TheStyleSpy.com

Get Fresh for Fall

Jan Tong — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:01:23 +0000

While Summer is my favorite season, it’s so yesterday and I’m ready to break out the Fall clothes. So many things I need (err want?) yet so little cash. Luckily, Joe Fresh’s Fall collection lets you hit on the key trends without blowing the bank. All these pieces can be easily incorporated into any wardrobe for the perfect mix of high and low style. I share with you some of my favorite looks. Hands off the motorcycle jacket and utility parka. So mine.

This October, look out for the dedicated Joe Fresh Store opening at 540 Granville Street. 2 floors and 14,000 square feet of shopping goodness.

Jan Tong, The Style Spy
jan@thestylespy.com

Motorcycle Jacket - $49 CAD
Boyfriend Chinos - $24 CAD
Embellished Tee - $16 CAD

Stripe Sweater - $24 CAD
Slim Boy Jeans - $39 CAD

Sweater Sweatpants - $39 CAD
Utility Parka - $49 CAD

Mohair Cardigan - $29 CAD
Silk Shirt - $39 CAD
Tweet Skirt - $39 CAD
Studded boots - $159 CAD
Necklaces - $14 - $19 CAD

Drugstore Delight: St. Ives’ Moisturizing Olive Scrub

Nicole Soon — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:00:33 +0000

My skin care regime always consists of one cleanser and one exfoliant. I can’t stress the importance of exfoliating at least every other day to keep the surface of your skin smooth and free of dead skin cells and oils that can clog your pores. So when I ran out of my usual facial scrub, I headed over to Shoppers. They were having a sale on a wide range of cleansers and scrubs so I had a look around to see if I could try something new. I usually get the St. Ives’ Gentle Apricot Scrub, but I decided to try St. Ives’ Moisturizing Olive Scrub instead (it was on sale for $6.99, how could I not?). I have dry-combination skin so I’m always wary of scrubs that are too harsh and tend to dry out my skin. The key ingredients in this product are olive oil, olive leaf extract, jojoba, chamomile and vitamin E. I loved the concept that the scrub moisturizes while exfoliating your skin, and does it ever! My skin was soft and smooth after using this scrub and after the past 2 weeks, I’m very pleased with the results. I love how gentle yet effective this ...

Guy of the Week

Nicole Soon — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:01:22 +0000

This week we bring you the man behind StyleQuotient, PAUL MELO. If he looks familiar, you’ve probably seen him roaming the streets of Downtown, Vancouver with his other half (and former Girl of the Week) Sunny Shum, capturing Vancouver’s street style scene. With a great sense of style himself, it’s about time we got him on the other side of the camera lens! A Visual Media Designer who is intelligent and charming yet down-to-earth, meet Paul.

Wearing…head to toe navy - TopShop henley under a blue REISS button down, under a French Connection Cable Knit wool sweater, paired with WESC slim dark denim and Black two-toned Suede/leather Gravity Pope ankle boots. Nixon Black-on-black watch.

My personal style is…Hip/casual.

Wardrobe staples…Good dark denim, clean white V’s, and a few well-cut black blazers.

Most recent purchase…Obakki white dress shirt.

Favourite designers…Neil Barrett, McQueen and Vincent Schoepfer.

Fall essentials…Scarves… boots, and timeless peacoat in black and in navy.

Fashion advice for guys…
1. Learn how to buy clothes that fit. Most men wear clothes (suits especially) that are too big.
2. Well made shoes.
3. Details.

Footwear of choice…Rokin Derbys. All leather construction so comfortable you can skip the socks.

Repeat buy…American Apparel white v-neck tee.

Guilty pleasure…Zara. Great design that I wish were better constructed and with better fabrics.

Favourite local hot spots…Fairmont lounge, Nook for Italian, Ben Kei for noodles and Bistro Sakana for sushi.

I never leave the house without…My camera!

Nicole Soon, The Style Spy
nicole@thestylespy.com

Vote for Nicole!

erica — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:01:06 +0000

We might be a little bias because we think our contributor NICOLE SOON is one of the coolest chicks around. She really is though - and that’s why FASHION Magazine picked her to enter The Great Canadian Vlogger Contest. Her task was to shoot a vlog (video blog) on her favourite Canadian fashion designer. She picked Vancouver’s Obakki. Watch her video HERE. The more times you watch, the more votes she gets! Please share it, forward it to a friend, tweet it, and feel free to watch it over and over again. We love you Nicole!!!

Erica Lam, The Style Spy
erica@thestylespy.com

Lanvin for H&M

erica — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:00:14 +0000

Coming in November 2010!

All Strapped In

Jan Tong — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:00:49 +0000

Mulberry created a fashion firestorm when they released the Alexa bag, named after British style icon, Alexa Chung. The hotly coveted book bag with two buckled straps is structured while relaxed and nothing but effortlessly cool. While I’d love to have my very own Alexa bag, my wallet would hate me for it. Fortunately, I see a lot of other handbags taking on this similar style for Fall. Casually slung over the shoulder, it’s the perfect preppy carryall whether you’re heading off to the office or the campus. I think I need to get one stat.

