If you enter the code “THIRTYOFF” at the checkout during your next purchase at Cut And Sewn, you will enjoy a grand 30% off your entire order. Cut & Sewn offers complete t-shirt, sweatshirt, bag and underwear customization. Check ‘em out!

Absolute Spa is energy efficient, 100% organic, vegan certified, carbon neutral, not tested on animals and free of parabens and toxins. Combine that with the fact their gift cards never expire (which is the dreaded loop hole of the gift card industry), and you have the perfect gift for friends, relatives or office mates in the holiday season.

Absolute Spa currently has a contest worth $3500; purchase a $50 gift card and you will be automatically entered into a weekly draw for a $300 Absolute Spa Gift Card and luxury organic spa gift basket. All entries are added to a grand prize draw valued at $3500, featuring a $1000 Diamond Circle of Love Lugaros necklace and $2500 in Absolute Spa Gift Cards, a luxury basket of Absolute Spa products and Presidential Suite accommodations at the River Rock Casino Resort!

With ten locations throughout Vancouver (including Century, Park Royal, Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont YVR and the River Rock Casino Resort), redeeming gift cards won’t put anyone out.

If you’re looking to give back this season, 100% of proceeds from Absolute Spa‘s Natural Vanilla Soy Candle ($8) will benefit Christmas bureaus, community service centers and the Salvation Army in British Columbia via the Empty Stocking Fund.

More info on treatments and locations!

Joe Fresh by Superstore has a delightful buffalo check pea coat in stock right now.  It is double breasted, has military epaulets and is waist length..how perfect!  It’s a little expensive for a grocery piece ($79), but the coat is warm, soft and a nice [relatively] inexpensive buffalo check jacket is hard to find locally these days!

I snagged one last night, and am absolutely loving it.  If you’re into that grunge revival look, this is one jacket you will want to have.

Vancouver label Lily + Jae’s sale has been held over through the entire month of December.  Check out the sale stuff here.  A few notable sale items are The Grand Dress ($154), Halston Hoodie ($112), and Broadway Blouse($91).

This is quite possibly the worst crime against human eyes I’ve yet to see.  This, folks, is dubbed the “bikini jean”.

I can confidently classify these barely covering bottom horrors as the most offensive piece of clothing I have ever seen!  Not only do they encourage the concept of your rear hanging out for all to see; but your UNDERwear as well.  Am I the last person in this world to consider undergarments as belonging under my clothing? Honestly!

To myself, these jeans broadcast that it’s alright to showcase my underwear because you’re going to end up seeing them anyways.  I can imagine prostitutes wearing these pants, as well as [sadly] young girls wanting to be noticed. Not surprisingly, these pants have caught on in Asia; but hell, you can buy used panties in vending machines.

If anyone tries to peg me as being too conservative, you can eat a pair of these.  My stance is having a standard of self respect is the better option that flaunting my ass to anyone with an eyeball.

In a season of predictable sweaters and slacks or dresses and heels, there are easy things you can do to give yourself some visual spice without having to buy anything new.

Essentially we’re going to rip a page from the George Costanza play book and do the opposite. If you’re wearing a very feminine dress and tights; put on some work boots and and a check pattern jacket, or alternatively add lighter accessories and more delicate colors if you have an extremely masculine look.

Generally, one can do this at little or no cost since thrift shops are prime treasure hunting grounds for pieces you may not already have. Vintage gives you an authentic yet individualistic look; and assures that not every X or Y in your neighborhood will have the exact same thing on.

Some easy methods to do this:

• Play with colors and patterns. Play with traditional assumptions regarding fabrics and patterns; fabrics covered in polka dots and outfits with embellishments and un-collared or deeper v-neck cuts are traditionally less masculine and would therefore play well with mixing a look.
• Use hard and soft visuals. A delicate dress and a pair of work boots can balance a feminine silhouette or an a-line dress. Be warned that this is a very casual look; you won’t want to be wearing a combination like this to anything even semi formal.
• Play with accessories. For those not wanting to make loud statements, accessories are always options. Adding a silk or knit scarf, a more subtle watch or a necklace can give a light effect of opposites without the glaring obviousness of it all.

From left to right: Organic jersey scarf ($60; La Garçonne), L&A v-neck t-shirt ($60; Barneys), Dr Martens Croc patent boot ($145; Topshop), Antik Batik Sequined mini dress ($745; Net-A-Porter), Comme des Garçons for H&M t-shirt

Apologies  for posting this a bit late, but I have been a busy bee preparing magical resumes and cover letters.  The sale isn’t intense; only 15% off the store, but it’s something to absorb taxes.  

