Mintage in Gastown is offering all vintage clothing at $9.99/lb!

This sale will be occuring from April 1st-7th 2008 (Saturday to Friday).   Mintage has some of the most creative vintage clothing stock in Vancouver, and is conveniently located on the Cordova Street shopping block.

I have a piece in this month’s Ion Magazine regarding Nicole Bridger. The photo below is of the article in the mag.

Photos were done by my friend Kris Krüg, and words were conjured up by yours truly. If you can, grab up a copy at your local hipster clothing merchant house (distribution list here) before they’re all gone (you have four days).

The official Ion site is now on various e-steroids, so you should check out their design redux. You can also access the magazine in a less fun though more forest friendly paperless version for all you green loving city hippies out there. See, fashion is kind to the environment.

These are pieces and combinations that any man can put together and look amazing on the fly. Since not every man is a fashionista, it isn’t always difficult to create a casual look that will gain your respect from the non-causal world.

Band of Outsiders does this with just enough geek and chic to not frighten away even the most fashion squeamish man. This is also a line that one can duplicate with ease if you do not have the means for a label heavy wardrobe.

If you employ enough creativity when shopping at vintage boutiques and other various outlets, you can look straight off the Band of Outsiders runway.

Costume National (C’N'C)

Why these pieces rock:

Costume National is thankfully still mixing in muted plums into what would be a far duller collection in only grays and blacks. Texture in this set adds to the visual effect of their layering; maximizing the visual impact of each piece without having to do any additional wardrobe work.

C’N'C’s fall ready to wear looks are not a financial stretch to duplicate, either. Assuming you already have a few three piece suits in your closet already, you can utilize the ves, pants and jackets by intermingling various pieces into different outfits.

You can’t really screw around with a well fitting and modern leather jacket, so if you don’t have one of those I would suggest springing for something like that new from a decent boutique. Leather is one of those things that you can tell if you’ve cheaped out, so don’t take the risk.

D&G

Why these pieces rock:

D&G shows that mixing pattern on pattern can be done without your photo ending up splatterd on the ‘worst dressed list’ for wherever you’re from. If you follow the lead of D&G, you can see that as long as colors still play nice together, you can layer nearly anything.

If you look close, everything on the left model is patterned; the shirt, tie, argyle vest and plaid jacket. This is a dapper vintage look that should be attempted only by the boldest men! If you don’t have an outrageous personality to match those wild threads, you may get worn by your clothes instead of vice versa.

Alternatively, the otufit on the right is more subtle; yet still fun. When keeping with darks, try mixing up the fabrics to create a look with depth, instead of something all cut from one cloth that will fall flat. It’s an easy away to look slick yet call less attention to yourself than the extrovert plaid option.

DSquared

Why these pieces rock:

Dsquared came up with more of a streamlined, almost-business casual line that still is funky enough to be worn in the streets. I’m sure most of you boys have some sort of plaid button-up shirt in the confines of your closets, and if not, they are easily and cheaply attained from a local Value Village.

Buying something for $5 also leaves room for affording to have it properly tailored to fit you. A $5 button up from VV can almost instantly turn into something that makes you look like a million bucks. Remember, tailoring equals assumed quality of goods!

Throw in a few H&M skinny ties with your blazer and fur-lined jacket, and you’re set to make your own brand of Dsquared.

Why these pieces rock:

You may be afraid of it now, but rolling up your pants and displaying those fancy socks you invested in is a raging trend. Rolling pants also gives a bit of a quirky, youthful appearance to what could be considered a fairly standard suit.

So, show off those socks! Match them with your tie!

This also showcases your footwear (since they’ve got no pant leg to hide in), so be sure that your oxfords are polished and ready for showing. Thankfully a dressier shoe like an oxford does not fade in and out of style; they can always be used. In the age of lazy (and potentially shabby) slip ons, you can easily set yourself apart from the crowd in one fell swoop by sporting a smart shoe.

Lanvin

Why these pieces rock:

Lanvin has created a dependable line with a look that won’t act as fickle as your high school lover. All pieces (ties, vests and cardigans included) are going to carry through the seasons and will be able to be worn again and again.

