LOOKCITY: Five Questions With Leighann Boquist Of South Granville’s Oliver & Lilly’s

by Robyn Yager | Oliver & Lilly’s is located on 1520 West 13th Avenue in the South Granville neighbourhood. The store is perfect for finding essential and high-quality classic pieces including APC denim, Steven Alan button-ups, and Charlotte Hosten jewelry. This summer they’ll be relocating to West 6th Avenue (between Fir and Granville), sharing the same air as Beaucoup Bakery.

How long has Oliver & Lilly’s been open for and what made you decide on the South Granville neighbourhood? South Granville was the perfect place for us to start Oliver & Lilly’s. We live in the neighbourhood, love its history, and can walk to work (super ideal). This August, we will be celebrating our 5th anniversary.

How would you describe the store’s style and what kinds of pieces do you look for when choosing what to carry? We really gravitate towards effortless and understated ways of dressing. Building our buy around a base of essentials and working from there. I love my jeans & tee’s and need a dress now and again too. So, I’ll mix the store up with that in mind. Most importantly the clothing has to be livable, well-made, and functional.

How would you describe Vancouver’s style? Vancouver has a great mix of style; from laid back to super chic. It’s a stylish city.

What is one item you believe everyone girl should own in their wardrobe? A pair of Black High Rise Skinny Jeans.

Where do you find inspiration in your own style and for Oliver and Lilly’s? Sunday mornings, my girlfriends, certain genres of films, and some street style, too. I fill our Tumblr page with all things thereof, and use that as our inspiration board.

Follow Oliver & Lilly’s here (blog), here (Facebook), and here (Twitter).

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKCITY

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Robyn Yager is the style reporter for Scout Magazine. She is enthused by anything out of the ordinary, loving art, striped shirts, macchiatos, classic literature and picking through thrift stores for unique treasures. Her mission is to inspire Vancouverites in their sartorial choices and to see beauty and style everywhere.

LOOKCITY: On Gravity Pope’s Outlet Sale And Downtown’s Second Coming Of J.Crew

by Robyn Yager | Kitsilano’s always dependable Gravity Pope is having an Outlet Sale starting this Thursday, May 9th (runs until May 12th). The shop has some of the best threads and footwear in the city. Check out their Facebook page for more details.

Vancouver’s second location of J.Crew opens up on May 22nd at Pacific Centre. Ho hum. (via Vancouver Sun)

Want to know the real reason behind Nicholas Guesquiere’s departure from Balenciaga? Ooh, the ugliness of politics in fashion!

The Globe & Mail asks: Why shop Canadian?

Canadian denim brand Mavi teams up with two time award-winning British designer Hussein Chalayan for a Spring/Summer 2013 denim capsule collection. (via Style.com)

Community Thrift and Vintage on Cordova Street is in need of some part time help starting in June. That’s three to four days a week in the shop as well as picking out vintage. Think you’ve got what it takes to hunt and sell kickass vintage? Email them for more details.

Get your athleticism on in some pretty new shoes! Nike and Liberty of London have teamed up again for some fun footwear. I’m down for the pink Nike Air Max with yellow flowers (so pretty and functional). Check them here. (via Hearty Magazine)

Weirdly continuing on with the sports theme, check out this collection of designer sporting gear featuring croquet sets, boxing gloves, surfboards, and a bicycle saddle. Unnecessary? Yes. Sweet? Undeniably. (via Sharp Magazine)

The wait is over: Target is now open in B.C (Coquitlam Centre). However, in true Canadian fashion, the American chain leaves much to be desired. (via CBC). Also…boo.

