There are many people who love hats but can rarely work up the nerve to wear their vast collection out of the house. (This is me). I think we should all take a cue from these girls on Wardrobe Remix and just go for it, don your most summery straw hat — even if you might feel a little silly at first!

1.Kawaiiktsch 2. The Purple Duckling 3. BestSoyLOVE 4. Vestedbeevintage 5. Dear Beatrice 6. Indie Jane 7. Chickendinnercandybar 8. Lion Heart Vintage 9. LyddieGal 10. Nenee 11.annaliviaplurabelle 12. Thriftaholic

- Natasha

My crush on Anabela started somewhere between reading her blog, fieldguided, following her twitter, and browsing her flickr. We share many friends and live blocks away from each other in the same city, but, until early in this new year, we’d never met. Fieldguided became a regular read (even inspiring the title for the zebra photoshoot from issue 11) and filled with lovely photography, soft, clean design, and a distinct taste that is clearly all her own.

What did you wear when you where in high school?
I went to a Catholic high school and so most of the time I wore my school uniform, which was navy blue with white and pale blue, with a pair of buckled Doc Martens that I actually hated at the time but wish I still had. I’ve blocked a lot of it out, but I remember trying to dress like the girls from the band Lush in later high school. I wore a lot of shiny, satin clothing in 1996. Oh dear.

What are your local fashion store crushes?
My favourite is Robber, on Queen West. I love the aesthetic; I love loose dresses, I love clothing that is feminine and unpretentious. I appreciate that most of the clothing is made locally to the brand. When I want to invest in something I know I will love for years, I go there (I have worn an APC Madras dress I bought there in 2009 approximately three thousand times — or so it feels). I love the shoe selection at Chasse Gardée. For vintage, I like Silver Falls and Penny Arcade and the 69 Vintage Collective.

What literary characters have interesting style?
I have been reading a lot about the Mitfords on blogs lately, and I think me and others are attracted to the idea of their disheveled aristocrat style. I’ll go with “the Hons” in The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford. Also, since I’m going through a weird VC Andrews obsession, I have to admit that her descriptions of makeup, perfume, hair, and clothing have stayed with me since I first read those books at the age of 12. I can’t pin-point an exact style (except, I guess, “filthy rich New England lady”) but I loved luxuriating in her descriptions of fabrics and textures and clothing details, as well as dressing rituals. It’s possible that I’m remembering it all wrong, though.

Did you make any fashion-related new year’s resolutions? If so, what are they?
I didn’t make any resolutions per se but I have resolved over the past few months to stop buying fast fashion. I have too many items of clothing in my closet that I have worn once or not at all. I find that as long as I stay out of those stores, I won’t be tempted, but I am always tempted once the season changes, particularly around spring or fall. I have also decided to try to hammer down what my specific aesthetic is over the next little while, and to stay faithful to it. It’s really just about making better choices, and being less wasteful. I also want to save up for a pair of clog boots. I have wanted them since 2008! It’s time. I love wooden heels.

As a huge cat fan, do you have any favourite cat fashions?
Leah Goren makes really amazing hand-printed clothing and bags with cat faces — the tee-shirt is on my wish list for sure! I also have a Paul & Joe Sister cat-face sweater that I got on clearance for about $10 a few years ago that is pretty special. The little knitted face is adorable.

Nothing beats the United Bamboo 2010 calendar for fashion for cats. If only I could get my calico, Pony, into that peach blouse and black skirt!

- Serah-Marie

Betty Felon is an outfit blogger of superheroine proportions. When not photographing her own outfits and costumes, she documents her favourite Fashion Tips from Comic Strips. Plus, one time she made this really wicked Pokemon dress, forever securing a place in my heart.

If you were a superhero, what would your costume look like?
First and foremost, a domino mask is mandatory, as are bow-shaped Batarangs, since I wear bows with almost every one of my outfits. The rest of my dream costume would include a long-sleeved leotard, matching tights, patent combat boots, a streamlined utility belt, and an optional cape that falls mid-thigh. As for the color palette, I think that I’d stick with a more retro colourway — light aqua body, cherry red cape and mask, and lemon yellow accents.

