I want to start out right off the bat by saying I am in no way a fashionista. But I think it’s for that reason that I’m more qualified to tell you about the style journey I’ve been on as I’ve looked to upgrade my “Dad Fashion.”
Second, this post is not sponsored. I was given the products for the giveaway, but my experience with both espy experience and Stephen J are my own.
Growing up
I was lucky enough to take part in – for lack of a better word – a makeover that saw me get a style upgrade from espy experience and a new hairstyle from Stephen J at Johnny’s Barber Shop.
For pretty much my entire adult life my style had consisted of what I wore in my early 20s. And what I wore in my early 20s was pretty much inspired by what my brother wore because he is much more stylish than me. Now that I’m a father of two and closer to 40 than 30, I took a look in my closet and realized not only did I not want to wear most of what I had, but I didn’t even know what I liked.
Couple that with a hairline that’s ever so slowly receding and a hairstyle that could best be described as “I don’t know what to do so I do this,” and my whole look wasn’t giving me an ounce of confidence.
Ultimately, that’s what I was looking for. I wanted confidence that when I left the house I was looking my best and, maybe more importantly, that what I was wearing and the hairstyle I was rocking was right for me.
espy
My first stop was espy. I met with Mick who – via a survey I filled out before coming – had already picked out a handful of items for me to try on. After going through a few items, he started to get a sense of what fit me well, and what I was looking for which allowed him to pull a few more items for me.
In the end, I could have bought everything he picked out for me. But since my budget wasn’t unlimited I settled on a new pair of pants, a vest and a new sweater.
Stephen J
My next stop was Stephen J at Johnny’s Barber Shop. I was pretty excited for this part of my “makeover.” I have never had a professional stylist/barber tell me what to do with my hair and, in my opinion, it showed. In anticipation of our meeting I had let my hair grow, what was for me, longer than usual.
What hit me first about our meeting was we spent the first 10 minutes or so just talking. Talking about life, talking about who I was and what I was looking for. He didn’t even touch my hair. This small, but personal touch made a big impression and soon he was getting to work on styling my hair.
I immediately loved what he did, and in the end I decided I would actually grow my hair longer. Since COVID-19, I haven’t had much of a choice in that arena, but I’m confident once I can go back to getting regular haircuts I’ll be looking my best.
In the end, that’s what this whole experience gave me. Confidence.
In my mind I keep comparing it to golf. When I was looking for a new set of golf clubs I went and got fitted by a professional at the Calgary Golf and Country Club. He looked at my swing, had me try different clubs, different shafts, different lies and even tweaked my swing slightly. In the end the clubs I got were perfect for me and now every time I use them I KNOW that I can hit the right shot with them. Just looking at them gives me the confidence to play my best.
Now that I’ve updated my Dad fashion, the same can be said now every time I get dressed. With my hair styled and new clothes on I feel confident. Confident that my look is right for me and confident that I can portray myself in a way that shows that inner confidence.
Contest
Contest now closed.
DadsFanny
At DadsFanny, We get it – you’re tired of lugging around an overstuffed, bulky diaper bag. You want a simplified way to carry your kid’s essentials, while being able to focus on life’s adventures. Funny enough, we felt the exact same way. We’ve created a pack that dads (and moms!) can use to carry the important stuff – both parenting and personal.
For traditionalists, the pack can be worn around the waist in true fanny fashion, while others may choose to enjoy it as a crossbody. A magnetic Fidlock buckle makes gearing up a breeze and the waist strap can be fully adjusted for the perfect fit. The main compartment features mesh pockets for storing diapers and wipes, with room in the middle to carry a snack, keys, sunscreen, or an extra onesie. The front RFID-blocking pocket includes a slot for your cards, cash or drivers license. Water-resistant fabrics line the outside and inside of the pack, making clean up quick and easy. “Is that all?” You ask? Well, no. Our packs also feature a hidden expansion pocket. Perfect for a water bottle, jacket, baby bottle or snack container. There when you need it, out of sight when you don’t.
Soxy
Soxy socks are designed in Canada and made in South Korea.
Soxy is a premium lifestyle brand with emphasis on designing bold socks to help empower individuality and self-expression.
Built on a direct-to-consumer model in 2014 by brothers Albert and Boris Vaisman, Soxy has quickly gone on to become an internet sensation that has delivered over 1,000,000 pairs of socks to men & women in over 40 different countries
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