I know there hasn’t been a “want of the day” post for quite a while, I so wanted to make it a gooder. Knitwear architect Simone Shailes has created the loveliest voluminous cardigan for her Topshop line! The best part about this cardigan is that the shapes continue on the back of the piece instead of ending on the front.

Though the $510 price point is fairly staggering, much work has gone into creating this marvelous piece. Just think about layering this with a metallic melt, super deep v-neck, mini skirt and crochet tights? How Magical! If you added zipper ankle boots like these, things would be even more fantastic, no?

tweet this!

Username: Password:

This is what we’re working with here: Pixie Geldof’s chain mail lucite legging terror of an outfit from the British Fashion awards. Usually there are some redeeming qualities of the victims of any ‘what not to wear’ list, but sadly Pixie falls flatter than her bare chain mailed tits. Let’s dissect this one, shall we?

***

HOW TO MAKE IT BETTER:

THE MAIN EVENT:

The problems:

• Lancelot stripper top
• Yeti coat
• Leggings as pants
• Too-small plastic strap hooker heels

The fix:

While still working with the basic styles of the fluffy jacket, mesh and fur hat, we take things down a crazy notch. Instead of an overpowering long hair Yeti style jacket, we switch it up with a feather bolero. The chain mail top is replaced with a mesh top layered with a white tank top underneath (so we get maximum sheer impact).

Swap the leggings as pants faux pas and take up a pair of black tapered pants with a bit of a stretch to keep the essence of the legging look. The only thing I would add is a pair of elbow length leather and knit gloves since the bolero is short sleeved and it’s quite chilly out.

From left to right: Feather bolero ($125; Topshop), Twelfth St. By Cynthia Vincent grey mesh racerback($159; Bluefly), CLU Tank with Ruffles ($173; La Garçonne), Alexander Wang skinny jersey pant ($405; La Garçonne), Acne Jeans Dallas long gloves ($99; eLuxury),

***

ACCESSORIES:

Because we replaced a mesh top for the chain mail, we can add a chain mail accessory; a bracelet by Kenneth Cole. Toss the stripper like heels for some gold and black embellished platform sandals, and a cocktail ring to match both metallic tones in your outfit.

Remember: if the public can see your nips and your toes hang off the top of your heels, you need to re-evaluate your wardrobe selections!

From left to right: Chain mail bracelet ($98; Kenneth Cole), Adrienne Landau black rabbit fur hat ($87; Bluefly), Juicy Couture heart & key necklace ($68; Nordstrom), Panther stud platform sandal ($170; Topshop), Lori bonn “sol” cushion cocktail ring ($198; Dillard’s)

tweet this!

Username: Password:

I realized a few days ago that the same pants I wore in grade four have returned into fashion’s favor; the tapered leg pant.  Not only are we seeing these in denim, but also in a variety of slacks.  I realize that these are probably the most unflattering cut a person could possibly wear; but hey, those who can pull it off really pull it off.

If you’re going with a tapered style, try a looser fitting top or multiple layers to balance out your look. Try to avoid very form fitting tops, since that may bring you a little too close to the 80s for comfort.  A bulky coat and ankle boots is one really stellar look, but keep experimenting with the pieces you already have in your closet; you never know what you can come up with!

From left to right: Kill City zipper jean ($40; Urban Outfitters), Stretch high waist zipper pant ($78; American Apparel), Organic Pleated slim pants ($225; La Garçonne), Elizabeth & James tapered pant ($195; Net-A-Porter)

tweet this!

Username: Password:

I received my American Apparel zipper pants in the mail yesterday, so figured I may as well get a review underway since these pants are still fairly new to the AA collection.

I have the exact pair shown to the right on the model (medium gray).  The tapered leg fit is fantastic; I’m starting to love that cut more than the drainpipe! The zipper at the ankle was a nice touch, too (and almost necessary for putting these on!)

The stretch in the twill was almost too elastic; whether this was intentional or not I am unsure, but I personally prefer fabrics with a little less give that will keep shape.  If you’re got bigger legs you may want to avoid these, since they’re going to show every bump and curve.  Overall I was pleased with them, and the high waist was a nice change to the ultra low pant slut cut we’ve been used to having for sure.

tweet this!

