Don’t kid yourself (har, har)…this one isn’t for the faint of wallet.  FCUK has begun creating mini versions of some adult staples;  having pea coats, leather jackets and flapper dresses among them.  After all, what child should have to live without their very own dry clean only dress?

I would suggest these threads for your ankle biters only if you have an abundance of expendable cash, or send your laundry out; since most of the nicer pieces are dry clean only.  With dresses averaging out at $100 and jackets hovering at the $200 mark, these aren’t for thrifty parents.

Though I think we can all admit your kid will look pretty awesome if decked out in FCUK Kids, I can’t get past the fact that a similar jacket can be found at Superstore by Joe Fresh for $39.

From left to right: Miller Leather jacket ($298), Kinicke Pea coat ($178), Starlight sequin dress ($108)

Though this is indeed currently only a rumor, I will have to wonder what the *@^% Philip Green was smoking when he decided that it would be a fashionable choice to have Christina Aguilera “design” a range for mega Brit retailer Topshop.  Not only that, but he is willing to part with £4 million for

This woman is not known for her good taste; even if we conveniently forget the heinous “dirrty” phase she traded in for voluptuous motherhood; I don’t know one person that takes dressing moderately seriously that would want to have even an accessory inspired by this pop culture travesty.

Would you want to look like this whole lotta woman? I certainly hope not.

They aren’t calling it a “boxing” sale, but hey, we’ll [almost] take anything Topshop will give us.  The sale varies from piece to piece, but many good items are at 50% off.  Below are some of my picks for top buys; or check out the entire sale here.

From left to right: Can Can Frill Dress ($60; $60% off), Cardigan By Simone Shailes ($300; $210 off), Pencil Skirt by Boutique ($50; $60 off), High Waisted Sequin Trouser ($70; $65 off)

From left to right: Print Check Biker Jacket ($50; $60 off), Stripe Double Waistcoat ($30; $35 off), Slashed Velvet Jacket ($140; $120 off), Frill Neck Bomber Jacket ($60; $65 off),

It’s over, and we all [hopefully] survived.  I hope your holidays were memorable and delicious.  Now dust off those holiday shoes and start preparing for New Years (it’s only five days from today!)

Let’s face facts, here: winter is not the time for heeled boots. In the spirit of not dressing like you’re about to hit the slopes, may I suggest the delightfully buckle and zipper laden Virgie boot by Aldo.

Think of it this way; these boots will go swimmingly with all the buffalo check you’ve purchased in the last month (or perhaps it’s just me?)

Everyone knows that the clothing retail industry is one of the most difficult jobs to have during the holiday season, and when I get dodgy service around this time of year I really try to look the other way.

Last evening I was in the Robson Street Zara store attempting to find my mother something for Christmas.  Of course I saw a million things for myself, an asymmetrical zipper buffalo check jacket being one of these items.  I saw a large sign above the rack screaming “30% off” at me, and that was the straw that broke the weakened sale camel’s back. I had to have it.

When I approach the woman to pay, I confirmed that the piece was indeed on sale as the rack identified, and I was told [in a very rude tone] that the jacket had been mis-stocked.  Even when I counter questioned about why there were multiples of the same jacket placed on the same rack, she told me I was mistaken.  After hearing this, she states that the jacket has already been marked down.  I told her that this was false advertising, and did not shine the store in a positive light.  She made it very clear that she couldn’t give less of a [expletive], and asked me if I wanted it or not.

Having bought four people’s entire gift range (at the cost of $250) at this store the previous week, I was thoroughly annoyed at the lack of customer service and the shopgirl’s problem solving skills.  I hear that this is a difficult time of year, but if it’s your job then f’ing deal with it or find another place of work.

Any prospective shoppers of this location, prepare yourself for this kind of treatment.

Great news for men everywhere; Obedient Sons have opened up online shop.

Their buying environment is very male friendly; their interface breaks down their pieces into prospective wearing opportinities and is fairly explanatory in that sense.  The site is currently very limited by selection; I assume this will change once they get the hang of this whole online retail thing.