Do you think there is a difference between costume and fashion?
I think it really depends on the role that fashion plays in your life. In a general sense, there really is no essential difference between costume and fashion when you recognize both as a means of visual identity. While costumes often seem a bit audacious and inappropriate in normal settings, you really have to consider the significance of a costume to a superhero or supervillain, serving as an iconic identifier; even after years of redesigns, most characters can be identified simply by their synonymous symbol, theme, or style. Similarly, civilian characters also have a symbol in the form of a signature look, which allows us to identify Lois Lane by her impeccable sense of business-casual or Jim Gordon by his browline glasses within even the most intricately dense splash page. In relation to the fashion world, I think that virtually everyone has a signature style or item that they wear that personalizes their daily ensembles.

However, I think that the similarities between costume and fashion are actually more apparent when heroes and villains assume their civilian identities. As civilians, they wear “normal” inconspicuous outfits to blend in with their surroundings, not unlike how less-than-super individuals will abide by a dress code at work or this season’s popular-yet-overdone fashion trends on a daily basis, usually for the primary purpose of fitting in. Their civilian wear in turn serves as their Average Man and Normal Woman costumes, giving them the power to hide their actual powers and identities.

What comic book’s costumes outdo its plot?
Chynna Clugston’s Scooter Girl. I read this back in high school, and while I did enjoy the story, I found Margaret Sheldon’s neo-mod wardrobe incredibly memorable and visually compelling. I’ve been hooked on Chynna Clugston’s work ever since. Another honorable mention is Batgirl’s costume in Frank Miller & Jim Lee’s All-Star Batman and Robin; I wasn’t crazy about the comic, but I really loved the gold JLA charms on Barbara’s earrings and belt.

Which came first: your love of comics, or of clothing? Has one influenced the other?
I think that my respective interests in comics and fashion started when I was about six or seven years old, though my fondness for these two realms were pretty disconnected from each other at first. As I got older, I started realizing how connected these two visual narratives were, which have since allowed me to enjoy my two passions in a new way. While I’m reading, I love picking up on small visual cues and details, especially in costumes and apparel, and I enjoy creating redesigns of some of my favorite characters. Similarly, I really can’t think of the last time I’ve gone shopping without being reminded of my favorite fictional fashion icons.

Do you have a dress code at work? Have you ever been forced to limit what you can wear?
Yes, I do have a standard professional dress code, however limitations actually push me to be more creative with my coordinates, such as playing around with layers to lengthen short hemlines or dressing up my work outfits with jewelry and pins. Almost every outfit that I’ve documented on Lookbook or on my Flickr during the weekdays were in fact worn to work as well.

Would you say that in general comic book fandoms tend to be more receptive to creative and experimental clothing?
Yes and no. For the most part, I’ve gotten positive reception from people who love fashion and/or comics, however like most fandoms, there will always be people who are stylistically conservative, disinterested, or just simply dislike my style aesthetic. For years now, it’s incredibly apparent that the majority of comic fans are incredibly fashion conscious, as comic fans will naturally react to costume changes and fashionable translations of their beloved characters. From the rants and ravings that erupt when a beloved character gets a costume makeover, to the scrutiny over what female heroes and villains are (and aren’t) wearing, fashion will inevitably intrigue fans, be it positive or negative.

Another thing that may have affected this connection between fashion and comics is that the classic stigma surrounding geeks and their fashion sense (or a supposed lack thereof) has transcended into popular culture to the point where it is in itself a style, and likewise, there has definitely been an increase in the variety and quality of fashion aimed at fandoms that provide more ways to wear your nerdy heart on your sleeve beyond unflattering “babydoll t-shirts.”

You make a lot of your own outfits. How long have you been crafting and sewing, and how did you get into it?
I’ve been crafting ever since I was about five years old; my mom does a lot of arts and crafts, so I picked up a lot of it from her. However, I didn’t start sewing until about high school, where I learned the basics from my mom and beginner courses in fashion design. Since then, I’ve been relying primarily on online tutorials and tips from other designers for more advanced sewing and crafting techniques.

