Ba-nanas

I am hardly a D&G fan. I tend to find their items over-sized, over-branded, and tacky! This collection, however, I am dyyyyyyying over. It has such a WOW factor! The colours, the cuts, the styles! If any of these outfits foretell of what's to become of the 'in' category, I just might just lose my mind... Along with my so-called budget. I've said it before, and I'll say it again... This is the era of 'anything goes'. Pleats, chords, fur, tweed, flannel... Everything's in, and everything's hot!

Since when did branding become cool? Since D&G puked it up onto a hoodie, along with the gayest colours of the rainbow... Obviously! None of these colours go, and I'm loving it. I'd like to also take a moment to point out the uber casualness that's paired with a shirt and tie. Really? Really?!? But it works!

This is an example of a Garbage Bag Jacket. I don't know if that's the technical name, nor do I care. Normally I hate them, this time I love them. I think it's the colour. It really IS working. Note the pants. Pleated. Chord. Anything goes.

Tweed is so hot right now. Such a lovely fitted suit, and paired with some bold, red hightops, to boot!

Another ad-spot. I love the sleeves.

I must take a moment to go insane over this model's hair...

Even Mickey has managed to make it into this collection. These pants are my main focus. Note the severe dropped crotches. I find that the dropped crotch is normally faded into the leg . These pants go instantly into a tighter fit, making for a much neater looking pant.

I am needing each and every one of these looks for my date with Rachel Zoe. No, I don't actually have a date with her or actually know her. Yes, I would D-I-E to.

In then. In now.

Currently... Loving the revival of the 20th century. Bow ties, suspenders, wide-frame glasses.... This is the age where truly anything goes. If you're able to rock a look with confidence, it works. Spent last night out dancing, and saw some truly inspired looks.

Spotted these through the crowd on the dance floor. An absolutely stunning way to add some flair to an outfit. I love when the ladies use their shoes as their signature piece. Beautiful!

Such a fantastic 80's-inspired doo. Absolutely in love!

The winner of the evening. Anything but ordinary. Worn with confidence. Fabulous! I want to single out one piece of the outfit as my favourite, but I'm finding it really hard. Definitely going crazy over the dropped-crotch pants.

Better Late Than Never

It has been far, far too long since I've written a post. For those of you who were reading religiously, I do apologize... For those of you who don't... Please do! I promise I'll be more proactive in attempting to keep you stylishly entertained. Now, back to business...

Robert Geller. As a German-born fashionista, this young fellow always attempts to keep things youthful. These looks from his Spring 2010 collection are no exception. In previous years, Geller has seemed more rocker than chic. This year, he's bringing chic to the front line, yet maintaining the signature flair that is oh-so-unique to him.

One of the first looks of this collection, and already I'm finding myself unable to look away. I love designers who have the ability to use bold colours in such unique, signature ways. Everything about this colour screams disaster, but Geller manages to draw in the reins and create a stunning collage. I am especially drawn to the sheen of the pants. Glorgeous!

As seen in the first look, as well as this one... The bow-belt. Let's face it! Not all of us can afford the must-have genuine leather belt. So, where else might one turn? Geller shows us how... And does so with a touch of grace. Try going for this look with a skinny tie. Don't be afraid to throw in one with some fun patters either. Even try matching bits of the pattern with major colours of the overall outfit.

The jackets in this collection are stunning. I love the double-breasted buttons featured in the black jacket to the left. Geller features olive in the two jackets to the right in an absolutely flawless way. My favourite pairing... Olive with bright pink. While most men would not dare attempt this look, this model nails it. Note the red necklace that's added to off-set the overly bright colour of the pants. If you have a very bold statement colour like the one above, try toning it down with a more neutral colour from the same palette.

I am dyyyyying over this scarf! From the super wide cut, to the sheeny-grey... Stunning! I still can't get over my obsession with dropped crotch pants either. I've been trying to rock the baggier look over the last few months, but still have yet to find the perfect dropped crotch, tapered pants like those featured above. They really are exquisite. Of note in this look... The overly-wide, patent leather belt. Bravo!

