Local vintage and secondhand shop Hawk & Sparrow offers unique, sustainable and affordable clothing for everyone

Hawk & Sparrow is a vintage, secondhand boutique, located downtown at 126 James St. N. Other than vintage items, they also sell secondhand designer and a mix of everything to accommodate everyone’s styles.

“I don't just do vintage, I also do secondhand designer and then . . . a mix of things. So you can expect a 1950s sweater with a ritzy top and then a Louis Vuitton bag. There's a wide range of brands,” said Sarah Moyal, the founder of Hawk & Sparrow.

Before launching Hawk & Sparrow in 2011, Moyal had a strong fashion background. She worked for Dsquared2 in Milan at their headquarters and did styling in Toronto. 

She always wanted to open a clothing store. Originally, she had wanted to open a new clothing store, but she realized that buying inventory would be too expensive for her, so she switched over to second-hand. It worked for her, and it made her more interested in secondhand clothing.

“It's just so much more interesting to have one of everything. And every one of them is so unique,” said Moyal.

Moyal has experimented with making Hawk & Sparrow accessible through online platforms such as Etsy, but she now focuses most of her energy on the store itself, as she has found that it has been getting busier.

Moyal aims to make her store accessible and safe for everyone.

“I would say it's accessible to everyone and any direction of style that someone wants to go. If they want to play it a bit safe, we have that. If you want to go wild, we also have that,” said Moyal.

I would say it's accessible to everyone and any direction of style that someone wants to go and if they want to play it a bit safe, we have that. If you want to go wild, we also have that.

Sarah Moyal, Founder, Hawk & Sparrow

Most of the items are $5 to $25, and there are $5 mystery bags all year round. Moyal is also open to negotiations. She hopes that her customers will continue to find their favourite pieces at Hawk & Sparrow. 

“I hope that people will kind of find their unique style here, that they'll discover something about themselves, that they'll not feel a pressure to dress a certain way or follow a certain trend, that they'll just feel free to dress how they want, how they feel,” explained Moyal.

I hope that people will kind of find their unique style here, that they'll discover something about themselves, that they'll not feel a pressure to dress a certain way or follow a certain trend, that they'll just feel free to dress how they want, how they feel.

Sarah Moyal, Founder, Hawk & Sparrow

Over the years, she has experimented with different directions –– such as only vintage (an item from another era, usually from the 1930s-70s), vintage artisan (very old and rare pieces from the 1800s-early 1900s that are typically made by hand) and only designer –– for the shop. The current iteration of her shop has had the best reception from the Hamilton community, and she intends to keep it this way for the time being.

C/O @ourovintage

The owner of Ouro Vintage shares her love for all things vintage

Once you fall in love with vintage, it is difficult to escape it. Each item carries a unique history and these stories, combined with a sense of nostalgia associated with the items, invoke feelings of comfort. Discovering unique pieces hidden in warehouses and thrift stores also holds an element of adventure.

Growing up with parents who were antique dealers, Eady’s passion for vintage developed naturally. She loved learning about the stories behind vintage pieces and different eras of clothes. In 2017, she turned her interest in hunting for rare, quality vintage items into Ouro Vintage where she currently sells second-hand clothes, accessories, shoes and home items. 

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Ouro Vintage originally launched online under the name Daughter Daughter, but after changing its name to Ouro to be more gender inclusive in its name, Eady opened its brick-and-mortar location in Barton Village in July this year.  

Through Ouro Vintage, Eady hopes to share her love for vintage and provide people with more options for eco-friendly, second-hand shopping. In an era of fast fashion, second-hand shops like Ouro Vintage encourage upcycling and reusing clothes to reduce waste, preserve water and lower your carbon footprint. In line with the theme of sustainability, the pieces offered at Ouro Vintage are timeless, minimalistic and chic to ensure they last a long time. Eady also mends damaged pieces for the store herself and tries to avoid microtrends. 

“I just hope people shop vintage or thrift or anything second-hand and hopefully, we won’t contribute to the problem with fast fashion,” said Eady.

