This is one to surely make your sides ache this morning; “punk” pretender Avril Lavigne is set to release a fragrance and beauty product line with Proctor & Gamble.
The branded odor is to be called “Black Star” and there is no word as to what exactly it will be smelling of. All I can say is thank the maker the has-been won’t actually have a hand in actually creating this scent!
I really don’t get how Evan Biddell could have given the green light to this makeup.
The man has some pretty wicked pieces to his credit in this collection, yet the makeup completely offset them in a negative light. I found myself looking more at the sloppy tranny makeup than the actual pieces being worn; aren’t designers looking for the opposite effect? Yikes.
Image from BlogTO.com
I don’t know whose half baked idea this was at Blackbook, but having Nicole Ritchie impersonate a current performer like Lady Gaga is pure rediculosity.
It’s one thing to emulate a look from Madonna in the 80s since she no longer looks like that, but this Ritchie dress up session seems like useless, poorly executed overkill.
What do you think of Ritchie’s impersonation?
For photos of the real thing, check out these shots from Gaga’s performance in Vancouver last Wednesday.
Ladies, this is the new generation of grocery clothing by Joe Fresh. Do you like?
I’m quite impressed with it all; despite the runway styling not being “fit for every woman”, these pieces are extremely easy to wear and mingle within what pieces you already own.
My only complaint was the epic amounts of gray; it seemed as though the pieces were nearing kinship with communist uniform pigments. Aside from that, there were a few standout red sweaters that will do well when mixed amongst the dreary grays, as well as edgier shiny black skirts and a jacket I can only assume will be made from PVC.
As this brand continues to evolve, I continue to be impressed. While Joe clearly has its pitfalls (materials can be on the rough side and prices have been teetering on debatably affordable of late for certain items), this is still a style forward brand that women can depend upon to dress them within a budget and style range.
There are a few items I will be picking up; the large gray and white check jacket being my highest priority once it hits Superstore racks.
As I mentioned in the Stephen Sprouse leggings post, I was at the Lady Gaga show last night. After I posted about the backup dancers wearing the LV leggings, I realized that Gaga herself was wearing leggings worthy of mention during part of her performance.
These Les Chiffoniers leggings have attitude; not only do they have side zippers up the leather leg, but they are priced at an outrageously unattainable $995.
Sadly there aren’t many options for genuine leather leggings in the current market; every relatively affordable legging I’ve come across with zip detailing are made from some combination of PVC or nylon and spandex.
I wonder how long it will take for Topshop Unique to re-take up their old mantle and continue with the leather legging craze they seem to have begun?
I was in attendance at Lady Gaga‘s performance in Vancouver last night, and I noticed to my minor joy that after the last costume change of the evening that her male backup dancers were wearing Louis Vuitton‘s Stephen Sprouse graffiti leggings!
These lovelies retail at $600 US per pair, so that must have been one damn crazy splurge at the LV store! Considering the boys must have multiple pairs, I can only imagine what the total must have been like.
Sadly I’ve yet to locate a photo of the dancers in the leggings; I failed myself as I was forced to check my camera after the first two songs. If anyone locates a snap of this, link it up my way!
Since we’re entering into the gray area of in between weather, voluminous pieces like the cardi to your left are perfect for combating the remaining chill in the air while still keeping snug without a jacket.
With pieces like this one can still layer up with even another sweater over a shirt underneath while still maintaining the image of being jacket-less.
This particular cardi runs at $125 from Topshop, though there are oodles of similar designs found throughout every local shop in your city.
I would suggest rummaging through thrift shops since the over sized silhouette was extremely popular decades ago. This will save you a few almighty dollars and perhaps allow for multiple purchases (who knows!)
This is the much hyped photo released for Adele‘s editorial shoot with Vogue, and it sucks!
Adele seems to be a more demure version of a British Beth Ditto; a plus sized girl with a great set of pipes that creates quality music. By all accounts, I’ve heard this girl is lively enough to have a stage presence, so why has Vogue got her posing like a deflated emo doll?
My first assumption would be the weight issue; but if they didn’t want to have a full figured girl within the pages of their magazine, why bother asking her in the first place? Having her laying down, dejected and flat as a pannekoek isn’t doing anything for the artist, or the editorial piece whatsoever.
