SSENSE may be a Canadian company, but what originated as their Black Friday sale has continued into an even deeper disount haven.  I’ve been creeping on Pamela Love’s FW11 collection since it appeared, and to my delight have noticed that her current season pieces have been slashed 50% off retail prices.  These are some of the best items available from the FW11 collection, so if you’re like myself, you’re going to be getting your fingers clicking over SSENSE’s way ASAP.

Favorite pieces available are the quartz necklace, the crystal crescent necklace, porcupine needle necklace, porcupine needle bracelet and double crystal ring.

Gloves are not a negotiable acessory for most smart winter dressers. Myself, I’ve been too vain to forgo my chunky rings to actually protect my hands this season [so far], so fingers crossed I don’t end up with Madonna Claws by 2012.

These are four of my favorites, including the best priced item which picks up the look. For that, look at the Warehouse piece.  For other pieces in more of an investment category, Marni’s short style is one sale, while Barneys long mixed and long cable knit gloves are both fairly reasonably priced

As much as I’ve resisted the anything-but-droll movement of holiday style postings, it’s been a fruitless attempt – I’ve been pretending one can still be a baker without actually baking.  Regardless, I’ve stumbled upon a collection of six black dresses featuring some rather delightful embellishments.  These are largely more expensive pieces, as sequin and beading usually goes terribly wrong when cheaping out occurs on respective manufacturing and purchasing ends.

These are grand pieces, very elegant in their different ways.  I was pleasantly surprised at the golden bustier design of the Lucy in Disguise Chaplin dress, which is British singer Lily Allen’s [surprisingly lovely] pet project.  Rare Opulence’s high collared A-line plays by a similar shape, which is very forgiving for those with small busts [and/or] thighs that need hiding.

For art fans, Marchesa’s Dupioni dress will likely strike a particular chord; these lines almost look like cosmic streets in a dark sky.  Alternatively, Biba’s flame sequin gives us a very grounded, earthly feel.  For the last pieces, we’ve saved the most opulent for last – McQueen’s silk mini with transparent cape and the obligatory Balmain mention.  After all, it’s great to have something, some vision of impossibly expensive dress to work for, right?

Instead of taking up the typical party dress course this holiday season, grab a bustier and a maxi skirt.  This will result in a very mix and match friendly look, which maximizes the amount of wear you can get out of each piece.  For those wanting to go ultra glam, acquire a larger bib or chunky necklace, akin to Kenneth Jay Lane’s Rocky Road or Shourouk’s incredibly intense Cleo necklace. Remember, don’t go super cheap.. it’s not cute wearing a huge chunk of plastic from Forever 21 on your neck.

Find an elegant bustier as Bottega Veneta’s structured piece, or a more interpreted style as General Pants’ skirted Connie.  Here is where you can really get creative; match the bustier with either a more night-time velvet [as Topshop's], or choose a more dressed down jersey style as Rick Owen’s Lilies, which can be easily suited for daytime looks.

Footwear isn’t difficult; acquire a clean, uncomplicated pump or boot, like Jil Sander’s navy booties or Acne’s Vega pump.  If the Acne pumps are a bit out of price range, try Steve Madden’s Sarrina.

The time of the sequin dress and glitter trouser has passed, and it seems that the most viable option for instantly holiday-ifying and of your regular looks can be with a sequin jacket.  We’re seeing tuxedo cuts, crops and collarless pieces are all surfacing; your best bet it to avoid the standard (and very dull) long cut blazer style.

My official favorite piece happens to be a strong shoulder option by Mango (for its price and overall look), though 3.1 Phillip Lim’s multicolored sequin draped tuxedo is my true love – we all know by now I prefer the outrageous.  Another multicolor sparkle flavor is Megan Park’s collarless piece, which is excellent for those looking for a bit of a throwback.

For more standard fare, select Aubin & Wills’ Sliverthorne, and you would be hard pressed to create yourself a poor look! Last is Mango’s sportier crop jacket, while Dorothy Perkins’ champagne sequin jacket is a sleeper hit with it’s contrast collar.

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.

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.

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.

I’ve been going through the motions, mired within some serious blog writer’s blog defunct, and I won’t lie – it’s been fairly hideous and non productive.  Thus the blogging returns with a particularly delicious collection of velvet trappings.  These are not your average plain Jane velvets; we’ve tossed aside the droll figure skater dresses and replaced them with elastic waist mini shorts and deliciously printed velvet maxi skirts.

If velvet footwear is more your thing, Topshop’s pompom slippers, House of Harlow’s throwback Bailey boots and Penelope Chilvers’ red Cubana boots are just the thing for fall creeping.  For those with a streak of vampiric dandyism, Unconditional’s jacket is a beautiful piece, while Topshop’s Cross tunic and Marc Jacobs’ velvet top are perfect for day to day professional dressing.

