If you’ve been looking for the new quirky bag, you’ve found it.  These are the Bagigia hot water bottle bags, which come in black, blue and traditional red.  The odd part is that other than warming your back or functioning as a massive flask, I’m not quite sure how one would use one of these fully functional $548 bags.

Any ideas?

There’s something about a minimalistic, large leather bag that truly appeals.  Bags of this type are androgynous, simple, can be used for anything and worn with nearly anything – how can you go wrong!

Having a basic style like this also covers your bases when it comes to outlasting trends.  It’s a smarter buy, will hold everything you need plus the bits you don’t, and with this particular piece you get it on sale.

It’s on Beyond The Rack for $795 (from $1,550), so you’ll need an invite if you’re going to check out this bag, or the rest of the designer sacks in the sale.

When it comes to colder weather, nothing does day to day better than a black oxford.  They transition seamlessly from day to evening, can be subtle and glamarous at the same time, and due to their low heel are so easy to wear for long periods of time.

My three supreme favorites are the ones you won’t be finding in the high street aisles; Miu Miu’s bedazzled heel, Alexander Wang’s Jules and Christian Louboutin’s snakeskin Fred.  Of course the regular patent Fred is about half the price, but it far less fun than having exotic skin of snake as your kicks (none of that PETA shit in the comments, thanks)

We all remember the Giuseppe Zanotti Western style glitter ankle boots of FW10.  You also likely remember how freaking expensive they were – the lovelies crested just about $900US – not the most affordable out there.

Enter Topshop FW11, which is being released now, who have the most uncannily similar design in their Ambush boot.  Not only is it incredibly similar to the Zanotti style [which is now sold out], but it’s a whole $735 cheaper than the original.  You could buy a lot of accessories for just over seven bills, people.. what a deal!

A low block heel is such an easy thing to wear.  If you’re into this 90s heel statement,you’ll be able to find them in height ranges from lifted to stumpy, though our focus will be on the latter.

We’ve got a few neutrals in the game; Stella McCartney’s nude and Topshop’s Adorn; either of which would look well worn against the darks of the coming fall season.  For partial color, Asos’ Shamble oxford is an excellent value for your dollars, though their Swatch bootie is far more fall appropriate in the color palette.

For more of a refined taste and larger budget, Elisanero’s menswear inspired lace ups are perfect for the job.  I do prefer the rocker ostentatiousness of the Salvatore Ferragamo faux leopard boots – they are more my steeze, after all.

There is a Vera Wang sunglass sale on at Hautelook right now, and they are much better than anticipated, nay, they’re actually quite excellent.

The three pieces to the right are but a taste of the Wang sunnies on for $92 (from $275), which is ending soon.  There are only two designs sold out, which means that there are over thirty designs still available.

Want to get a pair of these amazing sunnies? Grab an invite to Hautelook!

A proper fedora can be such an asset with a saucy fall style, whether you’re into tipping the hat to menswear influences overtly or not.  Hey, some of us just like to get our Dick Tracey on, and that requires the wide brim of a fedora (and no, a fedora is not the same thing as a trilby)

We’ll start of with the colored group, the farthest from the classics and the sauciest of the six.  We’ve got the neutral power of Monsoon’s feather trim, Topshop’s red and forest green and the dark olive of Rag & Bone.  With a colored hat, you’re exuding that extra bit of visual ‘umph’; an outfit is exaggerated, more effective if you’re shooting for something extra sharp.

For basic black, you can’t go wrong with Goorin’s Jameson; it’s classic, handmade in the USA and is going to look good with anything you pair it with.  For a more contemporary look, Sportmax’s Belbo is sleek and oh so seventies – two very different hats for two very different personalities.

If you are at all into shoes, you have to check out Solestruck‘s new lookbook – To The Source [download] – it’s 78 pages of crowd sourced magic.  Solestruck has been using social media to its highest potential for a long time, and everything in this lookbook is as the name implies; crowd sourced via their Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Want to jump in on the action? Follow them on Twitter and Facebook (and demiCouture [FB] [TW], while you’re at it!), and who knows.. you could be part of the next crowd source extravaganza!

Check out the amazing footwear featured for FW11 and keep checking back Solestruck itself – some of the new footwear has already begun to trickle in.  I’m so hyped over the spiked black leather loafers.. download the lookbook to see exactly what I mean!!

