Look out Upper Eastsiders, Lady Gaga is in full force for her sister’s high school grad!

She was present at the Convent of the Sacred Heart graduation ceremony in intense lace, plus Chanel’s takeaway box bag.  While one can’t imagine her sister would expect anything less, but Gaga must have totally stolen the show by only being there.

OH – anyone else notice she’s flipping the photog the bird while texting on her mobile? Hah!

I’ll still be in Italy, which means there is more designer consignment at Coquette to be grabbed up by everyone else still in Vancouver.  OK, perhaps I jest (slightly), but this is an event to get your gem loving butt to.  Coquette is not a regular store but a host of seasonal private sales, which means more, higher quality selection.

They carry a ton of designers, and consigning your clothes means some extra cash (which everyone can use, let’s face it) and you’re ensuring your threads get to an owner that will treasure them.

Coquette’s early summer sale kicks off June 25 at East Van Studios; times listed below in flyer [Googlemap]

Curious and curiouser! Mulberry, England’s luxury label, has officially partnered with Target to create a range exclusive to the US bargain retailer.

Mul is typically leather centric, which has one wondering if they will keep to that line of design or go with a fabric or faux leather (ick) look.

The Gaultier x Target collections wasn’t bad, but Target has a history of letting down their audience… we shall see how this pans out on its release, which happens to be October 10.

Alejandro, like all of Lady Gaga’s recent video works, is a feast for the eyes.  Not only does she create electropop competing artists would sell souls for, but she infuses the highest design quality in each of her videos.  Alejandro is no different; it’s time to find out who designed what!

I’m pretty sure this is the greatest tribute Madonna will ever receive.  I hope she feels incredibly honored to have topped the first domino which allowed the creation of The Gaga.  If you haven’t seen the video yet, watch it here.

• 0: 13 – Sitting crowd boys, military outfits by Emporio Armani
• 0:51 – Marching boys, high waisted shorts and masks, Haus of Gaga. Metal body suits, Dinner. Studded eyewear, A.Morir (Kerin Rose). Military boots, custom Emporio Armani.
  
• 1:04 – Binocular head piece, Nasir Mazhar.  Black cape, custom Alexander McQueen.
  
• 1:58 – Studded helmet, Mouton Collet.
• 2:06 – Lace ensemble, custom Alexander McQueen.  Rose headdress, Phillip Treacy for Alexander McQueen.  Military boys, custom Emporio Armani.
• 3:43 – Latex nun outfit, Atsuko Kudo. Rosary and jewelry, Pamela Love.
  
• 3:57 – Underwear, Calvin Klein.  Black heels, Christian Louboutin.  Stockings, Agent Provocateur.
  
• 4:05 – Boy’s underwear, Calvin Klein.  Black heels, Pleaser.
• 5:08 – Rubber outfit, custom Jaiden RVA James. Platform shoes, Noritaka Tatehana.
• 5:55 – Black vest, Dolce & Gabbana. Black trousers, Francesco Scognamiglio. Black heels, Pleaser.
• 6:19 – Gun bra, custom David Samuel Menkes. Black trousers, Francesco Scognamiglio.  Black heels, Pleaser.
  
• 8:44 – Leather jacket, Hussein Chalayan.  Platform shoes, Noritaka Tatehana.  Panties, Rigby & Peller.  Vintage sunglasses, Versace.

I’m probably the last to see Alejandro, but hey, better late than never.  For those already aware, it’s time to watch it again!

Need Supply is one of those boutiques that has everything you want, and most of it is reasonably priced for those of us in the constant poorhouse.

Current faves include Jeffrey Campbell’s Boat C ($90), Grey Ant’s Status sunnies ($230), Mini for Many’s striped canvas wedges ($135) and the utterly amazing Sierra bag by Collina Strada ($328).

Start creating your wish list now.. I know I have!

Since Balmain’s initial design and J Brand‘s Houlihan taking over the high street, skinny cargo trousers have been the go-to bottom for those enjoying both a fatigued look and converting a casual classic to something entirely new.

