I’ve been acquiring rad fitting jean jackets (men’s and women’s), denim vests (men’s and women’s), oxford shirts (men’s and women’s), very unique men’s t-shirts,  multiple pairs of jeans (including one amazing pair of 90s Guess medium blue acid wash tapered leg with ankle zippers!), shoes for men and women, and a slew of accessories for both genders including bow ties and belts.

I’m going to be custom studding many of the pieces to make them super trend relevant and even more unique, as well as sewing various articles from scratch, such as snoods, scarves and t-shirts out of gray leopard print and stripes.

Make sure to mark the date in your calendar – Saturday, August 29th is the day!

So, Hilary Duff somehow convinced Donna Karan to allow her to ‘design’ a hideous line under her DKNY Jeans label, called Femme.

This is so mall chic 2007. I’m going to call this line’s epic fail before it even launches in August.

This is a public service announcement!

If I hear anyone referring to gingham when they’re pointing out plaid/tartan or vice versa, they’re getting a slap (Forever 21, I’m looking at you).  People, this is like saying Pepsi tastes like Coke; they’re not the same.

In case there are still a few cobwebs sticking around, let’s play spot the difference:

• Gingham (to the left) is clearly a checkerboard pattern that never varies in style, whereas plaid is of Scottish ancestry and the check was similar to a coat of arms; each check varied from clans, regions and/or districts.

• Tartan is a multi colored check pattern, where gingham is limited to three (block, shaded and usually white).

• Gingham checks are always equal squares, while plaids vary from square to rectangle.

Do we have it now?

Excellent!

Chanel’s new ad crop featuring Lily Allen is out, and far campier than I assumed Karl would take things.

Lily has been styled and shot to resemble Audrey Hepburn (coincidence? I think not), though a cheaper version of her. I actually don’t mind Lily Allen at all, but these are just bad photos; I expected far better from a first rate house that has an incredible creative head and unlimited budget for creatives.

I think perhaps worse than the dull shoot was the styling – it was a perfectly awful mix of upper class chav, granted it all isn’t as awful as their Keira Knightley bomb.

Gsus has always been a bit toss and miss to me, but the latest collections do have some good gems in the bunch. Gsus is great for cheeky streetwear with more than a bit of Dutch eccentricity – this is definitely demonstrated on my pieces of choice for their range.

The following pieces were the highlights of their current offerings – this may include sale SS09 items and new FW09 designs.

Women’s range

One thing Gsus can be counted on is a creative use of color. The colors chosen may not always be typical season appropriate, but their pieces are always bright and usually contain creative graphics.

The eight images shown highlight the best of what the label has currently available for women (take particular note at the Gramado jumpsuit – it’s fantastic).

On July 29th, affordable on-trend empire Forever 21 is launching their newest line, Twist.

The collection appears very circus inspired, with a hint of burlesque.  Most of it appears pretty average, but a few pieces (including the green tulle petticoat and white ruched skirt) seem worth a look in person.

I’m so tired of seeing the typical minimalist styling in this city.

Plain seems to rule the day here.  So many people appear to be content to wear one piece of simply constructed clothing, no makeup and no accessories with a plain shoe… what happened to creativity and experimentation?

I’m going to pick on Sunja Link as an example of what I’m referring to – it’s all very cute, but it’s also very dull.  Instead of an image of a stylish woman, this clothing line reminds me more of communist uniform.  Vancouver, we can do better than this.

Experiment with layering, not only with clothing but with jewelry.  Wear contrasting prints, loud color palettes and spice yourself up! It’s fun to push your personal boundaries with your clothing, and it can be shocking what one can come up with using the clothing they already own.

Come on, people – let’s get creative!

Temptu has been in the airbrushing industry for decades, and they’re finally releasing a product for consumers to use at home.  The kit shown below will retail for $225 US and feature silicone makeup that can be found in a range of shades.

This is the brand of airbrush makeup artists use for runway shows and photo shoots, so this product is fairly exciting to see available for a reasonable price point.

For those interested in purchasing, Temptu is releasing the kit online at Sephora on August 1st, and in stores [nationwide] on September 15th.  There is no word about international release dates as of yet, though I assume within a few months of the American product release [if not sooner] Canadians will be able to purchase the kit.

Air Tahiti Nui has commissioned ultra label of the moment Balenciaga for their 10th anniversary flight crew uniforms (one female ‘form fitting’ dress not shown).

I don’t really see the label connection here; usually a house is commissioned to create pieces that reflect their signature look, and the very traditionally Polynesian print and design does not evoke the label whatsoever with me.

When I think of a Balenciaga piece, outrageously designed shoes and sculpted pieces come to mind; not something you could find in a hut being sold on a beach.

What do you think of the new uniforms?

Shallom, Terri, Kim and of course myself will be selling our bursting collections of clothing tomorrow at the Grace Gallery (Main + 3rd).

