Elevations Introduces THESE KIDZ WEAR CROWNS

Hello Style Conquerors!

2018 is upon us!  New things for you, and new things for me this year!  We're still @ it, stylin' and profilin', but this year, we wanted to showcase the fashion newbies.  No, I'm not talking about those who are looking to review their style points to return to the cutting edge of style (I'm ALWAYS available for help with that!).  I'm referring to the young kids who are discovering their style for the first time.  Future trend-setters who are redefining the game for a whole new population.

Enter... These Kidz Wear Crowns

*Logo pending finalization

@TheseKidzWearCrowns is a movement.  We plan on showcasing some of our future taste-makers.  Those kids who we believe "got next".  Not just because they are so adorable or because they are rocking the looks we put them in, but because they are all exploring their magic in a positive way.  Role models in the making with drive and focus for what they love.  

@TheseKidzWearCrowns

TKWC will showcase these bright sparks through a collective of style, art, music, and cinematography, promoting brands, and a positive message.  Check out our site to see what we're doing, how we're doing it, and why we're doing it!  Get involved.  Get in touch with us @ thesekidzwearcrowns@gmail.com or DM us, and let us know what your kids are doing that helps them stand out from the crowd.  Your child could be chosen for an upcoming style session and photoshoot for TKWC.

In the meantime, here's some behind the scene's footage with our current star @swagsunn (a.k.a. Jaemy Orion Phoenix).  As well, watch the full length video of why I got involved with this project.

Stay Tuned... @TheseKidzWearCrowns has a lot more in store for you!

 TKWC introduces Jaemy Orion Phoenix

Chris Morgan - Elevations

For

These Kidz Wear Crowns

Sean Jones - Where There's Fire... There's SMOKE!

Style icons need theme music every season, just like superheroes do!  A lot of great new music has come out in the last couple weeks and I'm sure most of you have already chosen what you're going to strut into summer with.

I don't necessarily have a theme song, as my style is constantly evolving and changes with my mood, so I have a theme "playlist" that carries me through my life movie.  At the top of that playlist is the latest release from my pawtna Sean Jones.  Smoke is an up tempo departure from Sean's last collection.  This track gets you movin'!  When I'm set up to step out and make an appearance where I want everyone to know "we up in here", the swagger of this track is what is resonating in my mind as I hit em with it!



Add this track to your collection!  Get it on most streaming apps.  Sean's new sound will surprise you!  I've heard other tracks from his upcoming release that will definitely move you.  Sean's bringing the heat this time.  The 6ix better get ready!  It's gonna be a hot summer.  Mr. Jones will be holding court this summer at Casa Loma again, so consider your Monday evenings booked!

Sean knew that this music was going to be special for him, so he asked Elevations to capture the look of his new sound.  The above shot is the lead image and with the guidance of great photographer, Lane Dorsey, we were able to capture a look that commanded respect, with the perfect element of sex appeal to peak our audience's interest.  For this shot, we lead with this amazing birds-eye charcoal 3-piece suit, with a light blue birds-eye slim fit shirt underlay from Hugo Boss.  The shoes, (is that liquid chocolate?!) are Luca del Forte low cut chelseas. 

If you're looking to round out your theme playlist with more of what the 6ix has to offer, then sample some more of Toronto's finest with Drake's More Life, The Weeknd's Starboy (which you should already have), and a surprise out of left field, if you're on Apple Music, download (don't just listen to, download!) a playlist called Hot Up In The 6ix, for a sample of the new kids who are also contributing to reshaping this new Toronto renaissance, that further solidifies our ability to create music for the world stage with a distinct sound that is our own. 

After sampling all of these sources, you may think that the score to your 2017 movie is complete.  Like your wardrobe, always leave room for pleasant surprises that could take your style, and your ear to new and exciting places.  It's what keeps you the icon that you are!

Get@me.  #SummerSeventeen is going to be one to remember!

MTailor - The Best Shirt You're About To Own

Hey guys!  By now, if your Instagram feed is fashion-centric like mine is, you would’ve seen several advertisements for a new custom-clothing company called MTailor.  If you’re like me, you got excited a few years back when online custom shirt companies started popping up and you pulled the trigger because you thought that this miracle would change your life and upgrade your wardrobe from the comfort of your couch.  If you’re like me... you were greatly disappointed with the results.

