Oakridge Style

Valerie Tiu

Black is back. If you were at this year’s Oakridge Fall Fashion Affair, you may have noticed an absence of colour, but make no mistake: a little hint never hurt anyone. Colour is not just a way to liven up an ensemble. It can also enhance your features, express your personality, and create a style statement. 

Fall 2009 runways–from Dolce and Gabbana to Jean Paul Gaultier, Dior to Versace–all featured pops of colour. The hot trend for fall is colour blocking, a la Marc Jacobs, and mixing brights to contrast with stark shades (think Gucci and Louis Vuitton). This trend is great for those that may typically shy away from colour or, if you’re like me, have a wardrobe full of black.

Check out Crisca, Femme De Carriere, Jacob and Teenflo (pictured) for some stylish separates that can be easily mixed with basic dark pieces. All of these retailers are also great for classics like pencil skirts and trousers.

The key colour of the catwalk was most certainly red, in any shade: cherry, burgundy, scarlet and crimson. This classic hue was showcased with head-to-toe ensembles, simple pops of colour on accent pieces, and beautifully-mixed textures. My dream look for fall consists of a cherry red knee-length sheath dress, scarlet double-breasted funnel neck coat, and dark shades from DKNY–along with black thigh-high boots from Browns–very classic, sleek and mysterious.

Cool shades of purple, blue and emerald, and warm tones like orange, yellow and pink, were all seen as perfect accents on avant garde accessories, unique headpieces and fierce footwear. Just remember to choose colours that work well with your skin tone and flatter your figure. Aldo, Coach and Blue Ruby are sure to satisfy your colour craving with their charming bangles. Nine West, Ingledew’s and Jwalk also have fabulous footwear in a wide-range of palettes.

Valerie Tiu

There’s no doubt that Oakridge Centre is committed to supporting Dress for Success Vancouver. I must admit, however, that before I joined the Oakridge team, I didn’t know much about the charitable organization. After getting to know the faces behind Dress for Success Vancouver, I now fully understand the significance and hope that these people bring to women in need. This was further solidified when I had the pleasure of attending Dress for Success Vancouver’s Wrap Up Event.

Swarming with elegantly-dressed women (and the occasional dapper gentleman), the Pacific Palisades was transformed into a marketplace of sorts, complete with a showcasing area, a decadent buffet, and a makeshift runway. Hosted by CTV’S Keri Adams, the Wrap Up Event was packed with plenty of activities, giveaways, and of course, a little shopping! A percentage of proceeds went to support DFSV. Guest speaker Rosalyn Taylor O’Neale, DFS Worldwide Board Chair, delivered a truly inspiring speech. Rosalyn’s statement was simple: the women that DFS supports could be you or me; surely, a poignant and thought-provoking message.

The main event was a fun-filled scavenger hunt that led corporate sponsors for DFS scrambling through the hotel in search of interview attire. The players ended up strutting their stuff in front of a panel of judges to win prizes. The judges included Keri Adams, corporate representatives, and , along with fellow Style Agent Jessie Carlson, yours truly. I must say that it was definitely a challenge to judge so many chic ladies; given the short time they had to put together an ensemble.

Fun and games aside, I felt truly honoured to be invited to this Dress for Success event. It was so inspiring to be surrounded by women who dedicate so much time and effort to a cause like this.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”  – Anne Frank