Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Ashley Owens, I am the Editor-in-Chief of GrandpaStyle.com. I am also a fashion designer and stylist living in New York, originally from Vancouver, BC.

Could you explain the concept behind Grandpa Style?

Grandpa Style is an editorial and interview platform to promote a quality over quantity lifestyle.

How does Grandpa Style achieve Quality over Quantity?

Through creating a community of people who’s desire is to produce something of lasting importance. This could be fashion, art & music, food and drink, or design and products. Grandpa Style seeks to unravel answers to the why and how individuals and companies invest in their visions of perfection, resulting in a dialogue of high craftsmanship in a mass market world. It is my mission to highlight the importance of responsible production, while exposing the negative effects of our more popular “throw away” culture.

In the Grandpa Style about page you stated you were on a quest to explain the importance “well crafted, and responsibly produced” would you be able to elaborate?

Responsible production depends on the industry, however most commonly it is locally produced, fair trade, well sourced, honors craft and tradition and considers the consumer’s needs and expectations. What people don’t realize is that luxury brands are often laboriously working without much payback aside from the satisfaction of doing good work. Well made goods are expensive to produce and give little pay back to the business owners. However, many modern consumers only see the price tag and don’t realize that corporations and big businesses have been able to cut down cost by sacrificing quality. Modern consumers are quick to think that it is cost efficient to buy cheap goods, rather than investing in longterm quality. Unfortunately, they are unaware that paying less is actually diminishing cost effective goods and skilled craftsmanship. For example, high end fashion companies now work with fast fashion brands to create mass market revenue, but in the long run, the consumer must spend more for cheaper goods while the industry itself suffers losses in terms of skilled workers, quality goods and production value. My objective is to create a dialog about these issues and find a way to shed light on the negative side of our society’s more for less thinking.

What can your readers expect from the Grandpa Style?

Original content about well trained individuals, who care more about the quality of their work than the short term payback and gain it can give them.

How did you get involved in the fashion industry?

My first encounter with the fashion industry came when I began modeling at 15. Immediately I felt a connection.  However, I realized I wanted to be a part of the whole creative process and not just one facet. I finished high school, and after a year in college studying Political Science, I finally voiced to a friend that I wanted to work in the fashion industry. I created a portfolio and had a few great opportunities open up, most notably of which was being Giorgio Armani’s Apprentice via Marie Claire Magazine. When I came back from Milan, I had the direction I needed to apply to Parsons and move to New York.

What made you want to pursue a career in the fashion industry?

The fashion industry allows me a lens to create the world as I see it.

Stylistically how would you describe yourself?

I still remember as a 5 year old being drawn to the power suit of the 80′s. I loved seeing women in structure and that image of empowerment. As of 6, it was obvious I was all about keeping up with the boys and it hasn’t changed yet. I tried to fight the tomboy label but eventually realized a duck is a duck. I was a latchkey kid always riding my bike or playing basketball at the park. I grew up in 90′s athletic gear, but in the back of my mind, I had an image of “when I grow up” I could be one of those lady suits. Aside from that, my grandpa Tony was my childhood best friend, he had mean mutton chops, played the electric guitar and owned 21 muscle cars before his 21st birthday. My style is truly a mix of all those things.

Has living in New York altered or changed your personal style ?

Moving to New York and attending Parsons for Fashion Design was great for me; my peers were extremely talented in different ways. I was surrounded by people who viewed personal style as a means of expression, and it was easy to start dressing any way I wanted. This is when the nickname Grandpa Style started.

Do you have any style advice for our readers?

Let clothes be a medium to extend your personality. Don’t let people deter you from having fun with the way you look. The way you dress should affirm your confidence, but don’t take it too seriously.

Do you have any fashion pet peeves?

Trends.

If you would like more information , please visit http://grandpastyle.com

The post Ashley Owens of Grandpa Style Talks Fashion & Style appeared first on Speaking Of Style.

Out of the Box featured over 120 iconic sneakers that had an impact on sneaker culture and fashion. Everything from Converse Chuck Taylors, Nike Air Maxs, Jordans and even higher end sneakers such as Lavin’s low tops were on display in glass sealed boxes as if they were rare jewelry or historic artifacts.

