All posts filed under: Ask a Geek

Ask a Geek: Personal Style Sharing Sites

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Judith wrote: Hi , I am looking for a blog, website just about anything web base that I can post what I am wearing that day. Do you know of reputable ones? Hi Judith, There are a few social sites for sharing personal style out there and new ones are popping up all the time. Here are the ones I think you should check out. They have large number of users and have been around for several years. Pose – I’ve signed up for Pose recently (look for me as geekigirl). The iPhone app has a lot of features and is really popular in the fashion industry. Lookbook.nu – This is the mother of all Street Style sites in my mind. It has users from all over the …

Ask A Geek: Suits for The Tall Woman

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Nancy wrote: Hi Anita, I am desperately looking for a good professional suit that I will own for years. The kicker is that I am tall (5’11”) so most places do not carry styles long enough for my arms. The “tall girls” type of store are either way to big, crappy style or just plain old looking. Not too sure where to turn at this point… I’m willing to spend up to $500. Have any ideas? Hi Nancy, I love sourcing twitter for these types of questions. I’m 5’5′ so I don’t usually have problems with sizing for my height. My first answer to you would be ditch the malls and shops and go custom. There are many tailors and designers that can help in this regard. Fit …

Ask A Geek – Canadian Brands Making Winter Coats – Updated November 13, 2012

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader @ThebergeSwim tweeted: @ThebergeSwim - @geekigirl I’m looking 4 a warm winter coat Preferably fashionable & NOT black. Would like to support local designer #ThebergemovestoToronto Me – @ThebergeSwim budget? @ThebergeSwim - @geekigirl four to six hundred. Possibly a lil more if totally awesome. Fashionable and functional are trade off that has to be made for a Canadian winter. I tend to side with function during this time of year. My recommendation is buy a long down jacket so you don’t have to layer as much. However, here’s a selection of Canadian companies with winter jackets and coats that will cover both spectrums and between.  Some of these companies might not have fall offerings online yet, but should soon. RUDSAK – Lots of leather options here. Montreal based but has a store on …

Ask A Geek: Where to find the I want – I got Vegas Adidas

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Mel wrote: Message: Hey how are u doing? Im really feeling those adidas u bought from vegas. Can u plz tell me the name and possibly where to cop them from. Thanks for any help. Hi Mel, My Vegas Adidas, the mere mention of them brings back debauchery filed times in Las Vegas way back in 2008. I originally purchased these at a store in the Venetian. They are my favourite Adidas kicks ever. I can’t remember the name of the sneaker shop but it was in The Venetian. Normally I would respond to this question with a “you’re shit out of luck answer” but I’ve tracked them down on ebay. If you are serious, bid on them now.

Ask a Geek: Career Questions – Fashion Stylist

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Valerie wrote: Hello Anita, I am fashion consultant and most importantly a fashion lover! I am from Montreal and I am currently exploring the possibility of moving to Toronto for a career move….I would like to know if you can give me hints on the possibilities for a stylists/image consultant in Toronto. Hi Valerie I’m amazed at the number of fashion career questions I receive as someone who doesn’t really work in the industry. My main industry if you are wondering is IT/Finance. Fashion is a side project. I don’t know much about the ins and outs of things, but I have friends whose brains I can pick. First off there have been some great articles and interviews about fashion careers and stylists in particularly. Interview with an …

Ask a Geek Post Updates

I continually update my Ask A Geek post when new information becomes available. Here is a list of Ask a Geek posts that have been recently updated. Ask a Geek: Bridal on Consignment in the Greater Toronto Area – Updated May 29, 2010 Ask a Geek: Consignment Stores in Toronto – Updated June 15, 2010 Ask a Geek: Where to find Prom and Formal Dresses in Toronto – Updated June 15, 2010

