Style Nine to Five

 

 

Forever 21  is teaming up with designer Rory Beca for a second time to release an 18-piece collection on October 21. The LA-based designer is known for her feminine, wearable pieces found on the likes of Kate Bosworth and Nicole Richie. The capsule collection is inspired by 70s glam à la Studio 54, with retro-chic skirts, dresses, blouses and jackets priced between $15.80 and $27.80 USD. The clothes will be available in stores and online and are sure to go fast. Here are some of our favourites that we’ll be lining up for. Photos courtesy of Stylecaster

By: Sara Constantineau, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @sara_rochelle.

Are you an employer? Post your job here.

Are you a job seeker? Find fashion jobs here.

 

Host of Fashion Television, Creative Director for EDIT, writer, actor and mother Jeanne Beker is a force to be reckoned with. With a serious eye for style and an honest, down-to-earth attitude, Madame Beker is a fashion icon that has garnered admirers from around the globe.

Christie and I had the pleasure of meeting with Jeanne at The Room’s Platinum Suite in The Bay Downtown Vancouver as she launched her Fall/Winter 2011 Collection for EDIT. Luckily, she is as charming, engaging and fabulous as she is on the small screen. Later on in an intimate interview, she speaks candidly about her experiences, career advice, her clothing line and everything in between.

Christie Lohr: Did you always want to pursue a career in the fashion industry?
Jeanne Beker: Not at all. I was a performer, an actress and artist. Fashion was something that I found myself in. I was much more interested in entertainment programming, which was the success of Fashion Television because we approached it that way.

CL: If you weren’t in fashion, what else would you be doing?
JB: I would probably be writing. It’s that world that I love much more than fashion. Fashion itself is great but the work that I do goes beyond; it’s the arena that I find myself in. I love writing, performing and communicating with people.

CL: What is the best piece of advice that you have received in your career?
JB: Not to take myself too seriously.

CL: What motivated you to start EDIT?
JB: I worked with Bonnie Brooks for many years in her role as Editor at Flare and she became a very close personal friend. And when we knew that she was going back to run things at The Bay, we knew we wanted to work together. I suggested that I might want to do a clothing line. There is just so much confusion out there for women and so many different options. A lot of women have a certain point of view and live busy, hectic lives. I have to be very versatile in the way I dress. I need clothes that travel well and that take me from morning to night. So I thought it would be great to do a very concise selection of my best picks of each season and put it together in a clothing line. We called the collection EDIT. Bonnie did the initial pitch and it resonated with the entire Bay team. That’s how it all started.

CL: Style Nine to Five is all about fashion careers. What items from your latest collection would you recommend to wear for an interview or workplace?
JB: The tie-waist jacket with the big stitched collar – it’s a really great look. The cigarette pant or pencil skirt with the boiled wool jacket with buttons. The scalloped edged jacket in sand…. I mix and match pieces. The little black dress is classic with a little jacket or cardigan sweater. (See photos below).

CL: Are there any standout moments in your life where you felt like you’ve made it?
JB: Everyday when I get up and I get to do what I do. Whether I am at couture shows or meeting the world’s greatest designers, it’s always something that I am conscious of. I never take it for granted.

CL: What is next for Jeanne Beker?
JB: I am sure that there will be more opportunities, more travelling, speaking engagements and TV production. I hope to have a website coming out next year. At this point, there is so much that I am involved in now that I just want to keep up with everything that I have orchestrated for myself.

CL: Do you have any words of wisdom for people aspiring to work in fashion?
JB: My motto in life is “Don’t be afraid and never give up.” Just be fearless and tenacious and go for it! Especially in fashion – it’s probably the toughest industry there is. Obviously, you’ve got to have a passion for it; you’ve got to want it more than anything. You will succeed if you hang in there.

Think outside the box. Be malleable – don’t get married to one particular goal. If one thing doesn’t work out, there are many other things you can explore. If you want to be a designer and it doesn’t work out, maybe you’ll make it as a stylist or an editor or journalist. There are many wonderful things that you can do in the world of fashion. Absolutely be open-minded. When you love what you do, it never feels like work, I think that’s the key.

 

 

By: Valerie Tiu, Blog Editor, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @valerietiu.

Are you an employer? Post your job here.

Are you a job seeker? Find fashion jobs here.

For a big night out or paired simply with cozy knits for weekend brunch, step it up a notch with a standout pair of fall booties. From wedges and suede to lace-ups and leopard, our selection of ankle grazing footwear will definitely give you a leg-up on your fall and winter outfit planning.

