TorontoVerve in Amsterdam - Sara, Josephine & Stella - Hobbemastraat

We were standing at the corner of P.C. Hooftstraat and Hobbemastraat when Sara rode passed us with her daughters, Josephine (left) and Stella (right). Thankfully, we were able to catch up to them to capture this precious moment.

TorontoVerve in Amsterdam: Vanessa - P.C. Hooftstraat

TorontoVerve in Amsterdam: Neel - Haarlemmerweg

Dorothy and I were lost on Haarlemmerweg when we ran into Neel, who was rushing to a wedding.

"They asked us to look beautiful and happy so I chose this dress."

TorontoVerve in Amsterdam!

Amsterdam -- the city of canals was the second stop on our European trip. We instantly felt at home -- thanks in great part to our bed and breakfast, B&B Quartier Neuf, and we were also charmed by the city's eloquent streets and incredible views.

Seeing the residents' symbiotic relationship with the canals was especially inspiring.

And we were strongly impressed with Amsterdam's love and respect for cycling. Despite the narrow roads and sidewalks, cyclists have a dedicated lane virtually anywhere in the city. One resident amusingly describes the hierarchy on the road as "cyclists first, pedestrians second and cars third." A far contrast from our beloved Toronto.

Indeed, if you're going to shoot street style in Amsterdam, you're going to need a bike because many of the well-dressed locals are barrelling down roads and over bridges on 2 wheels. So to catch up with these fashionable cyclists, we rented inconspicuous black bikes at Bike City.

This week, TorontoVerve will be featuring amazing Amsterdam street style.

Let us know what you think.

- Nigel

TorontoVerve in Paris: Luna - Rue Du Parc Royal

"My style can be described as misfit and retro. I do a lot of thrift shopping in the States. I buy vintage jackets and redesign them myself to sell on Etsy."

TorontoVerve in Paris: Techatorn - Rue Pavée

"I like to mix and match my unique creations with popular street brands and vintage pieces."

Techatorn is a designer who is currently working freelance. Interestingly, his own personal designs are made with woods and plastics. Look for his creations sometime next year.

TorontoVerve in Paris: Yoann - Rue Des Francs Bourgeois

"My style is often influenced by films from the 1930's. Cary Grant is an inspiration."

TorontoVerve made #5 on Street Style News' Daily Most Popular Chart:
http://www.streetstylenews.com/most-popular-june-28-2013/

TorontoVerve in Paris: Jeremy - Rue Des Francs Bourgeois

TorontoVerve in Paris: Alexia & Romain - Rue Tiquetonne

TorontoVerve in Paris: Nzynga - Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery is the resting place of the Doors' Jim Morrison, and while in Paris, I wanted to pay my respects to the talented singer. As I was leaving, I saw Nzynga approaching his grave. I couldn't help but notice her cool retro ensemble -- a fitting tribute to the band leader. 

Ordinarily, I wouldn't think of shooting street style in a cemetery, but I couldn't pass up on this opportunity. Interestingly, Nzynga told me that her 60's look wasn't a tribute -- it was pure coincidence. 

I think the Lizard King would be pleased just the same.

TorontoVerve in Paris: Igor - Rue Des Francs Bourgeois

"My style is smart casual."

TorontoVerve in Paris: A Few Good Men - Rue Mazarine

These two gents were very successful selling tickets for their annual firemen raffle to passers-by.

TorontoVerve in Paris: Natalie - Rue Saint Germain

"I love rock and dressing in all black."

TorontoVerve in Paris: Malin - Rue Dauphine

"My style is classic with a modern twist. Olivia Palermo and Kate Middleton inspire me. They created that classic look with that modern twist, using playful colours and patterns."

Malin also has a popular style blog from Scandinavia called Mogis, which chronicles her stylish life in Paris.

TorontoVerve in Paris: Christian - Rue Du Temple

"I'm doing everything I can to get the office look. My style is inspired from this image I have of French students in 1968, but I don't really know what they look like so I think it's just my wild imagination."

TorontoVerve in Paris: Stéphanie - Rue Pavée

TorontoVerve in Paris: Bret Roberts - Rue Saint Merri

Originally from Alaska, actor Bret Roberts is currently in Paris working on a film. Recently, Bret wrapped production on an Italian movie called The Perfect Husband, in which he played the title role.

TorontoVerve in Paris: Jean - Rue Des Écoles

"My style is a mix of casual and classic English, which is why tonight I'm wearing jeans with a dress shirt and blue trench."

TorontoVerve in Paris: Kylie - Rue Du Petit Pond

"Kate Moss inspires my style because she's classic yet a bit rock n' roll."

TorontoVerve in Paris: Katya - Boulevard Saint Germain

"My style is elegant and relaxed, but the most important thing for me is comfort. I'm from Russia, but I live in Brussels. Model Natalia Vodianova inspires my fashion because I like how she dresses and thinks."

Vive La France! TorontoVerve is in Paris!

For the last week, I've been seeing the sights in Europe, and after spending 5 nights in Paris, I can understand why people easily fall in love with the city. The beautiful architecture, incredible museums, amazing fashion and delectable food are so intoxicating - you'll never want to leave.

[In the Louvre]

To prepare for my first visit to Paris, I read travel books, watched movies, practised my french and updated my wardrobe. I'll admit, I was first intimidated by the city because of my eagerness to avoid many fashion faux-pas.

[The Mona Lisa behind glass at the Louvre]

Specifically, I've read that I should always be stylish in such a fashion conscious city; otherwise, I risk getting a cold reception by locals.  Needless to say, not everyone was dressed in Prada or Yves Saint Laurent. And you wouldn't be burned at the stake for wearing sneakers or blue jeans, which were relatively common sights. Paris may be known for its haute couture, but it also has its share of cool street chic.

[Saint Denis holding his decapitated head on Notre Dame Cathedral's exterior wall]

 And yes, I did encounter the occasional snobby individual, but not any more so than I've met in Toronto. Overall, Paris greeted my partner Dorothy and I warmly and showed us a good time.

[Inside Notre Dame Cathedral]

Some of the touristy stops that we made were the Eiffel Tower, Arc du Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Le Louvre, Le Centre Pompidou and Les Tuileries. We also ate at extraordinary restaurants, including Bofinger, Allard and Le Georges.

[Le Jardin des Tuileries]

But the thing that impressed me the most were the streets of Paris. Every street corner was picturesque and looked like a vibrant painting. You couldn't take a bad picture of Paris if you tried.

One of the reasons I practised my french was to take Paris street style photos. How could I resist?

And if you're already a fan of Paris street style, you'll be happy to know that I'll be featuring celebrated street style photographer and blogger Fred Vielcanet of Easy Fashion Paris in an upcoming interview.

But first, for the next week, you'll be treated to Paris street style - followed by street style from Amsterdam and Stockholm.

Enjoy!

- Nigel.