The exhibit does an excellent job appealing to a very board audience.  The obsessed sneaker head will spend hours gawking at the original Jordans that were on display. The casual museum go-er will be equally as intrigued to discover the historical background of sneakers.

I was fortunate enough to attend the exhibit when it was relatively quiet and really got to explore each and every iconic sneaker. It was great to see so many of the shoes I was dreamed of purchasing but due to their exclusive, expensive and limited supply could never obtain. Even with so many pairs of my dream sneakers right in front of me eyes, it was a simple paragraph displayed in the exhibit that not only caught my attention, but stuck with me even days after visiting the exhibit.

The simple paragraph explained the “sneakerfication” of men’s fashion, and how sneaker culture has impacted fashion. Not only has sneaker culture challenged traditional menswear, sneakers have now reached a point where they have become integrated and integral in any man’s wardrobe. No longer just bought for performance and sport, sneakers have transitioned to be worn for aesthetic and style”.

Sneakers and its influence never got the credit it deserved, maybe because it was never “couture”, or because the fashion community never enjoyed the fact that it was so closely associated with “urban” music and culture. Whatever the reasons may be, sneakers were considered an afterthought in fashion for too many years. It brings a smile to my face to know sneaker culture and the sneaker itself is finally receiving the recognition it rightfully deserves.

Here are my top 5 sneakers from the exhibit

Jordan XI Concords

This was one of the most popular and coveted Jordans of all time. The Jordan XI was the first pair of performance basketball shoes to incorporate patent leather in its design giving them a “high end” luxury feel. People to this day still wear the XI with suits (e.g. Jason Sudeikis at the Met Gala ).

Jordan III Black Cement

The Jordan III Black Cement’s were the first Air Jordans to feature the “Jumpman” logo. One of the most “versatile” Jordan’s in terms of fashion.  The sneakers literally go with anything in your wardrobe.

Jordan I White/Red

This was the shoe that launched the entire Jordan brand. When Michael Jordan first wore the Air Jordan, he was fined by the NBA each time he wore them due to the “devilish” colors.

Nike Fly Knit Racer Volt 

Nike has been the one sneaker company that has always put an emphasis on innovation and the Nike Fly Knits prove why Nike is always ahead of the curve. The Fly Knits were the first sneaker constructed by a single layer by knitting thread around your foot. The sneaker weighs only 160 grams.

Lavin Patent Toe Cap

This just shows you how far sneakers have come, luxury retailers such like Lavin are now making simple and clean sneakers.

Here are some additional pictures I took from the exhibit.

For more information on the exhibit , please visit batashoemuseum.ca/ 

The post Out of the Box : The Rise of Sneaker Culture appeared first on Speaking Of Style.

One outerwear runway trend that is easily adaptable this season is the baseball jacket. For those who don’t know, a baseball jacket is a lightweight jacket that have knitted cuffs, knitted collars and a knitted waistband, with a zippered front. No, you don’t have to be a baseball player or even a fan to put one on and here’s why. This season’s brands have taken the baseball jacket silhouette and stripped them of the large sports themed logos. What you’re left with is a clean cut jacket that can be worn with anything from your favorite pair of jeans and t-shirt or even a shirt and tie. It’s that versatile.

The baseball jacket can be found in a variety of different prices, colours, patterns, and textures; there is really that much choice.  You can go the flashy route and opt for a bright red baseball jacket or the more subtle route with a two tone black and white jacket. Whichever jacket you decide on, make sure the jacket fits properly. The jacket should sit right at your waist and be slim . Just think the opposite of how a baseball managers looks.

With the weather being a comfortable 15-20 degrees Celsius (in Toronto), I’ve had the chance to wear my baseball jacket for the past few weeks. What I like most about the baseball jacket is how easy it is to wear. It’s the perfect jacket for the weekend when you don’t want to think too much about what you’re wearing and enjoy the spring weather.

The post Spring Essentials : Baseball Jacket appeared first on Speaking Of Style.

It was a no brainer to reach out to Stephanie for a collaboration, her outfits are always on point and her advice is always sound.

Here are five great tips Stephanie came up with on how to look great on a budget, the style tips can are for both males and females ,enjoy!

1.   Be a wise investor
I am all about saving money, however I really believe it’s important to know when to SPEND money on an item of clothing. Speaking from personal experience, you can actually end up spending more money long term when you continually buy inexpensive pieces you wear heavily and have to keep replacing them. Break down the cost of an item on a per wear basis, and suddenly the large price tag of a coat or boots you need becomes much more digestible. To focus your spending, keep a running list of items you lack by season and look for these when shopping.

2. Conversely, it is equally as important to know when to be thrifty. Shop second hand, and use your imagination when shopping; what can you alter, DIY, or tailor to create a highly personalized piece on the cheap? Develop a relationship with a quality consignment store who knows your size and taste; they can call you when items of interest come in, instead of always having to scour the racks for a gem.

3. Be on point with accessories. When you’re on a small budget, integrate high fashion trends into your wardrobe via accessories. Keep  your key pieces classic and high quality to withstand heavy wear, and quickly change your look with accessory finds from budget stores.

4. Be the curator of your own closet. This might seem slightly contradictory, however I feel like when it comes to your closet less is more to an extent. If you are honest with yourself, you have your favorites pieces you gravitate to and remix anyways, therefore keeping your closet well edited can actually increase your imagination for combinations because you can see what you have. Clean your closet each season and consign your gently worn, quality items to reinvest the return into new pieces.

5. Be inspired. Harness the power of the media rich generation we live in and document what inspires you sartorially in some way (Pinterest, magazine clippings, etc). This gets you to view your existing pieces in new ways you might not have thought of before giving away a seemingly random piece, or shopping for something you thought you lacked.

If you would like more information on Stephanie , please visit http://inherited-jeans.blogspot.ca 

The post Looking chic on a budget Ft. Stephanie Koch appeared first on Speaking Of Style.

For those of you who don’t know, I like my hats. Whether it’s a wool drivers cap in the winter, or my year round New Era round Yankee hat , I always have a hat within arms reach. Getting a wee bit tired of constantly wearing my Yankee hat, I was in the market for a new spring accessory for my head. I wanted a hat specifically for spring and summer, and something that had some pop.When I heard the news that Magma by Iris was introducing a mini collection of hats with exclusive Japanese  prints, I knew these were going to be a must have and after getting my hands on one, I certainly was not disappointed.

From the Magma By Iris’s Japanese printed hat series, I decided on the Koi Five Panel cap. The hat features a very rare traditional Japanese Koi pattern that just stands out (in a very good way) and “pops” when you see it. The hat is perfect for spring/summer since it is constructed with a full wicking band to wipe away your sweat on those hot and humid spring and summer days and provides additional comfort.

I’ve had a chance to wear the hat for a few days and the Koi Five Panel is exactly what you want in a hat; it’s easy to wear, add a nice touch of colour in your spring outfits, and the pattern is loud without being overbearing. To me, a sign of a good hat is that you can simply pick it and up put it on without hesitation  and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing with this Magma by Iris piece.

If you would like more information on the the Koi Pattern Five Panel, please visit http://magmabyiris.com

The post Spring Accessories : Five Panel Hat appeared first on Speaking Of Style.

I’m a big supporter of camo (4^th camo related post on Speaking of Style). It’s a print that is authentic, bold, has historical background, and just pretty damn cool. Unfortunately, I’m beginning to witness the downfall of the tri color print with the way it’s currently being represented. Is there such thing as too much camo? Yes, when designers hop on a trend just to try and make a  quick dollar. Designers, for the past two years, have been pushing the print in a multitude of designs. A few years ago, we saw the introduction of camo to jackets and pants, and then the camo craze progressed to blazers and shoes; now it’s to the point where there are now camo socks and ties. Simply put, camo has become over saturated and bastardized.

With so many cheap camo rip offs these days how do you still wear the print without looking like a douchey teenybopper? Go the authentic route.

A vastly underrated option that is not often utilized (surprisingly) are army surplus stores. You’ll be able to find authentic camo pants, shirts, and jackets for a fraction of the price designer brands are charging. Since authentic camo’s come in military sizing (always a size bigger) make sure to size down.  To get the perfect fit, simply take your shirt or pant to your tailor and tailor the garment to how you see fit.

