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Staying true to the title, here are five restaurants you need to visit in Toronto.

1. Alo - 163 Spadina Ave.

   Not only did Alo make the number one spot on TripAdvisor’s list of restaurants in Toronto, but it also took the number one spot in the most recent edition of Canada’s Best 100 Restaurants, too. Serving the most spectacular European/French food with vegetarian and gluten-free options, the restaurant has people raving not only about the impeccable food but also the professional, top-notch service that makes dining here an experience you won’t forget.

   The only downside is that since so many people also want to dine here, a reservation may be more than a little difficult to secure. Of course, you can take a seat at their bar in the meantime.

2. Richmond Station - 1 Richmond St. West

   An interesting tidbit about this restaurant is that it’s co-owned by the winner of Canada’s Top Chef. However, it also comes highly recommended across the board, placing third on TripAdvisor’s list of restaurants. You can order virtually any kind of cuisine you care for, with some proclaiming that this place offers the best burger in Toronto. You will be hard-pressed to read a negative review about Richmond Station.

3. Canoe Restaurant & Bar - 66 Wellington St. W

   With a focus on Canadian fare (but also offering international, vegetarian and vegan options), this restaurant has it all. It also happens to be one of Toronto’s most iconic restaurants, which definitely makes it worthy of a visit. Like others on this list, this place is ranked among the best.

4. Edulis - 169 Niagara St.

   Edulis came in 5th place on Canada’s 100 Best list, the second best restaurant in Toronto, which means that it’s worth a try. Offering Canadian fare, this quaint restaurant has excellent-tasting food that is beautifully presented, with excellent wine to top it all off.

5. The Hogtown Vegan - 1056 Bloor St. West

   Don’t think that vegans can’t enjoy all of those classic comfort foods you know and love. The Hogtown Vegan has them all - from mac and cheese to cheeseburgers to fish and chips and nachos. What more do you need? The Hogtown Vegan has also earned a nod from TripAdvisor, receiving its Certificate of Excellence.

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Pride Month is only a week away, which means it’s time to celebrate if you aren’t already! Pride month aims to celebrate the LGBTQ community, as well as bring awareness to important issues that still need to be addressed.

Pride Month should be celebrated in every way possible - the big ways and the little ways. We know you’re already set to go to all of the Pride parades, but have you thought about all of the little ways that you can celebrate the LGBTQ community? Celebrating alongside all of the companies who have supported the LGBTQ community in the past is one way to do so. The good news? The list of LGBTQ-friendly companies continues to grow.

1. Say Cheers with Absolut Vodka + Budweiser

   Absolut Vodka has been a supporter of the LGBTQ community for a long time - over 30 years! - so the next time you’re going to have some drinks, why not have a sip of Absolut? Not a fan of vodka? No problem. In March 2013, Budweiser came out with an advertisement wherein they incorporated two beer cans into the the Human Rights Campaign logo. It’s all about celebrating the newcomers, wouldn’t you agree?

2. Shop with Nike

   Just like Absolut Vodka, Nike has been very public about their support for the LGBTQ community - and for quite some time, too. Want to celebrate with some shopping? Be sure to checkmark Nike off your list.

3. Take a Vacation to Disney with JetBlue

   Pride Month is the perfect time to take a vacation. Fly with JetBlue, a company that has spoken out about marriage equality in the past, and fly to Disney - another business with LGBTQ-friendly values. Better yet, book your flight with Expedia. Remember their heartwarming 2012 ad that shared the a father’s personal journey toward accepting his daughter’s gay marriage?

4. Sip on a Latte at Starbucks

   The CEO of Starbucks spoke out about his support for gay marriage in March 2013 in response to a shareholder’s statement that their support for the LGBTQ community wasn’t good for business. Why not celebrate over a latte and prove that shareholder otherwise?

(Don’t worry - there’s a lot more where this came from.)

LD West, as featured in Forbes, Daily Mail and more, is the brand behind the most original holster yet, a mix between a cell phone holder and a wallet. LD West also offers a range of other apparel and accessories that would make a statement during Pride Month. Click here to view our entire selection or contact us for more information.

Summer is quickly approaching, and that means that it’s time to start thinking about the summer necessities - the things you won’t be able to live without. First up? Accessories!

1. Sunglasses

   Sunglasses are the summer essential of all summer essentials, not only for the purpose of protecting your eyes from those nasty UV rays, but also as a great way to top off any outfit. Orange/yellow-tinted sunglasses a la the 70s are going to be one of the newest sunglasses trends, applicable to both men and women alike.