Obsessed with this look. Geller does an outstanding job at breathing life back into the jumpsuit. As always, I'm a sucker for the chunky sweater.

This look is my favourite of the collection. Simple. Clean. All with a hint of fun. I have a thing for scoop-neck tees at the moment. They bring style to a very plain look, especially when the cut is not quite symmetrical. Despite my love for the look, what's going on with the model? And more importantly, what's going on with his hair? You'd think they would have been able to afford a better toupee than the one this bumpkin is evidently wearing. Or is that a headband? I can't decide...

Totes!

I've recently realized why I love winter so much. The cold weather and icy streets give me just cause to buy new things... Shoes... Jeans... Jackets... You name it, I've indulged in the last little while. Sadly, I've been missing one of the most important things. A place to keep my things! My search for the perfect bag has brought me to none other than Filson. Since 1897, Filson has been delivering remarkable style and quality. A bag should last for many years, so keep in mind this quality... Even at the expense of cost!

This Rucksack is water repellant, making it perfect for those cold and wet winter months that we have here in Vancouver. It goes for $260 (US) and is available here.

The perfect Duffle bag. I love how tough this bag looks, while still maintaining elegance. What a beauty! Costing $225 (US), this bag is available here.

Pheromones

It is said that the strongest sense that's tied to memory is smell. If that's the case, every man and woman should do their best to smell their best. Try to match your fragrance to the season. Summer fragrances should be sweeter... Fruitier, even! I like to use the word 'refreshing' when I think of Summer smells. In the Winter, try to heat things up. Winter fragrances should be smooth and rich. Warm is the word that I use for these scents.

One Million available at Sephora.

My current obsession. One Million, by Paco Rabbane, is the perfect fragrance for any man this winter. With notes that include Cinnamon Bark and Grapefruit, it is bound to warm even the coldest of hearts this winter. Wear this scent with an overly chunky scarf like the one pictured below, by Paul Smith, to really heat things up! I like to keep my scents (whatever they may be) up close and personal. Spray your fragrance on your lower neck/chest and wear a scarf to keep it there!

Navy Chunky Wool Scarf available at SSense.

NOTCOUTURE

NOTCOUTURE

I was introduced to this blog this morning. The snow was falling outside and the Christmas music was blaring inside. Was a rather magical morning, and this tidbit of info was the cherry on top. It would be an understatement to say that the writer and I share similar tastes... It would be even more of an understatement to say that their taste is impeccable! After only a glance at the home page, I wanted at least 5 things. Imagine how much I want (need) now that I've had a tad more time to browse through. Keep it up NOTCOUTURE! <3

Classics are Fantastic!

I'm having a classic moment... And thankfully, I'm not the only one. We've been seeing a lot of designers heading back to the basics over the last few seasons, and it's starting to hit the Ready to Wear department in a big way. From pleated trousers, to full-on suspenders, men have a lot more 'gentlemanly' options. My favourite trend that's coming back in a big way... BOW TIES! And not those lazy clip-on ones. I'm talking full on, tie-it-yourself bow ties.

I got these trousers about a month ago from a store right here in Vancouver. They're by Scotch & Soda, a design house out of Amsterdam. If you're going to go for the suspender look this fall, this is the way to do it. Sure, the clip-on variety work, but the old-school approach looks much more refined (the same can be said for bow ties).

I've been having a lot of difficulty hunting down some old-school bow ties. Finally, I stumbled upon an entire bin of them... And in a thrift store, nonetheless. This one is pure silk, and I got it for only $10.

If you're not one to thrift shop, check out this one by Tommy Hilfiger. The great thing about these simpler patterns is that they can be combined with a variety of looks. Try it with a plain shirt, or even a plaid one. Just be sure that the colours in your look compliment each other. There's no use in adding something as fun as a bow tie if it detracts from the look as a whole!

Now, tying a bow tie is no easy feat. Thank God for Youtube!!