Cut-outs from Cushnie Et Ochs Fall 2013

I really love the cut-out look, and though it might not be the easiest to wear, it's sure gorgeous to ogle. Check out Cushnie Et Ochs cut-out dresses with great textures.

All photos from Black Fashion.

See even more from this line at Fashionologie.

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Sweaters, Leather, and Mesh Maxis: Theyskens' Theory AW2012

Sometimes Pinterest introduces you to new and wonderful things, like Olivier Theyskens' beautifully dark creations. This collection has outerwear, knits, and shorts paired with tights -- perfect for chillier weather. Check out the gorgeous sweaters, leather, and mesh maxis (and one bonus glittery blazer) from his Autumn and Winter 2012 runway collection.

What do you think? Will you be channeling any of these looks this fall?

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Rocker Chic Leggings for Fall

I am obsessed with leggings. Cooler weather is the perfect time to bust these out and pair them with tunics and dresses (and maybe even leather boxing shorts) to keep you comfy and warm in the fall and winter. While your basic black leggings are always a great go-to option, leggings can also be the edgy addition to your outfit. Check out these options to turn up the dial on rocker chic style this season.

Leather look leggings from American Apparel

Leather-look leggings won't break the bank but they will leave you looking sharp and hard as nails at the same time. American Apparel has a bunch of different styles. I can't wait to wear all of those this season. ASOS has similar options, including some plus size styles.

Kat Von D "Jade" Mesh legging

I love Kat Von D's "Nicole" and "Jade" mesh leggings. They're sexy and avant-garde at the same time. At around $60, these are more affordable than some of her other garments.

ASOS Curve plus size sequin panel leggings

ASOS Curve has fabulous plus-size options like these sequin panel leggings. Glitz and glam rocker chic made easy and accessible.

Black and White leggings from ASOS

ASOS also has these black and white leggings with a random stripe pattern -- like Beetlejuice on "shuffle."

Lace panel leggings from Torrid

Lace is always a great option for leggings, and Torrid offers these plus size lace-panel beauties as an option. The solid panel on the back means fewer chances to snag the sexy floral pattern.

Hue Python-look leggings

Though I personally have not had great luck with Hue, these python-look leggings look fantastic. With a black oversized tunic, they add trompe-l'oeil texture that is completely on trend.

As you may know, I love metallics. So it's no surprise I love these wet-look gunmetal and silver with pyramid detailing leggings by Black Milk Clothing.

Check out these other Black Milk Clothing -- the trendy inverted Cross of St Peter will lend edge to even the most basic cold-weather wear.

What are your favourite leggings? How do you wear them?

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Dark Outerwear for Dark Days: DKNY AW2012

Fall is just around the corner, and with it, at least in my part of the country, comes the cold weather. DKNY is a brand I've never been too interested in before... and clearly I've been missing out. I was awe-struck by their AW2012 line's black on black on black outfits. Heavy materials like leather and wool provide a great contrast in textures, and the fits are sophisticated and edgy. Let's check out DKNY's runway of dark fall outerwear.

"Shiny shearling" and leather accents make this cardigan and skirt a great dark pair for cold weather.

A leather jacket and leather peplum skirt are outwear and chic leather suit in one.

This shearling collar coat and wide belt almost evoke Dr. Zhivago reimagined by Tim Burton.

My favourite: a wool jacket with leather sleeves and trim.

And just because I think the actual runway look is even more impressive, here's that last one, my favourite wool jacket with the leather sleeves, again:

I love that tailored look, especially for outerwear. If you can't tell, you should really go check out the runway looks on the runway itself, over at DKNY.

What do you think of DKNY's dark outerwear for the dark days of Autumn and Winter 2012?

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Black leather boxing shorts are what I never knew I always wanted

One of my favourite bloggers, Fashion Snag, posted this great outfit. I've already sung praises for Kimberly Ovitz, and the sweater in that post just legitimizes my praise. But what really made my jaw hit the floor was those leather boxing shorts. When I read the post's title, I didn't picture anything as awesome as these babies.

Haute Hippie

Jacqueline Rose links to this pair of shorts. What I love so much about them is that you can wear them over leggings (just like Jacqueline Rose does) in the fall and not have to worry about showing too much. You can wear them with shorter tops or longer ones, and the boxing short style is really flattering. The only problem, for me, at least, is the 355 GBP price tag. So I went looking for less expensive alternatives for this fall would-be staple for my obsession with leggings, long tops, texture, and of course, black.

Vero Moda Very

At 129 Euro, these Vero Moda Very 100% leather shorts come very close to the originals Jacqueline Rose posted. They keep the boxing short style without costing as much.

Tripp NYC at Nasty Gal

Tripp NYC has these vegan leather shorts available at Nasty Gal for $55. They don't provide the same flowing style as the boxing shorts, but they still cover up and add great (and cruelty-free) texture.

Forever 21

These faux-leather shorts from Forever 21 have a little more give than Tripp NYC's option. At less than $20, these are definite contenders to try this look.

Forever 21

Forever 21 also has a plus size version of faux-leather shorts, again for less than $20. The only difference is these ones have the added feature of a beaded front panel. These shorts take the look a step further and add even more texture.

What do you think of black leather (or faux-leather) shorts? I personally can't stop thinking about how great these would look as part of my fall wardrobe. While you're mulling it over, be sure to check out Fashion Snag for more great ideas from Jacqueline Rose.

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Dark and Edgy Texture: Kimberly Ovitz AW2012

Asymmetry, texture, and black on black on black sums up Kimberly Ovitz Autumn/Winter 2012 runway line. Let's bask in the dark glory of this line of my dreams, shall we? 

This outfit had me at the Murai leather jacket -- but the Jorah tank and
amazing texture on the Vara legging seal the deal.

The Rainer dress' leather and what looks like horse hair overskirt evokes a goth Viking.

The Hisu dress recalls the Vara legging's texture. I love the mesh sleeves with elbow detail.

The Xander zip jacket was my friend Soha's fav -- and for good reason! The top it's paired with here is also gorgeous -- I love gunmetal used to subtly break up a black outfit.

The Lonzo blazer, Dorman shirt, and Hiyo pant are combine to make a sexy suit that plays with the menswear trend. I love the cutout on the top.

I can't wait to see more of the Pai coat -- its tails are making me swoon. 

Another Murai jacket, this time with a Beltar dress. The dress looks so satiny and shiny, and the colour is beautiful. 

Get a load of the Tero coat in what looks like black fur! The shiny fur plays up the satiny Kamau pant and they make a great team with the asymmetrical Noland sweater. 

The Kosi dress' tails are sure to turn heads.

The Xino coat takes the menswear trend and pushes it to the oversized extreme.

The Phito dress is perfect for those who love to layer. And that black fur shoulder accessory can't be missed.

These are some of my favourites, but there are many more outfits on the site. What do you think of Kimberly Ovitz's tribute to the dark days of fall and winter?

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The Bigger the Better: Summer Bags for Smuggling

I am a recent-ish university graduate and unlike many of my friends, I graduated without any student debt. It was tough, I'll admit and looking back, I'm not quite sure how I was able to budget so well. Oh wait, that's right, I BARELY shopped, and when I did, it was usually for friends and family members. Needless to say, the minute - nay, second - I locked down a full time job I went shopping.

And boy did I shop.

Now, also unlike many of my friends, I recently moved back in with my parents (long story). Therefore: full time job + no rent to pay = lots of money to spend. At first, my parents were supportive of the purchasing but after a while, they started reading me the riot act. I was spending lots and saving less. They were the guilty conscience I didn't want to own up to, so I did what any self respecting fashionista would do: I started hiding my purchases.

And how exactly have I been able to pull off such a clever stunt? Two words, amigos: giant purses.

Here is a quick and helpful step-by-step guide on how to smuggle purchases into your home:

1. Carry a large bag at all times. They are fashionable and make a statement, don't you think?

2. Before going into your home, make sure any packaging or bulging of product is concealed. Remove any noisy packaging as well - its a dead give away. Trust me.

3. Run to your room as fast/as naturally as you can.

4. Put new product away where it belongs, as if it has been there this whole time! Then, discard tags and receipts in empty Starbucks cups. Do not just throw tags in the regular garbage as they will be visible in plain sight and your efforts will have been wasted.

5. Repeat each pay day, and a few days in between.

So, for anyone else out there who also faces the tyranny of responsible parenting, I would like to present you with a few options for concealing your purchases.


The Hermes Birkin Bag

Great news! If you are Victoria Beckham or Kim Kardashian or have an extra $10,000 laying around, you might be able to get your perfectly manicured hands on a Birkin. This is an excellent choice for hiding purchases from your parents, mainly because after you buy one, you won't have any money left.
But in all seriousness, this bag is beautiful and functional and comes in every colour and goes with every outfit. If it is not at the top of your leather goods wishlist, it ought to be! Wasn't it Les Brown who said 'Shoot for the moon, because even if you miss, you'll land among the stars'? This rationale also applies to shopping: Shoot for Hermes, because even if you miss, you'll land at Kate Spade, or Michael Kors.

For more information, see: Hermes


The Marc by Marc Jacobs Take Me Tote

This hot pink beauty retails for only $228, modest in comparison the the almighty Birkin. This tote is super cute and very versatile. It also comes in black, but I think the hot pink is perfect for this season's colour blocking trend. Also, if you're one of those people who gravitates to all black (like I used to), this is a great way to add a little pizzazz to your outfit. Just think how nicely a pair of hot pink lips would look with this tote. Sigh.

For more information, see: Bergdorf Goodman


The Roots Large Hobo Woven Leather Bag

Exhibit C - the Roots bag. I am a firm believer that everyone needs to own a pair of Roots sweats (yes, I wear sweat pants... in the wilderness) and a Roots leather bag. This one is a stunner and retails for only $268 (amazing price for Italian leather if you ask me). I like that it is woven because it reminds me of a basket and baskets remind me of picnics making it a perfect summer bag. It is so soft and the hardware is so beautiful. And because it is leather, it is also a great transitional bag for the fall. Like Roots itself, it is timeless and classic and will be a great item to have for years to come.

For more information, see: Roots


The Jessica Simpson Getaway Tote

I absolutely adore this Jessica Simpson getaway tote. It retails for only $88 and comes in about five different colours. I chose two of my favourites.

The one featured above is on trend in a major way.  Firstly, that coral - orange colour - LOVE it. Its so vibrant and fresh. And the colour blocking? Trend number two! And of course, the python print is the hottest animal print for the season.

The bag featured below also has a lot of the selling features as the orange & python print tote does.
That mint-y, teal, turquoise colour is very hot right now and would be great addition to an all white outfit. My favourite part of this tote, however, is the print on the top section. The print is a perfect mixture of palm trees and leopard print spots (who knew?!). I urge every one to buy one or both of these bags IMMEDIATELY.

For more information, see: Jessica Simpson. Also, for you Canucks out there, this bag is available at my second home The Bay.

What are your favourte big bags this season??

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