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!

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.

Satchels are one of the hottest and most functional designs hitting the bag scene this season.  As a past favorite of both professionals and hipsters alike, the satchel transcends the boundaries between office stuffy and stylish.

Solid satchels are the basics; they blend well with more looks and can be worn by more styles with varied ages that color block or other styles.  Olive is a lovely fall hue; Nica London’s Bunty is quite the find for colored leather fans.  If you’re searching for a more basic style, Fossil’s black turnlock is a great shape, while Warehouse and Pieces’ styles explore buckling looks.

Piping in thick or thin adds a classic look to satchels, which fans of throwback trends seem to latch onto.  Asos’ premium tassel and Savanna’s leather and linen combo are both feminine, affordable pieces.  Color [or pattern] blocking is the next step; Asos’ contrast color block bag features amazing fall colors, while their premium leopard bag is an extra slice of spunk.

Last of all are the contrast buckle pieces; the classic look with a twist.  Fossil’s yellow vintage reissue may be for outgoing bright lovers, though Juicy Couture’s bedazzled velvet is a whole new level of trendy.  I’m partial to the leopard and the color block pieces myself; which are your favorites?

Hats are a must have in fall, for head warmth and adding another dimension to your looks.  We have two classic styles; wool and felted rabbit, which are excellent for warming your crown and offering varied styles for consideration.  Fall 2011 has loads of brim styles, colors and style additions; there are 18 styles below.. which one is your favorite?

In the world of wool, some in color as Otte’s wide and H&M’s purple, Hollywood Trading Co’s red,  Brixton’s pecan cloche, Tory Burch’s navy and others in standard blacks and greys.  We have the wider brim fedoras as Borsilano’s, Sportmax’s and Christy’s grey.  As always, the wider the brim, the more dramatic the look; try a Brixton’s Bison or [my favorite], MM6 by Maison Martin Margiela’s grey ombré.

For those who prefer rabbit felt over woolen, you shall not be left out of the excitement!  There are two smaller caps that warrent some attention; Anthony Peto’s trilby and Givenchy’s cap with wee felted ears.  The Peto and La Cerise Sur Le Chapeau pieces are on sale; making them both quite reasonably priced.  Eugenia Kim’s feather circled piece is my personal favorite of the wider brims, though Etro’s red, Vanessa Bruno’s khaki, Marc Jacobs’ brown and another Eugenia Kim – the Gabriella.

If you’re wondering how to wear hats, layer them on a highly layered fall look.  For warmer days, small knits and shorts with tights and thick, loose sweaters over woolen trousers and riding boots as two basic looks to draw from.  Add a wrap of tied fabric or perhaps a feather around a hat you already have to breathe new life into it, if you’re not feeling like buying a new piece.

For an extended throwback to the, say, 1800s is in the bag if you’re into crest and seal jewelry. If you’ve never heard of Pyrrha, it’s time to get acquainted.  They’re locally designed and created in Vancouver, and sell internationally in many top boutiques and feature genuine vintage seals and crests found in Europe.

For more high street pricing, Asos’ Heraldic Crest necklace is only $18, or we have Waxing Poetic’s letter rings and Fallon’s more modern Veruca crest ring.  You can’t deny there’s something here to accent any outfit!

Braces (or as North Americans say, suspenders) are always a hot ticket item for the swaggering gentleman, but more often the style of the original harness is adjusted to fit a more feminine look.  This isn’t meant to say the boys are exempt, but pieces like Scartissue’s braded and bowed braces are definitely something not everyone could pull off.

For more androgynous leather styles, Orciani’s suspenders are a strong look, but can be worn in many ways due to their use of thick and thin leather strips. Dsquared’s calskin pieces are definitely a strong look; these definitely evoke a traditional men’s suspender and would be more difficult (but not impossible) to style with womenswear without looking too masculine (unless that’s what you’re going for).

Skeleton accessories have been quite in vogue in the last few years, though none have intrigued me quite so much as Sakdidet Road’s brass bracelet.  Shoppers can grab the bracelet below at Harvey Nichols, or at Canadian retailer Oldgold Boutique after they restock (they price the piece at $75 CA).

If you’ve been looking for the new quirky bag, you’ve found it.  These are the Bagigia hot water bottle bags, which come in black, blue and traditional red.  The odd part is that other than warming your back or functioning as a massive flask, I’m not quite sure how one would use one of these fully functional $548 bags.

Any ideas?

There’s something about a minimalistic, large leather bag that truly appeals.  Bags of this type are androgynous, simple, can be used for anything and worn with nearly anything – how can you go wrong!

Having a basic style like this also covers your bases when it comes to outlasting trends.  It’s a smarter buy, will hold everything you need plus the bits you don’t, and with this particular piece you get it on sale.

It’s on Beyond The Rack for $795 (from $1,550), so you’ll need an invite if you’re going to check out this bag, or the rest of the designer sacks in the sale.

There is a Vera Wang sunglass sale on at Hautelook right now, and they are much better than anticipated, nay, they’re actually quite excellent.

The three pieces to the right are but a taste of the Wang sunnies on for $92 (from $275), which is ending soon.  There are only two designs sold out, which means that there are over thirty designs still available.

Want to get a pair of these amazing sunnies? Grab an invite to Hautelook!