I ordinarily would rather take a final ride in a pine box than state that I am envious of a certain American Idol judge’s wardrobe, but hey, it’s happened with the recent wearing of her red and navy band style jacket she wore to a recent taping of the Letterman show.

Band jackets are absolutely nothing new (as the Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper stint and Patrick Wolf have taught us), yet they have definitely started to regain marginal popularity for those brave enough to wear them.  I can assure you, wearing a jacket like this will ensure you are a walking conversation starter; I own an authentic band jacket from the 1940s and I always have strangers approaching me to ask about the jacket.

Balmain’s SS09 collection has some delectable band jacket interpretations that seem to be fairly close to the original mark; though you will be paying for the pleasure to wear them.  Look in your local vintage shops for authentic and more affordable band jackets.  You may have to take them to a tailor or do the job yourself (especially if they were sewn in the 80s!), but tailors are affordable.

I encourage you to experiment; there’s no such thing as a band geek in 2008.

Sandal boots seem like an elaborate pump.  To me, having a “boot” with less material covering the foot than a traditional ankle boot design makes them pumps, or flats; definitely not boots.  Because of the simple add ons and the new naming convention, I suspect this is just a new way to get people interested in a design that has already been done for decades under the label of a pump.

I have nothing against these designs whatsoever, I simply think this is a borderline hilarious marketing ploy to sell shoes to people who just can’t be without the newest fad.  Call a pump a pump, people.  That is all.

From left to right: Rex sandal boot ($145; Topshop), Jessica Bennett Jilt platform sandal ($144; Endless), Davis By Ruthie Davis pixel boot ($785; Endless)

Well, the votes were tallied and the people have spoken…and demiCouture took it home last night!

A hearty thank you to everyone who voted and supported me and my blog, it’s fantastic to have a nod regarding the work I put into the site every day. I really appreciate it!

Once the entire list of winners of the Best Of 604 have been posted, I link up to it here.

Thanks again, you guys rock.

-Victoria

You must RSVP at info@twoonetwo.net before December 17th, 2008 to be put on the guestlist for a special private event.  There have been no additional details released, so sign up and find out what’s going on.

I have a feeling super awesome sales are in your future!

Metallics are always a popular fall and winter choice; they keep to the colors of the season and don’t try to pretend to be springtime shades.  Your pieces don’t have to be straight up metallics, either; you can have a brushed metallic effect or have metallic fabrics used to created a more muted visual rather than a super shiny one.

Regardless of how you work them in, metallics are a nice top off to nearly any outfit; if you replace even one piece constructed of metallic treated fabrics or leather you instantly shine and give a little gleam in an otherwise dreary season. It’s a winning situation; why wouldn’t you want to brighten up those sad winter clouds?

WOMEN

Be careful how you wear your metallics; you don’t want to be classified as a glamazon.  If you have one intense piece, treat it as if it were a loud pattern; let it stand out, and have the rest of your outfit be submissive assistance to your metallics’ look.

From left to right: Metallic biker jacket ($110; Topshop), Marc by Marc Jacobs pewter metallic leather pumps ($150; Bluefly), Madison metallic Fringe tote ($1,000; Coach), A.P.C. silver dress ($245; La Garçonne)

***

MEN

Men’s pieces are traditionally more subdued than woman’s (you likely won’t be finding a wide selection of gold shirts or jackets in the boys’ section), but you still get a decent share of the metallic market.  Rely on travel bags, footwear and accessories such as bow ties, neck ties and wallets to amp up your shine factor.

From left to right: Silver oxford shoe ($90; Topman), Fendi gold runway bow tie ($115; eLuxury), Dolce & Gabbana silver quilted metallic nylon duffle bag ($800; Bluefly), Gold dollar emboss wallet ($20; Topman)

***

It’s official, old lady floral prints are back in action.  Be to be very careful as to how you wear this trend; keep your cuts modern and fitted and avoid extra large patterns that will make you look like a china vase.  Keep things colorful yet not contrasting; this is one look that you can’t have competing patterns worn at once!

From left to right: Floral tulip skirt ($80; Topshop), Contrast Floral satin top ($15; Forever 21), Mayle Mitsuko top ($425; La Garçonne), Diane von Furstenberg  silk scarf ($116; Bloomingdale’s)

***

For a more subtle additions if you aren’t into having a bold statement on an entire piece, try accessory effects instead.  Floral print wallets, jewelry, hair accessories and even sunglasses are being designed with you in mind. These will not be as clearly trendy as a whole piece, but it will require substantially less of a daring mental state.

