tomcatfashion-blog

[tomcatfashion-blog]

CHRIS & MR. HAWAII

Two things that pleases us here at Tomcat 1. A man who fully and whole heartedly adores his cat (framed pictures to prove it) and 2. A man who rescued his cat when it was a complete and utter shambles in the humane society. Chris is a free lance editor for film and television who will be stepping from behind the screen to in front of it accompanied by none other than Mr. Hawaii. Needless to say we can't wait to see this dapper duo on MTV's "Creeps".

Tell us a little about your day to day life?

I'm a freelance film and television editor, so I'm always on the go. Lately, I've been working at home just as much as other places. Basically, I can pack a lot into my day.

Wake up before sunrise. Shower, coffee, squeeze the cat, head to work. If I'm working at home, it's just coffee, squeeze the cat, spend the day in joggers shirtless, just like Adam from Girls.

Night time, most likely more work. If not, off to the gym. Summertime, I'm usually skateboarding somewhere or looking for a beer. Around midnight, go out for a run. I don't sleep much.

I don't take very many breaks, but when I do, I like taking little adventure trips. It's the best outlet for ideas.

Last year, I took off to South East Asia for 2... 3 months? I can't remember. I left the cat with these two girls I knew. I come back, and they had Mr. Hawaii in a diamond studded collar, this sparkly brush... I mean, they just pampered this cat like he was some kind of princess goddess. As you can see, I've let him keep a few things.

Your house is burning down, you’re going back in. What from your wardrobe do you grab?

If my building was burning down, I'd grab my Roots joggers, and my Nike Flyknit trainers. No shirt. Just like Adam from Girls. Just this, because I would be the guy running back into the building carrying old ladies out like Forrest Gump did Commander Dan. Plus, the Flyknit Trainers are the most beautiful runner to ever step foot into the shoe game. Mr. Hawaii would probably save the three legged dog from down the hall. He's brave like that.

Mr. Hawaii's collar is from Global Pet Foods in Liberty Village. I had to get it to let him feel pampered.

Oh, and Mr. Hawaii and I will be on the show MTV Creeps on MTV April 4th at 9:00pm I believe.. We're entered the show to pitch a new show. I can't tell you much, but tune in.

Chris' Outfit: Shirt, Uniqlo in Japan. Pants, Timpana. Watch, Swatch.

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[tomcatfashion-blog]

ROSE & NEFF

Rose is a creative soul who can often be found at her charming vintage store on Dundas and Ossington 'Bridge + Bardot' that she co-owns with sisters Gurjeet & Gagan. When she is not in store altering great vintage finds, she is either playing with her little nephew or creating wonderful pieces of art for various projects. It is nice to see someone readily embracing spring/summer with bright colours and bold prints, even her cat has lost its winter coat!

Every morning I visit my sister & nephew. Children slow down time and put everything in perspective. I then either work at the vintage boutique, Bridge + Bardot, which I started this summer with 2 sisters, Gurjeet & Gagan Bassi. Or I go to my studio, which I share with nine other artists. At B+B I focus on the general look of the shop, as well as fixing up the clothes to put out on the floor. At the studio I do design work with The New BEAT, as well as art work for varying shows, including a collaboration this summer with my sister, Joy.

What is your favorite outlet for clothes?

Vintage anything. I'm a crazy vintage shopper, I hunt in Value Village, Goodwill and Salvation Army. Obviously also Bridge + Bardot. At B+B we make sure to keep our prices fair, and find gems for vintage shoppers who don't have time to hunt!

Your house is burning down, you’re going back in. What from your wardrobe do you grab?

MY LEATHER JACKET. It's obviously never going out of style. And can be worn all year long.

Rose's Outfit: Floral blazer and crop top, vintage. Blue maxi skirt, topshop. Yellow blazer, vintage. Leopard blouse, vintage. Leggings, american apparel. Leopard cardigan, vintage. Pink shoes, vintage. 

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OUTFIT POST : SPRING TRANSITIONING

March marks that awkward period of time where you're buying spring clothes but there's still tons of snow on the ground and the temperature definitely does not permit showing off your new denim cut offs. So, you have to make a compromise with your wardrobe. Pair some of your more summery garments in lighter pastel shades with distressed denim and add a wool sweater to incorporate a spring look whilst remaining cozy. Brown ankle boots and a navy coat that's gotten you through the winter help this look remain practical. Winter is really dragging on at this point and it can be easy to get lazy with your wardrobe. Take this "limbo" period of the seasons as a time to experiment with your clothes and mix items from different seasons!

