Kanye's style meets Toronto street fashion

Kanye West is my male fashion icon. He understands the importance of being an artist. To go beyond music and create a clear vision with sound, visuals and style. Even if you may not wear it yourself, it's good to appreciate style and the gesture of creativity. Anyway, my point is I discovered a convergence in my world's style-o-sphere - independent street style and main stream style.

Kanye West wore something very similar to the best dressed participant at Baby Huey's New Years' Eve party this year.

Kanye image: NY Daily News

A look at the evolution of fashion in 2000-2009: Final Post

In the concluding blog post on fashion of the 00's, I will examine when indie fashion, culture and retail turned into the mainstream norm. In a decade of "mash-up" or recycled fashion, none was more prevalent than the 80's revival. Whether it was Marc Jacob presenting a big shoulder, neon hued collection or D&G bringing back the supermodels of the 80's in a new perfume campaign, the 80's were relevant again.

When Madonna released her 10th studio album Confessions on a Dance Floor, she shocked the world with the video Hung Up featuring her yoga-sculpted body in a bright pink bodysuit. She has been dictating fashion statements since 1982 and not much has changed since then. As the most successful female entertainer of all time, Madonna continues to be a hugely influential trendsetter. Top entertainers from Beyonce to Lady GaGa have followed her lead and made the bodysuit an essential part of their on-stage wardrobe (and in some cases off-stage). While wearing only a bodysuit has not adapted into mainstream culture, a no pants look has definitely been escalating in fashion editorials, magazine covers, music videos and in public.

One major retailer of bodysuits, leggings and other 00’s clothing staples is American Apparel. A head-to-toe American Apparel look consisting of brightly coloured basics became a style of its own and a major part of the hipster trend.

Natalie Portman's Shaved Head is a band that exemplifies the hipster trend.

The hipster trend was based on a contemporary subculture’s interest in non-mainstream fashion until marketers caught on and popularize it. Ironic clothing, skinny jeans, thick-rimmed eyewear and old school footwear, like Converse All Stars or Doc Martens, can define this trend. Also, any vintage and thrift store find, although stores like Urban Outfitters offer mass-produced vintage inspired clothing which is a popular source for hipster clothing.

Top fashion houses have really been playing with shapes in their designs as of the latter half of the decade. The sharp-shoulder black blazer was a huge hit among celebrities. This must-have could be paired with dresses or jeans. It took the shoulder pad look of the 80’s and reshaped it into a modern classic. If the shape wasn’t played up in the shoulders, the volume of hips was accentuated with bottoms, such as the Harlem pant. Many designers adapted modern Harlem pants into their collections to mixed reviews.

Other favourable mentions: LV Multi-Coloured bag, Doc Martins (and the mini grunge revival), Tweeds, Feather dresses and accessories, Ankle Length Boots, Bubble Skirts, A-Symmetrical Dresses, Suit Vests

Worst fashion trends: Armband (the bracelet for your arm), Capri pants, Peasant Blouses, Ed Hardy, Crocs, Velour Tracksuits, Rompers

What is most interesting about the fashion of the 00's is how quickly fashion trends were consumed and spit out. We went through 70's, 60's, 50's and 80's phases faster than we could say charge it. Is it because each of those decades offers a piece of icon fashion we want to relive or is it because we need something new to aspire to buy. I don't think just because this was a "mash-up" decade that it means designers have any less to say or that the popularity of sweats means that our culture has evolved into a lackluster style funk.
The classics will live on because they are timeless. Originality will be praised because it inspires us. Trends are just the way we express the moment - here and now. Because clothing shapes our memories and excites us for the future.

Images: www.breatheheavy.com

A look at the evolution of fashion in 2000-2009: Part 3

In my third blog post about fashion over the decade, we'll concentrate briefly on men's fashion and a huge fashion trend of the 00's that's still relevant today.