I’ve personally got three massive bags [that I could hardly lift without tearing] filled with clothing, shoes and accessories ready for display tomorrow.

Come by tomorrow, say hi and pick up some immaculate pieces at excellent deals.

Now this will kick your ass – an 18 years younger Unkle Karl (with a brown pony!) and the most blangin’ Chanel runway show you will probably ever see.

The year was 1991, and the collection was Chanel and the season was fall/winter.

Enjoy.

Matching bikinis are so 2008.

While the pieces below range in price, but the best part about them is that they could all be worn together; by buying 6 mis-matched pairs, you really get 9 different bathing suit combos – not a bad deal.

Mismatching also allows you to save cash by wearing a bottom or top from last summer; paired with a new piece, something older will be given an entirely new lease on life.

When it comes to picking a contrasting bikini, it’s all about three things: avoiding all black and white pieces, selecting complimentary colors and contrasting patterns.

• We toss the B&W because they’re boring.  Really, how many colorless suits have you seen in a given summer that actually made you turn your head they were so exciting to look at? My point is proved.
• Complimentary colors are essential for mixing and matching within a group of pieces (two sets or more).  It dosen’t matter what the patterns are, as long as the colors that catch the eye first work together harmoniously.
• One can wear contrasting patterns when the base of the suit (the colors) work together.

First pair; Topshop triangle top ($50 US) and American Eagle paisley bottoms ($12 US)

Second pair; C&C California polka dot top ( £51) and Roxy ‘rebel’ bottoms ($20 US)

Third pair; DVF powerstone top with bottoms ($180) and Dorothy Perkins stripe bottoms (£5)

Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood on West 16th is the place where my hair goes to get rejuvenated.

Before I started going to Zinc about four months ago, my hair was in seriously awful shape. My dye was fading to an unholy ginger, my cut was totally shagged out and I generally appeared disheveled no matter how much I employed my trusty flat iron or styling products.

After a couple hours in Zinc I had a new look, and it was amazing; the color was vibrant, the cut was the precise style I wanted, and not once did I feel The Fear (you know the feeling – the cut is going too short, color is going too bright and you’re trying to gather your wits to scream for it to stop). It was a completely relaxing experience, and I’ve been coming back for more ever since.

These stylists are color and cut artists, not just another group in the trade, and it shows.

Three of Zinc’s aesthetic magicians at work

After a helping of public outrage, Barneys has pulled the bloody A.L.C. and Helmut Lang window displays.

Honestly, this is a bit much, but PETA goes much farther in their demonstrations. While Barneys was right to pull this display, I can’t help but wonder why people get in such a tizzy over a couple of mannequins and badly faked blood spatter and can ignore people parading around with animal carcasses.

Clearly they did it for press, and press they received. In that respect, a job well done on the guerrilla advertising campaign.

Alright, folks – Motel has created us the dress of summer 2009.

This is the ‘Cynthia’ bow back dress, a delightfully colorful mini that not only follows the SS09 floral trend, is designed to bare skin without looking skanky and is affordable (£39, or just over $70 CA).

I just can’t get over how delightful this dress is! My head may explode.

Now this is one brutal trend I truly wish never saw the light of day off a photoshoot – the bleached or shaved eyebrow has returned to terrify us once more.

In the interest of fairness, I’ve provided two photo examples below; the top being two models who bleached the daylights out of their brows and three runway models.  The top pair are a prime example of how not to wear this trend (if you must); their brows either aren’t invisible (Agyness Deyn) or you’re simply too old to pull it off (Linda Evangelista).

The bottom ladies – however freaky they may appear – have had the trend done correctly.  Their brows are so light they have matched with their skin tones, and light makeup has likely been layered over top of them to blended in seamlessly.

I can say I’ve been there, done that (I blame my high school goth rebellion) and will not be attempting this one in the real world any time soon.

I’m calling bullshiz – a beautiful studded Marc Jacobs clutch for $47? Harper’s Bazaar, stop toying with my gentle accessory loving heart.

HB’s July 22nd ‘best buy under $100′ was so fantastic, I decided I must have it at that very moment, but there was no link provided. I took to Google, searching for every combination of ‘Marc Jacobs clutch’, ‘studded Marc Jacobs clutch’ (the list goes on), but the internet gave me nothing.

At this point, I’m calling supreme BS on HB – does this mysterious delightfully punk rock item exist, or is this the revenge of a nasty editor?

Either way, next time we bargain hunters better get a link.

Rumors are circulating that American company Bernard Krief Consultants are in talks to rescue the Christian Lacroix house from certain pending destruction.

After what could have been CL’s last runway show (it being couture, no less) fans and those loyal to the fashion house were caught up in the possibility that the house may become no more.

