Filed under: 2008, Men's Fashion, Trending, Trending, Women's Fashion | Tags: D&G, fall 2008, Fashion!, house of holland, just cavalli, plaid, style, tartan, topshop, trend
The print of the Scots and favoured look of lumberjacks has resurfaced once again, and in a vast selection of colors and piece variations…let’s discuss why this Fall you’ll be mad for plaid.
It’s not all about the skirt. When tartan was previously allotted to only the pleated stereotypical school girl skirt, you can find various brands using the pattern in a range of piece variations. The three pieces below are all found at Topshop. You can work as little (with the waistcoat or the skirt) or as much (concerning the trench) tartan as you feel comfortable with in your daily routine.
Trench, £80.00; Bow Waistcoat, £35; Asymmetric Skirt, £35
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You can be as subtle as you want to be; there’s no obligation to be outrageous! As D&G and House of Holland’s Fall 2008 runway show outlined, there are veriying degrees to which one can wear tartan. One can reduce or increase the public “bam” factor dramatically by reducing the amount of the pattern you wear, in what color and what style you chose to put on.
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Your tartan dosen’t have to stand alone. As we see on the Just Cavalli runway, multi-tartan layering can be pulled off, and it’s not off limits to clash patterns (though I would highly recommend you avoiding animal print and tartan at all costs!) This basically gives you free lisence to be creative and let your freak flag fly…but don’t get too freaky.
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Very little tartan has a mass positive visual effect. As you can see from these skinny suspenders by Urban Outfitters, you can add the smallest amount to a well coordinated outfit and still make a splash.
Skinny Suspenders by Urban Outfitters, $24
Filed under: 2008, Accesories, Accessories, Men's Fashion, Women's Fashion | Tags: 2008, color, luxottica, ray-ban, sunglasses, trend, wayfarer
Ever since the first version of the Wayfarer in the 50s, they have exploded onto the sub-culture and the pop culture scene.
Though mainsteam popularity usually has more of a negative effect on a trend than positive, the trend is reversed with the new additions into the Wayfarer family.
My favourites are the multi colored pair below; with the aqua blue and cream on the arm…they kind of remind me of the old school nerdy 50s look. As with all new Ray-Ban Wayfarers, these babies will put you out approximatley $160 per pair.
Currently they only offer these multi color styles on the newer (and smaller) Wayfarer design; but I have my fingers crossed they will extend these to the larger original Wayfarer lens design. Now if only I could afford them all…
Filed under: 2008, Accessories, Trending, Women's Fashion | Tags: 2008, Accessories, androgynous, androgyny, boyish, essentials, fall, fur, military, style, tights, trend, Trending, trends, wardrobe, women
- Fur
All moralistic arguments aside, fur is the ultimate fall wardrobe accouterment. Fur gives us back to times or raw survival; before side-walk stomping through your own urban jungle became sport. Get raw with your look this season, and get fur on your back.
For all you with a heavy pelt conscious (or those wise a wise head who are looking for a deal), you can still get very nice vintage fur at far more of a decent price whilst avoiding the killing of a more recent vermin.
The easiest way to work in a little fur is a pelt around the neck, while other bolder choices can range from collars to full-on coats in various colors.
(Left, Peter Som; Center, Alexander McQueen; right, Marithe & Francois Girbaud)
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- Cheeky tights
Tights are one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to amp up the potential doldrums of a fall closet full of neutrals and muted tones. Rather than neons from summer, make a transition into fall subtlety with jewel tones that play nice with grays.
The all-over jewel tone may be a little too intense once we enter fall completely, but it would be appropriate to mark the shift into the pre-fall season. Do yourself a favor and ensure your legs are in shape to be highlighted; since eyes will be drawn to them.
Tights like these are easily and cheaply procured from your local American Apparel. The mustard ones are on my to-purchase list for this weekend!
(Left, Proenza Shouler; Center, Moschino; right, Luisa Beccaria)
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- Gloves
If you haven’t already amassed a healthy glove collection, you’d best begin now. Besides protecting the hands, gloves give your look a strong boost. Even with a summery dress shown below from the Thakoon runway is given an easy fall edge with cropped leather gloves and dark tights.
Lanvin also shows a more intense look to work with when the colder weather brings a colder look.
