Accessories aren't just for the ladies

The advent of the manbag was a long time coming. When it appeared on the scene, males everywhere suddenly had the option to carry their belongings in something other than a backpack, briefcase, or generic canvas messenger bag/satchel. The not-so-holy trinity of men's totage had been superceded at last!

But as wonderful as they are, how to make sure that one's manbag is, well....manly enough? I'm speaking of the fine line between the manbag (sexy, functional) and the manpurse (effeminate, weird), of course. This is where Thickskin comes in. Their bags are masculine, classic, and all-around hot. See below:







Thickskin will even customize their bags to suit the exact needs of the owner, meaning that grad students and high-power executives alike can find love with a manbag. Check them out here.

Opinions needed

I'm not quite sure what to make of these.



On the one hand, they're awful. But on the other, I'm oddly fascinated by them. They're like a walking oxymoron; usually it's horrible camo tank tops that say "Baby Girl", but these have crystal-filled heels and cost $435.00. You be the judge.

It's about time.

It's that time of year when fashion is coming out of hibernation. Granted, Montrealers tend to be pretty style-conscious (considering) even when it's minus 30 celsius outside, but the first few ~10 degree days give you a peek at what's to come for spring. Everyone looks extremely relieved to be wearing lightweight coats, and a lot of people are out and about wearing massive sunglasses, as if protecting against the sun will encourage it to come out more. I myself am eyeing a coral coloured trench that should be perfect for April. Come payday, it will be mine!

Boddingtons, Paddington, and Parker Posey

One of my best friends is currently in London England getting a Masters in Art History. As if that isn't already scholastically romantic enough, she also gets to jet over to various European destinations for long weekends involving delicious cheeses, wine, and cool celebrity sightings.

While in Paris a couple of weeks ago, she found herself in the same bar as a rain-soaked Parker Posey. Hearing this anecdote reminded me how much I love the movie Party Girl (and yes, I did mention this same film in my February 15th entry, below). Then, on the same day, I found this skirt from The Red Dress Shoppe, and I became strangely obsessed with it. It's certainly conservative, and yet with the right top, it could be quirkily sexy. And I really love those pleats!



In conclusion, I am now questioning whether library science is something I should look into.

The Ins and Outs of Online Shopping

Today I was thinking about shopping on the web (as one is want to do), and what makes a good online store. Here's what I came up with:

- Not a fake online store, as in you can actually buy their stuff through the site
- No Flash animation intro or irritating splash page
- Ability to view all products in a given category on one page
- Choice to shop by price, category, or brand
- Ability to zoom in on articles of clothing (and better yet, see the products from different angles)
- A size chart provided
- Ships to places other than the U.S.

Give me an online store that does all these things, and I'm liable to throw some money down.

Best in boots

In recent years, I've developed quite a penchant for boots. "Shoes" isn't really part of my vocabulary anymore, unless I'm at the gym, at work (a.k.a. excuse to wear cute pumps) or it's summertime. Here are some of my favourites:

I've been looking for a pair of no-nonsense black knee-high boots, and these are patent leather, a material that I've always held in the highest esteem:




The Handle This Shoe by Sugar




My weekness for white footwear is really quite unfortunate, but what can you do.



Luca Valenti Boots


I especially love the cuff at the top on this one:


Steve Madden Boots