SSENSE may be a Canadian company, but what originated as their Black Friday sale has continued into an even deeper disount haven.  I’ve been creeping on Pamela Love’s FW11 collection since it appeared, and to my delight have noticed that her current season pieces have been slashed 50% off retail prices.  These are some of the best items available from the FW11 collection, so if you’re like myself, you’re going to be getting your fingers clicking over SSENSE’s way ASAP.

Favorite pieces available are the quartz necklace, the crystal crescent necklace, porcupine needle necklace, porcupine needle bracelet and double crystal ring.

Gloves are not a negotiable acessory for most smart winter dressers. Myself, I’ve been too vain to forgo my chunky rings to actually protect my hands this season [so far], so fingers crossed I don’t end up with Madonna Claws by 2012.

These are four of my favorites, including the best priced item which picks up the look. For that, look at the Warehouse piece.  For other pieces in more of an investment category, Marni’s short style is one sale, while Barneys long mixed and long cable knit gloves are both fairly reasonably priced

As much as I’ve resisted the anything-but-droll movement of holiday style postings, it’s been a fruitless attempt – I’ve been pretending one can still be a baker without actually baking.  Regardless, I’ve stumbled upon a collection of six black dresses featuring some rather delightful embellishments.  These are largely more expensive pieces, as sequin and beading usually goes terribly wrong when cheaping out occurs on respective manufacturing and purchasing ends.

These are grand pieces, very elegant in their different ways.  I was pleasantly surprised at the golden bustier design of the Lucy in Disguise Chaplin dress, which is British singer Lily Allen’s [surprisingly lovely] pet project.  Rare Opulence’s high collared A-line plays by a similar shape, which is very forgiving for those with small busts [and/or] thighs that need hiding.

For art fans, Marchesa’s Dupioni dress will likely strike a particular chord; these lines almost look like cosmic streets in a dark sky.  Alternatively, Biba’s flame sequin gives us a very grounded, earthly feel.  For the last pieces, we’ve saved the most opulent for last – McQueen’s silk mini with transparent cape and the obligatory Balmain mention.  After all, it’s great to have something, some vision of impossibly expensive dress to work for, right?

Instead of taking up the typical party dress course this holiday season, grab a bustier and a maxi skirt.  This will result in a very mix and match friendly look, which maximizes the amount of wear you can get out of each piece.  For those wanting to go ultra glam, acquire a larger bib or chunky necklace, akin to Kenneth Jay Lane’s Rocky Road or Shourouk’s incredibly intense Cleo necklace. Remember, don’t go super cheap.. it’s not cute wearing a huge chunk of plastic from Forever 21 on your neck.

Find an elegant bustier as Bottega Veneta’s structured piece, or a more interpreted style as General Pants’ skirted Connie.  Here is where you can really get creative; match the bustier with either a more night-time velvet [as Topshop's], or choose a more dressed down jersey style as Rick Owen’s Lilies, which can be easily suited for daytime looks.

Footwear isn’t difficult; acquire a clean, uncomplicated pump or boot, like Jil Sander’s navy booties or Acne’s Vega pump.  If the Acne pumps are a bit out of price range, try Steve Madden’s Sarrina.

The time of the sequin dress and glitter trouser has passed, and it seems that the most viable option for instantly holiday-ifying and of your regular looks can be with a sequin jacket.  We’re seeing tuxedo cuts, crops and collarless pieces are all surfacing; your best bet it to avoid the standard (and very dull) long cut blazer style.

My official favorite piece happens to be a strong shoulder option by Mango (for its price and overall look), though 3.1 Phillip Lim’s multicolored sequin draped tuxedo is my true love – we all know by now I prefer the outrageous.  Another multicolor sparkle flavor is Megan Park’s collarless piece, which is excellent for those looking for a bit of a throwback.

For more standard fare, select Aubin & Wills’ Sliverthorne, and you would be hard pressed to create yourself a poor look! Last is Mango’s sportier crop jacket, while Dorothy Perkins’ champagne sequin jacket is a sleeper hit with it’s contrast collar.

Chris Habana jewelry is rough, pagan and sincerely amazing now that Prive has it on sale at over half off.  My personal favorites are the gunmetal pearl cross necklace ($88 from $195), gunmetal crucifixion necklace ($70 from $150), False Idol necklace ($70 from $150), Swallowed Pearl necklace ($82 from $185) and the Rose and Thorn rosary ($75 from $165).

If you’re not familiar with CH’s range, he’s been designing his gothic spin on accessories since 2004, and is notorious for not taking himself too seriously.  It translates well, and since he doesn’t have any stockists outside of NYC, this is an epic chance to get a piece of Habana jewelry for not only a discount but at a reasonable shipping price!

