Spring/Summer 2013: Trends (for the laypeople)

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While we’ve all been marveling at the F/W trends on the runways of various fashion weeks, let’s take a moment to not set our sets too far ahead and peep what we’ll be wearing if spring OR summer finally decide to grace us with their presence.  Here are a few trends explained with options from local stores that are a little more in a normal person price range. And hey, if there are any items to skimp on quality with, it’s trendy items. Cause if Project Runway has taught me one thing it’s that one-day you’re in, the next you’re out.

Crops

As Erin mentioned, if you’re not already, you should be doing crunches. Gym? Crunches. Grocery shopping? Crunches. Eating bacon? Crunches. You’ll need your abs to be toight if you’re planning in partaking in the crop trend happening this summer. Everything from blouses to basic t-shirts are shrunken to show off your muffin top. So start up Kanye’s workout plan ASAP.

Clockwise starting at top left: TopShop, UrbanOutfitters,  Zara, UrbanOutfitters

90s Grunge

Been hiding your Nirvana fangirl tendencies since 1991? Don’t fret. 90s grunge is back. Seen in subtle prints and cuts, it’s not full on Kurt Cobain, but you’ll be able to infuse a few badass pieces into your flowy summer wardrobe.

Clockwise starting at top left: Topshop, Zara, H&M, Topshop

Lace

I feel like this trends has been around for a while. I guess its classic appeal lends itself to most seasons. I love the idea of pairing something so delicate and feminine with say a 90’s grunge piece or even a burglar stripe. They say contrast is the spice of life, right?

Clockwise starting at top left: Topshop, H&M, H&M, Zara

Burglar Stripes

With mod influences seen in every store, it’s not surprising the black and white motif has morphed into a fashion favourite - the stripe. Horizontal, vertical, maybe even diagonal, you’ll be seeing these everywhere with every girl hoping that they will help her resemble Coco Rocha. If only I could rock a full strip pant suit (sigh).

Clock wise starting at top left: Urban Outfitters, Zara, Zara, ClubMonaco

Perhaps this post will have the opposite effect of Murphy’s Law and spring will arrive tomorrow and Erin will be able to wear different shoes. And we will all rejoice by fashioning an on-trend ensemble combining 90s grunge, crop tops, lace, stripes, and cutouts in the most formidable display of power clashing.

Worth Coveting: Ora Leather Bags

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Nouvelle Nouvelle is one of my favourite boutiques so its not surprising Ora Leather Bags, another one of my local favourites, hosted their Spring 2013 launch a the little shop on Abbott St.

Keeping to classic lines, shapes, and materials, Ora Bags took the Spring launch as an opportunity to try some new things. Laser cutouts, fringe, and two-tone combos mix-up the line a little bit while still maintaining the sleek, minimalist look this one-woman bag crafter is known for.
 

All locally made, Ora Bags are handmade one by one and the quality and attention to detail is evident. The smooth buttery leather and slick suedes will make you swoon while coveting every piece from the modern briefcase and tonal totes right down to the tiniest crystal pouch and card holder.

Since browsing the collection after a silent auction, I literally haven’t stopped thinking about these bags and can’t wait to save up my pennies (can I still do that?) to finally have one – this new collection has furthered this obsession. Only eating ramen is normal, right?

Model Menswear: London Alexander

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"You mean this is a MALE fashion show?" asked the guy in line behind us. 

Though his disappointment at the lack of female models was apparent, Sarah and I, who often gravitate to the menswear section ourselves, were ready to see which pieces from the collection we could splice into our wardrobes.

London Alexander, a Vancouver-based designer who started his craft in Squamish, showcased his new collections at Fortune Sound Club on Saturday night. 

Packed with people anticipating another collection boasting his signature clean and basic menswear style, London Alexander's showcase featured his Spring/Summer 2013 and Fall/Winter 2013 collections. 

Incorporating classic cuts updated with fun prints, small details and bold accents, Alexander's collections delivered. These pieces would provide any guy a perfect wardrobe foundation with its basic shorts, pants, t's and shirts, with a few jackets and sweatsuit inspired pieces. I know I'd steal some of the super soft looking t-shirts and sweat shorts from an unexpecting guy, or maybe even buy some for myself. Though some of the colours and patterns seemed half a season behind, overall, what Alexander's collection lacked in innovation was made up for in tailoring. 

Images via Berkley Vopnfjord

Post-show, I don't know our friend from the line felt any less exasperated that he didn't get to see ladies on the runway, but I'm sure he was inspired to update his wardrobe with some new basics. 

Find out more about London Alexander's collection, including stockists, here. 

