OUTFIT OF THE DAY: The Special “Summer Reading While Wearing Sunglasses” Edition

by Robyn Yager | Striped shirt from Joe Fresh, sunglass tote bag from TheOutnet.com, tortoise shell Ray-Bans, thrifted gold belt, leopard print flats by Sperry from Nordstrom Rack, thrifted denim cut offs, and a Salvation Army-sourced copy of A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole.

EVERY OUTFIT OF THE DAY

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.

OUTFIT OF THE DAY: The “Instagram Says It’s Suddenly Summer So…” Special Edition

by Robyn Yager | To commemorate such a beautifully sunny day (after being inspired by all the Instagram pictures of this weekend’s amazing forecast blowing up on my feed), the Outfit of the Day includes a silk paisley blouse by One Teaspoon from Kiss and MakeUp in West Vancouver, faux leather shorts from Zara, Ash Miliary stilettos (bought at Winner’s), a yellow polka-dot notebook (bought at YokoYaya in Chinatown), a rafia minaudiere from Moule, a Stabilo pen, and Clinique lipstick in Mightiest Maraschino.

EVERY OUTFIT OF THE DAY

HEADS UP: Pop-Up Wine Bar Goes Down Tonight At Gastown’s “Nouvelle Nouvelle”

by Robyn Yager | Tonight, from 7pm to 9pm, Gastown boutique Nouvelle Nouvelle (209 Abbott) will host a Spring Pop-up Wine Bar featuring new wines from Road 13 and ice cream sandwiches by Earnest Ice Cream. Sip, chomp, and check out new dresses from Dolce Vita, tees by Mt. Pleasant Athletic Club, Cheap Monday sunnies, and beautiful butter leather bags. Oh, plus 15% off.

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.

HONOUR BOUND: “Beauty Night Society” Set To Orient New Volunteers On May 7th

by Robyn Yager | Vancouver’s award-winning charity, Beauty Night Society, strives to build self-esteem and change lives for women and youth in need by focusing on three areas of programming: wellness, life skills, and makeovers four days of each week. ”Beauty nights” were launched 12 years ago by Caroline MacGillivray. They take place at shelters, health care facilities, drop-in centres, and transition homes. The women who attend are given a chance to connect with others, make friends, and be part of an event that makes them feel empowered, beautiful, and part of the community, as everyone should. Anyone can help out by donating products and supplies, but if you enjoy and have expertise in make-up, hair, health, or wellness, and really dig giving back to your community, the Beauty Night Society holds a volunteer orientation meeting every first Tuesday of the month from 5pm-7:30pm at the Vancouver Public Library Firehall Branch (1455 West 10th Avenue). That’s Tuesday, May 7th. If you’re especially keen, fill out a volunteer form in advance.

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Honour Bound details the many cool things that we feel honour bound to check out because they either represent Vancouver exceptionally well or are inherently super awesome in one way or another

OUTFIT OF THE DAY: Special ‘Reading The Great Gatsby In Royal Blue Loafers’ Edition

Robyn Yager | Maybe this isn’t what Daisy would wear but it’s what I wear when I read about Daisy, and Nick, and Jay, and Tom. Thrifted flower and fruit patterned dress, a copy of The Great Gatsby, Marc by Marc Jacobs perfume in Daisy (because your perfume should match what you’re reading), Revlon lip colour in Smitten, Elizabeth and James sunglasses, and blue loafers obtained in the Philippines.

EVERY OUTFIT OF THE DAY

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.

OUTFIT OF THE DAY: The Casual “I Am The Blue & White Refined Sugar Walrus” Edition

by Robyn Yager | Grey denim from Club Monaco (thrifted), J. Crew short-sleeved button up (thrifted), navy blue Superga sneakers (Nordstrom), Olivia Harris canvas, leather bag (consignment), a can of mango juice to get my daily dose of refined sugar, and April issue of The Walrus.

EVERY OUTFIT OF THE DAY

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

OUTFIT OF THE DAY: Special “On A Day Trip To River Market With Capote” Edition

by Robyn Yager | Short-sleeve white button-up from Topshop, chambray skirt from Aritzia, pointy-toe silver ankle strap flats by Sigerson Morrison (bought from Winners), Rayban oversized Wayfarers, Revlon’s Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti, Kate Spade bag, and a beat up copy of Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

EVERY OUTFIT OF THE DAY

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.

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