The Most Stylish Cellphones in Canada

After a careful review of the major players in the Canadian wireless industry, a few phones clearly differentiate themselves from the sea of Blackberry clunkers at the office. These phones all meet the aesthetic requirements of a stylish gentlemen. To qualify phones had to be readily available through Bell, Telus, Rogers and Fido. Based purely on visual standards, The Style Advisor has compiled this list of stylish conversation starters. Pun intended.

1) Apple Iphone - Available at Fido for 199.99, 8 gig, 3 year 299.99 for 16gb on a 3 year plan. Everyone has it, its battery life kind of sucks, but you can't deny its look. Even on this short list it has sparked numerous copycats. Available in white or black.2) LG Vantage 830 - The Vantage from Bell is available for 299.95 or 49.99 on 3 year contract. It has touch screen phone and a 2 megapixel. It is a sleek slider, no frills phone. What else do you need?3) HTC Diamond - Available at Rogers for 599.99 or 199.99 on 3 year. Available from Telus, it features a 3.2 megapixel and works on windows mobile. It features a slick minimalist design, reminiscent of the Iphone. At this time only available in black.4) LG Shine - Available at Telus for 399.99 or 29.99 on 3 year, it is a basic phone with a 2 megapixel camera. It is also available in a slider version from Rogers. Can be bought in silver or gold, it has a steel exterior that does indeed shine. Stick with the silver version for a refined look.
5) LG TU915 VU - The VU can be had at Rogers for 419.99 no term or 79.99 on a 3 year. It features touch screen, html web browsing, and 2.0 megapixel camera, and is another Iphone inspired device.6) Samsung Instinct 49.99 3 year bell 399.95 Large touch screen phone, 2.0 megapixel camera. Another Iphone inspired device,
7) LG Venus - Available at Telus for 399.99, no contract or 29.99 on 3 year, it has 2.0 megapixel camera, and a touch screen. A basic, but solid choice.It seems like Canadian cell phone companies have much to catch up on. Our selection is embarrassingly limited compared to European and especially Asian markets. So much so that many people have been importing their phones from foreign countries and unlocking them. For those not so inclined, these devices will have to do, for now.

Common Men's Wear Mistakes

There are a few things that I see on a regular basis, that are not only plainly sub par, but outright hideous. These need to be addressed, if for no other reason but to reduce how often they are appearing on the streets. These style faux pas never work. Don't try them, and if you are doing them, please stop.

1) Blue tooth ear pieces - Nothing more annoying and just plain ugly. Not only is it extremely awkward when someone is walking down the street and appears to be talking to himself, but occasionally bystanders believe you are speaking to them. Aesthetically, they have no redeeming values. Unless your going for the robocop look.

2) Square toed dress shoes - Atrocious is the best way to describe these "dress shoes" which are ubiquitously found across all segments of the population. From teenagers to middle aged business men, this shoe should be avoided at all costs.

3) Wearing elaborate sneakers outside of the gym - We have all seen those sneakers which look like they're from the future. With air cushions, shock absorbing springs, and multiple colorways appropriate on a basketball court, but not to a night out at a restaurant.

4) Ill fitting clothes - Measure your waist size 1-2 inches below your belly button, buy corresponding size pants. Do not sag them to the point that we can see your underwear. No one is interested. Shirts sleeves shoulder hems should rest at the end of the shoulder, not go halfway down your bicep. Avoid excess fabric, but we don't need to see where your nipples are either.

5) Crocs - No further elaboration necessary.

Stay tuned for part 2 coming soon.

Sunglasses

One of my favorite accessories, and I think one of the most important is a great pair of classic sunglasses.

Many people state that they refuse to spend over 100 dollars for sunglasses as they tend to sit on them or otherwise break them. However, I have several pairs which I have used for a few years. The simple solution is using a hard case when you are not wearing them. This alone will alone prevent most accidents.

With that in mind we can look at some do's and don'ts for your next pair of sunnies. Avoid large logos, emblazoned on the side. Also odd colors such as white and red just scream fashion victim, and are quickly dated. Stick to the classics, black or tortoise shell, only. Make sure to inspect the glasses carefully and avoid buying one which say they are made in China, you want to be paying for quality after all. The most important thing is that they fit your face. So make sure to go into a store and try some on.

Keep in mind plastic frames are not adjustable on the bridge, so if the fit is off on plastic frames, its best to move on to another pair, or another size in the same style.

Once you know what you want, you can typically find them on the internet for about 40% off retail. Just be careful not to fall prey to cheap knock-offs.

Here are a few quick ideas, feel free to experiment with stylized versions, or find your own favorites.

Ray ban Aviator:

Available in multiple sizes, and colorways. Simple, classic, effective. Feel free to experiment with other companies offerings with slightly different shaped lenses. Find whats right for you.

Ray ban Wayfarer:

A classic from blues brothers to Bob Dylan. Now available in multiple sizes. 50, 52, 54, and 55 mm. Stick with the smaller sizes for an updated look.

Persol:

Another timeless looking pair, sported by the new James Bond himself, Daniel Craig. Lots of high quality designs available.

Chuck Bass Scarf

In recent memory very few men's fashion figures have generated as much buzz as Chuck Bass, played by Ed Westwick on the popular TV Sitcom Gossip girl.

The outrageous suits, peacoats, scarves, ascots, and boat shoes have inspired gossip everywhere. Many of us have seen the much revered signature scarf, available at JPress. Many have even taken to adopting it as their own. But, there is something just a tad bit tacky about just following an actors style consultant. Most of us don't want to be walking down the street and immediately be recognized as a Gossip Girl follower.

That is not to say we can not draw stylistic cues from the influence of the show. The scarf, for example is an excellent accessory that for many years has been underestimated, especially in the men's fashion realm. It is an excellent and easy way to add flair to an otherwise boring or uninspired outfit.

One thing we can learn from the show is that the use of the scarf as a pop of color can give an instant update to anybody's look. A purple cashmere gives a rich tone and is paired well with the otherwise dark and dreary outfits of winter. Patterned striped scarves such as those available at American Apparel can also be striking, although a bit ubiquitous.

The key is to make it make it stand out from the rest of the outfit, but at the same time compliment it. So, add some excitement and go out of your comfort range. Its an easy way to experiment with color without buying a whole garment.

But, if you take my advice on anything let it be this: do not go with the burberry check. This has been reproduced by almost every scarf producer, and has become the trademark of the uninspired.