Tokyo Street Style

Images: http://www.style-arena.jp

I don't know if these people are actually models but I don't really care. I love looking at Tokyo Street Style.

Love how different the styles are in each part of Tokyo. Love how you can mouse over the person's face for a close up. A lot of thought went into those outfits.

If more people visited Tokyo Street Style, the Dunkin' Donuts debacle may not have happened. Clearly, the black and white fringed scarf is a hallmark of the fashionable Tokyo teen, NOT a symbol of Muslim extremism. Sheesh!

Don't Hide From The High Waist

NO

ALMOST

Many of you have been asking about high-waisted jeans. Most of you are scared of them. Don't worry, I was too. But, they're super-stylish, comfortable and you don't have to worry about your gear showing. So, here are some ways to rock high-waisted jeans and avoid looking like a 70's soccer Mom:

1. Unless you are really tiny - do not wear LIGHT colored high waisted denim. Stick to the darkest washes which are most slimming.
2. Wear heels unless you have super-long legs. HIGH heels. Make sure your pants almost touch the floor, thus disguising the actual height of your heel and lengthening the appearance of your leg.
3. Wear something fitted, short or tucked in on top. Keep it neat with a fitted short sleeve blouse or high-necked tank top (see photos below from Net-A-Porter). I'm not LOVING the look above (Hilary Duff in black tank) but I've seen worse (Jessica Simpson top photo).
4. If you're ample-bosomed, you may want to be careful with this trend. To avoid looking top-heavy, wear something dark and close fitting on top.

Go Fug Yourself

I try to keep FSC entries light, useful and kind. Unfortunately, I am not above enjoyment of witty and scathing fashion discourse. Among the best of this genre is Go Fug Yourself. Below, a short excerpt from May 23rd:

1) When forced to wear hideously twee earrings and giant puffy sleeves (perhaps at a wedding), the best way to keep from screaming is to grit your teeth and throw your champagne flute at the help.

2) If you suspect your ex-husband plans to attempt to choke you out, make sure your bracelets match your earrings for maximum accessorial impact during the big moment.

3) And, most importantly over the long holiday weekend: There is no lady-like way to eat fried chicken.

The Classics

The photos above were printed on March 9th, 1940, in the Calgary Herald. The newspaper was unearthed last weekend at my parent's cabin. LOVE these shots.

Bows were hot in the Spring of 1940, as they are now. Navy was "the big story". What I love about these photos is how clearly they demonstrate the timelessness of great style.

Classic tailoring.
A great shoe.
The manicured brow.

Trends come and go but these are things a woman can count on.

So here's a confession - I'm not great at accessorizing myself. I can spot a great necklace, bracelet or earring - but I have trouble wearing them. On any given day you will find me wearing pearl earrings and a silver charm bracelet. Snore.

Like I said though, I can spot the greats. This necklace is one of those. A pewter pendant, hung on multiple leather chains. What WOULDN'T this look great with? I'm envisioning a white tank and old jeans. Or a simple black dress (as shown).

I brought in one of these for the June event. Let's all remember our manners please.

Back To The Land

As Fran Lebowitz famously quoted:

"I am not the type who wants to go back to the land; I am the type who wants to go back to the hotel."

I can relate. However, after I exhaust my usefulness indoors, my presence is sometimes required outdoors.

Today was one of those days.

My Dad, of course, had stylish rain gear. I dig the yellow. My outfit was a US Military issue, camouflage rain poncho. A poncho that can also double as a tent (if required) I was told. Rugged hiking boots completed my ensemble. Let's call it functional-chic.

Tan Without The Stinky

Yes! It does exist. A self-tanner without any gross "tanning bed" smell, or heavy perfume. Biotherm's Self-Tanning Face Gel is easy to apply, gives a natural color and best of all, DOES NOT SMELL.

Some of you might be old enough to remember Quick-Tan - Coppertone's entry into the self tanner market. I've been using self-tanners since QT turned me streaky orange. I've used them all, cheap and expensive. Biotherm is my hands-down favorite. If you buy it at London Drugs, the cosmetic counter will give you loyalty card for free Biotherm products.

Be At Bia Boro

Image: www.chulopony.com

Some boutiques are just plain hard to leave. Bia Boro, in Nelson, B.C., is one of those places. Mav Momtazian, owner and buyer, does an incredible job of finding the coolest, best fitting, sexiest and most affordable fashion available.

