Sometimes we forget that some guys like clothing as much as most ladies do.

While girls have One Of A Few, Front & Company, The Block, Eugene Choo, Misch, Aritzia and Plenty to scour for jumpers, dark wash denim, Geren Ford tops and Loeffler Randall boots, the guys are more often than not at a loss for where to hunt for their wares.

That is until You and Whose Army? (YAWA) came along, a Gastown clothing destination for both guys and dolls that moonlights as an art gallery.

Graham Ling, the store’s proprietor, left his job back in 2004 to start You and Whose Army? on Denman Street by the time the Summer of ‘05 rolled around. The West end location was prime for walk-in traffic, and the brand roster is still full of enough hip, indie label shirts, jackets, denim and accessories to recruit customers back. Ling, a clothing aficionado himself, often looks toward major cities with serious style and energetic air when it comes to buying: Los Angeles, Montreal, London and New York. Word has it that the store – which has since relocated to 385 Water Street in Gastown — is one of a few in town that still carry the GSUS Industries brand.

YAWA is a prime example of fashion and art going hand-in-hand, a coupling not so rare these days. Ling holds exhibitions and boutique soirees for artists like Dale Nigel Goble, Lauren Javor, Kevin Ledo, Camilla D’Errico and Jeff Denomme, so make sure to check your mail for an invite to his next curating endeavor.

We say get down to You and Whose Army? and be all you can be.

You and Whose Army? is located at 385 Water Street, Vancouver, BC (604-633-2769)

May Globus, The Style Spy
may@thestylespy.com

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Style Spy girls often have tight schedules –we don’t always have the time to change our outfits between events. Not to worry! The Go-To Outfit takes you from morning to evening, from work to partying. You definitely won’t need to fret about being over or underdressed.

1. The Shrug Cardigan from Old Navy is a great basic and neutral piece that you can layer over a sexy silky tank or camisole. It can keep you cozy when spring is still feeling a bit chilly.

2. The Silk Halter from Bebe offers a refreshing pop of colour! Remember to look for fabrics with that sexy satiny sheen –you’ll need it later in the evening.

3. Clean Bermuda Shorts from the Gap are appropriate at the office or at school, but are just frisky enough to wear when the sun sets. Further elongate your legs by pairing with high-heels.

4. We love a red shoe! Jessica Simpson’s red patent wedges from Sterling Shoes make for exciting footwear that will get you noticed at the office and at the club.

When night creeps in, and you’re ready for drinks and dancing? Simply take off the cardigan and bare a little shoulder. Venture out and turn some heads!

Vinnie Yuen , The Style Spy

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Vancouver’s beloved art and fashion market Portobello West is back to kick off the 2008 season this weekend! Showcasing 115 local artists and designers including our personal faves: jewellery designer Toodlebunny and Filou, clothing designer Nicole Bridger and yummy homemade granola from The Granola Girl - a perfect option now that we’re starting to get ready for bikini season!

Saturday, March 29th & Sunday, March 30th, 12-6pm
Rocky Mountaineer Station, 1755 Cottrell Street, Vancouver
Admission: $2

Erica Lam, The Style Spy
erica@thestylespy.com

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The LBD is every fashion maven’s closet staple but sometimes the LBD needs an intervention to regain its fabulosity. Diane Kruger shows us how to do just that by pairing her dress with eye popping yellow heels. Simple and sophisticated, this is a super easy look to pull off with your most cherished LBD and it enables you to rock a bright accessory without being over the top. Look to shoe stores like Aldo or Town Shoes or brands like Steve Madden for yellow heels. All the world’s a catwalk, so pair your LBD with bright yellow heels to take your LBD out of its classic comfort zone.

Try these pieces to get Diane’s look:

1. Lux Velvet Openback Dress, Urban Outfitters
2. Frloeca Heels, Aldo

Jan Tong, The Style Spy

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