(Left, Lanvin; right, Thakoon)
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- Borrow from the 19th century
I’m in my glory. Collars, double breasted jackets, back combed perms and leather boots ruled the runway for a certain two designers. This is a tad reminiscent of Dolce & Gabbana’s 2006 love affair with cherubs in militia, but with a bit of a softer turn.
2008 sees less brass, with the exception of the necessary buttons; with fabric taking part where metal used to rule the day.
To work this into your wardrobe on a budget, visit your local vintage shoppe for some full skirts and fitted jackets with large buttons. Layering a shirt with a tied ascot collar and puff sleeves will achieve the effect with minimal cost to you.
You can also chose to re-work buttons yourself on a jacket that would otherwise be perfect. If you are in or close to Vancouver, Button Button in Gastown is a perfect stop off for the button fiend.
(First two models, Alexander McQueen; last three, Moschino)
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- Being boyish
The runways are still seeing androgynous love walk their way. Tie your looks together with silk ties and scarves. Strong leather belts and shoes are another easy way to showcase this masculine look, though remember to keep cuts and styling streamlined to avoid looking over layered and too frumpy.
Classic male fabrics such as tweed and plaid are also making a noticeable splash on designer’s palettes. Luckily, all these pieces are probably already in your custody.
As this is a very layer-heavy look, be careful when choosing complimentary patterns and fabrics…there’s no such thing as dumpy chic!
(From left to right: Best Western, middle two models; Dolce & Gabbana, left; Ruffian)
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- And the accessories…
These three caught my eye.
The mini trunk on a chain offers a rustic alternative to futuristic shaped handbags and the over-done gigantic leather bag. While the box look is not as practical as one may wish it was, it is unique enough to be a featured piece in an otherwise dull outfit to carry you through the streets of your city.
I fancy the mustard captain hat since it not only offers a splash of [usually] much needed color to your accessories arsenal, but also is a unique alternative to the two main choices designers gave us for fall: back comb insanity or poker straight. Besides that, everyone could use at least a few nutty hats in their collection.
Moschino’s purple button suspenders made it for a number of reasons. I liked the fact that the designers chose to use the traditional button method versus the cheaper looking ‘clamp on’ version, and the patch embroidery gave the often-dull suspenders a bit of life.
Let’s not forgot the actual color! Even without the accompanying violet pant, these suspenders have the potential to give a splash of life to whatever pant you are pairing them with.
(Left, Stella McCartney’s treasure purse; Center, Marc Jacobs’ mustard hat; right, Moschino’s purple button suspenders)
Filed under: 2008, Trending, Women's Fashion | Tags: 2008, 80s, Fashion!, how to wear, leggings, trend, trend death, Trending, Women's Fashion
When I first heard rumblings of the death of leggings, I thought I was a little dismayed. Rather quickly, I realized I had not worn leggings since the summer of 2007; and that I had already so seamlessly made the transition back to tights that I had not even taken notice.
For all of us who invested in this trend, never fear. There’s always a way to work a bit ‘o legging into your wardrobe without looking lost in 2005. Things to keep in brain when dressing:
- Wear boots to cover skin from a cropped legging.
- Wear sheer leggings that look like tights.
- Avoid jean skirts, which (thanks to Abercrombie & Fitch and Lindsay Lohan) became synonymous with the legging look.
- Wear longer leg layers (though closer to the end of Fall, of course!)
Thankfully, not all 80s trend monsters are being caged as of yet. I still fancy American Apparel’s lamé (now re-branded as “shiny”; which is truly lame) leggings for layering and such, but of course they are taking a backseat to other pieces that will be the center of attention.
As this trend phases itself out, we thankfully will be getting rid of the ugly side of leggings; though those images of horror from street side anti-style encounters will likely be branded into your hapless brain for a good many years to come.
Either way, rejoice. Tights are hot, just as multi-colored as leggings, and can be worn with much better effect in combination with open toed shoes while not giving your leg the incredible-shrinking-woman effect.
Huzzah!
(Photo found randomly on the internets)
Filed under: 2008, Men's Fashion, Trending, Women's Fashion | Tags: 2008, house of holland, new rave, nu rave, spring, summer, trend
North America is beginning to get a taste of the Nu Rave kick that the House of Holland began just over a year ago.
While most won’t be running around in not but a too-large H.O.H. t-shirt and green kicks, you can use essences of the Nu Rave look in your daily wardrobe without looking too runway wannabe.
For those unfamiliar with the visual concept of Nu Rave, I direct your eyes to the triple visual below from the House of Holland “One Trick Pony” runway show.
