all about the circle scarf.

It has come to my attention that Saskatoon's newest fashion hothouse, American Apparel, will now be carrying my favorite accessory of all time: the circle scarf.  I don't know what it is about them that I love so much; maybe it's the way they can be worn so easily, and just drape over your entire body, but I love them.  I saw one last year on Urban Outfitter's website, but before I had a chance to save up the money for shipping, I was out of luck.  They sold out in record time.       

Shortly after, I had the genius idea that I would knit myself one.  Or several; all in different colors, but that idea lasted about as long as it took Urban to sell out of them.  I have come to the realization, that knitting will never be my thing.   You can understand my excitement when I came across one at H&M in NYC.  I purchased a grey, knit one but it will be cool to have them at my fingertips. 

Well, my fingertips and about thirteen thousands other peoples.  

Now anyone who knows me, knows that I am never fully dressed without a scarf.  I own about 40 now I'd say, and am always willing to add to the collection.  The one thing, however that bothers me about my scarf collection, are the fringes on the ends.  I love fringed bags, I love Christian Louboutin's 'Forever Tina' fringed boots, but I just don't like fringed scarves.  I just feel it gives a polished look, too much of a bohemian finish.   

Not so, with the circle. I can't wait to run to AA and pick myself up a dozen or so in various colors. 

Below, are the good kind of fringe, the fabulous kind of fringe by Christian Louboutin.

celebrity fashion file.

These days it seems as though you can't open a fashion magazine, or log onto a celebrity gossip blog without seeing a new clothing line from one of Hollywood's "IT" girls. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have had three clothing lines, starting with a mk and a collection aimed at tweens, and now their newer luxury lines, The Row and Elizabeth & James.  Lauren Conrad, from the Hills fame, has the Lauren Conrad Collection, and Lindsay Lohan just launched a whole line of her signature staple, leggings.  It seems as though every young starlet is eager to cash in on the billion dollar fashion industry, by becoming triple threat performers. 

I often wonder, with so many celebrity lines, what will become of the talented students that study at some of the world's most prestigious fashion schools.  After thousands of dollars of debt, years of hard work and working for free, will they ever stand a chance in the world of high fashion.  It is questionable.  With the runways being dominated by stuff by duff, leggings a la lohan, edie rose, and dVb, it will become increasingly harder for run of the mill fashion designers to break into the business. 

Although fashion and Hollywood have always gone hand in hand, it is my belief that reality television shows such as Project Runway and America's Next Top Model, have enticed celebrities to try their hand at 'design'.  I use this term loosely, because I often wonder what percentage of celebrity clothing lines are endorsement, and which percentage are completely designed and created by the celebrity herself.  With world tours, reality tv shows, talk show appearances, awards shows, and movies to film, I find it hard to believe that so many of these celebrities really spend long hours in front of fabric swatches, sketchbooks and sergers.  I find it hard to believe that they can find time to create garments, draft patterns and drape materials.  It is of course just my opinion, but how will we ever know?  They all claim to "be 100% involved in every aspect", and "would never wear anything I wouldn't wear myself".  

With Justin Timberlake, Heidi Klum, Rachel Bilson, and Elizabeth Hurley being the latest to join the celebrity fashion bandwagon, I wonder who will do it next? 

Personally I would like to see what Madonna would come up with. Now that she's single again, maybe she has a few extra seconds to spare.

Here's my lastest, and definitely strongest peeve: a lack of good shopping in Saskatoon. Although we have a good handful of independent stores such as Frakas, Tonic, 640, Ann&Rosie/Durands and Divine, its still almost impossible for one to define their own unique style.  Chain stores such as Costa Blanca, The Gap and Le Chateau are some of our most popular fashion hotspots and you end up seeing multiple women in the same, or at least similar style as ones you, yourself already own. 

The recent addition of American Apparel to our retail repetoire didn't help matters in the slightest.  If Saskatonian women weren't already dressing the same, the new uniform for the city has become leggings, baggy t-shirts, and long cotton cardigans. It appears as though the 80's has vomited all over this fine city, and I don't see this trend disappearing anytime soon.

For me, it's come down to online shopping. Bidding wars on ebay, large shipping and handling fees, pretty much anything to guarantee a fresh and unique look.   My poor credit card can never get ahead.  It's used nearly as often as my cellphone.  I subscribe to every online store's newsletter, so my inbox is always overflowing with the  latest deals, promotions, sales, and "do not pay until 2009s". 

Does it work? For the most part. The look of disappointment in the eyes of my complimenter is always satisfying, knowing that they can't run out to the nearest mall or outlet store and pick up an exact replica.  But there's also the downside as well: sizing issues.  I don't know how many times I've received a box where everything was either too big, or too small.  Sending stuff back is always a hassle, and paying shipping three times is never fun.  This is usually the case with vintage, or with designers I have never worn before. 

As much as the retail situation in Saskatoon frustrates me, I know that the market here is not really one that could incorporate too many elaborate designers, or expensive boutiques.  Too many hippies, and too many bargain shoppers.  Not a lot of people in Sasaktoon are willing to shell out tons of beer money for expensive clothing.

Too bad, because the 80's are long over and it's time for Saskatoon to clean themselves up.

a shout out to the shoe gods.

I am not a tall person; not even close. Standing at only 5 feet, 2 inches tall it isn't any wonder that my love of stilettos has only grown stronger over time.

I definitely judge a book by it's cover, and by that  I mean, the shoe by its heel.  I'm not a fan of the kitten heel, its far too matronly in my opinion, and although I've come across many beautiful flats, I generally pass them by without so much as a second glance. 

For me, it's all about the heel. I love the new Marc Jacobs 6 inch "stunners" seen on Victoria Beckham recently.  I don't think it's possible to find any negatives.  They are like sweet sweet heaven for your feet.

Also I have to brag: on a recent trip to NYC, I was able to score myself a stunning pair of YSL pumpes, basically hot of the press.  After scouting Saks, and the YSL flagship I was finally able to find my size.  I had to lie coming back over the border, the shoes were the cost equivalent of my entire weekly limit, but totally worth it.   Worth every penny.  

I love the feeling of putting on a fabulous pair of heels; it's a feeling like you're on top of the world.  (Even though for me, I still barely manage to make eye contact with anybody).  I love knowing that everyone is looking at my feet, with envy.  

Maybe it makes me shallow, maybe it sounds materialistic but I would be willing to sacrifice a great many things for the opportunity to wear some of the seasons hottest heels.  

I love how lately my favorite designers such as Louboutin, Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, never compromise on heel height.  It almost at times appears as though they are trying to trump each other for who can create the highest tower. 

I say, fine by me and keep up the good work fellas!  I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

Off to strut my stuff.