I just got sent a little tidbit of Gsus’ Summer 2008 soon to be released collection.

This summer’s mashup theme is Burlesque vs. Prom Queen…what do you think?

Gsus is notorious for their outlandish theme mashups (as they do this kind of thing every season). If you ignore the dull grey, these pieces do have potential for mixing with more risqué pieces in your wardrobe.

I did like the faux suspender printed golf shirt, as well as the insanely busy black and white printed shirt for ze boys. The pink short and shirt combo for the ladies rang a little too close to a Pink Lady look (no thanks!), but the shorts were also provided in a silver grey.

They did create some cropped pants for the boys, so you can all follow along with the runway trends. The rest of the designs are straight from the twisted minds of their in-house designers.

Sadly, some of the most interesting pieces (the green pumps and the pink oxfords, for instance) Gsus dosen’t actually produce. If any of those designers are reading this, stop teasing us with this footwear and start producing it! If shown where to find them, people will purchase!

After all this; the bottom line being there is potential here, folks.

A bunch of photos from my press mailer are below.

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Ahoy, kind readers!

Apparently when I was experimenting with my DNS settings (domain mumbo jumbo) I buggered things up a bit, and it took over a day for my domain provider to acknowledge the correction (ugh).

Apologies to the multitudes who encountered the dreadful “page cannot be displayed”!

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Just in time for Spring 2008, Topshop has created its own version of Chanel’s flats from their Spring 08 couture show. While we only have one choice versus the multitudes (some which featured exquisite beading); these will still be a cute a very wearable choice for the coming warmer months.

Priced at a comparatively modest £35.00; these Mary Jane shoes have almost all visual qualities honed by their Chanel counterparts. Luckily for us Canadians close to the border, Topshop now ships to America.

Try these with some sheer stockings for a painless evening look snatched straight from the hottest runway, or with your skinniest black slacks and a blazer with tails.

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It’s the summer of lamé.

These swimsuits are guaranteed to catch eyes (if it’s a sunny day, the reflection may blind your onlookers!). Since I haven’t come across any other label that creates lamé swimwear, this is going to be a shameless plug for American Apparel.

I would suggest picking up a few different combinations on one and two pieces for effect and possible suit layering. If you order from the American site and get your package sent to a shipping aggregator in the US, you’ll end up saving a few dollars.

There are a few downsides to investing in some cornea-searing lamé:

• The metallics dull a little too quick for my liking (especially for each individual pieces’ price points).
• AA discourages dips in salt water and chlorine. Go figure. I have swam in chlorine while wearing the gold bodysuit multiple times and the wear has not been that visible, so it’s not as bad as the site makes it out to be.

If you’re hopping on a plane in the coming months, be sure to pack some versions like the women below are wearing. You’ll be the Queen of the Beach!

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I expected far better than what I saw.

For those unfamiliar; Gsus is a very unique Dutch label, and I expect to see far more creativity demonstrated than what was shown on their official site. From the “collections” splash page, I expected to see a sort of disco viking theme for the collection.

I explored further. I found the men’s collection to be extremely dull. The pieces consisted of block colored generic t-shirts, branded golf-style polos, hoodies and denim. These are all items that could have been found at any American Apparel or Urban Outfitters branch. It was a complete lack of creativity on the part of the label.

The women’s collection was slightly less boring, yet still had nothing original. Most of these shirts and jackets I feel I have already seen in previous months; there was not one truly stand out piece that redeemed the ‘08 collection.

My problem is this: any of these items could have come from any other store; if you look beyond the Gsus branding on the pieces. The designs did not push the boundaries like I’ve seen the brand do before. They seem to be playing it very safe this season; to their loyal customers’ disappointment.

This perturbs me because one does not buy Gsus clothing for simple and plain qualities. The clothing is far too expensive for this! When you pay upwards of $90-$130 for a simple sweater, you come to expect a bit more out of the design than a monochrome v-neck.

With this all being said; I did enjoy the ladies Bruce Lee red nylon funnel neck jacket, the grey Haunted House dress and Kimoto lace shirt (all women’s). There was nothing I was particularly fond of in the men’s set.

Gsus: I had higher expectations for you. I hope you do more for your customer base in Fall ‘08.

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Where do you take your pieces?
How much do they take you for?
Why is it that you love them so?

Your experiences will help me compile a “best of” list of local tailors.

Alternatively, if you’ve had some terrible experiences at a local shop; post them and I’ll throw together a respective tailor shit list.

So? Let’s hear it!

I’ve also included an ancient photo (below) of a super pissy tailor from the days of yore for your enjoyment.

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Though it feels (for Vancouverites at least) that winter is never ending; the time has come to review the best of pre-fall 2008. There are some fun shapes and colors ready to grace our wardrobes once the next dull weather extravaganza hits us once more:

Chloé gives us a preview of glorious contrasting jewel tones on legs and imaginative boots. As we all know, greys and blacks rule the day when it comes to the dreary seasons; and these last breaths of summer offer a welcomed visual reprieve.

