Runway “Do-it-Yourself”

Got some old bangles lying around that you don’t know what to do with? Here is the easiest way to modernize it…take a look at Dries Van Noten’s Fall 2008 accessories:

Just take an old necklace- or even just a piece of yarn to give it a more vintage feel- and add as many bangles as you like! Instant fashion statement! The best part is- its not permanent! So if you want to used your bangles and bracelets you still can!

The look of Gossip Girl

I am SO excited! My new guilty pleasure is about to begin tonight- GOSSIP GIRL! I am so addicted to the show, and have you ever noticed how FAB all the fashion is? Here is a my take on our two favorite girls of the show, Blair and Serena.

I love Blair’s 50′s inspired style. She always accessorizes with something classic like pearls or feminine like a bow headband.

Serena makes antyhing look chic and cool with her rocker inspired look. She is always wearing a fashionable jacket to complete her look. (She’s kinda a young Carrie Bradshaw don’t you think?)

What time is it?

I was just browsing on Urbanoutfitters.com and found that they have the hippest watches! Now you can make a statement with your watch, and not worry about finding that perfect bracelet. Here are a few of my faves:

Turntable Watch, $49.99

Cuff Bracelet Watch, $34.00

Betsey Johnson Studded Watch, $95.00

Betsey Johnson Bow Watch, $75.00

Leather Charm Watch$95.00

Fringe is IN!

A hot new fall look is country chic. Its the new ‘bohemian.’ Check out Gucci or Dolce and Gabbana fall 2008, they are ALL OVER this look! The best way to make any outfit country chic is by adding some fringe!! I love suede boots, and fringe bags. Super hot!

Skinny vs. Wide…belts

Here are a few tips on the different types of belts and how to wear them:

Wide belts: I found that they look best as waist cinchers. Make them sit on the smallest part of your waist to make yourself look curvy. For most ladies, this spot is just under the bust line. If you wear the belt on the hips, it will accentuate the hips, so if you’re a square girl, you have the option to wear it at the waist or the hip to give you shape.

Skinny belts: If you are petite these are the belts for you. (skip out on the wide belt trend) They look great at the waist for smaller busted girls, but if you are shapely, I would stick to wearing them inside your belt loops.

Average belts: They are the most versatile, but often are hard to find small enough to wear around the waist. These are the belts that fit perfectly into the belt loops. They look especially great in hight waisted jeans! This is a great staple to have in your wardrobe.

All in all, every size belt is in style right now, you just need to find what works for you and your outfit!

Size does matter!

When it comes to buying a new bag for summer, size is EVERYTHING. You want it large enough to throw in some sunscreen, bathing suit, towel, multiple pairs of sunglasses and your makeup essentials…plus you must leave room for that sudden urge to shop along street markets and at the beach! Here are a few great styles I’ve uncovered:

nine west, $79.00

Roxy, $34.00

French Connection, $49.99

Bebe, $189

Urban Outfitters, $68.00

Forever 21, $28.80

Summer do’s and don’ts

Many blinding do’s and don’ts have come to my attention since we suddenly got warm weather. The following list is my idea of simple ways to make your don’ts into do’s!

Don’t: Bootie Shorts- So we’re talking the thin cotton shorts that usually say some name brand over the butt and have a draw string waist. The public should not be forced to look and your butt cheeks as you walk by- plain and simple. THE ONLY place to be wearing these types of shorts is on the beach or as pajamas. Also, moms, you should not be letting your 10 year old walk around in shorts with a 1/4″ seam!! Thats just wrong!

Do: Bermudas and walking shorts- If you insist on wearing shorts, a pair with at least a 2″ inseam is the shortest anyone should go- no matter how hot your legs are. I personally LOVE Bermuda shorts, they cover the thigh and are flattering on every body type.

Don’t: Bikini Tops as Bras- Ok, so you’re going to the beach and there is no place to change and you are going straight home afterwards then sure- wear your bikini top under your tank; but to the mall? We you really just at the beach?? Than WHY are you wearing your bathing suit?

Do: A Bra- Yes, its that simple, you wore one all winter, why stop in the summer. If you are wearing a tube top or halter invest in a good strapless. Common sense right?

Don’t: Flip flops: Ok, I own a million pairs myself, but I’m talking to those ladies that never take their flip flops off! They are meant for the beach, or to the park or something, don’t wear them everyday of the entire summer- don’t you have a cuter option?

Do: Gladiators- If you didn’t get your chance to buy a pair last year- now is your chance, they are everywhere! Gladiators are a cute alternative to flip flops and you can dress them up or wear them with a casual look. PLUS most of them have an ankle strap, so you don’t have to worry about them falling off or randomly falling apart on you at a summer music festival! (yes…that has happened to me on multiple occasions!)

