Object of Desire: Converse Chuck Taylor II Gum

During this winter season, I have been wearing the Converse Chuck Taylor II Boot to keep my feet warm and dry (thanks to the neoprene insulation). Now that spring is almost upon us, it's time for me to go back to the lighter sneakers!

Converse has just released the Chuck Taylor All Star II Gum collection. What I like the most about this new sneaker is the gum rubber toe cap and sidewall, as this element adds a special touch to the normal Chuck Taylor design! Aside from the Nike Lunarlon sockliner, then new micro suede lining makes the sneaker more comfortable to wear.

To all my readers who live in Canada, you can now get a pair of this new sneakers at Foot Locker, Hudson's Bay, Little Burgundy and Sport Chek! This style comes in black, white, herbal and obsidian.

Object of Desire: Converse Essentials Apparel F/W 2016 Collection

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably see a lot of photos of me in some very cool outfits. However, on my day offs I wear a totally different set of clothing and those pieces must be comfy and timeless. Converse has recently released the new Essentials Collection and all the pieces are what I will wear on my day offs!

Just like a good pair of Chuck Taylor, this collection is designed for you to wear for a long time without ruining the fit. There are 3 key ideas behind all these pieces: quality, craftsmanship, and fit. As for the colour choices, most pieces come in the Converse classic palette such as light grey, egret, obsidian, red block, and black.

The collection is now available in Toronto at Good Neighbor, Blue Tile Lounge, NEON  and online at www.theclosetinc.com. If you need my personal recommendation, I will suggest you to get the hoodie because it is very comfortable!

Object of Desire: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Boot

I am not a big fan of the winter weather in Toronto because of the crazy snowstorms and freezing weather. One of the items I am constantly looking for is a good pair of boots to keep my feet warm. This season, I am thinking to get this pair of Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Boot!

The special about this pair of boots is that it is made of mesh-backed waterproof leather. I really like the neoprene collar and there is a 360-degree heat barrier to keep your feet warm. Because it is a winter boot, so it has a rugged, post-applied weatherized gum outside with deep grooves for traction. Of course, as part of the Chuck Taylor II family, there is also the Nike Lunarlon food bed for cushioning!

The new Chuck Taylor All Star II Boot will be available at Foot Locker, SportChek and Little Burgundy for $140 CDN. Which one should I get?

Courtesy of Converse

Object of Desire: Converse Counter Climate Shield Canvas Footwear Collection

Fall is almost here and which means we need to start preparing for the rainy season. If you are looking for some nice water repellant sneakers (not rain boots) for this coming season, then this new Converse collection should be on your list.

The canvas in this Chuck II Counter Climate Shield Canvas collection has the durable water repellant (DWR) treatment which means your feet will not get wet easily. What is also so special about some of these sneakers is the top neon eyelets and the black high top even has a neon yellow bottom sole! If you like the normal Chuck II, then you can already imagine the comfort level of this new collection.

The collection is now available in stores and the price range is between $90-95 CDN.

Object of Desire: Converse Auckland Modern

Converse has a new addition to the Converse Modern Footwear lineup!

Converse Auckland Modern is a new silhouette that is inspired by Converse's "rich legacy in running innovation". The sneaker is very light because of the split knit upper and the lightweight Phylon outsole at the bottom with cushioning (the pattern does remind me of vintage Space Invador UFOs!). As for the modern technology, Nike Hyperfuse construction is applied in this model for durability and support. Overall, it is a pair of sneakers which you can wear for the entire day without feeling pain.

Object of Desire: Converse All Star Modern Sneakers

Converse is releasing another new collection and I believe this is going to be as good as the Chuck Taylor II!

On June 16, 2016, Converse will be releasing the Converse All Star Modern Collection. The new silhouette is inspired by "Converse 1920 All Star sneaker and the brand’s heritage in basketball - streamlined with a modern design ethos and lightweight construction". This collection will come in 2 silhouettes (Hi and Ox) and both will be featuring circular knit uppers, Nike Hyperfuse, a contoured full-length Phylon outsole, a TPU-fused overlaid toecap, plus a neoprene split tongue and lining".

If you have a stylish dad, this pair of sneakers might be a good present for him this Father's Day!

Courtesy of Converse 

Object of Desire: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Knit Collection

I love when Nike is applying the knit technology to the Converse sneakers! And the result is stunning!