Chanel features a tiny jeweled bag reminiscent of our grandmother’s favorite change purse; only on a chain. While the original will cost a mint; this is one that is reasonably easily found in both vintage and new retail environments ranging in prices. Of course, the more beading and detail work you’re looking for, the higher the price.

Chanel delivers once again with a draping multi strand necklace. This design can be fashioned with a bit of handiwork using multiple chains; or look for clones to hit the high street near you.

Now, the most fantastic and lust-worthy boots come straight from Balenciaga. Slouchy black leather create this wonderful footwear which has vast potential for wear with nearly everything one owns for the fall season.

Proenza Schouler was the most impressive full package overall. Everything about these ensembles worked well together; especially the fur collars, cropped sleeves and leather gloves.

For a bit of a harder (and warmer) look, one could pair these pieces with Topshop Unique’s leather leggings. My advice would be to keep your eyes out for fall apparel sales, while keeping in mind the shapes and colors of pre-fall 2008.

I’ll be sure to drop some serious hints if I can locate leather leggings at Topshop this summer!

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Topshop Unique has hit the New York runways (and soon to be the new York Streets with the opening of its first flagship store in the US) and I must say I was not impressed.

Other than the Matrix-seque leather ultra tight trousers, the Fall 2008 line seemed to fall flat. I was surprised at the level of cloned knitwear the show offered its potential ready-to-wear customers. The pieces seemed to be that which you could find [already] in any H&M across the globe; they offered nothing in the way of Topshop flair.

To add to it all, the models seemed to be wearing the exact same pieces (knits on top and leathers on the bottom) with no real creativity whatsoever.

While I though the pieces were acceptable; it was nothing to get excited about. I wonder how buyers will react in-store.

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Like it or not, another 80s trend is coming back to haunt us!

At first I was admittedly not fond of this look. As I was a child of the 90s, I missed the entire first run of our dear 80s flashback fashion and cannot fully appreciate why many people recoil at these revivals in fear and loathing.

Some retailers are trying their best to sever the association between the bad 80s memories and their current clone stock; American Apparel re birthed their fabric treatment as “mineral wash”. They are stretching from the realm of denim into treating their jersey fabrics with the wash, creating what American Apparel does best: more layering options.

So, ready or not, acid wash is making a comeback on all fronts: dresses, shirts, denim and even swimwear.

I’ll be giving this one a try.

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• Cropped bottoms. Floods are no longer a threat to soiling your pants. This cut was usually worn with very low or no socks; or in combination with a boot.

• Minimalistic layering. Light dress shirts and fabrics that move easily were paired with the atypical suit jackets and pants. Band of Outsiders was a prime utilizer of this look. As summer creeps around once more and hotter weather plagues our cities; keep minimalistic layering in mind.

• Two and three button suits. The look of leaving one button (or all) undone was prominent. Burberry Prorsum and Dsquared are fine examples of designers following this trend. This also facilitates some inner-suit air conditioning as the temperature raises outside.

• Matching dress shorts. These were also very prevalent as pairings with suit jackets. As usual, lengths ran from quite short to a moderate 3/4 down the thigh. It all depends on you how high those shorts will go. Just think how cute those would look with a pair of suspenders!

(Miu Miu)

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While I would selfishly like to keep band jackets under appreciated and relatively unknown to the general public, I can’t fairly keep from posting about them…I love them far too much!

I am a fan of the general military look; and band uniform pieces offer that type of look without being set in the usual boundaries of army-esque jackets.

I luckily found mine off eBay (and for the relatively scant price of $170 CA with shipping; especially for it being an antique).  For those that can pull off the look, band jackets offer a unique look without much effort involved.

Occasionally designers pump out their own brand of this style of jacket, but I find that the design is either too far from the original style or the piece is far too expensive.

I can’t wait until the weather gets kinder to bare flesh…I have a pair of black high waisted shorts that are counting the days until they can be worn in conjunction with this glorious jacket! (Aah, the joys of living on the west coast!)

The photo above was taken by Kenneth for an art project in his art class.  Obviously I wore my beloved (and thankfully warm) wool jacket that day.

The rest of the photos can be viewed here.

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As we trudge through our damp and dreary rainy seasons, one style is guaranteed to be shown prolifically throughout the streets of wherever you call home: the trench.

Now, not everyone can wear every type of trench coat. As with any piece, there are certain limitations one must observe when it comes to their own body; be it with height or shape.

For my tall comrades: the longest of these coats is within your reach. Having long legs affords us the ability to wear traditionally longer cuts. Ladies and gents of shorter stature: avoid this length like the plague; as it will only add to a lesser vertical vision.

For shorter guys and gals: a belted waist length trench is the cut for you. Having the belt will showcase your waistline, and the shorter fabric length will give you more height. I would also recommend that you avoid trenches that gather in a tulip-style at the bottom, as it also adds a heavy look to your silhouette.

Ladies can lengthen their legs by wearing combinations such as black tights and heeled ankle boots to show off their legs. For men, slim slacks or denim makes your silhouette jump.

Last bits to keep in mind:

• Unless you have the diameter of a sapling, avoid coats with external pockets or anything else that will give the illusion of additional weight to your frame.
• To accentuate the waist, be sure to purchase a belted trench.
• If you are going for a fur collar, check to see if it is removable. Not all weather condition (especially on the west coast) are ideal for consistent wearing of pelts.
• Take a look at more practical coats before you venture down the path of a fancy trench. While very cute and expressive, these also aren’t wearable as often (see below photo).

Companion article: A Trench Prescription For Any Budget

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In this society of comfort and ease, sometimes we need a reminder of just how much of a difference a smart looking shoe can make.

Whether your going daytime casual or ready to hit the pavement on a night out, wearing a shoe that steps up your outfit versus keeping it average will make a profound visual impact.

When you are in-store comparing potential footwear, my advice is to steer clear of slip on varieties. The loafer look ages you without much effort; something everyone can stand to avoid. A strong, well constructed oxford style will last you throughout the seasons and be versatile enough to be wearable with most anything in your closet.

A few favourites that can be found locally:

“Capitalists” by John Fluevog
$295 CA at Fluevog Shoes

“Perth” by Hugo Boss
Currently on sale for $299 CA at Gravity Pope

Bed Stu Slick Rock Oxford
Currently on sale for $79.99 at Urban Outfitters
If you feel like venturing into the realm of Holt Renfrew (or Neiman Marcus, respectively) look for:

• Cole Haan’s “Geoffrey” lace-up (black, $245 US)
• Ermenegildo Zegna’s split toe lace-up (black, $475 US)
• Salvatore Ferragamo’s “Praga” lace-up (white, $450 US)
• Gucci’s leather sole lace-up (silver, $585 US)
• Salvatore Ferragamo’s Torrent lace-up (brown, $850)

I will be working on searching for some colored Oxfords to share with you all, but until then; happy shoe hunting!

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As bright colors continue to rally forces together and shake up our usual palette of mundane greys and blacks, prepare yourselves for colorful denim and fabrics once again.

One shining example is a pair of Topshop twill shorts in emerald green.  This pair is somewhat reminiscent of Sgt. Peppers meets Gucci’s green denim (which was seen on the Spring 2008 men’s runway).  The piece itself features a 10 buttons along the front for a neo-military twist on what could have easily been a very average pair of shorts.

These would look brilliant with a shirt-cardigan-suspender ensemble; with some nice thigh high socks and possibly these shoes.

This pair sells for £28.00, and now that Topshop ships to the USA, Ireland and Australia there is no excuse for not having some of the hottest European pieces as they’re released!

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The world of Topman will soon be stepping up to a higher level of menswear chic.

The preview photos show rather muted colors and plain yet stylish designs.  These pieces are more reminiscent of highly priced runway pieces that are set apart from the atypical highstreet shopping experience. 

 The looks remind me of the simplistic looks and layering demonstrated this season by Band of Outsiders and Comme des Garçons.  From the rumblings I’ve seen online, prices will range from about $147 to about $330 US.

This is a bit of a stretch from the ususal Topman price points (approximatley £70.00 for a jacket, £25.00 for a dress shirt), but there is no question that as soon as these hit the highstreet they will be disappearing off the shelves as fast as they appear.

According to Brandish (a fantastic Brit mens style blog), the collection will hit shelves during March. I’m planning on checking the Topman Lens collection out in person during the summer.  According to the Topshop site, they now ship to the USA (how exciting!), so grab up those credit cards and keep your eyes to the internets, shoppers!

View the official Topman Lens press release here.

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Everyone may as well get used to it: leggings are around to stay (at least for a few more years). I thought we had all best get a refresher on what to avoid when featuring these layering pieces.

1. Do not wear leggings with thong sandals. These are the cheapest and most offensive footwear somebody could leave the house with on (besides crocs). They do not scream style maven; they broadcast laziness and fashion awkwardness, so leave those at the beach or poolside where they belong!

2. Leave neons well enough alone. Now, there is certainly nothing wrong with 80s trends. Hell, leggings’ popularity was the highest during this decade. Despite this, you should avoid doubling up on re-surfacing trends on one piece(especially ones this gruesome to the eyes!). Besides that; neon and spandex shouldn’t be worn together, ever.

3. Leggings aren’t pants! You can see Sienna Miller, below, committing one of the worst legging atrocities. Though she has a splendid figure, the last thing anyone wants is their entire thighs and bum exposed for all to see. You will look like you forgot half of your outfit, rather than fashion-forward.

4. Lacy leggings are not OK. These were some of the first styles to burst upon the scene for the legging’s resurrection, and will likely be the last to leave. These are tacky, and scream dime store quality.

5. Leggings and jean skirts are only acceptable for plastic Abercrombie & Fitch models. I can recall back in 2006, most of the population did the jean skirt and legging combination to death. This was also another favorite of the young and impressionable crowd, so I advise you all to steer clear!

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