Vancouver (Canada) is as good a shopping destination for gents as it is for ladies. Bearing in mind that boys need to buy better, my selection of top shopping destinations for gents is a little more high-end then those for ladies. “Throw away” fashion is not for men who need to hold on to their items for more than a season. Quality is therefore of utmost importance.

Hot shopping spots for gents in Vancouver:

• Mexx – A trendy Dutch based chain that caters to the contemporary yet practical and sophisticated man. The Dutch are officially the tallest people in the world and as a result, pant lengths and top lengths are a bit longer then the norm. Their smart casual items are especially strong.
• French Connection – A British-based high fashion chain store that offers an urban and edgy lifestyle of clothing. The quality is superb and the look outstanding. I was most impressed with what I saw there this season, and their service was excellent. 
• Esprit – A German-based commercial chain store that offers excellent contemporary casual basics with a sporty flavour. Shirting and knitwear are especially good here.
• Hudson Bay – A Canadian-based department store that is not unlike Macy’s in the US. Their basement level is an absolute goldmine for menswear, featuring affordable brands such as Springfield (Spanish), Code Bleu (Canadian) and Point Zero (British). There is a lot to see and the risk of becoming overwhelmed is high. But bargains are plentiful and it’s well worth a look if you have a bit of time.
• Aldo’s & Feet First – Good places for mainstream shoe selections. Fashion sneakers and casual slip-ons are in wide assortment.
• Club Monaco – A Canadian-based high fashion chain store that offers trendy clothing for gentlemen who are fairly slim. Cuts are narrow and styles are hip. It’s a nice place to shop if you enjoy flirting with fashion.
• Harry Rosen – An ultra swanky Canadian department store for men. It offers the best in branded merchandise such as Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein and Armani. It covers all lifestyles from suiting to casual wear, and is my number one shopping hot spot for gents over the age of 30 who are happy to spend a bit extra. Their merchandise is modern, sophisticated and distinguished. The staff, like their clothing, is impeccable. Your shopping experience will be a beautiful one.

All of these stores are either on or within walking distance of Robson Street. Have fun shopping in this super city.

Vancouver (Canada) is a brilliant shopping destination for both ladies and gents. If you are ever in this pretty city, be sure to set aside a few hours for efficient and effective retail therapy. There’s something to suit every budget and lifestyle. I tend to flock to my favourite stores whenever I go, but was pleased to discover a few new hot spots on a recent trip.

Hot shopping spots for ladies in Vancouver:

• ZARA – Spanish-based Zara remains outstanding for sophisticated and affordable European fashion. Get there early if you are shopping over the weekend because fitting rooms and cashier queues are long and tedious. Customer service is not a strong point in this store (shop assistants will neither get you sizes nor keep items on hold for you); but it’s worth persevering if you manage to get there as their doors open. 
• Le Chateau – Canada’s equivalent to world famous H&M. Styling is young, but well designed and at unbeatable prices.  Sizes run from 0 to 16 and it’s worth a look despite your age. There are 3 branches within a few minutes of each other by foot and each branch seems to offer different merchandise. Sales assistants are extremely helpful.
• Dynamite – Truly dynamite! The store offers smart casual and denim friendly fashion at cheap prices. Structured jackets at $37 and styled knitted tops at $23 were a pleasant surprise. You might need to go up a size as sizes are small.
• French Connection – A British based high fashion chain store that seems to have become a lot more affordable. The look is urban and edgy and the quality superb. Their styles always seem to offer something “extra”.  
• Plenty – A Canadian boutique with lots of sass. Prices are a little higher, but if you are looking for something out of the ordinary– you’ll probably find it here.
• Accessorize – A British based chain store that can’t be beat when it comes to fun costume jewelry, hats, scarves and evening bags. It’s the perfect place to stock up on inexpensive small gifts.
• Jacob – A Canadian-based chain store that specializes in modern classic business casual dressing. The clothing is impeccable and its prices can be compared to that of Ann Taylor. It’s an excellent place to invest in good basics.
• Mexx – A trendy Dutch based chain store that’s especially good for women in their 30’s and upwards. Styles are chic, tailored and fairly smart. Mexx targets the working woman who can’t wear jeans to work. Prices are a little more than mainstream chain stores, but worth it of you find something that you love.
• Aldo’s and Feet First – Good places for mainstream shoe selections.
• Holt Renfrew – An ultra swanky Canadian department store full of the best that retail has to offer. Its magnificent interior is adorned with designer labels and lavish fixtures. If clothing is not where you want to spend your money, head straight for the footwear and handbag department – you won’t be disappointed.

All of these stores are either on or within walking distance of Robson Street. Stay tuned for how gents can fare just as well in this wonderful shopping haven.

Our bras and panties are not made to last. Panties that get tumble dried have their lives shortened considerably because excessive heat causes shrinkage and wears out the fabric and elastic. Bras (and hopefully you are not tumble drying them) tend to lose their elasticity with age. Multiple hooks on the back of a bra will allow you to tighten your under-bust as your bra ages, but not indefinitely.

Our bodies also change over time. Pregnancy, breast feeding, weaning, loosing or gaining weight, and aging alters our body shape. The size of our underwear needs to change along with our bodies. 

When you do your seasonal closet cleanup, remember to clean out your underwear drawers as well. My suggestion is that you have at least 4 everyday bras, and at least 10 everyday panties that are comfortable and fit you perfectly (this excludes underwear for sports or special occasions).

Be sure to check your underwear regularly for fit and wear. Good dressing starts from the inside out.

Shades of grey were last shown as a fashion statement at the turn of millennium. Whether it’s silver, elephant, gunmetal, slate or charcoal – it’s back with a vengeance as a softer alternative to black. Tailored skirt suits, shift dresses, and overcoats in rich charcoal tweeds seem to echo those lady-like looks of the ‘40’s; while faded grey denim skinnies and mélange grey jersey knits take us right back to the ‘80’s. Although it is often thought of as conservative in nature, grey is anything but boring this season. It’s how you mix your pieces up and accessorize your grey items that will give this neutral colour its new lease on life. Find out how below:

• Add the gloss – match grey items with patent bags, belts or shoes of any colour.
• Add the warmth – pair grey up with warmer shades of brown and caramel instead of just black and white.
• Add the brights – primary colours yellow, red and blue work especially well with grey, creating a softness that black cannot duplicate. 

Your look is not complete this season without the odd grey item. Add the oomph and celebrate the return of this classic neutral.

Whether it’s casual or smart, glamour or retro rock – grey will work in your wardrobe. Think mélange knits, rich tweeds, wool blends and mock croc when it comes to selecting your grey items. Department stores like Dillard’s and Nordstrom are sure to have something to your liking.