Category Archives: MENSWEAR

E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, FILMS, MENSWEAR, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

{STYLE WISE} Baby, It’s Cold Outside . . . “The Ice Storm” Style (1997)

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November 22, 2018 marked the record for the coldest Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade of all time, and all around the U.S.A. record lows were recorded, but it didn’t stop Lady Diana Ross from looking glamorous and fabulous as ever!

When I think of cold Thanksgivings, I can’t help but think of one of our favourite films – “The Ice Storm” (1997) directed by Academy Award winning director Ang Lee. With an all-star cast that includes Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Allison Janney, Christina Ricci, Katie Holmes, Tobey Maguire, and Elijah Wood; this is a must-see film for an cinema aficionado, but most especially any lover of vintage style!

Taking place on a Thanksgiving weekend in 1973 in the upper middle class suburbs of New Canaan, Connecticut – this film is a poignant look at the American Family, and its demise to substance abuse and casual sex.  There are so many iconic moments throughout this film- some include Christina Ricci boldly shoplifting from the local drugstore, Joan Allen being hit on by a bohemian pastor, a strange make out session involved a Nixon mask, a 1970s key party, and of course….the grand finale (which I shall not reveal).

Production designer Mark Friedberg (The Life Aquatic, Far From Heaven, Across the Universe) and costume designer Carol Odit worked closely with director Ang Lee to bring meticulous period detail to the film. Sourcing inspiration from catalogues, magazines, and photographs from the period.

Most notably is the beautiful earthy 70s palette, and the remarkable use of textures and graphics to create looks. The film itself is a feast for the eyes for knitwear, classic american sportswear, and an ice storm just wouldn’t be an ice storm without – incredible 70s outerwear!

We have been wanting to do a post on this film for a while, so very excited to get this up, finally. Here’s some {style-wise} screenshots for some classic vintage inspiration as well as your viewing pleasure.

?? Copyright 1997 – Twentieth Century Fox – All rights reserved. Titles: The Ice Storm Names: Kevin Kline, Joan Allen Characters: Elena Hood, Ben Hood Still of Kevin Kline and Joan Allen in The Ice Storm (1997)

Lets pray to the Gods that we aren’t hit with anything so strange and devastating, but with how the weather has been over the past few years – who knows what we could be in store for!

We couldn’t help but use this meme from another one of the film’s iconic moments!

Please enjoy, and don’t forget to visit our {SHOP} and use XIXIXI for 25% OFF.

Until we meet again,

{theEye}

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DO IT RIGHT, E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, Hamilton, MENSWEAR, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR, {STYLE STORY}

#1 CRUSH : THE EYE OF FAITH in the City!

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We had the honour of shooting with Style Group for The City of Hamilton in a feature focusing on Hamilton’s burgeoning fashion scene.

Hamilton has always been known as a city of grit and steel, which is often why it ends up the backdrop for so many Hollywood flicks ( ie. Guillermo Del Toro’s Oscar winning picture The Shape of Water is literally littered in Hamilton, and there are so many more!), so its not exactly the first city you think of in Canada when it comes to fashion.

But, according to Statistics Canada, Hamilton is in fact in the top 5 hubs of fashion in Canada – so that’s pretty “eye” opening! We are lucky enough to be one of the city’s featured designers in a short video featuring some of Hamilton’s top designers including yours truly, The Eye of Faith!

Here’s a clip they made of especially for our designs! We were really inspired by a 90s Romeo & Juliet essence with this one and wanted to showcase two head turning looks that were from different worlds, but intrinsically connected. Our models Geoffrey William and Danielle Brandino capture the mood gloriously!

Video produced by STYLE GROUP @stylegroupphoto

On top of this wicked video, photographer Derrick Van Der Kolk took so many awesome shots that capture the vibrancy of downtown Hamilton, and the unique energy we hope to exude with our designs!

I would die for you
I would die for you
I’ve been dying just to feel you by my side
To know that you’re mine

– Garbage, “#1 Crush”

Here’s a taste . . .

 

 

“My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite.”

-William Shakespeare, “Romeo & Juliet”

Thanks for watching!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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NOTE: We will be getting up some of our original, one of a kind, handmade pieces from vintage textiles online for sale soon, so stay tuned! 

Remember, to check out our selection of time traveled vintage styles in our {SHOP}. Use XIXIXI to get 25% OFF.

Stay stylish and sustainable.

FASHION, Hamilton, MENSWEAR, STYLE {WISE}, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

Hamilton Vintage Community Pop Up {Oct 28 @ Spice Factory #hamont}

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When we first moved back to Hamilton, we never expected our humble hometown would turn into such a vintage mecca!

