Steal: Evening dresses

I may be young, but when it comes to clothes, I’m not delusional. Most of the time. As much as I can imagine myself in an over-the-top designer dress, I know how to find my favorite brands at reasonable prices too. And still set the trend, if I must add.

The thing about designer, is that minimalism isn’t an issue. You could be bare feet with a plastic bag, and you’ll still look dope. Reason being is because designer means quality – it’s not rocket science. So while we’d love to spend $1,000+ on that dazzling couture piece, we can still look on point in less than a fraction of the price. On top of that, adorned in clothes by some of the hottest designers in the fashion bible hot list.

OK, OK, wait a minute, here. A 100% silk dress by Swedish it-brand ACNE for under $250? And where can I get that? Coggles you say? Is that not a steal? And they have my size? If you – or me for that matter – don’t get on this, well have to resort to rags. This doesn’t happen very often… if ever.

Alexander Wang, in my opinion, is the Alfred Sung of his generation. This 26-year-old fashion prodigy has received accolades from Vogue, and is top-tier to celebrities around the world. That said, to own anything by Mr. Wang is a treat. And if it’s under $200, say no more. Even if it is his secondary line.

What more do you need in a TWENTY8TWELVE dress? It’s super-mini, and it’s pink. Nicki Minaj, eat your socks. And it’s roughly under $250 (CDN).

One thing you’ll have to realize: when it comes to cost-effective designer dresses, there’s less fabric to work with. But it’s okay, it’s worth it. You’ve got the body, the look and the attitude, and a little minus degree whether won’t kill you, right? Who wouldn’t wear this grey scale body-con dress by Jonathan Saunders. I thought grey was the new black. And apparently it’s 199.50 (USD), not even $200. Go for it.
Sportmax, a subsidiary of the MaxMara empire is constant in Vogue‘s pages. Does that mean anything, well yes, it does. it’s the originator in sport-motif chic. Minimal construction, and fine detail. And to top if off, for about $250 USD, you’re getting a 2-for-1 deal, a dress and bolero in a navy hue. OK. I meant three.

Musing: Moises de la Renta

It’s one thing to be a talented black man, but a talented black who’s ‘heir’ to the throne of a revered couturier? To call life a colorful soirée of  dainty-ism is probably an understatemet. But despite his rising fashion icon success, he comes across as a down-to-earth guy. After reading this, he’d probably roll his eyes. He’s probably not really interested in being perceived as a ‘black man in fashion’ anymore than just a fashion man.

But we already know fashion’s limited circle of authentically talented black professionals, and it doesn’t take even the common-est commoner to understand that the fashion world can be an air-headed balloon at least 99.9 % of the time. But Monsieur de la Renta’s adding his flair, and it’s all worth noting.

I’m not really a fast-fashion type of gal, okay – well, maybe I am. But  you know, special collabs or not, buying H&M just because Stella McCartney spiced it up can’t really get me on the wagon. Unless of course,  there’s some seriously breath-taking essentials in the collection. Spain-based ‘fast-fashion’ line Mango is not on my list, period. Never has been and may very well never be. However, what I can appreciate is that it produced a collaboration that introduced me to this fashionisto in the making. Set aside that he debuted his own last line, MDLR last year, there’s a bigger picture at hand.

What I’m seeing is a new and refreshing school of fashion leaders. He’s been on the radar of fashion bibles, but now, he’s on his way to become an established and accessible name to kids outside The Hills crowd. And that’s kind of a big deal.

So here it is folks, here’s a glimpse of some limited edition T-Shirts, de la Renta has designed for Mango. Kinda cute, no?

 

Off the Sales Rack: Due West/Next Door Sale, Toronto, Canada

Well you know, maybe I’m just happy… that’s why I’m posting all these sales on my blog.

Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. What other time (unless you’re super cool) can you really bother to get your favorite brands at a discounted price? You better move fast because Toronto street retailers Due Wes/Next Door is having a one-day only sale, and I’m talking sale.

From 10AM to 7PM,  experience the wonderful world of what retail calls a pre-Christmas sale. In this case, you’ll get the hipest fashion brands Canada Goose (though that one’s legendary), Mackage, G-Star, D&G, John Varvatos, Diesel, Acne Jeans, Filippa K, Energie, Dsquared, Miss Sixty, Seven, Rock & Republic, True Religion, and my-gosh-there-are-too-many-to-name-and-I-didn’t-know-this-store-was-that-hot at a discounted rate of up to 70%off. My gosh, this is gorgeous. But why couldn’t this be closer to my pay date?

Who: Due West/Next Door Clothing

What: Pre-Christmas Sale up to 70% off

When: Sunday November 22, 2009, 10AM to 7PM

Where: 431 & 433 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 2A5

For more info, visit: Due West Clothing Company.

Steal

You’ll practically have to claw your way through a legion of fashion-crazed zombies for these babies, but believe me, when you get your hands on them, it was well-worth the battle.

There’s affordable and then there’s just plain ridiculous – ridiculously cheap. Normally cheap is equated to ugly, but that’s not always the case. If you’re on the look out, and you have a keen eye for trends and a confident sense of style, low-end price-points and lesser known brands can contribute to a killer outfit.

Definitely recession proof.

$27 (USD)

18 (GBP)

$25(USD)