Chantalle's outfit: Navy coat, vintage. Wool sweater, Wilfred Free. Silk dress, Wilfred. Denim, Levis. Boots, Topshop. Ring, family heirloom.

[tomcatfashion-blog]

DAVID & BENNY

David is breaking into the weird and wonderful world of the pop industry under the title of Prince Caspian with songs written from personal experience mixed with upbeat catchy melodies that are easy on the ears. He is another young person living the double life of keeping a day job and working hard to fulfill their potential and doing justice to their talent. We shall most definitely be considering David as one to watch in 2013.

Tell us a little about your day to day life?

My day to day life lately revolves around waking up, making coffee, and then making my way to the studio, where I'm currently recording my first ever full length album. Routine wise, I'm a pretty big hermit... I stay in a lot writing songs or watching movies. I like comic books, and have recently discovered I have an obsession with Popeye's chicken. SO when I venture out it's usually in search of one of those two things.

What is your favorite outlet for clothes?

I really only shop out of necessity. Not to say that I don't think about 'lookin cool'... But I find I wait until the last possible minute to make a purchase, or wait until a specific event forces me to buy something new. I really like Timeless Apparel down at Queen and Spadina, and last summer got a faux army jacket from 69vintage which I still find myself wearing all the time. Other than that I feel like most of my clothes are stolen from American Apparel.

Your house is burning down, you’re going back in. What from your wardrobe do you grab?

I don't have much in the way of valuable threads... so if I was heading back into the blaze for something, I'd probably grab my room mate Liam. He's one of the greatest producers I've ever met, and it's just not his time to go.

David's outfit: Shirt, American Apparel, Pants, Zara, Shoes, Timeless Apparel, Jacket, 69Vintage

**DOWNLOAD TWO OF DAVID'S AWESOME ALBUMS HERE FOR FREE!! **

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ALICIA & PERCY 

Alicia, originally from Montreal moved to Toronto at the beginning of summer and works in the film industry for White Pine Pictures production company. A lover of documentaries and vintage furniture, she is also the owner of one very well poised cat. We aren't supposed to pick favorites with the felines but Percy was so charming and a complete natural infront of the camera. He also deserves a shout out for his drastic weight loss due to his dieting success, well done Percy!

Tell us a little about your day to day life?

I am the assistant to the president of a television and film production company. I work full time doing that and have recently started working on a website for my photography. I'm a huge cinemophile, so my day definitely ends with a movie or documentary.

What is your favorite outlet for clothes?

I'm constantly looking for new places to shop. I'm sort of a bad shopper. Too impatient to try things on and too impatient to wait for clothes in the mail. I normally just stick to what I already own and when I see something I like, I buy it, doesn't matter where it's from.

Your house is burning down, you’re going back in. What from your wardrobe do you grab?

I'd probably take something I would never wear or use. I rarely think straight in the "heat" of the moment.

Alicia's outfit: dress, Kensignton Market, sweater, Olivia Boutique, boots, Doc Marten, ring, Speech, necklace, antique from Grandmother.

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NICOLE & LOLA

This smiling beauty is Nicole Powell. A budding producer beginning what is sure to be a great career in the film and music industry. As a full time worker and student we were glad she was able to squeeze us in with her lovely Lola.

Tell us a little about your day to day life?

Between full time school, work and various film projects, I keep pretty busy. I'm at Ryerson in film and work at CTV. People have surprisingly allowed me to produce a few of their music videos recently, which is nice of them. A typical day would be a 9-5 at work followed by class. Or a production meeting. When I have free time (rare), I spend it in cafes drinking americanos and eating cookies (FAVE FOOD) with my best pals.

What is your favorite outlet for clothes?

Value Village - especially for coats because I am obsessed with them and buy like 10 per season.

Your house is burning down, you’re going back in. What from your wardrobe do you grab?

WHY AM I GOING BACK IN????????????

NIcole's outfit: cardigan, top shop, tank top, american apparel, wolf socks,  top shop, shoes, value village, necklace, boutique in Brooklyn, bracelets, top shop, watch, value village, lipstick, lady danger by mac

[tomcatfashion-blog]

SEVERINE & TUMBLES

Here at tomcat we are always on the prowl for like minded fashion bloggers and Severine of  'Clothed Chameleon' is one we are proud to have as our first featured blogger.

Severine Arend from San Francisco has a style which mixes grunge punk with glamour and vintage elements inspired by the 70's and 80's. Combined with photographs which are either quietly dreamy or extremely fresh in their essence makes for interesting viewing. Check out her feature on Aritzia and click below to view more pictures and her answers to our questions.