As long as you’ve got loads of brights, block colors, letters sprawled over your body and some truly unique hair, you’ll find yourself rolling with this trend.
I’m not such a fan of the shoes myself, though I’m s
ure if they weren’t £95.00 I’d give ’em a try. I’ve pretty much made up my mind to order the “I’ll Show You Whose Boss Kate Moss” shirt, though it is a scary £50 itself.
As with every trend, the point is to show the highlights of the look, without overkill. When done over the top, Nu Rave brings back some fairly horrifying ecstasy-induce
d flashbacks…avoid at all costs!
For those avoiding $100 t-shirts, you can DIY your own for sure. I wouldn’t recommend direct rip-offs (it’s terribly impolite), but creative interpretations would be a splendid idea.
Coupled with some bright tights or colored denim pants, you’re off to the races! Just try not to have too many contrasting colors that don’t work together, or you’ll end up looking like you got the wrong end of Rainbow Bright purging.
Filed under: 2008, Men's Fashion, Women's Fashion | Tags: 2008, color, colour, spring, summer, trend
You know why winter is so dull…lack of color! As summer is the anti-winter, colors and the anti-dull. Some easy ways to give your closet some kick is to inject some pieces of extreme color. I’ve put together a few options for your consideration below.
Remember, the brighter the better…just don’t go overboard or too garish!
Colored denim, slacks and trousers
Red denim from Paul Smith. Don’t even ask how much they cost.
Colored pants can instantly electrify an outfit with no effort required whatsoever. As long as you’re matching all your colors and can pull off this intense look, you’re good to go and guaranteed to command the eyeballs of every person you walk by!
Other pant choices:
Cheap Monday satin pants in yellow, $65
Slim slack by American Apparel in various colors, $75
Colorful T-shirts
Acid wash t-shirt by American Apparel, $30
Bright t-shirts are an easy layering point for the rest of a potentially monochromatic ensemble. Shirts like the above add a little texture with a treatment like acid wash, as well (yes, it’s back). Stick with the v-necks versus the scoop necks…it’s summer after all!
Other shirt choices:
Lux Color block stripe t-shirt, £28
Colored v-neck by Joe Fresh at Superstore in orange, $8
Stripe pocket v-neck by Joe Fresh at Superstore in yellow/white, $10
Deep v-neck by American Apparel (a range of solid colors), $21
Bright shorts
Anchor button high waisted shorts by Topshop, £28.00
Bright shorts do the same job as colored pants, only with less of a bang (as there is less fabric). They’re a solid choice for warm weather, suited for keeping up the summer mood and keeping cool.
Other shorts options:
Thick knit safari short by American Apparel in ‘gold’, $27
Belt short by Topshop in yellow, £25.00
Cuffed short by Topshop in green, £25.00
Bright dresses
Radiant sundress by Joe Fresh at Superstore, $16
Dresses are useful, as they can be worked in with layering vests, cardigans, sweaters, leggings, tights, everything! My choice color-block dress is the “radiant sundress” by Joe Fresh for a dirt cheap $16.
Other dress choices:
Deep U dress by American Apparel in ‘lapis, $38
Sheer rib scoop neck dress by American Apparel in ‘mint’, $36
Blinding tights and leggings
Opaque pantyhose by American Apparel in various colors (red, above), $16
When it is too hot to rock the colored denim et al, tights or leggings are always an option. These can be just a peek of color out of tall boots and longer shorts or a skirt, or a blast with booty shorts, etc. It’s all up to you. Just remember: leggings/tights are not pants!
Other tight/legging options:
Sparkle & Fade opaque tights by Urban Outfitters in various colors, $12
Opaque footless tights by American Apparel in various colors, $14
Xhilaration tights by Target in ‘jade’, $4
Colored socks
Paul Smith men’s sock in the signature stripe, £14
While Paul Smith socks range from $30-40 a pair, they are by far superior to any other sock I’ve seen. As for solids, I’d suggest the links below.
Other sock choices:
Unisex solid knee-high by American Apparel in various colors, $10
Unisex solid calf-high by American Apparel in various colors, $8
Zig zag stripe sock at Topshop in yellow and grey, £3.00
Polka hearts ankle sock at Topshop in blue and red, £3.00
Bright undies
Baby rib men’s brief by American Apparel in various colors, $15
No man is complete without a multitude of colorful undergarments. End of story. Women have enjoyed this type of underwear for years, and now it’s the boys turn to celebrate the joy of having bright, eye-popping unmentionables. American Apparel has more colors than you have space to store, so pick your favourites and wear your superior underwear with pride.
