Woolrich Does Lumberjack Menswear Extraordinaire
Woolrich is one of those gem like menswear lines – richly crafted and well designed, yet nobody knows about it and it’s nearly impossible to locate in North America. Sadly for us Canadians there are no official stockists on Woolrich’s site listing; but there are plenty in the good ‘ol USA if you’re up for a roadtrip; though most are located in L.A. or New York.
Woolrich’s SS09 collection echoes outdoor casual chic; almost a sailing lumberjack. It’s an oxymoron, I know, but what other image would stripes and plaid conjur?!
Needless to say, if you’re up for looking as if you’re about to chop wood in style or go for a sail (don’t we all?), then check out Woolrich for some threads to remember.
Little Dream Boutique Opens On Granville Island
Friday January 30th 2009, 1:24 pm
Filed under:
2009A sibling to Gastown’s Dream boutique has opened on Granville Island within Net Loft (1666 Johnston Street). Little Dream is an extension of the original; offering locally designed clothing and jewelry, reworked vintage and recycled leather bags.
The shop is open from 11-7, come by for a visit!
P.S. Granville Island shop employees and Emily Carr students get 10% off purchases.
Recession? What Recession?
Friday January 30th 2009, 12:28 pm
Filed under:
2009,
StoresClearly Topshop is immune.
As A Side Note…
…I swear I have the exact bloody pair of sunglasses Paris Hilton was just seen with. I got them at Value Village last summer for $2.
Either Paris is working with Mugatu on a SS09 Derelict campaign, or the economy is in the crapper more than any of us realize.
Just sayin’.
Gsus SS09 Collection Has Me Wondering If They Need To Be Saved
Gsus has always been a little off in the street wear world; never quite ’slumming it’ casual and half the time on the brink of nearly daytime office wear acceptable. While the designs are nothing near innovative to the world of womenswear, these pieces are wearable and versatile (we’ll ignore the fact that the bow blouse trend seemed to blossom in FW08). I can easily see any one of the below tops being worn on the job or running errands. Besides, isn’t multi usage what we are looking for these days?
I was less than thrilled to see the bulk of the collection’s creativity was found in graphic designs pasted on t-shirts, but for a streetwear brand this is expected. I found none of the pieces (other than the Bacilio below) would have the power to be a stand alone piece in an outfit; these designs need all the creative assistance they can get.
Highlights from the SS09 Women’s RTW collection:
From left to right: Mr Man shirt(€80), Sunnya (€70), Bacilio (€100)
***
The menswear collection was a sore disappointment. The entire online shop shows nothing but printed tees, a few hoodies and jogging jackets; quite low on the purchasing priority totem. To boot, nearly all the tees were branded! That is the most insulting design cop out; boys deserve better clothing choices than that.
Highlights from the SS09 Men’s RTW collection:
From left to right: Mumba (€45), Bahia (€40), Alfaro (€40)
Build Yourself A Complete Casual Topman Outfit For Under $100 (Including Shoes!)
There are plenty of sales going on at the moment – Topman is no exception. The British high street menswear giant Topman is no exception.
There are countless ways to improve your SS09 wardrobe on a budget if you carefully choose colors and cuts within sale racks (either online or offline); always look through sale options first before checking out new styles. You never know what was only slightly redesigned and price increased that you can snag for a fraction of the price!
The only things not included in the breakdown below are things you already own; a t-shirt and a pair of undies, but even including a pair of leather trainers, the whole ensemble totaled $100 (£70).
Outfit breakdown
Turning Fall Dresses Into Summer Looks
As our fling with all things recessionista continues, we must re-learn the art of using what we already have. Take the two fall dresses used to build the below outfits off of; both were released through a FW08 collection and are fairly simple designs that one would likely already have in their possession.
You can build outfits on any one of your fall dresses; take something of a darker shade of gray, blue [etc] and combat the look of winter with outerwear whose cuts suggest spring (think cropped sleeves, lightweight fabrics), and wear sandals or open toed boots. Layering will also become more minimalistic as time progresses, though as the transitional months approach us we still have leeway as to which pieces one can mix in from FW08 without looking outdated or weighed down.
Depending on the temperatures in your area, switch up lighter, nearly sheer tights and socks with bare legs as necessary. Swap up your dark headgear and sunglasses with lights and sorbet colors to assist with your visual transformation, and experiment with sandals (as long as they aren’t those awful thongs!)