The late Isabelle Blow’s wardrobe is set to go on display at Somerset House in London this November. The eccentric fashionista who passed away in 2007 after battling depression is noted for the discovery of Alexander McQueen and milliner Philip Treacy. The exhibition a collaborative effort between the Isabella Blow Foundation and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. (via Telegraph)

Local looks and wants deciphered from the photographs up top…

1. Statement necklaces would look great with a simple white tee and denim shorts.

2. A floral print London Alexander button up.

3. Imagine combat boots and a pretty white spring dress. Why not?

4. Colourful striped dress and a crystal necklace by Rish Jewelry.

5. A good-looking Instagram battle.

6. Stripes and sportcoat. Looking stylish for a wine preview at Nouvelle Nouvelle.

7. Ora bags are a great and hassle free piece to lug your beach stuff around.

8. Mount Pleasant Athletic Club - get your workout on this this shirt.

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKCITY

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Robyn Yager is the style reporter for Scout Magazine. She is enthused by anything out of the ordinary, loving art, striped shirts, macchiatos, classic literature and picking through thrift stores for unique treasures. Her mission is to inspire Vancouverites in their sartorial choices and to see beauty and style everywhere.

LOOKCITY: Victoria’s “Still Life” Boutique Opening Soon In The Heart Of Mt. Pleasant

One of our very favourite stores in Victoria is coming to Vancouver! Yup, the good folks at Still Life have taken over the old Lark spot at 2315 Main Street and plan to open their 3rd store there in mid-July. If you’ve never heard of it before, Still Life is something of an institution on Lower Johnson St. in Victoria, having opened way back in the 1980′s. It expanded across the street in September 2011, dedicating the original to men’s fashions and the new space – which is slightly larger – to women’s. Owners Matt and Kim Jensen – who bought the store from the original owners 7 years ago – have brought Vancouver’s Meghan Paterson on board as the operating partner. Meghan is an awesome person; you’ll probably recognize her from Beggar’s Banquet. Paterson informs us that the 2,100 sqft space will include both men’s and women’s fashions all under one roof, with many of the same lines/brands that we’ve come to know and love in Victoria. Nice score, Mt. Pleasant!

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKCITY

LOOKCITY: On Essential White Button-Ups And Chanel Getting Her Own Graphic Novel

by Robyn Yager | Dace has created the perfect ladies white button-up shirt. I love the relaxed yet structured style. Pair with a pair of loose trousers, a high-waisted skirt, or perhaps some tailored shorts.

The Legendary Army & Navy Shoe Sale continues until May 5th. It takes a little bit of searching around but you’re bound to find something amazing here. Scan the goods for Kelsi Dagger, Michael Kors, Pour La Victoire, and lots more.

Muttonhead opened a shop within Board of Trade Co. on Union Street over the weekend. Stop by to check out some seriously cool casual menswear (I’m eyeing their Raglan sweater in Heather Grey).

Chanel becomes a graphic novel. Illustrated by Bernard Ciccolini and written by Pascale Frey, the book is a history of Coco in a colourful frame-by-frame comic en Francais. Forget Batman, I’ll take Chanel! Here’s a preview. It’s not published yet, but you will be updated when it is!

Ring stacking is the new wrist stacking. You heard it here first. Get some pretty ones over at Nouvelle Nouvelle, where they carry brands like Catbird NYC, Wasted Effort, and Rish.

Always take Cary Grant’s Timeless Style Advice, but never take it for granted. One of his best gems: “If a man wears the kind of clothes that please him, then, providing they’re clean and don’t shock society, morals, and little children, what is the difference as long as that man is happy?” (via GQ Winter 1967/68)

Bathing suit season is quickly approaching. Check out Cuche Bikinis for some contemporary high-waisted styles. Available at Dream in Gastown (and currently on sale!)

Common clothing stains and how to remove them, because you never know when a Beaujolais mishap will strike, and when it does you’re going to need to deal with it!

The Essential Menswear Movie Guide (via FourPins). This article is a collection of “cliff notes on the most essential flicks of menswear’s cinematic canon”, highlighting such films as The Great Escape, The Graduate, and the Talented Mr. Ripley (did someone say boat shoes and crisp whites?)