While they aren’t the most exciting combinations, there are still some times in a man’s life where he can’t dress to match the extrovert he is. In these times, Lanvin’s grey on black style bible will come through. These are more subtle and versatile pieces that can be used in the office or to make a casual outfit have a more formal twist.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Why these pieces rock:

For those longing for their younger days of raging punk rock (or those wanting to flex their jail chic style), the fall Marc by Marc Jacobs highlights are for you. Looks like these are definitely edgier street wear, but the looks aren’t taken over the top.

If you combine too many layers with already strong pieces (such as the asymmetrical zipper jacket), the slightest accessory or additonal layer can take you too far into a look’s exaggeration. By keeping it simple, you keep your cool.

Since Cheap Thrills closed down on Granville Street years ago (ahh, memories); there are still a few dwindling shops that can sell slightly obnoxious psuedo punk wear that could be tamed to one’s personal liking with other pieces with less of a vendetta against “the man”.

Moschino

Why these pieces rock:

Moschino appeals to everyone’s inner rock star. Yeah, you know it. Whether you allow it out or not, it’s always clawing to get out and wear that blue sateen suit with the latest over-sized sunglasses and overly attention grabbing shoes.

Shiny color-cordinated trainers (no, your vintage Nikes or Chucks don’t count) can also bring a previously dull suit into a more eye catching ensemble. By adding a metallic to the look, you instantly amp up the rockstar effect.

Now that more labels are jumping on the designer trainer bandwagon, it is easier than ever to find an appropriate pair of fancy trainers to complete your Kanye-esque look.

Paul Smith

Why these pieces rock:

Colored denim can revive a potentially tired look and make it new again. As Paul Smith demonstrates, you can pair yellow jeans with an ordinary shirt, tie and jacket to make it pop. Colored denim is still available at most retailers in varying shades, including American Apparel and Urban Outfitters.

If you have the opportunity to make it to Europe over the summer, I would suggest scouting colored denim at the UK Urban Outfitters (their color selections are far superior to the North American stores).

Instead of a tie, a scarf is also an option. Silk scarves are usually purchased reasonably cheaply at vintage shops, or at discount retailers like Winners. Since the scarf is not a male usual piece, you may have to swing through the women’s scarf section. This does not demean your masculinity (as long as you don’t get one in pink!)

Other than the more outrageous accessories and bright pants, Paul Smith simply showcases more examples of the best pattern on pattern vest and shirt pairings. Take note, boys.

Rag & Bone

Why these pieces rock:

Ok, I’ve left the greyest for last. Though Rag & Bone is definitely not showing us anything new and ground breaking; it’s worthwhile to remember the roots of what can create any man’s good look. Greys are basic, always wearable, quintessentially fall and simple to layer.

Grey vests, pants and shirts are likely already in any man’s closet, and have a secure position to stay there. As long as there is fall, there is grey for men to blend in with.

This one can be tricky and easily buggered up, but the bottom line is simple: choose metallics that compliment each other, and your look will be transformed.

Why most have not been successful at mixing metallics:

When you blend uncomplimentary and harsh colors, they clash. This can work to your advantage for some fabrics and colors; but let’s face it: bright silver and yellow gold aren’t meant to party together.

Contrary to what many believe, this is combination is not impossible to pull off. Imagine a duller gold together with a brushed silver. Both tones aren’t as garish, and blend together, rather than both fight for attention.

Wearing gold, silver and/or copper together isn’t impossible, but there are factors to consider.

When you’re in the market for a new piece of jewelry, first examine it and identify if the shades work together well. Another example of a piece to avoid is the image below; the textures do not work for the dull silver and polished yellow gold. Alternatively, an antique (or well made antique replica) piece with more of a baroque design will carry the contrasting tones well, and work with jewelry details.

Certain designs will almost always work better with contrasting metals; antique metal work usually follows most of these guidelines. Antiques lack the garishness of the latter decades, and have the wear of time on the metals. For instance, the antique button pictured has a slight tarnish to the silver; yet it only works to further compliment both the silver and gold.

Coordinate your entire outfit, not just your jewelry.

The same complimentary tones and shades rules go for the clothing you will be wearing along with your jewelery. The last thing one would want after carefully selecting a brooch, bracelet and earring combination is for your work to be undone by a gold trim on your blazer that does not match the gold in the metal you are wearing.

Basically, this is all about taking a few minutes to do the once-over instead of rushing out the door. That few extra minutes can really make the difference between average and amazing; so invest in a floor length mirror, some bright bulbs and you’ll do a-OK.