Boho-chic is a bohemian-inspired trend that started as an underground fashion statement in early 00’s and continued to influence elements of design throughout the decade. Popularized by Sienna Miller, Mary Kate Olsen and Kate Moss, the boho-chic trend was a merge of folk and hippie elements in classic pieces. Flowly skirts and dresses, peasant blouses, vests, fringes, turquoise jewelry, moccasin boots, tunics and the "it" hobo bag defined the trend that originated from the 60’s. Designers continue to be inspired by the optimism of 60’s fashion. Most recently, the highly-stylized AMC program Mad Men, which is set in the 60's, caused a stir with their impeccable costume designs. The clothes have gone beyond setting the tone of the sixties to opening a new market for elegant, 60's inspired men's and women's wear. The most recent example of Boho-Chic on the runway was Diane von Furstenberg’s modern 60’s goddess dresses in her Spring 2009 collection. Major classic and wild fashion trends were born in the 60’s, such as Jacqueline Kennedy’s pillbox hat, Mary Quant’s mini skirt, Mod style, Audrey Hepburn’s cigarette pants, YSL’s Le Smoking Suit and, of course, the bohemian/hippie look.

In men’s fashion, street styles are heavily influenced by hip hop music and culture. Brief trends include: denim jackets paired with matching jeans, bling-bling, trucker hats and pink Polo shirts. Tracksuits, sportswear, sneakers, chains and baggy clothing remained popular in the 80’s, 90’s and early 00’s. In and around 2005 hip hop style changed dramatically when musicians like Kanye West, P. Diddy, Justin Timberlake and Will.i.am started wearing more sophisticated garments with minimalist style. Hip hop must-haves now include cardigans, blazers, bowties, all-white sneakers and LV luggage.



Images: www.mycelebrityfashion.co.uk, www.bet.com

A look at the evolution of fashion in 2000-2009: Part 2

The fashion of the noughties (2000-2009) in Toronto was like dating the same person for a year. Everyone was comfortable with each other...maybe a little too comfortable. As mentioned in the previous blog post, the sweats trend was taking over North America. The days of yesteryears, when a lady would not leave the house without a hat, pair of gloves and a fresh layer of lipstick, were over.

Shoe styles of the 00’s were also affected by the sweats trend. Most popular were the Ugg Booties due to their warmth and comfort, which is a little odd since they became a must-have amongst LA celebrities. The absolute worst trend has to be Crocs. Tim Gun said it all here. And the best trend has to be Ballet flats. I first wore a pair of gold sequin ballet flats at the 2005 Fashion Cares ‘Bollywood Cowboy’ event. These shoes are comfortable yet classic and a welcome departure from Stilettos.

Since most fashion trends of the 00's were on their second lap around, some only lasted for a moment but others proved that not all fashion is fleeting. Leather (real, pleather or vegan leather) seems to never wane in demand. As in denim, leather is a material popular with different demographics. Although leather has many different purposes ranging from leather goods, such as handbags, gloves, belts, jackets and footwear, to clothing pieces, such as dresses, skirts and pants. Over the last ten years, the leather trend was popular with musicians in the early 00’s looking to add some edge to their image with leather pants, knee-length heeled boots, bustier, fingerless gloves and Capri pants. One entertainer that wore all of this and more was Jennifer Lopez.



Another J-Lo shout-out? (Watch the video Play and you will see for yourself how many leather trends she dons.) She may not have been the most stylish celebrity at the time, however she made a huge impact in the fashion stratosphere and showcased all the current trends in her videos and public appearance. Let’s not forget that J-Lo use to be at the top of the media heap in the early 00’s for her relationship with Puff Daddy and then garnered unparalleled interest with the “Bennifer” phenomenon. Back to the leather trend, the look has evolved with the popularity of leggings. Leather leggings have become a staple in the fashion conscience wardrobe since 2004 and the trend is still going strong. The cropped motorcycle jacket was a alternative leather must-have made popular by Rihanna in early 2009. The jacket has exploded in retail with most fast-fashion stores carrying a copy and may result in this trend running out of stream for Spring 2010.