That Dove video gone viral receives some criticism. You be the judge. (via The Cut)

Local looks and wants deciphered from the photographs up top…

1. Lace up two-tone heels seen in Gastown.

2. Bike: Denim vest, jeans, toque, and a sweet bike in black and yellow.

3. HeyJude8: Grey wide-brimmed fedora and leather jacket at Eco Fashion Week.

4. MSC12: Flat-brimmed floral print baseball cap with a questionable statement.

5. Close-up of a Uplifting Jacket at the Nicole Bridger’s “Be” show at Portside Pub.

6. A men’s grey polka-dot button up shirt at Union Street’s Charlie & Lee.

7. A Marc Jacobs army green track jacket won’t protect much against the elements (at least he looks good).

9. Brogued white lovelies with turquoise lacing (seen on Granville Island).

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKCITY

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Robyn Yager is the style reporter for Scout Magazine. She runs The Rain Season blog and is enthused by anything out of the ordinary. She loves art, striped shirts, macchiatos, classic literature and picking through thrift stores for unique treasures. Her mission is to inspire Vancouverites in their sartorial choices and to see beauty and style everywhere.

LOOKCITY: Turning Up The Style Dial On A Vancouver Tool, The Ubiquitous Umbrella

by Robyn Yager | The umbrella is an underrated accessory, especially here in Vancouver (ahem, on days like today). It keeps us dry and reveals our tastes (see Magritte’s “Le vacances de hegel” and the MoMa’s “Sky Umbrella”) while in dreams representing a release of tension. And yet, lo! When the skies clear, the functional fashion statements are often abandoned on buses and left in restaurants as lost and forgotten symbols of protection, wealth, and style. The above video features the bespoke umbrella craftsmanship at Oliver Ruuger, a UK design company known for its luxury accessories which are exhibited in galleries around the world. 

Each umbrella is hand crafted in Ruuger’s small, London workshop using many intricate processes in order to execute these bold, premium pieces. Umbrellas are used as traditional, everyday items and have almost been forgotten in design. Oliver Ruuger however, has reintroduced these familiar items as something luxurious and indulgent by using specialist, time consuming techniques and carefully-sourced exotic leathers, woods and metals.

Shorter version: respect your brolly!

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKCITY

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Robyn Yager is the style reporter for Scout Magazine. She is enthused by anything out of the ordinary, loving art, striped shirts, macchiatos, classic literature and picking through thrift stores for unique treasures. Her mission is to inspire Vancouverites in their sartorial choices and to see beauty and style everywhere.

LOOKCITY: Stumbling Into A Local-Loving “Brick & Mortar” Gem In New Westminster

Robyn Yager | One of the best feelings is stumbling across a treasure where and when you least expect it. Such was the recent case when I found myself inside an adorable shop in New West – Brick & Mortar Living – quite by chance. They had everything from home goods and jewelry to accessories and bars of chocolate from Vancouver’s own Beta 5. They also sell vintage pieces like luggage and other well worn goods. I was besotted by the selection and all the attention to detail. Owned by Julia Dewhurst, Emma Nash, and Jennifer Pistone, the store opened a little under a year ago (June 7th, 2013 marks their one year anniversary). What makes them particularly special is their loyalty to place. Brick & Mortar offers diverse products, mostly from BC. Even when they source farther afield, the items tend to be from within Canada. It’s clear that they have a serious love-love relationship with where they are. Check them out on your next trip to River Market!

Brick & Mortar Living | 42 Begbie Street | New Westminister | Instagram

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKCITY

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Robyn Yager is the style reporter for Scout Magazine. She is enthused by anything out of the ordinary, loving art, striped shirts, macchiatos, classic literature and picking through thrift stores for unique treasures. Her mission is to inspire Vancouverites in their sartorial choices and to see beauty and style everywhere.

LOOKCITY: A Very Short History Of The Denim That You’re Probably Wearing Today

by Robyn Yager | Denim, if you’ll pause to consider it, is a kind of cotton-twill textile where the horizontal threads of the fabric (also known as the weft) pass underneath two or more vertical threads (known as the warp). This creates the characteristic diagonal pattern in the fabric.

“Denim” gets its name from the French “de Nimes” meaning “of Nimes” in Southern France. Originally referred to as “Serge de Nimes”, the name was eventually shortened to “denim’. Alright, so if it comes from France, where does the word “jeans” originate? From Genoa, of course, or as the French call it, Genes. It’s where the first denim trousers were made, because Italians are awesome like that.

