Hey Sasha, I know it's barely September, but I'm really looking to buy a stylish parka this winter. Ottawa winters are extremely cold, and I haven't bought a new winter coat in about five years so I'm willing to spend a little more money than I probably should. I've been looking at different styles; I really want something that's fitted and has (don't hate me) real fur on the hood. So far the only style I really like is the Canada Goose Kensington parka because I'm kind of tall (5'10) and I have a bit of a boyish body type. I know Canada Goose is a great brand, but I really want something more original. C

I always hear people talk about how they don’t want to rock Canada Goose because it’s so played out. But, like, really? Sorry, but when it’s nipple glass cutting cold out there, I dun give a sh-t what I look like as long as I’m warm. But fine, this isn’t about me it’s about you, so let’s get started.

You can always rely on North Face. What I like about this one in particular is that it’s really light-weight and makes you feel like you’ve been wrapped up in a sleeping bag. Another bonus is its length, so YAY! to no hemorrhoids. You do know that if you put your bum on a cold surface that ups your chances, right? I may have made that up so don’t quote me.

Next for something a bit more high glam I give you Erin Kleinberg. You should recognize the name – she’s one of the girls behind the highly popular fashion site thecoveteur.com. Her new collection of winter parkas will be up at SAKS next week. I don’t have a link just yet, but in the meantime scroll down to the bottom of this post to check out what’s to come.

Another good look is this brown belted parka by Closed. It has clean lines, a great lined hoodie (which is key), and most importantly it looks dang warm.If you like the belted feature of the last coat, but don’t want to drop the dough then take a look at this one from Hawke. It’s on sale so hurry the F up! Oh and for another great buy check out this Miss Sixty parka.

For my favorite out of the bunch, click here. (Burberry gods hear my plea.) Yes, I know it’s not cheap, but parkas are an investment and they will last you for forever, so if there is any time to go into a bit of debt this would be the time.

There you have it, C. Hope I’ve given you some good options that will keep you warm and stylish!


Hey Sasha, I have always been a major fan of star prints in fashion and I was hoping you could lead me in the right direction for great fall clothing with stars on it. Thanks so much for your help! S

S, good eye, good eye. Now let’s get one thing straight: stars are a great trend, but you want to keep the print on the subtle side as opposed to anything, say, Avril Lavigne-ish. Okay?

Having said that though I think you can afford to go a bit cute and as I mentioned the other week, Peter Pan collars are where it’s at for fall. And this ASOS shirt combines the best of both trends.

For another equally pretty option, check out this shirt. Love everything about it – especially the crochet detail. This is a must get.

On the flipside doing a more menswear inspired look would be a great idea and I’m really down with this button-up shirt. Yes, I know it’s an actual men’s shirt, but get the size small and it’s all good. Pair it with a cardigan and some cute flat tasseled loafers and you’ll be looking fly.

Now, don’t forget working a star print in a dress. And for that click here, here, here and here for some galaxy-riffic options. Yes, I made up that word and I’m not sure about it either.

(Lainey: S, I just wore this Topshop one on etalk for today’s show. Love it so much and Sasha said I looked like a 14 year old. I am looking for this one though, also at Topshop.)


Hi Sasha, My beau needs back-to-school jeans, but he's not the typical back-to-school student. He's 37, a fourth-year Ph.D. student in business, and he's got a "signature outfit" that he wears every day--just like Steve Jobs, ha! It's a white Brooks Brothers dress shirt paired with dark "dressy" jeans, a chocolate brown belt with a simple silver buckle, and chocolate brown Allen Edmonds oxfords. His favorite cut and color got discontinued, so he needs a new one. He's 5'8", weighs 145 lbs. (marathoner's body, wiry and lean), and is the antithesis of "trendy." Meaning no weird washes or tints or whiskering. Just a simple, dark jean. Can you help? Thanks! P

A good pair of jeans on a guy….dang, that’s sometimes all I need. Like, Ryan Gosling, please, dude knows how to work some goddamn denim. So while I’m fantasizing about that let me make your denim dreams come true.

Whenever I notice that my homie is looking good it’s always when he’s wearing his Levis 511s. They’re the perfect dark blue wash and they do something real good in the butt region. Click here to check em’ out. Now, if that’s too slim cut then the 505 straight cuts are just as good. And if all else fails get him to try on the true OGs - the 501s.

Another brand that you can’t go wrong with is Diesel. I know they’re not the cheapest on the market, but you shouldn’t nickel and dime it when it comes to packaging up your man’s package. Oh how I love a man in J Lindeberg and if you feel the same way I do, then these are the way to go.

And finally check out this pair by John Varvatos. Clean, simple, great quality – your man can’t go wrong with them.

There you have it, P. I purposely gave you some well-known brands so that you can easily find them in the city you live in. While I love online shopping, jeans are something you should really get him to try on, so I hope one of these will get him one step closer to Ryan Gosling jean status.