The large lunged Florence Welch, singer of hipster runaway favorite Florence and the Machine, appears on Interview‘s October cover.  Interview has created a delightful red stripe and splatter logo and text design (which is intriguing as the text takes the place of Florence’s raging red hair), and appears to have dressed her in a Balmain blazer (of course) and a flouncy blouse.  Everything looks lovely, except what they’ve done to her face.

That, my friends, is some excellent putty face – not a pore to be seen!  If you’re wanting a reminder as to what Flo usually looks like above the neck, check this out.

The black Hellraiser loafers were intense, but now we have the pepto pink version of the Hellraisers.  I’m still unsure as to whether or not I could actually wear pink shoes, but I think these are one that I may actually take a chance on.

At $165, these are a killer deal for some seriously stabby kicks, not to mention that the loafer is the hottest flat of the season. What are you waiting for?!

The trench is a classic, flattering for all, so what could be better than that?! Think a design copy of the traditional trench, only made with wool – warm, weather hardy and delightfully heavy fabric for fending off the chills.

My favorite is Topshop’s long multistitch trench, a steal at $240 and a wonderful caramel color.  After all, it’s the panels and the lines on the body the design creates that makes this piece a winner, not just the length and price.  Burberry’s military style is perfect if you’re in budgetary Nirvana (ie. spendy), though Scotch & Soda’s olive style conveys a similar, more stripped down military feel.

J. Crew’s Townhouse is a decidedly more throwback seventies style with its camel coloring.  Last of all is Thakoon Addition’s utility trench, the most masculine of the group with its near collarless design and contrast pockets.  While the Burberry is divine,  I can’t get over the Topshop – as a tall girl, this is the obvious choice.

The season of plaid is here, and I’m getting into plaid on plaid once again.  Like any pattern on pattern, it’s a tricky dance to get your colors and flattering when you’re doing a mix like that. When mixing a tartan, it’s advisable to have at least a single color in common between both plaids, or you’ll get into more stenior mixing territory.

In order to avoid being a suit-like style, avoid your top and bottom being of plaid.  Below, I have a blazer and loafers in the pattern, while the right style features a draped skirt and scarf.  Basically, the patterns need a buffer, or they’re going to battle.

For the left style, we have a lovely red McQ blazer layered with a grey Reiss tank, SuperTrash jeans and Christian Louboutin Rollergirl loafers.  Layer with a standard wrap Bruns Bazaar scarf, brown Rag & Bone hat for an excellent fall explorer look.  Karen Walker Helter Skelter sunnies and contrasting purple leather Labour of Love gloves complete the look.

For the right style, Madewell’s cable knit sweater is an extremely cozy (and affordable) find, which goes incredibly well with the Ingles Buchan scarf and Vivienne Westwood skirt.  A bit of brown leather blends incredibly well with the colors in the tartans, which bodes well for H&M’s gloves and the Rag & Bone hat.  Linda Farrow’s sunglasses are a lovely touch, as well as Alexander McQueen’s amazing low moto booties.

Pearls are traditional, feminine accessory, but let’s toss all of that out the window.  Enter pealrs as an accent and not the main style; you’ll have some with animal influence as pearl strands with gold chicken feet or  bee earrings by Delfina Delettrez, to pearls accenting a traditionally utilitarian piece such as a bag by Valentino.

Pieces that are less left field and more to a traditional design include a rosary style San Benito Magdalena necklace, multi strand Erickson Beamon cuff and Ugo Cacciatore’s Pearl Foliage cocktail ring.

NY based jewelry designer Chris Habana’s pieces are back on sale on Prive! These are sublime gothic acessories at an ace discount.

Check out the All Saints bracelet ($65 from $180), Nailed Bar necklace ($76 from $160), Cross ring ($52 from $105) and the rad geometric shapes collections available.

All pieces range from $32 to $116, and can be shipped from within Canada to anywhere in the world.

Need access to Prive? Grab an invite now!

Before this moment I’d have said that plain ‘ol Uggs or Crocs were the ugliest shoes in the world (after all, there’s such thing as sequin covered Uggs), but I was so so wrong.  These are Mou ‘Antelope Cowboy boots’; basically Uggs with a layer of fur instead of sheep skin.  Oh, and they’re $400.

Maybe possibly the ugliest boots in the world? And I thought that I’d seen it all..

Alexander McQueen’s knuckle duster clutches have been phoenixed to death, but now we’ve got an affordable knock off that actually looks like a decent bag.  It’s UK label Religion’s knuckle duster, a more rectangular shaped piece, mirroring the exclusive-to-McQueen.com grey studded version of the bag.

Religion is famous for knocking off Rick Owens and Balmain-esque designs (among others), so it’s no surprise they’re dipping into the iconic McQueen favorite for their high street pirhanas.  Roughly $1,974 less, Religion’s piece makes the look attainable if you’re wanting a disposable version of the look.

PS. Vancouverites: you can acquire this piece in person (black color) at El Kartel on Granville Street for $139

Vancouver Fashion Week is an event that occurs twice a year, despite planning and execution flaws one could drive a Coast Mountain bus through.  It’s a humiliation of our struggling style scene, and an insult to professionals and those within the community fighting to support those with quality labels attempting to make a living while working within Vancouver.

