The Havana Straw Fedora

Not only will this hat keep your scalp safe from the sun’s rays, but it will be light enough to avoid cranium over heating. $28 US, Urban Outfitters.

Christy’s Crown Cal Straw Fedora

The darker version of the Havana Fedora, the Christy’s Crown Cal provides the same protection and straw weave look, in a darker shade. $28, Urban Outfitters.

Lendy by Christy’s Crown

Navy, for the cheeky ones. Found at Hats In The Belfry, $58.

I honestly would not recommend H.I.T.B., as their shipping charges to Canada are insanity, though the choice is yours.

Italian Straw Boater Hat (2 inch brim)

A glorious export to compliment your Band of Outsiders look. $98, Baron Hats (though I’m confident you can find one at your local vintage shop for cheaper)

Two-Tone Porkpie Straw Hat

A nice two tone weave to shake things up a bit, while not getting too out of hand. $85, Hatsplus.com (the same advice goes for this one as the Boater hat…check vintage stores locally first!)

If you are still unsure if you can make the straw hat a staple in your wardrobe, get reassured of its style presence from these designer’s collections:

• Band of Outsiders
• Costume National
• Lanvin

• One pair of high(er) quality sunglasses. Don’t mess around with this one. Invest in a classic looking pair that is versatile enough to wear with most outfits and you’re good to go.

• Two pairs of sandals (no flip flops). Flip flops are the nastiest summer footwear. By my standards, they’re only acceptable on sand or by a pool. I don’t care if you’re buying Prada thongs or dollar store nasties; keep ‘em away from the city streets.
  

• A pedicurist if you intend on wearing said sandals. This goes for both men and women. Nasty feet equals a horrendous sight. Don’t wear sandals if you can’t keep up your end of the visual bargain by making your feet look presentable.

• Ample supplies of wax or razors. Nobody likes the sight of a simian in scant clothing! If you’re a super hairy guy, try using a creame that thins hair or just remove it all together. Having a back [or chest] that competes with your city zoo’s gorillas isn’t preferrable. As for women, just wax for heaven’s sake. We won’t get into the particulars of where, but since more is shown while wearing that pre-teen sized bikini, you won’t want to be mistaken for that bra-burning hippie down the street.

• Treat yourself to some new pieces. They don’t have to be super expensive, but make sure you’re fitting your clothes. Nothing is more unattractive than a baggy ass from all that loose fabric on last year’s shorts or muffin tops spilling over for all to see thanks to that tank top your room-mate shrunk last August.

• Buy underwear that fits. Too many girls wear too many thongs (etc) that ride up their rears. This goes hand-in-hand with having clothing that fits, and definitely applies to boys as well. Having a puff topping of boxer out of your shorts isn’t attractive whatsoever.

• Appropriate sunblock for your face and body. If you’re pasty as I am, you’re going to want to get 30+ UVA/UVB, at least for the beginning of the summer when your ghoulish skin isn’t used to the rays just yet. After a few weeks, ramp down, but always remember to apply. You will probably need a different [higher number] non-greasy kind for your face. Personally, I use this Neutrogena matte block, and it’s perfect.

Well ladies and gents, that’s all I have for you. Here’s to enjoying the impending summer weather (you here that, Nature? Anytime…)

Sara, last summer.

My favourite selection of affordable footwear is available at Topshop and Topman, respectively. The first go is for the ladies and the second image group is for the boys. However, if you’re like myself (and tend to swing towards androgyny) plan to pick up all six pairs!

Topshop (Ladies)

Left: Brogue Shoe, £60

Middle: Patent Bow Pump, £25

Right: Square Toe Flat Shoe, £20

Topman (Men’s)

Left: Navy Suede Ankle Boot, £50

Middle: White Patent Contrasts, £60

Right: White Leathe Brogue Boot, £80

This news isn’t nearly as awesome as the Pacific Center location, though we now have official word that a new location will be opening up at Lougheed Town Centre on April 24, 2008.

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12 noon, with a “special promotion” (I have no idea what) will be given to the first 100 in line. Apparently throughout the day there will also be gifts given out to random customers.

