Vancouver Fashion + Style Blog | demiCouture

Pink Things That Don’t Suck, For April 14th Anti Bullying Day
Wednesday March 31st 2010, 3:02 pm
Filed under: 2010

April 14th is Anti Bullying day, and to celebrate the victim’s revolution we’re all to wear pink (hah, I kid!).  I’m not sure why pink was chosen, though presumably pink is the color that enrages bullies the most, which proves the ‘you can’t jerk me around’ vibe. Pink t-shirts are ultra lame and [usually] Pepto hideous, so let’s go over a bunch of pink things that won’t have you deserving a junk punch.

If you’re going to wear pink, be smart about it; nothing lame or retardedly girly – be spunky and fresh with this stereotyped color.  Fresh pieces like CC Skye’s chain cuff ($204), a pair of neon pink ($115) or near magenta Doc Marten boots ($120), and the new jelly Toywatch ($175) are prime examples of this.

For a more vanilla approach, check out a skinny crop jean ($40), a basic scope neck tee ($7) or printed sweatshirt (£65).  Accessories that are more girl friendly include the Topshop anchor heart brooch ($32) and Vivienne Westwood comet logo pin ($173).

Right now, I’m all about the CC Sky cuff and matching Docs!



Pour La Victoire’s Debut Handbag Collection Is Brutally Amazing
Wednesday March 31st 2010, 2:28 pm
Filed under: 2010,Accessories,Women's Fashion

My worst fears have been confirmed; the Pour la Victoire handbag collection is amazing.  Yes, this means that you will see one you get lovepunched over, though more likely there will be a handful of pieces to save for… thankfully we have a few months before the collection drops.

The bags have a moody, pseudo goth quality that echoes Gareth Pugh‘s collections – angry studs, dark leathers and creative design mark the debut with an air of success.

I challenge you to try and pick just one favorite – it’s damn impossible!



$90 Cut + Color Sale @ Toni & Guy
Wednesday March 31st 2010, 11:36 am
Filed under: 2010,Beauty & Makeup,Vancouver

There is no excuse for gross color fade (or home treatments) and a lackluster hair style this summer, because Toni & Guy‘s Kitsilano salon is offering a cut and color for $90. Valid for new clients only.

That’s right.  With tip, you’re still not reaching over an el bruno (as my grandfather says).

There really isn’t any excuse for looking a slob this summer.



Footwear Choices Are Starting To Get Irregular
Wednesday March 31st 2010, 11:30 am
Filed under: 2010,Women's Fashion

Irregular Choice is a well of creative options. They’re kind of like a more progressive Fluevog; their footwear is unconventional, wearable and distinct.

The Flashing Lights wedge boot (shown; approx $220) is one of the more delightful styles available.  The Lights feature a towering rounded wooden wedge, with panels of leather sewn to cover most of the sides of the wood.

A color block interpretation of the Lights is also available, though most of its sizes are already snapped up.  If you like what you see, take an explore through the world of Irregular Choice – it’s quite a trip!



Current/Elliott Brings Us More Than Boyfriend Jeans
Wednesday March 31st 2010, 11:00 am
Filed under: 2010,denim,Women's Fashion

Last year, Current/Elliott was all about the elite slacker boyfriend jeans but no more – C/E is officially the go to brand for studded, angry chic denim outerwear.

The denim house is not only featuring the denim moto jacket ($590) with deadly hot studded lapels, but they have studded collars on traditional jean jacket cuts ($475), and denim gilets ($545).

It’s clear Current/Elliott is giving their best shot at becoming the denim world’s Bess NYC – only time will tell if they take their studding foray to the next level.



I Knew That Anchor Sweater Looked Familiar…
Wednesday March 31st 2010, 9:01 am
Filed under: 2010,Children's Fashion

While perusing through the latest Stella McCartney for Gap Kids lookbook, I happened upon a rather hyped child wearing an anchor sweater.  It was one of those things itching at me – where had I seen that before?

It was actually at Net-A-Porter, months ago when Stella released her Intarsia sweater in creme; which is the same anchor design as the new Gap Kids sweater, only in blue this time around.

Considering the Intarsia sweater was nearly $700, if you can squeeze comfortably into the Gap Kids version you’re good to go for a fraction of the original’s cost!



It’s Raining Rompers!
Wednesday March 31st 2010, 8:47 am
Filed under: 2010,Trending,Women's Fashion

One piece jumpsuits are easy to style, simple to wear (there’s no top and bottom matching, after all) and they are [usually] quite affordable.  In summer 2010, it’s going to be raining rompers.

Basic designs are the key to a first foray into the romper; don’t get all floral freaky and cover yourself in ruffles unless you’re solid when it comes to styling your look.  Tank or t-shirt rompers are always a safe bet, since most wear a solid tank and shorts to begin with during the summer.

