What should you wear this spring? Click here to watch me talk about must-haves on City TV’s Breakfast Television.
Outfit 1. Top, scarf, crystal necklace and purse from Club Monaco. Pants from American Apparel. Shoes from Aldo.
Outfit 2. White suit from Vancouver designer Carlie Wong. Shoes from Aldo.
Outfit 3. Jumper from Carlie Wong. Accessories and shoes from Aldo.
Outfit 4. Maxi dress from Vancouver label Obakki. Accessories and shoes from Aldo.
Vancouver’s Water Street hosted the ultimate in chic recently as Obakki presented their Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. Ethereal, flowing dresses, breezy silhouettes, painterly prints and a touch of minimalism were key elements in the collection. Designer Treana Peake maintained her signature rocker-chic aesthetic as models strutted the catwalk sporting disheveled do’s and black smoky eyes. Obakki owned it with the look of the evening – a simple, sheer bat-wing dress.
Photos courtesy of Santiago R. de Hoyos.
By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver
September is my January. It’s that time of year when I make my style resolutions: what to keep, what to store away, and what to invest in for the upcoming season. On the top of my shopping list? Accessories – from beautiful boots to luxurious handbags, the abundance that fall has to offer are difficult to resist. Check out a few of my favourite accessory trends of the season:
1. MILITARY: The Military trend remains a top look for Fall. Look for buckles, straps and industrial detailing, like this bootie by Sam Edelman (This boot gets bonus points for being named after my home!) The Vancouver Boot ($215, available at various retailers across Canada and online).
2, 3. NATURE: Beautiful creatures and nature elements dangled from models’ ears, crept on necklines and wrists all over the fall runways. This bib necklace by Candace Ang makes a statement without looking overdressed ($185, available at Goldwyn Online).
I am a bird lover and scarf-fiend, so this piece by JUMA is a must-have on my list ($200, available online and at LynnSteven Vancouver).
4, 5. HERITAGE: Fall 2010 marks a return to the classics. Clean lines, timeless shapes, and luxurious materials hark back to the old days. Think Hermes, Mulberry and Max Mara as inspiration for this look. Until I am able to purchase a Birkin, I will settle for this purse from Urban Outfitters ($48). The classic box shape makes it easy to work into my everyday look.
Hats are the new cool. Try a wide-brimmed fedora, bowler or parlor hat like this twenties style by Brixton ($50, at 80s Purple online).
6,7. FUR/SHEARLING: Fur, faux or real, is back in a big way. Accessories with accents of fur or shearling are a great way to experiment with this trend if you aren’t quite ready to go full out and cop a coat. Urban Outfitters Faux Fur Hobo Bag ($58) and Aldo sherpa-lined clogs ($80).
8. GOTH: Skulls, skeletons and scary stuff are inspiration for the latest looks in accessory trends. Pamela Love (seen on Rumi Neely of FashionToast) creates beautiful, eyecatching pieces. Pamela Love Sterling Silver talon ring ($300, available at Obakki Vancouver and Jonathan + Olivia Toronto, and online at Net-A-Porter).
By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver
Rumi and I in the Clark Shirt by Noir Bonbon
Fashion designer Carlie Wong (check out her awesome her spiked heels!)
Michelle Rizzardo owner of One of a Few/Two of a Few, friend Christie, and designer Dace Moore of Dace
Anna Bonthoux of Nobasura Artist Management
Where do you find Vancouver’s fashion elite all under one roof? At an Obakki fashion show, of course. The locally based label recently showcased their Fall/Winter 2010 Collection to the hippest crowd in the city, with a front-row honourary guest, model-blogger Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast. The night was filled with many highs, including schmoozing with fellow guests (no “hoighty-toighty” types here!), meeting Miss Neely and taking in one wicked fashion show. The collection was edgy rocker-meets chic, impeccable luxury (hello leather, sparkle, silk, angora!). Personally, I’m ready to forgo summer just so I can rock those killer leather-panel pants with an alpaca scarf. Obakki, how I love you!
By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver
“Droopy”, drapey and drop-crotch? These three characteristics seem far from the ideal description of the perfect pant, even for the trendiest fashion fan. But with the focus on slim pants and leggings for the past few years, a newer and wider silhouette is a welcoming breath of fresh air (literally!). The new pant styles for the season are all about volume and a relaxed fit: very much a far cry from our beloved skinnies. Think harem pants, a touch of draping, pleats and wide leg trousers in light fabrics and looser fits.
Now I know what you’re probably thinking – “I could never pull this one off!” But au contraire mes amis! Going slack can truly suit anybody. The key to working this style of pant is finding the right variation to suit your body type. Remember that when working with looser silhouettes, it’s always best to contrast the look with a fitted top to flatter your figure. Finish with a pair of killer heels to elongate the legs. Now give me some slack!
1. These cropped pants from the Jacqueline Conoir Collection ($245) is a universally flattering style. Truly the perfect transition piece if you’re not quite ready to fully venture into the harem pant trend.
2. Want to stand out in a crowd while going slack? Try the silk satin harem pants from Little Moon by Wilfred, available at Aritzia stores in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.
3. A high waisted pant balances out a pant with pleats and volume, while a rolled hem gives off a super casual vibe. Opt for this style by United Bamboo ($245), available at Lark in Vancouver and Rooney Shop in Montreal.
4. Pick up a pair of haute harems by Ella Peru ($80). The pleats are strategically placed, while the yoke at the bottom is perfectly flattering! Available at Planet Claire in Vancouver.
5. If you’re a curvy girl like me, look for harems with a high waistline and a tapered leg for a longer look. Opt for The Furies Pannung Pant from Urban Outfitters ($92).
6. A great alternative style is one with volume closer to the hem and a slimmer cut throughout. Try the wide leg pant with a draped hem by Obakki. Available at various Obakki stores nationwide and at the Obakki Online Store.
By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver
