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Students layer up for the fall

This season’s fash- ion features blush tones and layers

By KENDRA WONG

all is finally upon us — the days are getting shorter and the tem- perature is dropping, but busy students do not have to sacrifice the latest fall trends in order to stay warm, says a local fashion blogger.

Alexandra Grant, a Langara grad and founder of Vancouver fashion blog To Vogue or Bust, says this year’s fall trends include blush tones, pieces that accentuate feminine silhouettes and a throwback to ‘90s grunge.

Fashion enthusiasts can expect to see clothes and accessories with lady- like qualities such as petal pinks, struc- tured bags, chunky knit scarves, toques and beanies.

Local bloggers are also incorporat- ing interpretations of ‘90s grunge with mustard-yellow and deep-red colours, plaid and torn denim, Grant adds.

She suggests layering multiple piec- es to fit the hectic student lifestyle and to stay fashionably warm in the cold Vancouver weather.

“When I was going to Langara or commuting to work, you would have to take off so many pieces once you’re on the bus or at school,” she says. “It helps to have thin layers — light cashmere, roomy sweaters, cardigans, T-shirts, and tank tops underneath. Look to fuse something more interesting aestheti- cally with more warmth.”

Jamal Abdourahman, the founder of Vancouver Fashion Week, says stu- dents should invest in classic fall piec- es that are good for layering and will last for years.

“T shop as an investment. Buy some- thing that is great quality and great style,” he says. “Quality and design is important. You want to wear some- thing that makes you feel great.”

Kirstin Rasilainen, a first-year nurs- ing student at Langara, keeps up with fall trends because it gives her some- thing else to focus on other than school.

“Tt keeps me sane,” says Rasilainen. “T find with fall fashion, they make jackets and toques so it keeps you warm because that is the fashion. I think the people who set the fashion trends know that we need to be warm.”

Langara student Sarah Piver says adding accessories such as scarves, mittens and toques can make an outfit more stylish while also keeping you warm.

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KENDRA WONG photo

Clockwise from top left: Langara students sport chunky scarves and layers; Sarah Piver sports a chunky scarf and beanie, two things at the top of the fall fashion trends; Langara science stu- dent Oscar Chan and his girlfriend highlight this year’s fall trends: beanies and layering.

New ideas trump old costumes

Television-inspired costumes are all the rage this year in Vancouver

By GLEN TRUAX

costumes are on display this eve-

ning. Traditional staples such as witches and vampires are in style as always, but more contemporary outfits are on the rise. “Look for superheroes and TV people,” said Kathleen Taylor, manager of Value Village at 49th Ave- nue and Victoria Street.

With major events ranging from Fright Night at Playland to the count- less Halloween pub nights, and even a SkyTrain Halloween Party, there will be plenty of opportunities to dress for the kill.

With Breaking Bad coming to an end, the wildly popular show about meth dealers has inspired Vancouveri- tes. “Breaking Bad costumes sold out right away,” said Geoff Campbell at Spirit Costumes at Cambie and Broad- way.

“The Hazmat [hazardous materials] suit that the characters wear when they’re cooking meth sold out pretty quickly.” Breaking Bad characters are easy to pull off, said Campbell.

Zombies are a perennial favourite, thanks to shows like The Walking Dead. “Zombies are always cool —- they’re so easy to do,” said Cordia Brown at Value Village.

“T need to get a wedding dress and throw some fake blood on it!” said Na- tasha Spiewak, as she browsed the la- dies’ aisle at Value Village with friends.

There are some oddities that aren’t likely to be duplicated. “There was one guy who wanted to be an empire,” said Taylor. “He had a toga and he was just looking for a leaf crown. I burst out laughing.”

Other adventurous young men posed in full drag at Spirit, including James Watt, who looked jarring with his fake breasts and very real beard. “This is awesome. This is what I’m go- ing to wear,” said Watt.

For the younger generation, gender roles seem stable — little girls still want to dress as princesses. “Some things never change,” said Taylor with a smile.

Heese has arrived, and the

Don't have any plans for Halloween? Check these out

There are still options out there for anyone who wants

to celebrate today By TYLER HOOPER

minute Halloween plans have plen-

ty of options available, including a horror-themed train ride through Stan- ley Park, a meme-themed party and live DJ events.

The Halloween Ghost Train in Stan- ley Park snakes through the woods while passengers watch multiple digi- tal projections, influenced by classic horror films.

“We're taking inspirations from old classic, gothic horror movies from the 1920s and 1930s,” said Sharon Bayly, the co-artistic director of the ride.

“The Classics like the werewolf, the mummies, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Dracula; each scene is a particular vi- gnette from the film or inspired by the film.”

The ride has as many as 10 high-

ems students looking for last

school volunteer drama students per- forming each night, dressed in various costumes. Rides run from 6 - 10 p.m. seven days a week and go until Nov. 2.

For those seeking something artsy on Halloween, the Hot Art Wet City gallery and shop located at 2206 Main St. is having an internet-meme-themed party, with 20-25 pieces of art, including the popular meme “Grumpy Cat.”

MORE HALLOWEEN

options

SJS HALLOWEEN - SHINE NIGHTCLUB 364 Water St. Vancouver

THE RESURRECTION - LCU NIGHTLIFE + VENUE Venue Nightclub 881 Granville Vancouver

CHINATOWN HAUNTED HOUSE Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden 7-10p.m.

FRIGHT NIGHTS AT THE PLAYLAND AT THE PNE 2901E. Hastings St. Vancouver

Source: www.vancitybuzz.com

The party will also have a DJ, dance floor, beer, wine and a meme-themed cake. Meme costumes are highly en- couraged.

“It is a cheaper price point, com- pared to a lot of Halloween parties around town. It might be more accessi- ble for people without much money,” said Chris Bentzen, owner of the gal- lery, adding tickets are $5 online and $10 at the door.

Those looking for a bigger party can visit the various clubs, bars and pubs in the city, including the Biltmore Cab- aret.

On Oct. 31 the Biltmore is having a Rad Daze Halloween party featuring DJs Cherchez La Femme and God- mode. There will also be a costume contest, photo booth and drink spe- cials, including $4 Pabst Blue Ribbon and $5.75 highballs.

Promotions and marketing manager of the Biltmore, Grace McRae-Okine said costumes are highly encouraged, adding they will stay open until 2 a.m., an hour later than the usual 1 a.m. clos- ing time.

TYLER HOOPER photo

Langara bookstore gets a spooky Halloween makeover.