Potion Ankle Boots by Jeffrey Campbell

Ask a Geek: Where to find Jeffrey Campbell Shoes in Toronto

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Shop T.O. Live commented on my “i got: Potion Ankle Boots by Jeffery Campbell” post: I see so many fabulous Jeffrey Campbell shoes/booties posted on style blogs around the world, but I can’t seem to find a lot of selection in Toronto. Can you think of other stores in the city that sell them? I love Jeffrey Campbell and I’ve posted about my own collection. I only know of a few stores in the city that carry them so I contacted Jeffrey Campbell on twitter to verify. Little Burgundy, Browns, Urban Outfitters (store selection varies) and Chasse Gardée all carry JC shoes in Toronto. From my own personal experience the styles featured in all stores varies. Check them all when looking. The @JCShoes twitter account tells me more …

Ask a Geek:Menswear Style Inspiration Sources

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. This question came from a Twitter friend for a friend of theirs. A man they knew was always lamenting about the number of magazines, stores and websites for women that can provide style inspiration. He wanted to know if their was anything like that for men. I’m no expert but I’ve come up with a list of websites I goto when looking for men’s inspiration. Please add your own suggestions in the comments. http://www.sneakerfreaker.com http://www.selectism.com/ http://www.highsnobiety.com/ http://showstudio.com http://hypebeast.com/ http://www.freshnessmag.com/ http://thefashionisto.com/blog/ http://thefashionspot.com http://www.male-mode.com/ http://hommestar.com/ http://thegrumpyowl.com http://thinkcontra.com/magazine/ http://www.hedislimane.com/ http://philipsparks.blogspot.com/.

Ask a Geek: Where to find Shapewear in Toronto

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Sabina wrote: Hi Anita, I know you’re a huge fan of shapewear and I would love your advice. I’ve never purchased any before, but require some to wear under my wedding dress. it needs to target my tummy area and doesn’t have to extend that far down my legs (i.e., I’ve seen ‘bike short’ type shapewear and this is unnecessary for me). It has to be in nude. Do you have any recommendations? What sort of price point do your recommendations come in at? Any brands to avoid? Sounds like you are looking for the shapewear that looks like a strapless swimsuit. I’ve never tried one of those on so I can only make recommendations based on experience with the versions that have the leg option. I have …

Ask a Geek: Where to find classic/retro swimwear in Toronto?

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got twitter follower @edlynne wrote for a friend: Where are there good non-skanky swimwear stores in Toronto? I replied to this query on twitter but I thought it would be good to record the answers here for everyone. First, I had to understand what non-skanky swimwear meant. I had thoughts of this person wandering into the many shops on Yonge Street that carry a variety of skankwear. I came to understand that the friend was looking for more classic/ retro swimsuit shapes. I had the following stores in mine for more classic/retro swimwear options. Shan – 38, Avenue Road, Toronto Melmira Bra & Swimsuits – 3319 Yonge Street, Toronto Swimsuit Essentials – 114 Cumberland Street, Toronto Sandpipers Sports and funwear – 87 Yorkville Ave & 2580 Yonge street, Toronto I …

Ask a Geek:Alexander Wang Clothing in Toronto

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Angela wrote: where can i buy alexander wang ‘s collection in Toronto other than Holt ?? Hi Angela, You can find Alexander Wang at Jonathan + Olivia and TNT. UPDATE:(April 23, 2010) Alexander Wang shoes are available at Holt Renfrew only.

Ask a Geek: Places to buy tights in Toronto – Updated December 26, 2009

I want – I got reader Valerie commented on the post Fashion Trends 2009: i liked the link about tights. can you recommend places to buy them? (not online) The link Valerie is referring to is Tightsplease Autumn/Winter Hosiery Trends for 2008/09. In Toronto/GTA your best bets are: H&M – Eaton Center is the only H&M I’ve seen with hosiery. Legs Beautiful – various locations Holt Renfrew – Bloor Street is probably your best bet Wolford – Yorkville American Apparel – various locations The Pantyhose Shop Recently Club Monaco has fashion tights for sale If you are willing to go to Niagara there is the Phantom Outlet Click Klak – Various locations The Bay – Various location Accessity – Yorkville I tend to troll Winner’s also, sometimes you can find some good deals. Finding cool tights in Toronto unfortunately takes time. EDIT: A note about H&M, if you see tights you like, buy in bulk. They are cheap and don’t last very long and their colours and styles rotate a lot, so a favourite colour …