2. A Summer Jacket

   You are going to need a lightweight jacket for all of those summer nights spent on the patio. An alternative for those who are partial to denim? The denim jacket, of course. Pro Tip: Choose a summer jacket that can see you through a variety of events, from work to more casual weekend gatherings.

3. Boat Shoes

   Sandals and flip flops may come to mind when you think of traditional summer footware, and sure, they have their place. But boat shoes are where it’s at. Both men and women can rock the boat shoe and they have both comfort and versatility going for them, appropriate for the beach and the office. Plus, you are going to see flip flops on every summer essential list out there.

4. LD West’s Original Holster Hybrid

   Our holster hybrid, a mix between a cell phone holder and a wallet, may become your next summer obsession. Not only can it be worn in any number of ways, making it the perfect summer accessory, but summer means all the more reason to throw a get-together, and the last thing you want is to lose your phone. Our holster will be your lifesaver more than once, protecting your important things so you don’t have to.

5. A Beach Bag

   What would a summer be without a beach bag? A beach bag is not only an absolute summer essential for practical purposes on beach-going days, but also a great way to complement your outfit.

6. A Weekend Backpack

   Our calendars tend to be a bit more full during the summer months. Do you have your go-to weekend backpack ready? If not, you are going to need one.

LD West, as featured in Forbes, Daily Mail and more, is the brand behind the most original holster yet, a mix between a cell phone holder and a wallet. LD West also offers a range of other apparel and accessories, too. Click here to view our entire selection or contact us for more information.

If you’ve just landed an interview for your dream job, the next step is to actually get the job. The interview is all about the first impression, and you only have a few seconds to make a good one. Your choice of dress on the day of your interview will put you on the path to making a great first impression. Without further ado, take a look at this interview style guide to help you land your dream job.

1. Formality and Conservativeness Are Key

   You want to set yourself up for success from the moment you meet your potential boss. This means erring on the side of formality and conservativeness.

   To establish yourself as a professional, a suit is a non-negotiable. A single-breasted solid navy blue suit is typically the go-to first interview option, while a solid dark gray is a good option for your second interview. A two button cut falls into the more classic option, but three buttons is also acceptable.

   Avoid: black suits, tan suits, pinstripes, double-breasted suits and blazers/sports jackets.

   For dress shirts, opt for a straight-point shirt (not a button down) in solid white and 100% cotton (do not wear blends). Iron and tuck it in.

   Avoid: striped and patterned shirts, tab collars and French cuffs.

   Ensure that your suit is crisp and that everything is properly ironed. Complete the look with a pair of black Oxford shoes (no penny loafers or shoes with straps - laces only).

2. Include (the Appropriate) Accessories

   The most important accessory is your choice of tie. Opt for a dark-coloured tie in a solid colour or choose one with one of the following two patterns: small dots or classic stripes. Whether you prefer to wear belts or suspenders, choose one or the other (but not both). Lastly, you can also wear a watch during your interview, but leave the sporty-style watch or the Rolex at home.

   Avoid: Bright-coloured ties, bow ties, pocket squares, jewellery.

3. Don’t Overlook the Details

   Don’t overlook the details, because even the smallest ones, such as your choice of sock, can make or break your look. Choose solid black dress socks that go past your ankles.

LD West, as featured in Forbes, Daily Mail and more, is the brand behind the most original holster yet, a mix between a cell phone holder and a wallet. LD West also offers a range of other apparel and accessories, too. Click here to view our entire selection or contact us for more information.

When it comes to choosing attire for a wedding, the only definite tradition is the prohibition against dressing in white. However, you should also avoid a shouting piece of jewelry that is distracting. The idea is to keep the limelight on the couple.

But finding the right attire for any special event is always a challenge. Your wardrobe might have a mix of formal and casual items – some are too short or too baggy, and others feel so 24out of trend that they should have been discarded years ago. As a guest attending one of the happy couple’s most important events, it is only natural that you want to look your best.

Here are some ideas to dress for a gay wedding:

1. City Venue

   If the wedding is in a large and vibrant city, where people dress fashionable, the guests will be expected to follow the trend. Men can choose a classic black designer suit paired with a printed shirt, cuff links or bright patterned socks. Girls can take the opportunity to don a classic black cocktail piece coupled with high heels and statement jewelry or an embellished clutch. This will light up the dance floor.

2. Western-style Wedding

   A western-style wedding is usually low-key and intimate, so you will want to leave your flannel shirts at home. Find out whether the ceremony will be held in a garden to avoid overdressing or under-dressing. A safe bet for gentlemen would be a neat day suit in navy or Grey, or a slim cut pair of khakis matched with a sharp shirt and sport jacket. You can also add a little gingham on your pocket square or tie for modest western flair.

