An Open Letter to Vancouverites:

Regarding Civilian Apparel During Olympic Games:

So it seems were hosting these Olympic Games, starting next week. As you may have heard, the City has issued a comprehensive conduct handbook to their employees detailing such complexities as wearing socks that match ones shoes and appropriate eye contact and smiling (not too little, not too much). I'd like to take this one step further and ask all Vancouverites to take a good hard look at what you're wearing. Is it "world class"? Is it, perhaps, totally boring? Is it a black Gore-Tex jacket of the North Face or MEC persuasion, paired with khakis and sensible slip-on shoes? Oh, it is? What a surprise. Because it seems like that's what we all wear, every day.

There are exceptions of course. A few brave souls dress fantastically on a daily basis. If you need proof, check out local street-style blogs The Eyeline and Style Quotient. These fashionable residents don't use the typical excuses of rain, commutes, or budget - they live here and they have great style. Why can't more of us?

I think that we need to up the ante during the Olympics. Think of it as an event we can all partake in. Like it or not, the eyes of the world will be on us, and those eyes are judging. The city is beautiful, we can be too. Wouldn't it be neat if we ended up with a reputation as a stylish city? I'm not thinking Paris or Milan status, just a step up from our current rep as sporty-dull-waterproof. And it could be pretty easy; I don't want anyone to feel overwhelmed. Here are a couple of basic pointers that go for guys or gals: if it's not actually raining, leave the slicker at home and try a jacket with some colour, print or texture (you can pack an umbrella). Neutrals are okay, but they're just the start - basics need accenting or YOU are the reason I'm falling asleep on the bus. A couple of accessories with some pop can do a world of good. Shoes matter. I'm not saying everyone needs to suffer, just steer clear of butt-ugliness, folks.

Please, let's not have the volunteers in their blue raincoats be the only Vancouverites that stand out on this "international stage". Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue.