As the age of androgyny is becoming more and more visually prevalent, I can think of nothing more appropriate than for us ladies (and gents of course!) to don a very slim three piece suit. Thin layering is hot this year, and accurately depicted by Band of Outsiders in their latest Polaroid ad campaign (samples shown below).

I will be on the lookout for [possibly] a local Vancouver fashion designer (possibly insert Kim here, if she’s willing!) to fulfill my need for this suit!

Alternatively, there is nothing better to make the boys look like a million bucks than to put together a splendidly cut three piece suit and your best footwear. Once warmer weather rolls around again, try mixing things up with a cropped pant. You will already have seen this look earlier on Junya Watanabe and Comme des Garçon’s runways to preview the hottest spring 2008 trends coming our way.

Both women and men can rock some streamlined oxford shoes (those in Vancouver, Edmonton or Calgary think Gravity Pope for a vast selection) to show off your sharp ensemble.

Needless to say, there is limitless color combinations and patterns (though use your discretion; there is no need for another Don Cherry burning the retinas of the fashion world) one can breathe life into this coming spring season.

Ah, to have weather that does not require a heavy jacket!

Polaroids from Band of Outsiders

As the high waisted trend fairy continues to grace us with her presence, sometimes we’re left at a loss (especially when the current trend cannot be worn by much of the purchasing crowd). So, the question remains this: where to get your high waisted denim fix? I have your answers.

• Urban Outfitters (830 Granville Street)
  Located right by the Adidas store and American Apparel. The in-store selection varies, so if they’ve run out of stock for any reason, they have five pairs of high waisted jeans online. Prices start from approx. $70 CA.

• Dutil (303 W. Cordova)
  In Vancouver’s Gastown district. An all-denim boutique for the jean connoisseur; Dutil provides an epic selection of blues, whites, colors and everything in between from J-Brand to Rock And Republic. This one will cost you, ladies and gentleman. Prices range from $100-800.

• Holt Renfrew (737 Dunsmuir St.)
  In Vancouver’s prestigious Pacific Center mall. A house for labels from Marc by Marc Jacobs to True Religion, there is always a wide variety of denim from the lines who cut the most flattering jeans. This retail experience never disappoints. Since Holt Renfrew is the Neiman Marcus of Canadian soil, be prepared to pay. If you can visit while they are having a sale, you will potentially save loads.

• Mintage Vintage (320 W. Cordova)
  While stock varies with each visit, Mintage has a varied denim stock of both the new and vintage items. They have sales fairly often, and are on the same street as Dutil!

• True Value Vintage (710 Robson Street)
  True Value carries a dependable stock of largely vintage jeans for both men and women alike. Chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for (if you’ve of average pant size) at this underground treasure chest.

• Used Vintage (831 Granville Street)
  If you venture up the zebra staircase to Used’s domain, you won’t regret it. The owner is beautifully helpful, and she always has a bountiful amount of stock (I have found wardrobe favourites there I had given up on locating!) and it is reasonably priced. I suggest you take a gander.

As usual, Target’s Go:International designers hit the mark. Dominique Cohen’s jewelry line has been released for a few months now, and has some of the best pieces on clearance for extremely cheap prices.

Some of my favourites (that I will be ordering) include:

Cameo chain necklace (black)
Sale price: $12.49 (save $37.50)
This was undoubtedly the pick of the litter. While the list on target.com does not specify what it is carved out of, I own the copper version of this necklace which has a cameo carved from abalone. This design is a chic update on a traditional favourite, and the black allows maximum versitility for wear.

Ball chain necklace (gunmetal)
Sale price: $20.99 (save $9.00)
A great layering piece which adds gusto if added to the rest of the collection, or worn on its own. The length also affords a double wrap around the neck, or a long single strand.

Lace covered bead necklace with ribbon tie (black)
Sale price: $20.99 (save $9.00)
Also a fantastic piece to add depth and energy to a multi-necklace look. The ribbon tie also adds a feminine air, as well as an instant jewelry length adjustor at your discretion.

