Looking back at Unif’s new release of their oxblood Hellraiser loafer, I am forced to turn tail back to one of my favorite happy colors for fall 2011.  I’ve found another release of another favorite; Topshop’s leather trim boyfriend coat, from mustard into this rich red.

For those continuing to love leather, J Brand’s leggings can be worn as a leather trouser, or legging under a skirt such as the Topshop Fit tunic.  Alternatively, try the Topshop boucle short peeking from a short tunic for a cheeky look. We cannot always be ostentatious, so for times to blend pieces find the Stella McCartney long knit gloves and the Laura top.

I’m on the extreme silver holiday dress bender; I’ve just acquired myself a Theory Felda dress (shown below, also avail from Net-A-Porter for a hair cheaper than at Shopbop) for my Christmas party season, and now I’m going crazy for subtle shimmer silvers.  Trash the huge, sparse sequins; that just looks trashy and as if you’ve been shopping at a strip mall – it’s all about the goods below.

The only way you’re going to do sequins well this holiday season is if they’re high quality and look seamless, like Farah Kahn’s embellished sleeveless piece.  For something affordable and simply elegant, Dorothy Perkins’ silver embellished t-shirt dress is as close as you’re going to get to the Theory Felda‘s material without spending five bills.

For the more traditionalist women, Topshop’s high neck jacquard piece has a lovely surprise with its open back, as is Miss Selfridge’s embellished Yoke dress.  For the ladies who hate taking chances, Reiss’ Tanya is simple, elegant and something that that new royal would wear, but I’m not naming names.

SSense may be a Canadian luxury retailer, but they are joining in with the American shopping frenzy today and offering up to 50% off on amazing pieces we won’t have to pay duties on (well, we as in the Canadians reading this).

Either way, there are some ultimate pieces that are available; my favorite pieces being the Mandy Coon python leather backpack ($992), Rag & Bone Bradley brogues ($398) and the Balmain Astra boot ($938).

I’m going to Cape Town, South Africa to be an artist in residence at A Word Of Art during the month of February. I’m looking to source some financial support, as this jaunt is going to be quite the pricey one.  Total cost of the trip [flight, room/board, film, food] is going to surface around $3000.  My goal is $2000, though I’m going regardless of the amount of funds donated.

I’m offering some excellent art in trade for donation, as well as highly reduced ad opportunities available on demiCouture.  Check out the IndieGoGo fundraising page for offer details, and please give me a hand with this project.. it’s going to be well worth your assistance, I promise.

Please spread the word; if you (or someone you know) owns a label/business, this is great way to purchase valuable advertising for a cut rate!

I’m on the search for new frames, and am certain other optically challenged folks will love these Kirk Original Cron specs as much as I do.  These splendid frames come in off white, tortoiseshell, and aubergine, and run for $448 per pair.  It’s worth the investment; these are quality pieces and Jason Kirk is one hell of a character!

Creeper boots are quickly replacing the regular ankle boot in the ‘awesome’ category.  These two boots from Underground UK are amazing, heavy and fairly affordable.  The Bowie and X Issue collab are my absolute must haves for the fall.  A warning, though – the navigation on the Underground UK shopping site sucks major cajones.

I have acquired a new appreciation of the houndstooth weave during its current high time in the trend world.  I’ve personally found two brilliant pieces from H&M; a mod 3/4 sleeve dress and cropped trousers both in the black and white print.

Houndstooth seems to be one of those prints that excels in monochromatic looks – every time I’ve seen houndstooth failures it has been [largely] due to a mashing of color amongst it.  Most colors seems to cheapen the print, while black and white strengthens it, hence the two outfits below styled in blacks, whites and greys.

From the left, we have a delightful contrast sleeve blouse from Topshop, paired with a sale pair of striped Anthropologie trousers, with my most favorite creeper boots of the moment from Underground UK.   Top a harder look like that with a wee Tarina Tarantino hair bow, and you’re set for success.

The rightmost look has a bit more of a punk feel, due to the pattern’s strength on the Galliano leggings.  I’ve paired them with an open knit Zadig & Voltaire sweater (wear with a sheer tee or top of similar ilk underneath), which looks spanking with a Bank sweater scarf and Oak wool fedora.  I’ve been enjoying the footwear showing up in SSense’s new arrivals of late; one of my favorites being Opening Ceremony’s Sinead 2 studded booties.

Ever since models at Dolce & Gabbana FW11 stormed the runway, stars have been the mainstay of the quirky pattern world.  Always encouraged by pattern weirdness, I’ve found quite a few pieces that have piqued my interest, namely Scotch & Soda’s cardi.  Along the same knit lines, Sea’s star jumper and Rika’s merino wool scarf.

Stars are also domineering the accessory world, namely Love’s star pattern clutch and Coast’s star clutch make your look stand out [does Coasts's piece not remind you of the stars from Super Mario world?!].  If you’re not in it for the boldest of statements, earrings or a ring may be just the ticket – scope Tallulah’s glitter, Peacocks’ Super Star and Falling Star charm ring.

If you’re really into making a statement, Maggie and Me’s sequin bodycon style could be a smash holiday party hit.  If not, Topshop’s Elle slippers or Dolce & Gabbana’s patent brogues are perfect for accenting an event or daytime look.

We all know that textile isn’t at the forefront of what I love in design; lately we’ve been budding keeners to explore the looks of a blanket on the self, but something made me take a closer look at these Proenza Shouler bags.  After closer inspection I realized what it was.. they’re made of printed leather.

My personal favorite is the PS1 pouchette satchel; that design is timeless and very effective in day to day use.  Other pieces within the collections are the PS1 tote and PS1 clutch; both the same printed patterns on leather, though made for very different styles of shoppers.