Rightfully so, as the words “on-line” and “custom-fit” don’t really seem to make any kind of sense if there’s no one actually taking 24 measurements to ensure that the garments are precisely carved to your unique and specific physique.  There’s a reason why you go to a tailor to get the best suit you’ve ever dawned.

That was then...  This is now.  Like all things, it takes time, and understanding of your clientele’s needs to get things right.  In the case of online shopping, it also takes technology, in order to eliminate the middle-man.

Enter, MTailor.  These guys have managed to utilize your smartphone camera to take a video of you that allows them to precisely take the measurements required to provide you with, as they call it, “the best fitting shirt you own”.

As a stylist who understands the importance of the interaction with a skilled, qualified tailor, I guffawed a snobbish “pshaw!”.  So I reached out to MTailor and dared them to prove me wrong.

I stood in my boxer-briefs in front of my cell phone (which believe it or not in this day and age, was a new experience for me) and rotated in front of the camera as per instruction.  Mind you, the whole time, I was thinking, “am I going to end up on some comedy website, or as a gag reel for the MTailor staff and then eventually YouTube with the caption “Foolish stylist disrobes and thinks we can make a shirt by him spinning around on video”!

 

 

I placed the order with the selection of my specific preferences anyway, along with my strange video.  3 weeks later, my magical shirt appeared at my door.

Real talk, people... This is one of the best fitting shirts I own.  At first look, I was skeptical as there are specific things about this shirt that only a bespoke tailor would bother paying attention to.  For example, through the selection process, I was asked which wrist I wear my watch on.  I told them without thinking much of it.  When I received my shirt, I realized that the wrist opening on the left wrist (which is the correct wrist to wear a watch on for any gentleman) was slightly bigger than the right.  It just makes sense.

Look guys, it’s time.  I’m here to let you know that “custom-fit” and “on-line” do go together.  MTailor has figured it out.  You want to find a reasonably priced (starting @ $69) custom-fit shirt or suit (yes, they do suits too, starting @ $499), but don’t want to get off your couch and are already in your underwear, then download the free MTailor app and do the custom measurements dance.  3 weeks later, you’ll be thanking Elevations, and MTailor.

I would say that this is a great holiday gift idea for a loved one, but good luck getting them to do the dance without knowing the reason why (unless they’re into that kind of thing). Either way, it’s a great holiday gift for yourself.  

Elevations has partnered with MTailor to provide you with a promo code that provides you $20 discount on your first order.  The promo code is "elevations". 

Step your game up, guys.  Nothing says I have my expletive together like a shirt that looks like it was sculpted to your body.  Take it from a guy who gets most of his shirts taken in.  This is a much better (affordable) option.

Holiday Gifts Recommended by Elevations! Are you Ready?... Elevations Discounts For You!

Season's Greetings, From Elevations!

My Elevated Circle, it's that time of year again!  

The most wonderful of times for your family and friends!  

A time filled with promos, discounts and sales galore!  

A time for you to refurbish your closet once more!

All year, you've been on point, and made good decisions

To add the right pieces to your wardrobe, #styleprecision

We've done the research and have found the right look for you,

And at this time of year, there's only one thing left to do!

Build up, add dimension, cultivate your new brand!

Check in with Elevations, see what new styles are at hand!

Lead the pack, keep your style on point,

Be sure to pick up these stylish new joints!

For yourself or a loved one, you'll surely agree,

That whoever they are, would love one or all of the below three.

Our recommendation this season for gifts of style,

Get it here now!  The pack won't catch up to you for awhile.

Merry Christmas, and happy shopping!

Elevations Top Three Recommended Gift Ideas and Promos
Born Rebellion
The Dark Knot
LD West

Gift #3:  Born Rebellion ID Bracelet

  

For more details, click here.

  

This unique, hand-crafted gift makes a great stocking-stuffer for him or her.  We all were born with a rebellious side, don't hide it!  Wear it with pride.  It's what makes you unique that elevates you above the crowd.  

 

For more details, click here.

Gold Shiny Finish and Black Matte Finish

There's still time to order these stylish bracelets as shipping usually takes 5-7 days in North America.  Plenty of time to have this wrapped under the tree, so order now!

