Restock: APC DENIM

We've just received a re-stock of A.P.C. denim including the New Standard, Petite Standard, New Cure and Rescue.

Now Auditioning: UNDERSTUDY

To operate on this historically significant block as it undergoes such momentous change has inspired us a lot. In keeping up with the transformation of First Street, we've developed some new plans of our own. 

As all great garments begin with the fabric, our project begins with a name.  "Understudy" is a concept born from curiosity, exploration and respect. In our eyes, ears and hands, there's never too much to see, to hear, or to feel. At Understudy, it will be our mission to present a range of select goods that reflect our own interests in a way that's both personal and uncovered.  

In the meantime, visit us at the Gallery on First Street, where the minds behind Understudy continue to prepare in anticipation of being called to the stage.

Spring Departure

black wax-cotton jacket: marshall artist
grey hooded sweater: mananoshe
plaid button-down shirt: amongst friends
black canvas/leather duffle: naked & famous

navy bomber jacket: marshall artist
plaid shirt-jacket: marshall artist
grey stripe crew: amongst friends
backpack: amongst friends


This time of year always makes me think of travel. Compared with summer, springtime airfares and accommodation are more reasonably priced, plus overcrowded attractions are less of an issue. So long as one's prepared for unstable weather, spring is the BEST time to take a trip. Above you'll find some lightweight spring jackets which are wind and/or water resistant, plus some versatile layering pieces. Also, don't forget to bring a good daypack for carrying everything you'll need, including a compact umbrella and sunscreen. You'll likely use both on the same afternoon.

Grad+Cake+Birthday+Sunshine

FACT mix 247: Jay Weed

Here's a MIX that's perfect for promoting productivity on a grey, rainy afternoon. Equal parts bottomless depth and surface-snapping percussion, Jay Weed's mix for Fact seems to end only moments after it begins. For this mix and more, check FACT often. Mixes are posted for download for a limited time.

How To: Hair by Men's Non-No #299

Here, we offer you a tiny glimpse inside the most comprehensive, monthly young-men's lifestyle magazine on the planet. From Japan, it's "Men's Non-No". The most amazing thing about this magazine, is the amount of content packed into its pages, which are, again, published EVERY month. Compared with  western magazines, conventional advertising between the covers of Non-No is fairly limited, while exclusive editorial bits are instead shot and styled to sell product. Also, every product in this magazine has a price posted beside it. Above, you'll see pages from a reoccurring segment which offers grooming ideas. For more, click HERE.

dirty sound system - summer 2011 (un)mixtape

Get THIS while you can. Highly recommended.

Spring Layers

T-shirt: Marshall Artist

Denim Shirt: Amongst Friends

Fleece Cardigan: Amongst Friends

Though Spring is technically here, to head out wearing nothing but a t-shirt and jeans would be ill-advised. This season is just too damn fickle. Instead, layer up with some lightweight pieces that can be removed/added as the day progresses. By combining washed-out colours and soft textures, you'll feel warm and bright, even when the sun's not.  

ACAD Grad Show 2011

Tomorrow evening is the ACAD student Grad Show. Expand your horizons. Check it out.

May 18 - 28, 2011
ACAD | Main Mall, 3rd floors and Illingworth Kerr Gallery
Opening reception | May 18, 2011 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

From Afar: Mast Brothers Chocolate

The Mast Brothers from The Scout on Vimeo.

Upon her return from a one week stint in New York, my sweetheart presented me with a Mast Brothers chocolate bar. The variety was "Almonds and Sea Salt". The flavor caused my pupils to dilate.

Sled Island Playlist by Teddy Celebration

lab coast / extra happy ghost split 7" by indiebeef.ca

"Lovers Lane" - Hunx and his Punx by forcefieldpr

Pat Jordache - Radio by snakesplusladders

Teengirl Fantasy - Cheaters by axfight

"Mr. Lucky" - Sonny and the Sunsets by forcefieldpr


To better prepare ourselves for Sled Island, we've canvassed some talented friends, requesting they curate a playlist featuring some of their favorite acts performing at this summer's music festival.

Ted, or Teddy Celebration (stage name), is known for calmly coaxing parties to the brink - unless his intent is otherwise, then he'll stone you with something so weighty, you'll just sit there smiling. See Ted Wednesday nights at Concept Bar  (907 17th ave SW).

New Arrivals: Amongst Friends

fleece cardigan, grey 

denim shirt, lt. blue

plaid shirt

long sleeve stripe shirt, white/navy

"made on earth" t, heather red

long sleeve stripe shirt, white/grey

Brooklyn's "Amongst Friends" is now at the Gallery on First Street. Come in and check it out.

The American Sporting Scene 1941

These images were taken from "The American Sporting Scene" by John Kieran, with pictures by Joseph W. Golinkin. It's spring, let's get sporting!

NFB Docs

The National Film Board of Canada digitized hundreds of films, which are now viewable online. This short documentary, "Ride for Your Life" chronicles Canadian motorcycle racer, Mike Duff, as he recovers from an injury sustained during the previous season, while competing in Japan. 1966. Directed by Robin Spry. Music by Mothers of Invention. Way cooler than you can imagine.

Our Block

photo courtesy of Calgary Heritage Initiative Society

Taken in 2007, this photo shows the exposed north wall of our store, which is located in 1st street's historic IODE building.  The old Dunlop Tire ad, which had been covered up for about 60 years, was briefly revealed before the construction of Colours Condos - our neighbours.

Cave of Forgotten Dreams

After directing Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, Werner Herzog plunges into 3 dimensional depths well beyond the reaches of Nicolas Cage. If this ever shows in Calgary, I'll be there.

FFWD Best of Calgary

If you prefer The Gallery for its men's clothing and/or its art exhibitions, show us your support by voting HERE. While you're at it, get behind the other independent businesses vying for your vote at FFWD's annual Best of Calgary feature. The more exposure we small businesses receive, the more variety for  Calgarians.

Sled Island

Click HERE to view the full Sled Island 2011 lineup. This festival just keeps getting better. We're especially looking forward to seeing our friends from Lab Coast, as well as Samantha Savage Smith perform. 

For more on Sled Island, you can view the website HERE

Duffle Bag

This duffle bag from Naked & Famous is made from quilted canvas and bovine leather. Highly recommended.

Way More Mr. Nice Guy

A great friend and a talented designer, Daniel Curtis has nothing but nice things to say. It's part of what makes him special. To see what inspires Dan, click HERE and keep tabs. He's brighter than a golden earring and deeper than a bottle of Disaronno.