I’m the owner of two pairs of Derek Cardigan specs from ClearlyContacts, though I’ve been feeling a bit designer-like of late.  I love cheap glasses (the more pairs, the merrier.. especially on a budget), but sometimes you want a piece that has a little more care taken into their production.

The specs to the right are pretty stellar; my favorite beign the red Pradas for their shape and interior arm design, while the tortoiseshell Ray-ban Wayfarers and Diesels are close seconds and thirds.

If you use promo code “BLUE15” you’ll get 15% off any pair, even designer selections.

FYI: Their promo code “FIRSTPAIRFREECA” won’t work on the designer pairs, but they will work with these Derek Cardigans.

Neon yellow footwear and accents are appearing with gusto.  It’s not just about oxfords like Christian Louboutin’s Havana or Jil Sander’s neon sole style; loafers are taking over the neon world as well.  Matt Bernson’s Gitanes are pretty spectacular, especially since there is no detailing; the neon coloring is powerful enough.

If feminine flats are more your thing, Belle by Sigerson Morrison’s Andromeda punch out flats are fairly spectacular. As for Rebecca Minkoff’s Uma woven flats, they are a little more boho, but the weaving style is snappy enough to stay away from any hippie fail.

Coral has recently become a favorite of mine.  It is the perfect summer red, without stepping into dreaded Pink Territory.Coral reminds me of a pinched cheek, and I love it in leather, especially when made into a bike jacket, as IRO has done.  Ash has also experimented with coral leather, and has added super studs to their very cool Vibration sneakers.

Classic dress cuts as Awear’s coral dot and Dorothy Perkins’ surprisingly funky damask dress.  For safer shoppers, Quicksilver’s coral jeans are a smart purchase at just under $60, while those with rediculous amounts of disposable income (or those interested in DIY) should consider Faliero Sarti’s Topazio scarf.

A green is one of the more likeable selection within the ranges of pastel, and looks splendid amongst the ranges of greys from all transitional wardrobes.  Phillip Lim’s acid wash slim fit jeans have caught my eye, for their ankle zip detailing and bright yellow zipper button.

The more traditional dressers will enjoy a slice of color in their American Vintage tee, Romwe’s oversized work shirt, or perhaps a big budget Versus crepe dress.  The star of the group, for color, design and price is definitely H&M’s supersummer sheer dress; I can’t imagine not turning others green while wearing that piece.

Floral denim is still as strong as last summer, and the variance of designs is only getting more detailed. Color palettes have also become carefully selected, and blended neutral tones have eclipsed hard black and whites. Working from Citizens of Humanity’s china cup blue and Current/Elliott’s rosy Haystack, we can get to know what it means to be floral SS12 denim.

While I typically recommend staying with solid tops when one has a heavily patterned bottom, there was something about J Crew’s stripe tee that cried out for usage.  Since the mint shade is so light, the pattern on pattern works, especially as the mint is picked up in the print of the Haystack.  Match that busy pair with a very basic boot as Acne’s Pistol, and you’re set.

When it came to the dark shade of the Citizens pair, I chose the neutral Angel Wings top to offset the aggression of the denim and the Steve Madden Tarnney‘s spikes.  No matter what you’re wanting to pair floral denim with, it’s all about balance.  Even if you choose two busy main ticket items, be sure to incorporate a few solids into the mix to mellow your look.

Now that I have your attention, I’ll give you the details.  ClearlyContacts.ca is offering new customers a first pair of eyeglasses (including prescription lenses) for free.  That’s right.  Zero bucks, nada dinero, you get the picture (or you will, after you snap up a pair of these babies).

The only thing you’re responsible for is shipping.  That means express for $15 for express delivery (in about two to three days within Canada), and you’ll be seeing clearly, for much less.

The specs also come with a cleaning package, including cleaning liquid and a litle shammy for wipe-offs.  I own the top two pairs to the right (7015 and 7004), and planning to snap the 7014s soon.

I’ve only shown the in house label Derek Cardigan, but they sell everything including authentic Ray-Ban Wayfarers (those are a little more; about $159 for sunglasses and $168 for the optical frames).

Oh, they also sell Lanvin sunglasses for 99 bucks. You’re welcome.

Leather jackets have always been a literal second skin for me.  After losing my most favorite piece was stolen in Cape Town and learning a hard lesson in not being drunk and stupid, I’ve been on the hunt for an epic replacement.  While most leather catching my eye was above the $1,000 mark, I’m convinced that you don’t have to spend that much to locate something great.  Case and point below, where these four awesome bike jackets appear, all being under $500 US.

