This post is definitely inspired by some of the messes I’ve seen in my workplace.  Do you sit by a woman with a skirt so short it redefines “mini”? Perhaps a fellow who insists on making sure you know that your opinion means less than his because the message is written on the front of his faded black t-shirt? If so, pass this list on to the needy!

1. Wearing skirts or shorts that are too short.  Nobody wants to see the thighs of their co-worker, covered by tights or not.  I don’t care if you’re 18 or 38; this one is an extreme no-no.
2. Having inappropriate messages on your clothing.  This includes all scantily clad bodies, free beer t-shirts, joke shirts you thought were funny while drunk and so on. 
3. Sporting sheer fabrics.  This is just one large “no”, especially if you are of a “healthy” weight; nobody wants to see your womanly curves, so cover up.
4. Baring cleavage.  This goes for guys and gals; nobody wants to see the crevasse of your breasts, no matter how ragingly hot you think you look.  Besides the idecency factor, you may wind up with ”the crack of doom” as a nickname (this is rooted in a true story, folks).
5. Wearing gangsta threads.  I get that you want to have some faux-cred under these flourescent bulbs, but please.  Keep all G-Unit clothing locked away while in a work environment!
6. Sporting activewear.  This includes all Lululemon itself, its clones and any sort of yoga clothing you may have.  If you would jog in it, keep it at home.
7. Showing off your hooker heels.  Keep those five inch wedge or dominatrix inspired monstrosities at home.  You’re not fixing to walk the streets, so keep those hooker heels at home!
8. Ripped or tattered clothing.  This just screams that you don’t care enough to suppress your inner grunge for 8 hours.  Though your shredded jeans may be forecasted to hit the cool list again this Spring ’09, keep them at home.
9. Wearing blankets.  OK, you would think this is a no-brainer, but apparently not.  If you’re cold, bring an extra cardie or a plush jacket; don’t look like you’re about to go for nappy time.
10. Wearing inappropriate footwear.  I know this may seem redundant to the hooker heel bit, but I’m addressing all you heinous croc and thong sandal wearers.  This is not professional attire, it’s leisure attire (if that).  Remember, anything you would garden in or wear to the beach is out.

Remember, Vancouver Fashion Week is fast approaching! The week runs from November 4-9th, and promises to (as always) showcase the best of Vancouver fashion talent.  I’ve been offered media access, so keep your eyes peeled for coverage!

The rain brings more than just cold, it brings dampness and discomfort.  Of course all of these suggestions apply to both genders, but examples are given for the girls.  To do your best to battle out the percipitation and look good while doing it, here are five areas to keep in mind:

1. A toasty rain jacket.  Make sure you have a raincoat that is fully lined, or you will become much chillier the instant you step into the outdoors.  Try to go for a decently constructed rain coat; the cheaper the coat the worse off your lining will be, and the less warmth it will retain.
2. A smart rain boot. Avoid anything as beastly as these boots, and opt with something a bit more shaped and subtley colored.  Ditch anything that looks like the remnants to an acid trip.
3. Glove up.  Cold hands can’t hold onto an umbrella, so ensure you’ve got your fingers covered in a warm shield.  Patent leathers (versus matte) will repel rain instantly as well as give you a style edge.
4. Don’t forget your lid. A great amount of heat escapes through your head; keep your heat and keep it cool with a hat to top you off.  If a men’s style hat (as the trilby) does not work for you, try a knit cap for maxiumum warmth.
5. Brolly up! This one is a no brainer.  To keep the most wet off yourself as you can, shield yourself with an umbrella.  Keep the pattern interesting; but be careful not to fall into the child’s trap of tacky design.

From left to right: Michael Kors rain coat ($156; Bluefly), All weather rain boot ($298; Searle), Patent leather gloves ($48; Armani Exchange), Felt trilby hat ($40; Topshop), Chanel graffiti brolly ($488; Bluefly)

To fight the growing epidemic of the “hidden homeless” (people couch surfing, living in hostels, etc) Topman is teaming up with Crisis (a UK charity) to boost up their assistance campaigns.

The socks (actual product shot shown to the right) will cost £4/$8 with 100% of the proceeds going to charity. They will be available online at Topman [here] after November 10th.  As a bonus, Topman will also be donating a winter wool cap to each person passing through a Crisis Christmas Center in London and Newcastle.

To us four pound (or eight dollars) may be nearly nothing, but the difference your donation can make is immense. 

Do your part and help Topman sock it to homelessness!

It’s rare indeed, but Topshop is having a sale! Discounts vary upon piece and style, but the price chops are fairly decent.  I just may finally get the Kate Moss leopard trousers now that they’re $40!