I visited my local army surplus store and picked up this BDU Woodlawn camo jacket for about $30. I then took the jacket to my local tailor and made some minor adjustments (took in the sleeves and waist) for about $25 to get the perfect for me. The total cost of the authentic tailored BDU jacket was $55; a comparable designer camo jacket could range upwards to $200 and up.

The beauty of an army surplus store is it gives you access to the “root” of the camouflage trend.  You’re able bypass the high margin mark ups that brands charge and pick up a one of a kind customized garment.

The post Keeping Camo Authentic appeared first on Speaking Of Style.

Soho , New York 

The view from Brooklyn 

Epic Pizza from Pulino’s

Finally got the Fly Knit’s

Me and the homie Jamal aka Style Society Guy 

 Walking the Brooklyn Bridge 

If you ever get a chance to go to New York , This corn from Cafe Habana is a must

Washington Square Park 

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Here are some thoughts and opinions on the menswear fashion industry.   

Men’s fashion and its following has grown past its infancy stage to where it’s socially acceptable to care about how you dress yourself. There is no denying that men are searching for and discovering all things available in the realm of fashion and style. Even with the constant growth in menswear, the direction and the way the platform is growing has cause for concern.

There seems to be a culture within menswear that is resisting its growth towards a broader audience. To the old guard, menswear must feel like an exclusive boys club. To gain membership one must look, act, and follow the rules of the club accordingly. Membership attire includes at least one three piece suit, multiple cufflinks, and pair of double monk straps shoes.  Members must also carry a condescending attitude towards others who are not dressed like a member of the fraternity. Lastly, a menswear enthusiast must always follow the forsaken rules of “never wear more than one pattern”, “always wear a tie bar with your tie”, and “never mix brown with black”. There is a clear class divide in the industry between the “purists” – the ones that work, make a living, or are professionally trained, and who resist entry  to the “less fortunate” – the amateurs , bloggers , everyday Joe’s.

There is a misconception that menswear needs to be traditional, structured and elite. Too many men feel the need to fit a certain style archetype, dressing themselves in only European high fashion, all things street wear, or strictly tailored suits. Developing your sense of style was never meant to be rigid or linear. Why aren’t we allowed to mix and match? Take that tailored blazer and match it with retro Jordan’s? Why look identical to a store mannequin or street style photo on tumblr?

Menswear is a passion of mine, one that I enjoy constantly discovering and learning about. The industry has reached the point where in order for it not only to sustain its growth but to continue to grow, it needs to open up and distance itself from the exclusivity it currently possesses.

The post The state of #Menswear appeared first on Speaking Of Style.

With that said, I’m very glad that we are finally in the spring season; it’s finally time to put away the winter jackets. Early spring weather can be deceivingly chilly. It’s a lot warmer then it was a few weeks ago, however ten to twelve degrees only feels warm because most of us were use to sub zero temperatures.

You can leave your home without your winter jacket in April, however, you still need some sort of outerwear. The perfect transitional outerwear piece for me has been a Reigning Champ hoodie. The Canadian company who are well known for making quality fleece products recently collaborated with Beauty & Youth, a Japanese clothing brand to create a naval inspired collection featuring bold navy stripes.

This is the transitional piece for me for this early spring. The hoodie features Reigning Champ’s signature “heavyweight terry “fabric which keeps you just warm enough without feeling hot on those early spring days. The eye catching navy stripes and white stripes are just what you want to be wearing after months of mundane dark winter colors. The hoodie also perfectly straddles dressy and casual, wear it with a t-shirt, a thin sweater or an oxford dress shirt.

For this particular outfit, I wore the Reigning Champ hoodie with a light blue oxford dress shirt and some Nike ID sneakers to give the whole look a nice balance of dressy and casual.

If you want more information on the Reigning Champ hoodie , please visit http://shop.reigningchamp.com/collections/special-projects. 

The post The Transitional Hoodie ft. Reigning Champ appeared first on Speaking Of Style.

Outfit of the Day : Jordan’s , Two Tone button up and a Yankee Fitted 

Thanks again to Zara Canada #dearcanada 

Picture of my final project for School 

Hong Kong , I miss this place. 

Asian Snacks , Boba and Thick Toast 

Outfit of the Day : Stussy , Norse Projects , Nike 

Warby Parker Review 

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