Want a piece of this action? Get signed up with Prive now!

Looking back at Unif’s new release of their oxblood Hellraiser loafer, I am forced to turn tail back to one of my favorite happy colors for fall 2011.  I’ve found another release of another favorite; Topshop’s leather trim boyfriend coat, from mustard into this rich red.

For those continuing to love leather, J Brand’s leggings can be worn as a leather trouser, or legging under a skirt such as the Topshop Fit tunic.  Alternatively, try the Topshop boucle short peeking from a short tunic for a cheeky look. We cannot always be ostentatious, so for times to blend pieces find the Stella McCartney long knit gloves and the Laura top.

I’m on the extreme silver holiday dress bender; I’ve just acquired myself a Theory Felda dress (shown below, also avail from Net-A-Porter for a hair cheaper than at Shopbop) for my Christmas party season, and now I’m going crazy for subtle shimmer silvers.  Trash the huge, sparse sequins; that just looks trashy and as if you’ve been shopping at a strip mall – it’s all about the goods below.

The only way you’re going to do sequins well this holiday season is if they’re high quality and look seamless, like Farah Kahn’s embellished sleeveless piece.  For something affordable and simply elegant, Dorothy Perkins’ silver embellished t-shirt dress is as close as you’re going to get to the Theory Felda‘s material without spending five bills.

For the more traditionalist women, Topshop’s high neck jacquard piece has a lovely surprise with its open back, as is Miss Selfridge’s embellished Yoke dress.  For the ladies who hate taking chances, Reiss’ Tanya is simple, elegant and something that that new royal would wear, but I’m not naming names.

SSense may be a Canadian luxury retailer, but they are joining in with the American shopping frenzy today and offering up to 50% off on amazing pieces we won’t have to pay duties on (well, we as in the Canadians reading this).

Either way, there are some ultimate pieces that are available; my favorite pieces being the Mandy Coon python leather backpack ($992), Rag & Bone Bradley brogues ($398) and the Balmain Astra boot ($938).

I’m going to Cape Town, South Africa to be an artist in residence at A Word Of Art during the month of February. I’m looking to source some financial support, as this jaunt is going to be quite the pricey one.  Total cost of the trip [flight, room/board, film, food] is going to surface around $3000.  My goal is $2000, though I’m going regardless of the amount of funds donated.

I’m offering some excellent art in trade for donation, as well as highly reduced ad opportunities available on demiCouture.  Check out the IndieGoGo fundraising page for offer details, and please give me a hand with this project.. it’s going to be well worth your assistance, I promise.

Please spread the word; if you (or someone you know) owns a label/business, this is great way to purchase valuable advertising for a cut rate!

I’m on the search for new frames, and am certain other optically challenged folks will love these Kirk Original Cron specs as much as I do.  These splendid frames come in off white, tortoiseshell, and aubergine, and run for $448 per pair.  It’s worth the investment; these are quality pieces and Jason Kirk is one hell of a character!

Creeper boots are quickly replacing the regular ankle boot in the ‘awesome’ category.  These two boots from Underground UK are amazing, heavy and fairly affordable.  The Bowie and X Issue collab are my absolute must haves for the fall.  A warning, though – the navigation on the Underground UK shopping site sucks major cajones.

I have acquired a new appreciation of the houndstooth weave during its current high time in the trend world.  I’ve personally found two brilliant pieces from H&M; a mod 3/4 sleeve dress and cropped trousers both in the black and white print.

Houndstooth seems to be one of those prints that excels in monochromatic looks – every time I’ve seen houndstooth failures it has been [largely] due to a mashing of color amongst it.  Most colors seems to cheapen the print, while black and white strengthens it, hence the two outfits below styled in blacks, whites and greys.

From the left, we have a delightful contrast sleeve blouse from Topshop, paired with a sale pair of striped Anthropologie trousers, with my most favorite creeper boots of the moment from Underground UK.   Top a harder look like that with a wee Tarina Tarantino hair bow, and you’re set for success.

The rightmost look has a bit more of a punk feel, due to the pattern’s strength on the Galliano leggings.  I’ve paired them with an open knit Zadig & Voltaire sweater (wear with a sheer tee or top of similar ilk underneath), which looks spanking with a Bank sweater scarf and Oak wool fedora.  I’ve been enjoying the footwear showing up in SSense’s new arrivals of late; one of my favorites being Opening Ceremony’s Sinead 2 studded booties.