Instead of what I call the “hipster bib”, try a few things with your scarves to liven things up this Fall.  A few easy bits to keep in mind:

• Try using silk.  Keffiyehs are old hat; try using your grandma’s ancient silk scarf collection.  These are not only softer, but come in a whole load of unique colors and patterns.
• Use different tying techniques.  Instead of tying a knot around and creating the aforementioned bib, try rolling your scarves into thinner shapes and knotting around the neck, or utilizing different shaped scarves to achieve a varied look.
• Switch up your colors and patterns.  This an easy one; take a trip to a vintage shop and pick up some new designs.  Even if you don’t switch up your tying method, things will still get a boost via rich colors and patterns.
• Add a vintage pin.  Whether you’re wrapping a scarf around your neck and hiding the knot or tying at the front, adding a vintage pin will add glamour to the look.
• Double up.  Grab a few scarves with complimenting patterns and/or colors and tie them around your neck together.  Depending on the heat (or lack thereof) you may want to use heavier fabrics versus silk.

“Marilee” scarf by Gucci shown

I know you’re out there (my reporting tells me you are…creepy, huh?) 

Don’t forget to vote on something just as important as the Presidential election.  On November 4th, vote against inequality and unconstitutional laws…vote NO on Propositon 8!

Get the facts vs. fiction breakdown here.

Then you’re in luck.  Roden Gray in Gastown is ordering more in after all, and are taking waiting lists in the meantime.  Shoot by their boutique [Googlemap], or give them a call and get your spot in line! These are, after all, the eyeglasses of the season.

This is the finest example of “what not to wear” I’ve come across in a while.  This sickening display of dime store quality “design” is infecting the catwalks and closets of North America, and it must be stopped. 

The one responsible for these monstrosities is Christian Audigier; purveyor of horrendous Ed Hardy style clothing that is hardly worth the cloth they cut to create it.  How this man can call himself a fashion designer when the bulk of his so-called design experience was gathered at Von Dutch completely escapes me.  I would classify this as a “bitch, please” moment.

Audigier is the style devil, steer clear of anything he has touched.

This is Unkle Karl at the Chanel’s Mobile Art party in New York.  The sequin jacket is from the Chanel 2009 Resort collection; a daring piece to be sure.  I’m still in awe…just look at that jacket! It’s 100% bling!

Sadly the Chanel version will be out of reach for most of us (I can imagine that piece alone would be in the thousands), but Les Chiffoniers has created a [more] affordable all-over sequin jacket priced at $760.

I love it; every time this man goes to an event, it’s magical.

The formula for rockstar-esque style success is a lot of gaudy, exaggerations, leather, boots, zippers and tight tailoring. You have to be very careful that everything blends together; outrageous patterns and going overboard on the cow hide has eternal potential to become hazardous to look at.

Let’s delve into the world of the raging rocker look.

FOR WOMEN:

The more hardwear, the better. Excess is your friend when it comes to the “rockstar” persona; as well as boots with buckles. Have your accessories studded and featuring lots of metal. Chances are you’re going to skirt dangerously close to gaudy, but do as Coco Chanel once advised and look in the mirror before leaving your room and remove one accessory; that should keep things from getting too out of control.

Tall boots with heels keep yourself looking feminine and layering with patterns such as checks and stripes will give your look depth and color. Keep bottoms very thin; but not skintight (the shrink wrap look is never flattering!), and finish off with hardware in the form of bracelets, belts and draping necklaces. The bigger, the better!

From left to right, clockwise: Karl Lagerfeld skinny jeans ($365; Net-A-Porter), Leather hood bomber ($200; Topshop), Etienne Aigner Vibra boot ($159; Piperlime), Stuart Weitzman boot ($595; Jildor), Unique leather leggings ($410; Topshop), Marc Jacobs bracelet ($175; Bloomingdale’s), Stretch stripe tee ($35; French Connection), Gingham square scarf ($7; Forever 21), Jack Rabbit belt ($172; Couture Candy), Lotus London box clutch ($325; Vivre)

***

FOR MEN:

Focus on a very strong look with dark colors and heavy fabrics. Try wearing raw denim (such as the Naked & Famous pair above) as an alternative to treated jeans; they fit amazingly and the wear becomes custom to the owner since there is no color or fading.

Wayfarers may be getting to the point of old hat after all these decades (or was it the Olsen twins that broke the camel’s back?), but regardless they’re the quintessential frames. Be careful when it comes to your boots so you don’t broach the motorcycle look too intensely, but as long as you’re not buying Harley Davidson you should fare well. Finally, top off with cuffs, leathery and spiky belts!

