The woman is 67 years young and can still do the splits and cartwheels!

Check out this behind the scenes video from her SS10 show.  I love how social she is in the production and models; that’s a rare sight in the pompous world of fashion design.

I’ve met Betsey, and I can confirm she is just as much fun as she seems and more.

American Apparel was gracious enough to send me a package of goodies recently, and it included a two pocket frocks; and one in solid red and one striped.

This is one design that can be styled in so many different ways, and is incredibly versatile and flattering.  The dress features the transitional 3/4 length sleeve and boat neck; worn with the ruched tube bra, you have an instant and incredibly sexy layering piece.

I would recommend you buy this dress one size up from your usual – the bunching fabric on the arms and hips is a lovely effect on the body.  For $41, this is one piece that should be in your regular SS10 rotation.

Doc Martens have always been a stomping staple for the get ‘er done crowd, so naturally over the course of the last few years (what with them catching like fire again) that they have become as artfully designed as their wearers.

During 2009 many de-licious Docs were seen; Topshop picked up the floral wallpaper design, plaid designs were released and there were all those colored pairs we couldn’t ignore if we wanted to.

While 2009 brought us the eyelet JOHARI ($150), the black croc printed PASCAL and its patent green sibling ($135 and $115 respectively), it’s time for the FW09 heavy hitters to take a back seat for the new and exciting SS10 floral contender.

The Valentine Rose model is the newest, shiniest, floweriest pair of Docs yet released.  Just like the monochrome color wallpaper design before it, this boot marries feminine florals with the hardness and practicality of a Doc Marten boot.  It is a perfect hybrid of wearability and trend, all for $130 US.

This boot is going to catch on like an STI at a swinger’s party… just wait for it.

It’s sale time at Akira, and only through demiCouture will you save 50% off sale items, instead of the advertised 30% discount.

The 30% discount is already taken off all sale items at Akira, and add the exclusive 20% off promo code “DEMI20“. This equals a grand half off of Akira’s stock, which includes everything in the collage you see below – Jeffrey Campbell shoes (including the recently released designs), party dresses, menswear, jewelry, everything.

The discount combination has already been double checked by myself, and it works like a charm. So, are you ready to shop till your bank account drops? Thought so!

UPDATE:

It appears that Akira has busted us on the additional 20% discount – they’re disconnecting it, but will honor any submitted orders before that takes place.

Basically, if you’re wanting anything from Akira, get your ass into Akira before the discount reverts back to only 30%!

It’s Topman 1/2 price sale time, which means that all well dressed men should take note.

Sale items include GQ recommended pieces, and everything from leather kicks to suiting.  There are quite a few choice pieces, but sizes are disappearing faster than you can say, well, ‘Topman’!

demiCouture picks:

Bottoms: Mid blue skinnies ($35), black twisted skinny jeans ($40), grey skinnies ($40), gray spray on jersey jeans ($40), ox blood skinny trousers ($60), gray striped skinnies ($40)

Tops: charcoal hand knitted jumper ($80), black drapey cardi ($40), black acid wash sweater ($20), charcoal wool mix overcoat (GQ recommended; $120), blue check skinny blazer ($140), black check skinny jacket ($180), navy/green check jacket ($125),  grey striped wool peacoat ($90)

Footwear: navy hi shine wedge shoes ($60), leather weave pointed shoes ($60), black perforated leather shoes ($50)

Accessories: black & grey rucksack ($50), owl shaped sunglasses ($20), black waxed trapper hat ($18)

TOMS shoes have typically been a bit granola for the discerning style lover, but no more!

TOMS has officially crossed into relevant territory with their glitter loafers, which come in silver and gold.  They aren’t taking their crossover to heavily – these loafers are available for $59.78 (at Nordstrom); $10.88 more than their previous canvas designs.

There is a better aspect of TOMS than an affordable blinged out loafer – for every pair bought, TOMS will donate a pair to a child in need; it’s called their One for One initiative.  If that isn’t an incredible reason to check out what TOMS has to offer, I’m not sure what you’re waiting for!

TOMS loafers are unisex, and they have an excellent collection – if you’re not into glitter kicks, check out the striped Primo Classics, dual tone Classics,  and the sneaker lookalike slip on Cordones.

It’s almost 2010, which means a lot of great things – just make sure you don’t  bring yourself into a new decade unsafely.

Remember to

• watch your drinks
• never accept a drink from anyone you don’t know (unless a bartender has just poured it)
• don’t take funky drugs
• always party with friends
• and don’t take stranger rides home!