Ever since models at Dolce & Gabbana FW11 stormed the runway, stars have been the mainstay of the quirky pattern world.  Always encouraged by pattern weirdness, I’ve found quite a few pieces that have piqued my interest, namely Scotch & Soda’s cardi.  Along the same knit lines, Sea’s star jumper and Rika’s merino wool scarf.

Stars are also domineering the accessory world, namely Love’s star pattern clutch and Coast’s star clutch make your look stand out [does Coasts's piece not remind you of the stars from Super Mario world?!].  If you’re not in it for the boldest of statements, earrings or a ring may be just the ticket – scope Tallulah’s glitter, Peacocks’ Super Star and Falling Star charm ring.

If you’re really into making a statement, Maggie and Me’s sequin bodycon style could be a smash holiday party hit.  If not, Topshop’s Elle slippers or Dolce & Gabbana’s patent brogues are perfect for accenting an event or daytime look.

We all know that textile isn’t at the forefront of what I love in design; lately we’ve been budding keeners to explore the looks of a blanket on the self, but something made me take a closer look at these Proenza Shouler bags.  After closer inspection I realized what it was.. they’re made of printed leather.

My personal favorite is the PS1 pouchette satchel; that design is timeless and very effective in day to day use.  Other pieces within the collections are the PS1 tote and PS1 clutch; both the same printed patterns on leather, though made for very different styles of shoppers.

I’ve been going through the motions, mired within some serious blog writer’s blog defunct, and I won’t lie – it’s been fairly hideous and non productive.  Thus the blogging returns with a particularly delicious collection of velvet trappings.  These are not your average plain Jane velvets; we’ve tossed aside the droll figure skater dresses and replaced them with elastic waist mini shorts and deliciously printed velvet maxi skirts.

If velvet footwear is more your thing, Topshop’s pompom slippers, House of Harlow’s throwback Bailey boots and Penelope Chilvers’ red Cubana boots are just the thing for fall creeping.  For those with a streak of vampiric dandyism, Unconditional’s jacket is a beautiful piece, while Topshop’s Cross tunic and Marc Jacobs’ velvet top are perfect for day to day professional dressing.

I’ve been sent $150 from Value Village, and I’m about to see if I can locate 3 complete outfits (I’m talking hat to shoe, here!) with that $150.  It’s going to be tough, but I’m going to be using all of my thrifting skills [and a bit of luck, as is always needed when thrifting] by exploring the Vancouver areas’s best Value Village spots.

I’m damn determined to find pieces that are going to shock you; it’s happened before, and I’m certain today’s soggy transit fuelled search will yield some brilliant results yet again.

I’ll be shooting these outfits in the next week (approx), so you’ll see exactly what the pieces look like, will have the all important detail shots, prices of each items and which location I found each item at.

Watch this video, get acquainted with L.A.’s Roark Collective, pledge some support to their cause, and help them create their SS12 collection.  If you’re completely unfamiliar, Roark is within the Odyn Vovk, Rick Owens minimalistic drape vein, and is quite spectacular in my opinion (if you’ve never seen the leather pieces, you must!)

Roark has till November 21, 2011 to raise $35,000 (they’re at $945 so far), and if they don’t meet that goal they don’t collect any money from donors.  Be a champ and put some dollars towards a great label that supports North American design, has their pieces made within the USA and really designs some rather beautiful pieces.

Check ‘em out on Facebook and donate, even if it feels minimal, little bits really add up.

Peek over to the right at that amazing talon ring, fresh from the new, Vancouver designed, Army of Roksz jewelry range. The AOR collection includes a motley group of claws, nails, native inspired carved shapes in silver discs and crystal shards, so pretty much the hottest accessory trends of the current market.

I have a claw ring, which basically wears like a claw shaped brass knuckle.  It’s pretty amazing, and even better due to the designer carving all pieces first out of wax, then hand casting each unique piece.

Even better is she takes custom work; nothing is off limits! Pick her brains, beacuse it will be truly worth it.

If you want a piece of the action, visit Jennyfleur Loves in Yaletown, which is the only retailer in Vancouver to carry the range.

Bodysuits are the key for mix and matching, creating amazing holiday looks and generally one upping te females around you, and I’m convinced that bodysuits are key for holiday and New Years’ dressing successes.

My plans for New Years includes grabbing that velvet Topshop harness piece with a wide A-line skirt cut up in an asymmetrical style with the edges all raw and fraying.  Creative dresses are getting so expensive, and why spend a flash of cash on one piece, when you can mix and match to create multiple pieces?! Seriously.

Other highly loved mentionables include the Topshop Caged, We Are Handsome’s The Knight, The Lake And Stars’ Fingerprint, VPL’s Harness and Wolfrod’s Wild Lace.