The Big Wreck/Thornley and A Note On Hipsters

If I wasn't so drunk  I'd probably attempt to take a better picture...

I saw The Big Wreck @ The Sound Academy on the weekend. The opening act (Toronto's own Ko Kapches) really set the bar in my opinion. It was my first time hearing him and I became an instant fan. Loved his music, very passionate and real. I'd like to thank dimples for telling me who he is. And I'd also like to thank her for keeping me company for most of the night ;) His set put me in that head bobbin' mood! The night started off early thanks to his music, I'm sure everyone else at the venue felt the same way too. Definitely co-signing him (no pun intended). Check after the jump for a link to his music. Once Ko finished up, it was time for the main attraction...The Big Wreck! Let me tell you, the music was deafening, the songs were on point and the solo's left me in a stupor. It was everything a great rock concert should be! They played all the hits (and my favourite, "The Oaf") as well as an insane encore which included a cover of Pink Floyd's "The Wall".
I woke up the next morning without a voice and thankfully, without a hangover (shout outs to Pho Do Thi for saving my life on weekly basis).

Now, I was going to rant about all the sheeple *cough*hipsters*cough at the concert on the weekend...but, I'm feeling good right now, sipping on some hot cocoa and listening to some Ko. I don't want to ruin a perfect winter morning with a venomous tirade. All I'm going to say is, at one point in time, plaid was my favourite colour (yes, thats how much I loved it - I considered it a colour and not a pattern). My love for plaid developed after hearing Biggie mention it in Juicy, "The red and black lumberjack, with the hat to match". I remember thinking to myself, "Wow, my favourite rapper and I have something in common, we both have the red and black lumberjacks!" As juvenile as it sounds, it's true. I must of been like 10 years old but it stuck with me for quite some time. But god damn....you hipsters killed it for me. You killed a part of my childhood.
I will admit though, for every 10 plaid wearing skinny jean hipster there's at least 1 with style. That is all. End of rant.

Eye Candy: Girls with Side Braids ♥

This is kind of an odd post though. I know it says Eye Candy...but there's no cleavage or booties, sorry! I saw a girl the other day and she had her hair in a side braid.  There was something quietly confident and sexy about her. It was also refreshing to see something a bit different. With all these new trends and styles bombarding the masses we sometimes forget how beautiful the simpler things are. Enjoy :)

Freshest Fade in Mississauga: GQ Hair Studio

You can't beat a fresh haircut. It speaks volumes. Essentially, having a fresh cut translates into being a well groomed person. A vibe you should definitely look to give off. My personal haircut of choice is the fade. Number 3 on the top and 0 at the bottom. I've had several different hairstyles in the past but I always gravitate back to this time-tested classic. It suits my head shape, it's very easy to maintain, it's a staple of  hip hop culture and most importantly, women love it! :)
Now, I've been to a few different barber shops and salons in my time and hands down, the best haircut in Mississauga can be found at GQ Hair Studio. I've been to the Trinabago's, Nappy's, Donato's and even *gasps* First Choice's but nothing quite compares. I'm not saying those places are horrible, but if you're looking for a new barber or you're looking to get your first fade, GQ is a great place to start. Here's why...

1. They know how to cut hair! Everyone there is skilled at what they do and have a passion for cutting hair. On top of that, they're cool dudes.
2. They speak ENGLISH! No offense to any Jamaican/Caribbean barber shops out there but I have no clue what you're saying. I can try and front like I understand patois but I can't. I wish I could speak it though...so damn cool! Conversation and communication are key anywhere you go. Whether it's giving directions on how you want your haircut or complaining about your girlfriend's ridiculous demands, conversation in the barbershop is conducive to a great haircut experience.
3. Atmosphere: As mentioned above, there's always some sort of conversation going around. They also play some crazy tunes (house, hip hop, top 40 mashups). And you can wait around in comfort - leather couches and a flat screen (playing jersey shore or xbox 360).

Definitely check it out! You will not regret it. And I know I'll get asked but no, they did not put me up to this. The reason I dedicated a post to GQ Hair Studio is because it's a great barber shop in Mississauga. I've recommended it to a lot of friends and they're regulars too now.

