While at the Betsey Johnson boutiques of Las Vegas, I had a chance to experience her Opening Ceremony Archives collection first hand.

These are pieces that have been re-issued from collections in decades past for a new audience to appreciate.  I tried on the fuzzy coat, and it was pretty much amazing.  If I wasn’t already getting the sequin blazer, cameo bracelet and bedazzled safety pin necklace I would have picked it up for sure.

Highlights of the Archives release are definitely the feather coat ($795), rosebud jumpsuit ($315) and the zip dress ($350).

Sadly despite being promised interviews with both, they never occurred.

I was informed the day after the party that ‘plans changed at the last minute’, which was terrifically disappointing considering the trip from Vancouver to Las Vegas was made purely for this event.

Meeting Betsey Johnson saved the day, though, and Vegas was quite a scene for a first timer.  I’m determined to still speak with John in person, though I have been offered a phone interview – stay tuned!

While I’m not convinced these will make your eyes bigger as claimed, I am certain that these are amazing for decorative creativity.

The most impressive design aspect of these eye accessories is that when the wearer’s head moves, the lights blink in tandem with the movement.  The tilt sensor is within a pair of headphones; not exactly that inconspicuous but still impressive for a personal project.

I can see these taking part in a runway production; possibly something Gareth Pugh would put together.  Can you imagine a Pugh collection based on light paintings and reflections? That would stop hearts.

Sadly, the site of the designer does not offer purchase information so it’s unknown how much a pair of these would cost.

Oh yes, it happened!

When I was in Vegas Betsey Johnson happened to be doing her Pink Cadillac Tour, which meant that she was popping by two of her Vegas boutiques.

I can’t even describe how much of a delight she was in person! I had heard that she was personable, but the woman is so friendly, full of life and hyped about everything surrounding her.  She made it clear she wanted everyone to dance to the playing DJ, and play dress up… it was so much fun.

Not only was Betsey a literal human riot, but the ladies and gents working at the boutique were so lovely.  I loved every minute of this event, and heart Betsey even more!

PS. I got the sequin blazer (hurrah!)

The sample sales keep happening in Vancouver!

The brands of note include Sam Edelman, Colcci, Spoom Coats, Left on Houston, Goorin hats, 80/20 shoes, Covet and a bunch more.

There isn’t any detail on price points or discount rates, but the sale is described as ‘excellent’.  View Map

Hours:

Thursday October 29th, 10 am – 8pm
Friday October 30th, 10am – 8pm
Saturday October 31st, 10 am – 5pm

Obakki’s Vancouver sample sale happens in two little days, and this is the stock you get to look forward to picking through at rock bottom prices!

Will you be going for some of this loot?

Kate Spade enjoys colorful minimalism, and despite this being the designer’s gift it is also what makes me pass this house by so often.

I’ve never been a crusader of minimalism or brightness, though there are unlimited possibilities with mashing up Kate Spade pieces within an established wardrobe. If you combine day glo neons (which KS loves) with your dark, moody, zipped and studded pieces of FW09 you are going to have a visually grandiose, eclectic look that will turn heads.

Take the Beacon Hill sweater ($275; below) – this can be worked within any outfit from a psuedo granola hipster mashup to a more subdued art house style. The plaid Bernice skirt ($295) is particularly worth a few bills; it’s a more mature look of what House of Holland re-brought to the youngsters in 2008 – top that bottom with a thin white tank and studded leather waistcoat and you are wearing an amazing, on trend look.

The Madeline polka dot dress ($375) is also an excellent choice with it’s silk tuxedo ruffle. Pair that with a contrasting pattern jacket and a pair of leather over the knee boots, and you’re off to the races.

Check out the whole Kate Spade range – you’ll be pleasantly surprised. You may also note where Coach ripped off their Poppy range; it’s a dead ringer for the classic KS aesthetic.

If you’re thinking about squeezing one out and don’t want to look like a reject from Reitman’s, listen up – Topshop’s maternity wear collection is more than decent.

Just like childrenswear, the way to design a successful maternity range is to design it to look like a normal wardrobe.  This includes incorporating trends (such as sequins and tights) into the pieces while accommodating the expanding middle region.

Topshop has been successful at creating maternity wear for quite some time, but this is the first time I ever checked what it actually looked like.  I was pleasantly shocked to see an all over sequin bodycon dress ($90 – yes, preggos in bodyconscious clothing!), a lovely belted trench ($190) and a variety of denim and legging selections (ranging from $24-80).

If you’re going to procreate, you have options.  Since Topshop has both a mat line and a kid’s design range, they want to ensure you are born and die in Topshop clothing!

Excuse my excitement, but HOLY BALLS, PEOPLE!

Those who know me well understand my rabid love for all things Law & Order in addition to all things style.  Now, Harper’s Bazaar has combined the two in a concept shoot involving both the actors of the original L&O series with models portraying some very well dressed perps.

They even have freaking Sam Waterson (he plays hardass Jack McCoy if you aren’t aware) in the shoot! I need a moment, this is all too awesome for me to handle at once.

Check out the editorial below!

For a more delicate look to the studded trend, feast your eyes on the Jeffrey Campbell Starburst bootie.

Instead of massive metals the studs are tiny and star-like (true to name), peppered across the leather upper with three buckles to round off the look.

From what I’ve heard, Solestruck is the only retailer to still carry these in stock, so if you fancy these babies then don’t waste any time.

The Starburts are $150, and Solestruck currently has sizes 6-10 in stock (yes, they ship internationally).

YES!!

Betsey herself will be present for her Pink Cadillac Tour for meet ‘n greets, drinks, sales and ‘surprises’ (I can only imagine what that may entail!)

I’ll be there, so count on photos and even a few tweets [follow demiCouture on Twitter!] being tossed your way from the desert of Vegas this Saturday.