What are some of your favourite ensembles that you’ve worn?
I really love wearing bold colors, especially coordinating red and yellow together, like my striped red dress and my Firestorm-inspired outfit; I’m planning to create similar ensembles inspired by Plastic Man and The Flash. I also wear a ton of grey, black and blue, such as my Zatanna outfit, my Blackest Night Wonder Woman outfit, my Batwoman outfit, and my Blackest Night outfit. I love outfits that include items that I’ve made or altered, such as the dress in my Batgirl outfit and my modified vintage dress in my Ultimate Spider-Man outfit. I also enjoy pulling inspiration from both music-based comics which allows me to channel some of my favorite musical fashion icons, as seen in my Phonogram outfit (also inspired by Kate Jackson of The Long Blondes) and my Blue Monday outfit that also pulls from Kate Nash’s “Do-Wah-Doo” video.

Betty or Veronica?
I am often a tad bit biased toward Veronica, solely for the fact that most people seem to favor Betty and are quick to write off Ronnie as a bitch. However, I don’t think that it would be fair to choose in terms of having one without the other. You can’t have a Betty without a Veronica, and you can’t have a Veronica without a Betty, and I think that everyone is at least a little bit of both.

But if you really want me to choose, I’ll have to go with Jughead.

Betty Felon’s top ten best-dressed comic book characters (in no particular order):
Barbara Gordon / Batgirl / Oracle
Dick Grayson / Robin / Nightwing / Batman
Lois Lane
Selina Kyle / Catwoman
Go-Go (of Tippy Teen)
The cast of Blue Monday
Ramona Flowers (from Scott Pilgrim)
Patsy Walker/Hellcat
Denny Colt/The Spirit
Jimmy Olsen

- Interview by Anna Fitzpatrick

Lydia Okello’s wardrobe is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you’re going to get. Her ability to perfectly mis-match colours and garments never ceases to amaze me. The 21-year-old fashion merchandising student’s blog, Style Is Style, is a mix of personal style shots with inspirational editorial shoots. She’s quite sweet herself.

What was your first favourite outfit as a kid?
My mom sewed a lot of my clothing as a kid, and I remember having a large floral print dress with matching hair piece (either a scrunchy or hat) that I couldn’t wait to wear on Sundays to church when I was four. I think I loved it so much because a) it was matching and b) it was very, very girly. I think all of the pieces have been donated by now, so somewhere there is a kid wearing a 90’s dress that used to be mine!

Do you have similar taste in clothing now?
I actually find my self reverting back to my early childhood wardrobe. I had many dresses, and lots of girly, frilly things. Nowadays I look for the same elements in pieces for my wardrobe. You will very seldom see me in pants, I am hopelessly devoted to being pantless for eternity.

Tell us a story about the garment or accessory you love most.
One of my very favourite pieces (and it’s very hard to choose) is a floral print, scalloped neckline 80’s dress that I thrifted back in Grade 10. At the time, I was just beginning to sort of develop my style, and I was always on the lookout for 50’s inspired pieces at the local thrift store. I found this dress and I nearly had a heart attack! The print, the shape, the fact that it had a tulle underskirt… It seemed like a dream dress come true! I think at the time it didn’t actually completely fit properly, but I bought it anyway. I had debated converting it into a strapless dress, but luckily I was too lazy to actually do it. The scalloped details are actually my favorite part of the dress now! One of the reasons I love this particular dress so much is that I always feel good in it. When I went on a whirlwind trip to New York Fashion Week in the spring of 2010, I wore it, so now it also has really amazing memories attached to it too. It’s my “happy” dress!

Lydia’s favourite dress.

How do you think your style has changed since you started blogging in 2008?
I feel like since I started blogging I have a more defined sense of my personal style. When I started, there were a lot of bloggers who I admired, but I felt like I wasn’t “cool” enough to dress as uniquely as they did. Over time, I’ve started taking risks and dressing for myself, instead of dressing to blend in or fulfill some sort of prescribed mode of what I’m “supposed” to wear. I think I have more fun getting dressed now! Every day is a chance to play a different character or escape to another time.