For this season, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II is getting the knit treatment (aside from the reflective one) for both the low top and high top styles. As you know, knit is very light weight so this new style should be very comfortable to wear. I also love the fact that the sneakers are very colourful and according to Converse, "the depth of colors executed on the sneakers is influenced by the Illuminating kaleidoscopic light shows found at music concerts".

The sneakers will be available on April 26 at Foot Locker, Little Burgundy, NEON, Get Outside, Chaussures X20 and Baggins. The retail price will be between $85- $90.

Which one will you get?

Object of Desire: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Reflective Collection

As many of you know, I love shining objects, especially metallic or reflective shoes. Therefore, when I went to the Converse preview yesterday, my eyes were instantly attracted to this new Reflective Collection!

For this spring and summer season, Converse has updated the Chuck Taylor All Star II with some cool reflective prints - camouflage and the iconic stars. As you may have known, the new Chuck is equipped with the Nike Lunarlon insole cushioning, nonslip padded tongue and micro-suede lining. My persona favourite is the camouflage in ox silhouette because I love the subtle design.

The Camouflage styles will be available in store starting on March 3 and the star ones will release in April. Which one do you want to get the most?

Object of Desire: Converse x Andy Warhol S/S 2016 Collection

Without a doubt, Converse is considered as one of the products to be part of the current pop culture. Because of this, it makes total sense to combine the sneakers with the Andy Warhol pop art to create "the old meets new" concept.

Spring 2016 marks the 3rd season for this special collaboration. This time around, Converse has used the iconic flower and cow print for the Chuck Taylor All Star. I personally love the high top a lot, especially the cow print one.

The release date of this collection is on February 15, 2016 and if you live in Toronto, you can find them at the Hudson’s Bay, Community 54, Get Outside, Chaussures X20, Baggins and Gravity Pope! Get your pop art on your feet!

Courtesy of Converse

Object of Desire: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sex Pistols Collection

I might not be a big punk rock music fan, but I sure do appreciate the fashion culture of it. In 2016, Converse is collaborating with the Sex Pistols to create a special Chuck Taylor All Star collection.

The 6 styles (not shown in this post - black high top) feature "colours, materials and graphics inspired by the band’s iconic style and album art". Each pair also includes the Sex Pistols' logo on the tongue and the foot bed. Since I am always a fan of the Union flag, the Union Flag low top is definitely my top pick!

If you live in Canada, this collection will be available for purchase starting January 15, 2016 at the Hudson’s Bay, Boutique X2O and Baggins. The price range will be from $75 - $90 CAD.

Courtesy of Converse 

#stmAPPROVED Holiday 2015 Gift Guide

It’s no secret, guys can be hard to shop for during the holidays. To make the task a little easier this year we have put together four collections of gifts for men in our #stmAPPROVED Holiday 2015 Gift Guide. Take a look below to get inspired and find out where to buy the gifts he will love. Be he a Gentleman, a Creative Director, a Quirky Dude or an Urban Hiker, we have lots of #stmAPPROVED gifts to wrap up and put under the tree for him.

Gifts for the Gentleman:

He takes care of his appearance and wants to make a good impression. He likes to accessorize with a touch of tasteful bling and is not afraid of a double breasted jacket. You’ll find him this holiday toasting the season at fun cocktail parties and sipping drinks in some of the city’s newest lounges.

Ring: Vaurus x Gold ring from Vitaly. Help him stand out with this signet ring placed on his pinky or index finger. $66. Get it here.

Bracelet: Black Beaded Love Bridge Bracelet from Thomas Sabo. Express your feelings to him with a free of charge engraving on the 925 Sterling Silver section of this unisex bracelet. $134. Find a store here.

Wooden Pocket Square: Silver Member from Baffi. Tell him to lose the hanky and be sharp with this Canadian hand-crafted pocket square made from cocoa bean wood featuring silver mylar fill. $50. Get it here.

Shoes: The Navy Earl Chukka from NobleSole. For a more relaxed yet luxurious look featuring navy suede and croc with rose gold accents, help him slip into this sneaker disguised as a chukka boot. Reg. $229, Sale $159 at publishing. Get it here.

Jacket: Glazed Broadcloth Double-Breasted Blazer from Le 31 for men at Simons. Give him a modern look with this 100% italian virgin wool slim fit double breasted blazer is this season’s sophisticated evening out blue. Reg. $275, Sale $199.95 at publishing. Get it here.