From left to right, clockwise: Black biker boots ($150; Topman), Diesel black gold hooded leather jacket ($850; S|Sense), Black power stretch jeans ($130; Naked & Famous), Wayfarer sunglasses ($108; Tilly’s), Diesel side stud belt ($300; S|Sense), Prada hightop sneaker ($690; Barneys), Shimamura Paris & Co. Leather Wristband ($195; Kitson), Public domain tee ($25; eModa)

I can’t help but love AMAP’s latest round of scarves.  This particular one; the circular snake scarf looks to be a perfect layering feature in a black and white pattern that will go with nearly anything.

Layering this scarf with a white oxford, cardigan and blazer would make an instant splendid look without much effort.  At $35, it’s not the cheapest neck warmer you can find out there, but the textured look to the acrylic gives it a visual boost.

So far we haven’t been given any preview photos, but that really isn’t terriby out of the ordinary behaviour for Topshop.  I’m wondering what kind of collection this may be.  Hopefully there are no “holiday” themed pieces (I’m getting flashbacks of my grade 9 Math teacher’s sweaters already). 

Supposedly there are vintage-inspired blouses, brocade trousers and sequined dresses included in the collection.  Not bad, Topshop. Now prove to us that we want to buy it!

The launch is October 28th; only six short days away.

So, I’m here to give you the how’s and the where’s on affordable suit buying without sacrificing the quality of the product. Undoubtedly there are many options (many from local retailers whom sell entirely offline), but I will still do my best to cover all of your options.

Let’s tackle the linkable. This grouping covers all of your prime suiting retailers that operate on the glorious Internets. Remember: if you haven’t had your exact measurements taken recently, hold off on ordering anything until that is done. Knowing what size is before you get anything ordered or tailored is essential to suiting success!

***

If you haven’t perused “The Tailor” by Bluefly, you’re missing out.  Here, designer labels get the price guillotine.  For instance, Ted Baker suits are priced to disappear with four designs currently at $417 (regular retail $695).  Remember that stock on this page is ever-changing, so if you don’t find something this week than you just may during the next. 

***

Though Topman tends to run with the trend-driven crowd, classic cut suits can still be found for about $300-400.  You will also get the benefit of the frequent “as seen in GQ” ribbon across pieces featured in the men’s mag.  Suits from Topman vary between 100% wool and a wool blend; depending on your price point.  As an added bonus, your first order’s shipping is free if you’re having packages mailed within America.

***

Giant retailers may be hellish to visit, but they certainly have memorable sales.  Macys has a decent selection of name brand suits hovering around $350 to start.  The most notable were the Calvin Klein suits; especially this two button CK currently on sale for $349 (regularly $525).  Don’t buy at these big box stores unless a true sale warrants, but when one comes around don’t dawdle.

***

Nordstrom is of course a potential goldmine for quality produced name brand suits.  I’m going to be breaking the $450 rule here; but this is such a freaking killer deal I couldn’t pass up mentioning it.  Nordstrom is currently offering a Ben Sherman pinstripe suit with a BOSS striped dress shirt anda Michael Kors silk tie for $465! Another fantastic sale would be the Joseph Abboud three button suit for $399. 

Without sales suits generally price at $500+, but if you bookmark Nordstrom you’re likely to be rewarded for being a returning window shopper.

***

Brooks Brothers is a highly recognized and trusted name in menswear, and has three affordable options among their usually highly priced megasuits.  For $420, you can net yourself what Brooks calls the “perfect travel suit” of stretchy wool.  That price gets you a three-button jacket as well as pleated trousers.

***

S|Sense typically ranges with more of a designer selection so their prices generally vary higher; but I did locate a very nice grey two-button wool suit by Drykorn currently on sale for $419. Their selections are largely contemporary and maintain a modern yet refined appearance.

***

Yoox currently has a 20 two-piece wool suits (of their own label) selling for $270 each, with their three-piece suits beginning at $412.  Their cuts are quite standard straight leg trousers with a two button jacket, using basic check, pinstriped or plain fabrics of gray navy or black.  One high point of note would be the C’N'C wool navy pinstripe suit on sale for $375, reduced from $938.

***

A few last things:

Never buy a machine washable suit! Not only will it be made out of obviously cheap materials, but the aggressive treatment of the washer and dryer will only do harm to the already strained fabrics.  Don’t cheap out too much on a suit; try to buy a designer suit on a sale over a house brand even though you may be waiting for longer. 

A few more additional things you can do to mimic a wallet-busting designer’s look:

• Wear classic silver cuff links.  They may be minimalistic, but they show everyone that you pay attention to detail.  Everyone will assume since you cared enough to coordinate cuff links that you must have a high quality suit as well.
• Silk ties only. Nothing screams cheap or knock-off louder than a cheap tie; keep it looking sharp with silk.
• Have your button down shirts tailored to fit.Even if you’re wearing a button down from Topman or H&M, you can instantly kick your look a level up if your shirt’s arms and torso are tailored perfectly to fit your body.  It won’t cost as much as you may think, and it really does make a noticeable difference.
• Ensure your kicks are in tip-top shape.  Toss any square toe oxfords you may have, and get a modern, streamlined shape (possibly like these).  Keep them well polished and in good visual order.