Other undie options:
Cotton/spandex boy breif for girls by American Apparel in various colors, $16
Cotton/spandex invisi-thong by American Apparel in various colors, $12
Floral bloomer at Urban Outfitters in yellow, $12
Filed under: 2008, Men's Fashion, Women's Fashion | Tags: 2008, hat, straw, style, summer, trend
Not only will this hat keep your scalp safe from the sun’s rays, but it will be light enough to avoid cranium over heating. $28 US, Urban Outfitters.
Christy’s Crown Cal Straw Fedora
The darker version of the Havana Fedora, the Christy’s Crown Cal provides the same protection and straw weave look, in a darker shade. $28, Urban Outfitters.
Navy, for the cheeky ones. Found at Hats In The Belfry, $58.
I honestly would not recommend H.I.T.B., as their shipping charges to Canada are insanity, though the choice is yours.
Italian Straw Boater Hat (2 inch brim)
A glorious export to compliment your Band of Outsiders look. $98, Baron Hats (though I’m confident you can find one at your local vintage shop for cheaper)
A nice two tone weave to shake things up a bit, while not getting too out of hand. $85, Hatsplus.com (the same advice goes for this one as the Boater hat…check vintage stores locally first!)
If you are still unsure if you can make the straw hat a staple in your wardrobe, get reassured of its style presence from these designer’s collections:
Filed under: 2008, Men's Fashion, Trending, Trending, Women's Fashion | Tags: 2008, american apparel, colored denim, denim, dutil, dVb, holt renfrew, kate moss, Men's Fashion, topshop, trend, urban outfitters, Vancouver, victoria beckham, winners, Women's Fashion
Thankfully, colored denim is not ready to throw in the pastel towel just yet.
Keeping this particular style goes along swimmingly with the pastel trend already shown to be fully alive on the spring and summer 2008 runways.
Vancouverites; if you’re looking to go jewel or pastel on your bottom half, Dutil in Gastown is your best bet for premium labels and choice. However, if you’re not prepared to drop a few bills (in most, not all cases) then you have a few options available within the city.
- American Apparel, $75 CA. Be forewarned, these are also “mineral”, or acid washed. The color array in’t very extensive (mostly purples and blues)
- Urban Outfitters, $49-78 CA. The biggest piss off with UO is the variance between what is available online and in-store. While the site may show a lack of selection, I have been to the Vancouver location within the last two weeks and seen a multitude of colored denim. Granted, these colors are definitely less vibrant than other labels out there, but if you aren’t as bold as some fashionistas out there this may be the store to check out.
- Winners may yield some results. Like every Winners visit, it’s a crapshoot; but your chances are decent (especially the location on Robson and Granville where they feature “The Runway at Winners”).
- Holt Renfrew will have all the labels including dVb denim, but the collection won’t be as extensive as at Dutil and should not be ventured into by the faint of wallet.
The most notable runway appearance for colored denim was on the spring ’08 runway for Gucci (men, shown below in green). While Gucci denim is out of most price points, I managed to find a green pair last summer while in London at Urban Outfitters.
For a good example of how to wear colored denim in another cut than the default skinny choice, look to Victoria Beckham’s dVb line (below). Though these ones will inevitably cost you (prices range from $220-300 per pair), Posh rarely steers us off course.
The rose denim below is from Kate Moss’ clothing line by Topshop. Jeans by Kate generally run at £50.00 (around $100 CA) and can now be mailed to the US, but not yet Canada. I scouted the Topshop site today, and this particular pair is currently not in their online store.
If you’re still not ready to make the commitment, there is the tights and leggings alternative. Read more about this trend.
There are different style guidelines for Fall…make sure you’re aware!
Filed under: 2008, Trending, Women's Fashion | Tags: advice, demicouture, how to wear, leggings, rules, sandals, trend, what not to do
Everyone may as well get used to it: leggings are around to stay (at least for a few more years). I thought we had all best get a refresher on what to avoid when featuring these layering pieces.
1. Do not wear leggings with thong sandals. These are the cheapest and most offensive footwear somebody could leave the house with on (besides crocs). They do not scream style maven; they broadcast laziness and fashion awkwardness, so leave those at the beach or poolside where they belong!