Tucked away off East Cordova Street lies a boutique called Woo Vintage. While the store itself is quite small, it’s packed to the ceiling with unique items from across decades.

Woo houses both men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. Their stock varies from vintage wedding gowns, leather purses, a nice stock of varied boots, blazers hats and accessories for all.

What sets Woo apart from all other vintage boutiques in Vancouver is their concentration of 100% high quality hand-picked items in their concentrated space. Many other local haunts house new threads to supplement their income, but Woo carries an entirely vintage stock.

Whether you’re looking for a piece to add that extra visual bang, or need that perfect aged piece to carry your look to perfection, Woo is the place where you’ll find it.

Woo Vintage is located at 321 Cambie Street [Googlemap]

This collection is in a sad state of affairs.

Around this time last year, scores of eager shoppers were waiting in a thick line outside the Oxford location of Topshop for the latest Kate Moss branded clothes. This year, there is no line. Not only that, there was a complete lack on online interest for the latest from the high street retailer.

Aside from being insanely overpriced, this collection is overall drab and lifeless. The range is devoid of color; save for the cocktail dresses which use a red and blue that look too desaturated to fit with a summer look.

There is a large hippie/ethnic influence to most of the pieces which will be alienating any savvy city shoppers who may not want to look like Pocahontas time warped her way into 2008.

That being said, there were a few pieces that caught my eye that I would consider purchasing if the prices were reduced. For instance, the beaded cape is very cool and would pull together an evening look wonderfully; but not for £80.00. Additionally, for those wanting to ship any of these pieces across the pond, our price points automatically double (and that’s before any shipping fees are tagged to the final price!)

The highlights of the collection (which look curiously like what my favourites would be if a Fall 2008 collection is pulled together):

It does not take a rocket scientist (or a queen of cliché for that matter) to see that Topshop will suffer when it comes to sales now and throughout the future unless a drastic overhaul is done when it comes to pricing and designing. Regardless, I can’t see the Kate Moss line continuing for very much longer.

The way I figure it, the likely outcome of this disaster is another fresh name (perhaps Agyness Deyn?) will be taking over her duties at Topshop in the near future.

Check out the complete 5th Collection from Kate Moss at Topshop

I checked out Distilled’s collection online today, and was quite impressed. I found it is quite spunky for a streetwear line for men, though for a spring/summer line it should have been infused with more color. One of the most attractive parts of this band is every single piece is hand finished, and each design is limited to 300 pieces.

Aside from his clothing company, the founder of Distilled (Sepandar Kamvar) also works at Google as a tech lead; while still working with designers at Distilled out of the San Francisco’s Mission District. This could be why there is such a strong Harry Potter-cum-Buddy Holly spec connection with the model’s looks.

From a visual perspective, the pieces and pairings were generally plain and uncomplicated. It would take very minimal effort to throw together a sharp look on the fly. Most outfits consisted of a button down shirt of various print or block color with a blazer and a few randomized yet co-ordinated accessories to shake things up (think a scarf in the blazer’s pocket, etc).

I’ve added my favourites from their online spring/summer 2008 collection’s promo shots below. I could have done without the baseball caps and effeminate (and not in a good way) white sailor hats; though generally the looks worked well. I can definitely see the geek connection with the shirt and blazer combinations; yet the patterns and accessorizing take the look and actually bring it together.

This is one of the few lines whose promo shots were styled quite realistically to what buyers will actually wear on the street. Usually, you see street brands with what I call “couture envy”; outrageous styling and layering that one would never see the average man (or woman, for that matter) while they are out and about.

I extend applause to this company for creating a line that is easy to wear, yet still looks better than your average men’s line. Pricing is above average ($121 for a button down shirt, $77 for a polo), though the limited production makes up for the price inflation. Somehow, knowing that only 299 other people in the world will have a particular shirt is comforting.

If you want a piece of Distilled, your best bet for Vancouverites is to skip down to the Seattle area. I’ve posted a full list of available stores in the U.S. below the photos.

San Francisco m.a.c. Nomads Self Edge Villains Vault

Chicago: Haberdash Solemates Untitled

  Los Angeles: Black Market Fred Segal

Seattle Blackbird Zebra Club

Miami Atrium Pieces

Santa Clara Nalej

New York Atrium

Boston: Bodega

Portland Blake

Oakland Drift

Dallas: p.e.g.

Not only do buttons keep clothes on you, but they also give you potential to up your visual awesome.