Gift # 2:  The Dark Knot - Ties, Pocket Squares and Lapel Flowers

 Ties constructed using silk of the highest quality are interlined with a double layer of wool and cotton and are an amazing throwback to the quality of classic accessorizing that has stood the test of time.  Watch the video for more details.


 

And to help bring this gift home, Elevations has collaborated with The Dark Knot to offer you a 25% discount off anything on the site during the holiday season!  That's right!  Just enter the promo code ELEVATION25 at checkout to receive your discount.  You should receive your purchase within 7-10 business days.

For my details, click here.

For more details, click here.

For more details, click here.

For more details, click here.

And last, but by no means, least...

Gift #1:  The Original LD West Holster

For more details, click here.

 You already know I rep the LD West side.  I've posted much on these guys, so I won't say any more other than this accessory is a sophisticated, comfortable, and elevated alternative to bulky pockets!  To see my many reasons why the Holster should be the #1 item underneath your tree this year, click here. 

Elevations is still holding a few in stock, and will hook you up with the exclusive Elevations discount during the holiday season!  Just get@me! 

For more details, click here.

For more details, click here.

For more details, click here.

For more details, click here.

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For more details, click here.

 

Elevations Style Review & Discount For You: LD West Elevates Your Cool

What's going on Trendsetters,

For those of you who have made sure to follow @elevationsinstyle on Insta already know how I feel about this game changer!  That's right, The Original LD West Holster is the new look that they're not ready for... but you are, because you know that sometimes, you've got to be a leader and let the rest follow you.

I discovered these guys in the spring of 2014 and knew they had a bright future with this product, so I made the effort to get to know them.  These cats started their vision in Mississauga, Ontario and have taken it worldwide since then.  Now, Elevations has gotten on board as a distributor, because we believe in this product and believe that our followers, the Elevators of Society, need to have one (or two or three as they come in multiple colours).  After you read the below... get@me for yours.

@elevationsinstyle on Instagram

 Now, men, one of our challenges as a species is that we are a little slow to paradigm shifts.  We tend to stay traditional and lean towards the classics.  For some reason, we're afraid to let in and attach to the unfamiliar, even when it could be viewed as an evolution.  So let me help you guys accept this future, because with or without you, it's going to happen anyway.  Do you want to be on the back end of that wave, or on the crest where the real action is?

Ladies, I know you're natural trend setters and risk takers, so this is for you too...

Holster:  The Original LD West Holster (cognac); Hat: New Era; Glasses: Banana Republic; Boots: Elia Maurizi; Beads and ring: Stylists Own; ID Bracelet: Born Rebellion: Watch: Michael Kors; Necklace: Swarovski; iPhone 5 leather cell case: J. Crew

Here are five reasons why you should add this accessory to your collection.

1.  Hey, is that a fat wallet or cell phone in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?
I don't know about you, but me and my compatriots have stopped wearing super baggy pants (going on about 10 years now... if you still are wearing them... catch up OR you shouldn't be reading this blog).  Right now it's about slim to skinny fits which don't leave a lot of room for pocket play.  Clean lines are what is expected of a gentleman.  The Original LD West Holster gives you another option that will remove the bulk from your pants pockets and put them in another discrete place that previously would not have been an option.

@elevationsinstyle on Instagram

2.  Up Your Suit Game
A suit is a suit.  Gents, we don't have a lot of latitude when it comes to suiting.  Variations in colour, fabrication, textile, and fit are all we have to work with, because a suit still needs to hold classic, traditional lines.  So we accessorize to add our own personal touch to our look, whether it be a pocket square, lapel pin, or tie bar, we look to distinguish ourselves from the pack.  Here's a new accessory that ups that game to another level.

@elevationsinstyle on Instagram

3.  Downsize and Simplify
We tend to want to bring everything with us.  Most men (and women) carry way too much in their wallets.  The Original LD West Holster wallet forces you to reduce your card load and minimize your bill fold.  There is room for a few coins, but at this point, your change should really live in your barista's tip jar.