Why are these things always done on Thursdays?! Sigh.

Remember, people…the flagship store is so close to opening! Don’t let the wait get you down!

Everyone needs a trench coat in their wardrobe staples. No matter, what your spend levels, I have the trench for you.

Your best bets:

Traditional trench:

Ideal (left): Burberry Prorsum piped edge trench, available at Net-A-Porter, $2,950

Realistic: Knee length trench coat by Topshop, £170.00 (center), BCX Sateen trench at Macy’s, $66 (right)

Cropped Trench:

Ideal (left): Rodnick Horror Show trench, available at Net-A-Porter, $1,320

Realistic: Double Breasted Trench Jacket, available at Topshop, £60.00 (center), American Rag Double-Breasted Trench, available at Macy’s, $59 (left)

Additional suggestion: Juicy Couture double breasted patent trench, available at Nordstrom, $328

Colorful Trench:

Additional suggestions:

Marc Jacobs short trench coat (green), available at Net-A-Porter, $1,900

Burberry Deanham nylon trench (yellow), available at Net-A-Porter, $650

Tevro + Chase English trench (cobalt), available at Nordstrom, $645

MICHAEL Michael Kors three quarter length trench (yellow), available at Nordstrom, $148

Patent Trench:

Ideal (left): Philip Lim patent trench, available at Net-A-Porter, $625

Realistic: Juicy Couture double breasted patent trench (red and black), available at Nordstrom, $328 (center), Via Spiga patent trench, available at Macy’s, $120 (left)

Additional suggestions:

Marc by Marc Jacobs patent trench coat (cream), available at Net-A-Porter, $548

Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Flash’ double breasted patent trench (bright yellow), available at Nordstrom, $548

Metallic Trench:

Ideal (left): Burberry Dewhurst trench, available at Net-A-Porter, $1,095

Realistic: Michael Kors belted metallic trench, available at Nordstrom, $249 (center), Laundry by Shelli Segal Shimmer Trench, available at Macy’s, $168 (left)

Additional suggestions:

Trina Turk ‘Wallace’ Metallic Jacket, available at Nordstrom (silver), $418

Companion article: Tips For Successfully Wearing A Trench Coat

Since the most Northern locations (Vancouver included) do not discriminate between seasons when it comes to pissing rainfall, a smart bet for Spring and Summer 2008 would be to grab up a colored leather jacket.

When wearing leather, you have the advantage of keeping warm while being protected from the soggy elements. I had the luck to find a navy blue leather trench at my local Value Village (a gigantic thrift chain for those unfamiliar) for the wickedly cheap price of $30 CA.

If you have a Value Village, Salvation Army or similar thrift retail environment available, then I would suggest hitting up those locations first, then vintage botiques afterwards. Thrift stores that rely on donations typically have lower price points and are more interested in moving their products to support their cause then to turn a large profit per item.

If you’re in Vancouver, I would suggest hitting up the following shops in search for your perfect colored leather:

• Burcu’s Angels (2535 Main Street)
• Woo Vintage (321 Cambie Street)
• Deluxe Junk (310 Cordova Street)
• True Value Vintage (710 Robosn Street)
• Used Vintage (831 Granville Street)

Metallics are fantastic. Everyone knows this and sometimes we can take it a bit overboard. I figured I’d share some helpful points to remember:

• Don’t make lamé the central part of the oufit. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen someone wearing only a t-shirt and the leggings. Keep the metallics as more of a visual icing, rather than the whole cake. If you’re wearing the leggings, try layering socks and boots, as well as a skirt or shorts. Having the additional layers gives your outfit balance, weight and keeps you from looking too much like a space cadet.

• Be careful what you’re showcasing. If you’ve got large thighs, generally you won’t want to wrap them in liquid silver. Pick your best attributes to highlight; not your worst. If you’re planning on rocking lamé on the beach, you need to be especially careful. That shine will draw light and eyes directly on you!

• Don’t commit too much lamé to one ensemble. The rule of thumb is this: one piece for one outfit. Having a metallic bandeau top as well as a headband and bicycle shorts. Don’t distract the public! Make sure their eyes go to the one area you’re choosing to highlight that day or evening.