The time is coming for layering to reign supreme, which means that a good handful of button ups are truly necessary to not only keep warm during temperature drops, but to be able to adjust your layers in flexing heat, which is so important during early fall when weather tends to jump from temperate to air conditioned levels (especially for you office folks).

There are three key styles for collared button ups – sleek, sleeveless and leather/suede.  For the sleek, we have three excellent styles; an olive shade by Undercover with some delightful sleeve detailing, the lightweight Dallington and grey silk from T by Alexander Wang.  All of these have pockets, though fall lightly over the body for a feminine effect.

If you’ve got your arms primed for the challenge of sleeveless, there can be quite the range of selection.  Four notable finds included the military camel sleeveless from Topshop, delightfully minimalistic grey from John Patrick, basic white from Dorothy Perkins and orange lace from Topshop.  All of these would look lovely layered over tanks and dresses while unbuttoned, or worn under a loose cardi or knit jumper.

Finally, the leather and suede choices for the more daring of us all! An olive suede from Ralph Lauren Black Label is definitely the most seasonally forward piece, though the AllSaints ombré leather Lorrimer shirt is a close follow in coloring and wearability.  For the fall goths in us all, Alexander Wang’s calfskin button up is a key layering tool over vests, cropped sweaters, jackets; everything.

Heyooo!

I just got a new pair of leather Topman size 40 (fits a 9.5-10 ladies, 7.5-8 mens) Chelseas (the heel is slightly higher on my new Edelmans), so I’m looking to pass my Topman boots to a new home!

They’ve been worn only about 3 times, look new and have nearly no wear.  As you can see, they’re pointier toed, have an elastic  panel on both sides of each boot, and have hardly even been broken in.  They retail for about $100, so $25 is a slammin’ deal.

They’re sold! Thanks, guys!

While being inundated with all of the summer sales, it’s difficult to discern which pieces are worthy buys to work into the coming pre-fall and fall season.  It’s best to scour the sale sections on your favorite websites first; with trending becoming more obscure and unrelated to weather, it is highly probable that you will locate leather or knit pieces that are on sale and ready for cooler temperatures.

Knits are a clear favorite for layering; try a draped Complex Geometries jacket, Topshop Vesper knit dress or Giada Forte’s cropped olive sweater.  Wool is also a best bet for fall outerwear, thus making A.P.C.’s wool cape coat is an ideal option to make your way through seasonal transitions.

Leather is another top choice; high quality leather wears and ages well, and if you can get it on sale then dollars can be saved.  Alexander Wang’s transitional jacket is just the chameleon piece you’ll want in your arsenal.  A large bag is just as important, and one that is leather and under $400 is a catch.  Elena Ghisellini’s lambskin nappa tote is just the thing you’ll love, and it comes in either black and white or black on black.

Footwear is also a prime opportunity for savings.  Since the loafer explosion we’ve had many leather styles, and Roberto del Carlo’s minimalistic nappa pair, Chloë Sevigny x Opening Ceremony’s Chelseas (which I’ve featured before) or Peter Flowers’ over the knee style.  The OTK pair is ideal for a number of reasons; not only are they 50% off, but the sole is thick (evoking a traditional riding boot) and the leather that meets the back of the knee is not split (something cheaper OTK boots often have).  Top with a silver facet ring, and you’re ready to meet fall weather! (Unless you’re in Vancouver, and know fall is already here)

When it comes to fall layering, I always run back to a few menswear staples; the large hat, metal necklaces, a good Chelsea boot and a functional (yet snappy) pullover/sweater type.  Replace dainty gloves with something large and aggressive and add a huge leather tote, and fall 2011 is going to be the most exciting yet for style opportunities in everyday life.

We’ll start with my top priority – the Chelsea.  It’s so important to have a sleek, everyday boot that can be worn with nearly everything, and I shudder to think of all the sneakerphiles missing on such dapper footwear.  A proper Chelsea is classicly English, a little dangerous and always rock’n'roll; pick up a pair of Areas from First by Jeffrey Campbell (their mens’ label), or the alternative in a lady size if [like me] you’re loving the look.

If we’re going to prioritize, a good glove and hat are second on my list of must haves.  Step out of the average and grab a hat with a wide brim, like Lanvin’s brushed wool number.  If you have the budget required to acquire the most amazing Ann Demeulemeester buckled long gloves, do so – these pieces are so eccentric, and will last you years.  There is also many ways to wear them; fully extended, scrunched part way or completely folded or rolled.