   Don’t wear cowboy boots. Instead, choose a nice pair of dress shoes to complement your outfit. Ladies can appear lovely in a floaty sundress, wedges, and perhaps a shrug to keep you warm in the evening.

3. Energetic Couple

   For a lit couple, you can choose loud attire to complement the energetic mood. However, you will want to avoid fashion trends or conventional clothing that takes attention from the couple. You may even wear a pair of vegan leather pants, paired with a dressier t-shirt and velvet blazer for men, or a dressy, drapey top for ladies to create varied texture.

Most gay weddings typically have a romantic feel, which gives the attendees some freedom to choose their attire. In this case, men can opt for an impeccably tailored suit or a bold, checkered jacket for a little flair, while ladies can don a sparkly or slinky dress with high platforms.

If you have recently become a vegan, it can be a little difficult at first to find beauty and body care products to complement your new lifestyle. Many companies have hidden non-vegan ties, either in their ingredients, like carmine – a reddish pigment manufactured from insect “shudder” – or in their practises, like in the case of brands that test on animals or are founded by non-cruelty-free companies.

This may have been a real problem a few years ago, but with the increasing popularity of veganism, there is a burgeoning market of green and animal-friendly brands. Here are some beauty and/or skin care companies that only deal in vegan products:

1. Uma Oils
   The Indian-based company hand-harvests its range of organic oils from its farms. The company uses an ancient Ayurveda formula to create facial and wellness oil blends that deeply moisturise, brighten, clarify, and repair the skin while keeping it safe from environmental toxins. Some of the earnings are channelled to educating the local youth through scholarships, and improving the health of the community through a village clinic the company sponsors.
2. French Girl Organics
   French Girl Organics is an Anthropologie-approved company with a line of luxe skincare products made with organic ingredients. It is one of the chicest all-vegan brands in the market, and is particularly well known for its beeswax-free lip tint.
3. Au Naturale Cosmetics
   The company has made a name for itself for leading the fight for more transparency in the beauty industry on Capitol Hill. Moreover, it has a range of fashionable makeup colours and formula made from locally-sourced ingredients that are ideal for sensitive skin.
4. Elate Cosmetics
   The Canadian brand offers striking colour cosmetics with an earthy-glam vibe owing to the sustainable bamboo packaging. The company’s makeup is also available at an affordable price point, which makes it quite competitive in the vegan beauty industry.
5. Beauty Without Cruelty
   Founded in 1963 in England, Beauty Without Cruelty has been at the forefront of the animal cruelty-free cosmetics movement for decades now. The company offers a range of skin-care products, hair-care and styling products, cosmetics, and even nail lacquers.

Borrowing from your boyfriend is not as simple as tossing on one of his blazers and walking out the door. It can be easier for most unisex accessories, but you also need to consider contrast and proportions in your matching.

Here are some of your boyfriend’s accessories that you will make you look awesome:

1. His watch
   

   Women’s watches are generally very small and flashy. If you don’t mind wearing an accessory that is much bigger than a bracelet, and a little heavy, you can borrow your boyfriend’s watch on multiple occasions. While you can’t match the watch with a designer evening gown, it can be a great accessory in casual and business environments as a symbol of power and boldness.

   However, you should only wear a refined and elegant men's timepiece, as opposed to a bulky sports watch. A good wristwatch can complement casual and business outfits, and is great when combined with feminine accessories such as stacked bracelets or rings.

2. His hat
   

   Men don’t wear their hats as often as they used to, except for a few who match their modern hats with urban-smart attire. Still, women look fabulous in men’s hats – and can even purchase their own designer headpieces.

   An elegant fedora or panama hat can be matched with any feminine outfit, including jeans and heels, stylish summer attire, a night-out outfit with a mixture of feminine and masculine accessories, and even business attire that creates harmony between the two styles.

   There are a few rules for wearing a man’s hat that you should be familiar with to achieve that dazzling look.

3. His tie and cufflinks

   Every man looks stylish and sophisticated in matching ties and cufflinks. They are a unique accessory that has been around since the dawn of fashion, and they add elegance to an impeccable outfit.

   Women can also don ties and cufflinks, usually in the form of slim and narrow bowties, oversized ties, and tie-like scarves. These can spice up your formal outfit and add a masculine edge to your feminine charm. Choose cufflink styles with small rhinestones or pearls to enhance your feminine image, though you can match the tie and cufflinks to any proper outfit depending on the setting – high-end party, business meeting, or urban chic office wear.

