It’s pink, it’s patterned.. it’s designed by Betsey!

The Plaza Hotel recruited the one and only Betsey Johnson to design the 18th floor Eloise themed suite.  If you want to spend a night in the room, it’s going to $995. If you’re curious, comparable (though less pink) rooms go for around $700 in high season with no bonus goodies.

This does include an Eloise monogrammed bathrobe (slightly creepy), an Eloise camera, $100 gift card to the Eloise shop and a framed photo of you in the suit (ghasp!).  Not bad for A THOUSAND DOLLARS per NIGHT.

Oh, if mommy and daddy want to have a grown up adjoining room and the Eloise room, that’s going to burn you $2045 per night.  Oh, to be affluent!

Trickle down style is among us everywhere, and it’s important to know you don’t have to bite labels to look good.  Depending on your budget, you can mix and match or go entirely high street – it’s all up to you.

ASOS is an excellent ally for the online shopper; their grey felt trilby is just like J. Crew’s Billykirk, only 1/5th of the price.  ASOS also has a comparably shaped pair of sunnies to Kurt Geiger’s Sienna shades, and a close blue satchel to Proenza Shouler’s PS1.

The next three items are the seasonal heavy hitters – skinny cargos, striped sweaters and over the knee riding boots.  Compare Steve Madden’s Sabras to Stuart Weitzman’s Hilo boots – they have similarly streamlined structure, a low stacked heel and rounded toe, only the Maddens are less than half the price.

Debenham’s house label Red Herring has a grey sweater that echoes of Tory Burch’s Maude jumper, though cream and black sweaters are one of the easier items to come by in a great shop search. Tuck in a pair of American Eagle’s military jegging (compared to Current/Elliott’s slim cargo), and top off with a grey wear-anytime Sign scarf (over Faliero Sarti’s)… you’re going to look sharp enough to cut glass.

Though it was this time last year that grunge was blasting anew onto the mainstream fashion scene, it has by no means faded into oblivion.  This year’s grunge allows for more hybridization between classic and modern grunge themes, which can be seen in many of the pieces having a vintage base with a shiny, new finish.

No other piece personifies this better than the Christian Louboutin’s spiked over the knee riding boot.  Built upon a DIY trend, a spiked shoe was considered incredibly street, and is now quite the ironic statement due to Louboutin and others getting in on the trend.    Senso’s ponyhair Laden and H For Hudson’s Bowen booties are examples of a more traditional throwback style; definitely not as removed from their roots as the Louboutins.

The best Classic revival grungers move past traditional cuts and pieces to bring about a new look, while instead relying on fabrics to bring together their visual reference.  Insert the Bibico check dress; a perfect plaid, and ideal alternative to the done to death plaid button up.  You can cut up a spare button up to make yourself a new check scarf, though spenders can also pick up a delicious version, the Curtis, from AllSaints.

While it’s important to remix the old, you can’t always bring new pieces into your wardrobe.  Tried and true classics like rugby sweaters always have a place in a proper collection, and The Gap has a beautiful jumper that also happens to be quite affordable.  Alternatively, the aptly named Grunge Knit jumper has beautiful depth for a monotone piece and is very reasonably priced.  If you’ve got cuffs, stack them in mixed metals – most dressers avoid this due to most calling it a faux pas, which is due to the general populus not being able to properly style the look.  If you need another addition, grab the Juicy Couture Midnight Swag cuff in gold or silver.

If you were wanting for more leopard print, Betsey Johnson is here to your rescue.  Her rainbow leopard clutch wallet is not only loud, but on trend for its shiny PVC< buckles and zip additions.  For the more conservative print lover (or those looking to match the Senso booties), Topshop’s leopard satchel is just your thing.

We’ll top off with my official favorite in the whole group – DOMA’s cropped moto jacket in washed leather.  This jacket oozes throwback, but has none of the drawbacks of a vintage piece – the shoulders are streamlined, arm width is tailored and the washed leather is of utmost quality.  You pay for such things, but that’s why they’re called investment pieces after all!

For the next 30 days, Vancouver’s menswear boutique Roden Gray will be offering random items as pop-up sales.

Today’s offering is the grey chambray parks from Wings + Horns – regular price is $658, but flash sale pricing is $391.50! Exciting shopping times for the boys, indeed.

New items are selected for sale every two days, and are only available at sale pricing online.  That’s great new for the men not in Vancouver, so keep on Roden Gray’s blog and have your eyes peeled for new steals!

The peacock print is not new to Motel, but these kind of color combinations are.  These dresses are two interpretations of the same brilliant print – they are the strapless Emerald and mesh backed Celia.

These dresses have the ‘it’ factor in a number of ways – price (the Emerald is £39/$61US and the Celia £30/$47US!), the Alexander McQueen-esque print, the colors combinations in each of the two choices and how they can be worn in so many ways that one can’t even begin to list them.

Motel is coming into it’s own ‘it’ status overall.. if they’re new to you, get familiarized with their UK design!

One of my favorite ultra brands is on sale at The Outnet – ASHISH!