1. Cole Haan Air Alexis Short Black ($325), available at Ronwhite.ca.
2. Aeling Booties ($79.99), at Call it Spring.
3. Senso Pippitt Booties ($180), at Little Burgundy.
4. Steve Madden Annnie-L Booties ($149.95 USD)
5. Opening Ceremony Jeanette Booties $480 SSense.
6. Asos Addiction Ankle Boot ($108.42)

By: Daniela DiStefano, Toronto

Follow me on Twitter @ddeestefano.

Are you an employer? Post your job here.

Are you a job seeker? Find fashion jobs here.

Marketing/Design/Public Relations Interns at The Velvet Room Boutique | Vancouver, British Columbia - Internship
Manager, Traditional Media at Holt Renfrew | Toronto, Ontario - Full Time
Technical Designer at Aldo Group | Montreal, Quebec - Full Time
Design Sourcing Specialist at Aldo Group | Montreal, Quebec - Full Time

For more job opportunities click here 

The Sartorialist may be your favourite source for style inspiration, but it doesn’t hurt to borrow a look from those chic classmates of yours. Boys and girls, take note: think neutral coloured peacoats, military jackets and layer, layer, layer! Fashionistas on campus are taking this look to new levels by stacking jewellery and experimenting with chunky metals, wood and fabric pieces in bold hues. Gentlemen, sport knitted caps and beanies for a lesson in cool weather wear. Ace Fashion 101 with these campus-friendly fashion fixes.

1. Gap Classic Peacoat ($138)
2. Old Navy Women’s Wool- Blend Cropped Military Jacket ($62)
3. Aldo Metal Multi- Coloured Necklace ($15)
4. H&M Knitted Cap with a Wide Ribbed Trim ($13)

By: Brittany Sammy, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @a_britique.

Are you an employer? Post your job here.

Are you a job seeker? Find fashion jobs here.

Sales and Merchandising Supervisor at Levi’s | Rocky View, Alberta - Full Time
Department Supervisor at Joe Fresh (Granville Store) | Vancouver, British Columbia - Full Time
Department Manager at Joe Fresh (Granville Store) | Vancouver, British Columbia - Full Time
Men’s Sweater Designer at Buffalo David Bitton | Montreal, Quebec - Full Time
Licensing Design Manager at Buffalo David Bitton | Montreal, Quebec - Full Time

For more job opportunities click here 

Fashion blogging is a brave new world that changes and evolves everyday. It seems a new online magazine, blog or vlog pops up each week with even more sub-genres emerging in the flurry. One category that seems to be gaining both steam and mainstream attention is DIY fashion blogs. With the mantra “If you can’t B-U-Y then D-I-Y” creative bloggers are whipping up runway inspired clothes, accessories and footwear with bigwig DIY fashion bloggers like Erica Domesk of P.S. I Made This and Jenni Radosevich I Spy DIY landing in print publications like Teen Vogue, CNN Living, InStyle and Elle.com and even getting book deals (check out P.S. I Made This…I See It. I Like It. I Make It at Chapters). We’ve rounded up the top six DIY fashion blogs on our Google Reader so you don’t have to.

Honestly…WTF
Designer Erica Chan Coffman and stylist Lauren Colodny are the creative minds behind inspiration and DIY fashion blog Honestly…WTF. Look to these ladies for wonderful photography, travel shots, interior design and, of course, creative DIY projects. From a baroque Proenza Schouler inspired scroll necklace made out of chandelier ornaments and decorative wooden molding to easy step-by-step instructions on how to create the perfect arm party, these long distance besties have you covered.

A Pair and A Spare
Hong Kong-based DIY fashion blogger Geneva has a passion for crafty style. “DIY Fashion is about recreating the most coveted looks and trends yourself by doing projects that are professional looking, save you money and are also mindful of sustainability and the environment,” she says. Geneva artfully documents her DIY creations (including a gorgeous wrapped bodice side split dress), project inspirations and her travels throughout Asia.

Freshly Given
Whitney of Freshly Given is the new kid on the DIY fashion blog block but her creations are anything but amateur. She specializes in repurposing, recreating and reinvigorating thrifted, swapped and inherited clothing finds. Her collection of vintage-inspired creations are oh-so-covetable. Whether you’re handy with a sewing machine or are the needle-and-thread type of DIY-er you’ll find something to create on this blog. Personal favourites include a pair of men’s jeans re-envisioned as a minimalist denim dress and a wrap shirt made out of her grandmother’s old skirt.

