London: Lovely in Black

London: Upturned Collar

Noticed: The upturned collar seems a classic sign of london. On the polo golf shirt it seems, perhaps, a little too preppy for my simple Canadian tastes..this upturned Burberry collar seemed just the right approach to me.

London: Casual Elegant

Noticed: A little post-shop at Harvey Nichols. I like the ease she has in this image. Her clothes are all clean lines and muted colours, the thick suede belt over the sweater adds some quiet detail.

London: Red Leather

Spotted: Unusual tailoring on her red leather jacket. A great short haircut.

London: Waiting and Layering

Spotted: Young women, patiently waiting for friends; and, they're still keen on layering sweaters on top of shirts underneath tight vests of various lengths.

Paris: Fur and Cell Phone

Asar-tots

Who: Keisa
What: Despite still holding mom's hand, there's something all grown up about this little outfit. Perfect red tights, red patent mary-janes and faux fur coat. Just shows that great style starts young.

Retro Chic

Who: Mrs. Erikson

What: Mrs. Erikson is one of the most stylish elderly ladies in this city. When I approached her on the street for a photograph she said it wasn't the first time. From her purse she pulled out this photograph of herself taken by a local street photographer in 1961. In the image she is walking to a business function on Granville Street in Downtown Vancouver. Behind her is the name of a shop ironically named Milliner.

She's wearing a tailored suit by Montreal designer Arnold Scassi (born Arnold Issacs + Scassi is Issacs spelled backwards) who is best known for his suits and glamorous evening wear. Some of his highlights include dressing Barbara Streisand in an almost see-through outfit for the Oscars in 1969, Catherine Deneuve in 1970 among others.

Mrs. Erikson was wearing leather pants and her signature tortoise shell wide- framed glasses (very 1960s). Unfortunately, she was feeling too under the weather to have her picture taken (I thought she looked amazing!), but promised that if the AV team caught her in the future she would say yes. Someday, we'll get that photograph of her.

Classic Vancouver

Who: Dawne
What: I'm a fan of her French inspired black and white stripped shirt. A great bag.

Where: Downtown Vancouver

Well Again

Spotted: Wellington boots...simply put there are so many new takes on this original style of rubber boots from England. These new interpretations are popping up everywhere in Vancouver now that it's raining. Here's a quick sampling of what's out on the street. I like how this one woman has mixed the plaid print on her boots with argyle tights.

Scooter Babe

Defining Style

Who: Devon

What: I thought this vintage hat from the 30s was contemporary. While the hat is a distinct, bold piece, Devon's style is not easily defineable; she's edgy, rock n' roll, vintage inspired...I could go on.

Where: Blanche Macdonald graduation show

Double-Take on the Double-Breasted Coat

Who: Riko
What: The bold geometric print of Riko's dress shines beneath that fabulous black coat, drawing the eye to those strappy seude boots and her quilted bag. But the shape of the coat and the individual details such as the angled buttons on the seam, the open, round collar are stunning. The black patent belt creates a great silhouette, giving her the illusion of wearing a dress in winter.

Portobello West Fashion + Art Market

Portobello West is Vancouver's answer to the well-known artisan markets of London. The Asartorial team attended the November market hunting for stylish shoppers wearing local designers. People were mostly wearing casual Sunday attire (we include ourselves on this list). In the end, the great style achievers were particularly strong amongst some of the designers.

TOODLEBUNNY

Who: Trudy Wynans, TOODLEBUNNY

What: A Vancouver based jewellery designer, Trudy Wynan's personal style was immediately spotted by the Asartorial team. We loved her unique, edgy jewellery designs, which she's wearing here with a skirt and suspenders. Like her designs, she's both chic and a little rock n' roll.

Where: Portobello West Market

Nazreen's Designs

Who: Nazreen, Nazreen's Designs

What: Women who wear aprons outside of the kitchen; Nazareen's apron was made of a delicate sheer peach fabric...definitely not made for cooking in.

Where: Portobello West Market

Casual Sunday

Who: Ali

What: Classic Vancouver Sunday casual. Though Ali was not wearing a local designer, she did get the coat from Ark Clothing, an independent store on Main street.

Where: Portobello West Market

Very Vintage

Who: Bonnie

What: Noticed the vintage 70s leather coat with the zigzag pattern at the hemline. We were looking for local designs and even asked about the necklace, which confirmed she was wearing head-to-toe vintage clothing.

Where: Portobello West Market

Silver with Envy

Who: Joan

What: I love women with fabulous silver hair. This great classic cut frames her face perfectly.

Where: Portobello West Market

9AM Glam

Who: Nicole
What: A great contrast of colour and texture, including the backdrop of vegetables from the produce aisle where we met.
Where: Whole Foods