If you’re thinking this is a new version of the Tick by Jeffrey Campbell, you would be wrong – it’s actually a peep toe wedge by Topshop.
These are the Addison wedges, and they are delightfully neutral, suede for a summer look and is fit to create you into a towering valkyrie even if you’re currently sitting at 5″5.
It’s also worth to note the rounding up on the foot bed to make the shoe easier to walk in; it’s more ergonomic and even at 4.5 inches added,
They aren’t super cheap, but at $160 you’re going to get a solidly built wedge – hi fives for Topshop!
For those so over the skinny trouser but unwilling to compromise that pencil silhouette they provide, these are the bottoms for you.
Jodhpurs are the ideal bottom for SS and FW10; the wider thigh is comfortable, provides an alternative silhouette and are an ideal alternative to drop crotch styles.
If that wasn’t enough,tThe waist pleats complete the detailing of the design, and leg tapering isn’t so incredibly tight that one would feel like a try hard with them on. Are these not mana from Swedish heaven?
If one must wear sweats, than Aiko are the sweats to wear. Aiko studs, bleaches, drapes and perforates; exactly the opposite one would expect for a fabric akin to loungewear.
Embellished sweats are the ideal casual wear as long as they are cut well. Note the cropped bleach Zee top ($132) and the studded Exene sweatshirt ($396) – they are flattering to the shape of the body, ideal for comfortable layering and are a current cut and style.
The power studded shoulder Klaus vest ($198) and the Edo tunic ($258) are favorites for their clever cuts and on-trend embellishments. If you’re into sassy lounge wear with that 2010 twist, Aiko has the collection you must get your butt into.
Justin Theroux is in Paris Fashion Week to research the antics and eccentricities of the well dressed world, which means that the inevitable is occuring – after 9 years, there will be a Zoolander sequel.
Ben Stiller is reportedly not directing but is co-writing with Theroux, who will have sole directorial responsibilities along with writing with Stiller. I can’t even imagine how this movie would be comparably funny to the original. Zoolander was hilarious because of its film firsts; nobody had quite lampooned the fashion industry or models quite like that before.
Without its freshness or originality, this sequel is predictably doomed for the straight to DVD racks while a legion’s worth of cult fan base emo sighs in unison.
Besides, how could Le Tigre or Blue Steel be topped, and will the cast that made the film what it was remain intact?
Swim suits, like everything else, has taken a sharp turn to the glorious nineties. I’m not referring to Kurt’s garage rock flannel, but more of a Zach Attack steeze – yep, we’re talking about Saved by the Bell inspired bathing suits.
Tavik has designed a collection of swimwear directly correlating with the show, with the entire range priced at $51 – 150. Fabrics have been designed to evoke memories of the title sequence and The Max; bright base colors with scratch designs and contrasting color blocking [check it close up].
While I was not one of the crowds that approved of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, you have to give credit when credit is due. That credit belongs to USA Today; an American news outlet that has taken the time to spotlight deserving Vancouver design talent and report back to their vast audience.
This Saturday (February 27th), a favorite designer of mine will also be featured on the Today Show; look out for Henderson Dry Goods. Alex Henderson creates accessories and oddities using laser cut [and laser etched] American walnut. I have a multitude of pieces myself, and can attest to their durability. Without giving away her technique, trust the fact that these pieces that only look brittle can bend, be dropped and still remain intact! While we don’t know who else will be featured amongst Henderson, I can only assume that it will be once again an excellent crop of local talent to showcase.
It is an incredible help when America gives us a big red, blue and white opposable thumbs up to scores of potential customers since their consumer base is much more vast and varied than Canada’s alone. Whether you realize it or not, you likely prefer to support locally owned businesses and trust media sources from your country over those of a foreign nation. Having support of American outlets now reinforces the shopper’s subconscious that purchasing pieces from this designer is almost ‘recommended by the nation’.
I can’t speak for the other media outlets in town, but Today, you’re a-OK!
Elise Øverland is a favorite those who love all things rock, edgy and leather clad. If you missed out on the show, check out the video of the Mercedez-Benz NY Fashion Week runway.
While in NY I spent a snippet of time in Brooklyn, most of that time being in Old Hollywood in Brooklyn. This incredibly special shop carries some of the most unique pieces by unknown designers.
Most pieces are of American origin, and all are incredibly spunky and refreshing. The animal rings initially caught my eye while in the shop; I ended purchasing a massive lion ring (since it reminded me of the Chronicles of Narnia) and the holy molars necklace by Schmutzerland.