A good pullover is also handy for changing temperatures; try Topman LTD’s quilted mustard style.  The mustard coloring is perfect for colors of changing landscapes and is easy to blend within other wardrobe pieces, while the suede patch also adds a sense of vintage to a new piece.  Top with a metal heavy Maison Martin Margiela cylinder necklace, and pair with a large, minimalistic leather tote from 3.1 Phillip Lim and you’re ready for fall!

If it hasn’t been weird enough seeing Eric being nice and all, I laughed out loud when I saw the scene with him wearing the cut out hoodie and basketball shorts.  It appears that Mr. Skarsgård may be accidentally re-living his role on Zoolander as Meekus.. hah!

Preview images from Germany’s Bread And Butter show.  We’re seeing loads of floral printed fabrics, some tapstry-like weaving and very modern boots with piping and nautical coloring.  The navy pieces appear more in the vein of a collection of Sperrys in a Band of Outsiders lookbook, though that’s probably what they were going for.

What do you think of these styles? I’m really liking the 8 hole tapestry and 8 hole navy piped boots.

I was being completely serious when I tweeted that Karen Walker is designing the hottest frames in the world right now.  You may see one or two of these pieces and be wow’d, but if you look at the complete collection, there are consistent successes in all of her eyewear.

I just ordered the Bunny shades, and can’t wait to have them; their goggle inspiration is so clear, yet the frames themselves are so clean that you can wear the style with anything and they would accent beautifully.  Close seconds are the wire rimmed Von Trapp and Peg shades (you can find the orange pair at El Kartel in Vancouver), while the Number One and The Village pieces follow closely behind.

All of these designs are so beautifully shaped and excellently eccentric; I can’t wait to amass my own Karen Walker collection.

Whilst surfing Very.co.uk, I located a very cute and curious hanging watch necklace.  Timepiece accessories are classic, trend defying accessories that will always find themselves in vogue.  While this little pocketwatch piece is non functional, the imagery of the piece will never go out of style.

You’ll also not find a piece like this for less than $19 if you’re looking for a functional face, but hey, who actually needs one of those when we’ve got our mobile phones?!

Ostrich skins are popping up everywhere, from true ostrich to other skins being treated to look as if they had been made from that material. Ostrich skin pieces are typically more classic, as the skins themselves are more expensive and designs historically have been made to fit that buyer’s market.

With other leathers now able to be treated to look as close to the original article has one has yet to see, we’ve got a group of more alternative design appearing on the high street.  These goods are also at a lower price point, which also helps for optioning your next look – check em out.

Classics will never die, so if you’re looking to invest in a piece you’ll have for decades (if treated properly), Mulberry’s Continental wallet, Ragazze Ornamentali shoulder bag and the DVF Hannah belt.  For a skewed classic, Alexander Wang’s Marion bag is a lovely update; the silver edging is a great addition while keeping the design relatively restrained.

For the more daring, Marc Jacobs’ covered heel mod boots would be a kooky twist on any look.  They may be discounted, but these booties would fit beautifully into any FW11 look, I guarantee it.  Jeffrey Campbell’s Grayson with it’s detailing focussed on the back is a statement option – there’s something for everyone in ostrich land.

When I look ahead to fall, the first thing that pops into my mind is my glove collection.  Gloves are such an easy and affordable way to adjust your style in cooler climates, and they protect your hands from exposure that may prematurely age them.  Hands are always a telltale sign of your age, so cover them with gloves in chillier times whenever possible.

All of the glovies below are from Topshop [see all]; leather, knit accented, fingerless, piped, laser cut, crinkled - there are so many different pieces offered, and it’s only July! My definite favorites amongst the crew are the crinkled nude leather driving gloves ($45), gray fingerless ($36), brown rib cuff ($40) and the tan floral laser cut pair ($50).

For the discerning gentleman, leather or velvet bow ties are so passé – one must jump ahead to ceramic accessories.

These are ceramic bow ties by Cor Sine Labe Doli; various styles from painted solids to patterns, all made to look as if fabric pieces. Favorite pieces are the Primo Pattern (shown), black Nero Lucido and Grigio Chiaro (shown).

Each piece runs $175, though just think – you never have to tie it!

By now most of us will have seen the new cosmic Lita, but I’m way over the Lita – give me more flat boots, and give me them cosmic!

Check out this Photoshop quickie I rendered on the JC Blush boot.  Imagine the Blush with rose gold hardware and perhaps [slightly] lighter contrast leather straps..

Am I the only one that thinks this would be really rad?!