Ever since Uniqlo opened up retail outlets in New York, I’ve desperately wanted the mainstream Japanese chain to come to Canada. Unlike H&M however, I find Uniqlo’s range of clothing to be better made and of higher quality. For example, Uniqlo’s infamous S-00X series jean is made with premium selvedge denim – a type of material known for its tighter weave and historical roots. Although Uniqlo’s offerings may not be as funky and runway driven as H&M’s is, they do offer some really neat items and also tend to collaborate with third party designers.

Over the past weekend two up and coming designers, Tim Hamilton and Juliana Jabour both released capsule collections for Uniqlo. I have to say, I like the route this company taking by introducing wearable collections by lesser known but still prominent designers. Uniqlo’s past collaboration with ex-Cloak designer Alexandre Plokhov (now with Versace) was very refreshing to see as well. If I still haven’t convinced you guys just how cool this retail chain is yet, be sure to take a look yourselves at www.uniqlo.com

> images courtesy of uniqlo.com

Every man these days needs a functional, durable, and fashionable bag. It’s a growing reality that it is now a necessity for us working males to carry around laptops, blackberrys, cell phones, and office papers. A casual bag isn’t just an accessory for females anymore! In comes Jack Spade to successfully fulfill this every day need. Jack Spade, the male complement to the Kate Spade brand, provides classy, stylish, well-designed bags for work and every day use. Their product offerings include everything from classic messenger bags to briefcases to weekender travel bags.

“We’ve always appreciated companies like J. Press, Brooks Brothers, Levi’s, Barbour and even Oxxford Clothing for being great companies that make useful items for men. The products these companies manufacture have style because the designs have a reason for being. With these products as inspiration, we created JACK SPADE. We want to return to this approach, once again offering men items that represent both honest, thoughtful design and practical purpose.”
- www.jackspade.com

The things that initially drew me to Jack Spade were indeed the small details that brought out the practicality of these bags. The fine silvery buckles and zippers added a stylish twist to my Greene St. messenger, this combined with the multitude of useful pockets made storing little gadgets easy and accessible. Furthermore, the bag felt very natural hanging over my shoulder which just exemplifies the thought that went into its design. Be sure to check `em out at www.jackspade.com or go to your nearest Holt Renfrew

> images courtesy of jackspade.com

This gorgeous brunette seems to just radiate – she’s classy, stylish, and incredibly haught and bitchy on Gossip Girl. Not only does Leighton Meester model the prim and proper side of fashion on the show, but outside of it she creates a more sophisticated style, tinged with some New York funk.

What do you guys think of her?

> image courtesy of leightonmeesterfan.net

These puppies (or sheepies) are everywhere online – they boast a versatility like no other, allowing users to wear them during the summer AND the winter (much like Uggs). For only $29.95 and backed by an abundance of infomercial-like testimonials, they would almost seem to be a worthy splurge for the ultimately lazy.

Here’s the story:

It was a chilly Northern California morning two years ago, and as usual, I was running late for class. I kicked off my comfy sheepskin house slippers, but there would be no time for socks today. I eyed my well-worn pair of sandals by the door, and with my eyes on my watch, my hand on the doorknob, and my bare, rapidly-cooling feet slipping into my flip flops, a light bulb went off:

“I wonder if anyone’s ever tried combining a flip flop with a sheepskin slipper?”

Well I hunted around, and nobody had. So I set out to try. A few months and a patent application later, I had solved my little problem. And as it turns out, I wasn’t the only person out there who wanted to wear their flip flops all year round.

— Alex V., Founder, Bonsai Sandals

Sheepskin in the summer anyone?

> image courtesy of www.bonsaisandals.com

For those of you who watch Gossip Girl, you’ll know that Blair Waldorf’s mother (Eleanor Waldorf) supposedly creates designs for huge fashion retailers and is fabulously recognized around the world.

For those of you who don’t watch Gossip Girl, well, you know about Eleanor Waldorf the fictitious brand now – be joyed.

Turns out that the real name behind the name brand is Abigail Lorick, a young former model-turned-designer who strung together a line of gorgeous and young clothes.

It’s fun, it’s got a slight Parisian flare, and it’s so wonderfully classic I could squeal (but I won’t). Her website is beautifully articulate and the clothes just speak for themselves.

Take a look-see, you’ll love.

www.loricknewyork.com

> images courtesy of loricknewyork.com