Vancouver Fashion + Style Blog | demiCouture

Senso WILMA Bootie Coming Soon In Neon Pink + White/Brown Cheetah
Wednesday September 01st 2010, 10:34 am
Filed under: 2010,Footwear,Women's Fashion

Senso is one of Australia’s hippest shoe labels, especially now that their Wilma shootie (aghh – worst term) have been re-launched with electric pink and brown/creme animal prints.

The new Wilmas will still be priced at $160 per pair, and are currently on pre-order, with delivery at September 30th.  I can feel it in my bones the pink Wilma is going to be a hot blog topic in coming months.. get a jump on her bones before everyone else does!



In Lurve With La Cav Du Bon’s Leather Bag – CHECK THESE!
Tuesday August 31st 2010, 8:36 pm
Filed under: 2010,Accessories,Women's Fashion

If you’ve been musing Australians have been blowing up on the design scene as of late, you would be hailed as correct yet again.  La Cav Du Bon may be a mouthful and not too familiar for many, but these are world class beauties in bag form that are going to be commanding the attention of many very soon.

This collected, dubbed Late Nights With Charlie Wrights, and it is a rough yet tempered collection of beautiful bags.  They make me feel like they have a bit of Km Rii’s manic design effects dashed in the mix, with a bit of Be & D’s refined luxury and roughness from the fur usage.

These are incredibly special statement pieces that will last you years.  Trust me, you’re going to be seeing these babies on Gossip Girl.



Death To Trouser Boots!!
Monday August 30th 2010, 4:04 pm
Filed under: 2010,Footwear,Women's Fashion,fashion crimes

These boots are so incredibly heinous I can’t imagine anyone would actually want to put them on (much less spend their money on them), but I’ve seen some cray-crazy looks across this globe and this kind of faux pas is always worth a mention.

To clarify, I’m not talking about the ultra cute and sleek foldover boots (think Be & D’s Cornwall), but the trouser-style that Guiseppe Zanotti for Balmain knockoffs.  These are so incredibly horrid, I can’t even imagine a bar star kicking drinks over on a counter with these beasts on!!



Celebrating FW10 Capes
Monday August 30th 2010, 2:13 pm
Filed under: 2010,Trending,Women's Fashion

Outerwear trends usually stick to the same lines each year, though in 2010 we have one difference: lack of arms.  That’s right, capes aren’t just for your neighborhood LARPers anymore thanks to brands across the globe creating their own vision of the classic look.

These vary from the ponchos of the summertime in fabric and detailing; these are heavier pieces that you can wear in lieu of a traditionally cut coat in any day, ranging from fall breezes to winter chill.  Military is also a heavy trend within cape designs; if you want to be super trendy, that’s the style to go for.

As for military inspiration, Topshop’s aptly titled Ultimate Military cape is just that; the piece has the look and feel of a pea coat, yet the flow and movement of a cape.  Both Topshop and Gryphon’s Sherlock cape have beautiful double breasted buttons and epaulet detailing – the mainstay of any proper military outerwear.

Fatigues are also a hot topic right now; traditionally speaking Miss Selfridge’s khaki cape is the basic for a rough design.  For more of a refined shape, Lounge Lover’s Sweet Insomnia cape provides the feel of an earthy fatigue without having a true military style to it – it’s the color that will give this piece more of a uniform look, not the detailing.

The remainder holds the more feminine pieces; Alexander McQueen’s feather print and Charlotte Taylor’s Anna cape.  Both have very different detailing styles, but one aspect unites them – they are not utilitarian, but feminine stunners that would break up an androgynous look incredibly well.



Over The Knee Socks Galore!
Monday August 30th 2010, 12:15 pm
Filed under: 2010,Women's Fashion

I love tall socks over tights, leggings, bare skin – even denim! Anything to give another layer, pop, warmth and depth for fall is always an awesome thing, and layering over the knee socks are leading the way this season.  Socks are also an excellent (and affordable) way to juice up your wardrobe, whether you’re bored of things or need a little something extra and can’t break the bank.

We’ve got a handful of tall socks for you to mull over; from super solids to pattern perfect, you’re going to find some spunky socks to mingle in with your fall styles.

Solid wins include American Apparel’s opaque and sheer designs, Madewell’s grey ribbed and Tabbiisocks Kawaii’s mustard crochet over the knees.

When it comes to patterns, you can go from basic stripes like Full Tilt’s to message styles like Vivienne Westwood’s Do It Yourself design – it’s all about the look you’re going for, and what suits your personal style.



You’ve Got To See Marie Mercié’s Cat Hats
Monday August 30th 2010, 12:29 am
Filed under: 2010,Accessories,Women's Fashion

If you think milliners are all about old fashioned, classic styles or head tops made for garden parties, think again.  French hat maker Marie Mercié is an excellent example of hat eccentricity, especially due to her cat hats.

These are available in black or leopard felt, though the leopard print is perfectly bizarre.  Enough with summer’s wire and mesh bunny ears, these cat hats are the new thing to be looking for.

Most will want to keep eyes peeled for high street adaptations, since each of these wonders will price you at about $450 CA.



Rachel Gilbert’s CHRISSY Dress Is Fit For Lady Gaga
Monday August 30th 2010, 12:10 am
Filed under: 2010,Women's Fashion

Check out this architectural Rachel Gilbert dress.  It’s named the Chrissy, and with space-like silver and hip panels, couldn’t you see it being worn by the Gaga?

Either her, or Spock’s girlfriend.  Either way, this dress is a supreme vision of futuristic bold hauteness!

Picture this topped off with the new Alexander McQueen crowned skull ring and Mulberry studded leather booties, and the look would be unstoppable!



Be & D Has Fall Flats Covered
Sunday August 29th 2010, 1:57 pm
Filed under: 2010,Footwear,Women's Fashion

New York’s Be & D is thankfully focusing on more wearable shoes this season.  Not that heels aren’t super rad, but flats are long wearing, long lasting and the best shoes for every day wear.

Be & D has updated a few of their classic designs for the new season; the Cornwall is a cropped version of the Saratoga, and the Joe is an updated version of the classic Memphis.

New kids in town include the buckled and distressed Leo, sheepskin lined Wales, camo or sequin Cheshire booties and the very NYC Saville.  I’ve got a soft spot for the Cornwall, but hey, there’s always room for the rest of the gang.



Be & D’s BARCLAY Tote Is An IT Pick For FW10
Sunday August 29th 2010, 12:56 pm
Filed under: 2010,Accessories,Women's Fashion

The shape of the bag began as the Garbo , and has become something else entirely. This is the incarnation of one of summer’s most covetable bag, which has turned into an example of fall finery – it’s the Barclay.

It’s just like the Garbo in some ways; shape, vertical spikes and leather, though different in that there is a panel of fine sequin detailing up the center of the bag.

It comes with a detachable shoulder strap of added comfort and wearability (crossbody designs always win me first), could be worn during day or night jaunts.

The Barclay is $1,350, which equals some serious saving, though it’s going to be quite a statement accessory.



Sam Edelman Is Totally Killing The Balenciaga Sole (And Not In A Good Way)
Thursday August 26th 2010, 9:06 pm
Filed under: 2010,Footwear,Women's Fashion

The Zoe was cool, but that was because it was a knockoff of an amazing piece by Balenciaga that happened to be brilliantly designed.  There comes a time when a trickle down designer just needs to play ‘let it be’ with a base, even if it has been their recent meal ticket – such a thing has happened with the Balenciaga inspired sole.

Months after the Zoe blew up, we’re now burdened with the Zale, Zachary, Zamara and Zain.  The only incarnation I approve of is the Zoyla, due to its closeness to the Zoe‘s design.



Causse Gloves Lead The Way In Lusty Hand Coverings
Thursday August 26th 2010, 1:22 am
Filed under: 2010,Accessories,Women's Fashion

These aren’t really practical buys, but what the hell.. they’re a thrill to look at.  Causse creates some incredible leather pieces, all from their French HQ, which range in effects from animal prints to buckling – perfect for the FW10 season.  Besides, you can’t truly attain cold weather clothing enlightenment without some sassy hand covers.. let’s check ‘em out.

Amongst the collection, favorites of mine are the printed ponyskin Jackie, buckled Moss, zippy Must, bandtastic Ion and the ostrich skin gloves.



Jeffrey Campbell Does A Leather MEEKER!!
Wednesday August 25th 2010, 11:59 am
Filed under: 2010,Footwear,Women's Fashion

We’ve seen the brown suede Jeffrey Campbell Meeker, but this one is sleeker, more fall ready and well, blacker.

These are the black leather and wooden architectural wedge Meeker ankle boots, which are an incredible vision to look at.  These are incredibly bold, sleek and Finsk-inspired chic – all for $160.

Not bad, but what I really want to know is how they wear!



6 Low Heel BUCKLED BOOTS You’re Going To Love
Wednesday August 25th 2010, 11:38 am
Filed under: 2010,Footwear,Women's Fashion

Buckle boots aren’t just for pirates (or Vivienne Westwood) any more – FW10 has officially marked the highest concentration of low or flat heel boots featuring buckles that we’ve seen in years.  These aren’t just your goth averages, these are punk inspired pieces that add a visual storm to your look.

Ankle boots are the most vintage inspired, so if you want to get low, RedByWolves’ Yvan contrast buckle boot are just the ticket for a snappy wardrobe addition.  Next, we’ll crawl up to mid calf – Marc Jacobs’ buckled suede boot, Dolce Vita’s sculpted Rosalie or even the Westwood-inspired ASOS Abbott boots are similar styles with very different overall looks.

There are a few tall babies in the jungle; CYDWOQ’s Alpha Tone and the elusive Balmain Western style buckle boots, which are on pre-order right now.  Those require the ultra investment, though the flat style ensure you can wear the boots for many seasons to come.



IF ONLY.. Vivienne Westwood Over The Knee Pirate Boots
Monday August 23rd 2010, 3:31 pm
Filed under: 2010,Footwear,Women's Fashion

Vivienne Westwood’s pirate boots have been a classic since the 1970s, but they haven’t reached over the calf.  It’s time to get over the knee, and fast!