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Although born and raised in Burlington, Eady opened her business in Hamilton as she was drawn to the city’s arts scene. She recalls going to concerts at the Underground when she was younger with her current spouse and wanting to be part of the creative community here. Hence, as soon as she could move out at the age of 17, she relocated to Hamilton. She has found her community here and it has become her new home.

“The communities and scenes in Hamilton are really rich with creativity — everyone you meet is into something creative. There’s so much talent in Hamilton. I love Hamilton,” said Eady.

Eady was concerned about opening the brick-and-mortar location during the pandemic. She worried the reception would be low, but to her surprise, it was met with lots of positive support. 

“I thought it was actually probably a really bad time to open a store. It wasn’t my original plan, but I ended up getting a lot of responses and the community has been really great. All my neighbours have come and introduced themselves and they’re all so nice and supportive. I’m really happy with it. It’s always been a dream,” Eady said. 

Before opening the physical location, Eady also struggled with maintaining her work-life balance. Like most of us working from home during the pandemic, it was difficult for her to set work hours and boundaries. She would answer messages and work on social media posts in the middle of the night instead of enjoying her time with her children and relaxing. Having a separate space for the business has helped her to be more organized and take her mind off work when at home. 

Outside of operating the second-hand shop, Eady is an artist. She graduated from Ontario College of Art & Design in art, with a degree in sculpture and installation.

 In 2009, she and her husband Sean Gadoury founded a collage collective, Group of 7 Billion. The duo started the collective by selling their collages made using hand-cut pictures from vintage books at the monthly Art Crawl on James Street North. 

Since then, Eady and Gadoury have regularly attended art shows and events including Supercrawl. Their art pieces are available on their Etsy shop, website and Ouro Vintage

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For Eady, Ouro Vintage represents her childhood memories, her parents and her love for objects with a history. She has plans to sell other artisan goods and wholesale gifts at the shop in the near future, but she says she would like to keep the business as small as possible for as long as possible.

Ouro Vintage is a place of classic and wonderful second-hand pieces. Discover a new way to live more sustainably and fulfill your antique dreams by shopping second-hand.

Where to find cheap, close and creative clothing

By Katie van Kampen, Contributor

Learning to become a more sustainable shopper is not always easy. Although there are lots of thrift shops in Hamilton, many pieces might not be the right match for you. To help you along your journey, we’ve compiled a list of thrifting spots— each unique in their own right. Using the categories below, you may just find your perfect match. Happy shopping!

Best aesthetics

Out of the Past (308 Ottawa St. North)

Price: $$

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As you walk into Out of the Past, there is a smiling cat in the window to welcome you. That same cat is stamped on the sale tags. Yet, underneath the grinning feline is the word “Woof”. You see, Out of the Past is a paradox. The store has very specific alternative, punk and grunge vibe supported by a curated playlist of new wave, late 70s music. Somehow, there is something for everyone here.

The walls are covered with different clothing articles, ranging from a Halloween section to a rack of black band shirts and a cabinet dedicated to steam-punk inspired goggles. The owner handpicks the store’s clothing from used clothing factories. All of the pieces contribute to a unique aesthetic within the store through both its décor and the items offered.

Cheapest prices and best cause

New Horizons Thrift Shop (520 James St. North)

Price: $

While unassuming from the outside, New Horizons has a variety of clothing for men and women at very reasonable prices. I saw multiple Danier Leather jackets priced below $30, which can retail for well over that price.

New Horizons is a thrift shop that reinvests its revenue back into the program and services of Welcome Inn Community Centre, such as in their after school and senior programs. All donated clothing is and unsuitable clothing is donated back to the Diabetes Canada Association. If you want to shop on a budget and support a charity while you’re at it, this is the thrift shop for you.

Most bang for your buck

The Thrifty Designer (203 King St. East)

Price: $$$

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From the outside, this looks like a trendy boutique clothing store with a dark minimalistic exterior and impeccably dressed mannequins. However, inside there is something more unique waiting. Owner Leslie Smith-Aragon upcycles clothing, giving the clothes a new chance at life. She also picks out forgotten and previously loved items such as scarves, sweaters and other fabrics to create entirely new and individual pieces.