AllSaints and Topshop have minimalism covered with their Herero and Boutique cuts, though I’m drawn to more elaborate designs.  Religion’s belted biker happens to be on sale, while Tigha’s Blair with sleeve and collar detailing is my definite favorite.

Denim shorts are a hot weather mainstay, and an explosion of embroidered, [often] native inspired looks has experienced an explosion in popularity.  Depending on the particular style you’re shopping for, you may steer towards the more DIY appearing Free People Guipil or Thu Thu pieces.

Topshop’s high waisted Moto and Sandro’s royal blue Tribal Pearl are more well manicured within the casual realm, while Miss Selfridge’s Tribal high waisted pair are keen to be dressed up or down.  (Masscob’s all over embroidered pair are an exception to the denim base rule, but if you don’t tell anyone, I won’t)

Platform sneakers may have had their heydays in the mid nineties during the Spice Girls phenom, though they’re back with more steam than one could have thought possible.  As someone who owned three platform sneaker pairs just like the Jil Sander Navy (and had to beg her mom for every single pair), this is brutally nostalgic.

The design world seems to have typically adopted a Chuck Taylor look to their platforms, from the sporty take of the Smoothie to more gothic side of iiJin’s studded and embossed designs.  If you’re into more of a basic canvas, Asos’ art deco offers a snappy pattern, while Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony gives us the bare design – solid black, or white.

Soft striped denim is on to be one of summer 2012′s hottest trends, beginning with Balmain’s pirate sequin skinnies of FW11, and took on a fully spring look thanks to Current/Elliott’s The Stiletto denim, in coral and sand dollar.  Building on the base of these jeans, we have two soft, cheeky looks perfect for those experimenting with their looks in 2012.

Starting with the left, we’ve got a coral shade of The Stiletto, and topped with Clu’s subtley lovely polka dot tee.  To continue with the pattern explosion, layer up with Jane Norman’s leopard print scarf.  Pick up a pair of Topshop’s Mel brogues, this particular style featuring a blast of coral to connect the kicks to your legs.  For a bit of eccentricity, find a hat like Brixton’s pork pie, which clashes just the right amount with it’s pink fabric band.

When we go with the sand dollar Stiletto, the result is a blend of flavors.  With a boxy mint blouse from Monki and with spiked sneakers by Rodney P. Hunt, the look is undoubtedly urban.  Toss in Burberry Prorsum’s woven riding cap, and you have an incredibly unique look for the summer season.

The return of day-glo has arrived with full force.  Not since the mid 2000′s have we seen this much neon, making the entrance of spring and summer visually aggressive.  While most will not opt for a full body neon blast, consider all of the below options as seperates and work them into your looks from there.

Topshop’s bleached peach moto jacket (which also comes in yellow) is the favorite for style and color, while and Miss Selfridge’s pepto pink is a more traditional style, which also happens to echo the look of Christopher Kane’s stretch denim jacket.  For those more into neon bottoms, Topshop has cropped denim, an electric green look from True Religion, and [my favorite] Current/Elliott’s leopard airbrush pair.

Buckled boots have been a long term favorite of mine, which accounts for my historical soft spot for all things goth.  Cut-out features are appearing on summer 2012 designs, making little windows during hot weather for good circulation.  Even if you don’t plan on wearing these with thin stockings or bare footed, the cut out style is an excellent vehicle for showing off spunky socks.

The two selected for spotlighting are Jeffrey Campbell’s super heavy Tripoli, and Topshop’s double buckle Adonis.  Both feature thick soles and low heels, though the JC pair are definitely on the heavier side of the industrial look.

While shopping in Cape Town is [nearly] abysmal, if only for lack of choice, Mr Price is a low cost ray of disposable fashion sunshine.  Don’t let the bad name fool you; this chain of stores offers local and traveling hipsters items to tide them over before starting to go mental for lack of other brands and styles.

The terrier sweater below, was a particularly great find.  The sweater has a surprising level of quality, in that the terrier is actually woven in, not a print – that admiral detail for fifteen bucks.  Also found were tees for R50 ($6.50), colored denim for R120 ($15) and a host of dresses ranging from R80 to R120.

The accessories are too cheap, but the clothing was worth doing a complete store combing.  If you’re in South Africa and feel the need for something cheeky and cheap, Mr Price is the place to be.

There is something quite incredible about a floor length ruffle, which H&M has aptly captured within their urban gown from their latest Conscious Collection.

This floor length fantastic features zig zagging layers of silk and organic cotton ruffles, with a perfectly juxtaposed tank style top.  For me, the casual feel of the top perfectly balances the extravagence of the skirting.

At a very reasonable $299, this dress is going to be the ideal summer cocktail item.  Imagine wearing this dress with a denim gilet, a large ring and some sleek sneaks?

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.