2. Leave neons well enough alone. Now, there is certainly nothing wrong with 80s trends. Hell, leggings’ popularity was the highest during this decade. Despite this, you should avoid doubling up on re-surfacing trends on one piece(especially ones this gruesome to the eyes!). Besides that; neon and spandex shouldn’t be worn together, ever.
3. Leggings aren’t pants! You can see Sienna Miller, below, committing one of the worst legging atrocities. Though she has a splendid figure, the last thing anyone wants is their entire thighs and bum exposed for all to see. You will look like you forgot half of your outfit, rather than fashion-forward.
4. Lacy leggings are not OK. These were some of the first styles to burst upon the scene for the legging’s resurrection, and will likely be the last to leave. These are tacky, and scream dime store quality.
5. Leggings and jean skirts are only acceptable for plastic Abercrombie & Fitch models. I can recall back in 2006, most of the population did the jean skirt and legging combination to death. This was also another favorite of the young and impressionable crowd, so I advise you all to steer clear!
Filed under: 2008, Men's Fashion, Women's Fashion | Tags: 3 piece suit, androgynous, androgyny, band of outsiders, demicouture, Fashion!, polaroids, spring 2008, style, three piece suit, trend, Vancouver
As the age of androgyny is becoming more and more visually prevalent, I can think of nothing more appropriate than for us ladies (and gents of course!) to don a very slim three piece suit. Thin layering is hot this year, and accurately depicted by Band of Outsiders in their latest Polaroid ad campaign (samples shown below).
I will be on the lookout for [possibly] a local Vancouver fashion designer (possibly insert Kim here, if she’s willing!) to fulfill my need for this suit!
Alternatively, there is nothing better to make the boys look like a million bucks than to put together a splendidly cut three piece suit and your best footwear. Once warmer weather rolls around again, try mixing things up with a cropped pant. You will already have seen this look earlier on Junya Watanabe and Comme des Garçon’s runways to preview the hottest spring 2008 trends coming our way.
Both women and men can rock some streamlined oxford shoes (those in Vancouver, Edmonton or Calgary think Gravity Pope for a vast selection) to show off your sharp ensemble.
Needless to say, there is limitless color combinations and patterns (though use your discretion; there is no need for another Don Cherry burning the retinas of the fashion world) one can breathe life into this coming spring season.
Ah, to have weather that does not require a heavy jacket!
Polaroids from Band of Outsiders
Filed under: 2007, Trending, Women's Fashion | Tags: advice, american apparel, american apparel lamé, balenciaga, bc, beth ditto, demicouture, demicouture.ca, Fashion!, faux paus, gold, granville, lamé, leggings, metal, metallic, Nicholas Ghesquiére, silver, trend, trends, Vancouver, victoria potter, victoriapotter, vogue
Hello, my name is Victoria and I love lamé.
This is my confessionary statement of adoration for this liquid metallic fabric that to the uneducated ear sounds so icky, yet so intriguing!
I’ve had this morbid fascination when it came to these accessories ever since I heard Balenciaga was making custom pairs for $100,000 each. That is no typo. One hundred grand. I’ll let you calculate all the necessary life goods that one would be purchasing before a pair of these bad boys, and make no mistake: they are constructed out of fabric; not actual gold. Nicholas Ghesquiére is either a madman, or a genious.
Here’s the deal: I bought my first pair of lamé leggings from the South Granville American Apparel about three weeks ago. I’m not going to lie, I was hesitant. I grabbed up a pair of gold lovelies; and was quite the hesitation monster while feeling quite humbled by the potential of myself looking as C3-PO’s long lost daughter entered the change room.
Suddenly they were on. I looked down and thought: my god, this is magical! I stood inside, kind of dazzled at my own bottom half for a minute or so, then realized my very patient friend Kim was still waiting outside for me to show myself.
There I was. I didn’t really know what to say except for “I think….I think I love them! Are they horrible?” Standing by the room door mirror, I examined the side view damage. Bear in mind that since these are pretty much as tight as you can possibly have a pant-style legging there is no escape for any “generous” proportions. If you’ve got alot, anywhere, they’ll show it.
Kim was more than a little boggled by the visual. We decided that if they were smooth, I was venturing into statue-style liquid gold territory so I rumpled them up some and was good to go.
I decided to brave the crowds of judging eyes, since I had seen them worn by some waifs in Vogue [among other magazines]. I figure, who the hell wears lamé?! Goddamn awesome people do. This will be rad. I paid the $40 CA pricetag, and skipped out of the store as one happy customer.
My first wear was a success; my friend Curtis Santiago‘s cd release party. I chose to wear them as a pant with a very long black Gsus t-shirt that read “sport bores me to death” in matching gold capital letters, as well as my new black ankle boots. I was loving it, and definatley got the crowd reaction I was gunning for.
Now comes the frightening side of lamé. Realize that yes, body type matters with this one. You really don’t want to end up looking like Ms. Beth Ditto [of The Gossip], which is to put it politely; is a giant metallic sausage. Treat that fabric with respect and you’ll come out of your party just fine.
A few items I intend to grab up before the’re gone are the bodysuit (which would look space-stellar under a vest and shorts!), the silver twins to my gold leggings and two headbands to match.
All in all, if you decide to dive into the land of metallics for this fall (and I suggest that if you can, you do!) treat this baby with caution. The last thing we want is to see another Beth or gal in a pink 80s getup with mismatched gold leggings. Spare us all the visual torment!
Filed under: 2007, Trending, Women's Fashion | Tags: androgynous, androgyny, bazer, chic, demicouture, demicouture.ca, dior homme, fall 2007, Fashion!, fashionista, how to, how to style, how to wear, instructions, kate moss, man style, mannish, models, runway, suspender, suspenders, trend, Trending, uniforms, victoria potter, victoriapotter
I’m going to come out and say it.
I love suspenders.
The whole idea of an androgynous uniforms for women have always appealed to me fashion-wise and I am thrilled for the glorious return of the suspender!
There are a few things to consider before you don a pair of these delights:
What are you pairing them with? Nothing, after all, screams visual disaster moreso than strong accessories that clash with your overall look and colors. Be sure to take those pants and shorts into consideration with your top (especially if you’re wearing bold colors or prints) to be sure that they will jive with your final addition.
How androgynous do you want to look? To achieve a more feminine air, utilize a lower cut silk blouse or deep vneck sweater with a more fitted cut. If you’re ready to cross into a realm previously only permitted for the boys (and my personal preference) select a more standard shirt or sweater with a higher neckline and pair with a Palestinian or tea scar and a light blazer. The suspenders can be worn under or over the blazer, depending on how bold you want to be!
What is your style? Bear in mind the ensemble dictates how successful your end visual will be, and how much it impacts your audience. If you’re going for the Kate Moss Dior Homme-esque look, chances are you’ll be successful. If you’re pairing only jeans and a sweater you must be more careful and pay attention to the few details you have that will stand out the most.
What is your body type? Suspenders grab attention towards your mid-section, so make sure you’re wearing an appropriatley cut top that will compliment the look.
Some naysayers will denounce this trend, saying it’s clownish and silly. I heartily disagree, as long as you’re put some thought into all of your pieces and have coordinated well you’ll have this one in the bag.
Filed under: 2007, Footwear, Trending, Women's Fashion | Tags: 2007, 80s throwback, ankle boot, avoid, BOGO, bootie, buy one get one half off, dark slack, dark wash, deal, demicouture, demicouture.ca, fall, Fashion!, flat, flats, frye, frye liv bootie, hassel collar, heel, heels, how not to dress, how to, how to wear, leg lengthener, leg lengthening tips, legging, leggings, liv, pants, pay less, payless, payless shoes, sale, skinny jean, style, throwback, trend, trends, victoria potter, victoriapotter, vince, vince skinny pants, vince skinny slacks, what not to do
As my continuous love affair with everything 80s-throwback-style continues, now is the time for me to revel in another appearance: the ankle boot. A lovely leg-lengthener for all and a boot which looks just as lovely as a flat or heeled; this is a positive addition to your wardrobe.
I treated myself to two pairs a few weeks ago from (cringe) Payless. I was perusing the site recently and also found a pair of Hassel Collar ankle boots in a variety of colors.
Both styles of are approx. $60 CA. each without a sale, though I see on the US website that they are selling for about $30 US each. If you have a US P.O. box to mail your beauties to, or can spare a day for a trip down I would highly recommend it as retailers have not (and will not) adjust their US/Canadian prices according to the fluxing dollar values. Take advantage while you can!