From left to right: Hobo International ‘Martine’ double frame ($128; Nordstrom), Floral Etched bangle ($4; Charlotte Russe), Floral brooch ($9; Spiegel), Understated Blooms hat ($38; Anthropologie)

I spent a good chunk of today re-writing the “How To Build A Perfect New Year’s Outfit – Male Edition” for Topman.com, so stay tuned for some lovely linkage when the article is live…hurray!

Come down this Thursday night for Lark’s customer appreciation night (December 11) from 6-9:30pm.  There will be special discounts for shoppers and drinks served.  It’s truly a night of shopping parties; Two Of A Few’s menswear party that night as well.  Try to stop in for both!

There are more Gray Days ahead, because Roden Gray has extended their sale and increased discounts to 20-40% off everything in the store!

This is exciting news, because Roden Gray is the highest quality menswear boutique in Vancouver’s; they carry the best labels (both known and more underground), and have a pleasing decor.

You can’t go wrong with this one.

I’m not talking about an 80s bouffant hair do here, but your clothing. If you’re tired of fabrics falling flat, get some lift into your pieces and pump up the volume. Try a skirt with a bubble effect, or pieces with fabric that folds and hangs creatively!

There are many different ways to try and add volume to your look, and they all don’t have to include an A-line skirt or dress.  If you try an oversized t-shirt dress or a top with creatively draping sleeves, you’re also getting your volume fix in.  The key is to get creative and layer, but try to keep one pronounced voluminous piece only; you don’t want to look as if you’re walking in swaths of fabric.

From left to right: Acne Jeans flaunt skirt ($475; La Garçonne), Hitched hem dress ($160; Topshop), Antik Batik Aris dress ($330;  La Garçonne), Tsumori Chisato bau-girl sweatshirt ($382; La Garçonne)

I’ve broken down my list of top five into 5 categories to keep things interesting. Since there isn’t a great amount of variance in the different styles of shoes (aside from the “Big Three” previously discussed), there will be one revered mention within each category.

***

BEST OVERALL PUMP

“Alti” Pumps by Christian Louboutin

Why we covet this shoe: Without the risk of sounding completely silly, I can confidently say that these are the most perfectly designed pumps I have seen in my life; they are simple, classic and bold. Plain, yes, but that only gives them a closet life that will far exceed the average pump. The 6 inch heel is powerful, yet the 1 1/2 inch double platform does its best to take away some of the wearer’s pain without subtracting from its appearance.

Having the shoe strapless adds to its classic appearance; I could imagine daring women from any recent generation wearing this pump with absolute pride and confidence. The $825 price tag is as intimidating as you will look while wearing these babies, though quality craftsmanship demands a price (them being Louboutins can’t hurt, either).

Where to find them: Net-A-Porter, Barneys, Neiman Marcus and Holt Renfrew.

***

BEST BLOCK HEEL

“Outta The Frying Pan” Pump by Seychelles

Why we covet this shoe: I can’t get enough of tapered block heels for both their comfort and long wearability. The block heel has seen quite a comeback in 2008 (though while I was in London in the summer of ’07 these were already on all the shelves).

These shoes are comfortable with a 3 1/2 inch block heel, and are classically designed to be [admittedly] slightly on the plain side, but the heel speaks volumes when embellishments do not. The shaping cut along the outside of the shoe keeps the design up to date and out of your grandma’s closet; and the teal coloring only clinches its place on a modern woman’s foot. You won’t be looking “church lady” in these heels, I promise you.

Where to find them: Endless Shoes, Urban Outfitters, or Nordstrom.

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BEST STILETTO

Glossy “Gem” Pumps by Jimmy Choo

Why we covet this shoe: There are many things to love about this shoe other than its Choo family name; one being the Gem does its best to make up for the hardship of walking in a thin heel with a hidden platform; effectively cutting the wearer’s arch by ¾ of an inch.

Black is always a best bet for expensive footwear when we can’t necessarily afford multiple pairs; and patent leather assures you still have the “wow” factor, versatility and longevity at the same time. The double strap Mary Jane design is not only practical but a hot look for this year, and the two studs give a subtle glam rock star-like look that is still low key enough to allow these pumps to be worn with any outfit without risking visual overkill.

Where to find them: Anywhere luxury shoes can be found; Bluefly, Holt Renfrew or Neiman Marcus are the most likely.

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BEST IN COLOR

Color Block Pumps by Sergio Rossi

Why we covet this shoe: These pumps manage to combine six fairly bold colors (including that blazing magenta!) without having you looking like you just stepped out of a clown car.  These color block pumps are a splendid and easy way to add a jolt of color to what may have been an otherwise lifeless visual.