Another permanent fixture of the 00’s was the trench coat. The trench was originally designed to accommodate soldiers during wartime and later became a huge fashion staple in the 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and 00's. The Burberry trench coat is one of the most iconic high fashion items in the world and includes their classic check in the lining of the coat. As long as Audrey Hepburn is a fashion idol, trench coats will continue to stay in style.
Image: www.stylebyme.net

A look at the evolution of fashion in 2000 -2009: Part 1

Over the Christmas break, I spent time in my hometown and indulged in some remote control channel-flipping bliss. Since 2009 was coming to an end, many channels devoted themselves to reminiscing over the decade. While watching videos of Britney (not yet a woman in flared denim and a belly-baring crop top), Madonna, (bringing disco-inspired dance music back to the mainstream in a bodysuit), and Kanye (cementing his style status by bringing the Shutter Shades fad to the table), I started thinking about all the trends which have impacted the evolution of fashion in the last ten years.

No doubt has dance-pop music been a major influence on style, particularly in the beginning of the decade. Musicians have been saying rock-and-rock is dead for years now and I think the popularity of Emo bands, like Dashboard Confessionals, sent the final blow to rock in the early 00’s. Most of the fashion trends were influenced by other decades - dubbing the 00’s the mash-up decade. Most prominent revivals were 90’s grunge plaid shirts, 80’s neon, leggings and shoulder pads, 70’s flared jeans, 60’s bohemian and 50’s pencil skirts.

First of all, early 00’s fashion was a little trashy. The world was recovering from Spice World mania. We were listening to songs like Dirrty, I’m a Slave 4 U and Sk8ter Boi, and we were dressing in corsets, leopard and ultra low-rise jeans, but we didn’t seem to mind. I used the term Ghetto Chic to describe some of these popular trends, which to me is a fusion of street style and classics. A few trends under this category are: nameplate necklaces and earrings, hoop earrings, tube tops, booty shorts, legwarmers, white beaters, the Gucci fanny pouch belt, glitter and metallic clothing. In the middle of the decade, metallics became a major trend of their own. Red carpets were gleaming with entertainers trying to outshine each other in gold and silver gowns. I have always had a bizarre love affair with gold shoes, ever since I purchased a pair of late 90’s golden platforms.

Denim is always fashionable. The decade started with the reintroduction of low-rise jeans by pop stars, such as Britney Spears. When paired with a belly-baring crop top, the results were sexed-up and tacky. Among the fashion victims “accidentally-on purpose” exposing their thong was Halle Berry wearing a mini skirt, while proudly baring her thong at the MTV Video Awards.

Flared jeans were also very popular in early 00’s - a throwback to the Bell Bottom of the 70’s. The trend moved far away from flares in 2004, when the skinny jean and cigarette pant styles emerged as the must-have. Skinny jeans were popular in various groups: fashion crowds (such as early adapter Kate Moss), rock groups (The Strokes) and hipsters until it bleed into mainstream stores like H&M, Urban Outfitters and American Apparel. Ultra-wide leg pants and jeans tried to replace the skinny jean effect with minor success. Jeggings are the latest denim trend – a hybrid with the look of denim and the feel of leggings – to take legs by storm and may continue into 2010.

Sweats have been a major player in the retail marketplace this decade. The sweats trend allowed people to let go of their inhibitions and dress comfortably in spite of what the public may think. The idea was to look “put together” and disguise the fact that you’re wearing sweats all-day long. Juicy Couture and Lululemon Athletica successfully ventured into the sweats trend with “upscale workout gear.” Juicy Couture also started the Velour Tracksuit craze in the late 90’s and early 00’s after sending one of their suits to Madonna with the word “Madge” embroidered on the bum. She wore it and thus everyone in America was branded with “Juicy” on their behind.

