NY Resolutions

While getting prepared for an amazing start to 2014, I have stumbled across many blog posts discussing the reasons we should be super stoked for the year ahead, and how to set ourselves up for ultimate happiness.

NY resolution time is a daunting time - if you're not realistic with your expectations, your goals can very quickly end in failure. 

To optimize your potential for goal achievement, I have come up with a few tips!

1. Commit to a gratitude list
2. Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely (SMART) goals and WRITE them down
3. Create a vision board
4. Clear out the clutter. 
5. Plan a vacation
6. Cut one unhealthy habit out of your life.

Writing a daily gratitude list is something that has been proven to increase and sustain happiness levels. This is something that is really simple to do. Carry a notebook around with you and take 5 minutes out of the day to write down 5 - 10 things you are currently grateful for in your life. Health, wealth, your new car... anything really. 

Habits can take many forms; whether it be cigarettes, alcohol, a bad relationship, nail biting… you get the idea. If the habit is resulting in an adverse affect on your life and is causing additional stress or anxiety, commit to yourself that it will be completely out of your life by the time the ball drops on NYE 2015. Some of us may have more than one bad habit – let’s focus on one at a time. This year, I have committed to being a weekday vegetarian. After watching a TED Talk (click here to watch) discussing the potential benefits of committing to only eating meat on weekends, I've decided this is a very attainable goal for me. I encourage you all to watch it and if it resonates with you, to do the same. 

I wish all of you the very best in 2014 and look forward to helping with any future sartorial needs! 

- Ensemble Style

Christmas Shopping Solutions

As December 25 nears, I'm sure many of you are beginning to feel the Christmas shopping anxiety set in. You don't know what to get her, don't have time or patience to go to the mall... etc. etc. Calgary's own Ensemble Style's personal shoppers and stylists are here to take the anxiety out of December... and put in a whole bunch of Christmas cheer (and pre-purchased gifts for everyone on your list). 

With a quick call, you can tell us who you need to buy for, what they're into and how much you want to spend... and we will do the rest. If you want options, we will pick up a few different things, bring them to you and you pay upon selection. You can use credit card or cash, whatever is easiest!

We are happy when you look like a hero!

Shoot us an email or phone us at 403-901-3199!

- Ensemble Style - Calgary

Wednesday Spotlight - Farmfresh

This Wednesday, I would like to talk about accessories. Now, some of you gentlemen may think that perfecting the art of accessorizing is limited to the female species... let me be the first to tell you, you're wrong. As mentioned in below posts, if you think your plastic Timex is OK to wear to the office, on a date, or anywhere but the gym for that matter, you are mistaken. Because women put time and thought into their accessories, they are going to notice yours... simple as that.

To be clear, when I say 'accessorize', I don't mean over-the-top, head-to-toe bells and whistles, I simply mean, have a couple quality, classy items, and wear them proudly and tastefully. 

I know this may be confusing for some of you... BUT fear not, Ensemble's personal stylists and personal shoppers are here to help clear any confusion.

FarmFresh, a locally grown accessory brand has recently hit the shelves at the malls in Calgary. This Saskatoon born brand features heirloom quality goods that resonate with the growing movement towards heritage centered designs. 

"Farmfresh is a premium accessories brand with a focus on sunglasses, watches and leather goods. Stylistically, Farmfresh is clean, uncomplicated and timeless.

Born in the province of Saskatchewan, Farmfresh was inspired by the craftsmanship, work ethic and individuals who built the province. Recognizing great products don’t end with aesthetic, but extend to complete function. Offering superior quality, design and utility, you will fall in love with your purchase, as it will become essential in your daily life."

The products produced by Farmfresh are made using only the finest materials. The sunglasses incorporate Mazzuchelli acetate and Zeiss Polarized lenses, handmade which allows for a variety of colours and a richness of finishes that are not typically seen in a regular frame. 

Since 1917. Farmfresh's bag line manufacturer has been producing luxury leather good, using only the finest Texas steer hide, durable wax canvas and Cordura fabric.

In addition to quality sunglasses and bags, Farmfresh also has a line of quality, unique watches. We like these because they are simple and classic while adding that flare to your ensemble. Straight up, you will look like a dapper gentleman if you sport one of these!

Because these bags, sunglasses and watches are of high quality, timeless design and have a unique aesthetic, Ensemble Style gives Farmfresh our stamp of approval! We would love to help incorporate these pieces into the wardrobes of Calgary gentlemen. 