Everybody Loves Vintage Pt. 2

Here are a few pieces (gems :)) I've found during my thrift store excursions.I'll post some of the accessories I've found as well....eventually.

Found this at the Art of Re-Use sale in Feb

Not too shabby for $19

One of my favourite purchases. I cant wait for Fall to come around again so I can rock my denim jacket!

Great way to add an extra layer, and look hella cool in the process. Definitely going to swap out the blue shirt for a blue denim shirt when I get one. Denim galore! 

Think I picked this up for $9 or $10

My treasure :)

Bought it because I liked the buttons. I mentioned in another post, girls pay attention to detail. They  love my buttons haha

Keep it slick and clean, buy yourself a pea coat. I don't think I can ever go back to those bulky ski jackets. Unless I'm going skiing of course. Wonder if people ski in pea coats though...hmmm

Everybody Loves Vintage

Prelude to Interim (Documentary) from The Art of Re-use on Vimeo.

I never understood the concept of "thrift shopping". And to be honest, I viewed it quite negatively. Why would I want to buy second hand clothing? But after watching the video above, I had a whole new take on thrift stores and thrift shopping in general. I checked out last Art of Re-use event back in Feb at The Mascot in Toronto. There were definitely some great items, I had my eye on a duffel bag but some chick, who moved deceptively fast, snatched it before I could even get close. Seriously, if I knew she was so nimble on her feet, I would of pulled a Nancy Kerrigan. Luckily for me it didn't come to that because there were plenty of great items in the shop. I was able to pick up a blue cardigan and a brown belt. Will be posting pics in the next post, along with other gems I've found during my thrift excursions.

I'd like to thank The Art of Re-use team for everything they're doing! I'll definitely be at the next event.

The two 2 things that stand out to me the most about this concept though is the savings and the uniqueness of the items. Trust me when I tell you, finding a gem in a thrift store is the equivalent of getting what you have always wanted for Christmas. Simply because of the work you have to go through to find it. Secondly, there's a good chance no one else will have that same item. And finally, double checking the price tag to make sure your not seeing things. Yes, that pea coat is $19.

And just a warning to anyone who's new to thrift shopping....It can become an addiction, shop responsibly ;)

I'm Back

It's been a long time, and I shouldn't have left you, without a strong style to step to. Been gone for way to long, but thanks to a couple of cuties in a coffee shop, I'm back with a vengeance >:)
The video is completely unrelated but it gets me pumped!!!

Cut Your Damn Nails!

The world's greatest hand model, J.P. Prewitt

Today's post is of the utmost importance. Women pay attention to detail, they get off on it. I've heard it time and time again, "Its the little things that count". Whether it's in a relationship or with clothing, they notice the little things. Can the ever attentive female tell the difference between a Hugo Boss dinner jacket and a well tailored off-the-rack no-name brand one? Chances are, they both look good to her.
I will however, guarantee, that the grime and boogers lodged in your fingernails will be one of the first things she notices about you. And effectively strike you off her, "To Do List".
Fortunately for us men, nail care isn't all that hard or expensive. Head over to the dollar store, buy some nail clippers and a nail-file and we're pretty much set. Keep it short and keep it clean (unlike this post). If you have some mangled fingernails...like you've been working the oil fields all day, get a manicure. I know, I cringe at the thought, but its a necessary evil. Do it once, just to get your game on track.

LMAO

This is my mission: To make sure no one has to see you like this. Ever.
What the hell is up with dudes tie?

Saturday Style Stimulus: Pharrell

On a side note, if you ever decide to wear a pocket square (shouldn't really be a choice. pocket square = WIN) keep an eye on it! They tend to puff up and explode out of pocket.

Desert Boots

Looking forward to buying my first pair of Desert Boots next week!! Thinking of going with brown or beeswax.These are a perfect addition to any wardrobe, especially for the Fall season. They're simple and stylish yet they also have a ruggedness to them. Probably because they were born out of war (quite bad ass). It's a very versatile boot that can pair up nicely with just about anything - denim to dressier trousers.

Looks like the damage will be around $120-$130 (Stoneridge Yorkdale). But I'll update if I find anything cheaper.