It’s almost 2010, which means a lot of great things – just make sure you don’t  bring yourself into a new decade unsafely.

Remember to

• watch your drinks
• never accept a drink from anyone you don’t know (unless a bartender has just poured it)
• don’t take funky drugs
• always party with friends
• and don’t take stranger rides home!

I had a friend who got drugged last year - thankfully she wasn’t hurt and was brought home by her friends, but that could have easily turned into a horror story. 

Keep it safe, keep it simple and keep it beautiful!

CYA LATER 2009!!

*Victoria

One of my favorite online shops Nasty Gal is having themselves a sale for their vintage pieces – 15% off  with promo code “ULTRAWOW“.

They have quite an eclectic collection; the highlights include an ostrich coat ($298), draped sequin cape ($178), star sequin knit sweater ($108), avant collar anorak ($98),  purple rain sequin top ($78) and the heart attack acid jeans ($198).

Katie Eary is a British eccentric worthy of a prior age, and it appears that Topshop has taken some influence from her recent FW09 collection for their new stud ripped skinnies ($125).

While Eary’s design clearly has mail-like studding up the outer core of the denim leg, Topshop goes under the fabric and shows the metal via tears. If you’re into a horror haus of bones, fur and metal faceplates, go to Eary’s SS10 collection immediatley.. it’s a delightful scare.

When a sale includes an iconic Alexander Wang leather vests ($476-518), Balmain jeans, sequin skirts and booties ($474-3,210), Elise Overland, Lanvin, Proenza Shouler, Repetto, Rick Ownens and a host of other designer pieces on sale, it’s time to get the hell into Kirna Zabete’s online sale.

Discounts reach 60% off, and the collection is vast.

demiCouture picks of the litter include:

- $1,000

Stella McCartney foil legging ($318), Rick Owens leather/cashmere skort ($504), Proenza Shouler studded ankle boot ($422), Les Chiffoniers suede leggings ($395), Balmain belted bootie ($474), Alexander Wang leather vest ($476)

+ $1,000:

Rick Owens belted contrast coat ($3,261), Thakoon sequin party dress ($1,470), Givenchy leather/jersey leggings ($1,866), Balmain zip skirt ($3,210), Elise Overland purple mini moto skirt ($1,070)

The world may be mired in disarray and negativity, but that dosen’t mean your accessories have to reflect that.  Disaya’s FW09 collection is an incredibly fun, comic inspired range that wraps you in the idea of fantasy worlds and a place where ‘recession’ isn’t a term.

Disaya’s is a world where little bears are rippling with spike, cuffs appear as melting bubblegum and vampires have grillz. 

MORE, MORE, MORE!

Be & D is an exceptional luxury brand which features a riding style strap of spikes on nearly every piece of footwear from their FW09 collection.  The Be & D Memphis is on at Bluefly for $636, but if you’re looking for something a little downmarket to that price then check out Steve Madden’s COLURS.

The COLURS are a heavy duty leather motorcycle boot featuring a similar strap of embellishment, all for $199.  They come in both black and brown leather, though I personally recommend the black version. 

They’re new, hot, come in sizes 6 – 11, and unlike Aldo fit true to size.

The standard ‘lose weight’ and ‘stop smoking’ [etc] are getting to be a bit tired.  The less interested you are in a resolution, the less likely you are to keep it, right?

SO, let’s all resolve to dress ourselves a little lovelier in 2010.  Like it or not, the way you present yourself visually to the world affects how you are perceived.  This includes personal, business contacts and everything in between; it’s pretty damn important to look good.

These are suggestions to live by every year.

• Treat yourself to something once every couple of months. For those on an extreme budget, it’s particularly hard to remain in the line, so giving yourself a reasonable treat will keep you on track.  Plus, then you’ll have something new!

• Shine your shoes.  Leather scuffs and dirties easily, and it’s so simple to keep your leathers looking new[er] and more impressive.  This will also deter you from having to spend more on a new, and likely very similar pair.

• Banish clothes that don’t fit.  If you’ve gained weight, there’s no use keeping half your closet around as thinspiration.  Get a gym membership, work out a fitness regiment and promise yourself a new wardrobe as a reward when you lose the thunder thighs.

• Lose the Uggs. Seriously. I don’t care if you’re the Octomom, there is no reason to wear Uggs.  They’re hideous, shapeless, style deficient and the mark of a lazy person.

