Exciting news, Californians. A Vancouver staple, Fluevog shoes, are celebrating 5 glorious years in Los Angeles.

I was hitting up some vintage shops on Melrose when I noticed the familiar Idol Jack boots. Low and behold, there was a Fluevog market-style temporary shop located in the courtyard next door. I was informed by the truly friendly staff that construction was under way in the actual shop space, and the space would be finished by next week.

I totally thought that they were new in town, but I was mistaken (it’s happened before, and I’m sure will happen again!)

Stalk the store: 7475 Melrose Ave, downtown Los Angeles.

For those unfamiliar, the city Camarillo (located within Ventura county) is about an hour and a half away from Union Station in downtown LA.

Basically, I found a load of affordable gifts for the family at Saks Off 5th (Lacoste wallets, cashmere sweaters and scarves, etc) but that was the only real win for this place.  Really, if you look in the right spots in LA, you can find the same sort of items at comparable prices so a trip so out of the way is not necessary.

The merchandise was dull overall, and the weren’t any especially exciting promotions that I noticed to entice me to spend.  If you’re going to look at the American Apparel outlet store; you’re better off to visit the factory shop as they have more things and for the same (or less) amount.

One piece of parting advice would be to avoid Amtrak!  Besides the cost of $30 round trip; the rail coach was nearly two hours late returning.  Among those waiting with my at the station there was little faith that it would actually show up at all, which was fairly nerve wracking as I was a minimum of an hour and a half cab ride away from the outskirts of LA.

Avoid, avoid, avoid!

Photo by Victoria Potter

So, being as I was in LA, I visited the American Apparel factory store.

If you need a visual, picture a sizable American Apparel but with everything on sale.  Prices ranged from 1/3 of the regular amount to the lowest being about $6 for a t-shirt.  Considering with taxes Canadians pay about $30 per block color shirt, this was heavenly.

I found a multitude of items, the most coveted being a pair of coveted nylon zipper leggings (black); $36 (I refuse to call them pants!), a Mélange pocket skirt (mustard); $23, thigh high socks (grey); $12,  a lamé windbreaker (gold); $15, and slim slacks in gray.

Besides the better pricing, there were a handful of items that I had not yet seen hit the shelves of the other stores just yet.  I walked away from it $170 US lighter, but heavier in my block color basics (and who wouldn’t be thrilled about that?!)

Directions on Googlemaps are here for any of you who wish to visit.

For more information on Legalize LA, check this out.

I was graciously invited to view the Pure Platinum jewelery destined for wear at this year’s Emmy awards ceremony in L.A. It was quite the display; pieces were on display that were designed by the utmost desired designers using premium materials.

The clutch (pictured below on the top right of the photo block) by Desperate Housewives designer Cate Adair was my personal highlight.  It featured over 60 carats of diamonds in the design and is worth over $500,000; and apparently the most diamond-intense handbag ever produced.  It was a glowing sight to behold!

The pieces were artfully crafted, and it was a treat to see people trying them on so actively instead of just on display.

It was quite the experience being in a hotel penthouse on Rodeo Drive among a multitude of small screen celebrities; and an experience I doubt I will repeat very soon! Photos of the treasures are below, with the entire set located here (23 images in entirety).

Photos by Victoria Potter

Apparently a judge in Florida has deemed the law against sad souls traipsing around American cities in baggy pants is unconstitutional.  Don’t get me wrong, it is unconstitutional; but couldn’t we just classify this one under indecent exposure? From what the Wikipedia article supplies as its explanation it would fit right in.

I’m sure some sort of reality TV show could be formed on the basis of these kinds of necessary style interventions.  Fox could call it a “Raptastic Makeover”.  It’s a winning idea.

As for those dolts who are calling racism, that has nothing to do with it.  A sloppy idiot showing their underwear with their pants around their ankles is just that, no matter what their race, age or any other qualities.

Come on, people…have a little pride in your appearance!

It isn’t often that you see men’s clothing designed and styled to be truly worn straight out of the shop, but In Circus defies convention.

Pieces from the In Circus Fall 2008 collection (shown below) detail the proper and attainable sidewalk image for the svelte gentleman.  Designer Rene Gurskov’s pattern-on-pattern pieces manage to be independent of each other; yet still remain harmonious together.  I particularly enjoyed the interpretation of the multi fabric gingham scarf; which added volume with the look by way of the light fabric, and depth simultaneously from the use of two patterns.

There is also a sense of practicality in the design, without the look suffering.  If you examine any of the below photos, you can imagine a man walking down the street in any one of these outfits just as they are presented.

Even beyond practicality, we are shown a fresh shape for fall.  Instead of hard visual lines, there is a swirl of pattern and shape.  The models are wrapped and relaxed versus uncomfortable and unrealistic.

Gurskov’s pieces truly envoke an alive, design conscious vision of street wear; something that fellow Dane designed G-sus could have been.

A full list of stockists is located below the photos.