Don’t: Trucker/ baseball caps- Good on you for wearing a hat- but right now there are plenty of other options out there other then a boring old baseball cap. Plus this is usually not the most flattering hat and its also not really in style anymore!

Do: Fedora’s and sun hats- Straw fedoras and sun hats and a cute option for head gear this summer. Fedoras are great for everyday and sun hats are awesome for that summer wedding or heading out to the beach.

Well…this is just the tip of the iceberg. I am sure I could go on FOREVER with this post but these are the most popular mistakes I see daily. Feel free to comment with your additional do’s and don’ts!

Hats, they protect your head.

What do you think of when I say Coach? Probably some moderity wealthy lady with big C’s all over her brown and tan handbag right? Or that teenager with a huge bank account and has a new wallet for every season?

You may be surprised to hear this but Coach sells hats! They are super cute and classic; although they may just break your bank account. (but who doesn’t break their bank account every now and then right??)

The Maude Hat, $298

The Tara Hat, $128

The Eugenia Hat, $148

Here Comes the Sun!

Finally we are seeing more sun!! Time to check out those sunglasses. Do you know if they are still in style? If you are still wearing your pair from summer 2006- its time to invest in a new pair!! Here are a few ideas to help you purchase that new pair:

80′s inspisred Ray-Ban:

The Aviator:

Oversize 70′s Style:

All Over Ombre:

Designer:

Chanel Spring ’08

Gucci Spring ’08

Moschino Spring ’08

All other sunglasses images provided by Urban Outfitters

Portobello West

This past Sunday I was inspired by a ton of Vancouver fashionistas. I went to Portobello West for the first time.

I saw lots of clothing and jewelery and spoke to many designers. Here are a few of my favorites:

Bueno Style- handmade vintage recycled jewellery.

Dotted Loop- recycled, antique jewelery

Chelsey Freyta- handmade art as jewellery

Adhesif Clothing Company- nouveau recycled fashion

Kdon- modern designer fashion and hats

I hope this has inspired you to shop locally! (when you can of course…) If you click on the link to their websites you can also shop online. And if any of the designers featured here would like to be showcased in further detail just contact me!

Bad Hair Day?

So the new hat for men (and woman) this season is the fedora. Its a classic look but paired with a neck scarf and slim jeans makes it a modern hipster look for spring. You can never go wrong with basic black- but if your daring try a printed fedora or colored one. Don’t over think it! Just be confident in your new look.

Here are some tips when buying the right fedora:

- Make sure its the right size! You don’t want it sliding over your ears or leaving a red mark on your forehead when you take it off.

- Wear it so that the brim is tilted slightly towards your eyebrows. You can also wear it slightly askew.

- If you have larger more angular facial features, you should wear a lager brimmed fedora, ( like the London ) if you are shorter in stature and have a rounder face think of a fedora that almost looks like a bowler hat- small brim, and rounder. (like the Balboa)

www.petergrimm.com has a large selection of trendy comfortable hats. You can shop online and they ship to Canada. They also have a size chart online, just to make sure it fits right!

Teddy- $42

Balboa, $42

Climate, $42

London, $42

The Gap Sells Shoes Too! (And they’re CUTE!)

So I know when you think of The Gap you think boring plain t-shirt and jeans soccer mom…but this spring they have really hit the mark with their shoes! Online they have a new shoe boutique called  Piperlimes Shoe Shop. Designers like Roberto Cavalli and Ralph Lauren have created high fashion affordable shoes!

Here is a few to get your mouth watering:

Buttercup, $70 USD

Guilda, $85 USD

Mattie, $140 USD

Beth, $120 USD

Dahlia-4, $50 USD

Transitioning into SPRING!

Gentlemen…looking to update your winter wardrobe for spring and not spend thousands of dollars? The key is ACCESSORIES!

A hot new fashion look for spring is, cuffed pants! This doesn’t cost you anything- all you have to do is make sure your STRAIGHT leg pants are long enough to cuff! Make sure the cuff is only about 1″- 1 1/2″ wide, and only roll up your hem twice, otherwise it will start looking too bulky.

Another not so expensive way to update, sunglasses!

Plastic colored frames are a great new look.

For suiting- forget all the back. Try new colors, even if that means just buying a new tie. Popular colors for men this spring are: orange, kelly green, yellow, aqua, lavender and pink.

You also want to think about your shoes. With cuffed jeans or skinny jeans a neon color converse or a white sneaker is a great new look. With dress pants opt for a brown or tan colored shoe.

On a final note- in order to achieve this updated look you WILL have to go shopping! Its not that scary, just trust your instinct and the salesperson!