Fast fashion

By Jennifer Campbell

We at FASHION have only just recovered from our weekend of TIFF partying and there’s no rest for the wicked since the fest is going non-stop until Saturday. What this means is that some of us are fresh out of outfits and out of time to get something new that won’t be on everyone else’s shoulders. Last week, I met with celeb stylist and eBay Canada style director, Sandra Graham, who was in town showing off some red carpet worthy finds from the auction site. (Graham organized the first eBay fashion suite at the 2006 Oscars) Perfect if you’re not exactly on a movie star budget. From our conversation I gleaned a few tips for getting yourself outfitted on the quick. Take heed Calgary and Vancouver—your film fests are next.

Know what you’re after
Yes, you can conceivably spend hours trawling through pictures. “I can sometimes sit all day,” says Graham, and she did to find a jaw-dropping red Alaïa. It’s much quicker to have some focus. Pick a starlet whose look you love or get familiar with the runway trends and then get cracking on that search. Graham points to one-shouldered dresses as a big red carpet trend and Prada and Marc Jacobs as two easy-to-find names.

Ask questions
With a last minute in at an after hours after party, you may be tempted to buy now, buy now! Just don’t rush into something ill-fitting or damaged. While Graham says it’s important to always use sellers with a return policy, knowing what you’re getting before hand will save you the trouble. Ask the seller lots of questions and go with a designer whose sizing you know well, so you won’t have any ill-fitting surprises. “You can even put your postal code in if you want to see [an item] before you go and buy it,” she explains. It’s also ideal if you need something tonight and can’t wait for international shipping.

Keep it simple
For extreme party hopping, a little black dress will take you far and you probably have one in your closet already. An easy way to change things up is with jewellery—costume or otherwise. “I think jewellery is the answer to a lot of things when you don’t have a big budget,” says Graham suggests the near ubiquitous statement necklace or some standout vintage bangles. (I spotted a Sarah Coventry cuff, which Graham found for $15, for $550 at a vintage jewellery dealer—talk about good for the budget.)

Shown: A model sports a party look Graham styled with eBay items, including a vintage Sarah Coventry cuff bracelet.

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