50s and 60s fashion may be all the rage right now thanks to Mad Men, but it seems like the 1970s are making a comeback. 70s styling was all over the Fall RTW runways, from Akris to Chloe to DKNY (pictured above, courtesy of style.com). High-rise, wide-legged trousers showed up in several collections – an ideal alternative to the slim leg silhouette.

To work this look your pants must fit like a glove, no dragging hems and too-tight waistbands allowed. Paired with a belt and a fitted, tucked-in shirt, you’ll be sure to stand out in a sea of skinny jeans.

Another 70s staple you must add to your closet is a long-sleeved, bow-necked blouse such as the navy polkadot and black sheer from Net-a-Porter.com.  Feminine and office-appropriate, it’s a subtle way to channel your inner Bianca Jagger.

By: Sara Constantineau, Vancouver

Eco-fashion fans are true lovers. When it comes to giving back to the planet, we go all out – especially when it involves shopping the night away. Eco-conscious stylistas recently united at Vancouver’s Body Politic for Eco Shops for a Cause, a shopping event to support the David Suzuki Foundation. With some of North America’s most chic sustainable fashions, including labels Noir Bonbon, Nicole Bridger and Lara Miller, it was difficult to resist my shopping temptations.

The night also marked the Canadian debut of Dutzi Designs (above), a line of handcrafted handbags that supports entrepreneurship for women in Mexico.

Munching on mini cupcakes and wine (all organic, of course!), I was happy to be amongst some of Vancouver’s most stylish. Vintage jumpsuits, 50’s throwback styles and bold pops of colour were a few of my favourite style spottings of the evening.

Body Politic is located at 208 E 12th Ave at Main, Vancouver.

1. Gorgeous ladies! Cyndi Hunter of Silver Spoon Food Tours, Regina Noppe of Green Sapphire Imports, Kristin Janishefski of Vanguard PR, and Niki Blasina of A Haute Mess.

2. Nicole Ritchie-Oseen, Owner at Body Politic and friend Jenna.

3. Fashion Designer Nicole Bridger.

4. Britney Rae-Douglas, Shoe Buyer at John Fluevog, gives Fall 2010 a test drive with brand new stock from the store. Love the silhouette and draping of this Noir Bonbon dress!
5. Accessories are my weakness, and these bold pieces are no exception. The necklace by Green Sapphire Imports would be the perfect addition to any outfit.
6. Nadia Chu of String Magazine.
7. Kathy Nguyen, Assistant Editor at String Magazine.

8-11. Dutzi Designs

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

After years of salivating over their über-hot catalogues and runway shows (and I definitely wasn’t the only one), Victoria’s Secret has finally arrived in Toronto. Located at the Yorkdale Mall, the 13,549 square foot store is like La Senza on steroids – pink ones. It’s definitely a woman’s playground, with something for everyone from the girlie girl to the sophisticate to the tomboy. In addition to gorgeous bras, panties, lingerie and sleepwear, the store also features a massive beauty section. Lip gloss, eyeshadow, perfume, all as far as the eye can see! Enough to make you feel like a kid in a candy store. I couldn’t resist picking up a limited-edition Victoria Secret Canada key chain and a pair of undies. Okay, three…for $30.

Visit Victoria’s Secret at the West Edmonton Mall (1686 8882 170th STREET NW in Edmonton) and at the Yorkdale Mall (3401 Dufferin Street in Toronto).

Photos courtesy of Victoria’s Secret.

By: Caitlin Agnew, Toronto

Urban Rush’s Fiona Forbes (left), PR guru Tiffany Soper (right)

City TV’s Dawn Chubai and Riaz Meghji
The Style Spy’s Erica Lam and Nicole Soon and fashion writer Ishra Shariff

If you’re an avid reader of US and In Touch magazine, then you’ve seen young starlets don a Toy Watch on their wrist. I attended an exclusive preview of it’s collection at Opus last week and saw first hand why they’re a hot item. These stylish time tellers not only add a dose of colour and sparkle to your outfit and mix well with bangles for a cool statement look, they make sure you’re on schedule for your next event.

By: Christie Lohr

You should follow me on twitter @Christie_Lohr.