A proper fedora can be such an asset with a saucy fall style, whether you’re into tipping the hat to menswear influences overtly or not.  Hey, some of us just like to get our Dick Tracey on, and that requires the wide brim of a fedora (and no, a fedora is not the same thing as a trilby)

We’ll start of with the colored group, the farthest from the classics and the sauciest of the six.  We’ve got the neutral power of Monsoon’s feather trim, Topshop’s red and forest green and the dark olive of Rag & Bone.  With a colored hat, you’re exuding that extra bit of visual ‘umph’; an outfit is exaggerated, more effective if you’re shooting for something extra sharp.

For basic black, you can’t go wrong with Goorin’s Jameson; it’s classic, handmade in the USA and is going to look good with anything you pair it with.  For a more contemporary look, Sportmax’s Belbo is sleek and oh so seventies – two very different hats for two very different personalities.

I was being completely serious when I tweeted that Karen Walker is designing the hottest frames in the world right now.  You may see one or two of these pieces and be wow’d, but if you look at the complete collection, there are consistent successes in all of her eyewear.

I just ordered the Bunny shades, and can’t wait to have them; their goggle inspiration is so clear, yet the frames themselves are so clean that you can wear the style with anything and they would accent beautifully.  Close seconds are the wire rimmed Von Trapp and Peg shades (you can find the orange pair at El Kartel in Vancouver), while the Number One and The Village pieces follow closely behind.

All of these designs are so beautifully shaped and excellently eccentric; I can’t wait to amass my own Karen Walker collection.

When I look ahead to fall, the first thing that pops into my mind is my glove collection.  Gloves are such an easy and affordable way to adjust your style in cooler climates, and they protect your hands from exposure that may prematurely age them.  Hands are always a telltale sign of your age, so cover them with gloves in chillier times whenever possible.

All of the glovies below are from Topshop [see all]; leather, knit accented, fingerless, piped, laser cut, crinkled - there are so many different pieces offered, and it’s only July! My definite favorites amongst the crew are the crinkled nude leather driving gloves ($45), gray fingerless ($36), brown rib cuff ($40) and the tan floral laser cut pair ($50).

A laptop case is essential for protecting your goods and keeping them looking funky.  When shopping, choose a case that fits your personality; have some fun and find something a little quirky, or at least out of the plain black range.  The 6 sleeves below were chosen for their variance in style; check em out.

For the classic lovers, Breagha’s tweed case is the clear choice for the funky bunch, though Ted Baker’s zig-zag quilted piece is appropriate for subtle tastes as well.

If you’re looking for a more quirky style with high function, Rebecca Minkoff’s Trompe Loeil case offers a little humor in their sleeve.  Similar printed pieces include Vivienne Westwood’s leather logo design and Leah & Bliss’ gem print on nylon.  For the ultimate eccentric, Henrik Vibskov’s wooden bead cover is both hilarious and haunting for those who actually had a relative that put these wooden beads on their car seats!

KMRII bags are some of the most sought after accessories, and for good reason – they’re delicious leather, buckled, studded and amazing.  KMRII aren’t typically a sale rack goods, but SSense has five bags and two wallets that are all at 50% off.

demiCouture favorites are the LA Scorpion bag, studded Grand Cross shoulder bag and the larger Grand Cross shoulder bag 2.  Check out all of SSense’s KMRII goods before they get snatched up into the arms of another!

I just stumbled across this intense cross cuff ring piece from Jean Paul Gaultier, and almost had palpitations.. it’s huge, horrendously amazing and would be such a versatile statement accessory through the seasons.

Even at $845 US, this beast is already sold out at Opening Ceremony.. I can’t say I’m surprised!

There are times when an underdog brand gets their designs so close to success it hurts.  Things hurt mostly because you see how easily it could have gone right, especially with these MTNG and Sixty Seven bags – they’re almost ideal, if it weren’t for that goddamn Heinz 57 leather disaster.

Mix and matched leather was found on a vast number of leather jackets and bags in the eighties, and has [clearly] never been meant for wearing.  It just looks cheap, and all I can think when I see the stitching holding the pieces of multi colored skin together is how much time was wasted making a leather piece so fug!  Other than the leather mishap, the size and shape of the bags have hit the mark; even the strap designs should remain just as they are.

If only a single tone skin was used, these pieces could have been so lovely.  Just think on it.. minimalistic, simple and effective – isn’t that what an intricately woven accessory should hope for in a leather accent!

Prada sunglasses have become the stuff of eccentric dreams, what with their curling art deco arms and Willy Wonka-esque circle frames and cat eyes.

These are some truly unique pairs of eyewear, and will undoubtedly assist in waving your own well manicured freak flag.  My personal favorite is the round frame tortoiseshell, followed closely with the white and red cat’s eye style.

They’re all $290, but hey, who’ll join me in counting their pennies?

For summer accessories, simple pieces are the best choices, wether we’re speaking of metals or leathers. Simple pieces can be worn with nearly anything, can be recycled with multiple outfits and [clearly] necessitate less spending when you have a piece that can chameleon its way through multiple looks.

Privé has a sizeable collection of Gabriela Artigas’ jewelry; demiCouture’s favorites include the leather pouch ($100 off), sterling silver safety pin ($116 off), bronze twist off acorn necklace ($100 off) and the silver tusk necklace ($116 off).

Need an invite to Privé?

I love discovering new leather accessory label, and 1 Per Diem‘s collection of bags and cuffs.  They employ use of lambskin, goatskin, lizardskin, ponyskin and waxed canvas – these are quite beautiful.

I’m particularly loving the more matte appearing goatskin and lizard pieces, like the Crosby, smaller Bowery or Mercer wristlet.  Do peek at all the bags, and their selection of cuffs – the leopard ponyhair and leather piece is definitely my fave.