Kate MacLennan talks pants, prints and don’t-miss shades.
By Kate MacLennan
Fit to print
Since Vancouver has the country’s only Marimekko boutique, we’re cool to share the splashy line with the rest of Canada via H&M. The cheap and chic retailer is reviving the Finnish label’s most popular prints from the ’60s in a collection of limited-edition garments and accessories (from $13). I’ll personally be channeling Jackie Kennedy in a brightly coloured, wide-brimmed sun hat.
Earth angel
A little black and white mini-dress ($90) by new local line Lav & Kush (lavandkush.com) caught my eye as a choice number for sipping sangria on a patio or a stroll down the beach. A peek into the company unearthed a passion for locally manufactured, eco-friendly fabrics. a percentage of earnings go to non-profit organizations such as the David Suzuki Foundation and PETA. Is there anything more chic than a virtuous fashion vixen? Darlings, there isn’t. At Life of Riley (3697 Main St., 604-876-7655).
Photography by Carlo Mendoza.
Editor’s Pick: Shady people
There’s no easier way to turn a standard outfit into something that appears designer than by adding a pair of killer shades. “Nothing says glamorous faster than oversized, black Bottega frames,” confirms fashion stylist Amy Lu. “Sunglasses add mystery since they cover up your eyes. And they disguise nasty hangovers.” This spring, I’m all about my gold-rimmed aviators, à la Angelina, from Banana Republic’s new eyewear collection (from $100), made by the same company that does collections for Gucci, Dior and, yes, Bottega Veneta.
Bottom line
You’ll need trousers this season, and I’ve got you sorted. Madonna, Salma Hayek, Jennifer Aniston and Christina Ricci have all rocked pairs by Leonardo Aguirre (leonardo-aguirre.com), the L.A. label launched by former Richard Tyler apprentices Josef Michel and Leonardo Aguirre. (Aguirre is the line’s creative force, while Michel heads up the business side.) Each pair embodies classic male style but is cut to look sexy on women. “Wear them with a fitted, collared shirt for sleekness, or with a tank and statement jewellery,” says Cristina Linden, who carries the brand at her boutique, Basquiat (1189 Hamilton St., 604-688-0828). “They’re great for work, dinner parties and any event in between.”
Cuckoo for Chloë
What happens when you mix perennially stylish indie actress Chloë Sevigny and New York’s Opening Ceremony boutique? One of spring’s most anticipated collaborations, that’s what. Inspired by high-school days spent poring over Sassy and trading mix tapes with girlfriends (sounds like my own well-spent youth), the line includes liberty-print dresses, high-waisted gingham skirts and pants, mannish tops and sunglasses. Can’t you just see her wearing all of it—plus ripped tights and wedge ankle boots, naturally. At Jonathan + Olivia (2570 Main St., 604-637-6224, jonathanandolivia.com).