Unique buttons give an average piece a ‘pop’. If you consider a nice button the icing on the cupcake that is your jacket, shirt (etc) it seems is just a plain cake without it.

Spunky buttons can make a vintage jacket look new again, or breathe new life into something average from the store that everyone is already tempted to pick up. Changing buttons is an easy way to make someone else’s designs a little bit closer to your own vision.

If you’re going the way of personalization, a fine option in the Vancouver area is Button Button in Gastown (Vancouver). They have a vast selection. Prices vary, yet are reasonable and affordable. If you’re a Vancouverite, or going to be in Vancouver, check it out. [Directions]

Well not in so many words, but according to the article on Fortune’s website detailing “5 Hot Fashion Trends for ’08″, scarves and designer sneakers are on the official mainstream hip list.

Basically, a hipster’s main staples in their wardrobe is their scarf (be it in summer or winter time, it does not matter) and some sort of designer sneaker; usually Nike, but after this predicted casual designer shoe explosion who knows.

There are whisperings that bigger designer labels are getting clamouring to get a piece of the casual footwear pie. Names like Lacoste and Michael Kors are designing shoes, and less known labels such as Creative Recreation (their gold and black shoe is pictured below) are putting their collections together for the summer buying mob.

I’m seeing an image of Kanye West’s style here. The man loves his designer sneakers and wears them with anything, even suits. Bear in mind though people, you must be pretty damn outrageous to pull that look off.

Many labels have featured silk and knit scarves on their models, such as Balenciaga. Prepare to see more people trying to wear them. If you are going to wear a scarf, be mindful about the many ways to tie them (post coming soon!). Though the fashion house examples cited by Fortune are from Fall 2007, the trend is projected to rage on into 2008.

Try to be creative with the colors and patterns of your silk and embellishments, and what you are wearing them with. For instance, try to avoid the a-typical keffiyeh-and-t-shirt combo. The image below is of a model on the Balenciaga Fall 2007 runway; this can give you an example of a creative way to wear your scarves.

Well, these have been my favourites since the summer of ’07 when I first purchased these, but they remain my most coveted and frequently worn pair of denim.

Made by W.I.P. and available only through Urban Outfitters in the U.K., these are my favourite for a number of reasons.

• They fit like a dream. They have just the right amount of elasticity, without making the jeans look or feel cheap.

• They’re affordable. At a reasonable £40 (approx. $80 CA), these are not out of the average shopper’s price range. UO also has sales online from time to time; currently the grey sibling is now on for £19.99.

• The waist isn’t ‘Britney’ low. The zipper goes up just high enough to have a vintage feel, but not be high waisted.

• The cut creates the perfect skinny jean. The bottom of the leg is small, yet still does not look tapered or too much like a denim legging.

• They’re black. Enough said!

W.I.P. Black Skinny Jean at Urban Outfitters U.K.

W.I.P. Black Skinny Jean at Urban Outfitters U.K.

Thankfully, colored denim is not ready to throw in the pastel towel just yet.

Keeping this particular style goes along swimmingly with the pastel trend already shown to be fully alive on the spring and summer 2008 runways.

Vancouverites; if you’re looking to go jewel or pastel on your bottom half, Dutil in Gastown is your best bet for premium labels and choice. However, if you’re not prepared to drop a few bills (in most, not all cases) then you have a few options available within the city.

• American Apparel, $75 CA. Be forewarned, these are also “mineral”, or acid washed. The color array in’t very extensive (mostly purples and blues)

• Urban Outfitters, $49-78 CA. The biggest piss off with UO is the variance between what is available online and in-store. While the site may show a lack of selection, I have been to the Vancouver location within the last two weeks and seen a multitude of colored denim. Granted, these colors are definitely less vibrant than other labels out there, but if you aren’t as bold as some fashionistas out there this may be the store to check out.

• Winners may yield some results. Like every Winners visit, it’s a crapshoot; but your chances are decent (especially the location on Robson and Granville where they feature “The Runway at Winners”).

• Holt Renfrew will have all the labels including dVb denim, but the collection won’t be as extensive as at Dutil and should not be ventured into by the faint of wallet.

The most notable runway appearance for colored denim was on the spring ’08 runway for Gucci (men, shown below in green). While Gucci denim is out of most price points, I managed to find a green pair last summer while in London at Urban Outfitters.