As a demonstration of how much the man [and label] is revered, the FW09 couture show was produced on an utterly thin budget while seamstresses, embroiderers, jewelers, milliners, and shoemakers donated their time and skills to ensure the show went on.

Apparently the label’s D-Day is July 27th, when Bernard Kreif will take its offer to the bargaining table.  There is hope for the label yet – BK has a history of reviving failed businesses (DMC textiles of France being one).

All one can do is pray that Lacroix can continue to create his iconic art… the industry would not be the same without his touch.

For my rundown of the FW09 trends in menswear, I opted for a rather simple breakdown of each area of concern; from suits to something uncasual you can wear before popping off to the grocery.

We aren’t getting ruthlessly fancy here – what you see is the bare bones information on what’s trending, how to wear it, investment piece recommendations and how to beef up your wardrobe on the cheap.

We’re not messing around this year – let’s get to it!

The Suit

From left to right: Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Rag & Bone, Gucci

The trend: Looser cut suits are favored over the extremely slim cut suit of previous seasons.

Why wear it: The suit is a menswear staple; and a man’s secret weapon. You’ll need one for work [sometime], even if it’s not on a daily basis, and for events that require you to look dashing.

How to style: Thankfully the suit is a complete outfit all on its own, so this requires very minimal personal styling chops. Start with a matching trouser and jacket (stay with a two to one button jacket and keep the color palate restrained; recessions are no time to bust out the color block look) and go from there. Vests, ties (or bow ties) and classic dark brogues can be color and pattern matched after you have the basics straight.

When to spend: If you do not yet own a classic black, dark gray or deep blue suit and can afford to purchase one, I would suggest a slim fitting pairing with a two button jacket.

If you already have something like this in your wardrobe arsenal, let the credit card rest, but if you have something slightly more dated (such as a wider cut suit), take it to a local tailor and have it slimmed down. Tailoring costs a fraction of the price of a new purchase and recycling your clothing is always more planet and budget friendly.

When to thrift: If you’re looking to build on a collection of suits (for mis-matching or keeping up with trends), hit the thrift shops. Try going through as many as you can in one day, and find complimentary (if not matching) trousers, jackets and vests.

I suggest going vintage when it comes to statement pieces (such as bright colors or embellishments); these are quicker to fade out of the trend spotlight and do not require such an investment. Once you find your pieces, take them to the tailor for a proper custom fit that will create an instant smart look that will look far costlier than it actually was.

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Casual, indoors

From left to right: John Varvatos, Viktor & Rolf, Gucci, Trussardi 911

The trend: Fun, basic styling with a slightly restrained feel.

Why wear it: There is no need to go bananas over $300 t-shirts or cardigans; you can find the building pieces to these looks in vintage shops across the land which is lucky for the style savvy man – these looks will be obtained far more affordably while still keeping with current trending.

How to style: Simplicity is the key; a basic pant with a t-shirt or button up layered with a cardigan, sweater or blazer will do. You may want to add a scarf if the weather chills, though that is by no means a requirement. Avoid loud colors and patterns, especially together. This season is about subtlety, strutting.

When to spend: Honestly, unless something truly awesome catches your eye, don’t bother buying much new casual clothing this season. It’s really not necessary to create the looks you’re after and leaves funds for wining and dining.

When to thrift: If you’re in need of a casual style boost; thrifting would be my prescription. Oversized image t-shirts, thick knit cardigans and blazers are easy finds at most vintage shops, and thoroughly affordable.

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Uncasual, indoors

From left to right: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Gucci, Loden Dager, Z Zenga

The trend: Smart looks that can be recycled throughout the wardrobe.

Why wear it: It’s about being smart and unconventionally classic.

How to style: Keep the look crisp with one standout piece that keeps things interesting. This could be something as loud as the Gucci leopard print sweater (seen above), or a piece that follows the current geometric shape trend as the Z Zenga button up. Choose pieces that suit scream your style, and flaunt your personality. Matching these normally casual items with an outfit build with an uncasual base will keep your visual exciting, yet appropriate.

When to spend: Treat yourself to a well made briefcase and/or messenger bag if you can afford to. A bag can be worn with any outfit (which creates maximized usability) and having a sharp briefcase is a sure fire way to boost up your professional look in an instant. Even if you’re wearing all vintage, a smart, high quality accessory will instantly give you a visual level up… people may even assume you’re buying everything new!

When to thrift: Since you can mash louder pieces perhaps not traditionally associated with a formal look, daring items you already own can be plucked out of what you already own. Since 80s pieces were all about loud self involvement, thrifting is an excellent way to procure some of these items if you’re lacking while still remaining on budget.

***

Casual, out of doors

From left to right: Band of Outsiders, Lanvin, Libertine, Pringle of Scotland

The trend: Low key, low maintenance masculine style.

