Fringe isn’t going away during SS09, so let’s ensure we wear it properly.

Even incredibly fringed pieces (such as the suede dress below) can be worn without making one look like a 21st Century Pocahontas as long as you’ve styled your pieces effectively.

Left to right: Suede fringe dress ($250; Topshop), Studded chain fringe scarf ($176; Ravin), Ombre fringe top ($18; Forever 21)

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Styling

There are a few options to style fringe for the SS09 season; below are two illustrated examples.  On the left, we have a Topshop dress paired with Alexander McQueen’s skeleton leggings.  The necklace and sunglasses are color matched to the contrasting pattern Balenciaga sandals for continuity.

On the right, we have a more casual look with bleached drainpipe jeans and a fringed tank.  To give a summery effect, I added a Marni flower necklace.  To contrast the flowers and keep the styling current, I paired the outfit with Aldo’s “Smeal” studded pumps and large 60s Jackie O sunnies.

I’d seen it before because Hussein Chalayan had done it before in 2007!

In a recent audio interview by a local radio DJ, Gaga claims to design her tour costumes herself and that she is the driving creative force behind everything she does.

I’m not going to bag on her (I still love the crazy bitch), but if you’re going to get seriously inspired by another designer, at least cop to it!

For more Lady Gaga live photos (sans bubble suit), check these out

If you’re in New York and fancy free swag from Topshop, pay attention.

To celebrate the opening of our New York store, Topshop has Heartschallenger vans buzzing around NY giving out free goody bags from March 23rd-April 1st.

Follow the vans via GPS on the Topshop site to find them and claim your goods. Knowing this shop, these baggies should be filled with some pretty rad goods.

If anyone actually scores one of these, send me a photo of what’s inside!

Ankles everywhere this SS09 season will be wrapped and covered thanks to the newest trend in nearly dominatrix style footwear.

While these may look a little intimidating as is, these pumps will pair perfectly with a nice faded drainpipe or a torn up boyfriend jean; two hot looks for this season.

Are you down with the ankle cuffed pumps?

From left to right: Lex-3 Gladiator ($145; Topshop), Smeal ($125; Aldo), Tayla pump ($110; Steve Madden)

As I’m sure you’re all too familiar with, Balmain has created an epic studded summer sandal. Unfortunately for us groveling peons with limited fund sourcing, these are unattainable (the cost is past the $2k mark).

As it turns out, Aldo has saved the day and created two versions of the Balmain original; one with a platform and one without. While one can never truly substitute the glory of the original, these replacements are a pretty damn fine product for a price point of $125 (that’s 5% of the cost of the Balmain model by the way).

And yes, the Aldo versions are constructed with real leather.

The Glorious original

$2,500 from Luisa Viaroma

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The Clones

The Smeal and Molavi; both $125 from Aldo

We have three days before Kate Moss drops her newest Liberty print inspired bomb of a Topshop range onto shoppers worldwide.

Below is a preview photo of Kate with her collection, as well as a few product shots below.  I have to say, from the preview I’m seeing far fewer colors than I expected (especially with the Liberty twist).  I’m curious to see what the pairing have come up with, though I’m without high hopes.

How many more collections will it be until Moss is replaced with a newer trendsetter? I’m thinking 6, sadly (she’s probably hanging onto that contract by her rabid teeth!)

Vancouver label Dace is currently holding a contest to win a $200 gift certificate.

To enter, e-mail Dace a photo of you wearing a Dace piece before April 30th, 2009.

Hayden-Harnett is holding an SS09 sample sale at their boutique in New York, as well as online.

The sale runs from April 1-5th, visit http://haydenharnett.com/samplesale to view all products.

NY boutique Hayden-Harnett is auctioning off their FW09 samples online.

To be involved, sign up here and enter the auction environment.  The theme for their FW09 collection is ‘cargo cult’, which entails designs inspired by magical thinking and rituals.  The color palette is full of dark neutrals, which should translate well once fall hits us once again.

The pieces are actually exceptional, and I encourage you to check out what HH has to offer.

The Block has been with us in Vancouver for a decade, so come visit and enjoy champagne, raffled prizes and special discount on merch.

Apparently there will be something new (?) unveiled for the shop during the party, so I’m sure it would be worth it to pop in just for that.

The event takes place on Thursday, April 2nd from 7:30-10:30PMt

Of all things that would could earn death threats from, who wouldn’t assume it would be for a certain boot design.. if you’re with me on this one, prepare you get your boat rocked.

Apparently this is a sore lesson to all: don’t screw with Greenlanders, because they’ll take you down if you mess with their traditional designs. I personally think this is a case of massive overreacting, though when a country has a teensy population of 57k that makes them fight fiercely from having their traditional dress hit mainstream fashion tastes.

Compare the images below; there is no denying the similarities, but I wouldn’t say it warrants death threats.

