Monday October 18th 2010, 1:28 pm
Filed under: 2010,Random
If you’ve been shopping around for a place to store your gold doubloons, look no further – it’s a piglet designed for that very task! If you’re a cruelty free fund hoarder, we’ve got great news for you.. these wee piggies are not bumped off for the sake of making a bank, but chosen because nature got the jump on them already.
For a mere $4,000 you can have the privilege of this delightfully macabre home accessory; whether or not you fill his/her innards with bank is up to you. I’m really into this, but I’m thinking a potbelly porker may work out better.. more square inchage in that gut!
Neutral footwear is fall 2010′s new black; neturals jive well with your grays and other darks, but they give your look a sway from the classic. Depending on the shade, you can go from a taupe to light brown and have a completely different effect; toss in distressing, shading and if you’re going with suede or not. There is a jungle of neutral flats out there, but I feel these five are best representational of the styles and price points we have in the wild blue right now.
Soft suedes may not be the most appropriate choices in perpetually damp climates, though Kelsi Dagger’s Nobel bootie is one of those which begs for reconsideration. A light choice for the city slickers, this bootie provides the look of a moccasin and style of a sneaker all for a very reasonable price.
Other suede bandits include the Sperry Top-Sider Bellport boot and Chloé’s suede loafers; these are both wildly on trend, though you can’t get a more opposite pair. While Sperry’s Bellport flirts with a moccasin style as well, Chloé is all about classic looks with their menswear inspired design.
Both Topshop’s Kraft monk and Steve Madden’s Spiffyyare of the brogue family, even if you’re thinking naught due to the buckle. Pilgrim booties may have the crossover buckle, though lack the stitching and punch out detailing – these two are most definitely brogue stars. If you’re loving the Madden laces for that juxtaposing style, slip out thinly cut fabric in any of your current pairs for a cheap ‘n easy look pick-me-up.
Dual zippers, a Chelsea shape and luxurious leathers combine together to create the Steve Madden Valintina boot - a basic shape that finishes a look effectively and subtly.
These boots are just the thing for scampering through soggy lanes, jumping over piles of snow or even avoiding oncoming traffic during a jaywalk (not that I endorse that sort of thing). These boots for the wild and wily run at $290 per pair, and are available in sizes 6 through 11.
Leather harnesses are unbelievably hot this season, and to find a designer that creates amazingly shaped pieces that are affordable is a home run. These harnesses are made by Zana Bayne; they are beautiful, handmade and most are custom cut to order.
Check out this new child label, Vogel10 - they instantly met positive on my radar due to the greys and layered knits. Take a few minutes to explore their lookbook and view a label that is going to be one of your favorites.
The Little Black Dress [LBD] has been a staple since it was invited, and it’s the LBB’s (Little Black Boot) time to shine. The LBB can accent any outfit, any style and be worn by anyone – they are the perfect go to footwear when you’re in a pinch.
If you’re up for an investment, Miu Miu’s platform booties are incredibly timeless, as are Alexander Wang’s Anabelaor the incredibly reasonable Quinn by Michael Kors. These are above all season-less boots, ready for anything at any time of year.. I can’t think of a better basic to have in your closet than a LBB!
Not the label, but literally ‘like the boys’ – we can’t just play favorites for the ladies, now!
Things are strappy for the boys as well, especially due to heavy hitters like Gareth Pugh (scope his elastic suspenders), or accessories from Kris van Assche, like his nappa leather necklace.
For a more wearable day to day look, mix these pieces within your basics; the Pugh suspenders over a tank or button up shirt, Costume National gloves to accent a layered textile look or accessories like the van Assche lanyard with opposing styled pieces.
Thursday October 14th 2010, 7:33 pm
Filed under: 2010,Labels
For those Prada lovers, your clothing is about to get a lot more informative. Prada labels concerning certain textiles made within Scotland, India, Japan and Peru will now be wearing their country of origin.
These label specifications are Prada’s effort to reduce blind globalization of garments and to keep cultural borders alive. The products made within these countries are also central to the cultural roots of the items themselves; kilts from Scotland, traditional chikan embroidery from India, alpaca wool pieces from Peru and denim from Japan.
These are some of the most valued pieces of textile production these countries have to offer, which is exciting in many ways for Prada customers. Now one can be assured that those creating the garments are not only the most qualified, but the most skilled artisans in their respective countries.
FUggs x Jimmy Choo have never been something anyone of any style klout has ever agreed are a good thing, but one would think that Holt Renfrew would have had enough sense to avoid.
FUggs of any sort should not be seen within any respectable retail establishment, never mind Canada’s elite HR! Fie.
If times ever require myself to own a cane, I can only hope that Tami is still in business. Hell, these canes are so fantastic that if I had a spare $6,393 CA I would be ordering all three to have in an umbrella bucket by the door in my apartment – one could call it a type of art installation if done correctly.
Unfortunately, times call for online admiration of these pieces, and they do deserve that. Take a closer look at my three favorites from the set; the owl, cat and Madama; think of them as a handy balance trifecta. I’m thinking of knocking over a bodega (and subsequently busting my ankle) just to have an excuse to rock some serious Tami cane action.
Straps, leather and lots of black are the essence of the bondage subculture, but coincidentally are also traits of current season and SS11 pieces. We’re going from goth to a little more specific, and this look is going to show all the trend fence riders who’s boss.
Of course Mark Fast’s entire SS11 collection is included within this outlook; if you have any doubts, check the runway images.. KAPOW! His luxuriously feminine pieces have transformed into a powerful burst of elegant aggression – these are only for the brave. Aside from Fast, Versus hands us another way of getting strappy through silk with their pleated cutout dress.