Outfit highlights:
Left: Wool dress by Boutique ($135; Topshop), Locket & Pearl necklace ($15; Mod Cloth), BCBCirls Dolly oxford ($70; Piperlime), Victor Osborne hat ($350; La Garçonne)
Right: Navy pleat shift dress (£38; Miss Selfridges), Marsell open toed lace up boots (€600; Luisa Viaroma), Color mirror wayfarers ($11; Bleu Dame)
When I Sleep At Night, I Dream Of Gareth Pugh’s Designs
Gareth Pugh is the ultimate icon in fashion for me because he creates what he wants, displays a complete lack of design compromise and manages to put together collections that are both surreal and enviable.
I would wear every single outfit put together below (yes, even the teired yeti hair jacket).
Gareth Pugh, my soul weeps for your collections!
Gareth Pugh throughout his runway career; FW06-SS09
Hooded Leather Bomber Jackets Have Us Seeing Double
With the popularity of the hooded leather bomber increasing, we have a few new options within the shopping world; Topshop’s Tall Leather Bomber ($210) and Hayden-Harnett’s Dekker jacket ($488).
Both jackets are fairly similar with scrunched cuffs and waists and pocket designs, though the HH version is constructed with “buttery soft leather” which I assume is akin to the lovely feel of the former Mike & Chris selections (hence the price hike).
Either way, these are two jackets that will fit within most budgets quite well.
A Multi Strap Belt Done Right
Forget thick, dated looking belts to cinch your dresses or tunics; go for a multi strand belt for a multi dimensional look. Of course one could sew 10 mini belts together themselves, but this piece is available for less crafty shoppers out there.
Topshop supplies us this version for $60US/£30
Lindsay Lohan Models For Fornarina Instead Of Making Movies
Lindsay Lohan and her new figure modeled for mid level Italian design house Fornarina recently, and the below photos were the result. I’ve never been a fan of Fornarina since I don’t fancy looking like a Italian hooker, but hey, we’ve got to give girls options these days.
Since she only has one facial expression the whole set is a little dull, but feel free to peruse on Fornarina’s official site. At least she’s got a good figure.
5 Amazing Pairs Of Denim For $100 And Under
SS09 is giving us a review on our concept of frugality, but that doesn’t mean consumers are buying nothing. Frugality is the art of the most effective spending practices and we can definitely extend the technique while denim shopping.
Instead of going for low quality brands, get creative when searching for sales on quality brands. 3 of 5 of the pairs below are even raw denim! Get creative and you can find an acceptable price on nearly any name.
From left to right: Bleached acid wash skinnies ($80; Topshop), Dr. Denim raw denim skinnies ($100; Far Fetch), Good Society raw slim cut ($99; Tobi), Rich & Skinny super skinny jeans ($85; eLuxury/sale), Naked & Famous SkinnyGirl ($96; Tobi)
Tom Ford’s Nearly $1K Jeans Not Exactly Recession Friendly
I don’t care if these have gold weaved within the raw selvedge denim fibers…this is insanity! I can think of labels that use raw Japanese denim that charge you a pittance compared to Tom Ford’s $990 price point.
While it would be nice to have a Tom Ford label on your butt, I can think of scads of ways a thousand dollars can be better spent on (perhaps food?)
Instead of moaning over missing out on Ford pants, try the below brands on for size instead…they all use the same raw selvedge denim that you have been pining for.
Clearly this isn’t the entire list of labels that sell raw denim, but you get the idea.
Nudie ($140+), Naked & Famous ($120+), Topman ($80+), A.P.C. ($150+), Chimala ($200+), Tsubi ($200+), Rag & Bone ($240+), Sling & Stones ($170+), 5EP ($240+), Pure Blue Japan ($200+), Earnest Sewn ($200+), Acne ($200+)
Creating Your Own Version Of Garth Pugh’s Pre-Fall 2009 Look
Though this may not be on the must-wear list for pre-fall 2009, Gareth Pugh does create some interesting visuals.
Pugh’s yeti coat was one of the most distinctive pieces in the line, and it just so happens that a cropped interpretation entitled the “mongolian” is available from Topshop for $300. Pair that with a pair of black drainpipes (I suggest buying a bargain pair and shredding them yourself), a plunging black v-neck and some army boots, and you’re off to the races for less than it would cost for one Pugh piece.
Rag & Bone’s Womens Pre-Fall 2009 Is 100% Recessionista
This has got to be one of the easiest collections to implement in your daily wardrobe I’ve seen in a while.
It isn’t necessarily a great selling point to the collection, but I’d say the average woman has most of these pieces already in their wardrobe and ready to be worn already. Not only that, but if you are lacking in a few areas, vintage boutiques have oversized t-shirts, tuxedo jackets and vests aplenty for the pickings; especially since the color palette is quite classic.
Now this is what I call recession chic.
View the entire pre-fall 2009 collection here
How To Identify And Correct Male StyleFAIL (With Photos!)
We’ve all seen it; a bad case of male StyleFAIL.
Like a true affliction it burns the eyes, causes stomach retching and social anxiety. This is a crash course on how to avoid dressing like you’re still eating tomato soup and goldfish crackers after school while waiting for 3 o’clock cartoons to begin. You’re men, it’s time you started dressing as such.
Generally, StyleFAIL appears in some combination of the below three outfits and usually consisting of joke t-shirts, video game/comic book or conference tees, badly designed stripes, ill fitting denim and the Grand Poobah of terror; the khaki.
I’m not condemning the t-shirt and denim combination; it’s all about finding age and style appropriate alternatives.
Let’s begin by purging the following from your closets at home:
- Clothing/shoes in dire straits. This includes stretched, faded, fraying and things with holes in them.
- Jeans that belong on a grade schooler. You don’t have to belong to the drainpipe denim crowd, but ensure your denim is of a straight cut and isn’t too wide. In addition, make sure you are buying the correct waist size to avoid excessive butt sag; the public should be spared seeing your rainbow American Apparel collection of undies when you walk down the street.
- Your safari getup. Toss khakis, military fatigues and whatever else one may hunt lions or other human beings in. You’re not going to hunt in tall grass, so you won’t be missing it. Besides, it all fits poorly, is out dated and isn’t body flattering.
First, a key is to watch colors that are in season. If you aren’t sure what they are, check the almighty Internets; peruse runway reviews regularly on male friendly sites such as men.style.com (it’s the home of GQ and Details so don’t be ashamed to visit).
You don’t always have to pay attention to particular items being worn, but the colors they’re coming in. This keeps things from becoming overwhelming and you can stare at randoms for longer without going batty, especially with newly style focussed fellows.
The second step would be to understand which cuts and colors are the most flattering to your body type. If you aren’t sure, visit a menswear boutique and ask! Clerks are very non threatening, you aren’t obligated to purchase and you can always try on a few questionable items and see if they work on you. I would suggest taking a shopping buddy that will be brutally honest when you ask for an opinion.
The third step is the almighty concept of layering. Many times the reason why StyleFAIL is so obvious is that pieces being worn are juvenile. By this I mean there was no thought into putting the outfit together and have immature graphics, logos and images. Avoid, avoid, avoid!
All guidelines are common sense; take into account patterns, colors and shapes when creating a visual. If you’re wearing a wider pant leg, don’t weigh yourself down with loose tops and a heavy jacket. Alternatively, if your pieces are plainer you may want to compensate with accessories or layer complimentary colors over your base (usually a t-shirt or something thin).
I want to be clear: accessories are nothing to be afraid of. I realize many men aren’t wanting to press the boundaries of their current comfort zone and under compensate with their clothing to avoid critical eyes. This couldn’t be farther than what you want to do; smart male accessorizing is not seen as negative or overtly flamboyant but an extension of your personality and creativity! Scarves, belts, hats, gloves and wrist pieces are an excellent way to enhance your clothing with little effort.
Ask yourself the following questions if you’re unsure if things will jive well with the rest of your ensemble:
- Are the colors and tones working with the rest of the outfit?
- Are my accessories creating a look that is too busy?
- Am I comfortable?
The reason I ask “am I comfortable” is because if you don’t feel confident going out in what you’ve put on, you may as well shoot yourself in the foot and limp about for the rest of the day. I encourage you to challenge your dressing norm, but do so gradually and subtly.
You need to own what you’re wearing, not the other way around.
***
The below images are a few examples of what you may decide to put together. Since we’re still technically in winter months, I’ve created examples for both cold and warm weather dressing. Of course one can mix, match and remove to compliment themselves; these are simply a few supplied examples.
Cold weather examples
As chilly weather dictates, layering is key to not only staying stylish, but staying warm as well. I would suggest a heavier working boot, casual brogue or fancier trainer for daytime footwear and streamlined dress brogues and ankle boots during the night hours.
Always go with a heavier denim no matter what season you’re in; selvedge denim (also known as ‘raw’) lasts for longer, has no seasonally dictated embellishments that will age your pants, wears to create a custom fit and requires far less washing than the average pair of jeans. Thin denim is one of the most unflattering things a man can wear! If you buy a new pair of jeans they shouldn’t feel worn in straight away. Being slightly uncomfortable for a few days because the denim has yet to conform to your body is a good thing; you’re getting that custom fit that will flatter you in the long run.