If you have any questions or would like to book a consultation with a stylist, click here!

- Ensemble Style - Calgary

Wednesday Spotlight - Billy Reid

Billy Reid’s first foray into the world of designer fashion came in 1998 with the launch of William Reid. The brand went on hiatus in 2001 until the Spring of 2004 when Reid re-launched under the name Billy Reid by way of a new business model: to build a designer brand around his authentic lifestyle and establish retail shops that reflect his upbringing, his personality, his aesthetic.

In Fall 2008, Billy added a capsule women’s wear collection to complement his core work in men’s clothing and accessories. The modern approach to American work wear and cultured Southern dandyism embodies the essence of the brand from season to season. Reid’s design philosophy continues to expand with like-minded collaborations, such as Stetson, which launched in Fall 2010. Spring 2011 marked the debut of Billy Reid for K.Swiss; collaboration spurred from Billy’s own twenty-five year long affection for a pair of the classic lace up tennis shoes. Billy Reid, now fully realized as a designer men’s, women’s, and accessories collection, has roots in a specific Southern past. Reid is a son of the South, who designs his collection in Florence, Alabama and employs artisan factories in Europe and America.

GQ and the Council of Fashion Designers of America awarded Billy the Best New Designer in America Award in February 2010. The annual award gave Billy the opportunity to design an exclusive capsule collection with one of America’s most iconic brands, Levi’s. The collaboration, Levi’s Workwear by Billy Reid was sold exclusively at Bloomingdale’s and Billy Reid stores nationwide. In November 2010, Billy won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award, becoming the first designer to win both prestigious awards in the same year. In addition to being featured in Vogue and GQ, Billy Reid has also been included in top tier publications such as Elle, Esquire, Details, Lucky, and The New York Times, among others. In June of 2012 Billy went on to receive the CFDA's Best Menswear Designer of the Year Award.

Today, Billy works out of his flagship shop and studio on North Court Street in Florence, AL along with wholesale showrooms and an office in Manhattan. The store in Alabama is furnished with Reid family heirlooms, serves as a lodestar for his other boutiques, each furnished in much the same way. Additional Billy Reid shops include locations in New York City; Washington, D.C.; Austin, TX; Atlanta, GA; Nashville, TN; Charleston, SC; Dallas, TX; and Houston, TX. The collection is also available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Istean in Japan, and United Arrows in Japan.

Through Ensemble’s weekly Brand Spotlight posts, we hope to bring awareness to brands that we think are really cool, really well made and really unique. It’s true that Calgary is, at heart, a corporate warrior’s haven but that does not mean all men should all look or dress alike. Your style, the way you present yourself to the world, is so very important and first impressions rely so heavily on it, that it should never be overlooked. Dress for success and you will be successful.

If you have no idea what you are doing (that's totally fine, most men need a woman's help), contact us – we will make sure that you look good enough and are confident enough to fake it until you make it… without anyone knowing you are in fact…. faking it.

If you’re on a budget, our personal stylists and shoppers will make sure your new wardrobe is within that budget. Guaranteed. No stress, no pressure and consultations are always free. Even if you just want to meet up for a chat, to see what we think, that’s totally fine!

If you like any of the items in the photo, please don't hesitate to contact us for pricing or purchasing information! As always, we love hearing from you!

Thanks for reading.

Xo – Ensemble Style.

Source: About Us, Billy Reid, retrieved on November 28, 2013 from http://www.billyreid.com/store/us

The Gentleman's Guide To Dressing to Impress - Date Edition

First dates can be intimidating… in addition to the ‘what if we don’t have anything to talk about’ nerves, a man also needs to be aware of how he is going to present himself via his style. For many women, a man’s confidence is determined not only by how he carries himself but also by the way he dresses. The more confident, the sexier (ask any nearby female).

There is nothing more attractive than a confident man whose outfit is so effortless it turns heads (think Ryan Gosling in Crazy Stupid Love). Now, there is a fine line between dressing well and dressing like you spent more hours getting ready than her – you must be careful not to cross it.  This post is dedicated to perfecting the art of dressing to impress, whether it is the first or twenty-first date.

The Art of Day Dating

So, you have a coffee date with that pretty blonde girl you’ve been trying to get to notice you for the past month, but don’t have a clue what to wear… Ensemble has put together a list of must do’s that will ensure you are well dressed and your style is appropriate for the occasion.