My 2009 breakdown of Vancouver’s fashion week issues remains true years later, whilst ever-present blunders as shows being filled with unfit models and badly designed labels continues to occur.  As one who is a noted crusader against VFW continuing, I’ve come across Vancouver Fashion Weak, an established blog to bring down the VFW enterprise.  After seeing what they have to offer, concerns with how this website is being run and how they have chosen to execute their argument have surfaced within myself, prompting this response.

There are there three overall concerns, all of which have me convinced that Vancouver Fashion Weak is facilitating more harm than help, illustrated below.

Poor execution

When one rallies against a poorly executed event, ensuring the highest quality critique is released should be paramount.  When taking offense to an event, taking the time to create an intelligent, fact driven, concise, professional assessment is essential.    Vancouver Fashion Weak has shown itself to be none of these things.

They have spammed members of the media community, not bothering to form a written request as to why they are being contacted, and as a coup de grace have not BCC’d the mailing list.  Not only is this group ensuring they are respected just as much as VFW itself, but they are insulting those being contacted with their pitiful attempt at communication.

Aside from one original writeup which reads more as a personal vendetta towards the director of VFW [whether this is true or not is moot], and is supported by a number of public polls at the bottom.  This effort translates as misguided, amateur and damages Vancouver just as much as when VFW takes advantage of an intern, or is accused or workplace exploitation.

Even worse, there are accusations within the text that are not substantiated.  I do not disagree with these accusations, though it is very dangerous and rather thoughtless to pointedly accuse someone of workplace exploitation, or other similar infractions.  It’s one thing to have first person accounts from accusers or sharing your own experiences, but setting yourself up for a slander suit is entirely another.

Hiding behind a URL

Criticisms are powered by the identities behind them. When I originally spoke out against VFW in 2009, I stood behind my opinions despite knowing there would be a group divided.  When you officiate your statement with your identity, a stand is taken and your cause is validated.  We are not acting within a community wherein harm would come if your identity is disclosed, so pluck up some courage and attach your name to your attack.

They’ve become part of the problem

When you are doing more harm than good, you’ve become part of the problem.  Instead of providing firsthand accounts filled with factual proof of VFW’s shortcomings, Vancouver Fashion Weak has opted to chew the cud of irresolution, unwilling to take a real stand against perceived industry injustice.

Vancouver Fashion Week does need [at minimum] acquire new administration, though there is no way an effort such as this would inspire such changes.  I’m all for getting the word out, but let’s execute the effort with more style, grace and effort.

More than ever, I believe you can’t fight Week with Weak.

I’m breaking into the world of dressing in girlier clothing, and finding it a rather fun challenge to offset these types of dresses and skirts with androgynous pieces.  My newest obsession is clothing fit for a lady, and bastardizing them.  Fancy dresses with bike boots and knit socks, ripping hems, that sort of thing.

I’m really loving the three limited edition Topshop dresses below; the embroidered tee, spot mesh mirror and scallop dresses are just the thing for building smashing looks.  For pieces like this which is are all $350 and showcases clear detailing care, they’re a must buy(remember, holiday party season is coming up in just a few months!)

I often peruse Solestruck for gems, there are times when I come across a shoe that tickles my brains.  These Minimarket Frigg flatforms have had me squinting sideways – invisible flatform monk shoes with a rabbit fur panel on top?!

Minimarket has left me wondering if this is a shoe only a fashion blogger could love; I think it’s one of those so-ugly-it’s-fascinating-so-I’ll-buy-it type of scenarios.  For a few people, anyways.

It’s tempting to get monochromatic or dark during fall, but it’s really all about rich colors. Rich oxblood, mustards, teals, purples, reds – all of these are striking on their own, and powerful together.  While most won’t be wearing them together like I’ve showcased below, this is a fair example of the extremes of styling with colors in fall.

I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from Topshop; their pieces happened to be exactly what I was looking for – the right colors, prices and cut styles.  I was particularly impressed by the dot blazer and cropped trouser pieces, which provide depth while not going overboard with patterns.

These styles are full of styles of the moment; an oxblood leather tee, mustard suede loafers, oxblood lace ups and a mustard knee length skirt.  Velvet is also a definite textile of the moment; Paul & Joe’s tuxedo blazer is a beautiful one, though outerwear of this type can also be easily thrifted.  Colored leather gloves like Portolano’s teal quilted and All Gloves’ oxblood styles are also something to take a peek for in your local vintage shops if saving some dollars is the order of the day.

We can’t forget Weekday’s incredible amythest hued crop top.  Since Weekday is an offshoot of Cheap Monday, expect similar modern Swedish cuts and very reasonable pricing.  As for accessories, layer with bold necklaces as ABS’ crystal cross, Rodarte x Opening Ceremony’s sunglasses and Gucci’s teal fedora are perfect finishers.