Glitter and Glue
Los Angeles-based wardrobe stylist and fashion blogger Kristen Turner is a self-professed recovering shopaholic who found a cure for her high-end retail addiction in DIYing. With materials ranging from vintage buttons, plastic tubing, miniature rubber toys, duct tape and of course, lots of glitter and glue, she manages to create designer inspired duds and accessories on a budget.

I Spy DIY
Full-time InStyle layout designer and part-time blogger Jenni Radosevich is a crafty young woman. Her celebrity and runway-inspired no-sew creations have been featured in InStyle, CNN and Elle.com and retailers including Kmart have searched out her skill to bring high-end fashion to the masses. Top projects include an ombre denim shirt, a Jason Wu-inspired lace v-neck shirt and a statement necklace made out of straws, shoelaces and spray paint.

…Love Maegan
Whether you’re looking to add a unique, handmade garment to your wardrobe or spice up your home décor style blog …Love Maegan has you covered. The brainchild of style editor and beauty expert Maegan Tintari, this site features hair tutorials and fashion advice alongside fun and flirty “MIYs” (Maeg-It-Yourself). Favourites include a feathered skirt, a leather cutout necklace and a lanyard bracelet.

By: Septembre Anderson, Toronto
Follow me on Twitter @SeptembreA

Chic and sophisticated, the silk scarf is an impeccable fashion accent. This timeless accessory adds instant style impact, and is available in sleek prints, bold monochromatic colors, and silk-blended textures to complete each look. For flawless styling, tie a silk scarf in your hair, around the strap of your favorite handbag, or knotted to perfection at the neck. Just be sure to save your favorites through the winter – Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci and D&G all showed creative takes on the silk scarf for Spring 2012 during Milan Fashion Week.

(left to right)
1 Alexander McQueen “God save McQueen silk-chiffon scarf” ($595 USD), available at Net-a-porter | 2 Banana Republic “Silk/wool scarf” ($74.00) | 3 Coach Zebra double layer oblong ($98 USD) | 4 J.Crew Refined silk-cashmere wrap ($86 USD) | 5 Tommy Hilfiger Silk Whittier print scarf ($48 USD) | 6 Burberry Exploded check silk square ($395)

By: Elizabeth Pryde, Vancouver
Follow me on Twitter @elizabethpryde

Where do you go to find the most beautiful, well-dressed people in the city? The Room, of course. With its closets stocked with the crème de la crème of fashions (think Erdem, Mary Katrantzou, Maison Martin Margiela and local favourite Jason Matlo), The Bay Downtown Vancouver’s latest addition garnered the attention of fashion elite and local who’s who, not to mention a handful of celebs. Spokeswoman Bonnie Brooks, shoe connoisseur Brian Atwood, Fashion Television’s Jeanne Beker, MTV’s Jessi Cruickshank and the boys of The Buried Life were all on hand to celebrate the opening.

After being welcomed on the red carpet, guests were guided by charming white-tuxedoed gentlemen and treated to delicious hors d’oeuvres and overflowing bubbly. Boys dressed in Balenciaga and ladies in Lanvin perfectly complimented the sleek and modern space; while whispers of designer sightings (Prabal Gurung and Jason Wu were the talk of the Twitterverse) kept the excitement of the party rolling.

The encounter of the evening? Rubbing shoulders with model extraordinaire Jessica Stam.

Photo 1: Valerie Tiu, Blog Editor for Style Nine to Five, Robyn Jesson, Publisher for Vancouver View Magazine, Ishra Sharif, Fashion Writer, Andrea Tiller, Makeup Artist
Photo 4: Katherine Horsman of blog Bullet With Butterfly Wings
Photo 9: Kin Chan, Photographer, Deanna Palkowski, Fashion Stylist
Photo 10: Model Jessica Stam
Photo 11: MTV’s Jessi Cruickshank, Christie Lohr, founder of Style Nine to Five

By: Valerie Tiu, Blog Editor, Vancouver
Follow me on Twitter @valerietiu

While the catwalks are great places to source outfit ideas and spot trends the sidewalks are equally inspiring. During the Spring 2012 fashion shows, it seemed all the top editors, buyers and bloggers (save the always staid Anna Wintour) were seen sporting luxe printed wide leg trousers. While the pants – in silk, jacquard and satin – were seen on the Celine, Dries Van Noten and Ralph Lauren runways, it seems the style set chose the death throes of summer and the first crisp days of fall to sport these long, billowy pyjama pants. Both comfort and style in one chic package? I’m in.

Whether you’re looking for a dramatic pair of printed pants or would like something a little less conspicuous (à la vintage pyjama pant) we’ve got options for you. Happy shopping!

(left to right)
1 Style inspiration, images courtesy of (from left to right): Vogue.com, Style.com  and The Sartorialist | 2 See by Chloé Small Flowers crepe pants, $595, at Net-A-Porter | 3 Etro printed envers satin trousers, $474, available at Luisa Via Roma | 4  Forever 21 Flora paisley pant, $23 | 5 Topshop Oriental floral pyjamas with top included, $45

By: Septembre Anderson, Toronto
Follow me on Twitter @SeptembreA

Sales Associates & Service Lead at Burberry | Calgary, Alberta - Full Time
Client Services Consultant/Personal Shopper at Burberry | Vancouver, British Columbia - Full Time
Sales Associate at Blu’s Clothing Ltd. | Calgary, Alberta - Full Time
Graphic Design Intern at Fashionilla | Vancouver, British Columbia - Internship
Designers, Ladies Tops at Le Chateau | Montreal, Quebec - Full Time

For more job opportunities click here 

Cheap Thrills
18-year-old Raezavel Argulla is an aspiring fashion photographer who started her blog when she was just fourteen. Documenting her provocative, youthful and edgy style, this teen favours brights, leather, and menswear-inspired pieces mixed with sheer and fun accents. Bookmark it for inspiring mood boards and beauty ideas that are never tween or overly feminine.

Pullteeth
This personal style blog from Andrew Chipman features day-in-the life photos, DIY projects, trends, and photo shoots showing off his everyday androgynous style. Learn how to make a lace-front tee, two-toned shirt, or my personal favourite—the sunglass frame.

Grey Lashes
Random and romantic, this slice-of-the-good-life blog is full of product reviews, recipes, sewing how-tos, and eye-catching pieces. Whether you want to get new life out of an old accessory or are just in the mood for some shopping inspiration, Grey Lashes is a great go-to.

Lofthouse
This blog comes courtesy of a fashion merchandising student who brings a Winnipeger’s perspective to fashion trends, art, events, and style. It highlights the fun goings-on in the ‘Peg, as well as new lines from Canadian designers.

Nice And Shiny
With no-frills daily outfit photos and accessible beauty ideas, student/blogger Kylie has a penchant for nail art and grunge. With a chameleon-like wardrobe and ever-changing hair colour, this style blog is for those who prefer Courtney Love to Lauren Conrad.

Flattery
With a love of all things fashion, art, and design, this blog’s stand-outs are Breanne’s what-I-wore posts. No outfit is the same, but they share the same feminine details and Parisian-esque appeal. Her ultra-girly, vintage-inspired ensembles offer loads of ideas to make a wardrobe full of Urban Outfitters, Gap, and Forever 21 look straight-from-the-runway. Get ready for some compliments!

Lune Vintage
Lune Vintage is an online shop with an accompanying blog that loves texture, knits, and 70s-style. Browse the shop to get your fill of retro maxi dresses, ponchos, skirts and slip dresses and peruse the blog for some whimsical inspiration and handy how-tos.

By: Sara Constantineau, Toronto
Follow me on Twitter @sara_rochelle

October’s favourite colour scheme is officially food-inspired. Yes ladies, we’re talking about the classic and delightful berry yogurt parfait. In this case, it’s a delectable mix of blue, red and violet shades. Mixing bold colours can be scary, but consider the newest colour combo an easy A. The secret is to choose bright and jewel toned berry tints, such as cobalt, crimson and deep violet. The Giambattista Valli and Elie Saab fall collections both showed pearly white dresses and toppers to die for, so don’t forget to top your berries off with some deliciously fabulous white.

(left to right)
1 Style Inspiration: Gucci Fall 2011 RTW. Image courtesy of Style.com | 2 BCBG Max Azria Long-Sleeve Side-Drape Tunic, $108 | 3 DKNY Penelope Floral Blouse, $264.39 and By Malene Birger Pencil Skirt, $318.35, available at Shopbop | 4 Kaia Jade Off-the-Shoulder Top, $38.00 | 5 Mango Carrot-Style Trousers, $84.90 | 6 Aldo HIPP high heel, $70 | 7 Michael by Michael Kors Belted Shearling Vest, $650 USD), available at Net-a-Porter

By: Sophia Loffreda, Montreal
Follow me on Twitter @sloffreda

PR Associate at Le Chateau | Montreal, Quebec - Full Time
Merchandising Sales Assistant at Jaytex | Toronto, Ontario - Full Time
Technical Developer at C&O Apparel Inc. | Burnaby, British Columbia - Full Time
Fashion Intern at The Velvet Room Boutique | Vancouver, British Columbia - Part Time
Assistant Intern at + Raif + | Vancouver, British Columbia - Internship

For more job opportunities click here 

Mulberry’s Alexa bag is not only on the arm of Sarah Jessica Parker in I Don’t Know How She Does It, but replicas are on the shelves of H&M, Coach, and Aldo. This cross between a portfolio bag and a satchel fits all your necessities, and looks fantastic with your new fall wardrobe. It’s great for class and strutting your stuff in the city – IT’s definitely a must have.