Just last year, our friends at Vintage Soul Geek provided some of their impeccable vintage garments for the filming of a little movie called “The Shape of Water” which was both nominated for Best Costume Design, and went on to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards amongst many other accolades.

With such a rich history, its not surprising that Hamilton, Ontario is full of true love for the vintage lifestyle. After all, we are all shopping at the same mall or big box shops to see the same things – derivatives of vintage styles whether it be furniture, decor, accessories, or fashion! Why spend your money on cheap, expensive, knock-offs when you can get the real thing ?!

That’s why, we are so excited to be taking part in the Hamilton Vintage Community Pop-Up this Sunday October 28 at The Spice Factory from 10a – 4p! With over 40+ vintage vendors, plus free admission, we know we are looking forward to a brilliant day of vintage shopping, and meeting and making connections with fellow vintage lovers in the city.

We will have a rack of select mens and women’s clothing priced as low as $5, so definitely if you are looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon, be sure to check it out! Here’s a link to the event:

Follow Hamilton Vintage Community of Instagram! 

This group is a lovely community of vintage lovers so if that’s your jam, be sure to check them out on Facebook also.

Hope to see you Sunday! And if you aren’t local and still want to shop, visit us on Etsy in our {SHOP}. XIXIXI gets you 25% OFF.

Until next time,

{theEye}

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KYLIE + TRAVIS vs. JANE + SERGE

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Since the beginning of time (or at least, the beginning of our blog) we have been saying there is a definitive relationship our collective {PAST} plays into the {PRESENT} – always influencing and helping create what inevitably will be known as the {FUTURE}!

Well here we have a case of {PAST}, {PRESENT}, {FUTURE} featuring the notoriously infamous billionairess Kylie Jenner and her new man, Crown Prince of Rap, Mr. Travis Scott on the latest cover of GQ causing controversy for being a “cheap rip-off” of  a now forty year old photo shoot of iconic French couple of cool Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin shot by Helmut Newton.

It is absolutely undeniable, and I don’t think they were trying to be chill about the inspiration, or rather recreation, but who is to judge her for that. If anything, I find it strange that Paola Kudacki, the photographer, would feel comfortable putting her name on such a mainstream copy of the work of a great artist like Helmut Newton! Now the controversy has flooded the internet, but then again, for the right paycheck these days, a little backlash isn’t the worst if it pays the rent.

Obviously, inspiration from the past is one of the cornerstones of our beliefs, but being 2018, it might be nice to have a fresher interpretation of the past than just a flat out copy. Where’s the fun in that?

Take the past, and turn it on its head. Blend one influence with another. Go on a ride through the past and bring me forward into the future…

And if you take a look at the original photo series shot way back in 1978, the rawness, sexiness, and coolness really shines through! How can you be a rebel if you’re trying….Serge and Jane are just so relaxed, irreverent, and thereby: BAD ASS!

Needless to say, Jane and Serge will always be on top in most versus situations, so….sorry Travis and Kylie- maybe next time. And maybe next time, just be yourself!!!

I know Travis and Kylie have turned a few looks, but Jane and Serge really TURNED LOOKS! Just a few below!

circa 1970, France — Serge Gainsbourg dances with wife Jane Birkin at a party. — Image by © Keystone/Corbis
FRANCE – AUGUST 28: Premiere : “Slogan” by Pierre Grimblat in Paris, France on August 28, 1969-(16555) Serge Gainsourg, Jane Birkin and Pierre Grimblat. (Photo by Yves LE ROUX/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

We need more originality these daze . . . be inspired, but make it your own! That’s half the fun of life.

Not the most creative choice, but different strokes for different folks! Definitely appreciate her bringing to a whole new generation the beauty and boldness of Serge & Jane (who are definitely due for a {STYLE IDOL & DIVINITY} post or a {VINTAGE RED CARPET ROMANCES} story) … that is a really cool thing.

We know this story is all over the internet right now, but still wanted to give our E.O.F. P.O.V. on the whole situation.

So, let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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The Return of the #Supercrawl Fashion Pop-Up Shop!

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For months we have been excited for the return of the Supercrawl Fashion Pop-Up shop. If you are a dedicated follower, you may remember us doing the Pop-Up last year at Limeridge Mall for 10 days.

This year, we are so lucky to be open for over three weeks (August 3 – August 25) right in the heart of Downtown Hamilton right smack in the middle of Jackson Square.

Seeing as the Supercrawl Festival is right downtown on James Street it couldn’t be a better fit!

If you’ve been following us, you may also know that over the past few years we have been branching our brand into creating original designs using vintage materials and fabrics we have obtained over our years of purveying.

Well, this truly is an exciting time for us, because this is our first ever Pop-Up where we are selling exclusively these one of a kind pieces that we handmade over the last four years. It truly is a special honor to be able to showcase these designs, and hopefully sell some to appreciative style-savvy people in our city.