Username: Password:

These designs are simple, streamlined and block colors. For those who wish to inject a little color in their lives, may I present the LCD (little color dress) list.

BELOW $100

From left to right: BI LA LI Exclusive trapeze mini dress ($83; Net-A-Porter), Sweetheart Bustier Dress ($65; Fred Flare), Bow Tie Satin dress ($37; Charlotte Russe), Tricot figure skater dress ($48; American Apparel)

***

BELOW $500

From left to right: Vanessa Bruno Shoulder ruffle mini ($262; Net-A-Porter), Opening Ceremony open back mini dress ($391; La Garçonne), Manoush Camisole mini dress ($165; Net-A-Porter), 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent Bretwood mini ($165; Net-A-Porter)

***

ABOVE $500

From left to right: MINT Jodi Arnold Rose mini ($560; Net-A-Porter), Michael Kors Satin mini dress ($1,317; Net-A-Porter), Jay Ahr Strapless silk mini dress ($1,675), Zac Posen Ball chain dress ($1,050; Net-A-Porter)

tweet this!

Username: Password:

This weekend, Wear Else in Richmond Centre is having a 50-80% off everything mega-sale!  The Pink Tartan alone makes it worth the trip to R-town.

tweet this!

Username: Password:

Black Friday may be halfway done, but there are more Canadian friendly sales on the horizon! Boxing day sales in Vancouver have ranged from lukewarm to exceedingly awesome; and I’m currently compiling a list of sales from the best boutiques and stores in Vancouver.

Get ready for it, the list is lengthly.

Update:

The list has been created! Check it out here.

tweet this!

Username: Password:

Get 20% off men’s items at French Connection this weekend! Be sure to enter the code FCMEN20 at checkout (expires 30th of November 2008).

tweet this!

Username: Password:

…but not quite. I find the higher the platform, they don’t pull off the design; if the shoe has a large wedge and a fairly high hidden platform then the shoe tends to look ridiculous. Instead choose a shoe with a hidden platform that is smaller and more proportunate to the back wedge or heel. That creates a balance and avoids nasty gothic looking chunk style shoes.

HEELS:

From left to right: Miss Me Women’s Vernice-23 ($46; Endless), Jeffrey Campbell Master Ivory Patent ($49; Jildor), Ash Women’s “Liason” pumps ($189; Bloomingdale’s)

***

WEDGES:

As previously discussed, we want to avoid looking like we’re from a gothic circus side show, so avoid large platforms. Topshop gives us two examples; one of what to do, and one of what to avoid. The “Melissa” wedge to the right is where we want to give our attention. It avoids looking comical and hoof-like, and still manages the wedge and open toe design.

tweet this!

Username: Password:

Wings And Horns are holding a sample sale for men’s clothing on November 28-30 on 188 West 6th Ave.  Sample sales like these are a great way to get a jump on the holiday gift buying; but don’t forget it’s cash only!

tweet this!

Username: Password:

OK, so I have the exact piece shown below, and this thing is the warmest, softest shawl I’ve felt in a while that wasn’t made of cashmere.  It’s also a fine weave, and not itchy against the skin.

If the term shawls sound a little too grandma to you (and the thought of the look of hipster-grandma sends you into a coma of terror), then think of these as wide scarves.  The more volume the better, right? These babies go for $44.25, and you won’t be charged for shipping from Pashmina International.

tweet this!

Username: Password:

American Apparel has come up with a legging/pant hybrid to cure to the age old question: how can I wear leggings as pants without looking tacky? You still can’t, but with the new disco pants from AA you’re covered with fabric thick enough to pull of the title of “pant”, yet form fitting and elastine enough to have the best qualities of a legging.

For the super bold, these pants also come in a raging red shade, though I wouldn’t recommend. I’m thinking AA will likely come up with a dark gray version, as well as a few jewel tone colors; but I don’t suspect we’ll get a selection as wide as their regular leggings thanks to the $123CA/90US price point (we can dream, though).

