I’m not hyped about this one at all. While the wearability will redoubtably be more universal by using Matthew Williamson; the creativity of the pieces are ultimately suffering. I took a gander on Williamson’s site, and found what looked to be a collection heavily inspired from the Gucci SS08 catalog crossed with Pucci; hippie florals in flowing sheer fabrics with a color palate of large tripping proportions.

The evening pieces were more bearable, but were still too acid tripping floral for my taste. I wonder how Williamson will be working his collection in order to keep costs down and interests up; because I know for damn sure that cheap[er] materials and plain designs spell launch d-i-s-a-s-t-e-r.

If you’re thinking you need a job right freaking now, American Apparel has the answer. AA is holding an open employment call at their South Granville store during every Monday and Friday from 12-2pm!

Think of the employee discount! Plus you’ll be on the up-and-up regarding new styles, colors and everything in between. Now who wouldn’t want that?!

Hiring store location info is below:

American Apparel
South Granville
3070 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC V6H 3J8
Tel. (604) 484-9447
Map & Directions

If you’re stuck and can’t get there, shoot an email to marra.s@americanapparel.net to get more info about available jobs in your area.

Brands Twice Shy, Fig organic kids designs, Clutch Jewels, Ag47 imports and Trendy Tots are having a sample sale next weekend on 2020 Manitoba Street [Googlemap] in Vancouver.  Sales like these are a great opportunity to stock up on affordable Christmas gifts.

Friends can be tricky; you want to avoid the a-typical gift because you want to project that you have been paying attention to their particular likes all year, but you’re also bound by pricing because (of course) family comes first.

I’m a fan of giving cameras. Not only because I’m a photographer and recognize the fun and importance of having a tangible memory of days gone by, but because cameras are damn fun (especially film!). There are easy and [relatively] inexpensive cameras one can pass on to a special friend so they can also begin to collect visuals of the times they always want to remember. Because of this, I’m including a separate list of my favorite affordable film cameras that I actually use on a weekly basis, aside from the regular gift lookbook.

All prices are in Canadian dollars, so if you’re from the US, UK or beyond; these gifts may be even more affordable!

From left to right: Diana camera ($50; Lomography.com), 35mm Fisheye ($50; Lomography.com), Multi lens Supersampler ($50; Lomography.com)

***

FOR WOMEN:

From left to right: Birch jewelry stand ($32; Urban Outfitters), Ivory carved bone ring by Lenora Dame ($27; Bluefly), Czech pearl cocktail ring by Lenora Dame ($35; Bluefly), Leather “Charbol” wallet by Hype ($45; Bluefly), Striped cashmere gloves by Portolano ($38; Bluefly), Fingerless cashmere gloves by Kashmere ($36; Bluefly)

Since the word “recession” is being spread around as fast as mono in a high school, try and keep your gifts practical. However, If you have a luxury lover on your list that has had to scale back recently, now may be the time for a gift such as one of the cocktail rings above. Both are made with authentic materials (such as pearl and bone, not plastic) for $35 or less; and will be especially appreciated if the receiver isn’t spending money on frivolous things such as jewelry at this time.

***

FOR MEN:

From left to right: Geometrix cufflinks ($40; Kenneth Cole), Gold metallic tie ($20; Topman), Albignasego leather messenger bag ($50; Aldo), Anthony Logistics perfect shave kit ($50; Sephora), Sleeve glove ($23; French Connection), Key bottle opener ($8; Urban Outfitters)

Things like cuff links are not usually on a young man’s to-buy list, so now is the opportunity to fill a gaping hole in a modern dapper man’s wardrobe! Beyond that, basics such as luxury brand shaving kits can still be obtained for $50 and under (such as the example above), and other cold weather basics such as gloves and scarves. Try looking for cashmere first, you never know what kind of sale you’ll come upon in your shopping adventures these days.

There are still 24 days remaining for the Calvin Klein Obsession perfume package giveaway.  All you have to do is comment on what your secret obsession is.  Enter here!

Since nobody in their right mind should be taking fashion advice from former “actress” Mischa Barton, it is clear that such accessories as the forehead band. This neo-hippie accessory attempt needs to be packed away tightly with moccasins that sounded like a good idea in 2007.

Let’s abolish the forehead band once and for all!

The term “smart casual rocker” came up in my site reporting today, and I instantly loved the term. Does the image of a mix of combat-inspired boots and suits appeal to you? It does to me. Let’s discuss.

I’m hybridizing a suit with traditional “rocker” pieces here; the combination of both can give you an edge because of the leather, but keeps things reined into a respectable distance from overboard with the skinny trim fitting slacks and a sleek tie.

For a look allowing for more personal fun and flair, try a patterned button up oxford skirt in a dark shade (perhaps a navy), match up your socks with your shirt and cuff your slacks. If you’re opting for this look, don’t add accessories that will make yourself appear too busy or wear a jacket with too many zippers and additions. Keep shapes streamlined, yet healthy with texture and pattern.

***

FOR MEN:

From left to right: Black metallic skinny trousers ($70; Topman), Converse “Bosey” Low Boot ($282; Lisa Kline), Tiger of Sweden polka dot tie ($119; S|Sense), Neil Barrett grey button shirt ($288; Bluefly)

Model Emma Murray and I collaborated once again to put together a shoot of old world glamor to be photographed where you usually don’t see it; the bathroom.  I was experimenting with the treatment of the photographs, so that would account for the tones of the photos appearing to have variations.

The “Emma” photos are posted here.

Please contact me if you are interested in working together; I’m always interested in talking about new projects.

The Rigas from John Fluevog are almost upon us! These boots are cut from one piece of leather treated to look like burgundy snake skin, with musical note elastic shaped sides. These boots will sell for $359 CA/$329 US.

Fluevog states these are boots for all occasions, and I would have to agree; with their dark coloring and texture they can easily translate from day to night wearing.

I was provided with the behind the scenes photos of the creation of the Harajuku Lovers float for the Macy’s Thansgiving Day Parade in New York this year; check ‘em out below.

It has also been confirmed that the live versions of Love, Angel, Music and Baby will be dancing on the float; but not Gwennie (though we wouldn’t expect her to do this sort of thing).

For those in New York on Thursday, November 27, the parade will occur from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the  Columbus Circle.

Roden Gray is now a healthy one year old and is offering 20% off everything in the store. The sale occurs from November 20-30th. Roden Gray has the best selection of designer men’s threads; support local shops instead of giants like Holt Renfrew and save while doing it!

OK, I was listening to The Beat this morning on the way to work (don’t judge me, people) and they were discussing the fact that some women who have a small bust wear two bras at the same time in order to achieve some sort of cleavage.  Apparently the trick is to wear a push up bra underneath, and a thinner one over top.

Personally I wouldn’t see why anyone would want hooker cleavage, but that’s just me.

Is this common practice? Have you ever done it? Does it work?

A tuxedo jacket can perk up any informal outfit instantly, or glam up a slim pair of slacks and heels with ease.  Though the word ‘delectable’ is usually synonymous with ‘expensive’ (and we prove that with the four chosen jackets), there’s no harm in looking…or dreaming.

Besides, we can use these pieces as a jumping point to decide what style we prefer, and then go looking for similar cuts in more affordable stores.

Personally, I would go for the first jacket on the left by Alexander McQueen.  With its traditional masculine cut, it would go perfectly with some indigo skinny leg jeans, black leather ankle boots and a few layered scarves.  Thank goodness that one is less than $600, I can still rationalize dreaming about it.

From left to right: McQ Alexander McQueen Black Tuxedo Jacket ($536; My Wardrobe), Tara Jarmon Black Blazer ($600; Shopbop), Luella Buck Bow Jacket ($750; La Garçonne), Balmain Black Blazer ($2,630; Shopbop)

Pieces like these are all par the course of having something so very 80s and gaudy come ranging back into popular acceptance, but it dosen’t mean anyone should wear them!

In this category are all over sequin unitards.  I included a close up of the mannequin bum for your utter terror; even a fake hard plastic body looks horribly unflattering in this elastine-sequin monstrosity.  Can you imagine how awful a real butt would look in that? Good Lord!