Ask a Geek: Plus sized clothing in Toronto – Updated October 25, 2009

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got commentor Liana wrote in the post Revlon Warehouse Sale: Hi everyone… Does anyone know where I can get nice plus-sized clothing for myself here in Toronto? I’ve tried the usual haunts (Cotton Ginny, Pennigton’s, etc) but affordable too. I know in the U.S of A, they have lot’s of stuff cheap, but I don’t have a car and no one to take me there. This isn’t a topic I’m very knowledgeable in but I have looked up some of the plus sized boutiques in Toronto. I can’t guarantee it will be cheap like the states but the price probably would work out to be the same if you factor in gas, accommodation, car rental, etc. Toronto Life has a small article called Living Large which features shops in the …

Ask a Geek: Confused by perfume terms. Here are some references to check out.

Okay, this isn’t a true Ask a Geek post but I thought it could be helpful. I couldn’t find the words to describe Flora by Gucci for my last geekiviews post. I didn’t know the language of perfumes and needed to find out. I found a few links and thought I would share. Basenotes – independent online guide to fragrances, with news and reviews PerfumeCritic – online magazine dedicated to fragrances Perfume Glossary from Now Smell This – glossary of terms. Check out the other pages on this site also. Glossary of Perfume Terms from Go Go Perfume – glossary of terms. General info on hard to grasp perfume terms and other trivia from perfumeshrine.fortunecity.com If you any readers have your own great perfume website, please leave a comment.

Ask A Geek: What events are available for selling clothing in the GTA?

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Cody wrote: Hey there, I wanted to show u my list of selling events where I could sell my clothing to the general public for cheap prices, like besides what I have listed here, can u think of anything else year round? I love events that are cheap, or free (usually none are free, right?) There’s always booths on young street, I wanna look into that! What do u think of these, know anymore?…. -The Clothing Show (twice a year) -Portobello and I’m not sure what is sold at Nuit Blanche? Comments on where to go from here? thanks Hi Cody, There are some free events for the general public but a majority of them charge an admission fee. There aren’t many shows dedicated to clothing in the …

Ask a Geek: 1926 Vogue Magazine Cover

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Martin wrote: Hello, I have been searching Google for the 1926 Vogue magazines and ended up here! Looking for a picture copy (on the web) of the 1926 Vogue Late May [George W Plank]- as listed on ebay.co.uk. If its too much hassle – please ignore. Kind regards, Martin (I guess I must be geeky) Hi Martin, it’s no trouble at all. I tried to email you but it was returned undelivered. The only Vogue May 1926 copy I have is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/geekigirl/1291501242/in/set-72157601797860309/ However, you might want to check around the collections found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gatochy/256837935/

Ask a Geek: Calvin Klein Resort 2010 Models

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Anna wrote: great pictures from the runway show, but I have always wanted to know who the models are that work for Calvin klein in this show. Do you know their names? Especially the one on the main picture, looks so much like someone I know but not sure. Hi Anna. You are like many fashion fans who wonder about the models that walk their favourite runways. You were interested in this girl from the Calvin Klein Resort 2010 collection. Style.com is a great site for finding out model’s names. 99% of the time they have a label as you see in the image above. This model’s name is Jac. image: style.com

Ask a Geek: Advice for Becoming a Buyer

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Tiffany wrote: Hi Anita, I have decided after many years of putting it off to pursue my dream of going back to school for Fashion Business. I was accepted to George Brown College for their fashion management program. I want to eventually become a buyer. Do you know or have any advice about trying to get my foot in the door with any positions that have to do with becoming a buyer? I’m figuring I should start off at the bottom, pay my dues and work my way up… Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated! I thought the perfect place for Tiffany to start her research about being a buyer with Carolyn’s interview with a Holt Renfrew buyer on the Toronto Fashion Incubator site. In …