There is a large selection of formal wear such as blazers, vests and dresses at reasonable prices considering their quality. For example, a blazer was priced at $60 and looked like new. If you are in the market for more formal attire, this is a perfect option as you will be purchasing something unique and sustainable from The Thrifty Designer.

Most Variety

Hamilton Antique Mall (233 Ottawa St. North)

Prices: $$

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Walking past this building, you wouldn’t know that there are three floors of antique clothing, furniture, toys and other items waiting to find a new home. The Hamilton Antique Mall is a collection of booths — all rented to various collectives. You’ll have to search around to find the clothing booths, but that in itself is an adventure that could fill an otherwise uneventful day.

Much of the clothing you will find here has a vintage style but are all previously worn pieces. Each booth is unique with a specific theme in mind. I found one booth with darker pieces reminiscent of the 90s grunge era, but also a more cheerful booth with pastels and clothing reminiscent of the 50s. Hamilton Antique Mall is a perfect way to spend an afternoon trip on Ottawa Street, hitting up the many restaurants along the way and having a browse through the many booths you can encounter — you’ll be sure to find something!

Closest to Campus

Deju Vu New and Used (262 King St. West)

Prices: $

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Deja Vu New and Used has been operating in the heart of downtown for the past 36 years. Walking in, you can immediately appreciate the diversity of the store — with an entire rack of sunglasses, leather jackets and jeans. The store is well-organized with every item having its own home. The walls are aligned with notable pieces from an astronaut Halloween costume to handbags and sweaters.

Clothing is sourced from multiple places, mostly Toronto suppliers, but all are picked with diversity in mind. For a wide selection of used clothing via a fifteen-minute bus ride from campus, this is the best place to go if you want to get out of that Westdale bubble but have to make it back in time for your next midterm!

She walked us through her vision for the brand, and showed us some of her favourite pieces.

You can read the full article here: https://www.thesil.ca/batik-boutik

This video uses these sounds from freesound:
SQ Never Satisfied Music by guru12192 (http://freesound.org/people/guru12192/)
Savanna Stomp Groove by jobro (http://freesound.org/people/jobro)

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By: Sahra Soudi

With the emergence of Hamilton’s art scene, an abundance of local vintage boutiques and gift shops now surround the arts district located on James St. N. The International Village on King St. E is another stretch of the city with plenty of stores to explore.

Whether you’re looking for gift ideas or a new wardrobe, these streets have something to offer everyone especially for fashion enthusiast and advocates of local shopping.

Girl on the Wing (181 King St. E)

Girl on the Wing has become a haven for many contemporary and vintage fashion fanatics, and rightfully so.

Curated by owner Whitney McMeekin, Girl on the Wing specializes in all things vintage and retro: from plants, cards and jewelry, to retro houseware, one of a kind accessories and carefully selected vintage pieces.

Since its opening in 2013, the shop has supported the Hamilton community through its involvement in Hamilton Flea, as well as the annual Super Crawl.

Girl on the Wing is attentive when it comes to supporting independent artists and makers, some of which include Stay Home Club, Rosehound Apparel and Talulah Fontaine.

Hawk & Sparrow (126 James St. N)

Created by Sarah Moyal in 2011, Hawk and Sparrow started out as an Etsy shop and has since evolved to a signature James St. N storefront.

The shop provides a variety of second hand and brand new vintage pieces inspired by the style era of the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s.

The apparel that can be found at this shop varies from denim to floral prints, to colourful windbreakers.

The shop focuses on selecting the most beautiful and unique pieces, appealing to low and high-end vintage clothing collectors.

La Bichette (161 James St. N)

La Bichette is a lifestyle boutique that puts a strong emphasis on enjoying the finer things in life. Its products range from apparel to bath and beauty.

The shop believes in carrying beauty products that are environmentally friendly, vegan and locally sourced in Ontari, including Hamilton-based Perks and Aurora’s Sudsatorium.

