Kate MacLennan uncovers this month's trends and treasures.
By Kate MacLennan
Editor’s pick | Cheap & cheerful
In an 11th-hour panic to find—but not invest in—a winter coat last December, I stumbled across BB Dakota (bbdakota.com), a label whose designer is originally from Montreal, and whose punch is in the presentation, not the pocketbook. Case in point: its colourful selection of short and long spring jackets, such as this faux-leather number ($60). At Below the Belt (1131 Robson St., 604-688-6878, belowthebelt.com).
Photography by Clinton Hussey.
Two cute
As only child stars–cum–runway rats could, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen found time in their busy lives to launch another clothing label, Elizabeth and James (elizabethandjames.us), last fall. Named after their younger sister and older brother, the line is decidedly vintage-inspired (quelle surprise) and for spring includes silk-chiffon print tops, high-waisted pants and silk party dresses. Available in Canada exclusively at Holt Renfrew in Vancouver (737 Dunsmuir St., 604-681-3121, holtrenfrew.com).
Life in art
Maybe it’s a sign of age—maturity, we’ll say—but lately I covet accessories that edge on art more than trend. There’s plenty in that department at quaint jewellery stop Mukado (3288 Main St., 604-874-3887, mukadojewelery.com), where you’ll find silver and brass medieval-inspired pieces by French designer Serge Breton, Metal Pointu’s heavy metal statements (necklace shown, $250), and local silversmith Shannon Stewart’s geometric wares.
Photography by Clinton Hussey.
On the level
I, for one, won’t be mourning the passing of designer denim when it finally abdicates its pricey throne. Meanwhile, popping up in the it’s-getting-better category are dandy options such as Level 99 (level99usa.com), a little-known L.A. label whose wide-leg denim (shown, $170) happily found its way into my wardrobe. At Fab (2177 W. Fourth Ave., 604-734-0139; 2305 W. 41st Ave., 604-267-3220; fabclothing.com) and Pleasant Girl (2541 Main St., 604-677-4024, pleasantgirl.com).
Photography by Clinton Hussey.