amous

STYLE
MIX IT UP
When everyone has access to the same stuff,
how can you look different? ✒ BY LIZA HERZ
C
all it “global culture” or even the “democratization of
fashion,” but as the world shrinks, and the same
floaty print top is available in Calgary, Caracas and
the Czech Republic, how can we ever look unique?
The answer is in the mix, or what fashion types
love to call High/Low. And here’s some excellent
news. Most of the necessary ingredients already reside in your closet.
“The mix” is that artful blending of high-priced fashion (that designer
top so terrifyingly expensive you’re afraid to eat a meal while wearing
it) worn with something low (that print cotton skirt so cheap you’re
terrified a laundry cycle will shred it).
Any beloved item, artfully worn with something from a different
source — no head to toe designer looks please — is “the mix.” The
38 FAMOUS JULY 2008
Canadian supermodel Daria Werbowy erbowy
epitomizes casual summer style yle in
White Separates from H&M
(top, $15, scarf $13, shorts $30). 0).
ultimate mixologist is Kate Moss, who can throw on a shredded old
denim mini, ’80s vintage pirate boots (a trend she single-handedly
resuscitated) and carry a Hermès Birkin bag and make the whole
thing work. Her sartorial opposite, of course, is Posh Spice, she of the
zillion Hermès bags who looks as if she’d break out in hives if forced
to wear something from H&M.
Right now is the best time to perfect High/Low. Fun disposable
cotton clothing is summer incarnate, especially those inexpensive
white separates that need replenishing each season. Anchor it all
with a more expensive item like a bag or a watch.
And remember to ignore the trends that don’t suit you (we’re looking
at you, weird vibrant yellow prairie skirt). The way you mix and match
is all up to you, but you’d better get started right now. Summer is short.
PHOTO BY ALEXI LUBOMIRSKI
You know kn that sun and chlorine will shorten your
swimsuit’s swims life anyway, so get the style without
busting bus your wallet with this Striped Bikini
($12 per piece) from Joe Fresh.
The ccolour
is vibrant, it’s made of cotton with
just en enough spandex to hold its shape, and this
Hanes Authentic Athletic Shirt (Zellers) is only
$10, so how can you go wrong?
Clari Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream ($40,
drugst drugstores) has cocoa butter to moisturize, and
shimm shimmery colour to guide application (and avoid
streaks streaks), all to create a natural, sun-kissed glow.
If you can’t afford a Birkin, this (believe us)
considerably less expensive Hermès Marwari
Leather-Trimmed Toile Tote ($1,375, Hermes.com)
is beautifully slouchy and stealthily chic.
A lubricating strip surrounds five spring-mounted
blades on the new Venus Embrace Razor
($16, drugstores) for a shave so close you can
skip a day and get outside sooner.
With Mexoryl XL, the newest, most effective broad
spectrum sunscreen, Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 45
($26, drugstores) protects against UVA (aging) and
UVB (burning) rays for longer-lasting sun protection.
A metal ’n’ plastic Bobby H. Bobby Watch ($250,
www.bobbyhbobby.com for stores) mimics a luxe
men’s chronograph, fusing high and low into an
irresistible package of cheeky, oversized bling.
Spray Sunsilk Waves of Envy Sea Mist
($5, drugstores) onto damp hair to create
frizz-free, tousled waves any time you want
that casual, beachy look.
Repair sun-dried skin with Extreme Cellular
Nutrition Masque ($70 for 50ml, euoko.com) from
Canada’s Euoko. It’s formulated with deep-sea
elements like vitamin-rich blue algae and plankton.
JULY 2008 FAMOUS 39