Newold’s Vintage Clothing (240 James St. N) 

This shop is a life saver, especially if you have bad luck with finding unique vintage pieces. Newold’s stocks a selection of handmade and vintage pieces.The shop itself is just as charming as the friendly employees.

No matter what you're looking for from vintage coats and swimwear to retro-inspires sunglasses, Newold's has something for you.

Studio 205 (205 King St. E)

Advocating for the importance of shopping local, Studio 205 is a shop that prides itself on carrying exclusively Canadian and handmade products.

The shop’s vivacious atmosphere can be credited to the art that hangs on its walls, impressive handmade apparel, unique cards and prints available for purchase and the cafe conveniently located right inside the store that offers locally sourced coffee and teas.

Looking for gift ideas? This shop has tons.

 

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Don’t overspend at thrift stores

Sometimes we can be enthralled by the mediocre because it is surrounded by the totally uninteresting. Something that works is not the same as something that you will wear regularly. Don’t get overly excited, because those “cheap” finds can add up really quickly. My general rule of thumb for thrifting is that I only buy something if I’ll wear it once for every dollar it costs. If I want that ten-dollar bowtie, I had better be willing to wear it at least ten times.

Don’t follow trends

A while ago I decided that I was going to dress however I felt like dressing, and not question whether my choices lined up with the status quo. I know this is the antithesis of what you are usually told. My own mother makes fun of me on occasion because what I wear can be 40 years outdated. Ignoring seasonal fashion advice is one of the best ways to develop your own personal style. Don’t label your style as anything, and don’t be afraid to try things that are out of vogue. This will also save you money. If you aren’t worried about whether this year’s colour is cerise or lavender, you are less likely to go out and stock your wardrobe with new stuff.

"Fashions fade, style is eternal." — Yves Saint Laurent

Balance the unique and the useful

Don’t overdo it. I own more crazy patterned spandex than I would like to admit, but the only way I get away with wearing it is by pairing it with really simple pieces. For someone who prides herself on creative attire, I also own a lot of black. Figure out what you want to be the focal point of your outfit, and use the rest of your wardrobe to highlight it tastefully. I guarantee you’ll get compliments on it all day.

Spend more, buy less

Hear me out. Three years ago I decided that I wasn’t going to buy any clothing made in sweat shops, meaning that my wardrobe slowly filled up with thrift store finds and one of a kind pieces made by hand here in Hamilton. Not gonna lie, it was more expensive. You don’t realize how cheap mass manufactured clothing is until you abstain. I can no longer go out and buy four or five things in a day, because if I buy one thing from a local designer it clears out my clothing budget for the next four or five months. My no-mass-manufactured-clothing rule has done two things: First of all, I shop significantly less frequently. Secondly, the clothing I do buy is legitimately better quality. It looks better, it washes better, it wears better. Not everything that is expensive is better made, but if you buy smart, you won’t regret it. You will also be dressed in things that no one else around you will have thought about wearing. You can’t get more unique than a style a seamstress only made once.

Try alterations

The best thing I could have done for my wardrobe was learn to sew. You can extend the life of things that might otherwise fall apart, you can alter things to have them fit better (remember those men’s button ups?) and you might even be able to make your own clothing (the holy grail of the unique wardrobe). Worth all the accidental finger pricks in the world, I promise.

Hand-me-downs are your best friend

Take all of your parents’ cast offs. I’m not kidding. Some of my favorite clothing has been slyly coopted from my mother’s wardrobe. Keep an eye on your snazzily dressed relatives and when they are giving away old items, snap them up. This goes for all genders. Never doubt the universal utility and timelessness of a men’s button-up. Best of all, they are free.

Make use of the old and toss the uninteresting

Some of the things I get the most compliments for are things I bought in 2006. Sure, the Old Navy tank top that I owned in middle school has (shockingly) not stood the test of time, but some of the more interesting things I owned back then have held up. The key is cleaning out your wardrobe decently often, but hanging on to things that are unique. Don’t use this as an excuse to never throw anything away, but keep your fashion future in mind, because sometimes old pieces can surprise you. The added benefit is that everyone else in your life will think that they are new.