I suppose the one saving grace of this article is the relatively low $125 price tag (it’s low when you consider the amount of sequin work that would have to be done for all over coverage); though unless you’re in a circus act (or Britney Spears’ newest music video), let Topshop keep their sequin unitards.

Normally left to the kaleidoscopic mind of Pucci, geometric shapes have been appearing on more and more pieces.  Some retailers (like Topshop) have begun to take the geometric trend to the next step and created a bag in the actual shape.

I’m a bit hesitant towards getting on this bandwagon.  It seems to me that this 60s inspired look can get very busy looking very fast, and it seems like it could be nearly headache inducing to look at after too long.

My word of caution would be to chose one shape-heavy piece, and let it lead the visual parade.  Don’t try to over complicate with any other pieces that fight for attention; your look will become far too overpowering.  Keep things simple!

From left to right: Hexagon panel box bag ($50; Topshop), Fendi Padded collar dress ($1,250; Net-A-Porter),  L.A.M.B. Geometric mock jacket ($385; eLuxury), Shapes coat ($2,230; Marni)

Have you ever been out to dinner and had something snagged out of your purse while it sat at your feet? Think of the Clip Chic purse hooks as handbag anti theft devices.

These things clip on any surface (bars, tables, etc) as the photo to the left shows. They can hold quite a bit; my bag is loaded with junk and it held on with a death grip.

With purse snatchings and thievery at an all time high, a $20 investment in this little gadget seems like a small price to pay.

Check out the entire list of colors and enjoy free shipping.

Alright everyone, Calvin Klein has provided me with a “Secret Obsession” package to give away to one lucky reader!

The package available to win includes a full size bottle of Calvin Klein Obsession perfume, a bronze metal charm necklace joined by two handcuffs, and a Secret Obsession sleeping mask.

To enter, all you must do is write your (or your significant other’s) secret obsession in the comments box below on this post. Make sure you’re using a real e-mail address, or I won’t have any means to contact you once the contest closes.

The final winner will be chosen by draw.

Contest runs from November 18th, 2008 – December 18th, 2008.

Fred Flare could really go for some re-branding, but their change purse locket is definitely an affordable treasure to snap up. The locket opens to show a reasonably large compartment for storing your treasures and comes strung on a 26″ long chain.

At $16, you won’t be getting metal of serious value, but that is also damn affordable. I would venture a guess that those with metal allergies should steer clear of this one, lest your neck become inflamed.

OK, I’m an advocate of shiny clothing as much as the next person, but come on. Does the world have so much demand for lamé bicycle shorts that Topshop felt duty bound to create a version of their own? Honestly, now!

Aside from the leg appearing longer and the Topshop clones costing $4 lesser than their American Apparel counterparts, there seems to be no difference at all. That much gold lamé could have found a much better use elsewhere.

Buckles can enhance a piece without overpowering it. Buckles can add a belted detail to trenches, function on belts or even appear as a cosmetic detail on footwear. Instead of having a contrasting color or fabric, a buckle can give depth and just the right amount of detail to something that would otherwise be potentially plain and average.

Try mixing a little buckle into your regular wardrobe. Make it as subtle as you want it, but do give it a try nonetheless.

WOMEN:

First row from left to right: Portolano black leather double buckle gloves ($99; Bluefly), Lydia Sateen Hat ($138; Coach), L.A.M.B. Finsbury Pump ($400; eLuxury), Preen Swing Out Jacket ($735; La Garçonne), Michael Kors Wide Stretch Belt ($60; Macy’s)

Bottom row from left to right: Francesco Biasia black leather ‘Annie’ large tote ($299; Bluefly), Fendi Timepieces Buckle Black Leather Watch ($650; Bloomingdale’s), Check Jacquard dress ($995; Burberry), Thomas Burberry Thor Bag (£125; My Wardrobe), Leather Cuff Bracelet ($195; Burberry)

***

MEN:

First row from left to right: “The original” leather postal messenger ($795; J. Crew), Black deerskin buckle detail gloves ($90; Bluefly), John Varvatos messenger bag in Brown ($895; Barneys), D&G Double-D Buckle matte leather belt ($215; eLuxury)

Bottom row from left to right: Skinny belt ($40; Topman), FABI Ankle boots ($252; Yoox), Herringbone overcoat ($160; Topman),