• You don’t have to be a visual spectacle to wear lamé. There are other options, including black, eel (textured) or matte metallics! These are a more low key option, yet still in the realm of fun that is lamé.

Have loads of fun, and be careful…this fabric scratches and dulls like the dickens. Get the most excitement you can out of each wear!

As a great fan of things vintage, I have spent a significant amount of my retail hunting in thrift stores. People I meet always ask how the hell I found what I did, or got it so cheaply. My mother calls it the “scrounge gene”, but unlike everything else genetic; you can develop this skill for yourself.

Things to keep in mind:

• Invest enough time. Don’t rush yourself, or you won’t find anything. Thrifting is like brushing you r hair…you need to go slowly, or you’ll miss the best knots.

• Don’t get choosy right away. With larger thrifting stores (such as Value Village), you want to avoid the decision making process while your going through the aisles. If you throw all your maybes and probablys in a cart and do the once-over before you hit the change room, you’re not only streamlining your shopping experience but avoiding aisle clog-ups and the chance that you won’t be able to find that magical sweater when you go back for it once you’ve made up your mind.

• Shop the day before a big sale, and the day of. Let’s face it, everyone can be cheap. If you make a run for the good merchandise before a sale when everyone has held off their hunts, you’re going to come out on top. Pick out the things that you just can’t put down and pay regular price for those, while scouting out items of lesser excitement to take a chance on leaving for the sale price.

• Any thrift shop in the swanky suburbs (such as Kerrisdale in Vancouver) will usually have a better haul. Since most of the people living around these ‘hoods like these want things that are new and shiny, you can take advantage of their distaste for the pre-loved. These stores will also likely be less-travelled, not as picked over and filled with higher quality items to match the geographic type of the clientele.

• Know which shops have the better prices on certain items. Not every place has rad deals on every single one of your favourite items, but it helps to know where to look to minimize cost efforts. If you’re unsure which place to look for what, ask around!

• Invest in a sewing machine (if you don’t already have one). You don’t have to be a stitch wizard to do minor size alterations on things like vests, shirts, etc. Since you can never know what size of item you’ll find, it helps to be able to compromise a bit with the machine as a backup. I’d suggest finding a machine on clearance at a large retailer like Superstore or Wal-mart; you’ll find the highest quality machine for the lowest amount of coin.

• Check the runways (or your favourite style blog) for trends before you shop. It helps to get a refresher on the fashion goings-on within your area. Photos from street style blogs can also give you ideas on exactly what you need to spruce up a tired wardrobe.

• Get into the opposite gender’s section. This works better for women than men, but try checking out the ‘other side’ of the aisle. Obviously you can’t wear everything, but certain androgynous things like oxfords, sweaters and coats can be mingled without looking freaky.

This weekend, I discovered the goldmine that was Joe clothing at Superstore.

Now, I was always a gigantic skeptic at the possible success and wearability of this line, but I took some time this weekend to visit my local location and was thoroughly impressed.

Not all the pieces are featured on the Joe website, but let me assure you there is more of a selection in-store. A few of the more choice items are below: the marine coat ($39), nautical wide leg pant ($29), and mini stripe polo ($12).

Most of these pieces aren’t especially fantastic on their own, but they spell magic for all layering opportunities.

For instance, one ensemble I’ threw together yesterday was: the red striped polo, grey herringbone tie (H&M) with a vintage gold crown pin (of course), a navy boxy 60s blazer (Joe), skinny black jeans, and new oxfords.

The polo wasn’t the main event, but the shirt pulled everything together!

Treat these pieces as the supporting acts of your wardrobe, and you’ll step your look up a few notches instantly and without great cost.

I would suggest checking out the stripe mod dress ($16), as well as a few of their nautical striped t-shirts ($10).

Be warned, though; not every Superstore has a wide selection of Joe. I found that the locations towards the countryside had a better selection than downtown Vancouver (go figure), so you may have to hit a few locations before you strike the mother lode!

UPDATE:

Those damn nautical pants must have been made for short folks, because I tried them without shoes on, and I was ready for the Fraser River to overflow.  Goddammit!!  Joe: get a tall section instigated, ASAP!