• Wear something daring every day.  This may be scary for some, but the jeans and t-shirt combination you’ve been rotating to death has been begging for mercy (and accessories).  Try jewelry, an accessory (scarf, funky watch, anything) or new funked out footwear – it makes a difference.

• Change up that hair. Most of us get in a hair rut, and it helps with everything to have even a slight change.  Even getting a regular, proper and professionally done trim makes a massive difference in your overall look!

Good luck in 2010, and whatever you decide to do, be sure to keep it up.  Only smoking deserves quitters.

Nasty Gal has gotten a rather large shipment of new stock, and I’m seriously getting a little hot and bothered over these goods.

Case and point: the draped velvet leggings ($54), lace power shoulder blazer ($58), draped Rebecca jacket ($78), Jeffrey Campbell Morrow boots ($195), Rebel buckle boot ($108) and the sequin drape jumpsuit ($68).

You’ll see.. it’s all awesome, and all pretty damn affordable.

Gilt has excellent designer pieces at sample sale prices, and it’s time to get their remaining stock from their previous sales out the door!

Their final sale items include exquisite pieces from Alexander McQueen, Alice + Olivia, Christian Lacroix, Costume National, D&G, Elizabeth & James, Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam, Habitual, Moschino, Rachel Roy, See by Chloe, Y-3, Missoni, Rock & Republic and a whole lot more.

All those designers, and further discounts.. sounds freaking fantastic to me!

If you need an invite to Gilt, get it here.

If you’ve been thinking that casual flats have plateaued for SS10, worry no further.  See By Chloé has produced two rather delicate mashups of two historical favorites; brogues and loafers.

The high top moccasins have been outfitted rather cleverly with on trend studs and grommets, mimicking the look of a Converse sneaker quite well.  Alternatively, the cut out oxfords are a a delicate take on a typical men’s design.  Both of these are designs that will be available on the high street soon enough, saving us from the over $300 apiece Chloé demands of us.

Since we’re all clamoring to get the hell out of this cold season and into tropical humidity, it’s also time for new bathing (or sunning) gear.

When full priced designer glory isn’t in the cards (or you’re just smart and like to save your coins), The Outnet always has sublime, new, genuine designer pieces ripe for the picking. The favorites from the current selection are all still very relevant to current suit trends; prints, stylin’ one pieces and of course the animal look.

The Marc Jacobs and Melissa Odabash bikinis are particularly fun; both are under $80 US.  For the one pieces, the pick of the crop was the one piece Melissa Odabash version with a delightful plunging neckline and the Current/Elliott ruffled throwback design; both being under $65 and $86 respectively.

There are 70 swimwear related pieces floating around The Outnet right now, so if none of these float your buoy, there is a mighty selection to thumb through.

Leather and studs may be entering played out territory for many labels, but Bess keeps it fresh.  Bess contains just enough New York style (and attitude) to keep black and gold in the spotlight, and on the backs and bums of the style elite.

From angry rockers to discerning label lovers, Bess has a piece [or two] for all of you.  Daring dressers, I urge you to take a peek at the velvet studded cape; it’s Little Red Riding Hood on a cocktail of prescription drugs and put through a glam club.. to be frank, it’s amazing.

Other pieces of high mention include the side studded pencil skirt and leggings.  These pieces feature a stud design befitting of a luxury label; nothing run of the mill appears here.  The studs are small cones, which are hand-fastened one by one.

Bess, you’re amazing!

It’s true – some guys have all the luck.

Well, in this case Steve Venegas of Vancouver has all the luck and will be able to pick out a pair of men’s kicks of his choice from Solestruck.  Lucky bugger, right?

Stay tuned, as I will be requesting Steve send in a photo of him and his new (and free!) shoes.

If you didn’t win, don’t be bitter.. keep both your eyes glued to Solestruck.  They’ve always got the best Jeffrey Campbell selection, and have the Sam Edelman Zoe boots at a lower price than any other online boutique on the Interwebs.

Till next giveaway, adieu!

Without a doubt, 2010 will be the year grunge takes a turn and leans on military fatigue style dressing, if Balmain’s SS10 collection has anything to do about it.

There’s great news for thrify stylists everywhere – this fatigue styling is a pumped and glammed sibling of the recent safari look.  SS10 from Balmain’s point of view was torn, accentuated with metallics and heavily military inspired; a look easily acquired through creative local shopping.