Good luck, and happy suit hunting!

It’s a tough job to find a motorcycle jacket that does not look like it has been shot out of a cannon in the 1980s, but Topshop has come up with a fresh take on the design.

Honestly the look is more band than biker, but the asymmetrical zipper and the epaulet look, cropped sleeves and triangular frontal opening are quite flattering so we can overlook the naming error.

$310 isn’t a bad asking price at all for a jacket with this much detailing and attention put through during the design process.  I can imagine this sitting quite nicely over a pair of ultra skinny trousers and boots, or buckled sneakers for a more casual look.

It’s something I have heard over and over again – “ohmygawd I love the Gossip Girl wardrobe”.  It dosen’t surprise me since it’s why I started watching the show (then the damn drama got so addictive). 

Now, compliments of Bluefly we can shop the closets of our favourite fauxcialites in great detail.  The features are pretty expansive as well; Serena’s “closet” spans 10 pages of items.  You may go broke getting the look of GG, but you’ll look damn good doing it.

Jump to character closets: Nate, Serena, Chuck, Blair, Dan and Jenny.

If you’re like me, you just can’t say no to extra hardware on a coat!  Military coats are both practical and visually appealing, and have lasting power throughout the seasons (the look is still going strong after the trend erupted back to popularity in 2006).  You can be as forward with your look as you wish; there are many choices of color, material and style to look through and at a varied price range. 

One word of suggestion would be to avoid the traditional green color of the coat.  Greens do not go well with most other colors, and will make you look as if you’ve been shopping at a surplus store.  Other shades (such as navy, black and even brights) will give your style a definition and pep.

Don’t get this style of outerwear confused with band jackets, though.  Band jackets typically have a frontal cross body design style to them, as well as more ornate designs sewn around the sleeve area and down the breast of the jacket.

From left to right: “Ariel” trench ($80; Delia’s), Military piped coat ($160; Topshop), Arnos wool coat ($358; French Connection), Wool coat ($1,495; Burberry),

See that sweater? And the buttons? Yeah, me too.  Even if we completely ignore the fact that this sweater (and its mass of badly coordinated colors) which consists of mostly viscose and nylon is priced at $225 (via Kitson), there is still the rather glaring fact that its pocket flaps resemble flapping breasts.

This sweater was created by Manoush, who has a website filled with interesting and [usually] wearable pieces.  I’m still wondering where the hell this one came from, and if they already fired the designer responsible.  I may never know, but let this be a lesson to us all: never wear any piece of clothing whose design resembles sagging private bits!

When I saw this pair of shoes, one big “oh no they didn’t” flashed through my brain.  Sadly, BCBGirls has gone there, and I urge you all to never wear monstrosities such as these. 

Casual trainer-type shoes should never be hybridized with a heel (be it wedge or otherwise), unless you’re Mariah Carey and have no sense of reality or fashion sense.  Remember, ladies: when it comes to footwear like these just say no!

ACCESSORIES

Keep it non-traditional for the most part.  Definitely avoid striped tights that make you look like a lost goth, and horrible pseudo-punk color combinations such as black and magenta.  Keep striped socks full of contrast and saturated with the colors of the season, and try purses of mixed material (such as the Topshop leather and suede shoulder bag seen below).

From left to right: Metallic and suede striped purse($50; Topshop), Portolano striped cashmere gloves ($38; Bluefly), Rugby stripe socks ($8; Urban Outfitters), Stripe ladderweave scarf ($30; Topshop), Multicolor stripe bag ($188; Luckybrand)

***

THE MAIN EVENT

The amount of impact your stripes have on the world is entirely up to you;  block stripes are definitely not required to make a lasting impression.  If you’re feeling subtle, try a blouse or slack with a light striping.  Remember; if you keep black out of the picture, the stripes will automatically become softer to look at.  If you’re going for the less is more approach, multi colored stripes like the Topshop taffeta dress are styles to keep in mind.

From left to right: Taffeta stripe dress($100; Topshop), Patty striped cardie ($20; Forever 21), Bow front stripe shirt ($60; Topshop), Nanette Lepore cropped trouser($107/sale; Bluefly)

***

FOOTWEAR

Flats are usually the way to go, unless you’re going for the circus look.  Stripes on shoes are better left to a more demure flat style, versus an aggressive and ostentatious heel.  Layer these heels with a tight or tall sock, and you’re off to the races.

From left to right: Kate Spade “Isla” flats ($105; Bluefly), Loeffler Randall tri colour satin flats ($150/sale; Footcandy), Giuseppe Zanotti peep toe flats ($440; Bluefly)