Nordstrom has a beautiful design by Frye; the “Liv” bootie. I’ll classify this under my “if only” wish list. It is a beautiful black leather with metal buckle detailing over the front, with a classic rounded toe and heel just thick enough to not cause bodily harm while walking over a city grate. This creation will cost you $247.95 US.
Now, the hardest part.
How the *%&* do you wear them?
My favorites are:
- A dark wash skinny jean. A blue dark wash is perfect for fall, and offers a chance to break up all those blacks and grays that will be undoubtedly thrown upon your legs as the weather gets colder. This also works for a dressing up an outfit, as well as going city-casual.
- Leggings! With shorts (dress or otherwise) or a mini skirt, this will lengthen your legs and create a very thin silhouette. This choice is best paired with a boxy blazer or pea coat to personify this even more.
- A dark slack. I found some wonderful Vince skinny black slacks at Winners recently ($60, what a steal!). This pant also has the advantage of being able to step it up for a night occasion, or used easily to compliment your daywear.
Points to avoid:
- Long skirts. Even on the tallest frau, this will make you look like one big stump and an escapee of the nearest Huderite settlement. If you must wear a long skirt or dress, grab a pump or full-length boot.
- Bootleg jeans. The leg is the last place you want unsightly ankle wrinkles and fabric gather. It makes for a thicker leg and gives a heavier feel to your whole outfit.
- Jeans that just don’t fit. I realize this should be a given, but I must add it anyhow. Please, girls: buy your size! Get fitting help from a professional if necessary. Any employee in your neighborhood boutique/shop should be happy to assist you with this. Remember: if it’s they’re too small (I don’t care how thin you are) you will get muffin tops and look like you’re walking on two wrapped sausages. Alternatively, the saggy mum bum isn’t a recommended look either, so get that consult if you need it!
Filed under: 2007, Trending, Women's Fashion | Tags: 2007, bc, buckles, burberry, burberry quilted gloves, canada, carolina amato, cashmere, chic, coach, colored glove, coloured glove, couture, demicouture, demicouture.ca, fall 2007, fall trend, Fashion!, fashionista, GIM, glove, gloves, lambskin, leather, mid-length gloves, neiman marcus, opera gloves, overstock.com, patent leather, prada, prada gloves, quilted gloves, quilting, shopping, trend, Trending, Vancouver, vintage, where to buy, winners
As fall descends upon us, we find the glove trend of yore has burst upon us once again.
Since little cropped sleeve jackets are also in the favour of the fall 2007 trendmonster, this is a perfect addition in replacement of a dull long sleeved shirt or chilly bare skin [unless you plan on getting near frostbite!].
I am pleased to report that opera gloves are making a vivacious comeback. Visually pleasing colors are being pushed by most fashion houses to break up the dominant greys and blacks we come to expect during these months. Carolina Amato has some positively lovely selections; though you’re going to be expected to part with $285 US per pair. Can you just picture these with a cropped blazer? Bliss!
Let’s face it. Not many can afford such dandy items, so I would suggest going to your neighbourhood Winners [if you’re in Canada or are close to the Canadian border]. I found a pair of silky soft black mid-length gloves for $29.99; and the best part of it all is the detailings. They have three subtle strap pieces sewn onto the top of the glove; and three brass buttons. Needless to say, I was quite thrilled to find them.
As a second choice you could roam the vintage stores for gloves, but I find that they are largely for very tiny-handed old ladies and are not fit for most. I found these were also typically as expensive as the new pieces which really made no sense as they showed visible signs of wear and much age related winkling of the leather.
For something in more of a mid-range, you can find a mid-length standard lambskin glove with a cashmere lining at Coach for $98 US. These are offered in black, as well as a few color options. Neiman Marcus also gives you an oppourtunity to jump on the patent-leather trend train. Their opera gloves by GIM tag at $175 US. Color ranges include black, dark grey, dark brown, dark green and plum.
Though you will have to tip your spend scale to the +$800 mark for these babies, I feel that these Burberry offerings are truly worth mention. Officially named Burberry quilted patent gloves; I initially saw these in an Elle magazine and almost died. Shown online at Neiman Marcus for the hysterically frightening pricetag of $810, these are the mothers of all fall gloves. Though they are black, the trademark Burberry quilting and wrist buckles more than make up for the lack of vibrance. The shine will command attention still, and let’s face it; you’ll look like you really mean business if you put a pair of these on.
If you’re on a budget, get one basic black mid-length and one opera length. You can build onto the colors after that base has been established and you’ve been accustomed to wearing them.