Cardigans, sweaters and t-shirts are fine examples of how simple it is to layer basics together. You don’t even have to wear patterns if you don’t care to; even solids worn together create a well thought out visual. Accessory wise, scarves and beanies are a safe option away from the cliché that the fedora has become. Leather cuffs are also a trend gaining in popularity, though otherwise there isn’t a whole lot of male hardware being worn at the moment.
***
Warm weather examples
It’s almost time to bring out your lighter shades and start experimenting with muted tones, lighter grays, blues and minty greens. There are a few pieces (such as the sweater above) that are being dyed in richer, almost day-glo colors, though the majority of spring’s palette is significantly lighter. Shoes are also lighter, ranging from creams to whites. Sure they’re harder to keep clean, but there’s nothing like a crisp summer shoe to accentuate your warm weather styling.
When it comes to slacks, keep lighter denim washes (yes, this still includes acid wash), and lighter cottons for temperate days. If you’re delving into shorts territory, be sure you’re not wearing a pair that is too long or too wide (or too short for that matter); this is a sloppy look that one wants to avoid at all costs. Keep bottom patterns to a minimum; choose a more subtle hound or puppy tooth, subtle striping or block colors to ensure your look is current.
Lastly, keep up your layering, only use lighter fabrics to prevent yourself from overheating; use thinner cottons a slightly heavier knit cardigan or waistcoat to keep warm if a breeze kicks up.
Happy styling, boys!
Jason Wu Given Flack For Planning To Use Fur In Upcoming Collection
Monday January 26th 2009, 9:38 am
Filed under:
2009,
RandomThis would be a “bitch, please” moment. The guy likes fur, get over it. He’s not the only one!
Wu, the designer of Michelle Obama’s much discussed white inaugural ball gown, is quoted to have said he is planning a ’significant fur collection’; which is ballsy to begin with considering frugality is the new luxury.
The questions people should be asking is if the fur will he coming from farms or trapping and if he will be using ethically gathered fur (no, that’s not an oxymoron) that are regulated by groups like Origin Assured.
It’s all too easy for designers to be instantly condemned for using leathers and fur without proper consumer investigation being done before stones are cast. We’re all entitled to our own opinion, but we can do without arguments founded on uninformed opinions.
Today’s Style Lesson Is Brought To You By Pete Wentz
To clarify, I haven’t completely lost my marbles…Pete is being an example of a ‘what not to wear’ scenario. We’ll focus our attention on the most heinous offense only – those yeti boots.
I want to be very clear here:
These boots are never OK. Not in the house, not running out to get groceries, not on your way to the gym; never. These are hideous examples of faux fur gone terribly wrong and should never be put on the body of a human with a pulse; male or female.
</end rant>
Istithmar To Say Bye Bye Barneys
Friday January 23rd 2009, 9:56 am
Filed under:
2009,
Stores
After only holding ownership of high end retailer Barneys New York since 2007, Dubai investment firm Istithmar World has decided to sell yet again.
Istithmar has cited the reasons for selling include poor sales (shocker, I know), as well as issues with expansion plans overseas.
In the past, it was expressed that stores were intended to be opened in Dubai and surrounding countries.
Presenting The Basics Of Menswear For The Working Bloke
Today we’re going to shoot for office casual.
Keep it crisp with a white oxford and a tie (as modern offices are highly lacking in neck decorations these days) and try mixing skinny suspenders and a belt together. It creates a stronger look, and appears less like you ripped off a grandpa or some hipster kid and more like you’re entering dapper gentleman territory.
Certain things like the gloves and the messenger bag aren’t essential, but are nice extras to include. If these are not within your comfort level, by all means skip them; though you will be noticed for making a daring visual for yourself by others if you choose to keep them in your ensemble and integrate them into your look.
Naturally, one can swap various colors and fabric types; leather for fabric, beanies for other types of hat (or forgo a hat all together) [etc] though once you have a solid idea of what is required to create a functional and cooperative daytime look, you’re good to go.
Once you have the basics down pat, you can stretch your wings of creativity. Depending on your job’s dress code (if there is one), try cuffing your denim or slacks in hotter weather, experimenting with jacket embellishments and accessories such as leather cuffs, driving gloves and colorful socks.
I’ll also throw in that women notice this kind of effort. Just sayin’.
Get the look:
