I consider myself somewhat of a magazine junkie. I use the word “somewhat” in an attempt to not oust myself as the magazine-loving nerd that I am. My lack of attention span in combination with my love of creative nonfiction writing led to me to the discovery that I would rather stare at a computer screen for hours, reading article upon article, than read a novel for the same amount of time. The change in topic and introspective style makes me feel like I’m doing many things at once instead of one monotonous task. Of all the magazines and websites that I frequent, I only subscribe to one: GQ. GQ is arguably my favourite magazine. At the end of each month, I await the arrival of my issue.
My love for GQ started years ago in the aisles of grocery stores sneaking peaks at it while my mother shopped. Whenever my mother would find me reading the men’s lifestyle magazine, she would ask me why I was interested in a magazine titled “Gentleman’s Quarterly.” I would reply with one of two things: either, “well it’s not a quarterly magazine anymore so maybe the gentleman doesn’t apply either?” or “hot guys in suits, mom, duh.” The truth was somewhere in between the two. I did love seeing men in men’s clothing but not because I was necessarily attracted to them, but more so because I wanted to emulate them in any way I could while still staying in the very deep closet I built for myself.
GQ is the magazine for those of us who don’t fit into gender categories. I love fashion, but often I have a hard time finding fashion that feels right for me, or at least finding representations of this fashion. When flipping through fashion magazines targeted at females, I can appreciate a few items of clothing, but when flipping through magazines geared towards men, I find myself falling in love with many more items.
GQ doesn’t just exist to show us how to dress impeccably well; it also has some hard-hitting features. Recently, GQ wrote about the issue of male sexual assault in the army and the pressure to be silenced. They’ve also written about Matthew McConaughey revival – commonly known as the McConnaisance. GQ has also looked at the difference between male and female nudity on television.
My two favourite GQ writers are Devin Friedman and Jeanne Marie Laskas. Friedman has written about “middlebrow” culture, about war, the awkwardness of highschool, race and the token black friend, and the culture around things going viral. Laskas has written about the impact that football has on players’ brains, one of my favourite pieces of all time. She has also written about Richard Norris’ face transplant, hitmen, gun culture in America, immigration, and many other stories that need to be told. The magazine’s piece on David Foster Wallace following his suicide was a poignant piece of literary genius.
Sure, GQ can be misogynistic at times, but I wouldn’t say that it’s more misogynstic than Cosmopolitan, a magazine geared towards women, or The Globe and Mail which has on many occasions featured opinion articles that invalidate the struggles that women commonly face in society and tried to debunk the “myth of rape culture.” On the surface, GQ looks like a magazine for bros sporting high fashion suits and naked girls on the pages, but once you pick up a copy and actually read it, you discover that behind the misguided perceptions of the magazine, it actually is a collection of the best writing about life, sports, technology, culture, entertainment, politics, and everything in between.
The lines of gender are blurry. People express or identify in so many different ways that categorizing clothing and style into strictly “men’s” or “women’s” becomes antiquated. The reason that I like GQ so much is a direct result of societal expectations that make me feel like I don’t fit into the box of “woman”. The magazines out there for women don’t feel like they’re created for me. GQ gives me the mix of everything I like from fashion that I would actually wear to stories that I can get lost in. Simply, GQ is my favourite magazine and I will continue to wait by the mailbox at the end of every month.
By: Danielle Porano and Hayley Regis
Hayley: As anyone with Instagram might have noticed, we are just coming off of Fashion week. With things wrapping up in Paris, we thought we might touch on some of the coming trends in street style.
Danielle: While fashion month has sadly come to an end, New York, London, Milan, and Paris have been good to us on the runway, with so many beautiful shows that have already set the trends for Spring/Summer 2015 fashion (seriously, I am amazed at how many times designers can reinvent florals, it was an incredible season). While I adore and derive inspiration from runway shows, the constrictions of limited budgets, having to take the HSR and walk to school, and chilly fall days often make high fashion style inaccessible. Acknowledging the fact that runway trends can often be difficult to contextualize and work into our everyday wardrobes, street style trends can feel much more applicable to our regular university days.
D: London championed hundreds of pairings of sweaters and skirts in the chicest way possible. Echoed by my favourite way to style a skirt with a sweater, the fashion week attenders paired chunky cable knits with a-line skirts that cut a few inches above the knees. To carry this style into winter, add nylons, over the knee socks, and knee high boots. To keep it fresh, don’t tuck the sweater in (or perfect the half tuck).
H: I’m obsessed with the contrast between flowing feminine skirts and chunky knitwear, but one of my favourite looks this season was a fuzzy grey sweater paired with a bright skirt and sneakers. I like to layer up with tights in the winter and make up whatever leg heat I lose below by layering myself like a cozy student parfait up top.
H: Another big thing this season was the all-neutral outfit. As I’m usually someone who aims to look like an extra from the Fresh Prince it’s hard for me to say this, but I am finding myself in love with the all-neutral look! I’ve been seeing and trying the kind of monochromatic look I’ve seen on bloggers and in style photos from London and Milan. Fashion week attendees have been rocking everything in the spectrum, from white on white, through jean on jean, all the way to all black (fondly referred to as “The Uniform”). Look through your wardrobe for black jeans or leggings to pair with black sweaters or t-shirts for super simple utilitarian vibes. If you don’t want to feel like Wednesday Addams, maybe punch up your outfit with a bright lip, some statement jewellery, or swap one of the black pieces out for a grey one. I like to rock that with sneakers, but as it starts to get colder I’m bringing my boots back out.
D: Let’s be honest here. There is nothing sleeker, cooler, and easier than an all-black get up. I personally found the varying warm shades of cream and grays as a welcoming beckoning to fall weather. While I love all neutral looks, I love to use them as a blank canvas for colourful accessories, like wearing all black with a red bag.
D: No outfit is complete without the perfect shoes. More than an afterthought or accessory, shoes transform outfits from bland to fashion perfection easily. Fashion month revealed a plethora of sneakers, boots, and heels. For a fresh take on sneakers, put aside the inspiration of Adidas and Chanel runners, and try a slip on slide in plain black leather, plaid, or leopard print.
Boot season is my favourite thing about fall, especially because it comes without worries about shoe-destroying winter snow and ridiculously copious amounts of salt layering the sidewalk. So we can focus on what matters: colours, textures, and new styles. This fall, the women of fashion month were rocking over the knee boots and ankle boots in mostly neutrals or black. If you prefer boots without a heel, there are so many great options for those as well in the ankle or over knee height.
H: I like to keep my footwear short, so I go for sneakers and oxfords. Ankle boots are a must, so I’m looking forward to investing in a black pair for the coming winters. My advice is to always go for something you can wear seven days a week without feeling weird about it, and that can accommodate a cozy sock for days you wish you didn’t have to go outside.
H: Now leave it to Burberry to basically pioneer a trend on its own, because really, if Christopher Bailey is doing something we probably should too. Inspired by the equestrian blankets worn by riders, Burberry gave us a final walk of models in matching monogrammed blanket shawls. These things are big, cozy, and exactly the kind of things a student needs to power through a last-minute cramming session in HSL. Too bad it’ll cost you over $1300 of your OSAP; actually, I guess it’s a good thing it’s sold out. Head out to places like H&M and Value Village to hunt for you own, or get your hands on one of those Aritzia blanket scarves as an alternative your wallets will thank you for.
D: Popularized by the Burberry runway and started streetwise by Olivia Palermo, blanket scarves are an outfit within themselves. Buy them in a pop of colour or pattern and wear them over neutrals to draw focus to them and wear them as a cape or tie them as a regular scarf and have the coziest fall day ever.
Fashion may be too quick to stand by the old adage “forgive and forget”. It has only been three years since John Galliano was shamefully ousted from Christian Dior after a video of an anti-Semitic tirade he made was unearthed. The famed British designer went from one of the most successful faces of fashion to a reviled figure who Dior couldn’t distance itself from quick enough.
Despite Galliano’s best attempts to reinsert himself in the scene, he has remained on the outskirts. A workshop that he was scheduled to lead at Parsons last year was called off after it came to light that Galliano was not willing to comply with the New York design school’s wish for him to conduct a forum about the effect of his remarks on his career. Galliano was thrown a bone by Oscar de la Renta who allowed him to design a collection of dresses for his New York Fashion Week show last year, but he has still largely been ostracized.