(left to right)
1 Style inspiration: Mulberry Alexa bag, $1425, available at SSense | 2 H&M Imitation Leather Light Chestnut Portfolio Bab, $29.95 | 3 Coach New Madison Leather Flap Carryall, $458 | 4 Town Shoes Imitation Leather Business Class- Black, $110 | 5 Aldo Crim Imitation Leather Messenger, $50

By: Brittany Sammy, Toronto
Follow me on Twitter @a_britique

Sales Consultant & Manager-in-Training at The Bridal Boutique | Edmonton, Alberta - Full Time
Product Compliance Coordinator at Aldo Group | Montreal, Quebec - Full Time
Marketing Intern at Malene Grotrian Design | Vancouver, British Columbia - Internship
Store Manager at Sketchers | Winnipeg, Manitoba - Full Time
Assistant Buyer at Warehouse One | Winnipeg, Manitoba - Full Time

For more job opportunities click here 

If the cool fall weather has sent you knee-deep into the yearly ritual of hunting through your closet for warmer fashion, consider the vest. In addition to the sweaters, cardigans, and coats typical of the season, the vest is a refreshing alternative for layering your look and fighting off winter winds. For true vest-in-show style, try sophisticated tailoring at the office, cozy, functional fabrics on the weekend, and unexpected texture for a trendy twist.

(left to right)
1 Zara Combined Fur Waistcoat, $80 | 2 Alice + Olivia Crocheted Wool Cocoon Vest, $365 USD, available at Net-a-Porter | 3 Diane von Furstenberg Harrington Belted Vest, $593, available at Shopbop 4 BB Dakota Dustin Herringbone Vest, $104, available at Shopbop | 5 Banana Republic Faux Fur Belted Vest, $124 | 6 J.Crew Herringbone Vest, $150 USD

By: Elizabeth Pryde, Vancouver
Follow me on Twitter @elizabethpryde

Production Intern at Erin Templeton | Vancouver, Canada - Full Time
Seasonal Employees at Harry Rosen | All Locations, Canada - Full Time
Men’s Assistant Buyer at Aldo Group | Montreal, Canada - Full Time
PR/Marketing Intern at Knot Theory | Vancouver, Canada - Internship
Accounting Internship at Mavi Jeans | Vancouver, Canada - Internship

For more job opportunities click here 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the annual effort to support the fight against a disease that will claim the lives of 5,300 Canadian women this year alone. We’ve rounded up some guilt-free pink inspired buys that will benefit breast cancer research and help you show your support for women’s health in style.

          

   

(left to right)
1 Ron White ‘Passion Pink’ Pump $495 with $100 going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (At Ron White Shoes Locations and The Bay Queen Street) | 2 Lacoste Watch $95 with 10 per cent of proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (at The Bay) | 3 OPI Nail Lacquer in Pink Shatter $10.95 (at salons and spas) with $25,000 going to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation | 4 Aveda Pink Ribbon Hand Relief Hand Cream US$21 with $4 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (at salons and spas) | 5 Clinique Great Lips Great Cause set $20 with $6 going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (at the Bay, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart) | 6 Mackage Spirit Leather Gloves $95 with all proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (at Mackage.com)

By: Daniela DiStefano, Toronto
Follow me on Twitter @ddeestefano

Dreary October weather requires waterproof footwear, but there’s no reason it can’t be as fashion forward as the rest of your ensemble. Ankle length styles, graphic prints, and texture are great add-ons to your wardrobe while keeping your feet warm and dry. These boots are so cute that you might start wishing for thunderstorms instead of sun.

(left to right)
1 Hunter Regent Savoy Wellington Boots, $175, available from Net-a-Porter | 2 Marc by Marc Jacobs Rain Boots, $175, available at SSENSE | 3 Loeffler Randall Grey Rain Booties, $165 | 4 Kate Spade Patty Boot, $125, available from Amazon | 5 DAV Equestrian Boot, $98, available at Holly Boutique in Gastown or online | 6 Cole Haan Air Tali Short Rainboot, $188

By: Sara Constantineau, Toronto
Follow me on Twitter @sara_rochelle