We share this with 7 other fabulous Hamilton designers and brands including Batik Boutik, Defective Collectiove, Design by Mallory, Kitster Creations, True Hamiltonian, and With Love Lingerie. The chance for local designers and brands to showcase in a mall setting is so rare, so we feel very lucky to be a part of it all!

Hopefully soon we will have these pieces catalogued for sale to the rest of the world, but until then, keep updated through our Instagram and Facebook for any breaking news!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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FASHION, MENSWEAR, MUSIC, Music Minute, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage

{MUSIC MINUTE} “Devil Woman” by Cliff Richard

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We’ve been rocking out to this jam like crazy this summer! Ever since it caught the attention of our ear drums while watching the epic film “I, Tonya”, we just can’t get enough!

Hopefully you won’t be able to either.

Lets help give Sir Cliff Richard the resurgence he deserves!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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STYLE {WISE} Romeo, Romeo . . .

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Where for art thou, Romeo?

Ro·me·o
ˈrōmēˌō/
noun
noun: Romeo; plural noun: Romeos

1. an attractive, passionate male seducer or lover.

There’s nothing so timeless as a Romeo . . . its amazing after hundreds of years, a fictional character could still be so prevalent in our culture. I guess, not so surprising, considering he was created by the genius that is William Shakespeare.

He is a wonderful archetypal character of a beautiful boy, young and naive, but full of vigour, and somewhat tragic in the end….so, like many young men, which is what most certainly resonates. We recently acquired a really cool vintage theatre costume with some Shakespearean swag which got us thinking on the topic.

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I don’t think many men can deny they have a bit of Romeo in them. I know for certain many men cannot deny they wish they were as bad ass as say Leonardo DiCaprio in Baz Luhrmann’s iconic 90s pop culture cult classic “Romeo + Juliet” which brought the tale to the beach and the streets and mansions of Los Angeles for a hyper technicolor MTV version that still resonates today, especially when it comes to style.

Do you remember the first time you watched the “Love at First Sight Scene” in the film with that glorious neon aquarium and that haunting “Kissing You” song playing…shit! I mean, come on!!! Claire Danes is especially gorgeous, and her sensitive acting abilities really shine through.

People would kill me for actually saying this, but they were robbed of Academy Award nominations, truly.

I’m not going to lie, we were pushing the tropical shirts long before every major fashion house started picking up the trend (see: +THE CASE FOR HAWAIIAN SHIRTS+), and we’re not upset about it…in fact, its so wonderful to see more guys take risks with their style because of inspirations like this!

While, Dicaprio’s gang chic Romeo is uber cool, we wanted to look back on some previous Romeos – most especially Leonard Whiting from Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 “Romeo & Juliet”, which is hands down our favourite.

Quick shout out to Douglas Booth in the 2013 version – very handsome guy, but the film is redundant AF – so here’s a quick pic should suffice.

Zeffirelli’s film is unique, as it was the first time two unknown teenage actors were cast in the lead of such a massive Shakespeare production, and a world-wide search brought the world the ethereal youthful beauty of Olivia Hussey (she ain’t no hussy, but she did also star in the cult Canadian horror flick “Black Christmas” – you can’t miss those eyes) who was only 15 at the time, and the handsome Leonard Whiting (17) , who lets face it, really does look like Zac Efron.

Certified, he did it first!

 

Their chemistry is unpalpable, and the entire production is lush and dripping sophistication- Roger Ebert even went as far to say it is the best film of Shakespeare ever made. Respectfully it was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, and Director, and won for its gorgeous cinematography, and Danilo Donati’s sumptuous costumes.

It even inspired the fashion scene at the time with the two stars appearing in various fashion magazines rocking mod styles with a medieval flare. The two teens were definitely a big IT couple of the moment. So, if you haven’t seen this classic, do yourself a favour already!

Another Romeo might be the OG of movie star Romeos – Leslie Howard who starred opposite of Norma Shearer in George Cukor’s 1936 film. Neither of them really exude that youthful innocence, seeing as they are grown ass adults!

But, the vibe is full-on Hollywood glamour with a dazzle and flare that is just so fabulously extra, and sadly missed today!!! Also, very inspired by Leslie Howard’s perfectly coiffed hair!

We all know the story, so let’s just take a look at a few snaps to spark and inspire the Romeo vibe.

Pretty wicked! So, if you’re looking to channel your inner Romeo, we have some picks for you from the {SHOP}!

Remember, XIXIXI gets you 25% OFF of these, and all our hand-picked curated vintage finds! FREE SHIPPING in CANADA, also. Don’t be shy to message us for any details.