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By: Mitali Chaudhary and Christina Ugge

Athletic sneakers vs. canvas shoes

Are athletic sneakers your thing? If so, comfort for you is obviously key. You care more about keeping your feet snug, as you choose to not jam them into a pair of strappy, pointy little heels. You might be sporty, laid back and you definitely don’t mind a little bit of travelling and exploring. Unlike your other friends, you don’t have to worry about blisters, or any other uncomfortable foot issues.

If you’re a canvas shoe person, you still care about comfort, but value aesthetics a little more.  You’re a person who loves variety, and made the smart decision of buying these because they look good paired with virtually everything. You’re also on the cutesy side, and really loved elementary school. Your appreciation of pattern, colour, fabric and glitter might have stemmed from there, which is apparent from the diverse types of canvas shoes you love and wear.

Kitten heels vs. pumps

If you love kitten heels (let’s be real) you’re probably on the taller side, yet still go for the professional and classy look, since it matches your personality seamlessly. You value comfort a little more, and might think that platform stilettos is a death sentence (how does one even walk on thin sticks?). You tend to dress business casual, are focused on what you want from life and are determined to get it.

Ladies who can rock pumps are fierce, and this measure increases with every extra inch added to the heel. If this is you, you’re probably outgoing, love wearing high ponytails and dressing in all black. Style matters to you more than comfort, and you look like you’ve got your shit together, also because your nails are never chipped. You’re definitely a great friend to have because you always have their back and you’re honest when they act in a less-than-intelligent manner.

Knee-high boots vs. booties

If your boots of choice are knee-high in length, you’re definitely a perceptive one. You realize that these boots are a wardrobe staple, and you use them to make dresses work in the winter, or instantly makes leggings look appropriate. You might be a little bit more reserved and uptight, but that also means you’re a perfectionist, and you get things done on time.

Booties imply that you didn’t want to commit to knee-highs, but couldn’t decide if you wanted to wear shoes either. You might be a little indecisive as a person, but having booties allow for that, and you sure are on trend. With these, you can dress on the casual side, or dress it up and can explore a variety of sartorial tastes. You also probably go to farmers markets, sip on lattes in cute coffee shops on the weekends and wear hip ripped jeans, then post it all on Instagram.

Flip-flops vs. sandals

As a lover of flip-flops, you might be classified as a little lazy since they are the easiest shoes to slip on. But you don’t care because who has so much time to think about shoes? You’re out there learning and adventuring, giving your feet some sun time and thinking about the beach. Unfortunately, all this daydreaming might be getting you late a little too often, which is why you choose to slip into your flip-flops every time you run out the door.

If you love wearing sandals of any kind (the strappier the better!), you’re a more summery and whimsical person. You probably enjoy going to music festivals, and wearing feminine dresses. As an individual, you have no problems committing to a decision; you paint your toenails regularly and upkeep them for as long as summer lasts. You’ve got your shit together too, sandal-wearers.

Ballet flats vs. toms

Is a pair of ballet flats your favourite? If so, you’re more of a gentle, old soul; you’re the quintessential girl next door. To any of your outfits, your flats provide a feminine and dainty take, which perfectly describes who you are as well. You probably enjoy all-day shopping trips, but are equally at home in a quiet library.

Do you enjoy having your feet mummified by a cute pair of TOMS? You’re definitely an individual that’s more playful, and loves to laugh and have a good time. You might be just a tad basic (but who secretly isn’t?), have many friends who love life as much as you and Snapchat a lot. Dressing on the casual side is your thing, which means you’re always ready to hit up the new sushi bar in town.

Photo Credit: Organized Chic Diva

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The bar you’ve never heard of date

So you’re going out with a cool cat, eh? But you’re feeling a little scared that they’re going to find out that you have a tendency to talk to your cats for too long and you have an active relationship with the cast of New Girl? Well, first, tell them all of that because you sound like a dream. Second, dare to show them that cat lovers and New Girl diehards are cool too.