If you take any safari and lighter grungy items, toss in a few torn up green fatigue inspired pieces and pin up some harware heavy bracelets or necklaces you’re good to go.  The name of the game is light fabrics for this look; khakis, army greens, light grays and blues to balance the look.

It is very likely that you will already have most of the pieces needed to create this look, now you’ve got to get your styling down.  If you’re not into shredding the pieces you already own, take a trip to your local thrift shop and go to town – it’s affordable and you will look oh so on trend.

If oyu’re curious as to what designers and prices are reflected in the three example outfits below, feel free to scope out everything on my Polyvore.

Like Balenciaga before it, Balmain has truly been hitting the fashion G-spot in its last handful of collections and become the must have crowd pleaser.

Since Luisa via Roma has their SS10 Balmain pieces on pre-sale, we now have a detailed image collection with multiple angle shots that was previously unavailable.  The newest batch of B is just as incredible as its predecessor collection, and just as elite.

To put things into perspective, the shredded crocodile tail coat runs at just under $56,000 CA, or the price of a luxury vehicle.  The rest of the range is friendly to the elite; get used to a likely unappreciative crop of pop tarts and affluent label biters to be the only ones able to afford [or borrow] these pieces of wonder.

The good news is these pieces are able to be duplicated for those with a DIY edge.  Rips and tears does not require much skill other than spotting proper placement, and epaulettes can be created within a few hours and sewn onto existing military jackets in your collection.  This is pretty much wardrobe bedazzlement 101; get a group of friends together and make a party of it – just ensure you aren’t duplicating each other’s creations. 

Boxing day (or week, depending on where you’re at) is nearly upon us.  It’s time to spend, and spend freely!

ONLINE

• American Apparel - 20% off all online items w/ promo code “SECRET20“
• AKIRA Chicago – 20% off w/ promo code “DEMI20” [sale]
• Aldo - Additional 30% off sale items [sale]
• ASOS -Up to 50% off [sale]
• Agent Provocateur – up to 50% off [sale]
• Barneys NY – select items up to 60% off [sale]
• Betsey Johnson – Up to 75% off sale items w/ promo code “NEWYEAR” [sale]
• Beyond the Rack - Up to 90% off [get an invite] [sale]
• Bloomingdale’s – select items 20-40% off [sale]
• Body Shop – 30% off entire purchase w/ Bag for Life purchase [sale]
• Brown’s Shoes – Up to 80% off [sale]
• Chickdowntown - 40% off everything w/ promo code “BF40” [sale]
• Forever 21 – sale items starting at $1 [sale]
• Free People – new Winter sale items added [sale]
• French Connection -Uop to 50% off [sale]
• Gravity Pope – Up to 60% off [sale]
• Karmaloop - 40% off w/ promo code “POST40” [sale]
• Kirna Zabete – Up to 60% off [sale]
• Luisa Via Roma – 30-50% off selected FW09 items [sale]
• La Garçonne – Up to 70% off [sale]
• Miss Selfridge – Multiple offers; see [sale]
• Neiman Marcus - up to 60% off  [sale]
• Need Supply – Newly added markdowns, average 50% off [sale]
• Nordstrom - Up to 40% off [sale]
• Net-A-Porter – End of Season discounts [sale]
• Opening Ceremony - Up to 60% off [sale]
• Payless Shoes - up to 50% off (in stores only)
• Piperlime - up to 40% off [sale]
• Revolve Clothing -  30-80% off [sale]
• Saks 5th Ave – Up to 70% off [sale]
• S|Sense – Extra 30% off [sale]
• Singer22 - Up to 90% off [sale]
• Shopbop - Up to 70% off [sale]
• Shop Dolce Vita – Additional 30% off all shoes & boots [sale]
• Topshop - Additional items added for holiday markdown [sale]
• Tobi - up to 80% off [sale]
• The Gap - extra 20% off w/ promo code “GAPEXTRA20″ [sale]
• Three Dots - Up to 60% off [sale]
• Urban Outfitters - An extra 50% off sale items (in stores only)
• Yoox - Up to an extra 50% off [sale]

