Vancouverista

Without fail, every Fall I start feeling like it's time to run out and get some new 'back to school' clothes and shoes before all the good stuff is gone. Granted, it's been a few years now since I've had a school to go back to, but the cooler weather (and threatening rainclouds) will always make me feel that way. These days, I prefer to just avoid the crowds and actual students altogether and shop online from the comfort of my own desk/couch/bed. No endless dressing room lineups, no food court stench and no annoying sales assistants to contend with.
I know that shopping online seems daunting to many, but I really think it's the way to go. If you have a good sense of what you like and what suits you (and your measurements), you should try it out. I suggest that you buy Spring shoes online rather than running out to the mall, where you're sure to be trampled by the hoards of teenagers. I shudder just thinking about it.
Look how cute these are! And those heels on the right are on sale right now for $14.99. No, really.

I'd like you all to meet one of my oldest friends, Kenneth Chau. Photographer, wizard, artist, witch, Ph.D student of philosophy and fine art and contributing editor for insidery art club Paddle 8. Loves exploring alternate personalities and universes. Hates polka dots. Follow him on twitter, view his portfolio or take a look at his prolific tumblr. Below, he shares his wardrobe must-haves.

---------------------------------------------------

As a traveling witch doctor, I often can be found everywhere from chaotic battles with other wizards, to calm exotic locations, to a glamorous night on the town. I mostly use a broom or animal when I fly, but when conventional transportation get the best of me, these are some of the things I pack.

1 - Skinny jeans

RAG & BONE JEAN

A little bit of stretch goes a long way. I find myself in many situations, when dashing monsters and being warped into alternate dimensions, there's nothing worse than experiencing a chaffing feeling from a hard denim. The dark denim keeps you mysterious and is slimming, and for someone like me, its always nice to create the illusion of a long leg with out actually using magic.

2. Office/School/Potion Bag (DAY BAG)

CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL
The Cambridge satchel company's signature style comes in a variety of colors, my faves being red or black. The the roomy compartment and locks are really good when you're traveling by broom. I can keep my wallet, some breath mints and several potions in my bag with wand no problem. As an ambidextrous doctor, I like how you can hang the bag on both sides, and it works for either one!

3. Statement jewelry

NOIR JEWELRY - CLUSTER EARRINGS

Fast jewels are nice. When you're running around like I do, I have to pick something fast from my jewelry box. These earrings are versatile - wear it with your hair tied up, wrapped under a headscarf, let it down loose or even in a chignon. These are costume so you don't have to worry that you're carrying 10 000$ on your ears. As I move at lightning speed, this streak of bling is all I need!!!!

4. Shawl or long and neutral scarf

TORY BURCH

These scarves come in a variety of neutral tones, light pinks, greys and even a little bit of blue. As a wizard, you have to be careful which colours you project to your neighbors Tribes of giants, and hobbits and demons could take great offense to the primary colors, so keep it safe with these warm wool shawls. I prefer to wrap them loosely around my shoulders to create the illusion of a cape.

5. Heels and flats

LOEFFLER RANDALL - WILLOW POINTY FLAT

I'm considered to be a tall bitch, I mean witch. And, as much as I love HIGH HIGH HIGH heels, it's very intimidating. So, I opt for flats most of the time. But these shoes, with their gold and leather knotted motif, perfectly mirror how complex my life is. You can wear these when you're on the run. Tapping your gold shoes might not get you home from Oz, but they will certainly be comfortable if you have a long walk home if you're broom- or Pegasus-less.

6. Purse or evening bag

SEE BY CHLOE - SCHOOLBAG SATCHEL

I love two-tones. I did this spell once where I got to switch bodies with my mortal enemy, and you know what? This bag worked for both of us. My nemesis tried to spend all my money by going to the most expensive places and went to disgusting swamps to ruin my real body...but failed at taking away the chic style of my purse! The light colours project an airiness while the leather straps show stability. I hate my nemesis, but would still never ruin their purse!

7. Traveling coat

MARC BY MARC JACOBS BRICE COAT

The shorter cut of the Brice Coat has accents of neon on the ends of the sleeve and run along the hem. They remind of a psychedelic spell I once cast where I traveled through wormholes to galaxies far far away. With the shorter cut, its very slimming for someone of my body type. This will be a good addition to my epic trench collection!

8. Cashmere sweater, lightweight

ENZA COSTA STRIPED CASHMERE PULLOVER

I need anything with horizontal blue stripes. First, I like the design. Second, it confuses whoever I have to battle with. Monsters can never tell where I am when I'm blending in with the environment in my horizontal stripes. Third, the cozy lightweight cashmere is a good way to stay warm without bulk. Who said doctor-wizards need to wear heavy robes?

9. White t-shirts

ZOE KARSSEN BASIC TEE

Okay I just want a easy white t-shirt, but all I can find is this pale pink number? Sorry, but I'm gonna have to just buy this one, and show my wizard friends so we can figure out how to make this shirt a littler whiter. I do like them long though. For me, I'm going to buy the longest one possible!!!!!

10. One long evening gown

DEREK LAM GOWN WITH EMBROIDERED INSET
This was a really difficult decision to make, but I'm going to have to settle with this very modern dress with a back embroidery inset as the top evening gown. We can wear the NOIR CLUSTER EARRINGS with it perfectly, the LOEFFLER RANDALL WILLOWY POINTED FLAT, would hide nicely under the long silhouette, and what better way to display that long long neck of yours (if you don't have a long neck, I know someone who can fix that for you, we learned it in my fist year at wizarding school). With the simple neckline, you could over-accessorize if you like, and if you're cold, just drape your boyfriends blazer on your shoulders.

Wear this whole look to a formal reception, a game of thrones, the coronation of the tree king, or traveling undersea to meet Poseidon, he will be a sucker for your Siren look, and you'll be adding Demi-God to your last name in NO TIME! Remember to bring your wand at all times, maybe put in your hair, and cast Floraditaicus to make it bloom into your fave flower!!! Magical hair accessories!

OK THOSE ARE MY PICKS, I'M ON MY BROOM AS I TYPE SO I'M OFF TO SEE AN OLD FRIEND ON THE MOON.