UNCLE OTIS 26 Bellair, 416-920-2281, uncleotis.com
The last time we shopped Uncle Otis for a Store Of The Week story was in 2004. A lot has changed since those streetwear- and Stussy-dominated days.
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“I’ve grown up and the store’s grown up,” says owner Donnell Enns, whose mature tastes now lean toward heritage brands and handsome collections from the likes of Filippa K, Wings+Horns and Filson. Uncle Otis has turned into a mecca for classic menswear – which in 2010 means plaid and chambray shirts, trousers jean-cut from neutral canvas and utilitarian outerwear worn with leather lace-ups or chukka boots – and well-mannered service to match.
But never fear, streetwear holdouts. There’s still a smidge of Stussy, though now the line is represented by its Deluxe collection, which focuses on higher-quality fabrics and fit.
Uncle Otis picks: Wings+Horns West Point chino shorts come in khaki, olive, black or navy, $160 a basic Surface to Air shirt gets a boost from its contrasting plaid placket, $220 Rokin’s Rider Derby shoes mix classic tan leather uppers with hearty rubber soles, $320.
Look for: Accessories like Tsovet watches and Mosley Tribe shades.
Hours: Monday to Friday 11:30 am to 7 pm, Saturday 11:30 am to 6 pm, Sunday noon to 5 pm.