While visiting New York, I stumbled upon a undeniable trend when it came to footwear – all the boots were not leather, but fabric, most often canvas.
I acquired a pair of grey denim combats from Alter in Brooklyn, and can’t get over the look and feel of them. Everywhere I wear canvas boots, people are looking down – if you’re looking to snatch some new kicks, canvas is the SS10 material of choice.
Doc Martens has assured this trend with their new floral boots in the classic Dr. 8 eyelet boot ($120). If you swing into this trend, don’t forget to water seal your new pieces or you will learn the hard way like I did… I ended up Scotch Guard-ing my right boot about 8 times to get a stain out.
It’s the season of the Canadian suit, and UK retailer Oasis is providing us with exceptional pieces to outfit ourselves in the finest [reasonably priced] denim we can acquire.
Denim is not only catching on the high street but on the runways – Henry Holland has featured his recent collab with Levi’s on his FW10 models and Topshop Unique’s SS10 range has been wrought with denim. The best part of these pieces is they don’t look forced; the design is basic, and the material does the rest of the work. All prices in CA, exchanged from UK.
This is reportedly an actual bag that has been created as part of Chanel’s homage to China.
If this is a real Chanel creation, I’m a bit boggled – the bag itself is incredibly tacky on its own, and evokes thoughts of many Chanel fakes that actually come out of China.
Either way, this is like the Louis Vuitton trash bags… they’re either brilliant or utterly moronic.
Thursday February 25th 2010, 9:52 am
Filed under: 2010, Sales
With the perils of this world seeming deadlier by the day, designers, celebrities and activists from left, right and everywhere in between are getting on board.
Even taking into consideration all the time, effort and talent involved in these activities, somehow we only see graphic images being pumped out from these designers. While it’s excellent that they have even donated their time, it would be a lauded change if more than a printed t-shirt or tote bag that you will wear once and toss onto the pile at home.
A prime example of this success would be Jimmy Choo PEP; a special collection that was designed to raise awareness of the time a rape victim has to begin HIV antivirals before possible infection and support of the rape center itself in South Africa. This was an incredibly successful campaign that provided unique items that are guaranteed to remain in regular wardrobe rotation, and not simply excess material doomed to the back of the closet pile.
While a capsule collection with a high street would be preferable for a higher customer inclusion rate, even the Choo PEP range had items that non-affluents could afford to spring for.
With the recent earthquake in Haiti (and the positive world response), there would be many designers that would be willing to offer a hand or two in actually designing pieces to sell for relief benefit.
Wednesday February 24th 2010, 3:39 pm
Filed under: 2010, technology!
As of tomorrow, Superstore’s l’enfant merveilleux range Joe Fresh launches their new website and iPhone app.
New website features include a blog, daily style polls, and downloadable widgets. The iPhone app, dubbed The Shaker, you choose a main item and shake the phone to mix and match the piece with other Joe Fresh items.
Remember to check out Joe Fresh’s new website (still at JoeFresh.ca) to have a chance to win $500 in Joe products.
We may have once thought that the Jeffrey Campbell Potion or Photo boots were the closest we could get to the Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony originals, but we were wrong.
Behold the Genius – it is a Western inspired buckle boot nearly identical to the Sevigny original. Unlike anything you find at Opening Ceremony, this boot isn’t scarily priced; the Genius tallies in at $170 US.
Jeffrey Campbell has also released a brown and khaki green version; perfect for the very service friendly trends of SS10.
The extreme wedge is incredibly hot, and the wrap around ankle ties finish off what is already an incredible piece. If this is the future of Fluevog design, they are taking themselves into a delicious and [very] profitable direction!
Agyness Deyn has let the cat out of the bag concerning what she’s been doing for the last year (since she certainly wasn’t modeling). ‘Ol Aggy has been crossing over into film territory, stepping into the heels of an actress and the dresses of a 1930s glamor girl.
The short film is just over 20 minutes long, is entitled Mean to Me and is directed by Peter McGough. For those clothing curious, the piece features designs by Zac Posen.
It’s been some time since the first fashion bloggers jumped the shark and started to take seats from industry people – up until now, nearly every perceptive online personality would have felt push back from the industry, though for varied reasons. Fashion bloggers are arriving at events (particularly Fashion Weeks) in hordes; taking seats, drinking free bubbly, generally mobbing what has until fairly recently been a stately affair for the elite and rousing much annoyance from printed media.