Your boyfriend’s regular clothes, including shirts, sweaters, and blazers, will probably be over-sized, but this is not necessarily a bad thing provided you can match these pieces well with shorts, skinny jeans, or a skirt.

Weddings can be expensive, so it may not seem like a good idea to add more items to your list. But after a wedding, it is expected that the groom will thank his best man and groomsmen for supporting him on his special day with some personalised gifts.

Although tradition is reason enough to buy groomsmen gifts, you may also be incentivised by the fact that these men, who stood with you during your wedding, are the closest people to you – and the ones most likely to help you out in any future situations. A thoughtful groomsmen gift is a great opportunity to show them your appreciation for their selflessness.

Here are some practical gifts to consider:

1. Tie clip and cufflinks set
   A matching set of cufflinks and a tie clip is a great gift for men that can be used on a regular basis. You can also gift your groomsmen just one of those pieces, either a tie clip or a cufflinks set – but the full set is perfect and easily attainable at a discount. You can also include a tie if you intend for them to use the accessories for your wedding.
2. Stamped wallets
   Handmade and personalised wallets are another great groomsmen gift. You can customise a standard bi-fold wallet with their name, monogram or the wedding date. Get a quality wallet that will retain the feel and smell of genuine leather even after years of repeated use.
3. Leather wrapped flasks
   After a day of celebrations, your groomsmen might still be unfulfilled if they can’t go home sipping on their favourite drink from their new drinking accessory. If some of the men are nervous about standing in front of a crowd, it may be best if you don’t give them their gifts until the wedding is over. Otherwise, a flask is a classic groomsmen gift – and the leather wrapping simply gives it an edge.
4. Personalised travel bag
   This is a perfect gift for adventurous men, and would be particularly useful if given just before your bachelor party. It will help your guys pack their clothes and essential toiletries in style, and keep them organised until the wedding is over. There are many men’s canvas and leather duffle bags to choose from, though you may want one with a messenger bag, a luggage tag, a toiletry bag, or a tie case.
5. Cologne
   Many men desire a second fragrance – since most have at least one cologne – but they don’t necessarily want to go out shopping for one on their own. You will need to do a little olfactory research, with help from your partner or female friends, to pick a different scent for each of the groomsmen.

Deciding on which restaurants to visit while in New York City is like trying to decide on a casino in Las Vegas. New York City offers one of the most comprehensive and sophisticated culinary experiences in the world. Some of the planet's best chefs and restaurateurs have gathered in this mega city to showcase their talents – and the talent is truly staggering. If you only have a short amount of time in NYC, below are 5 restaurants you need to visit.

1. The Smile
   This NoHo breakfast place at 26 Bond Street is renowned for having great breakfast – and for being one of the best spots for people watching. The breakfasts are home cooked, practical and will fill you up after a night on the town.
2. Sadelles
   If you only are able to dine out for breakfast or brunch one day while in New York City, make it Sadelles. Located at 463 West Broadway in SoHo, this restaurant offers Jewish influenced fare (towering lox on bagels) – and the waiters yell out “hot bagels” every time a new batch comes out of the oven. They also offer amazing french toast and breakfast sandwiches. Sadelles is one NYC breakfast spot you don't want to pass up.
3. Rubirosa
   Located at 235 Mulberry Street, this Italian American comfort food consistently gets high marks from both locals and visitors. It's got everything you would expect from a NYC Italian restaurant, including oven baked pizzas, perfectly prepared al dente pasta – and incredibly long wait times. You might want to get your name on the list and then find somewhere to kill some time.
4. St. Anselm
   Located at 355 Metropolitan Avenue In Williamsburg, Brooklyn, this is one of NYC's least stuffy steakhouses. St. Anselm doesn’t accept reservations, so unless you get there right as they open the doors, expect to wait it out. It is, however, generally considered to be well worth the wait and at $23 will be one of the best steaks you've ever been served.
5. Diner
   Located at 85 Broadway, this is a legendary Brooklyn diner that is typically associated with “hipsters,” but is really just full of people who come for the amazing, home cooked comfort food. Once you step inside, you will feel like you're on the set of a movie because it truly embodies the typical American “diner” experience.
   
   

Many people think that it’s just the bride who should be receiving gifts on her wedding day and entirely forget about the groom. While it’s true that the actual event of the wedding has traditionally been a celebration of the bride, it's just as big of an event for the groom. While more thought tends to go into getting something for the bride, below are some gift ideas for the groom on your wedding day that will show him you haven't forgotten about him.

