It’s funny that I’m now venturing down the substack path after openly saying how everyone seems to have one to express their opinions, thoughts, and whatever other synonyms.
Eventually, after receiving many messages like “ID on pants?”, along with other less-respectful ones, it made realize that starting a substack can actually be really helpful.
I could do something positive for society. Finally.
When it comes to style, I’ve always been a believer in scavenging through the internet, lookbooks, runway shows and online shops to find a style, or look, that you resonate with. The older I get, the more I feel like you should just .. do whatever you find easiest and most helpful. If that includes DMing someone “ID on pants” after seeing them throw on a bangin’ pair of trousers - big pant discussion coming soon - then power to you. Send that DM and get the ball rolling.
We’ve got places to be, kids to feed, or in my case, hockey games to watch. Yes, I watch hockey. Suuuuuuuuuuurpriseeeeee.
Enough yapping. I want this to be easily digestible for you, my new faithful subscriber, but also for myself. It can feel intimidating at times when exploring this, for the lack of a better word, realm. No need for archival clothing talk and vernacular, nor are we going to do deep dives into designers, brands, etc.
I’m sure others share the same sentiment, but Tik Tok is the route to take if you’re wanting condensed, yet informative, content that covers the fashion landscape - new and old. By going down this route, I have felt somewhat lesser for not being as in-the-know about your favourite Japanese designers, or how to properly take care of your selvedge denim (I still don’t know if I can be honest). So, because of this, I wanted to come up with something accessible that doesn’t bite. Just gums, no teeth.
(If you want great long-form content, Youtube is still, and always will be, my go-to)
Luckily, there are a handful of highly knowledgable, talented and lovely people such as Ashantéa, Wesley, and my Canadian king, Nolan White, with work that can educate you and leave you wanting to explore this netherrealm wonderful world of fashion a bit more.
Alright, we’re going to kick things off with four picks.
Boiled Wool Jacket by Professor.E
There’s only one size left and it’s my size, so whoever picks this up - you will be shunned for a few days. Just know that.
The boiled wool jacket reminds me of CDGH+, but for a fraction of the price, and with a better fit for us mid-size boys. The overall design of the garment is one that’s timeless, yet eccentric with it’s button placket design.
I’m also a sucker for a boxy-fit jacket. Someone pick it up, or else my girlfriend will sit me down and host an intervention for me to discuss my obsession with boxy jackets.
Remaining Sizes: L
Honestly, one of the hardest shoes I’ve seen yet it’s nowhere to be seen in Canada.
Not that shocking, but still.
It was tough letting this sit at The Broken Arm when I visited in the summer. I remember holding them, tilting them until the price tag was slightly visible; taking a deep breath and exhaling after seeing how much they cost.
If you’ve got the extra shells to splurge on these, I highly recommend picking a pair up. I could see Cailee Spaeny wearing this as she’s running away from the 7’7” alien that has haunted my dreams since watching Romulus. (open for cute photo of moo deng)
Remaining Sizes: 5US - 13 US
Mazzy Polo Fuzzy Alpaca Sweater by Our Legacy
Over the last few months, I’ve been moving towards having a more durable and wearable wardrobe after years of impulsively buying pieces because of its pleating, or being incredibly oversized. Now, as a 30-year old man (Christ, I just remembered I’m 30), I’m appreciating the basics more and building up a selection that can be mixed and matched without thinking.
Overthinking about what I wanted to wear was my biggest problem. I’m in a much better place now with my wardrobe and finally feel comfortable wearing the same sweater four days in a row.
BoF mentioned how fashion was shifting back to simplicity prior to the pandemic, but then covid happened and y’all started wearing y2k country fits. Anyway, I love the simplicity of this piece, it’s easily layer-able/wearable, and the collar + buttons do add a bit of flare. Subtle flare, u know?
Remaining Sizes: 36, 38
Picture this. you’re on a date at (insert whatever wine bar or watering hole you go frequent) and your date asks you go to back to your place. Right there, it hits you - you spent the last 4 hours before the date playing Pokemon Unite and your apartment smells like a wet napkin(?).
