We already know how sick mesh is for the summer, but what about beaded mesh?

Beading adds a more elegant look to your mesh, and definitely takes out the sporty and brings in more of a stylish edge.  Case and point: Phillip Lim’s dress, Anna Molinari’s appliqué mesh tank, Topshop’s beaded tunic and Valentino’s tee (which was actually created with leftover textiles).

Colorful tees like Topshop’s crop top are also getting the bead embellishment treatment, though the mainstay for the look is definitely the evening shrug.  Forever 21′s vintage inspired piece and sequin bead squiggle shrug are both incredibly affordable, though the fashion forward piece is most definitely Debut’s beaded capelet.  Finish off your look with an Armour inspired Elizabeth & James slingback, and you’re good to go.

Check out this diaper – it looks like a pair of jeans on a baby’s butt.  It’s the new Huggies denim diaper, perfect for the parents who think that having a piece of defecation collection attached to your child’s butt is going to amp up their cool factor.

It’s been nearly impossible to find the North American price of these things since they’ve just been released today, but has to imagine they would cost more than a regular poop collector.

A smarter option would be to grab a Wrangler diaper cover; kind of like denim hot pants for your kid, which is $10.  The hotpants are a much better fiscal choice; you could put any brand of nappy on there, and cover it up with something that’s actualy made of denim.

THOUGHTS?

UPDATE:

They’re the same price as comparable Huggies diapers.

No matter where you’re standing in the world, getting into debt to be on trend is a fashion crime.  There’s no two ways about it, and with credit being shoved in your face (even during a dumpy economy) it can be hard to just say no.

The answer?  A pre-paid credit card.

We all know that credit cards are a necessary evil; they’re faster for completing transactions, allow online shopping, have buyer protections, anti fraud guarantees, and allow you to avoid carrying cash that could be lost or stolen – the problem is credit itself.

I know this for a fact; I’ve cut up a Mastercard a year ago that I’m still paying off; when you can’t respect credit or control your spending, credit is evil.

The answer to those wanting to be able to have all the benefits of credit with none of the disaster points is a pre-paid card (also known as a travel card).  Aside from the fact there is no ‘free’ money (which we know is anything but free), the only difference is you put money on it before you spend, not after.

I’ve been using a pre-paid Mastercard for months now to do my regular shopping, paying for parking, the occasional online purchase – all of the things I was doing before.  The difference is I’m spending money I’ve already got, and I’m not being pushed into a chasm of debt.

Certain cards (like the UK Mastercard shown) can even help rebuild damaged credit, which is a gift.  Usually nothing but time passed and paying your bills on time can help fix a mutilated score, but this card actually helps you fix your situation while you’re avoiding debt… very smart!

Pre-paid cards have all the fraud and purchase protection of regular credit cards, but with none of the downsides.  Did I mention there is no such thing as interest with a pre-paid card?  Yeah.  Since the money you spend is already yours, it’s impossible to pay interest because there is no remaining debt.  Like your bank account debit card, you can’t spend more money than you have, and there’s no ‘overdraft’.  There is also no credit check, so anyone can access one of these cards, providing you’re the age of legal consent.

If you’re not in the UK, check out the following cards for USA and Canada: BMO Travel Mastercard (I’ve got this one), Everyday Pre-Paid Mastercard, Bank Freedom Pre-Paid Mastercard, Futura Pre-Paid Mastercard and the Visa Reloadable Pre-Paid card.

Remember to check to see if there are any one-time, transaction or loading fees before you decide which one to pick.  My BMO card had a $10 one time card admin fee, but doesn’t charge anything thereafter – be careful to avoid check cashing institution cards, because they may charge you every time you want to add cash to your account.

For the shopping lover, pre-paid credit cards are the way of the debt free future.  While you may not be able to get everything you want right this moment, you’re saving yourself stress, money and avoiding debt – no item is worth that cost, no matter what the sale price may have been.

For an awesome read on getting yourself out of debt, check out Nancy Trejos’ Hot (Broke) Messes; I recently read it and was inspired.

Lest we forget, makeup is for those with imperfect skin.  I know that Queen Latif and Drew B have no pores (even in their close ups), but this is the real world without overhead lighting and a personal makeup artist, and this is the world where people have zits.

As a chronic concealer, I’ve used countless brands of both drugstore and designer makeup over the years.  I’ve applied using my own hand, sponges, brushes; you name it, I’ve used it.  The trouble with those without a Chanel cosmetic budget is there isn’t much in between – you have drugstore and MAC, yet nothing in between.  When MAC isn’t in the financial cards, drugstore is where we turn.