(Erin: London Alexander used to go under LRMA. You can read more and see more here.)

The Parker Project: From Winter into Summer 2013

Cities have industrial parks, technology parks, but did you know that Vancouver has a fashion park? Located on Parker Street in East Vancouver, The Parker Project houses the offices of some of your favourite fashion brands.

This past Friday we took a tour of The Parker Project to get a sneak peak of the clothes that will be hitting stores soon. With all of our friends talking about Sasquatch and Coachella lately, we had music festivals on the brain. So with that in mind, as we took our tour, it seemed like all of our favourite finds were also festival picks. Even the food was festival ready, with the Tacofino truck parked right outside (nom).

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My general rule of thumb for festivals is that at least one piece of denim must be worn at all times. Have a maxi dress? Add a denim jacket. Wearing a cute blouse? Obviously pair it with cutoffs. Or, just go all out and rock a summer version of the Canadian tuxedo.

I know most people think cutoffs and tank tops for festivals, but when the sun goes down you gotta bundle up (we learned that the hard way at Outside Lands last year). The mix of knit and leather on this Line Knitwear piece looks great and will keep you warm.

Lightweight pants are a must have item. When you’re lying on a blanket waiting for the next act to hit the stage, you’ll be glad you’re in pants and not a short skirt. Gypsy05 had lots of pants in awesome colourful prints. If you’re feeling a little less adventurous, Lifetime Collective had black pants that would make a great wardrobe staple.

Blee Inara had some great accessories with lots of influences from around the world. I was especially digging the evil eyes.

Quiksilver Women had a ton of good finds. My favourite was this tall ship dress.

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Festival dressing can be a bit tricky. You’ve really got to consider where the festival is taking place and other factors like how long you’ll actually have to be outside and what sort of surfaces you’ll be perching on while mowing your food truck treats. You’ve also got to mix practical with on trend, which can be agonizing if you’re not an effortless festival goddess.

My go to pieces always involve layering (even if it’s excessive at times) of both clothing and jewelry. I’d start with these bangles from the YBrands showroom. They’d provide a good hint of colour to any festival getup.

A maxi dress is a perfect piece as it’s both flowly but keeps your legs protected from scratchy grass. The stripe pattern of this Gypsy05 maxi would be perfect to layer with your key denim piece of the day.

If you’re going to a festival where you know it’s going to be hot, these Seychelle's sandals incorporate just enough of the stud trend to be cute without being a hindrance at airport security.

Keeping warm, especially at festivals in a desert like Sasquatch, mean a big knit is essential. This Left on Houston open cardigan could be thrown over any piece to stave off the nighttime chills.

BB Dakota’s lightweight patterned shorts would be perfect for a hot day. Throw on some thigh high socks to carry them into a cool night.

After browsing through the showrooms, we were both ready to ditch our winter knits for some festival pieces. Besides the basics of denim and patterns, incorporate practical layers with unexpected accessories to create a unique festival look while ensuring you won’t freeze while listening to Metallica in a cloud of fog. We coped with the longing for our next festival by stuffing our face with mini cupcakes – we’re definitely on our way to that summer bod.

In the Know (Show)

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KNOWSHOW is a bi-annual lifestyle tradeshow. What does that mean you ask? It means all of best looking, most rugged, well-dressed men get together in one room in Vancouver and drink caesars.

But really, it’s a relaxed tradeshow where lifestyle brands showcase their upcoming collections so buyers purchase pieces for their stores and bloggers (that’s us!) get a sneak peek at upcoming trends.

Here are my picks (excluding dreamy men and enviably-dressed women) from KNOWSHOW.

Clockwise from top left:

Sitka Surf, Skate & Apparel had a killer booth. Rustic touches complimented their upcoming line that featured cozy knits and lots of pattern.

The classic Fjallraven Kanken, is the best backpack (next to the local fan-favourite, Herschel). Tons of great colours available and the square design makes shoving in all your essentials super easy.

Pendleton prints are as good-looking as they are cozy. This duffle coat was definitely my top pick.

A line from Boise, Idaho, Proof Eyewear brought sustainable glasses and sunglasses (think wood and eco-plastic) and charming reps to KNOWSHOW. Check out their glasses for the perfect classic shape in a material that will make you feel good.

A Vancouver staple, Herschel Supply Co. carries on the neon trend in their backpacks. Super into this outdoorsy shape too.

Uranium jewelry out of Quebec brought unique pieces made by housewives and stay at home moms. They also brought an amazing cat shirt on a cat hanger.

Burnette Showroom had the most shoes at the show, making it my favourite stop. Booties, sandals, wedges, oxfords and more, I’m hoping to see these styles soon.