Galliano’s condemnation to the periphery was alleviated on Oct. 6, when Maison Martin Margiela announced that he would be taking over as art director. The house’s namesake had retired in 2009 and had since been headed by a collective of unnamed designers. Of the appointment, Renzo Rosso, president of Margiela’s parent company, had this to say: “Margiela is ready for a new charismatic creative soul ... John Galliano is one of the greatest, undisputed talents of all time – a unique, exceptional couturier for a Maison that al- ways challenged and innovated the world of fashion.”
I’m all for a progressive mindset, but appointing a known anti-Semite may be challenging the world of fashion in the wrong way. Galliano apologized for his conduct in an interview last summer saying, “it's the worst thing I have said in my life, but I didn't mean it...I have been trying to find out why that anger was directed at this race. I now realize I was so angry and so discontented with myself that I just said the most spiteful thing I could.”
Galliano apologized, but there’s really no coming back from praising Hitler. It’s too bad that an esteemed house like Margiela felt the need to resort to Galliano, for not only will he bring the wrong kinds of scrutiny to an already stressful operation, but he’ll bring his penchant for heavy-handed theatrical designs to a normally avant-garde couture line.
As LL Cool J said in “Mama Said Knock You Out,” don’t call it a comeback. Instead, usher Galliano out.
By: Daniella Porano
As a university student, money is always tight. My decimated bank account is used to cover the basics of classes, food, rent, and my personal favourite, $200 hundred-dollar textbooks that professors never end up using. To my great sadness, this leaves virtually no room in my budget for purchasing new clothes and creating a dream wardrobe. Fortunately, basics that most university students have can be reworked into easy outfits that feel fresh and new.
The first step to having a wardrobe that is functional and versatile is investing in quality basic pieces. Step away from the Forever 21 denim rack and think about pieces that need to last. If you’re like me, buying cheap “fast-fashion” clothing at discount retailers in the mall feels wasteful, especially when they tend to fall apart after the first wash.
On the same note, while I love reading fashion magazines and browsing designer boutiques, the cheapest of pieces are still completely unaffordable to most university students. The compromising middle ground for us underfunded fashionistas is searching for quality pieces to build your outfits around. To do this, look for proper and in-line stitching, nice material, and a great personal fit, and don’t be afraid to spend some time in big box stores like Winners or even secondhand stores like Value Village, where quality (and designer) pieces can turn up for fractions of the original retail prices.
Most importantly, do not ignore your footwear and bag choices. The easiest way to jazz up the most basic of outfits is to subscribe to the power of a statement bag and perfect shoes. Although, I’d argue it’s important to invest in timeless pieces like neutral coloured boots (combat, riding, heeled booties, or other lasting styles) and similarly with bags, there is room to play with trends and vibrant colours and patterns. To make sure this works well and to ensure your style remains affordable, select pieces that mesh well with your basic pieces. Consider your current wardrobe whenever you go shopping for colourful or trendy pieces that accent your outfit and bring your personal style to life.
For example, I live in all shades of blue (particularly navy), black, and varying hues of gray, so when I shop for statement pieces I gravitate towards complimentary maroons, reds, and pinks. Keeping an inventory of the colours and styles of your basics makes shopping easier, more affordable, and keeps clothing from the dreaded ‘do-not wear’ pile at the back of your closet.
Every pair of quality dark-wash skinny jeans I own are quite possibly the best purchases I’ve ever made. The key to this style is simple: find a few pairs that fit you extremely well and build outfits around them. I’ve styled my own black and dark-wash blue jeans with everything from dressy peplum tops and colourful heels to a plain white t-shirt and combat boots with perfect ease. To change it up, try colourful denim alternatives like oxblood, military green, or dark gray.
Collared button-up shirts are one of my favourite pieces to wear. More fun than simple t-shirts, and not as dressy or demanding as silky blouses, they’re the perfect pieces to build an outfit around. Chambray/denim, solid colours, or even plaid, have the effect of looking prim and proper when buttoned up with a statement necklace, or looking cool and easy paired with boyfriend jeans and smoking slippers. Experiment layering under chunky knits or fitted cropped sweaters for fall for a cozy and refreshing outfit. Alternate between pairing with flared skirts and formfitting denim. Tuck them in or leave them loose. Button them up or leave them open with a great tee underneath. The options are limitless and perfect for chilly weather.