The most affordable pieces found have been the Forever 21 hooded ($17), Zinc black elastic waist ($23), and the Aeropostale button romper ($25).  At these prices, one could afford to have each design in a variety of colors!

If you’re available to dip into the luxury market, La Garçonne has two brilliant pieces; the Vena Cava printed Berber romper ($225) and the Alexander Wang neutral baggy romper ($420).  Last picks include the Anna Sui button front piece ($270), LP.BG’s silk patchwork playsuit ($684) and the Juliana Jabour chambray jumper ($435).



Omelle Shoes + Sandals + Boots On Spring Fever Sale
Wednesday March 31st 2010, 8:16 am
Filed under: 2010,Footwear,Sales,Women's Fashion

LA footwear designer team Omelle is hot on the sale talks right now – the lovely Gena tall leather boot is currently on for $425 from $1,295!

If you’re still looking for a summer sandal, the Dafne sandal (pictured) is on for $225.  This sandal is truly unique as it is made from the skin of the Perch fish! For a pump with a little more feminine daring, check out the cut out heel Actress; it comes in black or nude and is priced at $275 from $795.

Check out the rest of the spring fever sale!



RODARTE SAMPLE SALE IN NEW YORK
Tuesday March 30th 2010, 4:49 pm
Filed under: 2010,new york,Sales

It’s true – RSVP to andy@rodarte.net to be told where this sale will take place!!  I’m seriously contemplating going to New York just to get in on this sale action.



New Alexander McQueen Smoky Knuckle Duster Ring
Tuesday March 30th 2010, 2:30 pm
Filed under: Uncategorized

If you (like myself) have been waiting for a reason, a new delightful thing released by the Alexander McQueen label then your bell is finally being rung.  This is the smoky crystal knuckle duster, and it features a delightful rainbow Swarovski crystal to break up the hard look of the surrounding skulls.

Like the other knuckle dusters, this piece is $550 US.



Hunter’s Carnaby Range Picks Up Where Choo Left Off
Tuesday March 30th 2010, 2:18 pm
Filed under: 2010,Footwear,Footwear,Men's Fashion,Women's Fashion

Jimmy Choo x Hunter’s croc print wellies were so popular upon their release that they were not only released in color versions, but a new range was designed within the same animal skin theme.

The new range is called the Carnaby, and the first two out of production are the boa and ostrich skin – both which are skins usually only allotted to the luxury shopping bracket.  It’s clever, really; plastic boots imitating luxury skins that many would otherwise not be able to afford.

If you decide you must have a pair of the Carnabies, they average at $220 per pair.



VANCOUVER!! Aritzia Warehouse Sale Details; 50-90% Off
Tuesday March 30th 2010, 11:23 am
Filed under: 2010,Sales,Vancouver

One of the benefits of living within (or near) Aritzia‘s founding location is their annual warehouse sale.  This time the madness is set to go down April 1st at the Aritzia HQ on Alexander Street [directions], and while they say new merch will be added daily we all know the best items are set out first – you’re going to clear plans this Thursday.

There will be over 5,000 pairs of jeans priced to clear and discounts will range within 50-90% off original prices.

Free parking is available (watch for signs; payment methods accepted include cash, debit, Visa and Mastercard.



THE OUTNET ANNIVERSARY SALE: EVERYTHING $1
Tuesday March 30th 2010, 11:15 am
Filed under: 2010,Sales

Every other sale described as epic has now been officially obliterated.

On Friday, April 16th – which is just 17 days away - The Outnet is holding an anniversary sale where every single item will be $1.  That’s right.  One US dollar (or pound if you’re shopping in the UK).

This isn’t like the flash sale; you’ve got to RSVP for this event by April 11th even if you hold a customer account.

This is your official warning – clear your credit cards and get your trigger fingers ready.. this is going to be huge.



ASOS Creates An Alexander Wang Bag Lookalike
Tuesday March 30th 2010, 10:37 am
Filed under: 2010,Accessories,Shoe Déjà Vu,Women's Fashion

Trickle down design British favorite ASOS has created a shoulder bag which looks strikingly similar to a combination of Alexander Wang creations.  It appears that the warehouse utility bag is a mashup of Wang’s Donna hobo and the Brenda cross body.

The ASOS creation is $52 CA; a reasonable price for a reasonable inspiration piece.



Over The Moon For Ostwald Helgason Leggings
Tuesday March 30th 2010, 10:20 am
Filed under: 2010,Women's Fashion

Some may consider leggings may be incredibly predictable these days, and done to death.  These skeptics clearly haven’t laid eyes on the Ostwald Helgason SS10 leggings – they are visually engaging, detailed and designs not yet seen in such a way on the high street.

The pick of the pack is most certainly the rainbow Print02, with the ombré effect Print13 and multi striped Print11 following closely.  Each pair is $210, though if that is too rich for your budget ASOS has a previous season pair for $112.



Industry Wants Models w/ Fat, To Fit Into Stella McCartney for Gap Kids – We Can’t Have It Both Ways
Tuesday March 30th 2010, 9:53 am
Filed under: 2010

It seems that the fashion industry is split; we have the pro fat Mark Fasts, eating disorder aware Anna Wintours and the rest of the industry that is desperately writhing to get into Stella McCartney’s Gap Kids collection (I’m looking at you, Carla Bruni).

We can’t have it both ways, though it’s excellent conversation fodder to consider most would rather whittle down to a kids 14  than see a few rolls walking the runway.  While it’s not exactly healthy to inspire people to diet all the time, excessive fat isn’t healthy either.

That being said, I’m going to line up for the anchor sweater.



Walmart and TOPSHOP?!
Tuesday March 30th 2010, 9:24 am
Filed under: 2010,fashion crimes

Now this is just too twisted to picture; imagine your favorite Topshop styles in your trailer park townspeople’s favorite discount shop, along with their ho hos and bottles of soda! Ghastly.

You can relax for now as this is only a rumor, though there isn’t a proper reason for a Walton to take a tour with Philip Green – he owns Arcadia Group; that encompasses Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins and Evans.  PG is pretty much king in Arcadialand – one can only wonder what those two billionaire groups are cooking up.

Would you shop at Topshop in Walmart if they had the regular or a diffusion range or similar quality?



The Best Of The New @ The Outnet – Spring Edition
Tuesday March 30th 2010, 8:58 am
Filed under: 2010

Spring has officially sprung, which means khakis, florals and brights aplenty.  The Outnet just happens to have a baller selection of such items, and while these are a little more dainty than your average demiCouture find, these are items prime for mixing and matching; not wearing at once.

We’ll have to classify Alexander McQueen’s kaleidoscope jersey print dress ($985; 65% off) as a floral, albeit a pixelated one.  Other flowery finds include the Moschino Cheap and Chic dress ($166; 65% off), Moschino Cheap and Chic skirt ($152; 60% off) and the every so lovely American Retro floral skirt ($106; 60% off).

Greens are prime bright options; try a striped Pringle tee ($75; 70% off), silk Robert Cavalli dress ($760; 70% off).  For a bright footed pump, the yellow Origami slingbacks from Oscar de la Renta ($233; 65% off) are elegant with the color spiral heel.

Spring wouldn’t be complete without neutrals, and certainly not a military style trench; Tibi’s single breasted trench ($198; 60% off) is affordable and SS10 trend observant.  Alternatively, Preen’s tailored zipper trousers ($279; 70% off) and Pedro Garcia’s Michelle feathered pumps ($209; 70% off) are both excellent options.



Start Kicking Ass With Doc Martens’ Metallic Cap Boots
Sunday March 28th 2010, 6:42 pm
Filed under: 2010,Footwear,Footwear,Men's Fashion,Women's Fashion

Docs have gone through so many metamorphoses in recent years that we almost forget their roots as a work boot.

Toss aside the floral print or croc embossing, and you’ve got a basic, stomping good boot ready for whatever you’re going to put in front of it.  While these Alloy boots may not be for the blue collar life, they channel the spirit of the original Doc Marten boots for the wearer that can appreciate its history.

The boot features a waxed leather body, faux metallic leather toe cover with the traditional Doc sole, and like all DM boots they’re reasonably priced at $130 per pair.



Snake Print Pieces For Those Wanting A Wild Summer
Sunday March 28th 2010, 6:24 pm
Filed under: 2010,Trending,Women's Fashion

Alexander McQueen SS10 proves snake print is slithering its way to the top of the trend ladder.  If you can’t afford to strike at the current McQueen collection, the pieces shown below may be more to your budget’s liking.

Snake prints on clothing are the newest style of snake product; you can see with Acne’s snake print bodysuit, Ann snake print tank, Romeo & Juliet leggings and Sass & Bide’s Curious Folk print tee are excellent examples of this. These are easier blending pieces than the average accessory because they can be layered and be secondary in an outfit, when a shoe or necklace in snake print is very striking and grabs attention immediately.

If you’re ready to plunge into the more forward forked world,  ASOS’ ankle boots or Dorothy Perkins’ ankle cuff flats are affordable and on trend .  The last accessory frontier involves Mango’s wallet, the Be & D Garbo satchel, Ash Daisy cross body and the Imoni print gloves.  Since we’re nearing hot[ter] weather months, I would suggest lopping off the fingers of the gloves ala bike style.


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