For a good example of how to wear colored denim in another cut than the default skinny choice, look to Victoria Beckham’s dVb line (below). Though these ones will inevitably cost you (prices range from $220-300 per pair), Posh rarely steers us off course.

The rose denim below is from Kate Moss’ clothing line by Topshop. Jeans by Kate generally run at £50.00 (around $100 CA) and can now be mailed to the US, but not yet Canada. I scouted the Topshop site today, and this particular pair is currently not in their online store.

If you’re still not ready to make the commitment, there is the tights and leggings alternative. Read more about this trend.

There are different style guidelines for Fall…make sure you’re aware!

As a follow up to my shit list for men, it’s only fair that I now make one for the opposite gender.

1. Pants that create muffin tops. Yeah…you know the ones. These are usually low riders, and create an overflowing layer of fat and skin. Consider this a reminder: this is not an attractive look!
2. “Mom” jeans. Even if you are a mom, there is no reason to put this visual hell upon your body. It creates a ponch, need I say more?
3. The femullet. Unfortunatley, in the office I work in I see many cases of the fe-mullet. I’m not saying we can’t take what was awesome from the 80s and update it for today, but this one is the death of style having a party on the back of your head.
4. Crocs. This beast made it on both the men’s list and the women’s. Never, ever ever EVER wear these in public.
5. Tracksuits. Nothing says ‘lazy highschooler’ louder than a tracksuit; even if you’re in your mid 30s.
6. Bras with transparent straps. Close your eyes and imagine clear plastic peeking out from under a tank top. Enough said.
7. Cheap faux fur. Faux fur can be done well, but when you’re wearing a cheaply manufactured veriatey (complete with curling and matting) your item looks like it came from the reject bin at Value Village.
8. Fancy wellies. These boots are beyond cuteness or a lolita look, they’re just plain silly.
9. Matching your dog’s outfit with your own. Really, dressing your dog in anything is a crime (those poor beasts!), but when outfits co-ordinate is when things really start to go down hill.
10. Thong sandals. These are OK if you’re poolside or at the beach, but don’t expect to look at all fashionable if you’re sporting a gross dime store pair of these out and about. Sandals like these with a heel are especially offensive!
11. The VPL. No matter what you’re wearing, it can be instantly obliterated by the sight of a VPL. Always, always, always wear appropriate skivvies!

There are so many others, but those are the top offenders. Does anyone have a few horrendous favourites of their own? Share, share, share!

Needless to say, not every fashion crime made it to the worst offenses list. Below are all on my personal male style shit lists. These should not be worn by any persons under any circumstance.

• Message/joke shirts. Yeah, I know you got that shirt from that conference last year, or you want everyone to know that the person to your left is an idiot. Put it away! In an age of [seemingly] declining intelligence, the last thing you want is to broadcast various toilet humor or sponsor ads.

• Socks and sandals. Leave this one for when you’re old, senile and can’t see. Nothing broadcasts a bad fashion choice quite like this classic. If you don’t want people seeing your feet or it’s too cold, you could always wear a shoe with full foot coverage.

• Clothing that is far too big, or too small. Trust me, wearing a shirt one size too small to accentuate your man-curves does not appeal. This broadcasts that you either don’t care about your appearance enough to buy clothes that fit, or are possibly a mimbo.

• Denim jackets and denim pants. This applies double to those wearing two different types/colors of denim.

• Hawiian/wallpaper type shirts. Zach Braff gives a beautiful example of what not to do in his film Garden State.

• Saggy pants. Nothing spells “catch” like 5 inches of boxer short for all on the street to see. Invest in a belt, boys, and pants that actually fit your waist!

• Excessive accessories. Sorry all you hip-hoppers…all that “bling” is bringin’ you down.

• Novelty ties (or suits for that matter). There is a reason you’ve never seen Flavor Flav or Don Cherry on a best dressed list.

• Jerseys. We (the public) gets you like <insert your sport of choice here>. However, there is no reason one should be sporting a jersey when not playing said sport.

• Crocs. There is no reason that any person, male or female, should wear these outside of your garden. Enough said. No matter what embellishments or adjustments are made to this model, these will remain the worst choice in footwear one can possibly make.

• Thong sandals. These are the cheapest and most abused footwear known to human beings. If you are off the beach, don’t wear them! If I had even the smallest of change for every time I’ve seen a pair of nasty five dollar sandals on someone in the city, I could party with some rich bitches.