What screams “I deserve to be at this underground music show?” Culottes (Alice & UO Enalle Tie-Waist Culotte Pant, $82)! Topped with a bow. Like the present you are.

Amp up the sexy calf action going on with some sleek leather heels (Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Lexington Heel, $145), and make sure they have a thick heel because you’re gonna be dancing like you know all the lyrics. Complete your otherwise black outfit with a blush tank featuring daring crochet work (Project Social T Andi Side-Tie Tank Top, $42).

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The Netflix and chill date

Hopefully this date was posed ironically, with the unintended consequence that the most notorious date of them all was born. Societal expectations for Valentine’s Day plans be gone!

But just because you’re breaking the Valentine’s norm, doesn’t mean you have to break every norm. Gettin’ sexy, for example, is a great norm. So what to wear?

Well, because you two are being so cheeky, go with the obvious route here: match your undies to your mood with cheekier undies (Everly Lace Cheeky Boyshort, $10), and then slip into a Parisian-looking bra (Kimchi Blue Serena Applique Bra, $49) that won’t sacrifice the comfort promised with Netflix and Chill evenings. Top the look off with some over-the-knee socks (Lightweight Button Thigh-High Thermal Sock, $16) and the fuzziest pair of slippers (UO Fluffy Slipper, $14.99) you have.

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The “I’m going broke” dinner date

You’re pulling out all the stops this Valentine’s Day, opting for an over-the-top traditional candlelit dinner at a restaurant where you will be the only ones who aren’t thirty or forty something. It’s fun pretending to not care about money, isn’t it? Yes, it really is.

Tonight, start with something that makes it look like you boldly accept all traditions that go along with Valentine’s Day – an elegant red number (Keepsake Interlude Lace Bodycon Dress, $219 or a shorter option, Silence + Noise Mekka Strappy-Red Dress, $109). But then bring out that twenty something rebellious nature and throw on a denim jacket that boldly displays your nineties roots (Kimchi Blue Woodstock Embroidered Denim Jacket, $129), a pair of ankle boots (Isabella Buckle Ankle Boot, $104) and some whimsical anklets (Polka Dot Anklet Sock, $16)!

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The you-suck-a-lot date

So your date is taking you to Hawaii? Fuck you. Wear this though: (Out From Under Printed Longline Underwire Bikini Top, $54 and Out From Under Printed Flat High-Waisted Bikini Bottom, $54).

Accessorize!

No outtift is complete without a few pieces of jewelery. Your date might have a piece waiting for you at your date, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, so don’t leave with an incomplete outfit. These small details can really tie your outfit together and take it to fashion-blogger level. Depending on your personality, it can be small and subdued, like a ring, but can also be a statement piece that’s big and sparkly.

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Where the f*&k are my pockets?! When did we decide women’s clothing doesn’t need pockets anymore? When trying to leave La Piazza safely while balancing a coffee, wallet, pizza, and a phone the size of my face, the utility of some nice deep pockets is sorely missed.

The depth of pockets might not seem like a big deal, but let’s put it into perspective, the lack of pockets in women’s clothing is immobilizing in a metaphorical and literal sense. Jeans with fake pockets or pockets that are microscopic in size limit how women go about their daily routines. Women are required to add purses or handbags to their non-essential expenses. Lugging a purse around can be a major annoyance and slows the pace that a hands-free approach would allow. It’s not fun to have to bring a purse to the club, or on a packed bus, or when you’re going to Canada’s Wonderland for the day and have to make sure you put your purse in a cubby before getting on a ride. The fashion industry limits women on a daily basis by withholding functionality.

The more impractical the clothing design is, the higher the fashion. The development of women’s fashion promotes tight and revealing looks, showing all the nooks and crannies to be the desirable norm. The underlying idea is to show how slender a woman can truly be and this has justified eliminating the utility of pockets. Fatphobia has driven female fashion to make any practicality obsolete. Fashion will go to any end to prevent extra folds in fabric that might make a lady have unflattering bulges. Small pockets are one thing, but it is baffling to look down and realize after you purchased a pair of pants that the pockets are sewn shut for no apparent reason, other than for aesthetic purposes. You would think the clothing we wear would adapt to the technology that we acquire. It looks ridiculous when a giant iPhone 6 Plus is sticking halfway out of your miniscule front jean pocket.

