This morning when I ran out to get a bagel and coffee, I realized that pretty soon I will be photographing winter coats and down jackets. I love fall and winter wear and I am looking forward to photographing fashionistas against a Wintery Toronto background but as a send-off to summer, I thought I would highlight some of the  interesting t-shirts of the past season.

Enjoy!

Oscar the grouch shirt, purchased at Winners

I could not decide what I liked better, his shoes or his shirt

T-shirt printed with a map of the NYC subway system. The young man said he picked it up in Japan. Def my fav.

The hoodie is a definite Fall must-have. Whether you like them tight and fitted or baggy and boyfriend-sized, a warm hoodie is versatile and stylish.

This may sound silly but one of the coolest things about hoodies is that you can try them on in any store! Even if you’re shopping at Orphus Rd or some other street Fashionita’s paradise that has no change rooms, you can put the hoodie on right over your sweater and carry the tag to the cash.

Although the modern hoodie gained popularity in the ’70’s, hooded garments date back to the middle ages. Monks would wear them along with a robe or tunic and were considered a sign of Catholic devotion. In the 1930’s, hoodies produced by Champion were worn by laborers in the frozen warehouses of New York.

The advent and growth of hip hop culture beginning in the 1970’s, popularized the hoodie and made it essential to street fashion lovers everywhere. It’s amazing that this practical, historic garment has come so far.

Rocking the Hood in the Street

Tips for Being all Good in the Hood

• Warmth is the key when buying a hoodie. Stick to natural fibers like fleece, wool and if you can afford it, cashmere.
• Make sure you try on the hood. I hate when I am wearing a hoodie and the hood keeps falling off my head! Make sure it will stay on before you buy it.
• Big pockets! Some people are not into the baggie look but your hands should fit inside the pockets of your hoodie. If they don’t, then chances are, it is too small. It is a fall garment after all, and the pockets will keep you hands warm.
• Versatility is a big plus when considering a hoodie. It should be snug enought to fit under some of your jackets, but loose enough to fit over a blouse or T-shirt as well.

Hip Hop and the Hood

Kanye wearing the famous Skelly Hoodie

Pharrell Williams sporting hoodies from Ice Cream, BBC Collection

Minimalism has been a noticeable and welcomed trend this fall. The unembellished symmetry featured in the  Fall/Winter collections of Calvin Klein, Lanvin and Narciso Rodriguez inspired me to seek out minimalism in the streets.