Basically, the pieces are neon mental from their SS10 collection, and they’re 50% off because they’re at The Outnet.  The intense favorite is the green leopard sequin asymmetric dress ($448 from $895), leopard sequin bodycon skirt ($245 from $490) and the grey leopard sequin t-shirt ($305 from $610).

There’s a floor length sequin gown as well, but it’s not leopard and therefore very ‘ehhh’ to me right now.

Tarina Tarantino has some exceptional pop culture reference pieces available, and some exceptional accessories of hers are on sale at Zappos.

Items range from Alice in Wonderland pendants (seen below) to the Good Witch locket necklace from the Wizard Of Oz ($54 from $60).  For the quirky modern, baroque effect on accessories [some] with a twist of your favorite stories, Tarantino’s pieces are second to none.

demiCouture favorites are the Good Witch bubble bead necklace ($54 from $60), Emerald City ‘Dorothy’ necklace ($61 from $68), Ruby Slippers ‘Dorothy’ necklace ($72 from $80), Acid Alice Mad Hatter triple strand necklace ($279 from $344) and [of course] the Acid Alice baroque pendant ($83 from $100).

Clogs may be unable to curry love from many, but those who don’t love clogs can still have footwear with the clog effect - insert the studded wooden heel, the easy way to clog up your footwear without having to go all the way.

Clog style pumps and shoe booties are popular summer picks, like ASOS’ buckled cut outs and Stuart Weitzman’s strappy clog inspired sandal.  Designs like that are going to be on sale during this time of year, but the smart shoppers are going to get into the clog boots – coots, perhaps? Dear Lord, let’s hope that doesn’t catch on.

Jeffrey Campbell has a handful of wooden heeled clog boots, the best being the mid calf Underground and red-hot Tube 2 boots.  Opening Ceremony has their own, of course, but expect to pay Opening Ceremony prices – the heeled ankle bootie clogs and low wedge lace ups are 3 times as much as a JC pair.

We’re seeing the first few pairs of over the knee clog inspired boots coming in – the spankiest being the Michael Kors Yolanda boots.  They’re also available in brown, but they’re not as hyper awesome as the black pair.

Not since the Christian Louboutin x Rodarte heels in 2008 have we seen footwear this spikey intense.

These spiked and encrusted wonders are from Ruthie Davis, whom as just been named as one of the seven greatest shoe designers in the world… heavy duty!  They are dubbed the Dark Gaga, and are some kind of incredible.

The Gagas are actually not a pump, but a shoe bootie – incredibly smart, while being ferocious at once.  These shooties are on pre-order right now, at $1,395 US.. order and wear if you dare.

If you’re skeptical about plastic shoes being worth a buy, let me assure you these are heavy duty kicks.  I saw (and touched) these exact shoes at a Vivienne Westwood boutique in Glasgow, and they’re intense – and truly made me want a few pairs of my own.  Unlike at the Westwood boutique, these pairs are on sale and actually affordable.. thanks to Ideeli.

Best pairs include the triple strap Mary Janes in black and bronze ($55 from $120), the grey Lady Dragon pumps ($68 from $150), lilac VW Lady Dragon Stamp pumps ($68 from $150) and the red VW Dragon Lady (68 from $150).

If you need an invite from Ideeli, then grab one up!

How super stellar is this?!

Ray-Ban’s most popular frames from the last thirty years are on sale at Beyond the Rack, which are the Wayfarer and the Clubmaster if you’ve been missing out on pop culture for the greater chunk of your likely lifetime.

BTR has Wayfarers and Clubmasters in various sizes and colors, all ranging from $95 – 140.  My personal favorites are the large tortoiseshell Wayfarer ($95 from $140), red NY Subway Wayfarer ($130 from $170) and the New Clubmaster in orange ($130 from $170).

Need an invite to BTR? Get in on itttt

Canada’s premiere shopping magazine Lou Lou has featured demiCouture in their September issue as their DAILY DOSE! Super rad.

Two US powerhouse lables, Levi’s and Brooks Brothers, have collaborated to create an range of denim made in the USA. In an effort to support and promote home industry and reaffirm America’s familiarity with the look of a Brooks oxford and a pair of Levi’s – a favorite amongst many.

The range will consist of the 501^® jean, 505^® (the zip-fly “sibling” of the 501^® jean) and the modern 514™ Slim Straight cut.  Each pair is crafted in a factory in LA [using imported materials] and will retail for $148.  These jeans will be available at Brooks Brothers boutiques nationwide and online after July 29, 2010.

What a clever way to reestablish a brand by using a cooperative effort between two houses – time will tell if this becomes a promotion trend, like the pop up shop.

For a pair of boots that started with Jack White, the Idols are still going the distance.  These are the Idol Jagger ankle boots, which are officially the must have men’s boot of the FW10 season.

The straps and studs make for a sleek look, and the Cuban heel provides an androgynous twist to a classic boot shape.  The Idol Jaggers are just what the man bored with conventions needs for the coming chill.