When trying to leave La Piazza safely while balancing a coffee, wallet, pizza, and a phone the size of my face, the utility of some nice deep pockets is sorely missed.

It shouldn’t be so absurd to have functioning pockets while maintaining fashion appeal. Wouldn’t it be more fashion forward to be able to combine a hot new look with practical pockets? Is it that complex of an idea? The simplicity of a pocket should not be seen as preventing women from looking their best. It may be in the distant future before any large changes are made, but hopefully the women’s fashion industry can take baby steps to implement practical clothing. No one should have to put their phones in their bras as a go-to. Let’s take a stand against gender-coded clothing and put the utility back into our pants.

Photo Credit: Jon White/ Photo Editor

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Take a moment to reflect on a time in your youth where you were unsure of your identity. If you were anything like the rest of us, you’ve probably made some bad calls re: what you wore. It’s okay. We’ve all had dark times. When one is not yet comfortable in their own skin, they’re more susceptible to the toxic influence of trends, or what everyone else around them is wearing. Remember spending $70 on that moose-adorned, Abercrombie & Fitch plaid shirt in grade nine? I rest my case.

To those who have not been living under a rock (or the pile of unfortunate clothing they once spent actual money on), you may recall the release of Drake’s Hotline Bling video this past month. The video spawned a bevy of dancing Drake memes and the Internet was quick to react with their affection or discontent. Perhaps the most important things that came from this fantastic video, however, are the rapper’s fire ‘fits — in particular, his #cozy grey turtleneck. Turtlenecks are hype.

While Drake still has ways to go to be deemed a “style god” (he is no Kanye, Pharell, or A$AP Rocky after all) Hotline Bling Drake is a Drake who has great taste and is confident in his aesthetic. Drake is a great rapper. Some may even call him a hip-hop icon. Regardless your take on the 6 god, the man is capable of making some solid bangers. It’s cool to see the evolution of his style — it’s nice to know that he didn’t always wear En Noir and look this good. He’s had moments of self-doubt, too. He’s just like the rest of us.

1. Degrassi Drake

degrassi_drake

Baby Drake, a.k.a. Aubrey, can be seen sporting the slouchy hoodie and sweats combo typical to any student roaming the halls of Degrassi High. He’s just one of us. *prayer hand emoji*

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. So Far Gone Drake

so_far_gone_drake

With the release of his third fire mixtape, Drake’s star rose with his style game. He now sports designer brands like Comme des Garcon PLAY, rocking a preppier vibe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Thank Me Later Drake

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In interviews, Drake has boasted of his “obscene sweater addiction.” After the release of his debut album, Thank Me Later Drake frequented high-quality, designer sweaters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Take Care/YOLO Drake

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Take Care spawned “The Motto,” which popularized the acronym “YOLO.” Take Care Drake was also hyping up his own brand, OVO, and was often found sporting one of his own pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Nothing Was The Same Drake

nothing_was_drake

This is street goth Drake, a Drake who is really getting into the streetwear scene. En Noir, Hood By Air, Rick Owens and, of course, his own OVO gear were closet staples.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late/ WATTBA Drake

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Drake collaborated with Future to stun the world with WATTBA. Aside from popular streetwear brands, this Drake frequented simple gold chains, Jordans, and cool tees.

 

 

 

 

7. Hotline Bling Drake

hotline_drake

This is the era of Drake we have all been waiting for. The 6 god is sporting dope brands in subtle ways and rocking streetwear the right way – subtle, not flashy. All of his outfits in the Hotline Bling video are fire, from the Moncler red puffer jacket and Timberlands to the super cozy Acne Studios turtleneck. Way to go, Hotline Bling Drake. Way to go.

 

 

 

 

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