Vancouver Fashion + Style Blog | demiCouture

SSENSE Sale Incl. Current Season Pamela Love Jewelry
Sunday December 18th 2011, 4:37 pm
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,Sales,Women's Fashion

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.



WINTER LOVE: Leather And Knit Gloves
Wednesday December 14th 2011, 5:20 pm
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,Women's Fashion

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



NEW LOVE: Kirk Originals CRON Frames
Friday November 25th 2011, 12:18 am
Filed under: 2011,Accesories,Accessories,Men's Fashion,Women's Fashion

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!



PROENZA SCHOULER Bags Bring Us Textile, Minus The Tacky
Tuesday November 01st 2011, 8:17 pm
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,Women's Fashion

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.



Something Else by Natalie Wood’s New Eyewear Range Totally Rips Off KAREN WALKER
Friday October 14th 2011, 11:37 am
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,Women's Fashion

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.



FW11 TREND: Rich Corduroy Bottoms
Friday October 14th 2011, 11:13 am
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,Women's Fashion

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?



Neon Accessories Ensure You Steal The Show
Thursday October 06th 2011, 8:45 pm
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,Women's Fashion

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.



FW11 TREND: Pencil Skirts
Monday October 03rd 2011, 11:24 pm
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,Women's Fashion

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.



HALABY Makes A Very Theatrical Metal Headpiece
Sunday October 02nd 2011, 8:53 pm
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,Women's Fashion

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.



DESIGNER vs DEAL: Alexander McQueen & Religion’s Knuckle Duster Studded Clutch
Sunday September 25th 2011, 11:37 am
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,designer vs deal,Women's Fashion

Alexander McQueen’s knuckle duster clutches have been phoenixed to death, but now we’ve got an affordable knock off that actually looks like a decent bag.  It’s UK label Religion’s knuckle duster, a more rectangular shaped piece, mirroring the exclusive-to-McQueen.com grey studded version of the bag.

Religion is famous for knocking off Rick Owens and Balmain-esque designs (among others), so it’s no surprise they’re dipping into the iconic McQueen favorite for their high street pirhanas.  Roughly $1,974 less, Religion’s piece makes the look attainable if you’re wanting a disposable version of the look.

PS. Vancouverites: you can acquire this piece in person (black color) at El Kartel on Granville Street for $139



Get Fur And Leather Neck Warmers On Your FW11 Hot List
Thursday September 15th 2011, 9:44 am
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,Women's Fashion

Neck warmers are no longer only knitted, but made of skins.  Many fur pieces [including the Fendi piece shown] are appearing as seperates versus only a removable muffler of sorts to winter jackets.

Leather scarves adnd neck warmers are also creeping in boutiques; my favorite being Odyn Vovk’s style, priced much less than the average fur piece at $115.



Sweaty Hipster Beard Guy Proves You Really Never Know What Samples Are Used For
Tuesday September 13th 2011, 4:33 pm
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,Women's Fashion

A friend of mine at Occulter tipped me off to this hilarious photo, which proves you never really know what your samples will be up to between when they’re taken and returned.  This beastplate is the Yiksa by Occulter; an exquisite piece made from vintage ivory piano keys., worn by this rather sweaty gentleman.

Like all Occulter pieces, they’re handcrafted in NYC, which makes for a brilliantly beautiful item.  Not all Occulter pieces are at this price point; check out the whole collection to get a full taste of the brand [I recommend the Monoliths #02007 necklace; $167 and Splinter Ring No. 1; $265).



FW11 TREND: Silver Collar Necklaces
Tuesday September 13th 2011, 9:55 am
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,jewelery,Women's Fashion

Silver collar adornments are heating up this fall, which is perfect for the serial t-shirt wearer or those wanting an extra bam in their daily look without going completely off the reservation.

We’ve got a range of price points, starting with Miss Selfridges’ beaded style, which isn’t metal though the most affordable way to follow this trend.  As for the metal manics, look no further than Dannijo x Man Repeller’s collar, which is handmade in NYC for under $200 (which likely accounts for the back order).

For the elitists (we know you’re there), Delfina Delettrez’s collar draped with pearls.  This piece is the epitome of luxury with it’s feminine silver collar design and draped pearls; the piece is such a beautifully refined throwback look.

 



Best Accessory Bet: TOPSHOP Brogue Leather Shoppers
Tuesday September 06th 2011, 1:27 pm
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,Women's Fashion

The affordable accessory of the moment truly seems to be the leather shopper.  Topshop has a new style with brogue detailing, which is made entirely out of leather and comes in four colors.  Each are $95; my favorite color being oxblood, while pumpkin and coral are also available [tan not shown].