We don’t always have to go with the Houlihan; there’s the equally as magical Dylan George pair, or even Current/Elliott’s dark olive pair.  November’s straight leg cargos are incredibly similar, though with a slightly wider leg – it really depends what works with your look and body type.  Topshop has cargo pocket leggings for a lighter look, but they aren’t made for heavy duty wear as the other listed trousers.

It’s official: Fluevog has created their first bag home run.

While I was visiting the Granville Street Fluevog , my lovely friend Justin introduced me this amazing bag. This is the 40th Anniversary 4 in 1; a beautiful accessory and one of only 40 made.  These bags are handmade in  Mexico by Saddleback®, which makes them incredibly strong, durable and thick (the bag won’t pucker if you have something like a camera or a laptop edge fitting snugly inside).

These bags are made with 4-5 oz American leather, coated with a UV resistant, stitched using marine grade thread (sails ain’t got nothing n you) and comes with a 40 year warranty.  You may be paying $699, but Fluevog has your back.

To add to the misery of all those on any sort of budget, Luisa via Roma’s sale is on for SS10 merch.  One can’t even begin to highlight all of the best buys during a sale like this, but we’re going to give it a go.  Many top designers’ creations are up to 70% off, which means this may get a bit intense.

demiCouture picks include the Dsquared olive sheath dress ($236, 50% off), Christopher Kane corset top ($537, 70% off), Marc Jacobs’ crystal safety pin necklace ($388, 50% off), Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc tote ($135, 30% off), Vera Wang Mikado satin trousers ($424, 60% off) and Yves Saint Laurent’s Imperial boots ($743, 30% off).

Rounded bottom Wayfarers are all the rage this summer, and Illesteva’s Beca 001 frames are the epitome of hot weather chic.

The trouble is, they’re $185, and while that may be an a-ok price point for some, it’s not ideal for all.  Topshop Unique’s crystal sunnies have a very similar shape while keeping the price down to a very manageable $36; his is definitely a case of good and better.

If you were checking out House of Holland’s Boob Circles tee and wondering why it looked familiar, it’s because the character Regina George in Mean Girls wore a sabotaged tank that is incredibly similar.

The hole print on the HOH shirt is even the same purple hue as in the movie.  Perhaps Henry Holland was taking inspiration from the modern classic?

Pink may be the traditionally ‘girly’ shade, though there’s no reason to avoid it on that basis alone.  I’m not a massive pink fan, but we’ve got to give the color credit where it’s due – some pink items can be just enough BAM to get your point across.  Imagine an entire silhouette of greys and one flashing pink watch, or pair of boots? A-m-a-z-i-n-g.

Pink pieces can come in a variety of colors; Barbie pink (the most eye blistering shade), bubblegum pink, pastel and a near coral.  Depending on your personal preference, you can select items to your liking after you decide your variance of color intensity.  Barbie pink comes on the Dolce Vita Pela, Doc Martens’ classic 8 hole,  House of Holland’s Boob Circle tee, Lulu Guinness’ lip clutch and Marc Jacobs’ name logo barrette.

For the bubblegum shades, PPQ’s Valentina sunnies, Juicy Couture’s resin rose ring, Lanvin’s rose printed sneakers, John Lewis’ ballerinas or even Matthew Williamson’s triangle print dress.  The lightest pinks are may be the least intense, but the rule is the less eye catching the easier it is to integrate into your style.  Check out K Karl Lagerfeld’s Bonnie shorts, Juicy Couture’s Nostalgic sunnies, Graumann’s Flippa tank or the Toywatch pink plasteramic.

See, these pink pieces aren’t so bad!

Knee high socks have a way of giving us a distinguished look, though a plain (and likely solid color) sock is a bore.  For those wishing to wear tall socks without appearing to have escaped from a Catholic education institution, 80s Purple has your immediate remedy.

With their new release of Purple Label pieces comes the headdress socks – a beautiful image woven into the very sock itself.  These socks may be just under $29 CA per pair, though they’re intricately woven in France with much care.

The headdress socks are available in one size; women’s 9-11.

Louis Vuitton has released photos of two monogrammed iPad cases, due out early 2011.  These both printed envelope styles will retail for $366; almost as much as the iPad unit itself.

Gucci has a more thrifty version, though it’s due to their use of fabrics over leathers.  They certainly aren’t as sleek looking, though for a price of $230 they are certainly more affordable.

More designers will undoubtedly follow suit – I’m waiting for designs by Vivienne Westwood and Manish Arora!

Luxury bags aren’t usually that much fun.  The basic designs for conservative shoppers are usually quite cold, but if you find a bag that has character as well as function you’ve won the accessory rat race.

This bag is by Lin Art Project; a range where bags with basic designs are sent to new levels of beautiful illustration with sequins and embroidery.

Luisa via Roma holds two bags by Lin - the tote ($571 CA) and the shopper ($631).  These are more than accessories; they’re mood statements!

It would take a true character to don one of these beauties… do you have it in you?

If you think that after a whirlwind few years, Balmain’s Christophe Decarnin may have been unable to keep up with the fickle fashion crowd.

Thankfully, with the items showing up on Luisa via Roma, doubting Thomases have been put to rest (it’s just not the same seeing items on the runway; close, detailed product shots are what the discerning luster needs).

This is the embroidered military knit jacket ($4,291 CA); a marvel to be sure.  Also delectable are the brocade dress ($16,387), nappa biker leather jacket ($7,171) and the silk spat inspired booties ($971).

To get the whole picture, you’re going to need to see the entire collection at Luisa.

It always pays to have a reputable auction house in your back pocket, and Invaluable Auctions just  happens to be putting a vintage Chanel crocodile handbag from the 1970s on for sale.

The bag below is the exact item being auctioned; with prices beginning at £400 (approx. $578 US).  That’s quite a detail, considering this is crocodile skin the bag is made of; it’s only lined with white leather.

If you’re into this bag, get bidding!

If this bag doesn’t do it for ya, there’s a whole lot more Chanel at Invaluable where that came from..

Fresh Out is having a private sale of Fred Segal jewelry, which means that the celebu-fave jewelry lines are going to be available at 50-75% off.

Fresh Out does not do sample sales; these are authentic designer items purchased direct from the manufacturers and sold at wholesale prices.  That’s right– you may what the boutiques pay.

To get in on the action, sign up for membership (1 year costs $25CA, and it’s well worth it), then get the details on the when and where of the sale.

Once you have your membership login, you will be privy to all of the sales for the next 365 days, which could be incredibly lucrative!

Oh, Fresh Out also has an online backstock boutique (prices up to 70% off), so you can shop wherever you happen to be! You must be a member to access the e-boutique.

Never heard of Gregory’s Shoes before? Well, first off that’s a pity, and second off – you may want to sit down.  These are some of the more intense items you’ll be seeing, and are quite the fashion find gems.

These shoes are a pretty dollar, though they are beautiful to behold.  Check out the Baldini platforms, Chrissie Morris’ Stingray pumps, Dogana’s python buckled bootie, Dolcini’s crystal band cuff sandals, Kananai’s cage cut out ankle boots and buckle pumps, Gozzi’s golden gladiators and [finally] Lorenzi’s Discoball pumps.

For the rest of the shoes, check out their entire collection. I warn you, it’s massive.

If you’re on of those with the budget for couture (even if it is second hand), then 20th Century Couture is the shop for you.

The stock is limited, but they do have a small selection of haute dresses, accessories, many of which are vintage.  The summer pastel creation to the left was born of Valentino in 1974.  Don’t get sideways in hopes over pricing – this piece is $4,950.

Not all the pieces are that pricey – other very notable (and more affordable) designs include an orange Thierry Mugler suit from the ’90s for a very reasonably $398.  There’s also a silver Versace bodysuit ($350), Matsuda twist back vest ($198) and even a Gianni Versace studded leather cap ($250).