The thin block heel gives you a stable heel to walk in, and the nude coloring of the shoe base sets it apart from the rest of the shoe’s striping without looking garish.  The only down point for shoes like these are that they demand a more subtle rest of an outfit since they are so loud; if you want to bring attention to any other pieces then these are definitely not the shoes to be working with.

Where to find them: Net-A-Porter, Zappos

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BEST EMBELLISHED

Mirror Embellished Ankle Boots by Giuseppe Zanotti

Why: These ankle boots are the quintessential party shoes; they bring the disco on your heels! If one is to pay luxury footwear’s pricing (that being $990 for this pair), you expect some killer detailing. These boots deliver; aside from the disco-esque mosaic design on the heel, there are rainbow crystals carefully attached to the very bottom of the heel.

The patent leather works in away that it does not take away from the effect of the heel embellishments; but enhances it. The black leather body is aggressive enough to be taken seriously, and the heel balances this effect well. This boot is well designed, and holds its own; a true treasure for anyone who can actually afford it.

Where to find them: Net-A-Porter

***

BEST WEDGE

“Wallis” Patent Leather Wedge by Christian Louboutin

Why: The are precious few wedges that I am willing to endorse, but the wood wedge in combination with the dark teal patent leather is very likable.  Not only that, but the shaping of the wedge narrows as it gets farther to the back of the shoe, mimicking the look of a real heel. The blue patent leather’s shade bodes well visually with the wood block color, and gives a grounded effect to anything creative one may wear with these wedges.

Wedges are comfortable and more stable to wear, though they are lessening in popularity.  I personally think we have seen the last of the latest resurgence of wedges on the runways for a good while.

Where to find them: Bluefly

“Let’s first preface this with the fact that I’m not an electric razor fan. My dad uses an electric razor and I’ll never understand it. I used a Mach 3 for a number of years and recently switched to a Merkur safety razor which takes forever to shave with, but is gets the closest shave I’ve ever had. That being said, I was fairly intrigued with the Phillips BodyGroom; as it is marketed as an electric razor specifically for body hair and can be used in the shower.

I’ve always considered myself a relatively well-groomed individual, and although I’m not one of the waxed-chest set, I do like to keep things under control. I’m not sure if you have seen advertisements for the BodyGroom, but it largely sold itself as dealing with *ahem* ‘bathing suit area’ hair. For most men this is an extremely private matter and it was quite a shocking ad campaign for a lot of us. However (for the sake of science) I was willing to put the BodyGroom to the test in three key areas: face, chest, and “area”.

Face

First impression: This is like any other electric razor. It works, just not very well. It’s loud and obnoxious which is exactly what I don’t want in the shower. Admittedly the Bodygroom is not meant for facial shaving, but this wasn’t a great start.

Chest

The shaver clogged immediately with chest hair in the shower and became totally useless. I’m hardly bearish but the razor seemed completely unable to deal with actual hair. Nonplussed, I tried it again when dry and although it performed better (and dutifully dispatched a decent patch of hair), it was hardly a close shave, and barely better than what a standard beard trimmer could accomplish. A second pass on the same spot revealed no better results.

“Area”

As an item aimed expressly at taming the ‘hair down there’, I was anticipating some serious results. If the BodyGroom was to perform, it was certainly here. It did indeed perform best in this “area”, with it’s design particulars certainly playing their parts well. It became instantly clear that the BodyGroom was really only designed for shaving one part of the male body. That being said, the BodyGroom performed no better than your standard beard trimmer, and certainly wasn’t able to get a very close shave by anyone’s standard.

In conclusion I would have to give the BodyGroom a pass. Although it performed decently in it’s expressed purpose, any well-appointed man’s bathroom will contain a beard-trimmer which performs just as well; especially once you realize that the “in the shower” application of the BodyGroom is completely without merit.”

-Charles

Though the Chanel light bulb shoes are technically for SS09, I figure since they were released in 2008 that they still count.

One must commend these designers for keeping things creative and interesting (though perhaps not economically profitable) on the runways; I’m sure if we didn’t have these tid bits thrown at us to confuse every now and again the fashion world would become quite dull.

Though I can’t say I would ever wear Prada or Marc’s designs, I have to admit a soft spot for Chanel’s light bulb and gun shoe model. Though they are intensely ridiculous and overpriced, they are just sassy enough and still within the realm of possible to wear with an outfit.

What do you think of the shoe runway world’s “Big Three”?

From left to right: Prada SS08 Runway flower heels ($790), Chanel SS09 runway gun heels ($2,200), Marc Jacobs runway misplaced heel ($545)