The J-Lo Velour Tracksuit was also mega popular. The start of the decade was the start of Celeborprations (Celebrity + Corporations), where musicians and actors became full on empires with limitless branding opportunities. Jennifer Lopez, aka JLO, aka Jenny from the Block, led the pack with her actor-turn-musician-turn-entrepreneur status. The success of her perfume Glow by J.Lo started the insufferable trend of celebrity fragrances. From early 00’s to presently, sweats have remained in the limelight. Top designers are beginning to realize the sweats trend is here to stay and are adapting new ideas to turn sweats into high fashion. Spring 2010 will see designers like Alexander Wang bring sweats into the future of sportswear.

Images: www.starpulse.com, www.halleberryweb.com, www.perezhilton.com

Break out the Winter fashion

After a long hiatus, Toronto Hearts Fashion is back with a new trend report. The weather has been beautiful until now. The chill of Fall and Winter is upon Toronto which means balancing fashion with warmth and versatility.

Fur
Sorry Peta, fur has been embraced this season by such designers as Oscar de la Renta, Balenciaga and Miu Miu. From trapper hats to fur arms and gauntlets to vests to trim on heels, fur is everywhere.

Camel wool coat, blazer and suits
Vogue Mexico was all over Camel coloured wool coats and I am too. The trench coat has been a staple and top Spring trend for a while now. The Camel coat seems to be the winter response to this trend due to its effortless elegance. It's definitely a investment piece that will pay off, not in dividends but in timeless quality.
In addition, blazers and suits are still a staple for the wardrobe. I'm sticking with my classic black sports coat-style blazer, however styles range from Band/Military glam ala Michael Jackson to 80's style with structured shoulders.

Red and Purple
I very much enjoyed the way Oscar de la Renta used both Red and Purple silks together in one look. Although it might not work for everyone these colours are big this season, particularly Red. Bold, sexy and a return to glamour.

Wrap skirt
Everyone is in love with Alexander Wang and what's not to love? His slinky, parted-in-the-middle wrap skirt is a masterpiece of draped fabric. Expect to see them in all the fast fashion stores.

Prints
Everything from unique abstract prints (Balenciaga) to houndstooth (Alexander McQueen) to strips and classic leopard have been out on the scene causing a stir.

What's on top of your head?
Women's hairstyles have been big, bold and curly throughout the pages of magazines this season, matching the retro trends on the runway. Besides volume and teased hair, I like the idea of hair accessories working their magic and taking your style to the next level.
Such as: Pom Poms!!! (as seen in Teen Vogue )
Headbands
Feathers clips
Cocktail hats (Try Lilliput Hats on College Street )
Bejeweled Bows

Alas! What's on your feet?
Booties aren't going anywhere and the same goes for tights. Yet the latest booties are more ornamental with studs, swarovski crystals, fur, bows and sometimes all of the above. There is also an abundance of suede.
Over-the-knee leather boots are high in demand and add instant sex appeal to even casual looks, while wedge boots are gaining momentum due to their versatility and comfort.

Can khaki become a trend again?

The last time khakis were cool was in the mid-to-late 90's when cargo pants were all the rage. The military look of khaki drawstring cargo pants paired with a camouflage tank was the last gasp from the grunge era -- defined by it's "anti-fashion" fashion statements.
The Gap is hoping to change the way we view khaki and their store with the unveiling of their 3rd consecutive collection of Gap Design editions. The collection features classics (in 2007 they took on the classic white shirt campaign) designed by CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winners. This year Alexander Wang, Albertus Swanepoel, Vena Cava designers, Lisa Mayock and Sopie Buhai, are the participates reviving the casual threads with jackets, dresses and hats. I'd usually stay away from khaki, but the prospect of a khaki motorcycle jacket designed by Alexander Wang for under $100 intrigues me and "Beige is the new Black".
The collection is available across Canada and can be found in the following Gap stores in Toronto: Eaton Centre, Yorkdale Shopping Centre and 60 Bloor Street.

NY fashion designers like Neon too

Top Styles from New York Fashion Week

Alexander Wang turns up the sexy with fail-safe black garments. From sheer party frocks to texture dresses with S & M, bondage-style leggings.

I've been lovin' Calvin Klein's brilliantly structured dresses from their Spring '09 collection. For Fall '09, CK has an entirely new point of view. With high necklines and interesting texture and patterned fabrics.

Everyone is raving about Derek Lam's show. His versatile garments fall perfectly on the female body, while it remains wearable and practical.

Donna Karen works it out in black and still manages to stand out from the crowd with accessories to die for.

I knew neon would stick around for awhile.

In these economic times, it represents optimism. The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel... and it's fun!
However, I didn't expect the 80's to get a full blown resurrection as in Marc Jacob's Fall '09 collection. With structured shoulders and bright neons, the 80's enters 2009 with some new tricks up its sleeves.
Michael Kors also used some neon strategically between his classic beiges, outerwear and clean one shoulder dresses. I'm not a beige lover, but I am a fan of beige and neon. It's easy to fall in love with beige, when its not boring.

When various bloggers/feminists/starksters attacked Michelle Obama's Narciso Rodriguez dress (wore on election night), my reaction was "but it's Narciso Rodriguez. He can do no wrong!" He continues to do no wrong with simple, beautiful, form-fitting looks from his Fall '09 collection. Flashing some trends such as White tights! Beige and black!

Oscar de la Renta stays classy but turns the colour up into overdrive. One dress stands out with beautifully draped silks in red and purple combination.

Rodarte featured a interesting mix of crushed fabrics, leathers, furs, knits over beige bondage-style, thigh-high boots.

The Round-Up: The tell-tale sign of high fashion has always been the quality of the fabric. As the economic climate continues to influence consumer activity, designers are offering up fine fabrics, delicate details, seamlessly constructed lace and one-of-a-kind originals --often imitated, never duplicated by "fast-fashion franchises"--to make high fashion investments more valuable. Texture and structure are key.

I think beige and black are the new white and black
and white tights are the new black tights
and neon colours are the new jewel tone. Take a look back in your fashion magazines, colour has been raising the volume season after season. Neon was inevitable. Almost like peaks and valleys in the marketplace, colour has been on the rise.

Will white tights be the surprize hit of the Spring '09 season?

I have been noticing the Blair Waldorf' character on Gossip Girl wearing white tights on more than one occasion. Perhaps it's part of the school girl uniform. Or to redeem her image as pure and royal. All I know is she makes it look good.

White tights are virtually non-existent on anyone over the age of ten. The only time in my post-pubescent life I wore white tights was went I dressed as a nurse for Halloween.

This may be something to explore come Spring. The season where whites and neutrals rule. Coloured tights are fun, but border bad taste. Imagine a white, chic dress with white tights and beige and neon accessories. ** Boy George, I think this could work!

** (Yes I'm still into neon and it seems to have spread into fast fashion stores.

Blair Waldorf in the upcoming "You've got Yale" episode.

Image: www.gossipgirlinsider.com

Where art thou shoe?

Grr...does this ever happen to anyone else? It was love at first sight with me and this pair of Marc Jacob booties in Teen Vogue's August 2007 issue. I wanted to master this look (socks with rugged mini boots) but since I can't afford them I tried to look elsewhere for a similar pair, without any luck. I couldn't find anything that capture the same appeal.....so I purchased some Doc Martens. Unfortunately they were a bit too heavy for me to wear in heavy rotation, so the look was a failed attempt. Now a year later the mass market has embraced them, as per usual.

Looks familiar? Images: Nine West, Teen Vogue

On a side note--today I'm attending the Toronto International Film Festival. I decided to go with the one-shoulder, sheer black, floor-length dress over a black tube top dress for optimum one-sided-ness. No regrets.

Cropped motorcycle jacket, check. Tight black pants, check.