Tell us a little about your day to day life?

I work for a clothing store called the Wasteland, we carry a wide variety of vintage and second hand garb, my job inspires me everyday, and its also where most of my attire comes from.

  What is your favorite outlet for clothes?

Wasteland!

Your house is burning down, you’re going back in. What from your wardrobe do you grab?

If my little snail house studio was on fire id probably go down with it, knowing I'd have no time to save all my precious fuzzy coats.

Can you tell us a little bit about your blog and how you got started?

I started blogging when I became fond of the camaraderie between fashion bloggers. I'm also a photographer so I enjoy messing around in photoshop. It's fun but time consuming, so I don't update it as often anymore.

Check out Clothed Chameleon for info on all of Severine's outfits! 

[tomcatfashion-blog]

BOBBY, ANNA & OLIVE

A Tomcat first, our first ever cat owning couple who individually possess a great sense of style! Loves young dream Anna and Bobby who's days are filled with music and moustaches. They were even kind enough to bake us cookie, what an all round treat.

BOBBY

Tell us a little about your day to day life?

I work out of my house, on my music marketing company Young Lions Music Club.  So that means a lot of pajama pants, and a lot of french press coffee.  And trying hard not to get sucked into all of the distractions (read: xbox) that comes with working from home. Anna and I also DJ together, as Summer Fling DJs.  So that takes up some 'day-to-day' some days.

What is your favorite outlet for clothes?

There are a bunch of great picked vintage stores in Toronto.  Among my favourites would be Chosen Vintage and Timeless Apparel.  For new stuff, I'm inclined to check Philistine and The Future of Frances Watson first.  Parkdale represent.

Your house is burning down, you’re going back in. What from your wardrobe do you grab?

I have a big blue wool sweater that seems to be the smartest thing to grab; it'd keep me alive through the coldest of winters.  Also, my Pittsburgh Penguins jersey(s).  Other than that, clothes are kind of just clothes, in my mind - there's a lot of other things I'd grab from my burning apartment before I raided my closet.  

  ANNA

Tell us a little about your day to day life?

I work full-time for Movember, so most of my days are spent talking about moustaches and their unexpected superpowers to raise funds and awareness for men’s health issues like prostate cancer and mental health. I’m a big music fan so I spend basically every waking minute listening to music and then on really good days Bobby and I DJ together as Summer Fling DJs. It’s a lot of fun. In the summer I spend a lot of time by the lake and playing softball and in the winter documentaries & hockey do the trick. Another daily routine is listening to my favourite news podcast, Democracy Now, and cuddling with Olive, of course.

What is your favorite outlet for clothes?

Recycling rules! This is just one reason why I love shopping thrift and vintage. We waste so much of everything these days, so it’s cool to buy something that doesn’t make me feel TOO guilty. Some of my favourite local shops are Chosen, Penny Arcade, Common Sort and House of Vintage. 

Your house is burning down, you’re going back in. What from your wardrobe do you grab?

I guess it’s probably not good to be emotionally attached to clothing, but I’m definitely emotionally attached to my Strokes t-shirt that I got the very first time that I saw the Strokes live. Over the years it has also turned into a good luck charm, so it would make sense that I grab it whilst trying to escape a fire.

Bobby's outfit : Boots, All Saints in Berlin. Pants, Common Sort. T-shirt, Surfer Blood (the band). Jacket, Value Village.

Anna's outfit : Shoes, Vintage Prada. Dress, Common Sort. Hat, Winners. 

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EMILY & ACHILLES 

Emily like so many of us does the noble act of balancing a day job whilst pursing her passions during her free time (photography and learning the ropes of running a gallery). She is a savvy shopper especially when it comes to vintage and bargains that the untrained eye misses out on.

Tell us a little about your day to day life?

When I'm not instagramming flicks of my cat you can most likely find me slinging burgers at W Burger Bar. I also intern at Gallery 44, a photography gallery in the 401 Richmond building. And of course, I'm always running around the city looking for the next best vintage piece.

What is your favorite outlet for clothes?

For basics and day to day items I mostly shop at H&M and Zara, but when I want to find a unique or more special piece I often go to second hand shops or vintage boutiques. Asos.com also has a huge selection of clothes as well as accessories and you can find something at every price point, which is nice when you're on a budget!

Your house is burning down, you’re going back in. What from your wardrobe do you grab?