Ask a Geek: Swamisz Sandals in Toronto

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Marie wrote: Message Have you seen or heard of a new sandal called Swamisz? They are made of rubber and come in different colours and I desperately want some for yoga! I know they came out in Australia but if anyone knows where to get them in Canada i would love to know! When this email first came to me in April, I had no idea of Canadian retailers for Swamisz. They are all natural rubber sandals and not very attractive in my opinion. I have seen them in Toronto now. They can be found at Over The Rainbow in Yorkville. I didn’t happen to see the price so give them a call if you want to find out. Edit: October 2, 2009 – They are also available …

Ask a Geek: Where to get Hunter Welly Socks

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got commenter, Deb wrote in the post Canadian supplier of Hunter Wellington Boots: Where I can I buy the Hunter socks for my wellies? I’ve seen the Hunter socks at Little Burgundy and Getoutside for sure in Toronto. I believe you can order them from the Getoutside site also. Good luck on the hunt. EDIT: Heel Boy carries Hunter socks also. – Feb 23, 2009

Ask a Geek: Where to find the “Carrie” Necklace in Toronto

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Jennifer wrote: Message Hey, do by any chance know where to get the “Carrie” necklace that she wears in Sex and the City. You know, the gold name printed necklace .. I’ve been trying to find it all over Toronto but haven’t gotten any luck. If you do, that would be great. Thanks Personalized Boutique is the official supplier of the “Carrie” necklace which you can purchase online. However if you are looking for something in Toronto, I would suggest going to Made You Look. They do custom work and I’m sure they can come up with something the same.

Ask a Geek: Petite Fashion Advice

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Jo wrote: Hi there, I was wondering if you have any tips for petite clothing. I’m really struggleing to find work cloths even banana republic petites don’t work for me. Any suggestions for stores or particular styles would be great! I don’t know a thing about petite clothing to be honest. I’m 5’5″ myself; just over the hump. I know the perfect site and person you can contact who has a whole ton of experience regarding the subject. It’s Christa Jean at Petite Fashionista The site has tons of advice and she also takes questions. She also organizes sales and events geared to petite women.

Ask a Geek: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in NY

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Alex wrote: Hi, TO local married male here, both my wife and I love fashion and shopping. We Wanted to know if you have any info or tips on the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in NY? because We’re considering going but want to know if its worth the trip I’m not an outlet person really. I even stayed away from them when I was in Vegas. I’ve never been to the Woodbury Common, but I did some digging and came up with some reviews on the following sites: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-reviews-2736862-prod-travelguide-action-read-ratings_and_reviews-i http://nymag.com/urr/urr.pl?rm=all_reviews&listing_id=10232&listing_type=nyml_venue_business_shopping http://www.yelp.com/biz/woodbury-common-premium-outlets-central-valley#hrid:KvhtW8HV7SW4pgGn2ApOxw As with everything on the internet you have to take these reviews with a grain of salt. However, most people seem to think that Woodbury Common is a good outlet.

Ask a Geek: Where to find Marc by Marc Jacobs in Toronto

Sometimes readers ask me questions. If they are of value to all my readers I post them online. If you have a question, please feel free to submit it using the contact form. I’ll definitely do my best to answer it. I want – I got reader Annie wrote: Hi Anita, I’m desperately looking for the Marc by Marc Jacobs Grovee Dr. Q purse in the brown colour. My friend’s birthday is this weekend and she’s been yearning for it. Do you know of any other store in Toronto aside from Holt who sells Marc by Marc? Thank you! I hope you don’t mind me sharing your question Annie! Holt Renfrew sells Marc by Marc handbags along with the Marc Jacobs line and Bloor Street is your best bet for selection. Holt Renfrew also carries Marc by Marc Jacobs womenswear, footwear, watches and jewellery. I did some searching on the net and found out that David’s Footwear also sells Marc by Marc handbags and shoes. I believe those are the 2 major players in Toronto. …