To learn more about these pieces, browse our {SHOP}

We’re also huge fans of HBO’s ‘WESTWORLD’ so what a delight to find one of our favorite quotes originated from this fine inspiration…

“These violent delights, have violent ends”

– Shakespeare, “Romeo & Juliet”: Act 2 , Scene 6
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We can’t wait to see what the next incarnation of this idol of style will be in the {FUTURE} . . .

Until next time,

{theEye}
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E.O.F. A-Z SPRING STYLE ROUND UP

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Can you believe it? Just a month and a bit ago we were battling the biggest ice storm ever, and now we are basking in sunlight and showing off our arms! Spring is always a favourite season for us, and allows for tons of serious sartorial diversity.

Before summer comes and reaches its peak of summer style we wanted to showcase some great looks in our {SHOP} which give that signature E.O.F. time traveler cool . . .

School is almost out, but your style studies should always be at its optimal peak! That’s why we have devised a simple A-Z of some our favourite pieces that will help your style star shine. Click the links to find out more details, and remember to use secret code XIXIXI for a special 25% OFF all purchases.

It’s good to be in the know . . .

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a} Wicked Vintage 90s Purple Mouse Toque 

b} Street Chic 1980s Vintage Green and Purple Metallic Sweater Dress {MEDIUM / LARGE}

c} Designer Vintage DANIER Bright Green Suede Anorak {SMALL}

d} Weird 1980s “HAVE A HAPPY DAY…AIRHEAD” Pin 

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e} Rare 1970s Vintage Kama Sutra Graphic Print Button Down Tunic / Long Shirt 

f} Unusual Sparkly 1950s Beaded Flower Print Hand Purse

g} Bad Ass 1970s Mahogany Brown Leather Cowboy Boot 

h} Timeless 1970s Khaki Camel Felt Fedora Hat 

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i} Bad Ass Black Leather Vintage Motorcycle Bomber Jacket {SOLD}

j} Rare Gold Metallic REEBOK X Roland Berry Pro Sneakers

k} Mysterious Cross & Ship Silver Pewter Secret Society Ring

l} Classic 1980s Ralph Lauren Designer Red and Green Plaid Pleated Trouser {34 WAIST}

m} Classic LONDON FOG Turquoise Blue Graphic Slouchy Ivy Style Cardigan

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n} Rad 1980s NIKE Mens Neon Sport Stripe Racer Back Tank Top

o} Mysterious 1940s Vernacular European Boys School Academy Team Snapshot Photograph {circa. 1942}

p} Classic 1980s Ivy Style Preppy Academy Necktie

q} Cool Vintage 1980s Oversized Prep School Embroidered Crest Stripe Graphic Sweater

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r} Rare Tevyk 1980s Vintage Teal Blue Futuristic Space Pant

s} Cool 1960s Dapper Cropped Double Breasted Blazer

t} 1980s Vintage All Over Graphic Multi Color HOLT RENFREW Sweater

u} Rad 1970s Mens Navy Blue Lace Short Sleeve Party Shirt

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v} Vintage 1990s Pastel Blue PVC Raincoat Bomber Jacket

w} Beautiful 1960s Metallic Gold Patent Leather Clutch Purse

x} Painterly Watercolour 1970s Vintage Silk Necktie

y} Slouchy 1980s Mens Vintage Tropical Graphic Button Down Short Sleeve Shirt

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z} Luxurious Fuzzy 1980s Mohair Metallic Gold Designer Sweater

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Let your rebel spirit roar, and don’t settle for any less than timeless cool.

Remember, these daze designer styles are nothing more than vintage rip offs! Stay alert, and be open to finding that “latest” look from the {PAST} and help change our {FUTURE}.

Remember XIXIXI gets you 25% OFF in the {SHOP}, so why not take a browse.

+SHOP NOW+

Until next time,

{theEye}

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FASHION, MENSWEAR, MUSIC, Music Minute, Rebel Society, STYLE IDOLS AND DIVINITIES, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage

{MUSIC MINUTE} “My Favourite Things” by Balsara and His Singing Sitars

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Balsara // b. 1922

In 1947 became orchestra director of HMV and forayed into some wicked psychedelia in the 1960s.

Here is a great version of “My Favourite Things” by Balsara and His Singing Sitars…

 

Hope you enjoy, and have an awesome weekend!

Keep on dreaming . . .

Until next time,

{theEye}

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DO IT RIGHT, E.O.F. APPROVED, E.O.F. SNAPSHOT OF THE DAY, FASHION, MENSWEAR, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, Vintage

E.O.F. SNAPSHOT OF THE DAY {MAY 10, 2018}

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{c. 1939}
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Your grandpa could handle it . . .why can’t we?

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Until next time,

{theEye}

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