Holster: The Original LD West Holster (Brown); Phone: iPhone 6; Flower lapel pin and burgundy bracelet: Stylist's own; Linen pocket square: H&M; Shoes: Aldo; Black bracelet: Esency; Tie: J. Crew; Tie bar: Hudson's Bay; Watch: Daniel Wellington

4.  Casual Cool
This look is completely adjustable to every body shape and looks good with a button down dress shirt and suiting pants, or a deep-v and your favourite pair of dirty denim.  That goes for the ladies too.

@curmor and @elevationsinstyle on Instagram

5.  Vacation
I just had a friend get back from vacation in Europe.  I asked how it was.  He said it was great except that he got pick-pocketed the first day and his phone was stolen.  The guy pushed the phone up out of his pants pocket, grabbed it and ran.  I couldn't help but think how that theft would've failed with this holster.  I know that I'm taking mine on my next vacation.

Like Reading Rainbow's Levar Burton always used to say, "But don't just take my word for it!"  Here are some comments from some of Elevations' Elite:

"Everywhere I go, I get compliments when I rock my holster.  Not only is it incredibly convenient (keeping my phone and wallet out of my pockets), but it is incredibly stylish.  Skinny jeans or not, the look is slim.  Sleek.  Plus when its on, I always know where my phone is… keeps me more organized, and for a man of action, like myself, that is paramount."
- Curtis Morgan - actor & entertainment blogger

@elevationsinstyle on Instagram
"It's an accessory that has transformed my simple outfit into one that has set me apart from everyone else.  That's what a great accessory is supposed to do." 
- Dalvir Bhari - Bank Manager (centre)

@elevationsinstyle on Instagram
"I love my holster! Everything is right there within reach, no clutter and the best part of all, leaves me free to dance all night long!" 
- Gabrielle Lasporte - Gxcentrik Design

You in the 6?  Want one?  Want a discount?  Follow @elevationsinstyle on Instagram.  Email me @ elevationsinstyle@gmail.com or call me @ 416-433-9031.  

Elevations Style Review & Discount For You: The Dark Knot Shines New Light on Neck Ties

Happy Summer Fashion Fanatics!

Hope you got to enjoy our mini heat wave here in The 6.  Unfortunately, some of us had to be on the job, and that means suits and ties.  Gents, I hope your summer suit game is on fleek this season, but no suit is complete without a neck tie.

I came across a great new company out of Hong Kong called The Dark Knot, that specializes in the re-introduction of the classic silk tie.  These aren't your dad's silk ties!  These ties have been re-imagined for today's young go-getter.  Refined with the highest quality Asian silk and interlined with a double layer of wool and cotton to provide the right thickness and a perfect knot every time no matter how you tie it.

I wanted a closer look, so I ordered a few ties to add to my growing sartorial collection (another plus... Free Shipping Globally!  Didn't even pay customs!  Shhhh...And it only took 10 days!).  Below you'll see my selection.  Love these ties!  And not only did I get the ties exquisitely packaged, I also received an information card that provides recommendations for matching suit and tie combinations!  This a great tidbit of information for those sartorialists just getting into the game.

Attention to detail is what elevates you above the noise, gentleman.  The Dark Knot is here to make sure that your collection has the classics with a new twist.  Your father was doing something right.  Now it's your turn!

OK, OK.  I know what you're thinking... "Well that's all fine and well for you, Mr. Elevations, but can you hook me up... or not!"  Well, exclusively for you, my fashion fanatics, fine.  Use me!  In fact, use my name!...

 For a limited time, when you go to the checkout on The Dark Knot, please enter the following discount code to receive 15% off your entire purchase (including sale items)!

Discount code:  ELEVATION15

Elegant packaging ideal for gifting as well as storage.

Packaging includes a disposable tie clip to ensure that your tie doesn't end up in your soup.

REMINDER: Soul In The City With Sean Jones is Happening at Casa Loma NOW!!!

Hello Fashion (and Great Music) Fans!

This is BIG!  Summer is here!  And all you want to do is be outside... maybe in a garden... outside a castle... listening to music that moves your soul!  Everyone is talking about the new Monday evening hot spot!  Downtown Mom, a great friend of mine who knows all things hot and happening for those who truly want to experience and enjoy The 6, won't miss this event!  Will you?  Check her blog for more info on this event and the best of Toronto.

For a preview of the energy and the vibe of this great show, check out Sean sweeping my mother of her feet!  #sorrydad.

 

See you next Monday!  Arrive early to get a seat!