As Canadians, we can’t survive without a sturdy fall coat. Invest in a coat that goes with the majority of your wardrobe and that makes you feel instantly put together when you put it on. For me, it’s my navy military-esque trench, but it can be anything depending on your personal style. A perfectly cut leather jacket or a worn distressed denim jacket, a camel coloured trench or a cozy blanket coat, can be all that is required for a perfect fall outfit.
By: Daniella Porano
September in New York City marks the beginning of the semi-annual fashion pilgrimage that takes fashion’s elite through New York, London, Milan, and Paris on a month long fashion extravaganza. This past week, New York Fashion Week hosted a wide variety of designers displaying their Spring/Summer 2015 collections. The result was nothing short of New York fashion magic, with an impressive array of enviable trends and an innumerable amount of beautiful pieces suitable for any closet.
This look was effortlessly championed by veteran Marc Jacobs this season. His show swept the runway with a glossy collection of coats with large round buttons and pockets, complimented with structured dresses in earthy tones of cream, gray, army green, and navy. Shoes were an uncomplicated selection of either utilitarian sandals or black leather boots, a nice compliment style to the busy collection.
Floral prints were in full bloom for nearly all NYFW spring/summer collections. While floral prints are the most predictable staple for spring/summer collections, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, and Erin Featherson all created collections that were refreshing and beautiful. It served to remind us precisely why florals are so important for spring collections rather than feeling recycled and redundant.
Oversized jackets were critical to the runway this season, although they were surprisingly heavy and layered for spring/summer collections. Regardless, coats, jackets, and blazers were layered atop pretty feminine dresses and sharp black pantsuits in a manner that displayed a marriage of beauty and wearability. The designers used varying jacket styles to highlight their labels and set a tone for their shows. For example, Rodarthe used a multi-coloured army jacket to ground their airy asymmetrical skirts, which were paired with stunning mid-calf heeled gladiator sandals. Philip Lim designed sleeveless blazers and trench coats as an unexpected transition piece into spring fashion. Halston Heritage introduced a cape-like blazer as the new office essential, especially paired with easy black heels, well-tailored traditional trousers, and a simple clutch.
With slightly raised hemlines from previous seasons, NYFW redefined the chicness of the mid-length skirt with casual grace. Paired with simple white t-shirts and crop tops from Michael Kors, vibrant sweaters from Alice + Olivia, and structured utilitarian jackets from Proenza Schouler, the skirt has once again become the main event.
Gingham prints took an elegant twist for Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenburg, and Altuzzara. Their collections all embodied the classy elegance their respective labels are known for, with a wonderful turn on a classic summer print. Using light shades of pink and blue, as well as black, the print particularly stood out on de la Renta’s beautiful coats and crop top/skirt pairings, Altuzzara’s clinched waist dresses and blazers, and von Furstenburg’s breezy dresses of varying hemlines. The revival of the beloved print has certainly set spring/summer 2015 on a sensational path.
Brianna Buziak
The Silhouette
Most would agree that the only good slush is flavoured, in drink form and consumed in the summer months. But until the temperature rises, or until we encounter the infamous April heat wave, we are stuck with cold, wet, dirty slush. The worst part is figuring out our footwear: do we sacrifice warmth for dryness, or dryness for warmth? Well stay tuned fair reader and find out how with these options you don’t have to sacrifice either.
Women’s Classic Knee High Rain Boot $39.99 (Target)- The name says it all. These boots will never go out of style nor will they ever be out of commission unless, of course, you move to a desert.
Men’s Arctic Cat Sherbrook Cold Weather Boot $59.99 (Target)- Being described as being a cold weather boot and having a water resistant construction, we can only assume that this boot will keep men’s feet both dry and warm this winter season.
T-Max Heat Thermal Socks $9.99-$10.99 (Mark’s Work Warehouse)- if you want to continue wearing your tried and true wellies throughout winter, add a pair of thermal socks to keep your toes toasty. Available in both men’s and women’s, these are a great addition to any cold weather wear closet.