I’m interested to see how they develop the concept of this store, and wonder if other menswear retailers will follow suit (pun fully intended).

Brass knuckles on your umbrella? How utterly convenient.

How could you have lasted this long without them in your coat pocket? Despite its multi function purposes (and really only 50% potentially violent, though that depends if you’re Britney Spears), the Umbuster has been labeled a Class 5 Weapon in Australia (probably more locations as well); this means you must have a license to brandish it.

At €225 you will have to dig deep in those pockets to be dry and a potential Matrix bad-ass, but hey, nothing comes for free these days.

…Giselle! Her name’s paper was picked by a non partisan drawer out of one of my toques.

Congrats, the entire package is yours!

Since Next Door Style features all Vancouver designers, you’re supporting the Vancouver economy and getting unique pieces; free shipping is a bonus! If you enter promo code “PR3S5” at the check out, your shipping fees will be deducted.

Next Door Style is also currently having their pre-Christmas sale; this means additional discounts of 15-30% off.

Alright, folks…here it is; the last word on boxing day sales in the fashion world taking place in Vancouver. If a listing has “Sale to be announced on December 26″ then the company has either refused to cooperate or employees do not know what the discounts will be until the day of the sale.

If you are a retailer that would like their shop on the list, please send me your sale information!

GASTOWN

• Mandula – 20% off the entire store, plus special items on sale for even lower.
• Nouvelle Nouvelle – 50% off the entire store; December 26-28 [flyer]
• The Block – 25-80% off the entire store.
• Dutil - 50-80% off selected items.
• One Of A Few – Sale to be announced on December 26.
• Two Of A Few -Sale to be announced on December 26.
• Fluevog - A small discount will be posted on December 26.
• Lloyd’s Of Gastown – 20-60% off selected items.
• Mooncruise Gallery - 30-50% off clothing an boots, 10% off bags.
• Obakki - 50% off fall/winter collection (December 22-Jan 1)
• Hunt & Gather – Sale is confirmed, though details were not released beyond all H&G pieces being marked down.
• Livestock - Up to 75% off stock. Sale will be taking place around the corner from then Gastown location on Cordova from 11-8pm all week.
• Roden Gray – Most clothing 40-50% off
• (212) - Entire store 40% off.

CHINATOWN:

• Komakino - 30% off selected items and brands

ROBSON STREET

• Boys’Co [Robson and Metrotown] – 20-50% off winter collections as well as extra surprise deals in-store.
• French Connection – Sale to be announced on December 26.
• BCBG (also in Pacific Center) – 50% off the entire store.
• Aldo (also in Pacific Center) – 50% off shoes, 30% off bags and accessories are buy one, get one free.
• Aritzia -10-50% off the entire store.
• BCBG (also in Pacific Center) – Sale to be announced on December 26.
• Tommy Hilfiger - At least 40% off the entire store.
• El Kartel - 40-50% off the entire store.
• M.A.C. - No sale, but an unveiling event is occurring for new products.
• Plen+y – 30-60% off

GRANVILLE STREET

• Hart And Sole - 20-70% off the entire store.
• Mavi (also in Gastown)- 50% off all regular priced jeans.
• Urban Outfitters - Sale to be announced on December 26.
• Leone - Sale to be announced on December 26.
• American Apparel (also S. Granville, Robson and various other locations) - 20% off a purchase of $100 or more [online] only with promo code BOXINGDAY08

PACIFIC CENTER

• Holt Renfrew – Up to 50% off mens and womens Fall merchandise through Boxing Week.
• Sunglass Hut – Sale to be announced on December 26.
• Brown’s Shoes - Sale to be announced on December 26.
• Nine West - Sale to be announced on December 26.
• H&M – Sale to be announced on December 26.

MAIN STREET:

• Eugene Choo – A sale has been confirmed for December 29th as the store will be closed on the 26th.
• Ark Clothing – Sale to be announced on December 26.
• Jonathan + Olivia - Up to 50% off the entire store.
• Jewellerbau - 10-20% off selected items on December 26-28

YALETOWN:

• Fashion Point - Additional 25% off the entire store (prices already 40-70% off retail)
• VIE Maternity – Selected items 20-50% off.
• Eden Fashion Boutique – Up to 75% off the entire store, December 26-January 31st.
• Atomic Model - Up to 60% off stock.