Elevations Profiles: Sean Jones - What Good Music is Supposed To Be!

June 3rd, 2015

Those of you who have been following the exciting movements of Elevations recently, obviously have noticed the mysterious young gentleman who keeps photo-bombing all of our pictures! To a number of you, there's nothing mysterious about Sean (with the exception of you growing number of ladies, who keep telling me how they are mystified by his "alluring eyes", "infectious smile", and "silky voice"!).  I gotta tell you, ladies... I just don't see it.  But I will admit... that I hear it!

Sean hates when I do this, but... some of you may remember Sean from Toronto's finest R'n'B group from the 90s into the 2000s, In Essence!  And Sean... just for you, I've added a link below to one of your most infectious tracks from back in the day... I.E.!  Enjoy this throwback, ladies!

  
Sean!  Remember the corn rows!  Wow.  Everyone knows that you can pull any look off!  But, let's admit it... it takes a keen eye from a skilled company like Elevations to find you the right look for the right moment!

The more Sean and I talked about his new sound, and I got a sneak preview of the carefully calculated, yet seemingly effortless sounds of what promises to be a soulful and heartfelt musical experience, I started to imagine what I thought that sound should look and feel like.  I went to work on my pitch for the album art concept.

Sean and I talked about what the music meant to him and his plans for world domination.  I listened.  I learned who the man was, and how he and his team wanted to portray him. Sean and his team saw the vision I was focused on communicating.  Elevations was retained to conceptualize, style, and direct the album art shoot, and that's when the magic started.  I set out to Hugo Boss and began painting the picture. 

We had a lot of fun on that shoot last summer and with the help of renowned photographer Matt Barnes we managed to capture the following great shots which I have FINALLY gotten my hands on for a exclusive Elevations Premier!

The new album, called Waiting For Midnight, was released yesterday, and Sean continues to lay down new tracks in the studio on a regular basis.  Some of you may have caught him on Canada AM yesterday as well, if not, here it is.  He's also currently working with Nordstrom's as they expand into the Canadian market by rocking the grand opening parties!  Heard these parties are turnt up!  Can't wait for the Eaton Centre opening.

As my boy Chase Washington of XpoZae would say... the below is what happens when genius meets opportunity...  Sean and I constantly argue about which one of us is the "genius" in that statement.  Have a look at these amazing pics... you be the judge!

Black tuxedo, tuxedo shirt bow tie courtesy of Hugo Boss | Jewelry courtesy of Mark Lash | Black Rose courtesy of Elevations | photograph courtesy of Matt Barnes Photography

Late for call time!  On set @ Mankind Grooming Studio

Director's Note:  I set the first shot in Mankind Studios because I wanted the story to have a beginning, middle, and end.  I wanted you to see the casual Sean... a man focused on a dream, and is calmly and effortlessly preparing for battle.  I went with a simple low cut v-neck white T, as I know that Sean's physique would be the story for this shot.  This is everyday Sean... the one who writes the music.

 

White v-neck t-shirt, jeans courtesy of Hugo Boss | necklace, bracelets, rings courtesy of Mark Lash | photograph courtesy of Matt Barnes Photography

Double-breasted blazer, shirt, pants, tie, pocket square, lapel pin courtesy of Hugo Boss | photography courtesy of Matt Barnes Photography

Director's Note:  Sean is taking a moment and you can see in these shots, that he is focused and optimistic as he moves closer and closer to what he is called to do.  For this look, I wanted to show that there is passion in what he does, but there is also a sophisticated, experienced professionalism to his craft that sets him apart from the crowd, but not so far apart that he doesn't know these streets.  I believe we captured this with these shots.

Behind-the-scenes: photograph courtesy of Elevations

Behind-the-scenes: photograph courtesy of Elevations

Director's note:  Sean's team was able to find us a great location that offered some great staging areas to allow you to get deeper into the story. In this series, we see Sean having a peaceful moment.  In his reflectiveness, we've captured a man who is grateful of his journey so far, and most importantly, he's comfortable in his skin.  I went with a lighter suit with a slim cut.  This shade of dusty blue was a great contrast with the ever-ready crisp white shirt.  Sean was about to take us to chuuuch!