Hunter Boots $150 (Footwear retailers)- on the pricey side, these boots are meant to keep feet dry throughout the wet months. They are great for treading through slush but not necessarily the warmest. There are many options for fleece socks and insulated liners. Although not as popular, there are also styles for the gentlemen who don’t want to get cold feet.
Jason Woo
The Silhouette
One morning, as I pulled off my blankets and placed my feet on the ground, I reflexed and kneed myself in the face. That’s how cold and unforgiving the floor was. That is also how I knew it was November.
November marks the beginning of the annual “Dark Age”, in which it looks like it’s 2 a.m. outside when it’s actually 6 p.m. Do not fret though, as this is also the time to pull out your oh-so-comfortable, huggable, and everything in between sweaters.
Since they’re so amazing, here’s a list of different types of sweaters you can own so you can be comfortable everyday without wearing the same garment.
1) The Classic Hoodie: This is so ubiquitous that I don’t really need to explain why it is awesome. Instead, I will say that a customized hoodie with a club name or favourite musician is a handy topic for conversation with strangers and acquaintances.
Where to find them: Pretty much any clothing store
2) The Winter Cardigan: November is also the time you pack away your thin fall cardigans, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop sporting cardigans all together! Knitted cardigans are warm, fashionable, and can double as a miniature blanket.
Where overnight viagra to find them: Zara, H&M and the like
3) The Christmas Sweater: Thanks to Macklemore, you cannot really find a tacky Christmas sweater at a thrift shop anymore, but this does not mean you shouldn’t look for one! Winter’s here to stay, so embrace it with your sweater and remind yourself (and everyone around you) that Christmas is just around the corner.
Where to find them: Thrift Shops, Urban Outfitters, Sears, tna
4) The V-neck Sweater: November is the time to layer and this nifty garment lets you do just that. Paired with a dress shirt, a regular shirt, or just going solo, this sweater works for a variety of occasions. P.S. a sweater vest also serves the same purpose.
Where to find them: Banana Republic, Club Monaco, J. Crew
5) The Turtleneck: One of the oldest types of sweaters known to man, this has truly stood the test of time. A true multipurpose sweater, it can be used in casual, business, and even sporty occasions as long as they are paired properly.
Where to find them: Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Roots
*Note: no real models used in the making of this article.
Sending those boho vibes:
The classic boho scarf. This is the type of gal who will have a small novel of travel stories (whether she has actually seen the alligator infested rivers of Mongolia is irrelevant, isn’t it?) and is most likely waiting until you suggest grabbing a dark Americano in any independent coffee shop. Don’t suggest Starbucks, unless you’re prepared to back yo’ ass with how corrupt their profits are.
Picking up on a "parisian" glow:
This girl will probably greet you in French, even if she doesn’t know a word of it beyond, “Allo!” The tightly tied bow suggests a desire for control in her life, and so her term reports are most likely sprinkled with as many 11’s and 12’s as her single donut she indulges after ballet class.
Wrapping yourself in culture:
Oh, the sophistication. The culture is strong cialis on ine with this one. She will be more than pleased to share with you how the symphony went last night. In fact, her scarf only compliments her relaxed demeanor, and she would love a saunter through the courtyard of Divinity College.
Bundled up with giggles:
Bunny ears! She always has a little joke up her sleeve, just fitting for her quirky choice in scarves. Don’t ever underestimate her quick wit, even if she does enjoy reading her Sunday horoscope, simply for the “irony” of it.
Amanda Watkins
LifeStyle Editor
If you are a normal, living, breathing human being, either male or female, it is likely that at one point in time, you have wanted to be Zooey Deschanel. It’s a huge generalization, but that does not make it any less true.
Many “alternative” and “hip” celebrities, like Deschanel, sport a style that is uniquely their own and often reminiscent of eras past. And often, when we long for the style of another, we ask ourselves, how do they manage to look that way, all the time?
I’ll let you in on a little secret – many of these alternative and hip celebrities shop vintage.