1. A watch
   Watches are great gifts to give to the groom on your wedding day because they are so symbolic. Not only does a watch speak to the fact that you will be together until the end of time, but it is also a great accessory piece that typically looks great on most men. Go for something elegant but understated, with a leather strap.
2. Hip flask
   This is one of the most popular wedding day gifts from bride to groom. These are great because they can be engraved with special messages, dates or initials – making for a truly personalized gift. You might also think about filling it with his favourite liquor before giving it to him for an extra personal touch.
3. Pre-honeymoon gift
   If you two are planning a honeymoon immediately after the wedding, you might want to look into getting something that will serve him well while the two of you are travelling. A passport cover, luggage tags, or travel books are all great ways to get him something useful, while building excitement for the trip the two of you are going to take together.
4. A fun excursion together
   The gift you give your groom on his wedding day doesn't have to be something tangible that he can hold in his hands on that same day. It could be a gift certificate for something you two can do together, such as a pair of tickets to a concert or a festival pass.
5. Breakfast
   If you and your groom are not really into getting each other material things, you can always surprise him with his favourite breakfast on the day of your wedding. Small gestures like making him breakfast go a long way. It doesn't need to be gourmet. Try out a new recipe, buy some nice coffee and leave a little note beside the meal – this gesture will show how much you love him.

First dates can be nerve-wracking. You have no idea how that person that you briefly chatted with at the bar or have sent a few texts back and forth with online is going to act. You want to make a good impression, but you don't want to look like you’re trying too hard. You want to highlight your best features, but you don't want to draw too much attention. Below are some tips for dressing for a first date for both men and women.

For Men

Opt for a clean pair of sneakers. The importance of a clean pair of sneakers cannot be overstated. Make sure that your first date apparel is casual – and more importantly, clean. Believe it or not, your shoes attract much more attention than you would think and people make judgments about you based on the shoes you are wearing.

Additionally, well-fitted jeans and a simple t-shirt can make you look both stylish and classic. This look is dead easy and cheap – and when done right, will have your date swooning. Keep in mind that this look should be wrinkle free.

For Women

It’s important to dress comfortably and in a way that positively accentuates your best features. For example, if you feel most confident in jeans and a t-shirt, stick to this look but add simple accessories to elevate the outfit for a date. Heels, jewelry and a statement purse can quickly transform a casual outfit into an eye-catching ensemble.

However, the best choice is often the classic little black dress. The little black dress seems almost cliche to even mention – but it's a first date staple. The little black dress looks good on everyone. It’s the perfect mixture of casual and elegant – and is sure to make a good impression regardless of the venue. Choose an all-black dress in a style of your choice paired with heels, a simple purse and elegant jewelry.

First dates are a mixture of excitement and stress. You want the other person to see that you are making an effort to look your best. However, it’s also important to feel confident in your outfit of choice.

If you’ve got a first date and are wondering how to create an ensemble that achieves both of these objectives, keep the above first date outfit options in mind.

If there’s one thing that busy people on the move know how to do, it’s how to get more versatility out of their wardrobe. These people are experts at making what they put on in the morning look like it was tailor made for a night out.

It’s not always easy to transform a daytime look into a whole new outfit for a night out on the town with friends. If you are someone who doesn't have time to completely change your look between work and play, below are 5 wardrobe necessities that can go from day to night.

1. Chambray shirt
   What started out as a chambray shirt with skinny jeans, birkenstocks and a mini backpack (the perfect, simple outfit for stepping out and running some daytime errands) can be turned into a nighttime ready ensemble by adding a necklace, swapping out the jeans for some soft black shorts, and slipping on some heels.
2. Track shorts
   Pair track shorts with a trendy button up for an easy, fashionable daytime look. To transform this look for nighttime, simply switch out the button up for a flirty tank top, add some chunky heels, and voila, the track shorts have become a trendy nighttime outfit.
3. Jeans and t-shirt
   During the day, the classic jeans and t-shirt combination can look casual by simply adding some flat sandals, a backpack and some bangles – easy, comfortable and not overdressed. Come nighttime, keep the jeans and t-shirt, but add a clutch and some heels to instantly transform the outfit into something that is appropriate for heading to the bar.
4. The maxi dress
   The maxi dress is a must have for the day because it looks both casual and elegant. It can be worn with sandals and a mini leather backpack while you run your errands. At night, swap out the backpack for a body bag, the sandals for some heels, and add a few accent pieces of jewellery and you are ready to hit the town.
5. Cotton tank top
   A cotton tank top with skinny jeans, flats and an understated beaded necklace is perfect for running day errands on the weekend. At night, put on some bold heels and add some track pants for a fun, trendy style.