Now, as you’re panicking, you come to the realization that you read this ridiculous Substack and picked up the candle I recommended.
Guess what, you’re all good! No need to worry!
Moral of the story is: pick this candle up. I’ve had three and I’m aiming to get a fourth because of how good it smells with hints of patchouli, cedar-wood amber, and whatever else this put in this thing. It bangs. That’s all you need to know.
Additional Picks:
A.PRESSE Cashmere Blend Work Jacket
Size: 2, 3Lemaire Brown Twisted Shirt
Size: XLUjoh Random Hem Gathered Skirt (so good)
Size: MComme des Garçons Homme Plus Layered Shorts
Size: 34
Cecile Bahnsen x ASICS Gel-Quantum 360
Size: 4 - 4.5, 6.5 - 10W
Paracia Mid-Heel Derby Washed Leather
Size: 37, 38, 39, 43, 45, 46
Size: II - V
IDEA Books ‘Sorry I Don’t Work Here’ Hat
OS
(Pre-Owned) Noir Kei Ninomiya Puff Poet Sleeve Shirt (sooooo good)
Size: M
(Pre-Owned) Dries Van Noten Silk Printed Midi Skirt
Size: EU38
(Pre-Owned) Lou Reed ‘Rock & Roll Animal’ Shirt
Size: L
This one was inspired by one of Tanner Dean’s recent outfits. Love u Tanner.
I will note that if there’s something you’re looking for, please feel free to connect with me via DM and I’ll do my best to find it for you, and a few alternatives if needed.
Fall/Winter Inspiration
As of right now, my main weakness is layering, and the reason why is due to the majority of my wardrobe being oversized. I’m not saying that it’s a bad thing. I mean, take a peek at Hed Mayner’s collections:
Personally, I love Hed Mayner and have used them as inspiration for the last few years, and I’ve bought several oversized pieces because of this. However, as someone who struggles with body dysmorphia (yay) regularly, it is difficult trying to layer it up without feeling frustrated in the end because of how frumpy it looks.
Sometimes I’d just look in the mirror and feel like a stack of kids hiding under a pile of clothes; trying to sneak into an R-rated film. Thoughts on Joker: Folie a Deux? DM me.
Anyway, I’m finding a better balance now between oversized and fitting garments, and I have found a few pieces that have expedited that process. The biggest W being a cashmere sweater by The Row for just over $200. Even the staff were shocked by its price.
With this new direction, my main inspo is Lemaire’s Fall 2024 collection. Before you even say it, I know that some of these fits are still oversized, but we’re still weening off the oversized look - take it easy!
Favourite Looks: 5, 6, 16, 19, 22, 24, 28, 31, 40, 44 and 53.
Bottega Veneta’s latest show is also up on the inspo-board as (almost) every look was a home run. Unfortunately, not everyone’s got Bottega money, so I will be looking for cheaper alternatives. For example, there’s a more affordable option similar to the jacket on the left. The Short Mac Coat by Camiel Fortgens, currently on sale at Neighbour.
Finally, the first half of Saint Laurent’s SS25 show was strong, and there are a few looks that come to mind as I write this (looks 12 and 31). The latter half of the collection lost me a little, though they weren’t necessarily bad. Colour choices were good; would like to read the show notes when I have the time, if there are any.
Oh, and I’d like to make it clear that I had originally predicted Glenn Martens to Margiela many months ago. If it does happen, I will be taking that W.
Well, that’s a wrap! If you found this helpful, please consider sharing this with your friends, or your therapist, in case you feel like I’d make a good patient.
Music Picks:
Don’t Blow It - Cliff Martinez
Love Don’t Live Here Anymore - Sharon Forrester
I’m Not - Panda Bear
Las Vegas Man - Suicide
III - John Carroll Kirby
Scorpio - James K & Hoodie
The Entire Silent Hill 3 OST by Akira Yamaoka
Watching: Entourage - S8:E5
OOTD
Fit: Sage Nation Mackenzie Knit Sweater, Comme des Garçons Homme Plus Distressed Panel Shorts, Comme des Garçons Homme New Balance 1906R and Paa Floppy Ballcap (RIP Paa).
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Thank you!
paa shut down?