Jan Tong, The Style Spy
jan@thestylespy.com

Aldo Lamantagne $42 CAD

Aldo Harvley $45 CAD

Aldo Flatt $42 CAD

ASOS Leather Twist Lock Satchel $117.95 USD

ASOS Dark Leather Slot Through Satchel $109.53 USD

Marc by Marc Jacobs - Saddlery Sophie Convertible Satchel $478 USD

Shopping Haul Video #5

erica — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:00:15 +0000

Shop Stop: Forever 21

Nicole Soon — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:01:54 +0000

While I’m still on my indefinite shopping ban, I thought I’d torture myself further by “browsing” at Forever 21 to see what kind of new goodies they had in stock for the upcoming fall/winter season.

Workman Boots, $34.80 CAD
These desert-style boots are light weight and are a bit darker in colour than the pictures on the website. Definitely a great buy at $35. These will look good with leggings, skinny jeans, and even a cute skirt.

Edgy Studded Wedge, $33.80 CAD
These studded wedge shoes are very similar to these Vera Wang Lavender Label Rosalyn Wedge Sandals that I’ve been wanting since the beginning of summer. Lightweight and comfortable to walk in, these will look great with a pair of grey ankle socks for the fall.

Leatherette Bucket Bag, $27.80 CAD
The photos on the website do not give the colour of this bag justice. It’s more of a orange tan colour that would go well with most anything. I like having the option of a shorter or longer strap. It’s a good sized bag too!

Buckled Ankle Boots, $33.80 CAD
The silver harness, buckle and chain immediately made me think of the Harness Harley Boot by Jeffrey Campbell that Rumi Neely has been seen wearing. It’s a good thing they didn’t have my size otherwise I would have broken my shopping ban by now.

Olive Silk Tunic, $35 CAD
A love the longer back hem of this 100% silk tunic. The woven details at the front and upper half of the back gives the overall top a unique texture and look. Great for layering! (I love the silk pieces at F21 in general; nice styles at reasonable prices).

Beige Silk Blouse, $29 CAD
A staple blouse for the fall. This blouse also has the longer back hem. I love the 3/4 sleeves, v-neck and overall fit. For $29, you can definitely get your money’s worth with this beautiful blouse. (Trust me, it wasn’t easy having to put this one back on the rack).

Nicole Soon, The Style Spy
nicole@thestylespy.com

Wanderlove Beauty: The Lip Wand

Nicole Soon — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:00:05 +0000

About a week ago, Erica gave me a bagful of beauty products to try out. I came across The Lip Wand, which is basically a three in one type product for your lips. The long, shiny tube consists of a lipliner, lipstick and lipgloss in coordinating shades.

About a week ago, Erica gave me a bagful of beauty products to try out. I came across The Lip Wand, which is basically a three in one type product for your lips. The long, shiny tube consists of a lipliner, lipstick and lipgloss in coordinating shades. The Lip Wand is available in four colours: apricot, pink, rose and berry. I have the pink, which is a nice rosy pink that went well with my Asian skin tone. I like the idea of having all the products in one convenient package but I didn’t find the “wand” to be very purse-friendly since it didn’t fit nicely into my makeup bag. All in all, it’s a great idea that may work for some, but others might not find it to be as “wander-ful”.

The Lip Wand is $18 CAD and available at London Drugs.

Nicole Soon, The Style Spy nicole@thestylespy.com

It’s Time for Fall: Zara

erica — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:01:54 +0000

I really really wanted these shoes $109 CAD, but I walked away from them cause I just didn’t think the peep-toe would be practical for fall. It’s too bad, cause the wedge adds a nice height and it’s surprisingly comfortable to walk in. If only it didn’t rain in Vancouver so much!

The shearling coat on the right hand mannequin look soooo cozy. Bring on the cold weather, I want to start wearing coats like that.

I’ve been really digging Zara’s bags lately. My mini-quilted cross body chain bag is on super high rotation (the perfect little going out, dance your pants off bag). Spotted this satchel, a great classic look at a very affordable $59 CAD.

Last year, I ached throughout the entire fall season cause I couldn’t find the Zara riding boots I wanted in my size. So so sad. Word of advice, if you spot what you want now - just buy it. Fall is right around the corner, you will be thankful once everyone else is clamoring for the same merchandise. Zara Riding Boots $179 CAD.

Sorry the picture is not so clear. Looks like fall is stock full of chunk knit sweaters, army-inspired everything and faux fur. The fur vest on the right hand side is just $79 CAD. It’s very Olsen twin to me.

I’m a peep-toe fan, if you haven’t noticed I always seem to snap shots of them. These platform bow peep-toe pumps in camel or black are only $59! Such a steal.

Take the wedge look into fall, these wooden wedge booties are $95 CAD.

I bought a leather jacket last year and barely took it off all fall. So versatile and easy to wear. Zara does leather jackets at a really great price point, this jacket in black or brown is only $109 CAD. I’d invest in a leather jacket over a faux leather one if you can see yourself wearing it more than 10x’s.

Erica Lam, The Style Spy
erica@thestylespy.com