ELSEWHERE IN THE CITY:

• Gravity Pope (West 4th) - 10-70% off selected items, sale lasts all week.
• Mintage (West 4th, also on Commerical Dr) - Up to 100% off items (you read correctly).
• BJ’s Fashion (West 10th) - Sale to be announced on December 26.
• Wear Else (Park Royal, Oakridge, Kitsilano, Richmond Center) – 30% off all denim, <20% off all accessories and 10% off regular priced merchandise
• Mohair Beauty [hair products] (299 Columbia) – All human hair extensions (Russian, Indian, and Malaysian) are 50% off, all free flow hair extension packages are 50% off for new clients, plus all products are also 10% off.

Gastown boutique (212) in Gastown is having a last minute holiday shopping party tonight.  It is seriously last minute; they only sent out the invitations an hour ago.

The sale is tonight from 6-10pm and there is a 40% off discount off the entire store.  Remember, the sale is tonight only.

RSVP on the Facebook event

What happened here? With the publication of the Adbusters article on hipsters personifying the decline of Western civilization (which in itself is funny since I can think of a load of things worse) there has been a landslide of clone articles by like minding nay sayers regarding the world of the hipster.

I’m up to defend the concept of the hipster, I’m simply reminding you that every subculture is just as irritating and irreverent (yes, that includes the hip hop kids, granolas, goths, punks etc) as hipsters. They’re excessive consumers, but what young crowd isn’t these days?

Using corporate success (such as American Apparel’s) isn’t a valid basis for criticism of one group only, while ignoring others that have committed identical “offenses”.

Let’s quit the hipster hate on.

Let them wear their skinny jeans, 80s kicks and lamé, and ignore it if you hate it so much. I’m certainly not a fan of every crowd’s clothing or lifestyle purchases, but I’m not spouting off about it…let’s move on!

Polaroid by Victoria Potter

Sure, it may only snow two weeks out of the year in Vancouver (thankfully), but for times like these it’s paramount to have a pair of good looking season less snow boots in the closet.

I say season less because you don’t want the fad of the moment in boot form; you need wearing longevity, not to be a the biggest ski bunny (the horror).  I would suggest investing in a solid pair of thick snow boots; something solid in color; possibly with a fur accent (this is the time for real fur; fake will not give you the years of service and will wear into an ugly blob) and a thin, streamlined design.

Avoid clunky boots that look like you’re about to take to the hills, those have no place in the city.  Try a hybrid of a snow-rain boot like Dolce & Gabbana’s design pictured below.  A taller design is also ideal, depending on how much white stuff you’re going to have to battle with.

The main concern is to keep warm and dry, so make those your top priorities.  For a boot that will likely last you many seasons, I would encourage buying a well constructed piece of footwear.  This may be more expensive, but it will last!

From left to right: Dolce & Gabbana charcoal nylon buckle snow boots ($656; Bluefly), Marni lambskin knit lined riding boots ($844; Bluefly),  Sorel Caribou boot ($110; Zappos)

I figured this would be appropriate subject matter with the first sprinkling of the heinous white stuff in Vancouver this year.  This isn’t a how-to on dressing for the ski hills; this is more of a city man’s survival guide to still appearing stylish while actually keeping warm during cold snaps.