I had a friend who got drugged last year - thankfully she wasn’t hurt and was brought home by her friends, but that could have easily turned into a horror story. 

Keep it safe, keep it simple and keep it beautiful!

CYA LATER 2009!!

*Victoria

One of my favorite online shops Nasty Gal is having themselves a sale for their vintage pieces – 15% off  with promo code “ULTRAWOW“.

They have quite an eclectic collection; the highlights include an ostrich coat ($298), draped sequin cape ($178), star sequin knit sweater ($108), avant collar anorak ($98),  purple rain sequin top ($78) and the heart attack acid jeans ($198).

Katie Eary is a British eccentric worthy of a prior age, and it appears that Topshop has taken some influence from her recent FW09 collection for their new stud ripped skinnies ($125).

While Eary’s design clearly has mail-like studding up the outer core of the denim leg, Topshop goes under the fabric and shows the metal via tears. If you’re into a horror haus of bones, fur and metal faceplates, go to Eary’s SS10 collection immediatley.. it’s a delightful scare.

When a sale includes an iconic Alexander Wang leather vests ($476-518), Balmain jeans, sequin skirts and booties ($474-3,210), Elise Overland, Lanvin, Proenza Shouler, Repetto, Rick Ownens and a host of other designer pieces on sale, it’s time to get the hell into Kirna Zabete’s online sale.

Discounts reach 60% off, and the collection is vast.

demiCouture picks of the litter include:

- $1,000

Stella McCartney foil legging ($318), Rick Owens leather/cashmere skort ($504), Proenza Shouler studded ankle boot ($422), Les Chiffoniers suede leggings ($395), Balmain belted bootie ($474), Alexander Wang leather vest ($476)

+ $1,000:

Rick Owens belted contrast coat ($3,261), Thakoon sequin party dress ($1,470), Givenchy leather/jersey leggings ($1,866), Balmain zip skirt ($3,210), Elise Overland purple mini moto skirt ($1,070)

The world may be mired in disarray and negativity, but that dosen’t mean your accessories have to reflect that.  Disaya’s FW09 collection is an incredibly fun, comic inspired range that wraps you in the idea of fantasy worlds and a place where ‘recession’ isn’t a term.

Disaya’s is a world where little bears are rippling with spike, cuffs appear as melting bubblegum and vampires have grillz. 

MORE, MORE, MORE!

Be & D is an exceptional luxury brand which features a riding style strap of spikes on nearly every piece of footwear from their FW09 collection.  The Be & D Memphis is on at Bluefly for $636, but if you’re looking for something a little downmarket to that price then check out Steve Madden’s COLURS.

The COLURS are a heavy duty leather motorcycle boot featuring a similar strap of embellishment, all for $199.  They come in both black and brown leather, though I personally recommend the black version. 

They’re new, hot, come in sizes 6 – 11, and unlike Aldo fit true to size.

The standard ‘lose weight’ and ‘stop smoking’ [etc] are getting to be a bit tired.  The less interested you are in a resolution, the less likely you are to keep it, right?

SO, let’s all resolve to dress ourselves a little lovelier in 2010.  Like it or not, the way you present yourself visually to the world affects how you are perceived.  This includes personal, business contacts and everything in between; it’s pretty damn important to look good.

These are suggestions to live by every year.

• Treat yourself to something once every couple of months. For those on an extreme budget, it’s particularly hard to remain in the line, so giving yourself a reasonable treat will keep you on track.  Plus, then you’ll have something new!

• Shine your shoes.  Leather scuffs and dirties easily, and it’s so simple to keep your leathers looking new[er] and more impressive.  This will also deter you from having to spend more on a new, and likely very similar pair.

• Banish clothes that don’t fit.  If you’ve gained weight, there’s no use keeping half your closet around as thinspiration.  Get a gym membership, work out a fitness regiment and promise yourself a new wardrobe as a reward when you lose the thunder thighs.

• Lose the Uggs. Seriously. I don’t care if you’re the Octomom, there is no reason to wear Uggs.  They’re hideous, shapeless, style deficient and the mark of a lazy person.

• Wear something daring every day.  This may be scary for some, but the jeans and t-shirt combination you’ve been rotating to death has been begging for mercy (and accessories).  Try jewelry, an accessory (scarf, funky watch, anything) or new funked out footwear – it makes a difference.

• Change up that hair. Most of us get in a hair rut, and it helps with everything to have even a slight change.  Even getting a regular, proper and professionally done trim makes a massive difference in your overall look!