It’s official – the new H&M flagship store will open in Pacific Center on May 22, 2008.

The store will open its doors at 12 noon, so get your running shoes on. This is not one of those times you’re going to look the most chic shopper in-store…it’s going to be too insane for that.

As previously released, the store will be taking over a large part of the old Holt Renfrew space; and cover two levels (28,000 square feet!)

The store will include full ranges for women, men and children.

This is the date we’ve been waiting for, people! Start your clocks, the countdown has begun…

This is fantastic news!

H&M is collaborating with Rei Kawakubo of the legendary label Comme des Garçons to create a line specifically designed (and priced) for the H&M demographic!

If this collection is anything similar to H&M’s other designer collections, this one will be amazing. The last great collection gifted to us by the label by Roberto Cavalli was elegant and still of high quality without alienating the usual store clientele.

The line is slated to include menswear, womenswear, a selection for children plus accessories and a fragrance.

Comme des Garçons is one of my favourite labels, so I cannot wait until we have a taste of what is in store for release. Rei’s designs stretch the limits of practical streetwear while still managing to look like you crawled out of an asain inspired demi-couture dream.

My only request is the menswear veers away from the heavy punk influence…I doubt that will bode well off the runways, much less on the a-typical H&M clientele. I can imagine those pieces would be a bit too frightening to most of the general public!

Hopefully press photos are released soon. Updates to come…

Comme des Garçons Women’s Fall Ready to Wear collection

Comme des Garçons Men’s Fall Ready to Wear collection

This post stemmed from an MSN conversation my friend Quentin and I had earlier today.  During this chat, we agreed that a well made vest is an unappreciated and under worn part of the average person’s wardrobe.

Thus, I am appealing to you all: experiment with the vest!

Like formal blazers being added to a more casual outfit, the same can be done with a vest.  I’ve seen some pretty dapper men out there wearing skinny cords, a formal well-fitting vest with just a t-shirt underneath.  This technique steps up your look with very little effort involved!

One of the best features of the vest is they are easily made unisex.   As you can see from the photo below, this is a look that can be duplicated on a man as easily as on a woman.

This is a piece that is very versatile in your wardrobe, and can potentially be purchased for quite cheaply.  Remember, you can always pick up something and have it altered at a local tailor.

Best places to score a vest in Vancouver:

Mintage Vintage (vintage / map)

Burcu’s Angels (vintage / map)

Deluxe Junk (vintage / map)

The Block (new / map)

Lark 8th Ave (new / map)

Roden Gray (new / map)

Jonathan + Olivia (new / map)

The 5th Annual Ion Magazine Party is upon us!

The DJs this round are super rad: VND&LSM, Tyler Fedchuk and Trevor Risk!! This is guaranteed to be a retardedly fun party.

The last time I went to an Ion party, it was in some godforsaken warehouse in sketchtown, Vancouver that was filled to the gills with the prettiest and most well put together people in the city!

When: Saturday, April 12, 2008 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Where: 395 Alexander Street / Railtown [directions]

RSVP on the Facebook event!

Get on the guest list, or buy tickets at Clubzone like all the other suckas.

See you all there!

I can’t count how many times I’ve seen some random toting fake Louis Vuitton, Burberry or other luxury brand bags.

Trust me on this: you look like an idiot.

Luxury brands signify a luxurious lifestyle. If you’re hauling around a Christian Dior lookalike while wearing a scruffy outfit that does not match the level of the bag, you’re not accomplishing anything.

The thing is, you’re paying these people good money to look a fool.  Anyone you would be attempting to impress will see right through the cheaply manufactured façade, so why even bother?

Either way, it’s always wrong to support a black market; so next time you’re on vacation (or anywhere else for that matter), tell those replica hawkers you’ll take a pass.

Various how to spot a fake guides online:

How to spot a fake designer purse or handbag (ezine)

How to spot a fake…handbag (associated content)

How to spot a fake Louis Vuitton bag (eBay)

How to spot a fake Coach bag (eBay)

 How to spot fake shoes