Three strand pearl tie necklace (black)
Sale price: $14.99 (save $45.00)
A total shopping score price wise, and convenient, too! Without having to mess around with three clasps, you get the three-strand look without the fuss.

12mm Pearl stud earrings (black)
Sale price: $10.49 (save $4.50)
Freshwater pear studs at a fraction of the price. These go with everything, and can be dressed up or down respectively. You can’t go wrong.

There is a multitude of other items still available online, check the rest of the stock out here. Don’t waste time, the remaining pieces are selling out fast!

To fellow Canadians: Target only ships throughout America, so have your items sent to the closest shipping receiver. I use Ship Happens in Sumas; they charge $4 to pick up each package.

If you feel like showing some love, join the group!

I’ll be using it to post notifications of new posts and whatnot for now. It should be a good social medium for me to test out how I can reach out to you all in multiple ways!

Ok, everyone. If you haven’t heard of the magical fabric stylings Kim Cathers has to offer (or require a convenient refresher), then listen up!

Right now, Kim is going full-tilt on her fashion design business. Usually, threads like these are highly priced at local boutiques with a limited selection. By taking advantage and buying online, you can get a custom fit and designed piece that fits your shape and more importantly, personality.

The kdon look is about more than just her trademark hat designs.

Kim’s latest work for men is a street chic hoody with dual fabrics and an asymmetrical zipper. Contact her to learn more about pricing and sizing, as this one hasn’t quite hit the final production lines yet!

As for the ladies, you need only look below, and to the left. The left piece is one of Kim’s designs from last year when the Discollection store was open. I own a kdon hoodie, and I consistently get compliments on it. Her women’s designs are funky, fresh and not at all intimidating to wear…only intimidating to passersby (they’re all wishing they had a piece of kdon on!) Check out her women’s designs!

Above four photos by Kris Krug

Local Vancouver fashion boutique Nouvelle Nouvelle (located in the Gastown district) is having a stellar end of season sale!

Some of their featured designers include:

• Mocuin
• LNA
• Knox
• Habitual
• Generra
• Elroy
• Manimal
• Samantha Pleet
• Rowena Sartin
• Mary Meyer
• Heather Hawkins
• Steven Shein
• Ach Ach Leibling

The sale ends February 25th.
Check out their official blog for more digs on their look and what they offer!

Nouvelle Nouvelle is located at 209 Abbott Street in Vancouver’s historic Gastown district.

As leathers have made a rippling comeback on all things fashion, Mike & Chris have brought us the wonder of their leather hoody.

This is your favourite leather jacket, only improved with 5 front buttons, cuff buttons and a detachable hood. This is without question the most beautiful piece of [semi]affordable leather wear a designer has released during recent months.

When used as a layering piece or a stand alone top, this jacket will surely catapult you to the top of the fashion game if put together correctly. Don’t take fashion tips from celebs when it comes to this piece; all the photos of ladies in their streetwear prove that their day-to-day outfits fall flat without a stylists’ approval.

The piece has a $915 US price tag, though for something that will be wearable throughout the seasons (wonderful for evening or chilly summer days as well as an option for winter wear). Leather is classic and can stand the test of time.

If you’re looking to invest in an outerwear staple usable for years to come, I would recommend this. Really, if you think about ordinary and dull pieces from outlets like Danier Leather cost upwards of $399. This Mike & Chris incarnation is both stylish and edgy, but not so trendy that it will become immediately outdated once 2008 passes us by.

If I do allow myself new sunglasses this summer, there will be only one pair that will be purchased.

As the over-sized shades remain strong, I have really gotten tired of the 60s circular bug look. Prada’s 01IS” model, however, offer the large frame with a more classic square shape.

The style is very plain, but will blend in with everything you own. I personally prefer the black version over the tortoiseshell brown; especially if you wish to carry these shades into Fall 2008 gracefully.  Thankfully, new 2008 releases lean more towards classic Hollywood rather than Trendy starlet.

Be warned, though: you’ll certainly be draining your bank account if you choose to pick up a pair of these… this particular model is retailing for approx. $350 CA.

Kirsten Dunst has been all dolled up and photographed as the new face of Miu Miu’s ad campaigns.