Another plus to these pants is the fact you can actually pull of the tuck-in (as shown) since the waist isn’t just an elastic band. Fantastic!

I have a pair of these coming in the mail, and can’t wait to start layering with them.

tweet this!

Username: Password:

Last night I went to the Lloyd’s of Gastown opening party.  I have to say, I wasn’t impressed.  From the stock I saw, things seemed like a lot of Ben Sherman dominated the selection.  The denim was priced at around $200, yet was very thin and felt almost pajama like while thumbed, and the casual shirts seemed a little dull to me.

The store was nicely decorated and designed and I hope this shop can end up making it in the harsh retail landscape of today; though I expect the buyer may have to reign in their choices and go for pieces a little more akin to an affordable Roden Gray.

tweet this!

Username: Password:

Topshop has gone and gotten “inspired” by American Apparel once again. Instead of bicycle shorts this time, it’s the leggings that made metallic lamé catch on to what it is today.

Topshop is hawking their version (on the left) for $36; while AA’s original is still selling for $46. It’s been a few years since the lamé insanity began; and from what I’ve seen it’s winding down from it’s turn on the hipster popularity podium.

My question is this: does anyone out there still care about lamé?

tweet this!

Username: Password:

Hayden-Harnett is currently holding yet another sale, this time commemorating the American Thanksgiving holiday! A few of my faves are on the sale block; including their metallic “Carryall” clutch in black bronze wizard snake (how could a clutch made of wizard snake not be awesome? Come on here!)

Check out all the sale items here.  The sale lasts while supplies last.

From left to right: Carryall clutch ($45), The Valley belt ($115), the Monroe shoulder bag ($218)

tweet this!

Username: Password:

As we enter the season of abundant layering, I continually see one simply yet massive dressing faux pas committed by men on a massive scale; the scoop collar shirt under a v-neck sweater. Perhaps this bothers me more than it should; but I still feel I need to take a stance on this immediately. Guys, this is a request to cease and desist!

If you’re throwing on a v-neck sweater (or cardigan), be sure to have a v-neck shirt underneath, or a collared oxford. There are plenty of colors available at various retailers; though the most extensive color selection I’ve seen is still held by American Apparel [the full AA v-neck crop is located here].

May the collar coordinating force be with you.

tweet this!

Username: Password:

Open knits are a great creative tool for winter layering since they allow a glimpse of what you have underneath without forcing you to freeze under frigid temperatures. These styles are optimal for office situations where you want to be creative yet warm.

If you can afford to spend money on real wool, I would suggest you do so. Acrylic may be cheaper, but having acrylic against your skin is not an ideal situation. I would suggest investing in a classically shaped wool piece that will last you for further winters to come.

From left to right: Knit sweater vest ($25; Charlotte Russe), Knitted fairytale tabard ($70; Topshop), Vena Cava knit cardigan ($345; La Garçonne),

tweet this!

Username: Password:

Gastown’s annual Shop Hop is taking place this Thursday (November 27th, 2008).  Enjoy early Christmas sales and the company of fellow Vancouverite fashion lovers.  There is also likely to be wine, if that further entices you thirsty consumers.

Many of my personal favorite shops are taking part; Mandula, One (and Two) Of A Few, Roden Gray, Hunt & Gather and Dutil.

A full map in printable size is located here.

tweet this!

Username: Password:

I’ll be popping in and taking a few snaps of the store for a post tomorrow.  Come visit; we’ll be at 157 Water Street in Gastown.

tweet this!

Username: Password:

Sequins are fast becoming the most sought after embellishment in the Winter ‘08 fashionista’s hot list, and it can be difficult to locate affordable pieces that are made well (those damn sequin scales fall off so easily if you cheap out!).  All over sequin styles are a great way to jazz up your evening wear, and the five pieces below are my most favorite out of the new designs released.

Topshop has always been synonymous as the go-to shop for hot trends of decent quality, and the pieces below prove that they do indeed give good sequin.

From left to right: Gold sequin hotpant ($60), Gold harlequin sequin knickers ($60), Harlequin sequin miniskirt ($125), Bow font dress ($170), High waisted sequin hotpant ($60)

tweet this!

Username: Password: