Calgary
August 24th, 2010
Fall Fashion Forecast
A return to minimalism but with an “everything goes” attitude, there are still plenty of fall trends to sift through. Herewith our five picks to get you started:
This high-collared coat from Pure Alfred Sung ($110) plays perfectly into fall’s camel coat trend without breaking the bank. At Zellers, www.zellers.com
A large silk twill scarf by Juma (from $130) is light enough for fall and uber cool with its the subtle skull print. At Shisomiso Boutique and Gallery, 105, 100 Seventh Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-266-4211, www.shisomiso.com
The It Bag is back. Ease into the investment trend with The Tote by Peter Kent Buenos Aires. It’s our take on the bucket bag with a more structured silhouette. (Fiorentina leather, $615 or patent leather, $640.) At Blu’s Womens Wear, 315 Eighth Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-234-7971 and Southcentre, 100 Anderson Rd. SE, Calgary, 403-225-8315, www.blus.com
Pair these leather studded motorcycle boots by Joe Fresh ($159) with a dress or your favourite jeans for a touch of rock 'n' roll. At Superstore, www.superstore.ca
A red lip equals instant glam, day or night. The new Rouge Artist Intense collection by Make Up For Ever ($19) goes on with one stroke and if you’re not sure what hue works for you ask for the lipstick shade finder tool. At Sephora, www.sephora.comAugust 19th, 2010
Prep School
What do Gossip Girl’s Chuck Bass, Mad Men’s Don Draper, Andy Warhol and Abraham Lincoln have in common? Each man has been outfitted by the iconic American retailer Brooks Brothers.
Now Calgary is getting a taste of the country club life with the opening of the three-storey, 22,000 square-foot downtown store. But it’s not only a boys’ club. Some of our fall favourites include the black wool stretch dress (US$198) and the merino boyfriend vest (US$118). Unique to the Canadian stores, Calgary will also carry the Black Fleece collection, reinvented classic pieces made modern by guest designer Thom Browne.
Bring on the first day of school.
Brooks Brothers, 751 Third St. SW, Calgary, (800) 274-1815, www.brooksbrothers.com
August 17th, 2010
First Name Fashion
Brad and Angelina, Posh and Becks, Tom and Katie…Judith and Charles?
All fashionable couples—yes, even Tom has his moments—but if you’ve never heard of the last two, get to their new eponymous boutique to see the fashionable duo in action.Judith Richardson and Charles Le Pierrès, the couple behind the Parisian-turned-Canadian label Teenflo, are masters of transition, from sophisticated office attire to chic evening wear.
In addition to the classic Teenflo line, the shop also carries swoon-worthy minimalist pieces by Graham and Spencer, luxury tees by Velvet, and urban cool basics by James Perse. The company is slowly introducing a house label to the mix.
J and C Forever.
Judith and Charles, Calgary Eaton Centre, 751 Third St. SW, Calgary, 403-263-6761, www.teenflo.com
July 30th, 2010
What Generation Gap?
You don't wear "mom jeans," so why should your brood?
The new kids and babies version of Gap's 1969 Premium Denim jeans are just like yours with dark washes, distressed grey denim, skinny styles and zipper ankles, all with adjustable waistbands so you don't have to worry about them flashing too much bum. Good jeans run in the family, obviously.
From $29.50 at GapKids and BabyGap across Canada, www.gapcanada.ca
July 16th, 2010
Back to the Future
An online store becomes a bricks-and-mortar shop? Now that's as backwards as a Dr. Seuss book.
But it's true: Ashley York the website is now Ashley York the store, new to The Pier on Bowen Island B.C. The best selling clothes and accessories are made by moms, such as the rough-edged denim "guy ties" ($19). We loved the albino sock monkeys, baby balls made from vintage fabrics and the polka dot Australian splat mats for under the highchair.
Not goin' to Bowen? There's even more available online.Ashley York, The Pier at Bowen Island, 604-947-2200, www.shopashleyyork.com
July 6th, 2010
Stampeding Style
Forget bull riding and steer wrestling, dressing for the 10-day extravaganza should be a rodeo event. This year, spice up your Stampede wardrobe with these five picks and you’ll stand out in the sea of Wranglers and white hats.
GOGO sweaters by Lilly Lab are literally a throwback to the 1980s when designer South Godfrey’s mom launched the line, selling to K.D. Lang and MuchMusic’s Erica Ehm. The updated cowboy cardigans are hand-knit from 100 per cent wool and adorned with hand-painted buttons (from $250). At www.lillylab.com
Stampede veterans will tell you, never wear pretty shoes to an outdoor Stampede party. If your leather cowboy boots are among your favourite footwear, opt instead for a pair of rubber cowboy boots ($75). You’ll be set to line-dance up a storm without having to worry about the sludge and grime on the dance floor. At Kaffa Coffee House, 2138 33rd Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-240-9133.
Hang up your ubiquitous cowboy hat (gasp) for this summer’s hottest headpiece, a straw fedora. We like this softer look, adorned with a bow ($28). At Urban Outfitters, www.urbanoutfitters.com
An ode to the Stampede doesn’t have to include plaid overload. Instead, go for a subtle accessory like this horse head pendant by Zad ($35). Pair it with your favourite LBD and voila, your Stampede ensemble is complete. At Purr, 601 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-244-7877 and two other locations.
When it’s too hot for jeans, throw this faded raw-edge denim vest ($50) over a sundress and you’ll be the prettiest cowgirl at the rodeo. At Gap, www.gap.comJune 17th, 2010
Brazil’s Skills
Famous for its supermodels and soccer players, there’s another duo Brazil does well: shoes and handbags.
The South American city’s well-known retailer Carmen Steffens has finally graced us with its first Canadian store. We’ve got our eyes on the handcrafted wedge sandals, python flats and peep-toe pumps. But first up, the woven “Nicole Tote” ($499, pictured) that would go oh-so well with Joseph Altuzarra’s spring basket weave apron dress.Just another pair made in fashion heaven.
Carmen Steffens, Fashion Central, 803 First St. SW, Calgary, www.carmensteffens.com
June 8th, 2010
Meet your Match
Old-school memory games had us pairing ladybugs, flowers and fruit. Oh how things change.
Street Style Memory Game includes 25 face and shoulder shots and 25 body shots of fabulously fashionable young things snapped on Amsterdam streets by Flemish photographer Barbara Iweins. Challenge your fashionista pals to a game of match the shorts-clad tanned legs with the beautiful face they belong to. Or better yet, get the kids schooled early in street-style smarts and they’ll be ready for The Sartorialist’s lens in no time.€12 at www.bispublishers.nl
June 7th, 2010
A Brush with Fame
In our dream world, famed makeup artist Gucci Westman works her magic on us every morning.
But with the new Sephora I.T. Makeup Brush Collection (from $26), at least we’ve got some sleek tools of the trade. Co-created by French designer Philippe Di Méo, the brushes are colour-coded (pink for the face, blue or purple for the eyes), lightweight and cone-shaped for light or heavy application, depending where you hold the brush. But best of all, each brush comes with a cap that allows it to stand with bristles down for extra protection and easy storage.
At Sephora.
May 28th, 2010
Little Softie
Your kid's wardrobe runs the gamet from the practical (grey hoodie) to the ridiculous (remember when she would only leave the house in her Halloween costume for a month?).
Soft, a funky line of cotton clothing developed for children with sensitive skin, is as cool as it is comfortable. Tagless, zipperless and flat seamed, pieces are finished with eco-friendly enzyme washing to give them that soft, worn-in feeling. For a tongue-in-cheek dress-up session go for the unisex Tie Print tee (US$16, pictured).And to answer your question, yes, an adult line is coming soon.