So, what do you think of the clothing? I love the circus/doll look Miu Miu has going for these visuals; and if given the oppourtunity I would wear everything shown above; save for the rainbow diaper in the last image and those gladiator boots.

I love the stained glass effect of the sunglasses, and how most of the outfits are very colorful yet still dark enough not to look too child like.

Sadly these threads are out of reach for most of us, but a girl can dream!

Thoughts on the pieces/photography?

An oppourtunity like this does not come around all that often.

Mandula (currently 882 Homer) is having a moving sale.

This entails the entire store at discounts from 20-70% off!

Hajnalka Mandula (the designer and owner of the store) is a gifted fashion designer and creates beautiful pieces of clothing from entirely organic fabrics. The pieces are all locally dyed and produced, so you are supporting the Vancouver fashion industry to the fullest extent possible!

This sale runs from January 18th-31st 2008.

Below are some examples of the creations available at Mandula. Believe me, if I had the budget, I am confident that most of my clothing would be purchased from this store!

Check out Mandula’s official site and the Facebook event.

Girls need a variety of socks in different lengths to complete various outfits. This is basic fact.

Below are my favourite places to scout out my thigh high or over the knee socks in Vancouver:

American Apparel
While they aren’t the cheapest, they do have the most style and color selections. Prices range from $10-17 per pair. My favourites are the solid thigh highs (pictured below), and the chain link thigh highs.

Winners
While it truly depends on the luck of the draw when it comes to color, style and branding with this store, you can find some great deals on good names.  Prices range from $5-15.

The Bay and Sears
Yeah, I know. Both stores give me the creeps too, but they have dependable stock. They likely won’t have funky colors, but if you’re looking for something in a basic black or gray then you’ll probably be in luck…just bring an umbrella to fend off any rabid grannies that catch your scent in their territory.  Prices range from $7-15.

eBay
Socks are one of those things you can purchase online with little risk involved. As long as you pay attention to the approximate shoe size of the sock (9-11 for instance), then you’re golden. Socks are generally priced cheaper online as well, and can be purchased in bulk packages for additional savings.  Prices range from$0.99-$25.

Listings for over the knee socks
Listings for thigh high socks

Happy hunting!

Yesterday, I finally picked up my Made by Elves Chain Gang Heel shoes from my shipping receiver.

This pair was on sale for $29.99 US; and to be honest, I had low expectations for something that cheap which I was buying online without actually trying anything on.

Though the color of the suede was more royal blue than navy as the Urban Outfitters site, and the chain ended up being a far more bright gold than the brushed, muted tone shown in the stock photo, they still look fantastic.

The beauty with these is the heel is low enough that it won’t cause pain after prolonged wear, yet you aren’t flopping around in flats.  I wore them out last night, and got compliments on them all night.  These are quality constructed shoes at a fantastic price; if you have a chance to order these (if they still have your size) I would definitely suggest you do.

These have already won a place among my favorite footwear, and I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do.

As American Apparel continues churning out new options for their lamé legging line, I find this fabric keeps looking better and more fun to wear.Case and point: the black eel leggings. These are hot tamales.

I keep having visions of layering dancing through my head involving high waisted schoolboy shorts, tight button up cardies and v-necks under a necklace full of brass vintage trinkets!

Like their metallic counterparts, these leggings are not for the faint of wear. Their fit is unforgiving, so my best suggestion is to get your rear into a gym (or a suitable substitute) before you throw these on. They are still within the $40 CA price point for us Vancouver shoppers, which is fortunate as the leggings become more textured and extravagant.

For daring fashionistas everywhere, the black eel leggings are also available with a high waist ($46 CA).

Made By Elves has taken steps to improve their already loved take on the Oxford heel.

This new version looks far sturdier and better constructed than the original. Both shoes appear to have a 4″ heel, though Urban Outfitters does not specify the height of the revised Oxford on its product page.

Unlike its predecessor, thie “Evan” has a psuedo Mary Jane look to it, since the lacing has been styled in a cut out manner. It is also currently priced at $88 US; a true bargain!