Crowd journalism has assaulted the fashion world in every sense, and now the great debate of how to tame the green masses is taking place. Who should be allowed access? What criteria should they meet as a writer, and what qualifies an independent writer as a competent one? These are but a few questions event presenters and PR groups are now forced to tackle, and with no precedent and a wave of aggressive young opinionists banging at their door, things have gotten tense and resentment is growing.
Some may argue that print or corporate run media is the only legitimate form of journalism, to which I can’t agree (even if I subtract my own bias). The question is not which form of media is more appropriate, it is the level of journalism caliber to take under consideration. The heaviest mistake the world has made has been to hold bloggers to zero standards; anyone can have their thoughts published online, and therefore being published you are to be given credentials to certain events and taken as seriously as a professional.
Being a personality does not qualify as a credential. An online persona is usually quick to catch on, but with speed brings shallow attention and credibility. If a blogger is not writing to engage their audience in a manner beyond visual statements (think “what I’m wearing today” blogs), they are engaging in elementary communication and therefore cannot reasonably expect to be treated as equals to professional media.
This is not to say these sites have no value, they do, though on a completely different plane of industry relevancy and usage. Printed media holds writers to an editorial standard, and writers create to provoke thought and discussion; this is the very basis of media itself. If a blogger provides no, or so little written content that the reader must assume the majority of the blogger’s points, the piece is valueless.
Times are such that those vying for an event invite should not be insulted when media kits, writing samples, (etc) are requested of them. If one intends to apply for a job, one provides a CV and cover letter; applying for event credentials should be no different. Every label, designer and PR house must decide their own admission requirements; but once this is decided their acceptance creed will assist themselves working to create an effective pack of media which will ensure the label is profitable enough to continue as a business. When website stats and language caliber are called out, this eases the application process, and identifies those whom require more time to hone their skills.
If accreditation requirements are raised, the quality of product produced by these independents will be higher and the product will be [increasingly] polished, professional. Competition between independents will be healthy and inspire higher skills to become the norm; a state that will only increase individual and corporate productivity regarding all instances of blogger communication. Those who attack professionals for treating them as second class citizens should be appalled, yet take it on the chin and increase quality – get angry and prove that your website should have a presence at the event.
Not only will this practice increase respect of the blogging community that are included in events, but the creation of ego monsters will be avoided. Praise for content will be deserved, and these individuals will already be equipped to build their brand in the presence of professionals before they step into the spotlight.
At the end of all debates, a blogger’s website is about personal taste, spunk, and a quality product. If even one of these qualities are missing, it’s time to go back to the proverbial drawing board and can that sense of entitlement.
Tuesday February 23rd 2010, 10:49 am
Filed under: 2010, diffusion
Target may have found their perfect diffusion match with Liberty of London. Liberty’s loud prints rely on fabric as an art rather than high level construction; an ideal design mantra for a Target range.
Seeing the pieces on a body secures my belief that this will be one of the most worthwhile Target diffusion collection yet released, though one has to wonder what kind of fabrics they will be using. If their cottons and faux silk are kind to summer skin, this collection will undoubtedly finish as a top contender in the Target archives.
Peter Jensen has moved beyond his controversial Greenlandic boots of a year ago and created a hybrid world of French APC-esque sensibility, Dutch practicality with an infusion of Scot plaid. If Jensen was designing for the restrictive, budget conscious audience he didn’t show it – this collection was a blend of basics that performed as statement pieces.
These are pieces that anyone can wear, and can be styled in a variety of manners.. a win for shoppers, buyers and the designer. I can’t properly convey how delicious it is to see a forties’ war trouser and sailor cap paired with a vicious fur; it was basic, easy to build and incredibly effective.
If you’re thinking this is a new version of the Tick by Jeffrey Campbell, you would be wrong – it’s actually a peep toe wedge by Topshop.
For those so over the skinny trouser but unwilling to compromise that pencil silhouette they provide, these are the bottoms for you.
Justin Theroux is in Paris Fashion Week to research the antics and eccentricities of the well dressed world, which means that the inevitable is occuring – after 9 years, there will be a 
Swim suits, like everything else, has taken a sharp turn to the glorious nineties. I’m not referring to Kurt’s garage rock flannel, but more of a Zach Attack steeze – yep, we’re talking about 
While in NY I spent a snippet of time in Brooklyn, most of that time being in 
This is reportedly an actual bag that has been created as part of 
As of tomorrow, Superstore’s l’enfant merveilleux range 
We may have once thought that the
Behold, the 