Covergirl’s Clean Makeup delivers half its promise in delivering a lightweight, anti pore clogging formula, but makeup that sits on your skin well that can’t cover up it’s angry spots isn’t a sell.

When applying it to the skin, it’s amazing ’till you get to that one pain in the rear zit, then it’s all over.  Unless you bust out another product (more $$, of course), you’ll end up with a oddly colored dot on your face after everything dries… you may as well fly the “YEP! The hormones are raging, thanks for noticing!” flag over your head.

Clean Makeup is fantastic for skin that is largely under control; skin that could be taken care of with a heavier powder – not skin that is feisty, which is the kind of epidermis that needs lightweight, oil free makeup in the first place. While one can’t be incredibly fussy with foundation that comes from under the high street brands, there is something about cosmetic brands blatantly lying to you during their commercial spots that aggravates enough to moan about it in reviews (lashes 50% thicker? PAH!)

Covergirl, it’s time to go back to the drawing board with this one.

For 24 hours Forever 21 is having a free shipping offer with promo code “MEMORIALDAY” (valid for buys over $40, which can get you a hellova lot at F21), and to celebrate both the free shipping offer and their rad new items we’re having a feature of the best of F21.

We’ll do the dresses first, since dresses are often severely neglected in my own mind.  The asymmetrical ruched panel dress can be dressed up or down, and the panel to the side is perfect minimalistic detailing.  The striped tank dress is just like many of the casual lovely dresses you may be seeing at the local Winners or Ross – they’ve usually got a rank style top with a thick elastic waist and an A-line skirt.

Summer tops can be tricky; you’ve got the shoulder ruching laced tee, but the weather may be too hot for that wherever you are.  While tops like that are excellent pairings for night time wanderings, tanks and tubes are the best bet.  Check out the incredibly affordable striped tube top, Beautiful America tank, Fifi Lapin striped tank, the epaulet tee and XOXO tank are perfect options that are all under $20 per item; most way under $20 each.

Bra tops can be treated in the same way, if you don’t feel up to baring a bunch of skin then layer under sheer or loose tanks.  The ruched stripe bandeau and the coral mesh sports bra are perfectly casual pieces, both basic and low priced.

Shorts can’t be ignored… it is summer, after all.  Check out the olive twill shorts, tribal print denim shorts and top off with a pair of very distinct sunnies and you’re golden!

Alkemie is truly a smart buy – not only is every piece made from 100% reclaimed metal, are manufactured by hand in Los Angeles and when purchased via the Eco Market, up to 10% of the purchase price is donated to your choice of charity.

Aside from the environmental plusses of Alkemie, they are beautiful accessories – designs that evoke very earth based feels and a strong, stripped down beauty.

demiCouture favorites include the zipper cuff ($170; $13.60 donation), hummingbird cuff ($190; $15.20 donation), stag cross ($130; $10.40 donation), Lady Liberty necklace ($190; $15.20 donation), Peace Gun necklace ($150; $12 donation), Blessed Religious Relics necklace ($190; $15.20 donation), Lady of Liberty ring ($120; $9.60 donation), Reindeer Coin ring ($140; $11.20 donation), Elk head ring ($120; $9.60 donation) and the peace dove ring ($120; $9.60 donation).

Just like cats, owls are certainly having their recent days in the sun.  Like wolves, owls have been picked up as one of the acceptable animals, and there are no shortage of themed pieces ready for you to wear in the summer sun or sprinkling evening rains.

Owl accessories, especially rings, are KO’ing the competition.  Alkemie has two exceptional rings, with a purchase from either of them at the Eco Market resulting in up to 10% of the purchase price to charitable earth donations.  Two of the styles available at the Market are the 60s Style ring and the Swooping Owl ring.  If a lower price point is more your style, Kiik’s vintage style, Jewelry Box’s Jennie owl rings or Girl Props’ pin/pendant, Hannah Zakari’s blue brooch are fine choices.  Kenneth Jay Lane also has an incredibly kitschy cute owl head pin, though it’s a bit more of an Alkemie price point.

When owls appear on your clothing, make sure your prints are memorable.  Styles’ dolman owl tunic, Forever 21′s Wise Owl graphic tee, Lauren Moshi’s owl swing tank, Turquoise’s Funky owl tee and Emma Cook’s owl dress (which also happens to be on sale) are all perfect pieces.  I recommend the statement Cook piece for those brave enough – what a look that would be, especially with a bit of leather and sky high heels!

Judith Leiber couldn’t really be lumped in any other category; her bags stand alone, and for excellent reason.  Her Snowy owl minaudière has been hand bedazzled with Austrian crystal and features onyx eyes – this owl is a true representation of luxury.