Pill Format Face Scrub: Superfood Mask+Scrub from Graydon Clinical Luxury. These pre-portioned single serve capsules keep their enclosed superfoods fresh. He can twist open one capsule and blend contents into any creamy cleanser to create his favourite new facial scrub. 20 capsules $39, other sizes available. Learn more and get it here.

Gift for the Creative Director:

His creative job keeps him at the office way past 5 o’clock but he loves what he does and you have to admit he has some talent. Meeting with clients often he needs some smart looking eyewear and a fashionable coat to illustrate his understanding of design. He’s constantly on his smart-phone and needs to make sure it’s protected at all times.

Eyewear Frames: Hanson Matte Classic from Bohten Eyewear. Made from sapele wood which is re-purposed from discarded furniture and cabinet parts, these frames not only show off his style but that he cares about the environment. To make it better, for each pair sold, a donation is made towards Sightsavers’ global work in developing countries. $Reg. $130, Sale $95 at publishing. Get them here.

Boots: Montbard Chukka from Lacoste. Keep his feet stylish in these ready for the urban outdoor elements Chukka boots. Reg. $275, Sale $199.98 at publishing. Get them here.

Skin and Beard Care: Men’s gift box from Vichy. Includes 1) VICHY HOMME HYDRA MAG C+ a moisturizer for his face and eyes to reduce signs of fatigue, dark circles & puffiness. 2) VICHY HOMME IDÉALIZER 3-DAY+ BEARD WEARER a multi-action moisturizer that hydrates and diminishes signs of aging while soothing his skin and softening beard hairs to facilitate grooming. Suggested retail $42.50. Find it at major drugstores across Canada.

Drink: Grand Marnier Louis Alexandre. He can toast the new year in with this fine drink featuring a complex and masculine taste he is sure to enjoy and his guests will comment on. Suggest he serve it after dinner with ice or as a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. $69.95 Get it here.

Privacy Screen Protector from Phantom Glass. Keep his phone screen private and impact and scratch resistant with revolutionary Phantom Glass, the last screen protector he’ll ever need! Available for iPhone and iPad. iPhone 6/6S $49.95. Get it here.

Coat: Long Line Utility Jacket by Sixth June at Le 31 for men at Simons. This military inspired jacket is cut in a longer parka like length to keep him safe from those nasty blasts of northern winds whipping down the street. The metallic zip closures and long gathered seaming in the back will instantly make this jacket his most stylish. $150. Get it here.

Gifts for the Quirky Dude:

He is fun and relaxed and wants to take you up to his family’s cottage next weekend. An admirer of plaid, he loves to boast about the great city he lives in and prefers to make his coffee at home, instead of going out to get it in a “red cup”.

Shoes: Chuck Taylor All Star Street Hiker Woolrich by Converse. He can wear these on that hike he will take you on up at the cottage. Their upper flannel will keep his feet warm while the improved grip outsole provides him traction on the trail. $109.99. Get them here.

Bag: Tribute to Rene Zippered Backpack from Lacoste. He can pack hiking essentials in this sporty vintage backpack or maybe just use it to carry his books to class. $115. Get it online here or find a store here.

Mug: Buffalo Check Ceramic Mug to support Canadian Women’s Foundation. He can feel good sipping his dark roast from this mug knowing that net proceeds went to support Canadian Women’s Foundation. $5.99. Find it at Winners and HomeSense Canada.

Hat: City of Neighbourhoods Unisex YYZ/True North Toque by Tuck Shop Trading Co. for Over the Rainbow. Grab him one of these super limited edition toques and tell him good luck finding the other 29 people with the same hat somewhere on earth. $40. Find it online here or in store.

Skin Care: Face Mask Gift Set from The Face Shop. He wants to stay in Sunday afternoon and do nothing. Perfect time to do face masks together! Nab 15 of your and what you are sure to be his favourite face masks from The Face Shop and customize your own gift box. Make sure to take selfies and tell him how you really feel. $20. Find it online here or find a store here.

Sweater: Nordic Jacquard Sweater from Le 31 for men at Simons. Perfect for cuddling up with Net Flix, this sweater features the silhouette of a boreal forest in a soft faded grey. Reg. $78, Sale $59.95 at publishing. Get it here.

Gifts for the Urban Hiker:

He hangs out with the guys often and they are usually headed to a concert somewhere in the city. His style is dark, moody and urban. Afterwork he likes to meet you at a local micro brewery and sample their latest batch.

