Friday, March 13, 2009

SPRING STYLE: Recession be damned! I’m not giving this up!


Tough times call for even tougher decisions, especially when it comes to maintaining your personal style standards. We asked some of the city’s top fashionphiles — Sarah Bancroft, Editor-in-Chief) and Tara Parker Tait (Publisher) of VitaminDaily.com; Adam Dreaddy, barber at Momentum Grooming (1237 Burrard, 604-689-4636, MomentumGrooming.com); and Rebecca Tay, Western Editor of Fashion magazine — what they refuse to do without.

Which luxury do you refuse to give up in these trying times?
Sarah:
Bright-coloured manicures: hot pink, orange, red. That way you always look, ahem, polished — even in last season’s dress. I also still believe in investment dressing, like custom-made Ken Diamond moccasins (KenDiamond.com ). At $325, yes, they are a splurge, but they’re locally made and one of a kind. Much smarter than five pairs of throwaway flip-flops.

Tara: A great cut and colour does wonders for any outfit, and freshens your look for spring. I love Ian Daburn (1073 Cambie, 604-694-0639, IDaburn.com) for a razor-sharp cut, and Tonya at Holt Renfrew spa (737 Dunsmuir, 604-681-3121, HalcyonDaysSalonsAndSpas.com) for ultra-natural colour. As for fashion, I’m a believer in buying quality items that will stand the test of time. Do like the French and buy five key, quality items you mix and match all season. Lastly, accessories are a great way to add a touch of spring trend to your wardrobe without breaking the bank.