Firstly, dress weather appropriate. Since it is fall/winter here in Calgary (now and most of the year), make sure you are dressed warm enough… you never know, she may want to go for a long walk in the park.

1. Jeans – make sure they look new(ish), you don’t want to show up looking like you just fell down skateboarding.
    
2. Layers – we love the look of a button down Henley layered with a vest.
    
3. A nice jacket. Simple black, brown or grey is sufficient.
    
4. Quality boots – you can’t go wrong with a simple pair of brown lace ups.
    
5. A nice but simple watch. Don’t go overboard with this piece – keep it classic and stylish. No massive faces, bright colours or big plastic pieces (save the Garmin for the workouts).
    
6. If you look good in a toque (some men don’t) bring one! Girls like guys who can pull off the casual look but still look put together… this is your opportunity to show her you can!
    
7. Subtle but sexy cologne. Don’t wear anything that smells like a teenage locker room (Axe body spray does not count as cologne). Don’t put on too much and make sure it’s sexy and daytime appropriate. Ensemble is extremely well versed in the art of fragrance – if you’re unsure, let us do this part for you!

If it is your choice, recommend a place that is not going to be packed with a million people fighting for tables. You want the conversation to flow organically and if you have 15 people every half hour eyeing you for your table, you may feel rushed or pressured to leave. If you are looking for good day-date location ideas, visit www.itsdatenight.com.

Here are a few ideas for the perfect day-date outfit.

If you have any questions on brands or prices, please contact Ensemble’s personal stylists/shoppers. Consultations are always free!

The Gentleman’s Guide to the Dinner Date

The perfect dinner date is a sure-fire way to solidify whether or not there is a connection between you and your girl.  Before worrying about the logistics of the night/conversation, you need to set a good first impression. Blink, a powerful book by Malcolm Gladwell asserts that the first 30 seconds of setting your eyes on something (sometimes even less) is when first impressions are made. Before you even open your mouth to wow her about the latest technological advances in your realm of expertise, your date has (consciously or not) assessed your boyfriend potential, by the way you look.  Whether or not you consider this shallow or vain is irrelevant, we are human, that’s how we operate. Now it is your job to maximize and optimize that first impression!

Similar to the day-date guide above, we will provide some guidelines for you to follow to help you get the girl!

1. If you are going to wear a suit, make sure it fits extraordinarily. Ensemble Style knows the best of the best in the tailoring world here in Calgary, and we are here to lend a hand.  Furthermore, if you are going to wear a suit, make sure you are taking her to an attire appropriate restaurant. For fine dining date ideas in Calgary, visit www.itsdatenight.com.
    
2. If you are opting for the pants/jeans and sport coat option (this is more suitable for many restaurants in Calgary), make sure the jacket is well tailored and the jeans or pants are crisp and clean. Dark jeans are a safe bet if you want to go more casual.
    
3. A collared, button-down shirt is a must (unless you are meeting at a sports bar, which in that case you probably don’t need style tips). A subtle pattern (checks for example) is great to pair with a solid sport coat and pants.
    
4. If you choose to wear a tie, layer your shirt with a cardigan to make it less formal. Even if you choose not to wear a tie, a cardigan is always a good bet.
    
5. ALWAYS wear a belt that is the same colour as your shoes. Black shoes black belt, brown shoes brown belt, simple as that!
    
6. Men wear watches. A classic simple watch is a great style investment and something that should be carefully chosen. See point 5 above.
    
7. Choose a subtle but sexy cologne that is appropriate for evening wear. Night scents are darker and muskier than day scents – if you need help differentiating, contact us! See point  above.

Remember: the main goal of any outfit is to look like it was chosen carefully, put on and then forgotten about it. You want your look to appear intelligently curated while remaining effortless.

Here are a few ideas for the perfect dinner/evening date outfit!

If you have any questions on brands or prices, please contact Ensemble’s personal stylists/shoppers. Consultations are always free!

For more fun date ideas, make sure to visit www.itsdatenight.com! 

Monday Sartorial - The Foundation Wardrobe

Sartorial perfection will make you feel and look like a million bucks! Even you have to ‘fake it ‘til you make it’, there is no better time to start than now.

Ensemble Style - Calgary understands that building a perfect wardrobe can be a daunting and expensive undertaking. We are here to help guide you through the process in the simplest way possible.

Keeping the basics simple and classic will ensure you are prepared for whatever your busy life throws your way! This post will outline the essentials every dapper man needs in his foundation wardrobe.