Good luck in 2010, and whatever you decide to do, be sure to keep it up.  Only smoking deserves quitters.

Nasty Gal has gotten a rather large shipment of new stock, and I’m seriously getting a little hot and bothered over these goods.

Case and point: the draped velvet leggings ($54), lace power shoulder blazer ($58), draped Rebecca jacket ($78), Jeffrey Campbell Morrow boots ($195), Rebel buckle boot ($108) and the sequin drape jumpsuit ($68).

You’ll see.. it’s all awesome, and all pretty damn affordable.

Gilt has excellent designer pieces at sample sale prices, and it’s time to get their remaining stock from their previous sales out the door!

Their final sale items include exquisite pieces from Alexander McQueen, Alice + Olivia, Christian Lacroix, Costume National, D&G, Elizabeth & James, Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam, Habitual, Moschino, Rachel Roy, See by Chloe, Y-3, Missoni, Rock & Republic and a whole lot more.

All those designers, and further discounts.. sounds freaking fantastic to me!

If you need an invite to Gilt, get it here.

If you’ve been thinking that casual flats have plateaued for SS10, worry no further.  See By Chloé has produced two rather delicate mashups of two historical favorites; brogues and loafers.

The high top moccasins have been outfitted rather cleverly with on trend studs and grommets, mimicking the look of a Converse sneaker quite well.  Alternatively, the cut out oxfords are a a delicate take on a typical men’s design.  Both of these are designs that will be available on the high street soon enough, saving us from the over $300 apiece Chloé demands of us.

Since we’re all clamoring to get the hell out of this cold season and into tropical humidity, it’s also time for new bathing (or sunning) gear.

When full priced designer glory isn’t in the cards (or you’re just smart and like to save your coins), The Outnet always has sublime, new, genuine designer pieces ripe for the picking. The favorites from the current selection are all still very relevant to current suit trends; prints, stylin’ one pieces and of course the animal look.

The Marc Jacobs and Melissa Odabash bikinis are particularly fun; both are under $80 US.  For the one pieces, the pick of the crop was the one piece Melissa Odabash version with a delightful plunging neckline and the Current/Elliott ruffled throwback design; both being under $65 and $86 respectively.

There are 70 swimwear related pieces floating around The Outnet right now, so if none of these float your buoy, there is a mighty selection to thumb through.

Leather and studs may be entering played out territory for many labels, but Bess keeps it fresh.  Bess contains just enough New York style (and attitude) to keep black and gold in the spotlight, and on the backs and bums of the style elite.

From angry rockers to discerning label lovers, Bess has a piece [or two] for all of you.  Daring dressers, I urge you to take a peek at the velvet studded cape; it’s Little Red Riding Hood on a cocktail of prescription drugs and put through a glam club.. to be frank, it’s amazing.

Other pieces of high mention include the side studded pencil skirt and leggings.  These pieces feature a stud design befitting of a luxury label; nothing run of the mill appears here.  The studs are small cones, which are hand-fastened one by one.

Bess, you’re amazing!

It’s true – some guys have all the luck.

Well, in this case Steve Venegas of Vancouver has all the luck and will be able to pick out a pair of men’s kicks of his choice from Solestruck.  Lucky bugger, right?

Stay tuned, as I will be requesting Steve send in a photo of him and his new (and free!) shoes.

If you didn’t win, don’t be bitter.. keep both your eyes glued to Solestruck.  They’ve always got the best Jeffrey Campbell selection, and have the Sam Edelman Zoe boots at a lower price than any other online boutique on the Interwebs.

Till next giveaway, adieu!

Without a doubt, 2010 will be the year grunge takes a turn and leans on military fatigue style dressing, if Balmain’s SS10 collection has anything to do about it.

There’s great news for thrify stylists everywhere – this fatigue styling is a pumped and glammed sibling of the recent safari look.  SS10 from Balmain’s point of view was torn, accentuated with metallics and heavily military inspired; a look easily acquired through creative local shopping.

If you take any safari and lighter grungy items, toss in a few torn up green fatigue inspired pieces and pin up some harware heavy bracelets or necklaces you’re good to go.  The name of the game is light fabrics for this look; khakis, army greens, light grays and blues to balance the look.

It is very likely that you will already have most of the pieces needed to create this look, now you’ve got to get your styling down.  If you’re not into shredding the pieces you already own, take a trip to your local thrift shop and go to town – it’s affordable and you will look oh so on trend.

If oyu’re curious as to what designers and prices are reflected in the three example outfits below, feel free to scope out everything on my Polyvore.