The Ultimate Toronto Thread

[chiggyv]

Is it just me, or is the Aura centre cursed? Most of the shop spaces are empty, and the food court stalls never last very long. They are on prime real estate but for some reason, don't seem to attract volume.

What food stalls do you recommend from there? I really liked the Japanese curry place, but it's closed now

Had this exact thought today when I walked by and saw the shoe Care sign. Miss that Japanese place.

IIRC the Aura basement was advertised pre-construction as being linked to PATH in the future. Turned out the developer meant "maybe kinda probably could be linked to PATH in the future". I believe there was a lawsuit over this at, not sure what ended up happening.

 

[suitforcourt]

Oh... I ordered Mealpal, didn't have too many experience with that plaza.

The shoecare place is mostly for sneakers, not for dress shoes.

I checked out the store. They also sell Saphir MDO. Prices varied from 25-40.

 

[borbor]

going to pay yanagimachi a visit next month. can't wait.

 

[terratoise]

Where do you guys recommend looking for all-season dress pants? Trying to find some budget-friendly pants for work.

 

[iliamerk]

Where do you guys recommend looking for all-season dress pants? Trying to find some budget-friendly pants for work.

I’ve been interested in trying out the stuff from Spier & MacKay. They seem to be pretty affordable at $115 or so for dress pants. I’ve typically gone for MTM Coppley and Samuelsohn, as well as ZZegna dress pants in the past but looking for something more budget friendly for the work rotation. Curious if anyone else has some experience.

 

[Ebichuman]

I’ve been interested in trying out the stuff from Spier & MacKay. They seem to be pretty affordable at $115 or so for dress pants. I’ve typically gone for MTM Coppley and Samuelsohn, as well as ZZegna dress pants in the past but looking for something more budget friendly for the work rotation. Curious if anyone else has some experience.

You know there's a sizable thread dedicated to that vendor?

https://www.styleforum.net/threads/spier-mackay-official-affiliate-thread.383376/page-2660

 

[Jaggery]

If you can get to Spier & MacKay in person, my advice is to visit their store and introduce yourself. They have two cuts of trousers, which can be hemmed by an alterations tailor. If you like the way one fits, you can browse their online selection and may not need to search any further. Some of the fabrics wouldn’t be my first choice, but they have a wide selection and generous return policy.

Also of possible interest as an alternative (or complement) in the GTA: Nordstrom carries a slightly different inventory here as compared to their US channels. I’ve found the Jack Victor pants at their Eaton Centre location to be a solid value on sale. Union made in Canada, according to the tag.

 

[WatchMeSpend]

If you can get to Spier & MacKay in person, my advice is to visit their store and introduce yourself. They have two cuts of trousers, which can be hemmed by an alterations tailor. If you like the way one fits, you can browse their online selection and probably need not search further. Some of the fabrics wouldn’t be my first choice, but they have a wide selection and generally allow returns.

Also of possible interest to people in the GTA: Nor

I'm going there now for another suit or blazer I don't need!!

 

[goatamous]

There is always the BST section on this here forum
Or eBay

(Cough cough)

 

[Jaggery]

I'm going there now for another suit or blazer I don't need!!

Lest anyone suspect this thread is just one big echo chamber, I’ve never bought a shirt, blazer, or suit from Spier as I’ve found more flattering fits off-the-rack elsewhere. But the pants are a model of what’s possible at their price point.

 

[LaymanX]

I'm probably going to get flamed for this. But every single piece of S&M I've gotten fits great, but quickly falls apart. Talking about seams unravelling, buttons falling off after gentle washes, etc.

Just my experience of course.

 

[suitforcourt]

Lest anyone suspect this thread is just one big echo chamber, I’ve never bought a shirt, blazer, or suit from Spier as I’ve found more flattering fits off-the-rack elsewhere. But the pants are a model of what’s possible at their price point.

I'm probably going to get flamed for this. But every single piece of S&M I've gotten fits great, but quickly falls apart. Talking about seams unravelling, buttons falling off after gentle washes, etc.

Just my experience of course.

I have never bought SM clothes, so can't comment.

I too buy OTR suits and they seem to hold up well. I have Hugo Boss, Baumler, and some Burberrys. I have a tailor tighten things up. Most of my suits are pushing 10+ years. I do have a rotation of about 20 suits and have 5-6 in use, with a few sports jackets to back up.

I would eventually like to move to something like SM or even Maxwell's from Hong Kong.

 

[Spaghettimatt]

I'm probably going to get flamed for this. But every single piece of S&M I've gotten fits great, but quickly falls apart. Talking about seams unravelling, buttons falling off after gentle washes, etc.

Just my experience of course.

Their shirts have held up fine for me, but no experience with the other offerings.

 

[LaymanX]

Their shirts have held up fine for me, but no experience with the other offerings.

My brother swears by their shirting too. I've only purchased wool trousers and 2 polo shirts on sale.

 

[Spaghettimatt]

My brother swears by their shirting too. I've only purchased wool trousers and 2 polo shirts on sale.

They're fine workhorse shirts imo. The stitching isn't always the best, and the fabric can be hit or miss, but for $40-50 USD on sale, they're a great deal.