Vogue, you’ve done a poor job. If you’ve got more impressive photos from this shoot hiding in your archives, it’s time to show your cards.
Gastown boutique Roden Gray has received their final shipment of premium Canadian street wear label Wings + Horns! Check everything out in store; they’re on 231 Cambie.
Then be sure to visit Hayden-Harnett‘s shopping event this Saturday (March 21st, 2009).
The boutique location is 253 Elizabeth Street in New York City. Stop by for treats, styling and shopping.
**As I’m situated on the West Coast, Seattle Premium Outlets is the closest location to me, but these sales will vary from location to location. There also may be sale fine print which I don’t post to the blog.
The Chelsea Premium Outlets chain is having some decent spring sales; I’ll list the cream of the crop below.
A full list of Seattle’s current outlet sales is located here; for all other locations click here.
Calvin Klein Men’s
Mar 17 – 24
30% – 50% Off Select Styles
25% Off Men’s Underwear
All Fragrance Gift Sets $10 Off
*Select Styles
Calvin Klein Women’s
Mar 17 – 24
30% – 50% Off Select Styles
25% Off Women’s Underwear
All Fragrance Gift Sets $10 Off
PacSun
Feb 28 – Mar 20
Guys’ Shorts $29.99 (select styles)
Girls’ Shorts & Skirts $19.99 (select styles)
Spend $50, then get $25 in PacLoot*
*PacLoot valid 3/21-4/11
Mar 20 – 31
All Tops Buy One, Get One for 50%
Discount given on lower priced item.
Mar 21 – 31
All Guys’ & Girls’ Tops
Buy One, Get One 50% off
Discounted item is of equal or lesser value.
Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store
Feb 26 – Mar 29
Prep for Spring Event
Receive $25 off every $125 you spend when you visit the store
I know it was that plastic bitch’s 50th birthday this year, but please.
Bluefly has reported on their Flypaper blog that pink is SS09′s answer to yellow last season as the must-wear color. I couldn’t disagree more! Pink was not a defining color whatsoever on SS09 runways; coral was.
Since it’s quite clear that pink is nowhere close to being a coral red, I’m at a loss as to how this ‘pink is the new black’ deduction came about.
Regardless, I’m super hyped at the absence of pink as it is my least favorite shade in the vast spectrum of color.
Oh, Project Runway Canada. I just don’t get you.
As I understand it, if a designer is “out”, they’re gone, gone, gone. After last night’s episode when one design pony Genevieve got booted (Jason Meyers was gone from the previous week), I expected that it would be the last we saw of the pair.
Apparently not!
In the next episode preview at the end of last night’s show, it appears that the Lone Straight Man and Crazy Eyes are back in action and ready to go for another round!
I have to admit, the squabble and scramble recipe for this reality TV show is wearing on me, and I’m not sure if I can deal with and more of this garbage. I can only imagine how the designers must have felt after being on this emotional yo-yo.
I’m curious to hear what other viewers think of this ratings tactic; are you as irritated as I am? Does this come as no surprise? Let’s hear it!
The designers showing in Vancouver Fashion Week‘s FW09 shows have officially been released. It’s good news, folks; the talent appears to be definitely worth attendance.
I’m quite excited to see Marie Saint Pierre, Lauren Vidal, and Vancouverite Drew William.
I will be providing reviews of most runway shows, as well as photography.
Will you be attending VFW?
