#stmSnippet: Editorial with Phil Crozier X Andrew Coimbra

Photographer Phil Crozier recently contacted me with a simple question, "Do you want to come to my studio for a shoot today?" Of course I was busy, but suggested we find another day to get together. I had seen his work in various magazines and online, and knew I was in for a treat. As a fashion blogger though I wanted to create something more than just a collection of images of myself. I wanted our shoot to feature a Canadian brand and quickly reached out to designer Andrew Coimbra.

View the full editorial and #stmINTERVIEWED with Phil Crozier on STM by clicking here.

Photo: Phil Crozier

Object of Desire: Dressing for Valentine's Day Date Night

OK gents, with the big day around the corner... Actually it is right in front of us at this point, it is time to talk key wardrobe elements for Valentine's Day date night.

Let’s keep it simple and classic this year. Whether you stay in and entertain your loved one at home or bring them out to the cineplex to take in an Oscar nominated flick, these no fuss, must have items will help you freshen up your style for the big night. Remember a little effort goes a long way. Read on to find our Valentine’s Day dressing suggestions and what wearing them will tell her. Oh and if she wants to know what to get you for a V-Day gift, just send her this post and tell her it’s a gift guide.

First up the sweater. That pesky groundhog seems to like the cold and has ordered up a wintry February, so make sure you have a warm one. Don’t worry, she can peel it off you later. Keeping with the colour scheme of Valentine’s Day we love these red toned sweaters from retailer Tristan.

Left -  “I’m taking you to your fav casual candle lit restaurant.”

Centre  - “Hey sexy, I want to kiss all night.” (insert mischievous smile.)

Right - “Hey hun, I’m ready for whatever you want to do. Tonight is all about you. Let me grab your coat.”

Bonus, they are ALL on sale. Hit them up in store or online here.

Next up are your shoes. It is a known fact that women check out a man’s shoes the same way a man checks out a woman’s… smile. Either of these pairs from Ecco will help you step out for the evening on the right foot.

Top – “I’m going to be your urban prince charming tonight and I look forward to eventually meeting your mother. When is she in town next?”

Bottom – “You, me, that pizza place around the corner we keep meaning to try and all your favourite toppings. Then back here to watch your favourite chick flick. PS, I brought you a cupcake.”

Don’t forget to add pops of colour and bring a little extra power. Express has the perfect accessories to finish off your look. From socks, to watches and even portable power cards. They have you set.

Socks – “What, you thought I was going to wear boring black socks? No way hun! I know what I'm doing here.”

Watch – “I’m going to be on time and I’m feeling a little funky. Hey scrap the movie, let's go skating at city hall and hit up the modern art exhibition at the gallery.”

Ultra Thin Power Card – “Damn, you look extra gorgeous tonight. Let’s take a thousand selfies. I want the world to know you’re all mine.”

Finally, we don’t know about you, but we do wear our sunglasses at night. OK well maybe not really. Grab a pair of these Leisure Society sunglasses from Josephson Opticians for Saturday morning when you run out to Starbucks to grab her frappa cappa mocha whatever before she wakes up. Just make sure you leave a cute note on the pillow so she knows where you have gone.

Top – “I’m feeling cool and confident and here comes my secret move.”

Middle – “I’m kinda bad ass. Well you let me pretend I am.”

Bottom – “Your killer sense of style is rubbing off on me.”

Happy Valentine’s Day gentlemen. Make Friday night special for her, because she makes every other day of the year special for you.

Photos Courtesy: Tristan, Ecco, Express, Josephson Opticians

Giveaway: TRISTAN Socks & Gift Card

Socks are by far my favourite part of my wardrobe. The highlight of getting dressed in the morning for me is opening my sock drawer, (oh who am I kidding, I have two drawers,) and choosing which socks I will rock for the day. I freely admit I have a sock addiction like no other. I of course was happy to hear that TRISTAN is just as excited about socks as I am.

TRISTAN travelled across the country to talk with 200 men who love socks and to find out what is so special about them. The result was the Canadian TRSITAN INDEX, which includes fun to watch videos of Canadian men talking socks. Take a look and you will soon discover Canadian men truly love their socks.

Taking what they learned from their cross country sock expedition, TRISTAN assembled their SOCK SAVY GUIDE, a creative and informative guide on how to do the sock thing right. (I am currently printing and binding my copy for bedtime reading.) The guide includes their Style Statement, Colour and Pattern 101, A sock for every occasion, 10 mistakes to avoid at all costs, and my favourite part - Tell me which socks you wear and I'll tell you where you come from.

This season TRISTAN has 20 must have styles for all you sock lovers and my favourites are pictured below. To celebrate the release of TRISTAN's sock collection Fusion of Effects is giving away 6 fab pairs and a $50 TRISTAN gift card!

To enter...
1) Like the Fusion of Effects Facebook page using the link below.

2) Follow on twitter: @MisterMKan @StephenThomasM @BoutiqueTristan, (we'd love to hear about your favourite socks.)

3) For extra entries, tweet to us using the pre-programed tweet option below.

4) For another extra entry comment on this blog post telling us what kind of shoes you would pair with socks from TRISTAN .

Contest runs from October 27th to November 2nd, 2014, 11:59pm. This contest is only open to Canadian residents. Winner will be announced on November 3rd, 2014!

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Stephen-Thomas's must have TRISTAN sock picks:

Blue and orange polka-dots above the ankle for a surprise pop of colour.