• Layering is key. If there was ever a time of year when multiple pieces needed to be worn simultaneously this would be it.  Try wearing a thin thermal first layer, and building over that to maximize heat retention without looking bulky.
• Discard thin, unnatural fabrics that can irritate skin in cold weather.  Whatever you wear will be rubbing against you, so it really makes no sense to wear an irritant.  Layer with thick cotton button down shirts and cashmere sweaters to keep the cold out and your skin happy.
• Grab a pair of streamline designed snow boots. Try to avoid a clunky ski boot design; the less bulk the better, especially if you are trekking within the city.
• Don’t be afraid of flannel. Flannel may have had a bad rap in the past (I’m looking at you, Tool Time); but if you can get a well colored plaid or check shirt design with a modern cut, you can avoid looking as if you skipped to work in your PJs.
• Cover your head. If your headgear (toque, beanie, ushanka, etc) has ear flaps, that’s even better; but as long as your hat can be pulled over your ears you’re golden; there is nothing more painful than nippy ears while you’re getting from Point A to B!
• Scarves are essential. They cover your neck and mouth and even if you think your jacket’s collar will protect you from the elements, it won’t.  Don’t forget to wrap a very soft scarf around your neck!
• Go for the thickest socks you have. Cold is unforgiving and it definitely doesn’t care if your new print socks look the best; it will chill right through them.  Get a few pairs of thick wool socks and even try layering two pairs if you’re in for lots of walking in a barren snow wasteland.

Good luck out there, and drivers: slow the *@^% down!

From left to right: Dustin Plaid Flannel Shirt ($24; Forever 21), Long-Sleeve thermal fatigue ($40; Eddie Bauer), Harrison stripe cashmere sweater ($160; Bluefly)

From left to right: Cropped duffel coat ($ ;Topman), Kashmere red buffalo plaid cashmere scarf ($90; Bluefly), Aglo snow boot ($100; Aldo), Portolano black leather gloves ($96; Bluefly)

From left to right: Mega bobble beanie ($24; Topman), Striped turnback beanie ($29; Banana Republic), Thick thin stripe Sock ($10; Kenneth Cole), Paul Smith wooly striped socks ($38; eLuxury)

If you’re doing your shopping online, the order dates for holiday gift packages to arrive on time has arrived! If there is anything left to order, do it now…or get it in store (though Christmas shopping in person really sucks at crunch time).

Photo by Victoria Potter

If any of you Vancouverites have been pondering your pretty heads into migraine status over the question of what to do on New Years’, look no further.  The Voya Fashion New Year’s ’09 event at the Loden Hotel is sure to fit what you’re looking for; it’s chic, luxurious and the party won’t end till you’re ready to drop.

Admission is $99 per person or there is a $399 Sleep Over & Event package based on double occupancy. RSVP here.

Yea, I was kind of shocked as well, but Joe Fresh has proven me wrong yet again. As I was perusing through the women’s section for myself, I realized I have another cousin just birthed that I need to gift so I migrated over to the terrifying world of children’s clothing. I was mildly shocked that most of the items for youngins and super youngins were decently designed and appropriately priced.

I found one a blush colored long sleeved shirt with a flappy thing at the bottom (apparently they’re supposed to have that) for $5 that has “milk lover” (or something close to that effect) written over it in French for $5. They had a decent assortment of these things, and matching bottoms ran for $8 each.

Some other girly items of note were bubble skirts (printed and solid) for $14, jeans for $14 and tights for $5. I hear tell kids wear out their things mighty fast (I know I did), so I daresay prices like these would be reasonable to child manners.

As for the boys, I found a Kurt Cobain type red and black button up plaid shirt for $10; a super steal. The shirt was soft, and was thick enough to be worn without an undershirt…I was impressed!

The boy’s pricing for denim and shirts were within the same ranges as girls’; $10-14 per piece. The stuff seemed pretty trendy as well; I know I have a hard time finding buffalo check shirts so having them in pint sizes is pretty awesome. I’m still no lover of the young, but at least this way one can afford to keep them looking presentable.

I didn’t think so, yet Burger King has come out with its own brand of eau de burger; aptly named “Flame”. A 5mL spray bottle of the scent of flame broiled meat will set you back $4.

I hope most people would still take a pass on actually smelling fat, but I’m sure we’ve all seen stranger things sell.

P.S. I refuse to link to this monstrosity.

Just in time for some at the wire Christmas shopping, Gastown boutique The Block is offering a 20% off discount for your entire purchase if you bring in a donation to the food bank.

Considering the awesomeness of this sale, I would suggest you bring in a whole grocery bag full; ’tis the season!