Shave: Urban Shave Kit from Inspired Soap Works Limited. Keep his face soft and his shave clean. This hydrating shave soap bar is made of olive oil, shea and cocoa butter and various essential oils. Comes with a travel tin and brush. $18.95. Get it here.

Pendant: Gold Road from Clocks and Colours. He will love the story behind the name of this piece of jewelry. Gold Road was a route that connected the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans by cutting through Panama. Used mostly for transporting gold, ships on this route were often attacked by pirate vessels. Comes hanging on a 25 inch stainless steel chain. $120 in stainless steel or $155 in silver. Get it here.

Boots: Montbard Boot from Lacoste. He’ll be ready to walk all over the city in the winter elements in these rugged boots. Reg. $285, Sale $227.88 at publishing. Get them here.

Sunglasses: Jetter Classic from Bohten Eyewear. He can reflect on the past year in the polarized mirror lenses of these classic sunnies made of recycled rosewook, titanium and ebony. $209.99. Get them here.

Sweater: Vintage Heathered-Knit Cardigan from Le 31 for men at Simons. This ultra soft wool cardigan features an inward-woven heathered knit for an inside-out look with faux leather elbow patches. It will instantly become his go to sweater all winter long. $78. Get it here.

Thanks for checking out the #stmAPPROVED Holiday 2015 Gift Guide.  Happy Holidays!

Object of Desire: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Tekoa

I am currently seeking a pair of boots for the up coming snowy weather and I think this pair of Converse might fit my bill.

The latest addition to the Converse family is the Chuck Taylor All Star Tekoa. It is made of waxed pull-up leather, and details include silver metal eyelets and a rubber overlay exterior to keep the feet from water. It also keeps the feet warm with the traditional molded sock liner.

The Chuck Taylor All Star Tekoa comes in light brown and black and you can purchase it at Foot Locker and Little Burgundy.

Courtesy of Converse

Object of Desire: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II - Thunder & Bordeaux

Sneakerheads, Converse is going to drop 2 new colours for the Chuck Taylor All Star II on October 1st and I know you want them!

Thunder (grey) & Bordeaux are the new 2 seasonal colours and they are perfect for the Fall/Winter season. I have a pair of Bordeaux sneakers and it goes well with so many different outfits (aka Bordeaux is the new black). I highly recommend you to get both pairs because they are the essentials for your wardrobe!

The new sneakers will be available at Little Burgundy, Foot Locker, X20, Get Outside, Neon, Gravity Pope & Baggins on October 1st. Act fast!

Object of Desire: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Limited Edition - Volt

A lot of people in my circle have been talking about the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II and from what I know, some of the stores are actually sold out of this model. On September 18, 2015, the company is going to release a new limited edition colourway for this line - Volt!

As a fan of bold sneakers, I am in love with this neon yellow color on the new Chuck Taylor All Star silhouette. In case you don't know, this improved silhouette has the following new features: Nike Lunarlon sockliner, foam padded collar, non-slip gusseted tongue and perforated micro suede liner. If you think the original version is already very comfortable to wear, then this one will for sure not disappoint you.

The Volt Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II comes in 2 versions: ox and hi top version. Get them before they are all gone!

Courtesy of Converse

Object of Desire: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star ‘70 Stüssy 35 Collection

Fun fact: when I was a teenager, I was obsessed with Stüssy. To celebrate the brand's 35th anniversary, the company has released a collaboration with Converse!

This is their 5th collaboration and they use the 70s Chuck Taylor as the canvas. The collection is inspired by Stüssy's signature "Tom Tom" print, therefore the high-top and ox silhouettes are decorated in wavy lines, dots, zigzags and the well known crown emblem.

This special collection is now available at Stüssy Chapter stores worldwide and select retail stores.

Courtesy of Converse/ Stüssy

Trendology: Hudson's Bay Company x Converse Jack Purcell Sneaker Collection

It's been awhile since I last talked about Converse and this time, it's all about a cool collaboration!

For this season, the Hudson's Bay Company collaborates with Converse to release a limited edition of Jack Purcell collection. The styles include Jack Purcell, Duck Boot and Helen. For the first time ever,  the actual woolen multi-stripe blanket is used on the design of the sneakers, which makes this collection extra special.

The collection will be available for purchase on September 1, 2013 and it is sold exclusively at Hudson's Bay stores. The price range will be between $120-$140. I honestly cannot wait to get a pair (the duck boot is my favourite)!