I know spring is on the way but don’t let this 10 degree weather fool you.  If history is any indicator we will soon receive a final whiteout of snow before months end and than trudge through sludge and mud until mid April or the arrival of more summer like weather in May.  This is why I am going to give one last hoorah for boots.
 
Through fall 2009 and winter 2010 we have witnessed the re-emergence of the great Red Wings style boots.  The boot I will be plugging today …

 
So even though we just got a fresh dumping of snow here in Toronto, we can start look forward to fresh and bright colours accompanying the warm weather ahead. Last summer plaids and bright madras started sneaking into our closets but this summer there will be a complete takeover. Expect to start seeing lads dressed as members of the Socs from The Outsiders.
 
Not only are they light and breathable but brightly coloured madras button downs look great in warm sunny weather when paired with a navy blazer and jeans or …

Use the Force.

 
I’m going to go ahead and ignore the claims of men not being inclined to use Dove. Because we all know that men often tend to mooch beauty goodness off of their female counter parts / mates. So here’s what I propose: you accept it, and you get on board. Dove Men+Care (well, in short, Dove Men) has launched and it’s playing off of the aforementioned idea. And I like it. It’s fresh smelling, it’s masculine enough to offset the Dove name, and they genuinely have some good offerings (well, …

Looking to spend the night, you need a weekender.

 
Sweet shoes that are street savvy. They call it CIPHERISM – a new Hong Kong based luxury lifestyle shoes. With emphasis on sharp, contrasted black and whites, sophisticated lines. Back to the basics, if you will. Except with memory foam insoles (niiice). Comes in three major styles; Seditionary, Subterranean, and Libertine. The draw? They’re presented in a way that’s so slick, I wouldn’t mind wearing a pair out and about (sure beats the mass market Vans and Chucks).
 
Here’s their official blurb:
 

CIPHER is an international urban lifestyle brand offering luxurious lifestyle …

 
A social figure on the local circuit, Dan Levy is the co-host of the ever quality MTV Aftershow segment (MTV Canada that is). Just had to say that while running around online I happened across his Facebook Fan Page which was rich in great shots of him in even greater threads. Boys, take cues – detailed military light grey jacket, plaid tie, cognac belt and perfectly distressed jeans make for the ideal outfit.
 
He’s given me just cause to love nerd glasses, most especially when paired with a leather jacket and …

 
Photographer: Justin Wu
Graphic Artist: Jerome Goumard
Model: River (Major Paris)
 
More awesomeness from Justin Wu, this time in collaboration with friend Jerome. They say experimentation is key – photography blended with graphic arts is an experiment gone well. I’m not too sure how much more glamourous than “this photo was shot on the rooftops of Paris with clothes sourced from Damir Doma F/W 09″. V. V. Cool.

 
LIZARES is an emerging men’s ready-to-wear line, under the creative direction of Brian Maristela. Maristela happens to be a keeper of an interesting bio – born and raised in Sudbury, a top graduate of Fashion Design at Fanshawe college, and integrates his Filipino roots into design (cultural materials). The makings of something refreshingly original.
 
The mission? “To create timeless, powerful pieces that appeal to the likes of global opinion leaders and style makers”.
 
The line is new (started in 2009), crisp, meticulously detailed, and a welcomed edginess. It debuted at LG Fashion …

 
I have to admit severe confusion during this show. From the stock imagery of Canadiana to a electric guitar infused rendition of our beloved national anthem, Gotstyle put on a show that was somewhat baffling. The concept was centered around the Gotstyle Menswear store presenting distinctly Canadian brands, creating a series of mini-shows.
 
I didn’t manage to get good snaps of this one, but I had to post the image above with the giant camping-style backpack that no man should ever practically wear. Sarah Nicole Prickett said it best in this …