Bodysuits are the key for mix and matching, creating amazing holiday looks and generally one upping te females around you, and I’m convinced that bodysuits are key for holiday and New Years’ dressing successes.

My plans for New Years includes grabbing that velvet Topshop harness piece with a wide A-line skirt cut up in an asymmetrical style with the edges all raw and fraying.  Creative dresses are getting so expensive, and why spend a flash of cash on one piece, when you can mix and match to create multiple pieces?! Seriously.

Other highly loved mentionables include the Topshop Caged, We Are Handsome’s The Knight, The Lake And Stars’ Fingerprint, VPL’s Harness and Wolfrod’s Wild Lace.

As a fan of Karen Walker (I own the Bunny frames shown below), I’m always on the lookout for new loopy sunglasses.  I ended up stumbling across the Something Else by Natalie Wood site, wherein I discovered that she is launching a new eyewear collection.  As it turns out, the group looks pretty similar to Karen Walker’s range, a Kiwi to our Aussie Natalie Wood.

Check out the Radiant Frame below by Something Else; they sure look like echoes of the Bunny to me.  The rest of the collection looks like a less angular version of the Walker set; decide for yourself here.

Colored denim is so passe; we’re officially diving head first into the realm of the richly hued cordoroy trouser.  Cords are no longer purely the property of Paddington Bear; these are  serious contenters in the denim world’s fight for supremecy. If you doubt, scan the selections below; these are rich options, people.

While I’m partial to the darker red J Brand 511s, the purple and teals follow in close second and thirds.  For more primary lovers, Rag & Bone’s red and Sandro’s royal blue are just the thing.  For those that really aren’t into the color parade (I know you’re out there); J Brand’s burgundy almost passes for a worn in black, but there’s no real fun in that, is there?

Unagaro may have gotten dotty last season, but the real polka prime time is fall.  This is advantageous as The Outnet has a handful of quite lovely Ungaro pieces that have been marked down 80%.  Aside from the basis that the regular price for pieces from this house is beyond outrageous, think instead of yourself getting a $2,300 dress for $460.

Three favorite pieces are the chiffon and wool bodycon, printed silk wrap and [my personal favorite] the asymmetrical A-line.   I feel like these polka dots are the anti dalmatian effort; these are definitely a refined pattern to contrast more carefree animalia.

When black and grey dominates winter looks, you need to have a bag for an evening out that all but spanks everyone that looks at it.  This can be attained by the Nuevo and Palmero clutches; both genuine leather accessories by HOB Design.  I was quite surprised that these are actual leather [handmade] pieces at this price.

The shop these were picked up at is B-Unik, which supports independant artists who actually make some really cool stuff.  There’s a bonus for Canadians, since B-Unik is located in BC, which means no import fees for orders staying in the country!

Want a bonus bonus? Use promo code “lovetoblog” to get 10% off your order.

Capes always make me feel like I’m a kid in dress up clothes again, running around the city or riding your bike feeling invincible.  While these are a higher level of personal costuming, they still deliver the same result (for me, at least!)

Fall 2011′s capes are interesting; they seem to be either armless takes on military styles as YSL’s button up, Burberry Brit’s leather trimmed, Ralph Lauren’s Healtherly and Gryphon’s Sherlock are a small group of excellent examples.  Others, like DKNY’s two tone wool and Zero+MariaCornejo’s leather and shearling are just as if your favorite blazer or jacket had lost its arms!

When it comes to skirts in the fall, a little longer length, a slap of color here and there, and a close cut is just the ticket.  There are a handful of wool skirts from J. Crew that are just perfect for affordable standout additions to your wardrobe; favorite colors are definitely viridian green, vibrant flame and spicy gold.

For color blocking fans, Preen’s Fox skirt is a Harrods’ exclusive, though you’ll be paying for the privilege.  To add some spice to the more conservative cut, Kelly Ewing’s vertical stripe, Moschino’s polka dot and Marni’s block print are excellent pieces to break up an otherwise monochromatic look.

For basic grey, Robert Rodriguez’s grey is a proper basic, while Vivienne Westwood’s Waterfall and Moschino’s biker asymmetrical zip up appropriate for any office or professional scenario.

Space headpieces, Ziggy Stardust slash Elton John slash Lady Gaga circa Yoü and I – metal facial weirdness has begun to hit the mainstream.

This is Halaby’s Cyborg helmet, something featuring a bird-like forehead frill and Princess Leia satellite ear covers and a monocle from Hell, found at Luisa via Roma for $1,300.  I don’t even know what to say anymore; this shit is getting too ridiculous even for me.