As for the men, Coach also offers a similar more cropped version of the women’s glove in black. I also found a pair of dark brown Prada gloves at Overstock.com for $199 US; which despite the high figure is quite the deal (approx. $125 off). If you live near the Winners in downtown Vancouver, they have been getting prime haute stock (think Gucci, Armani, etc) at a fair discount. It just proves that if you know where to look there is absolutley no need to pay out full price.
Time’s a wastin’ and the weather is only getting chillier. Get out there and grab a few pairs before your hands suffer the consequences of glove neglect!
Filed under: Trending, Women's Fashion | Tags: 2007, american apparel, demicouture, demicouture.ca, denim, fall 2007, fall trend, Fashion!, gsus, gsus industries, high waist, high waisted, how to wear, jeans, lamé, lamé hot short, miss selfridge, pants, skirt, style, trend, vegas hot short, vegas lamé, victoria potter, what not to do, what to do
Coming from someone who thinks a 5 inch zipper is lengthy enough; this recent wave of high waisted offerings really didn’t thrill me at first look.
Initially, all I could see in my mind was the dreaded “mom” jeans. You know the ones. Hopefully it wasn’t actually your mother wearing these frightening straight-from-the-early 90s hell beasts of the denim world; but I can personally recall a friend of mine during my high school days having a mother who ponched it up with the best of ‘em. I mentally reviewed the possibility of this on me, shuddered in disgust and moved on.
I had forgotten a few things in my initial shell shock:
1) I don’t have a granny ponch.
2) I’m not going to tuck in a tent-like denim shirt.
3) Designers do know how to cut things differently and more flatteringly, I mean, times change.
4) If you pair the pants or skirt with the right top, the high waist can actually be very flattering!
5) I’m not in the 90s anymore. It slips my mind from time to time.
I found out a couple nights ago while I was doing my semi-annual wardrobe cull that I actually do own a high waisted mini-skirt. It was one of those Value Village “its $2.50 so I won’t bother trying it on” kind of deals.
Having little experience in this field, I put it on and threw on a few different shirts to see which looked better. Surprisingly, I ended up settling with my black “drop beats not bombs” t-shirt from TopShop. The letters started just after the point where the skirt ended if tucked in, so things jived well. Unfortunately I never actually ended up going out, so the combination is lying low until this weekend (hopefully!).
I’ve found two particular high waisted skirts that I prefer overall: American Apparel’s and the Gsus pink pencil skirt. Sadly, the Gsus skirt was from the summer collection and is now nearly impossible to find. Not even an eBay query returned any results to “Gsus high waist”. Sigh.
Left to right: unknown, Miss Selfridge
Models are mainly pictured with a blouse-type top, though I encourage you to get creative with ripped up t-shirts or something edgy. I did see a photo of some random at a magazine party a month back wearing this skirt and she had made the mistake of pairing it with another Gsus t-shirt saying “fuck you and everyone you know”. This top would have been brilliant in another pairing, but the bottom words were cut off within the skirt. How do you miss that?!
The above denim is by Miss Selfridge (a UK label). They’re hitting another trend mark straight between the eyes with their inclusion of some lovely purple suspenders as well!
There are definitely some pluses when going for these bottoms; case and point:
1) No more muffin tops. For those unfamiliar; they are unsightly saddlebags of fat [a.k.a. love handles] that pour over the brim of pants that fit too tightly. This is a most unflattering look that can make the skinniest girl look like you’ve just swallowed a bucket full of pudding.
2) No more bum cracks or underwear ride-ups. For those who are familiar with the mentally slaughtering sight of some woman’s crack in your face or the rollercoaster ride up of a hello kitty thong, this one will get you cheering.
3) They define that waist of yours. Have a small waist hiding under those layers? This will surely bring it out.
For those of you that decide to venture down the high waist road, please bear the following in mind: this is a very unforgiving cut! If you have an out of shape mid-section, don’t bother. Nobody wants to look like a rolled sausage. I also hazard you to watch your hips; the very thing that can give you a visual advantage waist-wise can get cancelled out easily if your hips look as wide as a football net.
Though I normally approve of most suspect American Apparel styled items (especially lamé!), their Vegas high-waisted hot shorts scare me half to death. I openly challenge anyone to put these on and make them look damn good. If you think you can, upload the photo to a photo share, such as Flickr, and link me up.
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