5 Shirts.

Shirts are the canvas to your ensemble– the supporting role that can make or break the entire look. You must ensure the shirts you choose to include in your foundation wardrobe are of high quality, simple and classic.

- 1 plain white French cuff shirt

- 1 plain blue French cuff shirt

- 1 Bengal stripe shirt (we prefer dark and light blue)

- 1 light blue button cuff Oxford shirt

- 1 white button cuff Oxford shirt

4 Ties.

If shirts are the canvas to your ensemble, ties are the art. Because this is a foundation wardrobe post and not a ‘what to wear to your friends birthday’ post, we are going to keep these tie suggestions simple, versatile and classic.

- 1 plain navy tie

- 1 bold but refined stripe tie (keep the colours simple and classic)

- 1 subdued pattern tie (something that is not too bold or outrageous)

- 1 wool or textured tie (for Calgary’s long fall and winter seasons)

3 Suits.

If shirts are the canvas and ties are the art… the suit is the main event. A perfectly tailored suit is sure to make you look and feel like you are worth a million bucks. The same suit should never be worn 2 days in a row, which is why we believe three suits should exist in your foundation wardrobe.  Make sure your stylist knows a good tailor and the end product will look bespoke.

- 1 classic wool navy blue suit (2 or 3 buttons depending on your body type)

- 1 charcoal suit (also 2 or 3 buttons)

- 1 black suit or 1 subtle pattern medium grey suit (think glenurquhart)

2 Pairs of Shoes.

Women love shoes, which is why you must also pay special attention when choosing yours. If a woman is going to look at your feet, you better be sure she is going to like what she sees. A nice leather shoe can be re-soled, re-polished and re-worked to last you a lifetime. Make sure your stylist knows a good cobbler (not the pie) and you’re set!

- 1 pair of plain classic Oxford cap toe black shoes

- 1 pair of dark brown wing-tips

The black shoes can be paired with everything… the brown can be paired with everything EXCEPT a black suit. A well-taken-care-of pair of shoes will last you many years… don’t be afraid to invest in higher quality!

1 Overcoat.

A well-made, intelligently chosen overcoat is an investment that will also last you many years. Cheaping out on this piece will only call for a re-purchase a couple years down the road, which in the long run, will be more expensive.

- 1 black or dark charcoal wool or wool/cashmere blend, knee or just-above-the-knee length fly-front overcoat

We chose fly front for its class and versatility. Many men are pulled in the pea coat direction when shopping for outerwear and although we also love the look of a pea coat on a man, we believe it is an item that can be added to your wardrobe after you have built up the foundation. 

Each of the items in this post are simple and classic enough to be mixed and matched. The investment into a killer foundation wardrobe will ensure you are always prepared - from the boardroom to the bar. Once you are comfortable with the basics, you can then begin to build the fashion side of your closet (we can help with that too!). This side will include bright ties, patterned shirts, stylish sport coats, etc. 

If you would like Ensemble's stylists to put together a post for how to build up the fashion side of your closet, helping you to achieve 'best dressed man in Calgary' status, let us know!

For brand suggestions, or to have Ensemble choose (pick up) this foundation wardrobe for you, contact us. Consultations are always free and wardrobe progression is always organic. 

Wednesday Spotlight - Liberty of London

Liberty is one of the last great emporiums for innovative and eclectic design. Situated in the heart of London and established in 1875 it remains, to this day, a destination of choice for the savvy and sophisticated shopper. A rich heritage combines with the cutting edge and avant-garde, making each visit to the flagship location a voyage of discovery and excitement. The carefully selected offerings of beautiful and luxurious products aim to inspire and delight guests, inviting them to get lost in the charming, indulgent and eccentric world of Liberty. 

One of the most recognizable aspects of a Liberty garment is beautifully coloured micro-prints, many of which reminiscent of an English garden. The classic Tana Lawn art fabrics are created and re-worked every season in the Liberty design studio and are used to create a variety of different pieces, from classic button-ups to iPad cases. Liberty of London has collaborated with Levi’s, AG Jeans, J.Crew, Barbour, Nike, Dr Martens, Dockers, North Face, Fred Perry, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Kenzo and more, to bring the iconic prints to the masses. 