Well, the first thing that comes to mind is my mothers vintage black suede coat with a fur collar. Its the most beautiful item in my closet and has sentimental value. My rolls of film would most definitely be up there on the list too.

Emily's outfit : Top, UO. Pants, Zara. Jacket, BCBG. Necklace, Zara. Shoes, ASOS.

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 OUTFIT POST : TARTAN

Tartan is plaid’s slightly more sophisticated cousin and is a print that quite simply anyone can wear. With endless different colour schemes, tartan is a traditional print that is also extremely versatile and can be seen everywhere from runways to street style. It can be used subtly in an accessory such as a scarf or in a bolder statement like a full trouser suit. Dressed up or dressed down tartan and plaid prints are standing the test of time. It’s a sure bet to invest in, we will definitely always be keeping at least one version in our closet

[tomcatfashion-blog]

ELISSA & BEA & TINA

Allow me to introduce Elissa Mielke. A Toronto based singer, songwriter, musician, model and not to mention sweetheart. She takes a lot of fashion influence from her beloved Grandmother who mixed printers like no other, (pardon the rhyme). You will definitely be seeing more of this girl, click below to read more.

Tell us a little about your day to day life?

My focus is on making music, so every day is a bit different. Right now I'm trying to master some new loop & distortion pedals I bought. It feels like learning to use a computer for the first time- but I'm slowly improving. I love making music. I take breaks from recording in the neighborhood to meet friends at The Common for coffee. When the recording is complete, it'll be up at www.elissamielke.com.

What is your favorite outlet for clothes?

My favorite places to shop are thift stores in small towns where no one buys the weird/amazing things (ie. sequined jumpsuits) and they are there waiting for me to discover. Some friends just opened a beautifully curated store called Bridge + Bardot of iconic vintage pieces and I find that inspiring too. I like clothing swaps in the city- when people trade things they don't want for new things they love- nothing is wasted and everyone gets something new!

Your house is burning down, you’re going back in. What from your wardrobe do you grab?

  I know it's hypothetical, but I feel like I would never risk my life for my clothes. For me the joy and creativity is in mixing patterns and pieces together, and finding a way to outwardly express who I am becoming. Separately, my clothing might not have much monetary value, but as part of an outfit it makes me happy. I respect fashion and design and delight in it. But clothes are temporary- creativity and personal style are more lasting for me, and those don't burn in fires! I'd rather rescue a kitten or a photo album.

  Elissa'a outfit: Cardigan, pants, top, cat pin, scarf, Value Village. Shoes, from an old Japanese cowboy in a Tokyo alleyway shop. Socks, 100 store in Shibuya, Tokyo. Belt, Mother's, bought in Mexican mennonite village. Rings, flea markets.

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JESSICA & SHLOMO

With such an interesting sense of style you would think we found Jess on the streets of Barcelona, London or perhaps Berlin but alas we actually have her here in Toronto. A fellow blogger she can often be found rummaging through the city for the latest and greatest beauty products.

Tell us a little about your day to day life?

Right now my days are dedicated to finding a specific shade of lipstick, and working on the blog for FOND Magazine. Currently, I'm having more success with the later because I can't find matte-pastel-purple lipstick anywhere. FOND is launching issue # 2 in January. For this issue I'm excited to be working on a written personal piece. I also have the pleasure of being on set to help with editorials. The ones we've planned for this issue are superb - I can't wait to see them take shape. After this issue I've planned travels which I'm sure will influence and inspire my writing. Or at the very least, my life.

    What is your favorite outlet for clothes?

  My favourite pieces, the pieces I can wear the most, are from LABEL Clothing in Toronto. I recently found SSENSE and Heritage Shop when I was in Montreal. Opening Ceremony in L.A., LOVER in Sydney, OAK and the Wang flagship in NY. Other places I've had luck with include: markets anywhere in the world when it comes to acquiring hats or other interesting accessories. For online: asos.com, and yoox.com. 

  Your house is burning down, you’re going back in. What from your wardrobe do you grab?

  I mean, if my house was burning first I'd save the cat... right? Then I'd have to rescue the books with sentimental value (so, all of them) And I admit that I'd  lawfully go back in for my Givenchy bag... it's my child.

  Jessica's outfit: Top, Label Clothing. Pants, Theory. Shoes, JC Play. Coat, The Row.

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RYAN & BEELZEBUB

Meet Ryan Bennett, a man of many talents. He is an artist with a passion for designing knives (see tattoo) and black and white photography. He has wonderful taste when it comes to interior design and is just generally a very creative guy.

Tell us a little about your day to day life?

