Tuesday January 26th 2010, 10:37 pm
Filed under: 2010,Contests
It’s time for another giveaway!
FASHION Magazine has provided demiCouture with a skin care gift basket worth approx. $500 CA to give away, which means that you need to enter. Make sure to comment with a valid e-mail address, since that is how you are going to be contacted if you win.
Entry deadline: February 4th, 2010
Draw date: February 5th, 2010
Giveaway requirements: get FASHION Magazine’s February issue which has 9 pages of cosmetics related features, and check out the results of their 8th Annual Beauty Awards.
Super sheer socks are an excellent layering strategy during the lighter weather months, and American Apparel’s new tie dye style are just the type you should be checking out.
These black, purple and pink socks may be $18, but they are well worth the leg up up leg wear you will be getting.
If you’ve been searching for a non-intense manner of working tie dye into your wardrobe, this is the way to go. I only wish these calf socks went a little higher, though I’m sure AMAP will be expanding these into their full leg nylons by the time spring hits.
Yeah. It’s a hockey jersey, with real white fox detailing.
Those poor foxes.. their pelts could have been used for something much more beautiful. Hell, if they were used for FUgg lining (perish the thought!) they would have been put to a better use. I honestly can’t think of something uglier than this piece of Canadiana crap!
As if the actual item wasn’t bad enough, the flyer looks like it was put together by a handicapped chimp in Microsoft Paint; this truly is the visual that keeps on giving.
The Outnet has some beautiful new stock, [I'm sure] freshly from it’s momma company Net-A-Porter. Regardless of where these pieces came from, pay attention – these are claw worthy designers and incredibly slashed price points.
This leather laden, super studded luxury brand has pieces that appeal to everyone from Gossip Girl stylists to your friendly neighbourhood fashion fans, and the pieces are so easy to wear.
As FW09 draws to a close, there are a few pieces that we have to re-review before we lose them forever. These are not only fall staples, but pieces that carry seasonless through the years.
First up is the epic, tie dye and studded Garbo Tote in purple ikat wash ($1190). This bag is a must-have for its dual straps, burst of color and moody hardware; what’s more is this color palette transfers from spring to fall seasons with ease.
When ikat is too bright, the very blendable Austin studded ankle bootie ($598) or the studded Garbo wallet ($395). All I’m saying is black leather and studs will be rad until the Four Horsemen come to hang out, so these are both safe buys.
For the buyer looking for pieces very seasonally transitional, the lambskin Tudor belt ($285) is the ideal dusty rose you’ve been seeing pop up in every SS10 collection; it’s briskly feminine with its bow design, yet the raw leather edges give it just enough ‘tude.
Last, but dearest to my heart is the snakeskin studded cuff ($65); it’s incredibly affordable, a glorious shade of python and features a demure turnlock closure. Stack a few on one arm for a double effect, or mix and match with the turquoise and pink leather versions.
After the brand’s almost bankruptcy of 2008, it’s exciting to see the house expand into more aggressive trend territory.
This motorcycle jacket marks the turning point of Mike & Chris’ existence in the fashion community; they are no longer only a glorified leather purveyor but a competitive label to be reckoned with.
While it was cited back in ’08 that problems stemmed from high price points, it is clear the world is once again ready to pay over $900 for a piece of outerwear. Comparing the Mike & Chris of the past to their current incarnation is not possible since there is now such a design variance available.
If embossed serpent skins aren’t quite your thang, Mike & Chris have many leather pieces and knits available, ranging from $114 at Shopbop.
Most of us are still ultra hyped on the concept of the flat, grunged out work boot, so this will come as pleasant news. Jeffrey Campbell has released a python printed leather boot ($226), which has only been spotted at Shopbop [so far].
For anyone with a fashion boner for Doc Martens, this boot is an excellent, more streamlined and feminine boot alternative for the SS10 season. These boots can be worn with most anything; shorts, skirts, tunic dresses – the list goes on.
The mid-calf boot is made with the ivory snake printed leather (the same used on the updated 99 wedge), and is available in sizes 6 – 11.
Diffusions seem to be the new black, and Balmain isn’t counting themselves out of this oh-so-hot revenue generator. Though this may seem like an ideal cash cow, the concept is wrought with issues and essentially collapse a brand’s vision, integrity and lust factor; everything brands pay massive dollars to obtain.
Diffusion lines are essentially sanctioned knockoffs; the quality is far below that of the true brand and the pieces aren’t even comparable. Diffusion lines also cheapen and destroy the brands they are meant to push forward; when we take Rodarte x Target into consideration, the range did have interesting pieces but the collection did not represent the brand which created the storm of “I want!” in the first place. While the diffusion was successful on a monetary standpoint, it was a failure on a design level.
This leaves us to wonder what level of diffusion Balmain is entertaining, though one can’t imagine that one of the most sought after labels of the moment would go for less than a high street market. The only possible way this may be negotiated successfully is if the diffusion is done by Topshop; Balmain demands high quality materials and considerable construction efforts.. anything less than a Topshop Unique level of [high street] quality would be a disaster.
While it’s a fair assumption critics and collectors are equally curious at what will be churned out, though deep down we’re wishing Balmain was remaining perfectly inaccessible.