This is the most fun lady in design – she cartwheels down her runways for God’s sake! I can’t wait to meet her jubilance in person.

I love how John Varvatos has a penchant for rad rock icons.

First he shot ZZ Top for his fall campaign, now he’s celebrating the opening of his Las Vegas boutique within the Hard Rock Hotel with a performance by Alice Cooper! The performance and following party will be occurring Thursday at 7:30 PM, if you happen to be in the ‘hood.

The best part is I’m going to be there to pick John and Alice’s brains on how style has affected both of their very different lives.  I’m aiming to shoot video, but at the very least there will be some pretty awesome photographia coming your way.

Stay tuned!

As if style lovers needed another reason to ditch a Blackberry!

Gucci launched their iPhone app today, and it’s available for free.  Within the app you’ll have access to playlists from both hot English mixer Mark Ronson and Frida Giannini, the Gucci creative director for womenswear.

Also available within the app is access to Gucci’s Little Black Book city guide and info on the latest fashion shows and other events.

This sounds much more promising than the Donna Karan app, which I downloaded, used once and haven’t touched since.

This Saturday (October 24th), the Surface to Air jewelry trunk show and stock sale hits Vancouver during their west coast tour.

Items up for grabs include rings, pendants, scarves, shirts and random items.  The sale is at Main Street retail staple Jonathan + Olivia, and promises to be extra awesome.

If I weren’t in Vegas this weekend, I’d be there fo sho.

I love Mongolian fur, and Topshop is to blame.  While I love them for it, Topshop has very expensive Mongolian fur pieces.

At TS, a gilet very similar to the one pictured on the right is $180US.  While I appreciate that this is actual fur, I can’t spare $180 for a flipping vest – so I venture over to Nasty Gal.

Nasty Gal is offering a 100% real Mongolian lamb fur vest (a ivory color version is pictured to the right) for $120.  They aren’t giving it away, but you’re saving $60, which is a decent amount.

Not only that, but you’re supporting a privately owned business, and some rad gals in particular.

If you’re not into the Wild Thing look, venture on over to their new goods section – many killer pieces are under $100, and they ship internationally.

It’s been confirmed – Jean Paul Gaultier will be doing a capsule collection with Target.

This is potentially a jackpot, but I’m not hyped. Target’s budget confines managed to create a Rodarte collection without the Rodarte spirit, and I expect similar issues to befall a JPG collaboration.

Regardless, if he is able to stomach the lowered quality of materials long enough to make some intensified products, the range will do well in both stylish eyes, and those who aren’t particularly concerned with dressing to the moment.

Check out the scarce preview photos of the Rodarte x Target collection, and you’ll see what I’m referring to – it’s plain, and muted. For those familiar with Rodarte, their range is anything but plain and muted.

While I enjoy when H&M collaborates with designers (their materials have a higher quality), I’m stuck on the idea that Target x designer collections are doomed from the start.

Thoughts?

How whimsical are these shoes? Honestly!

These pieces remind me of my favorite comforts of fall; rouched cuffs from elastic wrist jackets, sleeve cuffs for long arms, thick cable knit sweaters and little mystery satchels to carry goodies within your handbags.

For those unfamiliar, Omelle is a luxury footwear company helmed by Cherise Angelle and Nicole LaFave; two graduates from LA’s Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

Check out the current season for a full dose of Omelle!

This is a great opportunity to help ladies in our community, so let’s all get out there and support Dress for Success Vancouver.

If you donate a gently used party dress, you will not only get a $50 credit for purchase of a new dress at Wear Else, but you will be supporting women having their first holiday gatherings at their new job.

It’s a giant confidence boost, because don’t you feel wonderful in a new party dress?

Wear Else locations at Park Royal, West 4th and Oakridge locations will be accepting donations.

Event details:

The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Wear Else is honored to support of the amazing Vancouver Chapter of Dress for Success.

From October 23rd to November 18th, three of our Wear Else locations will collect gently used Holiday Wear for Alumni of the Dress for Success program. These women are about to attend their first holiday events at their place of employment and Wear Else would like you to help us assist them in looking and feeling confident and beautiful!

Wear Else encourages you to please bring in a gently worn holiday dress or pant suit between October 23rd and November 15th. Wear Else will, in turn, present you with a $50 gift card to spend on a new holiday look for yourself! It’s our way of thanking you for helping us help others!

On November 18th, after all the holiday outfits are collected, our West 4th Ave location will host a special Holiday Styling Event for Dress for Success Alumni where these lovely ladies will have the opportunity to choose one of the beautiful hoilday outfits you have donated.

What a great way to go into the Holiday Season!

Isn’t it just delicious?

This is the Jeffrey Campbell Legal zipper crazy boot, which takes inspiration from the Balmain zipper ankle style.

The JC styles does have a few up to the moment design edits; there is a wedge heel for better walking support and a peep toe opening.

I’m not crazy about this peep toe boot business, but with some colorful knit tights I’m sure amazing looks can be pulled off.

I bet you’re wondering what this suede wedge delight costs, right? Well, sit down folks – it’s $186.

You can grab it at Lori’s Shoes of Chicago.

Please note Lori’s Shoes does ship internationally

If you’re looking for clean, well tailored menswear pieces that are modernly cut yet classic in appearance than look no further than Shades of Greige.

The jacket to the right is particularly amazing.  The construction of this outerwear piece reflects an oxford shirt in the sleeve and torso tailoring, which provides a flattering silhouette and detailing.

The hood and funnel neck snap up option adds cold weather usability, and the light gray color is a welcome change to pieces constructed of black that lose all their detailing with their dark coloring.

This particular jacket and a number of other Shades of Greige pieces are available at Need Supply Co.

Need Supply ships internationally.