LOVING: Minimalistic Silver Rings
Monday September 05th 2011, 10:38 pm
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,jewelery,Women's Fashion

I’ve been into bulky rings for many months now, so it is quite refreshing to see a pair of minimalistic silver circular styles that are not only sleek, but quite spanking.

One can go for the basic Maria Black Monocle piece, or go for the larger expenditure with the Delfina Delettrez Tourbillon.

It depends on your budget and style, but both rings create quite the statement look.



ROLLING TRUNKS The Newest Luggage Trend
Sunday August 28th 2011, 11:27 am
Filed under: 2011,Accesories,Accessories,Men's Fashion,Women's Fashion

As I’m in the mood for travel, I’ve been picking through luggage listings aplenty of late.  I’ve come upon the most delightful throwback trend; rolling trunk luggage.  These may look like old steamer trunks, but they’re perfectly new and feature rolling wheels for easy navigation.

Cooperative’s rolling trunk keeps things very affordable; it isn’t a full size case for long hauls, though the price is certainly right. Kitschy travelers will enjoy Cafe Luggage’s Paris, though the real prize piggie is J. Crew’s extra deep Centenary is for the truly elite traveler [also available in black and yellow].

 



WOULD YOU: Sober Is Sexy’s “Only Coke I Do Is Diet” Tote
Saturday August 20th 2011, 1:55 pm
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,Women's Fashion

I wonder how many little fashionistas are going to be wearing this Sober Is Sexy tote during the next set of fashion weeks.

Of course, most of them won’t be wearing it ironically. I think.

Either way, it’s only $19, so whether you wear it once or not is really of no consequence.



LOVE: Rodarte x Opening Ceremony Scarf Hats
Wednesday August 17th 2011, 12:06 pm
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,Women's Fashion

For the hat lovers, these scarf hats by Rodarte x Opening Ceremony are an especially lovely treat.  Not only are they delightfully throwback (for some reason they remind me of the Sound of Music), but they’re such an easy look to pull of (tied or untied).

These Rodarte x OC hats are $585, though for the even marginally creative DIY’er you can match fabric lengths with the shade of a thrifted or already owned hat and attach without much difficulty.

The standout is the oh so trendy oxblood shade, while off white and green are also available.



SALE: Chris Habana Cross, Skull Jewelry
Friday August 05th 2011, 9:58 am
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,Privé,Sales,Women's Fashion

If you’re into the Summer of Goth as much as I am, you know there’s nothing more goth than bones and Jesus.  Iconism for both is on sale at Prive, where Chris Habana’s delectable accessories are over 50% off.  Check out the pieces below, and you’ll see what I mean!

demiCouture faves include the thick cross ring ($52 from $105), cross earrings ($46 from $135), bone necklace ($58 from $125), diamond cage necklace ($56 from $160) and the nailed crucifixion necklace ($70 from $150)

You’ll need access to Prive for these killer pieces; get it before they’re gone!

 



FW11 TREND: Large Leather Shoppers
Thursday August 04th 2011, 10:13 am
Filed under: 2011,Accessories,Trending,Women's Fashion

I love a giant minimalistic bag.  They can work with anything, and do anything for you – bring all of your necessary items along for the ride, haul some groceries back home, whatever – these bags are big enough to fit it all.  (For the record, yes, I’m suggesting you grab groceries with a $1,400 Givenchy)

These lovelies are all leather or suede, which ups their wearability and style factor for the coming fall season.  Ensure you spray your suede to protect from damage before you use, or there will be some tears when you get home after that first outing.. we want to avoid makeup run whenever possible.

Naturally, my favorite design is the most expensive, Givenchy’s George V bags [nude suede, black perforated leather] for their simplicity, thick handles and quartered leather cut – they almost look like there’s a giant cross in the center of the bag.  Maison Martin Margiela’s shopper is similarly shaped, while more minimalistic due to less stitching on the bag.  For the utilitarian lovers, Orciani’s basic shopper is a great bet because it’s literally shaped like a shopping bag, only in caramel suede.

For the thinner handle lovers, Parentisi’s and Topshop’s bags [red, black] are definite steals – all leather, and only $150 and $98!  For those with a bit of a sense of humor, Cast Of Vices’ Thank You bag is also a deal with all over lambskin embossed with messages of gratitude.  If you’re a lover of Wang, the Alpha shopper is moderatley priced, and features quite lovely dual strap lengths.

 


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