Why wear it: What fellow wouldn’t like the sounds of low maintenance style?! Really, now. The layering minimalist trend is a prime chance to get creative with perhaps only three or four pieces at once, rather than have multiples get loaded on your silhouette. The look is cleaner, crisper and has a look of effortless debonair.

How to style: A smart fitting blazer or coat is key to this look; be sure that you already have cardigans, trousers, denim and a scarf or two that will compliment the patterns and coloring of them. One great point about this look is its flexibility with footwear; from boots to brogues and trainers, it does not matter which you prefer – all will work.

When to spend: Grab yourself a pair of super warm woolly gloves (possibly fingerless), bright socks and [if you wear them] a new pair of glasses. These are things you can’t (or shouldn’t) find used – it also helps that gloves and socks can be fairly inexpensive depending on the brand and merchant.

I suggest a new pair of specs because if you wear them often, they will make you feel like your whole wardrobe is done and over with, even if you are wearing something new. New frames make you look entirely refreshed and up to the moment; if you have medical that allows for a new purchase, take advantage!

When to thrift: Blazers, trousers, scarves (both silk and wool) can be thrifted with relative ease. If you’re particularly in luck you may be able to get some lace up stomper boots or a smart pair of brogues… keep your eyes peeled for footwear in your size. Saving money on shoes is an excellent way to maintain a budget and stay sharp, trust me.

***

Uncasual, out of doors

From left to right: Band of Outsiders, Moschino, Robert Geller, Ann Demeulemeester

The trend: As we saw in ‘casual out of doors’, the going look is a dapper minimalist.

Why wear it: There is always an office or an event that one must look their effortless best in – style yourself sharply and simply to get that visual edge. 

How to style: The uncausal man is very basic this coming season; you need a few solid pairs of slacks, tailored blazers, crisp oxfords (iron!) and the required fall accessories of leather gloves and a few scarves.  This season isn’t the time for ostentatious looks – keep things in control.

If you feel the need to spunk things up, don’t go too loud.  The pinstripe Moschino slacks are an ideal example of this; they are professional, clearly of quality and don’t create a caricature of you.  Try to keep things down to one statement piece per look and you will come out beautifully.

When to spend: If you’re lacking a pair of black leather dress shoes (and can’t find a scuff free pair thrifting), treat yourself to a pair.  Check local boutiques for sales (they’re rampant at the moment), since black brogues are sold throughout all seasons – that way, you may actually get a designer pair on the cheap.

When to thrift: Find yourself a vintage hat in good condition to replace your fall beanie.  It’s all about looking the part of a dapper professional – ditch the scrubs (comfortable as though they may be), and lead the way with style.  Quality gloves and scarves are also fairly easy to locate in vintage shops as well; plus any leather you buy will already be broken in as a bonus.

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Denim

From left to right: D&G, William Rast, D&G, William Rast

The trend: Worn, broken in denim that is roomier than past seasons.

Why wear it: A worked over pair of denim is an easy way to give a simple outfit depth and contrast; plus this means you can recycle older pairs. Dark indigo denim is also capable of being dressed up – one of its defining characteristics that separates it from the rest of its casual family.

How to style: If you’re layering, don’t over-style; you don’t want multiple statement pieces fighting for attention unless you’re really sure of your closet’s arsenal. Keep things clear of complication with a clean silhouette – if you’re rocking denim with rip or bleaching embellishments, don’t mess around with a loud t-shirt or button up.

Alternatively, if your jeans are of the posh straight off the line variety, get creative with season appropriate colors and patterns to balance out your look.

When to spend: If you’re lacking a quality pair of dark, raw denim, invest in a pair (such as these Filippa K’s, $225 US). Don’t you dare allow yourself to buy a pair of newly acid treated jeans for more than $80 (the standard price for a pair of AMAP‘s). If you find the leg to be too wide, have them tailored to suit.

When to thrift: Anything ripped, discolored or shredded can be procured from a vintage shop. There is no need whatsoever to be throwing down money for something that looks like it’s been worn by a sawmill worker for 15 years. If you can’t find a specific pair that suits your fancy, shred em yourself. You mayn’t get the thin tendrils of cotton, but DIY is all the rage this season. Take advantage of it.

It’s a curious thing to be marketing to youngsters; lamé leggings aren’t considered typical kids clothing.  It seems that  American Apparel has taken their designs for adults and created mini versions  – for a not so pint size price.

The kid sized lamé leggings, for instance, will cost you a grand $35 (the adult version is only $11 more).  The same story goes for the little gingham button up – it’s $47, and a similar adult oxford shirt is $27 more.

I get the appeal of kids dressing like wee adults (it’s the best way to design children’s ranges), but this kind of pricing for what you’re buying is insane.

Have you seen any youngsters rocking the AA of late? I haven’t, though I partially blame Vancouver for largely being a lot of  style challenged lovers of yogawear and Crocs.