Yesterday, I purchased a TON of items for clients at Bia Boro - you lucky, lucky girls! Gorgeous panties from Argentina, pewter cuff bracelets, high-waisted denim and super-cute jackets. I could have stayed all day.

The folks at Bia Boro also make sure they support Canadian designers, like Chulo Pony and BodyBag by Jude. Check out that incredible Chulo vest!

The Jiffy Steamer

The Jiffy Steamer is an appliance that every working man or woman needs in their closet. It will save minutes of time (at least) each morning and big bucks on your dry cleaning bill.

Personal garment steamers are perfect for touching up your pants or blazers quickly and are easy on silks too. Seriously, once you have one, you won't know how you lived without it.

Do not buy an imitation steamer. Jiffy Steamer is the original, and still the best, steamer on the market. You can purchase these at cleaning specialty stores such as The Laundry Store. Make sure you buy one with a metal steam-head - it will last longer than the plastic one.

Snooze-Free Belts

My recent penchant for bright belts has carried over into my Stampede purchasing.

Check out these cute red and orange leather belts! Genuine leather and built to accommodate your favorite buckles.

Match these with your Wranglers for barrel-racer-chic.

I kid.

Image: www.queenconnection.com (do you LOVE it?)

Ginch Gab: The Nu Bra

Image: www.nubra.com

I discuss underwear frequently because the reality is, foundation garments are very important.

So, I'd like to share with you, the Nu Bra. You've probably seen this item in lingerie shops and thought it looked pretty weird. You're correct. The Nu Bra consists of two silicone cups that stick to your body and clip together between "the girls".

The Nu Bra is marketed as a bra-less alternative but unless you're completely flat chested, I wouldn't recommend sporting these on their own. They are great for many other applications though:

• use instead of a strapless bra in a fitted, strapless dress (bra under wire often shows through a dress, especially if it's white i.e. bridal)
• use inside your bra for a little extra. The Nu Bra silicone looks and feels natural unlike foamy padding
• stick inside the cups of your sun-dress if you're not quite filling it out. Again the padding looks like the real deal.

They are a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. The knock-offs are not as well-formed and durable. Yes the bra actually does stick to your skin, you just need to wash the cups after every use.

It's The Little Things

Images: www.anyahindmarch.com

I love a bargain. In fact, my ability to find great fashion, at rock-bottom prices, is a big part of Fashionista Social Club. However, when I do shop retail, I'm usually delighted by the presentation and packaging.

A great example of this just arrived from Anya Hindmarch. I'm a big fan of AH and check out the web site frequently. Everything is just SO beautiful.

The gorgeous, cashmere cardigan (pictured above) arrived on my doorstep FOUR days after purchase. It arrived in a beautiful bag, tied with monogrammed ribbon and a card.

The cardigan is elegant with a really fun twist. Check out the elbow patches - I can't stand it! It's still on sale if you must have one. You will not be disappointed.

LB Etc.

A good friend is opening a boutique on South Granville in Vancouver (coming soon). Soooo excited to see all the interesting pieces at Oliver and Lilly's!

The owner has an incredible knack for spotting trends and an innate sense of what looks great on a woman's body. FSC clients in Calgary can look forward to exclusive offers on Oliver and Lilly's pieces.

You can check out her personal blog at L.B. etc and look for the Oliver and Lilly's website coming soon!

Western Wear

The Western-inspired clothing is rolling in for the June 26th event.

I think the Western look is sexy all year round. Items I'm currently buying for FSC are Western enough for Stampede, but wearable all year. Like the BCBG shirt pictured above.

This shirt will be available in all sizes (I couldn't resist buying multiples of this one) and will sell out fast!

Summer Hats

Images: www.deluxknitwear.com

Hats are perfect for the lazy fashionista. Don't feel like washing your hair? Put on a hat and a great pair of sunglasses and you look fantastic. Sadly, when the weather turns warm, there are fewer hat options.

Unless you're at the beach, don't rock the bucket hat. Visors on the golf course only please. Baseball caps can be cute, but only if your outfit is sporty chic (think Gisele).

The folks at Delux created a great selection of cute summer hats this year. Delux hats are totally affordable and sold nearly everywhere. In Calgary, you can find them at I Appeal. Edie's Hats, in Vancouver, always stocks Delux.