Aside from the new snakeskin models, Jeffrey Campbell has just released two new pairs; a zebra and leopard print. Due to the fur use the price has gone up $20, but hey, that means these funk-tastic wedges are still only $120 US.
It’s worth mentioning that both of these kicks are excellent for those who wanted the Ashish from Topshop super animal wedges, but were edged out by price, heel height and/or those who can’t deal with open toed boots (I’m with you there). Those whom have been left out, your time has come.
Sizes available at Solestruck are from 6 – 11, including half sizes (for now)
P.S. I would love to see the 99 with a rear zipper, ala the Pixie - Jeffrey Campbell hear my cries!
It may be difficult to justify purchasing a crop style for warm weather wear, though layered over knits these can serve as functional warming pieces. It’s all about getting creative when it comes to summer buying.. always ensure your outerwear can serve more than one purpose.
Draping has been designer’s Marsha for quite some time, but none compare to the deliciousness that are Rick Owens’ pieces. While the designer himself creates [usually] unattainable items, there are ways to get your Rick on without having to grab soup at the local charity shop.
Jimmy Choo x Hunter have officially jumped the rubber shark and crossed into Sesame Street color territory.
Without altering the original mold, we now have elementary hued wellies that truly don’t suit the croc print which gave them their original legs. The Choo team could have at least have designed a different mold, one more suited to bright colored rubber.
Tamara Mellon is disappointing in scores lately; first the FUgg collaboration announcement, and now boots for Big Bird.
One can’t be sure what is happening to this label, but it’s going down the drainpipes faster than you can say ‘diffusion line’.
If you’ve been looking for a way to help Haiti and have been coming up empty, check out Pyrrha’s cherub talisman pendant. For every cherub pendant sold, Pyrrha will donate $40 to the charity efforts to earthquake struck Haiti.
Surrounding the cherub is the French statement Hope Remains, Even in The Storm - an incredibly relevant statement at this point in the world.
Pyrrha is one of the most unique jewelery designers in the world, and they just happen to be Vancouverites. The cherub pendant is one of the best, and it’s incredibly reasonably priced at $136 CA.
Runway photos are one thing, but lovely backstage nuggets are another!
More grasshopper boys getting dressed all fancily in Milan, this time for the John Varvatos FW10 runway show. John Varvatos is my favorite menswear designer, so take a good look at what the fellas have to look forward to during the next cold snap.
Copying designer logos isn’t only pathetic, it’s disrespectful and illegal.
Tumbler [assumed] hipster female Dirty Little Style Whore has found it within her creative devices to shamelessly steal Chanel’s double “C” logo. She is selling tees and sweatshirts for $17 each, clearly a very piteous ploy to get a ill gained few cents in her pocket.
The Whore is officially infringing on Disney; particularly Minnie Mouse. This one is even worse, folks. Join me in reporting her for illegal activities to Disney by emailing tips@disneyantipiracy.com or calling their Antipiracy hotline at 818-560-3300.
It must be tough being the modern man – nothing but FUggs and sneakers surrounding you, and the bar of social dressing expectations is constantly being lowered. There is no longer any reason for men to not have a perfectly fitting suit, because there’s Indochino.
Friday January 22nd 2010, 4:07 pm
Filed under: 2010,Vancouver
On Thursday February 4th, Jacqueline Conoir is giving Vancouver a reason to dress up at the Dealers & Dolls Affair.
The event will be taking place at the Conoir studio on 46 West 6th, where you will enjoy champagne and wine, gambling with JC playing chips andenjoy finger foods. During the event, door prizes will be won, and there will be a competition to win a $500 shopping spree; this is truly an event not to miss.
Tickets are $100 per person, which includes a $100 Jacqueline Conoir Studio gift certificate, $100 in gambling chips [to compete for prizes], complimentary drinks and canapes.
Friday January 22nd 2010, 10:43 am
Filed under: 2010,video
Now this is how a company gives back.
The video below shows TOMS employees putting their One for One program into action and providing shoes for those in need in Africa. TOMS has already given 400,000 pairs of shoes to needy kids – buy a pair for yourself and help them continues.
Brogues are a classic style for men and women through all seasons, so it’s only natural that Topshop has applied bleached denim to the brogue construction.
The much anticipated Alexander McQueen SS10 campaign photos have finally been released, and holy scales have they lived up to expectations!
Brazilian model Raquel Zimmermann is seen in a snake printed McQueen creation, while [of course] wearing poision green 10 inch alien heels. The shoes, which were the surprise star of the SS10 collection, aren’t even slated to be available to the public.
One has to wonder what version will be for the general public – there’s no appearance of any thus far.
Regardless, this is an exceptional start to an ad campaign and we’re all on pins for the next release!
Super sheer socks are an excellent layering strategy during the lighter weather months, and
It’s well known that 
Most of us are still ultra hyped on the concept of the flat, grunged out work boot, so this will come as pleasant news. 
If you’ve been looking for a way to help Haiti and have been coming up empty, check out 
Brogues are a classic style for men and women through all seasons, so it’s only natural that 
The much anticipated