The popularity of cotton denim trousers came about in the 18th century with the increase of trade, slave labour, and New World plantations. They were worn for working because of their durability. In the beginning, denim was particularly difficult to dye, a fact that restricted the material to the indigo “blue” colour that we know so well today.

Denim was woven into pop culture throughout the 20th century, most notably in the 1930′s with the rise of the Hollywood Western. Cowboys often donned denim pants and jackets (what is farcically called “the Canadian tuxedo” today). The 1940′s ushered in the age of Levi Strauss, Wrangler, and Lee; and then in the 1950′s “blue jeans” became a popular item for youth in the 1950′s with James Dean and Marlon Brando rocking them in films like Rebel Without a Cause and The Wild One.

In the 1960′s and 70′s, denim was worn by hippies. These were often of the high-waisted, bell bottom variety. The 1980′s introduced the concept of “designer jeans” and acid wash (Brooke Shields for Calvin Klein anyone), while the 1990′s – discounting the baggy jeans worn by hip hop artists and professional skateboarders – saw the material’s traditional expressions in decline (presumably because kids didn’t want to be caught dead in anything their parents wore). Today, however, just about anything denim goes.

Thinking about trying some this Spring? Opt for a jean jacket to replace your parka or try a denim shirt with the sleeves rolled up (coloured denim is also a fun way to mix things up). If you’re feeling the slightest bit fascinated, hunt down a copy Denim – From Cowboys to Catwalks and learn everything you possibly could about the world’s most legendary fabric. To find out where to get good denim in Vancouver, click after the jump… Read more

LOOKCITY: 3 Short ION Magazine Films On Vancouver Creatives “Under Construction”

by Robyn Yager | Check out these videos that ION Magazine made for Little Burgundy’s Spring/Summer 2013 magazine. The theme of the magazine is “Under Construction”, where building and creating a space runs parallel to the construction of ourselves and ideas. Featuring appearances by Amaly Narong and Dustin Hill of Today You Are Special, Paul Donnici of The Belmont Barbershop, and Mickey Scott of Herschel Supply Co., the three short films provide a peek at the constructive talents of some of our favourite Vancouver creatives.

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKCITY

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Robyn Yager is the style reporter for Scout Magazine. She is enthused by anything out of the ordinary, loving art, striped shirts, macchiatos, classic literature and picking through thrift stores for unique treasures. Her mission is to inspire Vancouverites in their sartorial choices and to see beauty and style everywhere.

LOOKCITY: A Look Inside The Sleekly Feminine “Rebecca Bree Boutique” In Kits

by Robyn Yager | If you’re a fan of all things girlie and gorgeous check out Rebecca Bree Boutique at 3680 West 4th Ave. Opened in September, 2012 by Vancouver stylist and fashion aficionado Rebecca Rawlinson, the refreshing space exudes the kind of femininity missing from the hard-edged trends of late, offering designs by Tibi (my personal favourite), Clover Canyon, 10 Crosby by Derek Lam, Canada’s Smyth and more. Rawlinson’s years in the fashion industry (Holt Renfrew, Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta) have clearly informed her tastes, making for one of the most authentically beautiful clothing stores in Vancouver. With Spring in the air, it feels good to squeal over the sparkly Lulu Frost necklaces and touch the natural, buttery leather of a fuchsia motorcycle jacket. Give it a whirl!

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKCITY

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Robyn Yager is the style reporter for Scout Magazine. She is enthused by anything out of the ordinary, loving art, striped shirts, macchiatos, classic literature and picking through thrift stores for unique treasures. Her mission is to inspire Vancouverites in their sartorial choices and to see beauty and style everywhere.

LOOKCITY: “Take My Picture” – Short Film On Fashion Bloggers And Street Style Stars

Take My Picture is a excruciatingly interesting short film by Garage Magazine about the emerging subculture of fashion bloggers and street style hangers-on who mill around outside runway shows hoping to get noticed. Shorter version: the revolution will not be televised Pinterested.