The Jaggers are $449 per pair, though anyone who has owned a pair of Fluevogs knows they last decades when taken care of.  Available in sizes 7 through 12.

Aldo may have screwy sizing, but these ankle boots are super sweet.  These three are a triple ankle boot threat, all of which ooze cool.

The minimal cool of the Easlick can amp up New York cool to any look, Avanzato echoes similar boots from AllSaints and the Lezon is the future fab cousin of the traditional Chelsea boot.  The only downer is the Lezon isn’t made from leather (the other two are), but I’m sure some will be able to get past that.

Ponchos are the hot ticket item for FW10, and the louder they are, the better!  I can’t live without my Oak poncho (every time I get on a plane, I must have it!).  They’re not just for the rain, south of the border or for crazy hippies – the poncho is seriously gaining speed, and the look is being seen on stylistas across the globe.

Check out Belle Sauvage‘s print ponchos, particularly the black/white silk and multi-colored face print pieces.  These pieces are so loud, they scream at you! If you’re brave enough for such a bold print, then these pieces are going to be your statement makers.

Other pieces are largely monotone, with more subtle detailing; Wildfox’s Feather, VPL’s Fray, Tigerlily’s Marble Moon, Da-Naang’s Black Knite and AllSaints’ Raazel ponchos, for instance. These pieces are the easiest to wear due to their monotone coloring; something more subtle can be worked into more looks without looking too intense.

For something in between, try an embellished knit or fur style for coming fall weather.  These are unique designs that offer more character than the average jersey cut, but we can usually still have a modest monochromatic shade to keep your look from getting too wild.  Scope Vanessa Bruno Athé’s wool-blend fringe or Steffen Schraut’s elegant rabbit fur style.

Are you ready for the poncho?!

Print blazers take the average boy trend item into hyper styling statement pieces.  When a solid color can be quite businesslike, printed blazers are louder pieces that do the shining, though how impacting they are depends on the style of print.

Floral prints are the current darlings of the blazer world, and not only for the hipsters.  Givenchy has one, though if you aren’t ready to pay your entire rent money on a jacket, I would recommend Forever 21′s Heritage Bloom, Republic’s Ditzy Print or Missguided’s Eunice blazers.  Current second fave [but always a classic] is the striped design – Labour of Love, Nom*d and Vivienne Westwood all have spectacular stripes that will last you through multiple seasons.

Topshop’s swallow is a high street take on Miu Miu’s original print, which makes the item a very hot momentary piece; though not so much of an investment.  Within the same animalistic vein we have another Topshop piece or the Agent Ninetynine double breasted style.  Regardless of which style you end up with, animal prints are a crowd favorite every fall season – your purchase is guaranteed to be stylish every year.

Last of all are the favorite styles for end of summer – gingham and check.  Bluefly has a Drew blazer on 40% off, and Uniqlo’s is also on sale.  There are numerous deals to be had, so shop around after you’ve settled on what prints turn your crank.

Oh, Vancouver.. prepare yourselves for a super collab, which has resulted in one of our most exciting pop-up shops yet.

Scope the flyer below for the official opening party event on August 26, which includes drinks, sounds and discounts – a shopping triple threat.  The event runs from 5-9PM, during which you can get all One of A Few merch at 25% off, Two Of A Few footwear at 20% off and surprise gift bags for the first 30 customers.

If you aren’t familiar with Vancouver-made darling designs of Lily + Jae, get to know their designs by scoping the L+J FW10 lookbook!

WHERE: One Of A Few [Googlemap]
WHEN: August 26, 5-9PM
WHY: Sample rack, vintage rack, deal rack (starting at $9.99) and new arrivals from Lily + Jae’s FW10 collection. Oh, and there’s cupcakes.

The pop up shop will continue to run from August to the end of December 2010, so you’ve got time even up to your last minute Christmas shopping to stop by!  All items (including vintage) will be available, though the One Of A Few discounts will only be available on the opening event day.

If you’re coming to the launch par-tay, RSVP on Facebook so they know how many cupcakes to have ready!

Following last Christmas’ Rodarte x Target insanity, the big box retailer is working with Justin Timberlake’s William Rast to create a low cost diffusion for sale in December.

Rast denim averages in the $150s to early 200s, which has me wondering what Target is going to pull through in their collection.  Denim is easier to produce at a lower cost, but fans of William Rast come for the thickness of the cotton and weave; if you take that away then you haven’t got anything for the brand to stand for.

We’ll have to see if this is just another play at a name to get hype and customer dollars.

If you were wondering what Joe Fresh has up its sleeve for FW10, you are in for a very pleasant surprise.

Check out the image below; it’s got some hyper awesome highlight items; a studded cable knit sweater ($59), pleather double breasted band style jacket ($49), cropped chinos ($24) and a super hot leopard bodycon skirt ($29).  Let’s not forget the very fall hat, priced at $14.

These pieces are the starting point to some very exciting (and affordable) styles for FW10.  The PVC jacket, leopard skirt ad chinos will be available in September, while the studded sweater and hat get shipped out in October/November.  Get ready for it!