Yesterday was the F As In Frank fill-a-bag sale, which was very exciting in itself (let’s just say for $20 I ended up with 2 pairs of leather shorts, 2 capes, many vintage tees and some fatigue style stuff), though it brought out a fugly side of the groupe – line jumping.

When everyone but your group of 5 is lined up and well behaved, it’s considered poor form to hop to your friends that got there an hour earlier.  So many were well behavLet’s go over Queue Etiquette, shall we?

1. Always go to the back of the line.  Saying hi and having a chat is one thing, but don’t force yourself in front of other queued up folks.  It’s bad manners, and queues don’t appreciate that kind of violation.
2. Yes, even if your friends say ‘just line up with us!’.  It’s you, not your friends that everyone is going to be rabies frothing at, so just avoid that kind of situation by taking your rightful place at the back.
3. Wear deodorant.  If you stink, it’s really nasty and makes you look like a slob.. WEAR DEODORANT.
4. When the line begins to move, don’t budge to the front.  No, paying most of your queue dues isn’t a deal maker.. like everyone else, you wait your turn.
5. Smoke away from the line.  Even if you aren’t in queue with anyone else, most people will be totally ok with you smoking while stepping away from your spot for a few minutes.  Inconsiderate smokers are irritating, makes everyone stink and some people have allergies.. it’s best to be considerate.

We all saw this one coming, but we have official costume photos and confirmation that costume companies are working this 2010 Lady Gaga Halloween costume trend for all it’s worth.

That there will doubtlessly be thousands sold is ironic, considering Gaga herself stands for unique and creativity.  I’m not saying dressing up as the Lady is a faux pas, nay, it’s buying a pre-made costume that will have you living in the Haus of Shame.  If you’re going to get Gaga’d up this October, there are a few things to bear in mind to ensure success:

• Make your own costume.  Pre-made is for unimaginative suckers.. you’re not an unimaginative sucker, are you?
• Spend some time creative creating. The more crazy details, the better.. remember, there’s going to be a million Gaga clones on the streets, so set yourself apart from the throngs.
• Pick a look that hasn’t been hyped as much.  Unless you’re going to make an amazing version of one of the looks below, I’d avoid them.. half arse efforts are going to earn you a costume ‘next!’
• Work the look.  If you’re going to dress like Gaga, that’s only half the job.. you’ve got to channel the Gaga fierce!
• Prep your bod.  Gaga has been known to flaunt her curves, but Halloween isn’t a time to burst rolls onto the scene.  Hate this if you want, but it’s your funeral.  Remember what Tyra preached.. get your shape in shape!

Vancouver’s Zinc salon is holding a Brazilian Blowout event open house, which will include an information session, a contest to win a free Brazilian Blowout treatment and coupons provided for 50% off a Blowout (only provided on the night of the session)

WHEN: Wednesday, September 1 from 6 – 8PM
WHERE: Zinc Salon [Googlemap]
WHY: 50% off treatment coupon, information session and meet the rad folks at Zinc! I’ve only let them touch my hair for the last 2 years, so they’re worth a gander.

Call Natasha or Dawn [at 604-874-2800] to RSVP, and check out the event on Crackbook.

If you’ve ever been to an F As In Frank back alley sale, you know it’s ludicrous.  It’s happening again, only things are bigger and better.. there are more clothes, and it just in time for back to school (or back to fall).

For those who don’t dig back alley mania (the crazies!), the entire F As In Frank in-store stock is 30% off. It all drops tomorrow, and you would have to be either crazy or working a really rad paying job to miss out on this sale action.

Oh, and RSVP on Crackbook if you’re going to be there, so they know to bring the riot po-lice.

My favorite summer 2010 sunnies have just arrived on Ideeli – Chloé’s cat eye Tila II!  These were up to $295 elsewhere only a few weeks ago, and are now $99! They’ve got two colors on hand (brown/beige and black/grey), which would take care of all your FW10 outfit combinations.

Also loved are the grey Sugis ($109 from $378), grey Mahonias ($99 from $330) and dark pink Abelies ($96 from $285).  There are a ton of other designs and colors to peruse, so check out the whole batch!

Need an invite to Ideeli? Get it now!

Ideeli is doing a giveaway right now, which involves a winner being provided an all-access pass to Mercedex-Benz Fashion Week in New York.  Exciting stuff, right?

To enter, you’ve got to sign up, then follow the giveaway prompts within your account.  You’ve got 2 days to enter! I know I have.. good luck!

Holy smokes, hyper shoppers.. this is excellent news!

As you likely know, The Outnet is currently holding a clearance sale of items up to 85% off.  They’ve just upped the ante and added additional discounts to some items of up to 20% off!! This is huge.

Like all flash sales, you’ve got to sign in to access the sale merch, but when you do it’s going to be hyper amazing.  Picture this: a Rouland Mouret Phobos LBD ($344; 84% off), taupe Anna Molinari leather gilet ($428; 88% off), Anna Molinari sequin leggings ($131; 88% off), Proenza Shouler leather trimmed silk dress ($287; 84% off), Phi shirred pants ($165; 84% off), Anna Molinari Swarovski studded leggings ($300; 88% off) or Matthew Williamson’s bustier print dress ($362; 84% off)!!

It’s time to shop.

LnA is holding a SS10 sale, and the pieces available are some of the most covetable in the collection  - baggy mesh tees at $39 (from $101), the mesh bandage top ($50 from $99), crop mesh sides tee ($39 from $90) and zipper pocket leggings ($50 from $100).

There is a whole host of other sale picks, so peruse the selections [women, men] before it all sells out!

The Zoe was cool, but that was because it was a knockoff of an amazing piece by Balenciaga that happened to be brilliantly designed.  There comes a time when a trickle down designer just needs to play ‘let it be’ with a base, even if it has been their recent meal ticket – such a thing has happened with the Balenciaga inspired sole.

Months after the Zoe blew up, we’re now burdened with the Zale, Zachary, Zamara and Zain.  The only incarnation I approve of is the Zoyla, due to its closeness to the Zoe‘s design.

We’ve got to face the music.. the beginning of the end of summer is upon us.  To soften the blow, Gastown’s Nouvelle Nouvelle is holding an end of season sale – 60% off SS10, and 15% off FW10 (the new arrivals)

The sale is from August 27 – 29 only, so get your buns down to the boutique if this sounds like sweet business.

Unshockingly, Alexander Wang‘s first store will be in New York.  This store will be located at 103 Grand Street [Googlemap], at the old Yohji Yamamoto location.

There is no word on when it will officially open, though one can be sure it’s going to have one hell of an opening party for some lucky  New Yorkers, (you dogs!)

It’s a known fact that Holt Renfrew has snooze inducing email flyers, but the time has come to make a change.  Holt’s has been doing well with their brand re-vision within their stores; staff are noticeably more friendly, and the Vancouver flagship location is much more modern and conducive to social shopping.

Their e-flyers are so lacking that one would assume Holts either doesn’t have a proper graphic designer on staff, or does and places such little emphasis on their mailing list contacts that they don’t care to provide proper promotional graphics.

Barneys is an example of an producer of incredibly contemporary, enthusiastic and clever mailouts.  Check out their recent mailer for their denim sale; it’s colorful, inviting and creative.  Their more mature flyers also measure up for their sense of product and message; scope their Balenciaga bag flyer – they have a strong sense of house brand, product brand and show the promotional items clearly and creatively.

Come on, Holt Renfew.. it’s time to step it up.

Military is a key trend for FW10, and one of the private shopping heavy hitters, Hautelook, has got a collection amassed of some fantastic key pieces priced at 40-90% off.

Notable brands include Joe’s Jeans, Haute Hippie, Michael Kors, Rock & Republic and American Vintage – this is not a sale to sit out.

Prices range from $28 (for an American Vintage tank) to $90 (for a Haute Hippie cardi).  Notable items include the the Kenneth Cole trench ($60, 54% off), Joe’s Jeans legging ($49 from $58% off) and the Deux Lux Prince studded hobo ($54; 50% off).

Need an invite to Hautelook? Grab one while it’s hot!

Alright Seattleites, if you have breasts that need containing then you’re going to want to stop into your newest lingerie shop in your ‘hood.  It’s called Soma, and will be located within Pacific Place on level 3.

They’ve got a good load of selection (56 styles), so check ‘em out if you live in the SEA area.

The free bra offer is good ’till 9/22/10, so get in there to take advantage of it.

These aren’t really practical buys, but what the hell.. they’re a thrill to look at.  Causse creates some incredible leather pieces, all from their French HQ, which range in effects from animal prints to buckling – perfect for the FW10 season.  Besides, you can’t truly attain cold weather clothing enlightenment without some sassy hand covers.. let’s check ‘em out.

Amongst the collection, favorites of mine are the printed ponyskin Jackie, buckled Moss, zippy Must, bandtastic Ion and the ostrich skin gloves.

As we initially reported a few weeks ago, Lily + Jae’s pop up shop at One Of A Few is opening tomorrow night.  Come shop a vintage rack, sales and surprise goody bags for the first 30 customers.

Oh, and there’s going to be wine and cupcakes.. just in case you needed additional convincing.

We’ve seen the brown suede Jeffrey Campbell Meeker, but this one is sleeker, more fall ready and well, blacker.

These are the black leather and wooden architectural wedge Meeker ankle boots, which are an incredible vision to look at.  These are incredibly bold, sleek and Finsk-inspired chic – all for $160.

Not bad, but what I really want to know is how they wear!

Buckle boots aren’t just for pirates (or Vivienne Westwood) any more – FW10 has officially marked the highest concentration of low or flat heel boots featuring buckles that we’ve seen in years.  These aren’t just your goth averages, these are punk inspired pieces that add a visual storm to your look.

Ankle boots are the most vintage inspired, so if you want to get low, RedByWolves’ Yvan contrast buckle boot are just the ticket for a snappy wardrobe addition.  Next, we’ll crawl up to mid calf – Marc Jacobs’ buckled suede boot, Dolce Vita’s sculpted Rosalie or even the Westwood-inspired ASOS Abbott boots are similar styles with very different overall looks.

There are a few tall babies in the jungle; CYDWOQ’s Alpha Tone and the elusive Balmain Western style buckle boots, which are on pre-order right now.  Those require the ultra investment, though the flat style ensure you can wear the boots for many seasons to come.

Fall is nearly arrived, so the time for pre-fall gander is over and priming for the season at our doorstep is upon us! The Outnet has a few new items that are so ideal for mix and match styling that I couldn’t leave them to idle on the website.  All of these items are fantastic, and [of course] on sale.

Alice + Olivia’s Eagle bike vest can not only be worn over a draped plaid McQueen skirt, but layered over a denim jacket for a Alexander Wang-esque effect.  More casual looks can be attained with a peg leg trouser, or refined with a block color pencil skirt and legging combination.

A more basic look can be found with Kova & T’s Leslie tank and Rick Owens Lilies cropped jersey trousers.  This is a comfortable style, that has a certain air of design due to their cuts and crops.  Add a large Biga pendant necklace by Marlene Birger, and the look is city chic; much better than a look of horrid yoga pants!

In 4 days, Canadians will get an e-bite of Gap Inc, which means Banana Republic and Old Navy are also along for the ride.

No matter what hardcore style lovers say, The Gap has some excellent pieces right now – mainly their new 1969 denim range.  I’ve got a pair of grey moto 1969s, and they’re one of my favorite pairs of denim throughout my extensive collection.

August 24th is e-day, so prepare your trigger clicker fingers!