Black is the new Black. One thing that will never goes out of style at the VMAs is leather. Real or faux leather gives performer that rock n' roll edge of a style rebel. Best in black was hands down Rhianna in a cropped, motorcycle leather jacket. D&G have been pairing up mini motorcycle jacket with a lot of interesting options like floral dresses or low-key skinny jeans and tee, as of late. Also loved by all were leather or black tight pants wore by Rhianna, Christina Aguilera and Katie White of the Ting Tings.

Silver Star Britney Spears made a better comeback attempt this year by looking good in two stunning silver Versace dresses, winning three awards and, keeping speeches very short and contained.

VMAs are a great time to take a style risk, as many of the ladies did, even if they couldn't work it out. The men of last night's show were all stunning Chris Brown, T.I., Kayne West, and more. What is it about hip-hop artists that love money and know how to spend it....right on them threads. Loved it!

Images:Getty Images

Non-Stop Fashion Week

NY Fashion Week has begun. The excitement of non-stop runway shows and parties invade the city, but if your not in New York or don't have tickets there's always the internet. Indulge in Live blogs from New York Fashion Week or keep up with all the shows on style.comhttp://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/S2009RTW/

Fashion week kicked off with the unveiling of modern "ruby slippers" based on the infamous pair Dorothy wore in the Wizard of Oz. Dozens of the top designers submitted their versions such as, the beloved Betsey Johnson who used red tulle bows and chunky crystal, Jimmy Choo designed four-inch stilettos with ruby crystals and red snakeskin and, Christine Louboutin's shoes are decorated with satin scrolls and fabric flower petals.

If that's not enough to keep up with, television offers much more to delight your inner fashion lover. This Sunday night MuchMusic will be airing the MTV video music awards at 9 p.m. ET. There should be some great performances (by Christina Aguilera, Kayne West, TI and more), a little bit of chaos (although Britney making another opening performing is just a rumor) and lots of fun fashion.

Tuesday is filled with more fashion when Fashion Rocks airs on CBS at 8pm ET. The excellent Denis Leary hosts the show that combines music and fashion together better than PB and jelly. Mariah Carey, Justin Timberland and everyone that matters in fashion will be rockin' Radio City Music Hall in NYC.

If you missed Sunday's live to the public DSQUARED fashion show, Fashion Television has you covered with the show titled "Born in Canada, Made in Italy" airing on September 13 at 7p.m. on CTV.

Plus CTV has coverage from the Toronto International Film Festival everyday at 7 p.m.

Stock up on supplies and set up camp on the sofa because that's a lot of fashion to watch.

Image: http://www.nj.com/

Hats off to hats on

There is nothing better than a accessory that makes your look complete. One of my favorite things to add is a hat or hair accessories. It changes the whole look dramatically and give it a little umph. Mostly popular in the U.K. than in Toronto but hair pieces have been popping up here and there as of late. Like Monday night’s episode of Gossip Girl. Leighton Meester’s character Blair has exquisite taste for headbands, that goes one step beyond with a stunning white band with decorative rosettes featured at the White Party. Also, Sarah Jessica Parker recently showed up for the London premiere of Sex and the City with a gravity defining petite chapeau. The vintage inspired ones are so beautiful too. Can you imagine never leaving the house without a hat and pair of gloves on to match your look? It’s nice not to have strict rules of fashion anymore, but it’s even nicer to choose them when you can. In Toronto, you can find your own unique hair piece at Fashion Crimes on Queen or Blue Banana Market in Kensington.



Images: www.gossipgirlinsider.com; www.monstersandcritics.com; www.visorette.com

The Bicycle Trend

Some people say the hottest accessory is the baby bump (well at least according to the tabloids.) I disagree. Inspired by the Eco-friendly trend and personally by the need for an alternative method of transportation after a possible transit strike, the latest and greatest is the bicycle.

Left: Audrey Hepburn looking whimsical on her bike. Right: Agyness Deyn on her Chanel Bike. Both bikes kind of look the same, no? Images: Google Images

This is the year of the bike and not just because I bought my first bike in 11 years. Karl Lagerfeld created the ultimate luxury bike this year along with Chanel's Spring 2008 collection and offers the ergonomically correct bike for a mere £6,200.