Or, if you really feel like standing out, (and spending the coin) try the Missoni fedora from net-a-porter. Gorgeous.

Accessorize For Summer

Image: www.shan.ca

A wise friend once quoted "You are your own best accessory."

Meaning, if you keep your body healthy and in shape, all your clothes will look and feel better. We all know this but sometimes the motivation is lacking.

If you're looking for a little external motivation, try hiring a personal trainer. The money spent on making your body look and feel great is a better investment than any new clothing you might buy.

If your body is already bangin', you might want to run out and buy this "one-easy-piece" by Shan. Super-hot. Shan also creates the most comfortable bathing suits you will ever own. Promise.

Say No To Ho'

Bless Simon Dimone for putting his fashion directive to women so simply - "Say No To Ho'". Good one to keep in mind with summer approaching.

He also believes women (style-wise) fit into one of three catagories:

1) Existentialist
2) Socialite
3) Gypsy

I know which one I am, do you?

Check out the video.

Wardrobe Reconnaissance

Image: www.poliformusa.com

Maybe your entire closet is a write-off. Maybe you have some good pieces, but no clue how to put them together. Maybe your status-quo style bores you to tears. We can help. First, we’ll assess what you have, what you love and what works for you. Then we’ll rock your wardrobe’s world in one of three ways:

Rebuild – A total closet makeover starting from scratch.
Refresh – We keep what works, updating with fresh, flattering pieces.
Re-mix – We mix new, creative combinations out of what you already own.

Prices and package details coming soon!

Ginch Gab: The Very Best Tank

Image: www.freshpair.com

I've discussed how much I love Freshpair before. Convenient shopping for the very best in underwear, T-Shirts and other "unmentionables".

Shopping for a client, I ordered a bunch of Adam T-shirts and tanks. They arrived yesterday and I tried them on for fit and quality (tough job).

The verdict?

These are the best fitting tanks and T's I've ever come across. They fit perfectly in the shoulder, the cotton is top quality, and the bottom is finished beautifully so you can wear them tucked in or out. Honestly? Perfect.

Shipping costs are reasonable but I did get dinged $40 duty on 13 items (roughly $3 per shirt) so factor that into the cost of your purchase.

More Lower Denim Prices

Image: www.joesjeans.com

The folks at RA in Calgary always have great denim. Specifically, RA carries a wide selection of my personal faves - Joe's jeans.

Good news! The US distributors of Joe's have lowered their prices to Canadian buyers, and RA is passing the savings along. Amazing. Joe's jeans at RA are literally $60-80 less than one year ago.

So RA is bringing us the hottest denim AND fair prices. I'm not naming names but some other retailers have not lowered their prices. Shame on them.

Scarves For Everyone

Image: www.clubmonaco.com

Image: www.coach.com

Scarves are a big deal right now and they're everywhere! Was just in Club Monaco and they have a great assortment of silk scarves. Love the one above that can double as a belt.

Or, check out Coach for the CUTEST colors and prints. Buy lots (they're reasonably priced at US$38 each) to spread out the cost of shipping.

Shoe Slave: Clogs

Image: www.gothamcityonline.com

Image: www.riceandbeansvintage.com

Totally love clogs for summer. I used to clomp around the yard in my Mom's version of today's clogs. Leather and wood - my ten-year-old self dreamed of being grown up enough to wear them.

Luckily, today's clogs are nearly identical - only more comfortable now that they fit me.

Picked these Jill Stuart's up at Gothamcityonline. Soooo comfy and cute.

Thanks Club Members!

A big thank you to everyone who attended the Flirt Alert event! You all went home with some great new clothes!

Loved that everyone stayed, chatted and offered their approvals on the styles being tried on by other guests. So much fun!

James Wyper's studio was the perfect venue - thanks again James for letting us take over you space. Your work was very much admired. For those of you considering an art purchase, get him while you can. His work is much sought after and prices are climbing ever higher.

Thanks again to Vik for capturing some of the action - I'm always to busy to remember to take photos.

Location, Location, Location

Those of you attending tonight's event are in for a treat. Tonight's event location is the studio of Calgary's hottest young artist, James Wyper.

If none of the clothes catch your fancy, which of course they will, you might want to take home a painting.

The location again is:

Suite 402, 319 10th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB