Valerie Tiu

Spotting stylish finds at Oakridge Centre’s newest retailer won’t require much digging. Fossil offers up vintage-inspired treasures that are timeless and easy to wear. Known for their classic watches, Fossil also features leather goods, handbags and functional accessories. Though I must admit that the brand was far from top-of-mind on my list of lusted-after labels, I was pleasantly surprised at the array of stylish items that I found on a recent visit to the newly-opened store. 

With its vintage style fixtures, rich wooden furnishings and rustic stone walls, the Fossil store is a charming addition to Oakridge Centre. Homey displays, like checkerboards and stacks of books, along with a welcoming and friendly staff, made me feel as warm and welcome as I do in my very own living room.

As I strolled around the store, I found myself making mental additions to my Christmas wish list. I loved the glazed leather cross-body satchels from their “Montreal” holiday collection (One in every colour, please!) Cute clutch wallets and coin purses would also make the perfect accompaniments to a brand new handbag.

 One of the latest trends in accessories for the season is the single tone watch. Fossil’s “Stella” watch collection includes all white elements for women, while their “Black Out” line focuses on dark hues for men. The best part about these watches is that fashion meets function with their water resistant features. 

I must say that my trip the Fossil store certainly motivated me to start shopping for the holidays. For the men in my life, I will be sure to gift a leather duffle bag or a chronograph watch. For my girlfriends, trendy bracelets and neckpieces. But I may also need to reward myself with one of those satchels while I’m at it. 

Visit Fossil at Oakridge Centre, located by the Food Court.

Peter T. Hoang

After recently opening their immaculate doors at Oakridge Centre, Teenflo celebrated in true sophisticated glamour with a launch party that surely impressed even the most fashion-conscious socialite.

Guests were warmly greeted at the door and promptly served champagne or sparkling Voss water upon entry. The store was very well lit, which helped accent the label’s chic merchandise. Attendees mingled through the sleek, elegant store, surrounded by fresh cut flowers and trays of delectable treats from my favourite catering group at C Restaurant. Sophisticated music was spun by a talented DJ, helping to create an ambience that was both stylish and smooth.

Teenflo, a Parisian brand licensed in North America, showcased an incredible classic-with-a-modern-flair women’s wear collection. I was very impressed with many of the beautifully-structured coats, lavish silk tops and lovely cocktail dresses that were proudly produced in Canada. I also became obsessed with the store’s amazingly detailed accessories: leather studded belts and intricately designed jewellery.  In addition, being the big eavesdropper that I am, I overheard that Teenflo’s holiday collection–which will soon arrive at the Oakridge location–will be even more glamorous and stunning, perfect for all those festive gatherings.

Already thoroughly impressed with the store’s excellent collection of women’s wear and superb coordination of the party, I had my night perfected when I was handed a generous parting-gift. So, with my attention completely captured, I am pleased and absolutely delighted to welcome Teenflo to Oakridge Centre.

This fall, feel free to go easy on the accessories-in terms of colours and shades, we mean. Runways showed bags, boots, and belts crafted from leather in a colour some designers call “sand”. It’s a natural, raw-dune tone, often seen in 70s-riffing, earthy leathers.

RUNWAY TO REALWAY
You’re Invited! To Oakridge Centre’s Fall Fashion Affair. See fall’s hottest trends, including accessories, on the runway. Read more, from Style Agent Ana Serrano.  

Top Accessory Picks: Au Naturel

1. Balenciaga’s tapered heel mid-calve camel boot.
2. Mulberry’s knee-high buckled Bayswater boot.
3. Frye’s double-buckled ankle boot (we can’t help it; fall enhances out our footwear fetish).
4. Belts at Maison Martin Margiela.
5. Hobo bags from anywhere.

Get The Look
Find your own sand-hued accessories at Aritzia, Coach, Aldo, Browns Shoes, J2, or Nine West.

LET’S HEAR IT
Pale leather: perfect or plain?

Valerie Tiu

It’s that time of year again. While it often sets off moans and groans among students, “back to school” also means that the time has come to pack away the shorts and spruce up your fall wardrobe. 

Whether you are going back to elementary, high school or college, it is important to base your wardrobe around the essential items that will carry you through both the fall season and the remainder of the school year. While some autumn styles return year after year, a slight change in shape, texture and detailing can keep the look modern. Just remember to keep it simple and stay away from items that are overly trendy. In fashion, certain styles may look fresh for the moment, but so passé the next.

The following pieces are a few of my favourite back-to-school separates for both men and women. They can be easily incorporated into your current wardrobe and mixed and matched with your latest trendy finds. Basics are a definite mainstay in my closet. I can just throw on a white t-shirt, a pair of jeans, boots (and maybe a scarf for a little pizzazz) for those mornings when I have to rush to class. 

Top Picks for Back to Class
Polo tees are a timeless choice. They look great on their own or layered with a comfy sweater. Who does polos better than Lacoste?

Cashmere sweaters are the perfect throw-on piece for those chilly fall days. Mount Cashmere has a variety of styles and colours to suit your mood.

Collared white shirts look great with everything. Switch things up and pair them with denim, dress pants or (if you’re a woman) this season’s draped skirt. Banana Republic’s takes on the white shirt are perfect. 

A well-fitting, quality pair of denim from Aritzia or Boys’ Co will take you everywhere from the classroom to after-school cocktails.

Say sayonara to yoga pants and hello to comfy trousers. This pant will keep you looking polished without being overdressed. Just be sure to pair the look down with a casual shoe and a great top. Harry Rosen and Hugo Boss carry investment-worthy versions of the trouser pant.

A blazer or sports jacket is the perfect add on. Why not try it layered on top of a polo, jeans and a simple shoe? Wear Else and The Bay carry labels that make great blazers. If the fit is not quite right, be sure to visit Make It Fit Alterations. 

A great wool coat is sure to serve you well for when the cold weather hits the campus. Whether your style is short, long, fitted or voluminous, a well-chosen coat will suit almost every outfit you can imagine. The Gap at Oakridge always comes out with a variety of styles to fit every body type.

It is definitely worthwhile to invest in quality footwear. A casual shoe, like a low cut sneaker or this season’s loafer, can be mixed with denim, trousers, and, if you’re a trendy fashionista, tights and a skirt. Boots are a must-have item and worth the splurge; a universal style will take you through the years. Unless you are under 10, please say goodbye to the Uggs. Browns has every “it” shoe of the season. My favourite are a pair of black Ferragamo booties. To die for.

Be the top of the class with extras like jewelry and accessories. These items can be used to update your look and add a touch of personality to your ensemble. For women, channel Blair Waldorf and wear a feathered headband and – fall’s hottest trend – the oversized necklace from Blue Ruby. Boys can accessorize their look with a fedora, sport watch or scarf from J2 Homme or Quiksilver.

If you must lug around those heavy textbooks, please do so in style! Large totes, carry-alls and laptop bags are sold at Coach and Valise.

Our Top 5 Picks
(okay, we actually have six favourites, but we just couldn’t choose between Armani and Dolce & Gabbana)

1. Bottegga Veneta
Shopper bags, duffel bags with convertible straps, and a limited edition Cabat bag

2. Burberry
Totes, rucksacks, and weekend bags

3. Gucci
Opaque crocodile, ostrich and python skin oversized totes and bags

4. Versace
Woven leather belts, workbags, and even clutches

5. Armani
Small cases, and white-rimmed sunglasses

6. Dolce & Gabbana
Caps, square-shaped sunglasses, and square-shaped bags

Get the Look
Find your favourite runway-inspired carry-all at Coach or Valise, and eyewear at Sunglass Hut or Luxury Eyewear.

LET’S HEAR IT
What’s your pick from the list?

Menswear Designer of the Year
A tie between:
Scott Sternberg for Band of Outsiders
Italo Zucchelli for Calvin Klein Collection
Presented by Jimmy Fallon

Accessory Designer of the Year
Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler
Presented by Kerry Washington

Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award
Michelle Obama
Presented by CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg

Inside scoop: The First Lady accepted via pre-taped video, and expressed her honour at being chosen: “To both legends and the future legends, I am honored to celebrate your craft with you tonight. And on behalf of men and women everywhere, I want to thank you all for making fashion liberating, inspiring, but most of all, fun.”

Gossip Girl and fashion darling Blake Lively presented all three Swarovski awards to the lucky recipients of future financial support from the cutting-edge crystal company. 

Swarovski Award for Womenswear
Alexander Wang

Swarovski Award for Menswear
Tim Hamilton

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design
Justin Giunta for Subversive Jewelry

LET’S HEAR IT!
Do you think Rodarte deserved the Womenswear Designer of the Year award?

1. Toss-and-Go
Wrinkle-free or “looks great crinkly” can be the key to stress-free dressing—but only if function doesn’t trump fashion. Ladies: visit United Colors of Benetton for easy, breezy dresses and Ts in fabrics that take well to travel. Men: J2 Men has got you covered. The blue, red and black checkered shirt with two front pockets by Jack n Jones is pre-wrinkled. Black suit pants from Chip Monday are made with plenty of wrinkle-resistant rayon, but the asymmetrical pockets in front and back, and slight sheen, keep them from being too basic.

2. Carry-on
Designers get the big picture when it comes to bags for Resort 2009. Gucci, Loewe, Chado Ralph Rucci, and Ralph Lauren are just a few of the fans practicing “less is not more.” They created stylish, sizable, stuff with stuffable, bags. Ladies and men: Find yours at Hilton’s Bags or Valise.

3. Do-it-All in Style Shoes
The dream pair works with jeans, and can walk you from one destination to the next, but is still high style enough to carry off dresses or suits. Ladies: Browns carries a “can’t believe they have so many styles” selection by designers like Coal Haan, Geox, Stuart Weitzman, Prada, Arche, Michael Kors, and Browns Private Label. They’re low-heeled, or half-inch, dress up or dress down, flats, or peep-toes. Men: The German army running shoe by Diesel Black Gold Label at J2 Men is a high-top, crafted from shiny and matte leather, transitions from navy blue to gold on the top, and is uber comfortable. Denim or linen? Take your pick.

The iPhone 3G boasts fast 3G wireless technology, maps with GPS, breakthrough internet service, real-time 3D graphics, 3D positional audio, and the new App Store—crammed full of every application ever designed specifically for iPhone’s groundbreaking technology.

Rumour has it that La Vie En Rose, your favourite fashion-forward underwear shop in Oakridge, is having a surprise sale. You and your girlfriends need to know: where exactly is it? Grab your phone and find how-to-get-there directions—instantly. Then send the scoop out to all your friends—iPhone automatically syncs all contacts from your PC, Mac or internet service. And when you’re inundated with voicemail thank-yous? Visual voicemail lets you select and listen to whichever one you want to hear first.

Next up: the perfect dress to top your pretty new bra and panty set. But where to find it? Peruse your bookmarked Oakridge faves—automatically synced from your PC or Mac—or explore your options with built-in Google and Yahoo search.

Marvelous for multi-tasking style mavens, the iPhone is three please-me products in one: phone, widescreen iPod, and breakthrough internet device with rich HTML email and full web browsing.

At Wireless Wave
604-261-3666
Location map.