A bike offers excellent exercise while getting you from point A to point B. It is the most energy-efficient form of transportation and parking is pretty easy since there are many racks all around the city. Toronto is a cycle-friendly city with plans for adding more bike lanes and possibly adopting Paris' rent-a-bike program. It also nice to see NDP politician Jack Layton strolling along on a bike during this year's pride festivities. And finally being on a bike shouldn't rob you of your fashion sense. Check out this link for some tips: http://www.newcolonist.com/bikeclothing.html


Me and my bike

Cheap and Cheerful but no longer boring

Fall Fashion
It seems like saving money is in style these days, which is good news for me and anyone else feeling the burn of rising commodity prices. Mass production fashion chains, I usually avoid such as Payless, H&M and Old Navy, now offer some very interesting designs at very low prices.
Payless has some great designers contributing to their Fall line-up (unfortunately I think this is only in the states but luckily the shoes are still in reach with online shopping.) Mainly, I'm impressed with Alice & Olivia designs like this pair of peep toe, wedge boots selling for about $50. Payless shoes were actually featured on New York Fashion Week's runways this year.

On a venture to Yorkdale Mall, I was in the search for the perfect sandals for summer. I thought I found them at Browns in the form of a light beige Calvin Klein gladiator, but when I tried them on, there was no love. They were a bit uncomfortable even without heels and it was hard to get the double buckles done up. I walked into every store trying to find something else and randomly in Old Navy I found two pairs I loved and a tier ruffle tank (now my favorite clothing item.) September's Vogue featured a Old Navy ad with the above dress in all it's structured perfectness (two-toned dresses are in for fall as featured in one of Vogue's high end photo spreads.) It will be mine very soon at the price of $29.99.


Last but not least, H&M. I never really buy anything here but I defiantly will be buying in early November when H&M collaborates with Comme des Garcon for a Fall 2008 limited collection. If the clothing are anything like their high end, fall ready-to-wear collection featured above, all of Toronto's fashion lovers are in for a thrill!
Images: www.nymag.com, www.oldnavy.com, www.style.com

Pegged Jeans= Not Sexy

Image:JustJared
Skinny jeans and leggings have dominated fashion for the last 2-3 years with their tight-fitted silhouettes and various colours. This fall many are speculating that wide-leg pants and jeans are making a comeback. Personally I don’t mind a wide-leg business pant. They have a look of authority and power but it’s very easy for them to turn up looking clown-like. I mean why would I want my legs to look like they are drowning in fabric. Another hybrid of the wide-leg pants is the flare pant or in the 70’s bell-bottoms. I admit to wearing them religiously when they came back into style in the 90’s but that’s it for me. In the rain or snow they have a talent of getting extremely soaked at the bottom, which isn’t very sexy. And then there is a pair of jeans being worn by the likes of Katie Holmes and Rachel Bilson called the baggy, pegged-leg jeans. The name says it all. I’m sure they are very comfortable but no thanks. I will be sticking with a straight leg, tights or even a skinny leg for the upcoming season. Fashion is all about sticking with what works best for you and I never found hiding behind baggy clothes a viable option.

Watch out for Tallulah Willis!

What is with all the teens being incredibly style savvy nowadays? I get laughed at sometimes for buying Teen Vogue but there are some very exciting, exuberantly youthful ideas inside. Many of the looks I love in the junior mag, I can't get in Vogue. Is high fashion just being marketed to a younger demographic? Or is there something else to it? When your a teen you just want to be older and vice versa. Some exceptional celebrity teen trendsetters to look out for include...

Tallulah Willis, 13, the fortunately feminine-chinned daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, unlike Rumor. (Right) Frances Bean, 16, daughter of Courtney Love and Curt Kobain.

Lourdes Leon, 11, taking after hot momma Madonna's excellent style.

Taylor Momsen, 15, Gossip Girl star and recently signed IMG model.