Your outfits are always colourful and poppy, even in the winter.
I have always, always loved color. I think I like color so much because I feel it contrasts nicely with my skin tone and it’s just so happy! I love sunshine and warmth, so color helps to bring some of that in the wintertime. Also, I have a bit of a theatrical personality, so over-the-top brightness feels more like me than a very neutral palette. My favourite colour is lapis or royal blue. I wish more things came in this color! I can’t explain it, but that shade of blue makes me feel very joyous. It’s rich, vibrant, and a feast for the eyes. I also really love rich shades of yellow and I’m currently having a fling with rust and pumpkin orange.

A dress in Lydia’s favourite colour, royal blue.

What’s a “style rule” you disagree with?
A style rule I disagree with is: people who are curvy shouldn’t wear horizontal stripes. Stripes are very dependent on size, so I feel like banning curvier people from ever wearing stripes is actually kind of silly. The right silhouette with the right width of stripes can still be flattering, despite this “rule.”

Where are your favourite places to shop in Vancouver?
H&M: Fast fashion at it’s best. The quality is pretty decent here, and when they have sales things are super cheap. Front & Company: A consignment and retail store on Main. They have both vintage and new clothes for women and men, alongside housewares, accessories and books. It’s immaculately curated, and they have some of the most beautiful window displays I’ve ever seen! I’m always inspired when I visit Front & Co. Used Clothing: A vintage shop on Granville Street. They have a chill atmosphere and decent pricing. They have really great selection too; I just bought a leopard-print faux fur collar that makes me looks like a nouveau riche grandma.

Who are your top ten style icons?

1. Chloe Sevigny: She is always eclectic, stylish and daring. I hope that as I get a little older, I can manage to look as youthful (but not trashy) as Chloe does. She seems to have no fear when getting dressed, which I admire.

2. Alexa Chung: Purveyor of British witty street style, her high/low mixes are both effortless and inspiring. She always looks comfortable, too. I wish I had her wardrobe!

3. The cast of 42nd Street, my favorite old musical: The wardrobe in this movie made me almost weep. There are so many rompers!!! Collared blouses, and old school glamour. Gorgeous!

4. Marchesa Casati: Another fearless dresser. The Marchesa did many a crazy thing for fashion (I think she wore an electric dress to dinner once, and was known to have live animals as part of her outfits). She was definitely on the wild side, but her devotion to creating and living her fantasies is incredibly inspiring. It reminds me to be more fearless and dramatic.

5. Vintage Pinups: I love the sauciness of the girls in the painting of Elvgren and Vargas. They are sexy but not vulgar, something that I think is missing from modern day starlets. I like cheekiness, and pinups always have it in spades!

6. Louise Brooks: Her bob and thick eyeliner are makeup and beauty inspirations of me. I even had a bob like hers for a bit.

7. Marilyn Monroe: Another sexy lady with a delightfully womanly figure. She is impossibly intriguing, and the original Sex Icon. I think the fact that she was a platinum blonde makes me love her even more. I’ve always had a thing for blondes.

8. Calivintage: My first real blog crush, Erin is one the most stylish girls I know! Vintage inspired, I love every outfit. She can even rock a pair of trousers like no one’s business. I love that she rocks short hair and still looks uber-feminine, too. I was lucky enough to meet her, and she’s just as cool and sweet in real life as she is on her blog.

9. Hannah Metz: Hannah is basically a dream woman! Scarlet-haired and possessing perhaps the largest and most coveted vintage wardrobe, her blog is fodder for inspiration. Her photos make me wish I lived in New York so I could have lovely tea dates with her.

10. MitziCocoa: I heart MitziCocoa! She is my blogger bestie. We were roommates in New York, and I was happy to discover she lives close to me, on Vancouver Island. Not only is she stylish (think pinup mixed with 1960’s babes), she is the perfect shopping/hanging out/life buddy. I am so glad to have her in my life.

interview by Stephanie Fereiro
photography from Style Is Style