Shorts aren’t even a semi debatable point of summer, therefore we jump right into the spunkiest summer shorts SS10 has to offer.  Some are solid, denim, print or even printed denim – the point is you’ve got oodles of choice for a varying price point.. now what could be better than that?!

Denim shorts scream summer, and acid wash detailing punches you in the retinas (in a good way, of course) -  French Connection’s Tango, Siwy Camilla and Alloy’s Revolt shorts are all prime picks.  Prints are another way to wear shorts  shorts while keeping up visual interest; Miss Selfridge’s heart, Miso’s floral print hot pants, Marni’s polka dot pair, Alice by Temperley’s Tiger and Acne’s patchwork shorts are solid choices in varying price points.

Sometimes an embellishment is what we’re after; Rich & Royal’s studded and Elle’s studded pocket shorts are perfect potentials, but when the outfit is not just about the shorts, plain is perfect.  Pastels or neutrals are trend ready this summer, which include Miss Selfridge’s lilac denim and 3.1 Phillip Lim’s slouchy Guru shorts are examples of the varying cuts available this summer.

Creative Recreation sneakers are some of the snappiest and sleekest casual men’s shoes around, and they just happen to be on sale right now at Gilt.

A neat collection of both boots and sneakers are on sale at Gilt Man, with sales reaching 68% off.  demiCouture picks include the taupe and gold Milanos ($68 from $176), pebbled leather Pontis ($68 from $165), purple hi top Pontis ($48 from $143) and the patent leather Dio boots ($78 from $230).

Gilt is a private shopping website where you can get new, authentic items for sick deals.  An invite is free, so get it here!

Summer shutterbugs who know a thing or two about keeping their cameras in working order know the importance of a camera bag, and an Alexander Wang Brenda camera bag is the cream of the shutter bag crop.

Ten Over Six has the Brenda is $316 (black leather)- $395 (grey suede), while many other notable online shops are selling this exact style for up to $640.

If you’re in the search for a camera sack for the summertime, this is your bag!

Tiffany & Co is one of the most highly regarded jewelry houses in the world, with products of theirs being worn by much of the affluent and famous.

Beyond the Rack has Tiffany accessories being sold at hyper discount right now, which means that the rings you see to the side are 20-25% off.  That may not seem like a massive amount, though Tiffany is a luxury brand not synonymous with sales – believe me when I say that 25% off is a gift.

demiCouture picks include the silver pillow band ($165, from $205), silver Altas numerals ($235, from $325) and the sterling wedding band ($1,295, from $1,710).

Beyond the Rack is a private sale shopping experience… get your invite to BTR here, it’s free and fabulous!

Nobody needs glorious seasonal statement pieces more than West Coasters, and this Betsey Johnson floral raincoat is simply divine.

This rain slicker is $99 from $250, which means that you’re getting a supreme, eye grabbing item you can wear during the worst weather attacks for super cheap!

Wear this coat with some knit over the knee socks, shiny Doc Martens and you’re going to be the belle of the storm.  Also recommended is the black spring trench, $99 from $250.

Beyond the Rack is a private sale shopping experience… get your invite to BTR here, it’s free and fabulous!

LeSportsac is a print accessory favorite across the world, and nothing screams ‘summer’ louder than a colorful print.

The Tribeca floral print tote to the right is $50, from $95 – it’s big enough at 19″ x 9″ to fit all your beach or picnic goodies, and beyond, and multiple inner pockets ensure your smaller bits and bites won’t get lost along the way.

The Red Vineyard bucket tote ($30) and floral White Whimsy rucksack ($40) are also recommended

Beyond the Rack is a private sale shopping experience… get your invite to BTR here, it’s free and fabulous!

Will.I.Am has very recently released his streetwear label I.AM Clothing, and as we’ve so recently seen it released to many notable boutiques (including L2 Leone in Vancouver), we now see the fledgling collection on for sale at Beyond the Rack.

These pieces are of high quality; especially the leather accessories.  I’ve seen the bags and clothing in person at L2′s Will.I.Am meet and greet, and they are magnificent perforated leather pieces you would never guess to live under the label ‘celebrity designed’.  Will.I.Am actually created all of these pieces, and went to school for fashion design – this is the real streetwear deal, folks.

demiCouture picks include the Letterman jacket ($89, from $190), Funkshine band-style jacket ($89, from $190), beige shell Only Jacket ($120, from $255), black leather book bag ($170, from $340), perforated leather Weekend bag ($229, from $455) and the perforated leather day bag ($229, from $455)

Beyond the Rack is a private sale shopping experience… get your invite to BTR here, it’s free and fabulous!

Alter is one of my favorite boutiques in Brooklyn, and they just happen to be having a super sick menswear sale going on right now.  The sale is wrought Cheap Monday’s memorable duct tape line, including a denim button up ($69 from $85 and jeans ($69, from $85).  Cheap Monday’s fabric motorcycle vest is also ($79, from $105), and the US Rags patchwork leather jacket ($165 from $220).

While Alter does not yet have an online site, they do accept orders via phone or text which they will post to you – check out the details on their website.  Don’t pay any attention to the mid-May date on the sale blog; I contacted Alter and their menswear sale is still going strong.

Mark Fast’s incredibly lusted after Faster diffusion line has just burst upon Browns‘, which means you can grab the femme fatale bodysuit ($595), bodycon Ballet dress ($725) and Classic Faster dress ($824).

While the Faster pieces may seem like a large chunk of currency, they pale in comparison to the mainline where pieces reach nearly $4,000 CA.

If you’re looking for a piece of Mark Fast on a more constricted budget, pick up the keyhole leggings for $106, or perhaps the high top knickers ($54).

Acne Studios has their own online outlet (one for men, one for women), a part of their online store that holds their last stock, random pieces that never sold and designs that are out of season – that means sale discounts.

The Rita Pre motorcycle jacket is 41% off ($599, from $999), summer ready Darko Bardot gingham dress is $689 (from $1,1149), Doris Pre light wash skinnies are $359 (from $599), graffiti Hex Graf trousers are $173 (from $289) – you get the picture.

Remember, this is an outlet, which means that sizing is going to be hit and miss.  If you do find something you love, grab it!

VPL may not be a name you associate with attractive undergarments, considering the acronym meaning, but this brand (along with Acne and T-Bags) as proved us that even the worst brand name can create something very sexy indeed.

The first is the grey and orange Strainer bra ($175), a chiffon design that is also made in the good ‘ol USA.  This is a bralet that would be best suited under a plunging tank top, or perhaps even as a standalone top.  The Stripe B ($85) and Insertion bras ($95) are examples of some of the most detailed casual bras seen yet this year; while most underwear marketed to be seen usually takes a lingerie feel, these are unassuming and don’t scream sex to those shopping for either of them.

In this way, VPL is unique – they’re walking the mid line between a cover that’s intended to lure or only have a holding function.  Regardless, VPL are most certainly leading the pack of a new type of bra.

Triangles – first associated with the Holy Trinity, now a mainstay of the PBR swigging, wolf t-shirt wearing crowd.  The hipster love affair with the tri shape is undoubtable; and their love for it is complete.

Don’t misunderstand – I love triangles in wardrobe imagery for the different meanings they symbolize, but flowing downstream on the trend train while remaining completely unaware of what you’ve got on your body is less than intelligent (think most people who wear Che Guevara prints) Let’s take a look at triangle imagery that isn’t as lame as a trendster’s triangle painting!

Triangles don’t have to be so obvious, but let’s face facts: we’re not living in a world that thrives on subtlety.  Alexander Wang’s elasto-fab bra of even a basic triangle bikini would do the trick, but then it’s incredibly unlikely for most tri-hards to catch the shape’s representation.

Let’s get a little more visually blunt with some blingin’ gold effects, like Alexis Bittar’s pyramid earrings, Givenchy’s triangle charm bracelet and Moxsie’s laser cut bamboo necklace.  Gold may not be attractive to all; for a shaped clutch with attitude, check out Gareth Pugh’s Sac or more blendable jewelry to the tune of Henriette Lofstrom’s earrings and chain pendant or Arielle De Pinto’s chain mail necklace.

The last group is the one featuring triangle embellishment; think Alexander Wang’s Claudia tri grommet bag, his asymmetrical lace panel tank or Your Eyes Lie’s sequin triangle tank.  These are the most basic pieces with more direct imagery, which let other aspects of styling take the lead.

This never seems to get old!

In case you weren’t already aware, Gilt Groupe has had a Japanese site since March 2009, built an iPad app as soon as the iPad was launched, created Gilt Noir for their 0.01% top customer base and still won’t ship outside of USA on their dot[com] website.

That’s right, Gilt does not want your business if you:

• Hold a shipping address outside of the USA or Japan
• Hold a credit card with an American or Japanese billing address

That means that not only is Gilt denying most of the world access to their products, but that their current policy dictates even if a Canadian that holds a US shipping address or uses a shipping receiver in America that they’re not welcome.

It seems that for everything Gilt does to innovate in their field, they remind us that they only care about a precious few customers in the world.