Images: www.babble.com, www.people.com, just jared

Hail to the Sutan of Cool

Where do Edmontonians go to seek refuge from mainstream fashion? The local American Apparel on the very hip 82nd Avenue (or Whyte Avenue), that's where. Many go to seek the clothing store's latest spin on classic clothing by seeing how the staff is wearing it. You can always count on urban chic flair from store manager Jared Berney. He is known for his fashion-forward style and brings cool back to the city.
Being a true xenophile Jared has travelled around many European cities, which has influenced his style and world views. Never a follower of hipster fashions, only a originator. He is one of the first males in North America to embrace skinny jeans, saying " The skinnier, the better." He was also influenced by left-wing views on Palestine and started to wear Keffiyehs as a statement piece, telling me "everyone will be wearing one by next year." And sure enough, today the keffiyeh is wore by many people, sold at mainstream stores and has lost its translation due to overexposure. Now that is the power of one man's style.

Jared's essentials:

Skinny jeans
Fine knit button up sweaters
Statement piece: scarf, hat, unusual jewelery

Trendsetting Male-nistas

Male-nistas-Men's wear never really inspires or interests me. Maybe it’s because I don’t wear it or maybe it’s because men look good in dull but classic apparel. I always felt bad for them, since it seems like girls have this secret world of fashion with endless garment choices. One of my male friends has a wardrobe solely comprised of a black, gray and white colour palette, which looks fantastic and very minimalistic. He would, as well as most men, never dream of wearing the latest European trends, such as Prada’s Fall ’08 masculine tutu over pants look. However many less exaggerated versions of European styles usually do become fashionable in North America after a few years. Trendsetting men are a rare find, especially one who can pull it off. The male tutu makes it debut in Prada's Fall 2008 runway show.

Speaking of trendy- Since Sex and the City has ended their reign as most stylist television show, now another contender needs to fill Carrie Bradshaw’s shoes. There is a need on television for visual fashion guidance that confirms 'what needs to be worn now' on a weekly basis. I vote for another NYC based show- Gossip Girl. It is the most fashion-forward show thanks to the fabulous wardrobe department and designer Abigial Lorick (who is behind the look of Eleanor Waldorf's designs.) Everyone’s favourite Upper East Siders return with their second season on September 1st.

Returning back to menswear- One male-nista has caught my eye in the form of fictional character Chuck Bass played by Ed Westwick. The loveable scoundrel of GG has featured some daring looks over the first season such as trench coats, neon/bright colours, bow ties and that unforgettable shark cardigan (very risqué.) He is a excellent example of a trendsetting male.

The many fashions of Chuck Bass.

Images: www.style.com, www.gossipgirlinsider.com

Best-Dressed: The Canadians Vanity Fair missed

Vanity Fair released their International Best-Dressed List today and I noticed not one Canadian made it. This is no shock, since it is an American publication it would be dominated by Americans (well mostly New Yorkers.) It makes me wonder - who are our most stylist Canadians?
Hmmm...Barbara Atkin, Evangeline Lilly, Stacey McKenzie, Dean & Dan Caten, Rachel McAdams, Nelly Furtado, Jeannie Becker, Anna Paquin, Michael Cera, Ryan Reynolds, Marie Genevieve, Rita Zekas, Derek Chetty, Jully Black and Elisha Cuthbert all have style, but who could make the list?

Jessica Stam, Kincardine-born future supermodel, at the Met's Costume Institute Gala.

Jay Manuel, Toronto-raised Fashion Stylist and Canada's Next Top Model host, looking dapper.

Coco Rocha, Toronto-Born fashion phenomenon.

Joshua Jackson, Vancouver-born actor, who raised the bar on his personal style after dating fellow actor Diane Kruger.

Oh well, Canada maybe next year. Check out who did make it on Vanity Fair's Best-Dressed List: http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2008/07/carla_bruni_michelle_obama_and.html

Images: www.style.com, www.wireimage.com