VANCOUVER

GASTOWN

• Mandula – 20% off select items
• Nouvelle Nouvelle – 60% off everything
• The Block – Entire store will be 15-80% off
• Dutil - Up to 81.3% off – additional offers in flyer
• One Of A Few – Promotion disclosed on December 26, in store
• Two Of A Few – Promotion disclosed on December 26, in store
• Fluevog - 10% off all footwear
• Lloyd’s Of Gastown – 10-80% off everything.  Official word was most items are 50%+ off.
• Mooncruise Gallery - up to 60% off clothing, everything else is 20% off
• Obakki - Promotion disclosed on December 26, in store
• Livestock - Up to 75% off [flyer]
• Roden Gray – 40-70% off the entire store; Boxing Day bonus: buy one item @ regular markdown and get a 2nd item at an additional 20% off.
• (212) - xx

CHINATOWN:

• Komakino - All sale items are available online only.

ROBSON STREET

• Aritzia - Fall/Winter sale; amounts not disclosed [flyer]
• Boys’Co [Robson and Metrotown] – Up to 60% off select items.
• French Connection – Up to 50% off+
• BCBG (also in Pacific Center) – 50% off the entire store.
• Aldo (also in Pacific Center) – Additional 30% off sale items [sale]
• El Kartel - Sale to be announced on December 26.
• Plen+y – Sale to be announced on December 26.
• Roots - 30% off leather bags, up to 50% off clothing + accessories

GRANVILLE STREET

• Hart And Sole - Up to 70% off the entire store, t-shirts on sale for $10 (regular $40-50)
• Urban Outfitters - Extra 50% off sale items
• Leone - 50-60% of select items.
• L2 (below Leone) – 50-60% off select items.
• American Apparel (also S. Granville, Robson and various other locations) - xx

PACIFIC CENTER

• Holt Renfrew – Up to 60% off mens and womens Fall merchandise through Boxing Week.
• Sunglass Hut – Additional 10% off selected items
• Brown’s Shoes -Up to 80% off selected footwear
• Nine West - Up to 50% off [sale]
• H&M – Up to 70% off in store

MAIN STREET:

• Eugene Choo – Sale to be announced on December 26.
• Ark Clothing – Sale to be announced on December 26.
• Lark - Offering one day only deals (It’s really really good this year!) on December 26th, as well as additional discounts on items that will be part of the winter sale.
• Jonathan + Olivia - Up to 60% off select items [sale]

YALETOWN:

• Eden Fashion Boutique – 25% off all Mackage jackets in store
• Atomic Model - Up to 60% off in store

ELSEWHERE IN THE CITY:

• Gravity Pope (West 4th) - 10-70% off selected items
• Mintage (West 4th, also on Commerical Dr) - Up to 80% off in store
• Wear Else (Park Royal, Oakridge, Kitsilano, Richmond Center) – 15-75% off everything but new arrivals.  Outerwear will be 50% off.

The Sam Edelman Zoe boots have been out for a while now, and I’ve been seeing a scarily scare amount of references to Balenciaga.   Lest we forget, Nicholas Ghesquière at Balenciaga designed the original masterpieces; we can marvel and rave about the Edelmans for all their qualities, but they aren’t original.

Let’s all take a moment for trickle down design, and appreciate Ghesquière’s creative genius.

Well, not quite – this is what happens when tail ends of vacations are at hand; friends get their heads pasted on fashion icons’ bodies.   There you go, Shallom - you’re the new Anna Piaggi.

Original Shallom portrait yoinked from Kris’ collection.

As 2009 comes to a close, we all can’t help but reminisce about fads, awesome things and all else that has faded and gained speed within the course of 365 days.

There was loads of headlining news, but these were demiCouture’s notables – bedazzling, Twitter, weight debates, highlight trends and a notable Canadian company were all contenders.

What were your 2009 highlights?

Christmas is so close it’s nearly past, and besides – it’s time to think about your knock-’em-dead New Years getup.  As we would all like to spend more cash getting crunk than looking the part, you’re going to need an affordable NYE dress, and fast.

This is the 22 NYE dresses under $70 list. Enjoy.

Patricia Field is a master of affordable gauche glam; she’ll throw you together in shine, excess and have you off to the ball before you can say “Stoli Bolli”.  Since power shoulders and asymmetrical dresses are oh so now, why not combine the two? PF has a slick one shoulder take for $58 that will have you screaming for more.

If you’re into a more cyber glam look, she also has a two toned shine version ($48) or you can feast your eyes upon the very bodycon gold tank dress ($48).

Forever 21 may be a bitter word is some shopper’s mouths, but for affordable fast style they can’t be beat.  If you’re willing to sacrifice some quality factors to get a dress without breaking the bank, F21 is where you’re needing to be.  Their satin and lace bodice dress ($23) is a traditional, safe design that you will be able to wear on many an occasion.

If more intense is what you’re after, the rosette sequin dress ($28) is surely stunning and features that off shoulder look which will prevent you from pulling a Janet.  For a demure look you can break up with some leather and mental platforms, check out the brocade A-line ($28).  Its belt will keep your waist looking slim, and A-line will hide any hips.

North Americans may not be aware of the magic of Dorothy Perkins, but you had best get acquainted.  Think of DP as a cousin to Topshop; lower priced and filled with pieces that rival their collection.  There are quite a few gems in their arsenal, one of them being the blue snake shift ($52).  It’s powerful, printed and sequined and available in US sizes 4 -20.

Velvet is a powerful dressing tool and is enjoying itself a little bit of a comeback.  DP has an excellent super shoulder short sleeve version at $35 in an exciting petrol blue hue.  The sequin shoulder pad bodycon dress ($31) and the silver snake print sequin asymmetrical shoulder ($43) pieces are both exceptional and affordable.

If all else is failing and you’re wanting a one stop designer paradise, ASOS is your oasis.  Check out this sublime silver space-tastic dress by Vero Moda – it’s amazing, eye attacking and $52! If straight up silver is too much, Cheap Monday’s crush velvet bodycon ($60) is just the ticket. ASOS also has a k-i-l-l-e-r animal print dress with shoulder pads ($65).. how incredible is that?!

Since I couldn’t includet all the ASOS dresses hat are incredibly worthy of mention, do view their entire collection – they have over 800 to choose from (see what I mean?)

AKIRA is an excellent Chicago boutique, which has an incredible online selection.  What’s better is that you can get 20% taken off any AKIRA purchase with the exclusive promo code “DEMI20” – how awesome is that? All prices shown below are before discount.

Fun blends well with layers, ruffles and a burst of color – all those things are there for the AKIRA Black Label taffeta dress ($56).  It will move with you, give you bursts of color when you move and what could be better! If studs and stripes are more your thang, AKIRA’s Black Label also offers a piece that combines both of those looks, and comes in gold and silver ($74).

Flamenco feminine – not something one would envision being that demure, but it is with gray rouching and an asymmetrical, sheer shoulder effect to offset the bust ruffling.  This piece is both detailed and layerable – an excellent arsenal dressing piece.

Are you a child of the 80s, or maybe your spirit still lies with hairspray and other aspects of lunacy.. regardless, 80s Purple is your garment collection home base.  80s Purple is also offering a current promotion of 20% off your entire purchase with code “THANKYOU“. All prices shown below are before discount unless noted.

If black is your love, take a gander at the Diesel’s Devoral dress – it’s $69 on sale, and will go even lower with the promo code! The Brita pieced gray tank dress is also something of a wonder building block; $61 after the code and ripe with layering opportunities.  For those looking for an unconventional dress back that is free for accessory laden fronts, the Toddy cut out piece is just your ticket, just $29 after discount.

With deals like this, we never want the 80s to end!

In demiCouture’s books, a Nasty Gal is an excellent gal.  How could one be anything else, with an eclectic vintage and new collection of incredibly affordable piece!

Sheer is in and sheer is sexy, but nothing is hotter than this bandage dress at $58;  it’s delicate ruffling and go-with-everything black is nothing to sneeze at.  When you’re looking to mean business (or look like Rihanna), Funktional has you covered, in wallet and design.  Their Bladerunner-esque power shoulder sequin piece is not only ultra intense, but this will set you apart from the rest of the girly NYE madness and separate you on your own sidewalk catwalk.  It’s a wee bit over budget at $108, but it’s so fecking amazing that it had to be included!

Last of all we’ve got a girl’s best friend; gold stripes.  Well, gold sequin stripes to be precise.. all for $68!  Stripes and sequins are a fail safe dress choice; perfect for those last minute party stress cases.

***

Well that’s it, folks! If you’ve got a large purse for spending your quest may be easier but you can’t find a better deal than what we’ve got for you – have an excellent New Year’s!