View Jensen’s entire FW09 line here and see what all the fuss is about.

Left photo from Style.com; right from the Greenland Guide

The winner of the CK One special edition fragrance package has been randomly chosen, and it is..

…Anya from Burnaby, B.C.!

Congrats!! Anya is also a fellow blogger; check her out here.

Rhianna continues her resurrection of everything 1950s greaser with the addition of Balmain‘s leather military style jacket.  That’s right kiddies; there is just one more reason to love and loathe pop stars $7k jackets are chump change.

Overall I approve of her styling, except for that lop of pomade she ran through that head of hers and go for more of a messy, dry style.  What can I say,  I’m a firm believer that hair shouldn’t give off it’s own reflection.

Regardless, take a moment and enjoy the lovely leather cut by Balmain… it’s probably going to be the closest any of us are ever going to get to it.

It’s a shame when garbage like this happens to good companies (and good people).

Hayden-Harnett‘s “Iskia” sandal has been unceremoniously ripped off by shoe copycats Lovely People (how ironic, no?).  It’s clear that there are always brands built off taking inspiration from other brands (Jeffrey Campbell, etc) that would otherwise be out of the general public’s reach, but I find this to be a little rediculous.

The HH original sells for $238 while the knock off Lovely People version for $128; that is still over 50% of the original price! Not to support the idea of design cloning, but it’s a shade easier to deal with the notion of a high street brand making a sibling to a piece costing upwards of $800 (such as Jeffrey Campbell’s Balenciaga sandal rip offs) that the ordinary public would never be able to afford.

We also have to accept that elements of copying exist in every aspect of the fashion industry, but items such as the sandal by LP below seem far too brazen to be acceptable.

How do you feel about the matter? Does it matter to you when designs of reasonably affordable brands get ripped off by only slightly more affordable ones?

As you’ve redoubtably already heard, Topshop‘s newest flagship (and first North American location) will be opening in New York on April 2nd, 2009…that’s another 8 measly days remaining!

Like you needed another reason to simultaneously love and loathe the city, there will be complimentary beauty treatments and pampering, goodies, DJs and loads of highly desirable Topshop (and Topman) goods.

My soul is crumbling with jealousy of all near that location as I type this, just so you know.

These photos are the pick of The Block‘s latest litter.

For the unfamiliar, The Block is an excellent store for visually minimalistic dressing that keeps you looking sharp while flying under the radar. If you’ve got extreme tastes, this boutique may not be for you, but trust me; if I can find pieces in there that suit my tastes you’ll likely come upon a few gems.

Piece names are below images.

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Womenswear

Clockwise from top left: Wesc jacket, Noa Noa tunic with Mono scarf, Sunja Link dress with Mono vest and Ulla Johnson belt, Built by Wendy crochet sweater

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Menswear

Clockwise from top left: Flippa K shirt and tie with Fred Perry jacket, Fred Perry shirt and tie with Filson bag, Dunderdon slacks, Wesc shirt

In a bizarre twist of fate, Kim and Adejoké have had spots swapped with Jason and Genevieve.

I really didn’t care for either of their designs, though I couldn’t get past the fact that two designers legitimately booted off were given a second chance that no other competitor would have.  I frankly think this tactic is complete garbage, and a dirty ratings tactic to boot.

A friend of mine brought up that they could have done this to fill air time since a few designers copped out in the beginning, but I still can’t see how this would be legitimately justified.  Regardless, things are the way they are and we must bid farewell to Adejoké and Kim.

Either way, what’s done is done.  I can say with absolute certainty that you all with love Kim’s new collection [preview photos here], and I’m sure Addie’s will be just as wonderful.

What was your take on episode 9?

Drop a comment and check out what the Twitterverse had to say.

For a limited time Roden Gray is offering free shipping for orders $150 or higher.

Free post is available to Canadian and American customers, though the catch is purchases must include full price Spring/Summer ‘09 stock.  The offer is valid through til May 18, 2009.

We could blame things on her spiral notebook style cardie, but the fact still remains that Kate Moss (whom many still consider a style icon) was seen punching another five holes in her ears yesterday.

To me, this shouts middle school in the 90s to me; nothing tasteful or fashionable whatsoever.

I hope this isn’t a forecast of trends to come.  What would be next; platform sneakers ala Spice Girls?

Henry Holland‘s new polka dot design for his label House of Holland is being seen near and far these days.  If you care to save yourself a few dollars (or pounds for that matter), check out Topshop’s near identical pattern used to create a pair of leggings and a shirt dress.

While they don’t have a copy of the infamous M.I.A. dress (pictured below), they do have a pair of altogether strange garter leggings.

Left to right: HOH Sheer Polka dress (£270), HOH Polka Dress (£165)

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Topshop’s options

Left to right: Spot Bodycon Jersey Dress ($55), Polka Dot Legging ($40)