Two-button suit, white shirt, pocket square courtesy of Hugo Boss | ring courtesy of Mark Lash | socks and shoes courtesy of Elevations | photograph courtesy of Matt Barnes Photography

Two-button suit, white shirt, pocket square courtesy of Hugo Boss | socks and shoes courtesy of Elevations | photograph courtesy of Matt Barnes Photography

Two-button suit, white shirt, pocket square courtesy of Hugo Boss | ring courtesy of Mark Lash | socks and shoes courtesy of Elevations | photograph courtesy of Matt Barnes Photography

Behind-the-scenes: photograph courtesy of Elevations

Two-button suit, white shirt, pocket square courtesy of Hugo Boss | ring courtesy of Mark Lash | photograph courtesy of Matt Barnes Photography

Two-button suit, white shirt, pocket square courtesy of Hugo Boss | socks and shoes courtesy of Elevations | photograph courtesy of Matt Barnes Photography

Two-button suit, white shirt, pocket square courtesy of Hugo Boss | ring courtesy of Mark Lash | photograph courtesy of Matt Barnes Photography

Midnight blue tuxedo, tuxedo shirt, bow tie courtesy of Hugo Boss | black rose, scarf courtesy of Elevations | jewelry courtesy of Mark Lash | photograph courtesy of Matt Barnes Photography

Director's Note:  Matt came up with some great shots here.  Performance time!  We wanted to show that this is where Sean feels like home.  He commands the stage.  It was about clean lines, class, and respect for the stage as well as the audience.  The look was intended to be a precursor to the sounds you are about to hear... clean, polished, and with purpose.  Elevations' signature black rose brought dimension to the look.

Midnight blue tuxedo, tuxedo shirt, bow tie courtesy of Hugo Boss | black rose courtesy of Elevations | jewelry courtesy of Mark Lash | photograph courtesy of Matt Barnes Photography

Tuxedo shirt, pants, bow tie, shoes courtesy of Hugo Boss | jewelry courtesy of Mark Lash | photograph courtesy of Matt Barnes Photography

Director's Note:  After the encore:  Sean's rehearsal is done, and that smile says it all...  He's ready.  The look here is weathered, but unencumbered.  He left it all on the stage. 

Behind-the-scenes; photograph courtesy of Elevations

Behind-the-scenes; photograph courtesy of Elevations

Tuxedo shirt, pants, bow tie, shoes courtesy of Hugo Boss; jewelry courtesy of Mark Lash; photograph courtesy of Matt Barnes Photography

Behind-the-scenes:  photograph courtesy of Elevations

Behind-the-scenes:  photograph courtesy of Elevations

Sean entertaining the crew after we wrapped for the day.

Nordstrom is giving it's opening night guests copies of Sean's single.  Nordstrom has always known what's hot!

Special thanks to Hugo Boss for helping me elevate Sean to match the high performance quality of his music.

And as an extra special gift for all of Mr. Jones' new fans... here's that very impressive sound that exudes from this very impressive young artist.  These two particular songs were featured, along with Sean's cameo, on the hit VH-1 TV show, Single Ladies.  Clean...

"One In A Million" - Previously shared with you last summer @ELEVATIONSstyle on twitter.

 

Now that I've spent so much time and energy gassing this guy who clearly doesn't need it... without further adieu... Ladies and Gentleman... allow me to introduce you to one of the near future's brightest new stars in... well, in JUST GOOD MUSIC PERIOD...  Mr... Sean... Jones....

 

FINALLY, now that you are thoroughly impressed, and obviously want to experience this phenomenon in real life, I can help you with your next fix!  Sean will be appearing on a weekly basis at Casa Loma for their Soul in the City series, beginning June 8th!  Me and my team will be there to enjoy the beautiful acoustics of the castle.  We hope to see you there too!  Get@me if you need details.  (*Guys!... Perfect date night for your ladies... I'm just sayin'!  You can thank me later!)

 

Can't make the above June 8th launch?  Check out Sean's performance on Breafast Television around 8:40am on City TV on June 9th and then come see him live on July 6th and every Monday in July!

Most of the pics and vids above are courtesy of seanjones.tv.  Please check it out and if you join his fan club, make sure you get me a t-shirt too!  Sean keeps forgetting to give me mine!

Stay tuned!  Big things are coming from this rising star and Elevations!