Just imagine: black over the knee socks with these Oxfords with your favourite jumper. It’s a win!

I’m about to give you another reason to love Target.

Last November, my friends Stephanie and Quentin made the journey to America for their annual Thanksgiving weekend sale insanity. On our way back from the Tulalip outlets, we had a pit stop in Bellingham to stretch our legs and visit the local Target. Inside, Stephanie and I came upon the most brilliant (and cheap!) colored opaque tights.

At $5.99 US each; these rock the hell out of American Apparel, where you’ll be paying upwards of $16 per pair. While you don’t quite have the wide selection of colors at Target that you do at AA, more hues have been added since November.

Colors available: teal (shown below), light blue, royal blue, yellow, red, pink, gray and black. Footed and footless are both available.

Check out Target’s full Xhilaration® tight line here.

I’ve worn my tights fairly regularly within the last month and a half, and they have not shown any visible wear and tear that cheap tights usually do.

The site offers two packs for $9.99 US, but unless you have located a shipping broker across the line you cannot have them shipped to you. My best suggestion would be to take a day trip out there and enjoy the sights. The fact that these tights are $5.99 as a regular price point still floors me.

Thank you, America!

I decided to check out The Commodified (a Vancouver hipster street style blog), and found an image that truly stood out and absolutely horrified me (posted below).

I won’t even go into what is wrong with this girls’ outfit (because that is too painfully obvious to bother discussing), but jump straight to the hideous display of disrespect from this little blond twat for the man pictured.

The look on his face while he holds that plate of pizza juxtaposed with her disgusting Paris Hilton-esque kissy face and pink pepto 80s mini dress makes me ill. Seeing this photo on a blog that gets a fair bit of exposure and has a high readership is silly and embarrassing.

Come on guys, you should really know better.

As we near the point where everyone reviews all the things they’ve buggered up during the last 12 months and decides upon some point of improvement; many of us put our visual representation under a lifestyle microscope.

Aside from the ever popular weight loss resolution, there is choice of a the style resolution (or revolution, if you prefer). Use this coming year as an excuse to throw these plans in motion, and, if you feel so inclined; take the following under consideration:

1. Second guess potential purchases when it comes to sale or clearance items.
   This has been a constant struggle of mine with many shiny things I’ve come across during my retail hunts. You get ravaged by “but it’s on clearance!” or “that’s such a good deal!”, and can’t leave something that you really don’t have a use for or will wear. Pass it up. If you see it the next time you’re at the store and know how you will be working the piece into your wardrobe, then by all means buy it.
2. Don’t buy something that you think you’ll fit into in a few months.
   Don’t bet on dropping down to that ideal size, actually get your rear into the gym (or wherever you like to do your physical activity) and git ‘er done!
3. Check out hot runway colors/styles before leaving for shopping.
   If one has an idea as to what they should be looking for before exiting their abode, there will be less chances of buyer’s remorse. I know for myself the chances of something actually getting returned after it is purchased goes down drastically in likelihood after I walk out the doors of wherever I’m shopping, so just avoid it! This will also dodge being nailed on a store’s returning black list.
4. Actually try things on.
   If you don’t have time to try something on, save yourself the wasted money from it never being worn or returned. All designers have different fits with the same sizes, so take the time to discover if the piece is right for your body.
5. Spread your pieces out when it comes to color, function and season.
   The last thing one needs when summer approaches is a closet full of grey knits and nothing acceptable for warmer weather. Though those leather gloves may have you grasping for a pair in every color, you can’t utilize all of them often enough to warrant a spend of that amount while spring shopping is a more pressing (and quickly upcoming) requirement.
6. Check out local brands and support your local designers!
   Wherever you are, there is much creativity and talent waiting to be found. More often than not, local talent spends a great deal of time and effort into creating high quality designs and pieces. Not only that, but these designs usually are more cutting edge, creative and affordable than something designer and mass produced. Check out my blogroll for local stores and designers I personally recommend.

The best of luck to you all in this coming year. Have a fantastic 2008!

Photo taken at Mandula/882 Homer/Vancouver, B.C.