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKCITY

HANG THIS WEAR THAT: Pairing Vancouver Artists With Prêt-à-Porter Runway Fashions

Wear: Alberta Ferretti Fall Ready-To-Wear 2013
Hang: Painting by Zoe Pawlak, Vancouver

Wear: Carolina Herrera Fall Ready-To-Wear 2013
Hang: Painting by Alex Heilbron, Vancouver

Wear: 3.0 Phillip Lim Spring Ready-To-Wear 2013
Hang: Painting by Russell Leng, Vancouver

Wear: Prabal Gurung Spring Ready-To-Wear 2013
Hang: Painting by Lisa Ochowycz, Vancouver

Wear: Proenza Schouler Spring Ready-To-Wear 2013
Hang: Painting by Deirdre McAdams, Vancouver

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKCITY

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Robyn Yager is the style reporter for Scout Magazine. She is enthused by anything out of the ordinary, loving art, striped shirts, macchiatos, classic literature and picking through thrift stores for unique treasures. Her mission is to inspire Vancouverites in their sartorial choices and to see beauty and style everywhere.

LOOKCITY: On The Classic Flat Cap That Grew In Popularity By An Act Of Parliament

by Robyn Yager | The Flat Cap, or Bunnet (Scotland), is a round cap with a stiff brim. It is very similar to the Newsboy Cap, which is essentially the same hat but sewn from the top down instead of from the back. Its history can be traced back to England and Italy in the 14th Century. It was referred to as a “bonnet” until the 1700′s, when it became a “cap”. When Irish and English immigrants came to North America thereafter, they brought the style with them. Materials used include wool, cotton, and most commonly tweed.

Wearing a Flat Cap began with an Act of Parliament in 1571 in order to encourage domestic wool consumption and general trade. On Sundays and holidays, every male over the age of six, except for nobility and those of degree, were to wear a wool cap or be fined. Although the Bill was abandoned in 1597, wearing the hat had already become a normal part of the everyday. The rest – as they say – is history. It was once understood that the Flat Cap was a symbol of the working class, but it was often worn out of sheer practicality by everyone, so much so that it is seen today as a classless accoutrement.

Peeps who have rocked the Flat Cap include (classic) Paul Newman, Raquel Welch, Bruce Springsteen, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jerry Lewis, Buster Keaton, (contemporary) Brad Pitt, Carrie Bradshaw, Al Pacino, Melanie Laurent, (local) Rommy Ghaly, Shaun Layton, Cord Jarvie, and many more.

Where to Find in Vancouver

Edie Hats (4-1666 Johnston Street, Granville Island)
The Bay (674 Granville Street)
Deluxe Junk - for those okay with secondhand head wear (310 West Cordova Street)
Front and Company (3772 Main Street)

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKCITY

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Robyn Yager is the style reporter for Scout Magazine. She runs The Rain Season blog and is enthused by anything out of the ordinary. She loves art, striped shirts, macchiatos, classic literature and picking through thrift stores for unique treasures. Her mission is to inspire Vancouverites in their sartorial choices and to see beauty and style everywhere.

LOOKCITY: Claire Boucher (“Grimes”) Pairs With Saint Laurent Paris For New T Designs

Robyn Yager | After all the Canadian high-fives we got from the Oscars last Sunday (Argo, Life of Pi) why not ride out the pride a little longer? Vancouver-turned-Montreal producer Claire Boucher – aka Grimes - just announced her collaboration with Saint Laurent Paris. SLP creative director Hedi Slimane asked Grimes to create a capsule collection of men’s T-shirts after shooting her for her Dazed and Confused magazine cover. The designs are based on the 1970′s Yves Saint Laurent Love Posters. Grimes is no stranger to the art world as she creates her own album covers and has shown her artwork in various exhibitions (including one at the Audio Visual Gallery in Manhattan). You can check out her shirt designs and her Vibe interview here (with a tease at a future clothing label).

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKCITY

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Robyn Yager is the style reporter for Scout Magazine. She runs The Rain Season blog and is enthused by anything out of the ordinary. She loves art, striped shirts, macchiatos, classic literature and picking through thrift stores for unique treasures. Her mission is to inspire Vancouverites in their sartorial choices and to see beauty and style everywhere.

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