EUROPE
TSUM (Moscow)
59 Broadwick Street (London)
Rough Sleepers (London)
Behave (London)
Container (Paris)
Rieger (Salzburg)
Wok (Milan)
Penelope (Brescia)
Coffee n. Television (Bergamo)
Shop & Trade (Athens)
Spielbar Tragbar (Munich)
Styleserver (Berlin)
Bo10 (Cologne)
Helsinki 10 (Helsinki)
Wunder (Helsinki)
Freudian Kicks (Oslo)
Kunigunda (Stockholm)
Eikon (Aarhus)
Renomme Cloth (Aarhus)
Snygg (Odense & Kolding)
Donn Ya Doll (København)
Normann (København)

USA
Famous Friends (New York)

SAUDI ARABIA
ANMA Group (Jeddah)

ASIA
Beams (Japan)
Loveless (Tokyo)
Jackpot (Tokyo)
Lantiki (Osaka)
Yellow Book (Kobe)
Stocks (Japan)
Harvey Nichols (Hong Kong)

With intense boots like these ones, it’s best to steer on the minimalistic side. By minimalism, I mean an ankle crop and avoiding a motorcycle gang buckle trail up your leg with regular blue denim.  Instead, try the super intense PVC legging and boot combo for a look ala Fall 2008 Givenchy.

These Amy boots from Topshop will run you $160/£80.00.  I chose these boots over Nine West’s Danika boots for the lesser number of buckles, front zipper and an increased modern edge ankle design (versus the traditional 80s high rocker boot look).

Topshop always gives us leather footwear, so there’s no worry on quality here.  Since the 80s throwback bonanza still seems to be going strong, this will be a worthy buy and a pair of boots to stay with you through the seasons.

I went to this party last year, and it was a style-fueled gong show, so clear your calendars for next Friday (September 26th, 2008).  Trevor Risk spins, so you’re in for some favorable music. Ion Magazine is run by some intensely cool characters, so I suggest you come and rub shoulders.

Tickets can be grabbed at Clubzone, or the Ion office.

The local design whirlwind known as BC Fashion Week is fast approaching!  Events will be spanning from September 22nd-26th, with glorious sales and markets in between.

The complete BCFW itinerary is below.  I have been confirmed for media access, so photos and reviews will of course follow!

French Connection’s Days Trousers are a smart choice for any occasion.

With the wide leg and loose fit, these bottoms are also among some of the hottest cuts in pants this Fall.  This style is very versatile; these can be worn in work conditions or be equally as fitting on the street. The bottom cuff and pleats are nice details as well.

The pleats and bottom cuffs are nice detail areas that show that extra workmanship and time has been put into the construction.

Hovering around $150; these trousers aren’t the cheapest you will come across, but for a classic piece that offer you wearing longevity it’s worth it.

Styling on Topshop Unique’s Spring/Summer 2009 runway show reigned it’s brutal 80s bubblegum branded terror upon all who looked upon it.  As I flipped through the photos of the show, my heart was heavy… the show was brutal.

Every essence of 80s styling that should have been held back was given to us with full force. Gaudy prints, hair sprayed ponytails, matching head gear to go with both prints and ponytails, dull denim and washed out colors ruled the runway.  Am I the only one who thought the second outfit was reminiscent of a dental assistant’s outfit?

I found there to be one gray mini-suit that was wearable as presented, but it was as dull as it was wearable. There was a very interesting arrow one piece swimsuit also featured, but it was not enough to keep the collection afloat.

I’m trying my best to imagine the bulk of these pieces mixed with more modern and wearable looks, but I am at a complete loss.  The design is so overpowering from the singular throwback influence that it reeks of a complete lack of creativity and vision.

Topshop, how could you have fallen this astray?

Kate Moss’ 9th range for Topshop dropping only four short days ago, and I was curious as to how the pieces were selling. As I mentioned in my critique of the line; I saw a handful of crowd pleasers and a lot of potentially awkward patterns and material.

The crowd reaction was somewhat forseeable, but certain items entirely sold out that were a bit surprising. As of this afternoon on September 12th, 2008; the following pieces had flown right off the shelves:

The Angora coat ($240), the Mongolian Wool scarf ($90), Yeti coat ($300), and the Angora coat ($200).

It’s funny, the items being picked up with the most vigor are the items crafted with more expensive fabrics and the highest prices. Personally, I was expecting a few of the other pieces (namely the Baby Doll dress) before the more extreme (and hairier) pieces.

I hope this is a bit of a wake up for the leads on this project: sacrifice kitschy commoner designs for edgier and more luxurious products! It’s what the public wants, and it will keep the Kate range going for at least a few more seasons.

Here we have it: sister cut out oxford-style peep toe heels.  They both have 4″ heels, the cut out peep toe style and tie up at the top.

The Payless Koko Gilley pump (left, also available in a dark gray) is constructed with faux suede, and is priced at $25 US.  Nine West’s Papoose goes for $89, but is constructed with real suede and is available in three other synthetic snakeskin veriateys.

I’ve seen the Koko, and I must say I was fairly impressed with what is a very affordable shoe…I would be interested to see how both wear in the long term.

So, up for debate are two classic slouchy boots, a favourite for seasons past and seasons to come.  On the left we have the Dream Update boot by Topshop at $145 US.  On the right, the Mirabelle boot by Abaeté for Payless for $55 US.

Though the design of the two boots make them almost identical (aside from the studs of course); their price and construction materials set them miles apart.  While Topshop creates with real leathers (and their Dream boot is no exception), Payless does not.  The Mirabelle is constructed entirely of a suede feel-alike; and has a leather out sole only.

We know leather wears better than faux leather of faux suede; but I wonder if that will be enough to sway the current penny conscious shopper.

Would you sacrifice long term wear to have a 67% price cut?

American Apparel will soon expand its selection of solid basics to include fingerless gloves.  As anyone who has seen a Burberry runway show knows that a pair of vibrant fingerless gloves can complete an outfit in an effortless and affordable manner.

The prices have not been officially posted, but since the full acrylic knit glove goes for about $14, this will hover around the same price bracket.

I am hoping AA branches out further regarding colors offered than they have with their current gloves.  These babies need the t-shirt treatment; and have at least 10 colors available.

It would be worthwhile…gloves are cheaper than pants and shirts and  will sell well.

I know I’ll be off to the shop to get at least one pair in amethyst purple once these are released.  That little pop of color will do wonders with a mustard and some grays!

Sadly Vancouver has an internation rep for being brutally unstylish; and for not caring that we hold such a title.  I say it’s time to change, and it’s easier to do than cynics would assume.  I have complied a basic list of things that if we all bear in mind, maybe we can shed our West Coast Slob badge, and exchange it for Best Up And Coming.

No more yoga or active wear in public! Lululemon fans, this especially means you.  Nothing screams “lazy dresser” louder and more effectively than a fellow or lady clad in elastic running wear.  Vancouver is a true offender to yoga wear rule.  If any of you style mavens are faint of heart, I vehemently suggest avoiding Yaletown.

Put away that sports jersey. The city feels your team spirit, but we don’t all need to see it.  All you rabid Canuck and Lions (etc) fans out there, put that thing away unless you’re actually showing your support at the stadium.  Your favourite player’s uniform is exactly that, and if you’re not playing the sport you’re wearing the uniform for; you’re looking fairly silly.

Mix in your “dressing up” pieces while you’re dressed down. It’s easy to do without having to buy anything new.  Instead of wearing those jeans and a regular t-shirt, swap it for a button up shirt and a cardigan or a blazer.  The same trick can go for your footwear, swap a trainer for an oxford; or a casual fabric flat for something made from leather.  Guys, believe me: women notice this one.

Pull up your pants. Yes, this is broadcasted to both genders.  Nobody should ever be forced to see what kind of underwear any of us is wearing, so get a belt or a new pair of pants that actually fit.  A good indicator is if you can’t fit too index fingers into your pants, they’re too tight.  Alternatively, if you can find a fist into them; they’re for too large.

Toss out that conference/concert t-shirt. Now. OK, so we’ve all been to a conference or been to that epic concert that you never want to forget.  In both instances, you or someone you enjoy being around with have probably collected a t-shirt.  Shirts like these are the bane of the style universe.  Besides being ruthlessly branded with sponsors or gaudy album art, they are usually worn mercilessly until the fabric is tearing and the image.  Retire these poor shirts, and move on to plain ones!

If we all work to curb our little bad habits (like the ones shown below) then we can all work towards making Vancouver a little more fashion savvy and a bit more respected on that front.

This is the tale of when bad hair happens to one that usually has the opposite look.

Agyness usually has extremely short hair, but it is more often than not cut to a flattering (even if it is mad) style.  The sooner this girl gets rid of her Star-Trek helmet hair, the better.

Hey, at least we can look on the bright side; she’s kept up with her best-bet blond…that carrot orange just looked awful.

I’ve got a serious problem with elastic straps on shoes.  This design horror was first seen on the Prada Fall 2008 runway; then was duplicated by the likes of Nine West (left) and who knows how many others.

This replica does not even follow the same reasoning for the Prada elastic straps (to blend in with the color of the foot)…their elastic isn’t even nude!

The whole point of the elastic is now missed, and hapless Nine West consumers are left with something that could have come from the Wal-Mart footwear collection.

It’s more fifties than private school, but it’s a welcome change.

For this Fall, collect a variatey of mid-length socks to wear with your heels and ankle booties. Though the Nine West ad below shows mostly a bare leg, you can also layer your socks with opaque tights to get the look and not freeze while temperatures gradually drop.

I do like the rouched sock look Nine West put together; it’s more of a modern twist versus a stiff looking tightly pulled fabric.

So, here it is: Givenchy’s multi strand chain charm necklace, seen on the likes of some pop star named Madonna and on the Fall 2008 runways.  This heavy duty chain work of gold will set you back a cool $2,000…if you can get your clawing hands at it at all.

Sadly, pieces like this cannot be imitated easily (unless they are silver; one should not attempt faux gold) or cheaply.  Budget jewelry done in layers like this will almost always give itself away, unless you find a master metal smith for the masses.

We’re going to file this away in my “Oh God, If Only” category inside my pining brain.  Shall we mourn together?