this upcomming weekend!