It’s rare that the words “crochet” and “cool” are used in the same sentence, but designer Anna Kosturova proves otherwise. The Vancouver-based swimsuit Queen recently showcased her latest offerings at Mini Yaletown to a crowd of trendy local tastemakers. The space was transformed into a beach paradise, complete with tiki statues, makeshift cabanas and paper palm trees – and of course, the occasional Mini display. Show highlights included glam cutout suits with sequins, tassels and beadwork, and teeny bikinis in bold patterns and intricate detailing. Gotta love those neon crochet suits… perfect for a summer rooftop pool party!

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Meow! Animal prints were all over the fall runways, from Balmain to Blumarine. Leopard and zebra prints are classic, however, they must be worn with caution. The key to carrying this look for everyday wear is to break up the pattern with solids or by playing up the print with accessories and footwear (that’s where my future pair of Jimmy Choo cheetah print booties would come in handy!). Just make sure to avoid getting zebra-happy and refrain from head-to-toe animal print, please.

1. Balmain F/W 2010. Photo courtesy of Style.com.
2. Topshop Leopard Print Ponyhair Clutch. Available at Topshop.

3. Fendi Zebra Horsehair Belt ($270). Available at Bluefly.

4. Blumarine F/W 2010. Photo courtesy of Style.com.

5. Nom de Plume YaYa Chi Dress ($88). Available at Urban Outfitters.
6. Jimmy Choo Leopard Print Booties ($1375). Available at Net-A-Porter.

7. Jimmy Choo Zebra Print Cashmere Scarf ($505). Available at My Theresa.
8. Preen Line Animal Print Dress ($345). Available at Net-A-Porter.
9. American Apparel Zebra Print Bodysuit ($47). Available at American Apparel.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

At my last visit to W Salon in Toronto, my hairstylist introduced me to Moroccanoil. If you’ve been to any salon or beauty product store recently, chances are you’ve noticed it in its eye-catching teal packaging. Blending ancient therapies with modern technology, Moroccanoil is a hair-care line based in Argan Oil – an ancient antioxidant found only in the Argana region of Morocco.

The star of the line is the Moroccanoil Treatment. Add about a teaspoon to towel-dried hair before blow-drying and you’ll see instant shine, restored healthiness, and strengthened hair. It’s weightless, softening, and smells great, perfect for both muggy summers and dry winters.

Need more convincing? Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Anna Kendrick, and Maggie Gyllenhaal all used Moroccanoil products to style their hair at the 2010 Academy Awards. Now that’s an a-list of gorgeous hair if there ever was one.

Moroccanoil products include Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, Restorative Hair Mask, Intense Hydrating Mask, Glimmer Shine Spray, Hydrating Styling Cream, Intense Curl Cream, and the Moroccanoil Treatment ($20.60 – $40.80).

Visit Moroccanoil.com to find a retailer near you.

Photos courtesy of Moroccanoil and Style.com.

By: Caitlin Agnew, Toronto

It’s official! I have discovered girl heaven. Rouge Makeup is the latest addition to Yaletown’s crop of chic beauty lounges (Bombay Brow Bar, Noir Lash Lounge and Blo, to name a few). I recently joined the ladies of Rouge Makeup Lounge to celebrate their Grand Opening event. Beauty junkies were treated to a decadent chocolate fountain and bubbly while makeup artists dished on some of their beauty secrets. The lounge offers up a variety of services, from makeup application to skin analysis and even caters to girls night out.

Rouge Makeup Lounge is located at 1038 Hamilton St., Vancouver.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a stylish Vancouver crowd (check out the chain dress) then at the recent Aritzia F/W 2010 fashion show. Knits, florals, over-sized shirts, skinny pants, flirty frocks and knee-high socks rocked the runway at the Rocky Mountaineer Rail Station. As much as I love summer, I can’t wait for fall to arrive. I’ll take one of each for the cooler season.

You should follow me on Twitter @Christie_Lohr

By: Christie Lohr

“Romance, innocence and the sense of nonsense” is the mood at the “House of Adventures,” the latest collection by Thomas Sabo. Split into three themes – “Seasonal,” inspired by surreal dream sequences, “Rebel at Heart,” a crossover between Wild West romanticism and Victorian flair, and “Classic,” a tribute to disco – the collection is whimsical and varied, with something for everyone’s taste. I can’t help but think of Alice in Wonderland meets Donna Summers in Texas for a bling showdown. Silver is back in a big way right now – just ask Karl Lagerfeld and his S/S 2010 Chanel Haute Couture collection. Why not jump the trend with a daring addition from the “House of Adventures?”

Visit ThomasSabo.com to find a retailer near you.

By: Caitlin Agnew, Toronto