It’s not always about the statement dresses, which Alexander McQueen’s exquisite floral engraved ankle boots are clear about. Pieces like this balance sensibilities of hard and soft, which is beautifully pronounced not only by the engraving on the platform and heel, but the shape of them. Caution is the word when it comes to leathery accents; unless you’re to be in near costume, it isn’t advisable to be flippant with your usage of studded cuffs (Burberry’s, for example), leather gloves (opera length, or otherwise) and especially not the ankle tassel.
Today marked the grand opening of Joe Fresh‘s free standing shop on Granville Street, the first of its kind in Canada. First impressions are conflicting; while you immediately recognize aspects of fellow Loblaw owned Holt Renfrew due to interior fixtures by Burdifilek and proper wooden hangars, the front of the boutique assaults you with bright colors of pack away puffer jackets and other less impressive basics typically not merchandised at the front of a store.
It is well known that Joe Fresh has an impressive selection of woman’s clothing, and holds a variance of worthwhile basics and more style driven pieces alike (think the faux leopard coat and knit leggings), after further inquisition the details are more impressive than initally suspected. Brogues, over the knee (for most) boots ($69), hand studded moto boots ($159), faux fur jackets [white and leopard] were the main stars of the boutique, all shoes were constructed with leathers, many with hand detailing.
The faux fur coats were a particular highlight, not only due to their price point ($69) but the quality of the fibers used to imitate genuine furs – they were soft, plentiful and did not clump; all required aspects of a respectable faux fur garment. The boots were of a higher quality than the average high street footwear (Urban Outfitters, H&M), and surprisingly their pricing remained reasonable . Knit and woolen garments found (military style skirts [$39], gloves, leggings [$24]) were all good buys, though none truly stood out as heavily individualistic.
Problems came with the ascending of stairs; particularly with the men’s section, which was really a corner. It is no surprise that the Joe Fresh menswear selection is lackluster at best, though I had some expectations that [like the womenswear selection], the men’s pieces would be more plentiful, with a bit more attention put to the amount and style they provide. The men’s corner was full of two things that unnerved me; block color basics and loads of casual, more sport based styles – two looks that men do not need more of.
The general excuse for the state of the menswear was that Joe Fresh was a ‘primarily woman’s focused brand’ (true), and that the collection will be expanding ‘within the next two years’, or so said the associate in the department. The visiting Loblaws rep assured me that they have the men’s selection on the radar for expansion, though if the design team had put even a fifth of the thought and focus into the menswear that they did in the ladies’, they would have had a much more appropriate range to show off.
Men and women who shop for men in Joe Fresh do not have astronomical expectations for the men’s styles, though when we see a mannequin outfitted with sweat pants and a pea coat, it is cause for concern. The combination of brights, lack of attention to the whole gender’s look and overall questionable styling, it is a curious image that Joe is projecting. While it’s clear that the men’s range would not be an overall bread winning line even if it was amped, more attention needs to be paid for a range that the label stands behind; one can’t have faith in a designer if they can only do one gender justice.
Tuesday October 12th 2010, 11:33 pm
Filed under: 2010,uk
Stellar sounds, incredibly cheap social lubricant (the kind you drink.. pervs!) AND free tickets? This is a VICE sponsored party made for the delightfully mad. If you’re in LDN at the end of this month, you should be requesting tickets ASAP.
WHEN: Friday, October 29th 2010, time to be announced after RSVP WHERE: East London, particulars are privy only to attendees
There are many reasons why the Jeffrey Campbell Lita platform is a beauty of a pick for fall, least of all the marvelous range of fall colors there are available. The Lita is reigning supreme over most every other kick in the blogosphere, and in everyone’s favorite countdown lists.
From suede to distressed leathers, this $160 platform is both affordable and a statement – not bad for that package price! I’m partial to the grey leather, purple suede and khaki olive myself.. which are your faves?
Oak NYC’s A.OK range has just expanded to include some ace house designed leather bags. They come in black and acid white – can you handle it?!
There are two designs released thus far; an all purpose backpack [black, white] and a super durable handbag/cross body design [black, white]. These are large bags made from quality leathers specifically for the Oak NYC A.OK brand, so you’re getting a unique style that will last through style changes and seasonal weather assaults.
The handbag runs at $248 US, while the backpack is $288 – incredibly reasonable for what you’re getting. The holidays are coming, so get these pretties on your want list and try to contain your hype!
It’s time again for Mintage to have their insane-o $1 vintage sale! Exciting times!
For those unaware, everything at this sale is $1. That’s right, one dollar. I’ve heard of some pretty incredible finds surfacing from this sale, so come early as it’s first come/first served.
This is a beauty of a sale for the vintage lovers, eco supporters, those that just really like to recycle and be planet friendly, and the deal hounds will hot to trot.
WHEN: 10 – 11:30 AM (get there super early!) WHERE: Mintage, 1714 Commercial Drive [Googlemap]
Sperry Top-Sider is the original boat shoe brand, and while your summery deck kicks may now be set in your closet, the style is by no means done with till next spring.
These are theCloud Logo boat boots; brown suede, mid calf boot shaft and the Sperry details you know and love – all for $140 US. The coloring, design and overall look of these boots scream fall, and are incredibly comfortable as well. Forget PVC imitations; a proper leather or suede boot is going to last you so much longer, and look amazing while doing it.
Bib necklaces aren’t just beaded and fabric laden, they can be rough and tumble as well.