If you’re a unsure about how to pull-off these (sometimes) brightly coloured micro-prints, or would like outfit suggestions, Ensemble is here to help you.  Nothing is sexier than a man with enough confidence to rock out-of-the-ordinary pieces. We believe Liberty of London provides the perfect opportunity to demonstrate that sexy confidence of yours while standing out from the blacks and whites (even if you are at a black tie event)!

“I have known about Liberty 
since I was a young boy. My 
mother used to order Tana Lawn 
fabric and make us outfits. 
The store is so beautiful and 
its history is so rich.” – Manolo Blahnik

To find out more about the history of Liberty, click here to visit their website.

If you would like to book a consultation with us to discuss adding some of these unique pieces into your ensemble, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Weekend Getaway

If you're like me, the beginning of the week can feel like a never ending countdown to the weekend. Thankfully, us Calgarians have the prospect of weekends spent exploring the wondrous Rocky Mountain range to help us get through the long winter.

Whether it is a fresh powder session at your favourite ski hill, a relaxing weekend in Banff or a wintery hike through the snow, Ensemble is here to ensure you are looking your finest. 

On that note, here are a few winter getaway weekend style suggestions!

If you would like to know more about the brands or prices of the above items, please do not hesitate to contact us! We are always super duper excited to hear from you!

xo - Ensemble Style

Making a list....

The Christmas Season and gift shopping can be one of the most daunting times of year, especially if you and the mall have not established a good relationship during the other 11 months. Procrastination leads to long lines, sold-out inventory and sleepless nights.  

We at Ensemble believe we have perfected the art of intelligent shopping and have the solution for your Christmas season gift getting/giving anxiety. 

If you don't know what to get that new(ish) girlfriend, the brother with everything or the father who insists he "doesn't need more stuff" (even though you know he wants a gift), give us a call, we are more than happy to help!

For the remainder of November, Christmas gift pick-up prices have been cut in HALF (yes that means 50% off). Imagine completing all of your shopping without having to step foot into a mall or sign up for an online account... amazing!

Contact us for more information!

Without further adieu, here are a couple ideas for him, or her to help you come up with a few ideas!

If there is an item on either one of these lists that you think that special someone would love to receive, let us know and we are more than happy to provide specific brands and pricing information!

Wednesday Spotlight - wings+horns

A Vancouver based company launched in 2004, wings + horns has established itself as a lifestyle brand, born to combine Canadian elements with Japanese quality. Utilitarian style is combined with classic fits inspired by Canada’s English roots, to create a contemporary look that is timeless as much as it is effortless.  Textures, wool, tweeds, tartans and customized knits are perfect for the long Canadian winter.

The Fall/Winter 2013 collection is reminiscent of the 1950’s, with elements of London’s modernist youth movement evident in the forefront. Each piece in the collection is made with custom fabrics, carefully curated for their quality and unique patterns and textures.  Aligned with this season’s popular colour scheme, wings + horns Fall/Winter 2013 collection features dark denims, oxblood, shades of grey, dark blues,  camel and black. The textures and patterns add depth to the fabric and the contemporary design brings the collection from the 1950’s to the present day.

Colour blocking is used throughout many of this season's pieces, making the collection on-trend with many of the top fashion houses. 

The wings + horns brand offers casual style at a price that reflects the quality. Trust me, these pieces are going to last you, regardless of if you spend your days in an office or on a construction site.  We understand that fit and style must go hand-in-hand with function and quality, which is why this week’s Wednesday Spotlight is dedicated to wings + horns!

If you’re interested in including some of these unique pieces in your winter wardrobe or your next closet overhaul, contact us!

To view the wings + horns Fall/Winter 2013 collection, click here. 

Nothing says effortless style like an unstructured wool sport coat.

From casual Friday's at the office to romantic dinner dates, an unstructured wool sport coat is a staple fall/winter wardrobe piece, and something you definitely need in your life. From Canali to Hugo Boss, the unstructured sport coat can be found at a range of prices and styles. 

Unlike traditional jackets, an unstructured sport coat will have a soft shoulder, no internal canvas, and usually will have no lining other than along the shoulder and through the sleeves. Put one on—you’ll feel the difference immediately. It's softer, more comfortable and emits effortless class and style. 

The best part about it - the jacket is mega versatile, making it worth the investment. Pair it with jeans for the weekend, dress pants for the work week, and shorts with Sperry's for the summer. Layer it with a dress shirt, a tee-shirt, a sweater or a cardigan. Pop on a custom-made lapel pin, wool tie and some funky socks and you're going to turn heads.