Wouldn’t the boot to the left look splendid with a taller shaft? (please, hold the jokes in people).

Bring on the higher Pirates!



Volatile’s WARRIOR Boot Mirror’s Balmain SS10
Monday August 23rd 2010, 3:05 pm
Filed under: 2010,Footwear,Women's Fashion

It may be a season late, but Balmain’s buckled ankle booties have been cloned by Volatile to create their Warrior.  Instead of paying upwards of $500, you’re getting a similar [only suede, not canvas] pair of booties for 1/5th the price.

The Warriors are available in both olive and black, and are picture perfect for the coming fall season.



LD Tuttle’s Over The Knee Boots, $250 Cheaper @ Luisa Via Roma
Sunday August 22nd 2010, 9:44 pm
Filed under: 2010,Footwear,Women's Fashion

LD Tuttle’s tall boots are all the rage right now, especially since they reach so high up the thigh.

I’ve been searching Shopbop, La Garçonne, Creatures of Comfort – they all had the Shaper boots at $860 per pair.  Not Luisa Via Roma – they’re shown at LVR at $645US per pair; a $250 price difference!

Now if only they would carry the greige pair!



Velvet Footwear Is FW10′s Sleeper Trend
Sunday August 22nd 2010, 5:21 pm
Filed under: 2010,Trending,Women's Fashion

Doc Martens has just come out with a classic 8 hole in velvet, which piqued my curiosity – was velvet in for a major comeback.  Turns out, yes it is – there is more velvet on the market right now than on George Costanza. It’s a true trend, so let’s check out some of the heavy hitters!

Black isn’t the only velvet shade we’re working with; the Opening Ceremony Bordeaux bootie a multicolored Kodak-colored-yawn style of fabric.  The OC Bordeaux certainly isn’t for the faint of visual, so for those with less bizarro drive, it’s best to stick with black.

For the flats, Keds’ CVO velvet sneaks and House of Harlow’s Baron ballet slipper are both very vanilla styles to get you into the trend.  For those wanting a little more freak flavor, Alexander Wang’s Frankie creepers are certainly the design of choice.  We aren’t all grunge and andro – Givenchy’s 1800s throwback bootie is feminine and deadly chic, though they’re also the most expensive (of course).



I’m Not Sure How I Feel About Alexander Wang’s MIRTE Sock Boots
Sunday August 22nd 2010, 2:50 pm
Filed under: 2010,Footwear,Women's Fashion

I won’t lie, these are the Alexander Wang Mirte sock boots look a little off to me.  If you think the Mirtes look familiar, they’re like a flat version of the SS10 Wang Freja tall boots, only with less lace involved.  These are curious shoes, and while I believe that there are people who can pull off nearly everything designed, I really want to see these worn by someone that hasn’t been professionally styled.

The Mirtes are $925 per pair – not quite a thoughtless purchase, though one can imagine if you could pull them off you could wear them incredibly often.



At Topshop, The Difference Between Faux & Real Shearling & Leather Is $490
Saturday August 21st 2010, 12:58 pm
Filed under: 2010,Trending,Women's Fashion

Shearling jackets are the hottest cold weather trend for the FW10 season; these aviator style jackets have been seen on runways on Burberry Prorsum, Acne, Pringle, Mulberry - even Gucci’s runways.  If you’re looking for a high street version of the look, Topshop has two perfect jackets for the taking.

The thing is this – if you want real sheepskin on your jacket, the aviator-style piece is $650, but if you’re ok with faux shearling, you’ll be paying only $160 for a faux shearling bike jacket, though it’s PVC.  It’s not often when you’ve got a cheap versus pricey comparison at the same time, with so close a design.

Would you save for the quality, or spring for the quick high of the faux jacket?

http://demicouture.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/shearling-jacket-gucci-fw10.jpg


There’s Nothing Like A Friday Afternoon Topshop Delight
Friday August 20th 2010, 7:02 pm
Filed under: 2010,Trending,Women's Fashion

When I get bored, I wonder what things look like when put together in an actual outfit.  Spare time hit this afternoon, and bingo - Topshop magic ahoy.  This outfit is super killer, and it screams ‘gotta have it!’ from beanie to boot.

There are a few reasons why this look works; the foremost being the leather Multi Stitch bike jacket the look was styled around.  The piece has two distinct leather color treatments, and has the detailing to satisfy the most discerning leather jacket connoisseur.  The Vintage Rose snood and Uneven Hem chiffon skirt are excellent juxtaposition pieces; always an effective styling technique for the modern woman.

Legs are a prime styling tool in cooler temperatures – this season, layer nylons like Henry Holland’s House tights and the Button Placket over the knee socks.  Add a pair of lovely Vivienne Westwood inspired Darko buckle boots to the mix, and your legs are so ready for their spotlight.

Top your head with Le Specs’ round shades and a chunky knit Pom Pom beanie, grab your leather leopard bag and you’re ready.  The look is just busy enough, with contrasting styles that will keep you warm and looking cool.  All I can say is thank God my credit card is in a block of ice.




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