Vintage clothing and styles have been popular since the early two thousands when thick-rimmed glasses made viagra tablet weight a comeback and Mad Men took flight with ratings. Old was new again, and styles long forgotten were resurrected by high fashion designers and street style pros alike.
Wearing vintage clothing tends to have yuppie-ish connotations that are both inaccessible and untrue. Second-hand styles are easy to find and can be worn by all. Buying twice-loved clothing is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative that allows for a unique and exciting shopping experience.
Hamilton is lucky to have several vintage fashion stores within the area that offer selections for both men and women.
Lauren Erickson, owner of La Bichette, a vintage and contemporary store located off of James St. N. and Barton, started selling second-hand fashions in June of this year when her store first opened.
“A lot of people think that because something isn’t new, the quality isn’t as high. But, it’s actually quite the opposite,” said Erickson.
Older clothing will often be handmade and feature higher quality fabric that can’t be found in today’s mass-produced goods. Detailing with buttons, stitching, and extended seams are also common traits that make for easy alterations, fittings, and unique styles.
When gathering goods to market at a vintage boutique, there are several different ways that clothing can be acquired and made ready for sale.
“I’ve been collecting for probably 10 years,” added Erickson when asked where her supply comes from. "I’ve inherited some of the pieces from family and friends, purchased some from estate sales, and have thrifted many of the pieces."
Consignment stores are also a popular choice for vintage shopping. They sell second-hand clothes from a starter price point, and as time goes by and the item is not sold, the price is gradually reduced.
Although boutique-style stores tend to be the more popular choice for second-hand and vintage shopping, there’s something to be said for thrift stores a la Value Village and Talize. With time and patience, filtering through racks can result in a rewarding shopping experience.
“If you’re going to shop vintage, make sure you have time,” recommends Erickson. “It can be a lot of fun, but you have to factor in time for trying on items and looking through all of the options.”
Shopping vintage is a lot like constantly finding great deals on sale. It can be a thrilling experience, especially when you find a unique buy. Some pieces are actually better purchased twice-loved, such as outerwear and party dresses.
“You’ll never have to worry about someone having the same dress as you,” said Erickson in reference to shopping vintage.
Purchasing vintage clothing is easy and accessible, especially in Hamilton. And contrary to popular belief, it is available and appropriate for everyone, and not just certain sects of society.
“Vintage isn’t just for hipsters. Everyone can wear vintage,” said Erickson.
Shopping vintage can be a fun and beneficial experience. Looking up to icons of the past, and alternative stars of the present, you may be setting the trends of the future. And if you look past the common misconceptions surrounding it, you may just be the next Zooey Deschanel.
Emma Suschkov
The Silhouette
You make some really beautiful dresses. You make some ugly dresses too, and some dresses I don’t really understand, but still really want. I’d like to own these aforementioned dresses but, for reasons beyond my control, I cannot.
I think you’re missing a rather large target demographic when you design dresses. The dresses and skirts on the market are absolutely PERFECT – if you are 5’4” or less.
It happens all the time – I’m shopping and see exactly what I want. I go to try it on and then I check myself out in the mirror and – wait, when did this dress become a shirt?
I can’t buy clothes that don’t even cover the, you know, necessities. It’s not about looking “slutty” (I will wear what I want, judgment be damned), it’s about the need to not flash everyone. It’s not MY FAULT that nature made me tall and it’s not my fault that your dresses lead to public indecency. Can you just do me a favour and ADD A MEASLY INCH OR TWO TO THE HEMLINE PLEASE?
This is not even coming from a six-foot tall girl – man, you girls have it rough. How do you ever find jeans? I’m 5’8”, and that is NOT that much taller than average. Dresses/skirts should fit me! Dressmakers, you would get so much money from so many more people. Don’t you want that money? Don’t you want to clothe the masses?
And yeah, I could go shop at those specialty stores for tall girls, where you see that longed-for “L” after the number size. And where the prices are spectacularly exorbitant. I’d love some well-fitting clothes, but I can’t sacrifice $150 at the altar of fashion for a single dress.
So please, people who design skirts and dresses for major retailers, make some things that’ll fit me. Seriously, I need some dresses long enough not to need a pair of booty shorts as flash-prevention.
Get to it.
All the best,
Every dress-lover taller than 5’4”