Dalmatian print is the biggest print of the FW11 runway season, and for good reason.  Dalmatian print is the print of eccentrics, and not only due to it’s Disney parallels – those  with an eccentric streak will love this unconventional pattern.

I really love the taupe base dalmatian prints; light neutrals are a much easier color base to mix and match with, and whites show any discoloration.  Pieces along this style line are Topshop Unique’s trench, Open Ceremony x Doc Martens’ Darcie, along with the leather and print laptop bag and duffle bag.

For the more traditional black and white motif, Sonia Rykiel’s skirt and button up top.  Topshop’s Manney loafers are very affordable at $60, while Dolce & Gabbana’s classic pumps are perfect for the day to day eccentric luxist.  Top off with Eddie Borgo’s bracelet for a new way to wear spikes, and you’re good to go.

Pony hair footwear is perfect for those fans of all-black-everything; hair provides a little texture to your look and is appearing on all sorts of styles.  If you want to get a little hairier in formal wear, check out Walter Steiger’s oxford ankle boot, or Opening Ceremony’s Stefania 1 for a little more funk (which also happen to be on sale!).  For the flat fan, basic hair loafers from Sam Edelman and Aldo.

For the casual bootie fan, Steve Madden’s Damiann, LD Tuttle’s lace up, Opening Ceremony’s clog boots and Sigerson Morrison’s heeled booties are excellent for everyday wear.  While these are all solid styles, demiCouture’s favorites are clear; the affordable street standout is AllSaints’ Damisi update and Mr Hare’s hairy Chelsea boot is my official if only selection.

I’ve come to truly love Rag & Bone over the last few months, especially due to my acquiring the Moto II boots.  While the quality of these pieces are incredibly high, many cannot afford the plus five bill price tag of R&B.  For those who are into the style and still want a piece of the Wessex boot look, Topshop’s Ale boots are just the thing.

Joe Fresh continues to have a basics presence in my collection; I’ve been wearing a $12 stripe tank dress I bought from one of their first collections for about four years, and continue to be able to find highly appropriate and easily integrable with other higher priced items.

I was flipping through the Joe site earlier, and noticed that there are a few items of special note.  Oxblood is such a hot color right now, and Joe has a pair of skinny jeans in the shade for an excellent $39.

Pea coats have been a integral part of my fall looks for years, and just when I happened to be looking for a new piece (the lining in my old one is shredded), which Joe has for $99.

Matching a heavier piece like that with knit accessories as the marble scarf, knit toque and long gloves aren’t going to gain you any points for extreme dressing, but everyone needs pieces like this in their arsenal.  After all, they’re called basics for a reason.

The metallic leather brogues are fun, but not a new piece – Joe seems to know what works for them and phoenixes certain designs.  We first saw the brogue in a white version a few years back, then into silver and gold.  Perhaps next year we will see multi color designs more akin to Vivienne Westwood style..one can only hope.

Toss the bull; here are the cold facts: MSN Travel and GQ has [correctly] named Vancouver the worst dressed Canadian city and 3rd worst dressed city in the world. The excerpt below is quite apt.  So yes, we deserve this for every pair of Lulus (and their knockoffs), fuggs and crocs.

There is one reason, and one reason only, why we’ve decided to include Vancouver on this list of the sartorially damned: yoga pants. We blame you, Vancouver, birthplace of a certain, insanely popular yoga gear brand which will go unnamed, for spawning a street trend dreaded by all women with wobbly bits and fat deposits in the wrong places. Really, what gives with the whole wearing of bum hugging workout gear to every other place except the gym? On behalf of women with hips and thighs everywhere, who like their pants to have buttons and zippers thank you very much, and who are of the opinion that yoga pants are a ruse worn by lazy pseudo-fashionistas, we beseech you: unless you plan to do a downward dog within the hour, spare us the yoga pants and put on some real trousers .

Vancouver, you shame yourself.

Neck warmers are no longer only knitted, but made of skins.  Many fur pieces [including the Fendi piece shown] are appearing as seperates versus only a removable muffler of sorts to winter jackets.

Leather scarves adnd neck warmers are also creeping in boutiques; my favorite being Odyn Vovk’s style, priced much less than the average fur piece at $115.

Cap toe boots and shoes are the newest addition to the hot footwear community.  Caps are mostly showing up on boots, though there are some ballets and the other flats, like the Louboutin Rollergirl loafers.  Two of the shiniest boots out right now are Etro’s sky high and Shakuhachi’s flat combat.

Keep your eyes peeled for more, and watch how your cap toe is created (if you’re getting a cheap plastic or imitation metal dip, that will rub off and destroy the look of your shoes!)

They’re cheap, fugly, and smell bad – this is the official call for death to faux leather leggings! These are also commonly called the ‘wet look’ legging; not matter if they’re sticky in appearance, matte or lizard print (the worst!), I have some bad news for you.. your leggings must die.

If you’re really into the black legging thing, acquire a fabric style, or just bite the bullet and get a leather pair.  They’ll wear better, last longer than a few months and are actually going to look good.

Remember, it looks like you’re wearing a liquid tire on your legs when the legging is polyurethane; it’s not cute.