Oakridge Style

Spring arrives in a flash. Suddenly the rain and grey, bare tree limbs transform into rays of sun and hues of pink-petaled cherry trees and magnolias. Cozy winter layers make way for lightness and fun. Celebrate with the Top 6 Spring Trends, straight from the runways.

1. Big, Bold, and Bent

Fabric folded, twisted, and boxed out is (literally) big this season. Dolce & Gabbana did oversized sleeves, Calvin Klein showed boxy dresses, and certain Oscar de la Renta skirts were crafted with a permanent kick ruffle above just one knee. Big and bold, these pieces go pop.

Get the look:

BCBG Max Azria’s colour blocked halter mini dress with contrast pleated balloon skirt or oversized pieces from the Sportmax Spring 2009 collection at Maxmara -each crafted with careful draping and tucks.

2. Going Goddess

Grecian draping is a perennial favourite. Marchesa, Yves Saint Laurent, Malandrino, and Monique Lhuillier are all fans this spring, often accenting their goddess gowns with jewels.

Get the look:

Circa Ici’s endless supply of fresh and now dresses that have helped it win over three generations of shoppers; and many elongated dresses, straight from the runway, at BCBG Max Azria.

3. Recessionista Chic

Designers dipped into Depression-era archives, circa the crash of 1929, ingeniously aligning pieces with this year’s dip in national finances. To wit: sparkly flapper frocks by Alberta Ferretti and Aquilano.Rimondi; Burberry and Bottega Veneta faded sack dresses; and Raf Simons’ fringed dresses and suits for Jil Sander.

Get the look:

After Five’s Jovani fringed knee-length flapper-style cocktail dress in red, black or white and many faded, loose pieces in the Spring 2009 collection by Sportmax at Maxmara.

4. Mostly Marrakech

Ralph Lauren did the Ali Baba pants, Gucci the long and loose hooded djellabas, and turbans, turbans, turbans-done well first by Prada-were everywhere this season, from Dries Van Noten to Paul Smith. So were slouchy, flowing jumpsuits.

Get the look:

Jumpsuits galore are at BCBG Max Azria and nearly anything from the Trina Turk line at Wear Else will work.

5. 80s Chic

Not quite the trends some stylistas would rather forget, the new 80s look is tempered and even chic. Shoulder pads, ripped denim, and shredded lace showed up at Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, and London’s Meadham Kirchhoff.

Get the look:

For denim and updated 80s dresses head to Ishara, and of course find the cure for denim blues at Marciano.

6. Athletic Fashionism

Definitely not for the gym, athletic-inspired looks had the fashion set thinking utilitarian chic at Louise Goldin, Missoni, and Michael Kors, who showed running pants, hoodies, and body suits, respectively. Glorified boxing gear got the urban jungle treatment at Kris Van Assche.

Get the look:

Perfectly utilitarian, athletic-inspired chic at United Colors of Benetton, or by T Luxury at Ishara.

From left to right: Peter Hoang, Jessie Carlson, Valerie Tiu, Ana Serrano

The new Oakridge Style Agents were recently introduced to the world at the May 6 anniversary event at Oakridge Centre – congratulations to Peter Hoang, Jessie Carlson, Valerie Tiu and Ana Serrano.

Keep checking Oakridge Style for updates from the Style Agents.

New! Get the latest fashion tips and trends on your mobile from Oakridge Centre. Text “Oakridge” to 333777. Standard messaging and other charges may apply. To opt-out, text “STOP” to 333777. For help, text “HELP” to 333777.

Three of the four Oakridge Style Agents have been chosen and it’s time to vote for the final Style Agent. Check out the three finalists and vote for your favorite.

Voting closes April 28th, 2009 – let your voice be heard!

Is fashion in your blood? Were you born with style?

This could be your Defining Moment – Virgin Radio 95.3 and Oakridge Centre are looking for a team of four Style Agents to help celebrate their 50th Anniversary.

Throughout the Oakridge 50th Anniversary year, Style Agents will lead the fashion following on the OakridgeStyle.com blog, have the opportunity to be published in FASHION Magazine and be a VIP at the Oakridge Anniversary Event, Oakridge Fall Fashion Gala and other high profile events.

It’s a great opportunity to rub shoulders with the who’s who in the Vancouver fashion industry. We’ll even get each Style Agent started with a $500 Oakridge shopping allowance, plus more bonuses and perks throughout the year.

Applying is easy – just click below to answer a few quick questions and send us a 1- 2 minute (max) video.

As Vancouver’s most stylish shopping centre, Oakridge has helped to inspire, support and celebrate many Defining Moments over the past 50 years.

Our judges will be looking for Style Agents that will help Oakridge continue to make Defining Moments happen – so your video should let us know things like what defines who you are, how you define style and what you think defines the Vancouver community.

Three of the four winners will be chosen by a panel of our fashion experts on April 20, 2009. The fourth winner will be chosen online by viewer voting – so you and your friends can also have a say in who the Style Agents will be!

Enter Contest

All details of job description are found here in the Terms & Conditions.