MARCH 24: Winter wear
Whistler, Garfinkel’s
8:30pm: Frost Sportiva (CALG)
MARCH 25: Opening Gala/Jewelry designer meet & greet
Wednesday – Leone – 757 West Hastings St
Doors open 7pm
All local apparel designers have 1 model dressed in their designs
All participating jewelry designers have 2 models – black dresses plus jewelry
MARCH 26: Canadian/Local Design
Thursday – Storeyum – 151 Cordova St
4:00pm Papillon Eastern (VAN)
5:00pm Gianni al Maanaki (INT’L)
6:00pm Porscia (VAN)
6:30pm Frost Sportiva (CALG)
MARCH 26: Aliqua
Thursday – The Centre for Performing Arts
Doors 7pm
Marie Saint Claire (MTL)
Hair and makeup competitions at Aliqua
MARCH 27: Eco-friendly design
Friday – Storeyum – 151 Cordova St
5:00pm Hawks Ave/Flora&Fauna (VAN)
6:00pm Adele Wechsler (TO)
7:00pm Global Ghetto Organics (CALI)
MARCH 27: Shanghai Night
Friday – Storeyum – 151 Cordova 7:30pm doors
8pm first show – 4 boutiques: Lushuz, Niche, Tokyo Cop, 4th Ave (VAN)
9pm second show – INSH (SHANGHAI)
MARCH 28: International design
Saturday – Storeyum – 151 Cordova St
3:00pm SoulFace Studios/Vixen Little (VAN)
3:30pm Turnover (AMST)
4:00pm Lauren Vidal (PARIS)
4:30pm Joseph Domingo (SF)
5:00pm INSH (SHANG)
MARCH 29: Streetwear
Sunday – Storeyum – 151 Cordova St
5:00pm To The Nines Clothing/Satout (VAN)
5:30pm Undone Clothing (OTT)
6:00pm Gully Klassics (ONT)
6:30pm Nine Grand (CALI)
7:00pm Drew William (VAN)
7:00pm KILLA (VAN)
So, we have two ‘boyfriend’ style blazers; one from Smythe Linen ($530), and its more affordable sibling by Topshop ($110). both are an oversized blazer style with cuffed sleeves.
I personally prefer the Topshop incarnation myself; the navy blue and lapels are much more up to date than the Smythe model. Not only that, but you can show off what you’re wearing underneath the blazer and actually pull of hanging jewelry.
I’ve been hearing this everywhere, and finally the straw broke the proverbial camel’s back earlier today.
Just because a jacket is designed in a band style does not mean it evokes the look of Balmain’s design house.
Balmain has a typical design style; streamlined fitting with a strong shoulder and fine military piping details. A jacket may follow the forecasted band jacket trend, but that in no way means that you’re successfully imitating Balmain’s style.
It’s important to understand the earmarks of a brand before proclaiming that a piece follows that design, and please; let’s end the telltale “ohmygawd, that’s, like, sooo Balmain!”
I have to say this straight off the bat: Marc is on his game this year.
Voluminous pieces created from day glo shades of coral, teal and yellow marked the highlights of this collection. It was the draping of fabrics that stood out to me; pieces that could have otherwise been dull and possibly a tad traditional. The ruffled teal jacket was one particularly lovely item (shown below) that seemed to be one of the stars of the entire FW09 collection.
It’s endlessly frustrating for me that this brand is only associated with cantankerous monogrammed leather ware when it’s clear that the clothing design is what confirms its status as a top brand.
There were a few signs of trends to come; vinyl harem pants, ballet inspired skirts and heels (perhaps the ballet flat trend from a few years back is being revitalized – only with heels this time?), and utilization of loads of rouching to create texture.
It was largely the accessories that stood out to me – crotch level boots, futuristic insect like eyewear, headgear fit for the races and texturized bags stood out. The interlocking loop necklaces weren’t a hit for me; I think everyone can remember making construction paper loop necklaces like that when they were in grade school.
The shoe heels evoked echoes of a highly evolved Fluevog design to me at first look with the ‘splat’ heel design… perhaps this is something we can look to ‘Vog in the future.
Topshop continues to ‘collaborate’ with Kate Moss to design ranges, so one has to assume there is still a reasonable interest here. In order to combat declining hype for the range, Topshop has combined forces with Moss and Liberty of London to create a hybrid line that will be a mashup of Kate’s style and Liberty’s iconic prints.
There was noticeably less release date interest with the release of the last few ranges in comparison to previous seasons, hence the design merger.
I wonder if these two will be able to rescue the floundering range.
Canadian menswear designer Philip Sparks has recently launched a new online store.
They also have some formidable online sales – one steal being their straight leg plaid trousers ($87; on sale from $375) and this double breasted blazer ($222; on sale from $740).
From left to right: Grey striped shirt with pintucked bib ($75), Grey Leather Motorcycle Jacket ($950), Grey Plaid Clip on Bow Tie ($135)
Obakki has opened a new online shopping environment.
They appear to ship to all countries (their shipping destination drop down did not exclude any notable region), and they are currently offering a 20% promo (use code: “shop“) for regular priced online purchases. The promo is valid until March 31, 2009.
Their navigation isn’t too shabby; a few items didn’t show they were sold out until you clicked to add to cart, but I’m sure they will iron out the kinks in good time.