Daily life is just a part-time retail job. Since I'm only part-time, I have a lot of time to work on a lot of other things. I went to college for photography, so a lot of the time I'm walking around the city shooting (mainly architecture, interiors and landscapes). Photography is my main passion, but I also do watercolor and illustrations (currently of knives) here is some of my work. My only other hobbies are eating a lot of food (pizza, hamburgers and poutine), playing video games and looking at NYC real estate on Corcoran.

What is your favorite outlet for clothes?

My favorite outlet in Toronto currently is probably Chosen on Queen W. Others would be Philistine, Value Village and Black Market/Public Butter.

Your house is burning down, you're going back in. What from your wardrobe do you grab?

My house is burning down? I would definitely grab a favorite sweater of mine that I found in New York at a place called Operations. If I have a chance to grab more, probably my Palladium boots and for sure my onesies from American Apparel.

Ryan's outfit: Boots, Blundstone. Pants, Cheap Monday. Button Up, Chosen Vintage.

[tomcatfashion-blog]

JACLYN & JULIE

  Meet Jaclyn Genovese. This impressive young woman owns her own fashion boutique and also dabbles in music, mainly singing.  Not only does she have an incredible sense of style and knowledge of what brands we should all be on the look out for but she also does the admiral duty of fostering pets and helping them get a permanent home.

Tell us a little about your day to day life?

  My passions include animals, classical singing and fashion! This is what my days are usually revolved around. I wake up in the morning, feed my cat Julie and dog Gunther. Then I take my dog to the park, go to my shop jacflash (At Queen St. West and Ossington) where I feed and take care of the foster cats I have that week. I volunteer at the Upper Credit Humane Society in Erin Ontario. I am then in my store from about 10:30-8:30 everyday. I come home and usually go for dinner at my boyfriends sushi restaurant Kanji down the street. I then come home, watch a movie, sing and play the guitar or read a book. (My days are not as exciting as one would think!)

What is your favorite outlet for clothes? My clothing store jacflash! I mainly find my fashion inspiration from street style and blogs.

Your house is burning down, you are going back in. What from your wardrobe do you grab?

I would grab heirloom jewelry from my Mother and Grandmothers. In particular, Grandma Lynne's coin ring. All the women in my family had copies made when she passed away.

Jaclyn's outfit: Shoes by Jeffrey Campbell, Dress by One Teaspoon, Necklace by Low Luv. All available at jacflash.

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DYLAN & PEACHY

This handsome chap is Dylan Thompson. A guy with a great sense of humour who's wit is most certainly quicker than yours. We are very glad he agreed to be our first fellow and endured bringing house pet Peachy outside just for us!

Tell us a little about your day to day life?

I work at a digital marketing agency called Community, I'm at Stussy Canada one day a week, and bar back occasionally on weekends. I try to skate, but my body is kind of shutting down on me.

Where is your favorite outlet for clothes?

Anything that came from the United Front building. Pieces from Stussy Canada, Nomad, the late Baazar, pretty much occupy my entire wardrobe.

Your house is burning down, you are going back in. What from your wardrobe do you grab?

As many jackets and short sleeve button ups my arms can carry.

Dylan's outfit: Sweater by Wings and Horns, pants by Levis, Vintage button up, Boots by Roots

[tomcatfashion-blog]

SALFY & BRODY

This fashion loving, vintage thrifting, whiskey drinking lassie goes by the name of Salfy or more formally known as Sarah Alfred. A hippie soul and an adamant taurus she is proudly our first post and also first interview which you can read if you just click below.

Tell us a little about your day to day life? 

I'm a visual merchandiser for Topshop so Monday to Friday I'm up with the birds at 6am, I smoke a lot of cigarettes and get breakfast at The Senator. 

Still trying to find a hobby I'm good at but I like cooking (this week), DIY dyeing and haircuts. Shopping (meh this sounds so generic) but I’m going to take up crocheting for the winter nights. Other than that I'm fond of whiskey.

Where is your favourite outlet for clothes?

I love Penny Arcade in Toronto and going good will hunting on half price Fridays. My favorite stores in the world are all in New York. Bess, Trash and Vaudeville and Patricia Field. Online I like this Australian brand called di$count.

Your house is burning down, you are going back in. What from your wardrobe do you grab?

My house did go on fire and I ran out in my pyjamas and an acid wash denim jacket. So this time maybe my most normal outfit to avoid looking like a raving lunatic.

Salfy's outfit: vintage jacket, vintage hat, shoes by Topshop, sequin top by Louis Gray for Topshop, shorts DIY.