I’ve always had a dangerous obsession with anything sequined, and with Fall just around the corner, I’m looking forward to topping off slouchy graphic tees (shop Wildfox Couture or Trash & Luxury on Bicyclette) with sequin toppers: blazers, capes, vests, boleros … bring it on. Oh, and lot’s of layered jewellery, of course.

Good thing there’s the most gorgeous MinkPink sequin tuxedo blazer hitting the shop in October, seen in the look book preview here.

images via song of style

Just as I’m starting to crave Fall weather and wardrobe transitions, the Spring ’11 lookbooks start surfacing, tempting us with looks that we won’t be able to wear until 6 months from now. Working in this industry always throws your head for a bit of a spin and it’s hard to live and dress in the now and focus on what’s available and wearable in the present.

But don’t let that fool you, there’s also something incredibly exciting about booking lines so early and then having to wait so long, almost forgetting what awaits when you open those boxes come the following season. Seneca Rising is definitely a favourite, with it’s clever layering pieces, raw edges, subtle details, and inspired prints and patterns, and when I received the Spring ’11 lookbook, entitled “Valley of the Dolls”, I knew I was in for a treat.

The best part? I haven’t put in my order yet, so if something catches your eye, this is your chance to share your opinion and help in the buying process. Enjoy!

For behind the scenes shots, wander over to the Seneca Rising blog.

And also, don’t forget to check out Shop Bicyclette for two favourite pieces from the Summer ’10 collection, the Danny Dress and the Ella Vest. Even better? They’re both on sale!

They’re back! Wildfox has done it again and come out with a second style of their Zodiac tees, this time in tissue-thin black with gold foil. I’ll be ordering them for Bicyclette, but because I’ll only have one or two of each sign and last time they flew, I’m also taking pre-orders to ensure you get the style you want. E-mail me at paige(at)shopbicyclette.ca with any questions, and to reserve your tee!

What’s your sign?

I’ve started a week of long nights adding product to the site, which means that yes, it’s almost there. Little by little, it’s starting to take shape before my eyes. Making buttons has become my preferred method of procrastination, and today I designed a series of floral patterned beauties, which I’ll post in a little while. I love how easy it is, and the satisfaction that comes from producing something yourself. A few moments here and there to grow my collection. I’m also experimenting with pinning them to my business cards to hand out.

Some favourite images from the MinkPink Spring ’11 look book. I’ll be doing the buy for Bicyclette next month (in mere weeks, really), so it’s nice to have a little preview of the pieces I’ll be seeing. Loving the muted, pastel tones and faded prints, and of course the vintage aesthetic and easy layering that MinkPink does so well. The photos all remind me of faded photos from vacations past. Looks like floral patterns, lace, and playing with shapes and proportions are here to stay for another season.

Next week I have a few appointments to book more lines, and since it’s great to get people’s input and you seem to enjoy being part of the buying process, I thought I would show you the Motel look book and see what you have to say about it. Plus, I know everyone like to look at photo shoots, and this one in particular has some interesting elements …

Known for their little dresses that tend to be body-conscious and fairly mini in length, Motel does prints extremely well, and their futuristic details make every piece an interesting one. Personally, I like them as layering pieces, with tights, a blazer and boots for winter, and a tangle of jewellery to set it off.

Now it’s your turn: Favourite styles from this shoot? What intrigues you and what turns you away?

I’m at the point of near exhaustion, once again. Prepping for the final stages of the online store launch (yes, it’s coming, I’ll have more info on that after tonight), doing another photo shoot all day yesterday (I’ll be posting photos from it later on), and then the usual craziness. And it won’t be ending any time soon. Yes, I thrive on the constant buzz, but it’s also tiring, to say the least.

I have a full day today, but I wanted to share one quick thing with you. I’ll be participating in a small sale that’s happening tomorrow, mid-day, through a summer program I’m involved with. Due to the relatively small size of it, I won’t have all of my stock with me, but I’ll be bringing a variety of accessories I’m selling (jewellery, feather head pieces, headbands with vintage trinkets, gorgeous printed scarves), all by local designers, as well as a sampling of clothing pieces. It’s really more about providing a brief snapshot of what Bicyclette has to offer, and focusing more on a lower price point.

The information is all below in the flyers, and it would be great to see as many people out as possible. There will be a great variety of vendors and it’s a great chance to show your support for young, local entrepreneurs. Plus, I would love to meet you! Feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

A little while back, I had the pleasure of having coffee with Corrine from Biko after a few e-mails back and forth. Not only was it great to be able to talk to a local Toronto entrepreneur who has been through a similar journey as me, but her Fall jewellery line is absolutely gorgeous, incorporating a variety of vintage elements and trinkets, and exploring contradictions within every piece.

… the richness of black velvet against old brass chain, the rawness of copper against silver, bold bad-girl chains mixed with delicate fringes, and sharp spikes and triangle charms strung on rounded hardware.   I imagine this collection will be a bit of hot and cold, old and new, rough with girly touches, and of course, classic with a nostalgic twist.

I am beyond excited to start carrying Biko’s Fall line, and thought the perfect way to celebrate would be to share some of my favourite pieces with you.

A while ago, I wrote a blog post asking your opinion on three different Wildfox sweater styles, here. I ended up getting all three styles for Bicyclette: Baby Cheetah, Love Potion #9, and Queen of Hearts. The sweaters will be in the shop mid-September, but I thought I’d share some much better photos of the Love Potion #9 style, which is sequined, slouchy, and growing on me the more I look at it.

Based on everyone’s comments before, this was the least popular style, but I’m curious what your thoughts are now?

via wildfoxcouture

Another Wildfox shoot for Resort ’10: “USA”. I believe this collection consists primarily of reissues of their bestselling, classic styles. I think the blurb from their blog sums it up nicely:

“When you start to feel down about the weather or your location, just take a local tour bus ride or a road trip to LA. That’s what we did! When you are with beautiful, Australian “it” girl, Tiernan Cowling, and Mark the Cobrasnake, life is always a vacation; Especially now that Tiernan’s moved to California. We chased her down Hollywood BLVD, sprawled out across the stars, bought maps to the stars homes and filled bags with fake oscars. We ran to the top of the tour bus right before the driver left, the air felt great up there as we whizzed past In N Out burger and Chateau Marmont. We jumped off the bus at McDonalds and got soft serve ice cream, we fell even more in love with LA and each other.”

Curious if you’re drawn to photo shoots like this, which are more spur-of-the-moment and street style focused, or prefer more orchestrated and studio-oriented shoots? I suppose there’s a time and place for both …

I’ll be adding Mink Pink to the Bicyclette lineup come October, and I couldn’t be more excited. The line is perfect, in my opinion – vintage-inspired and aware of trends, but not bound by them; young, fun and not afraid to play around with colour, pattern, texture and shape; and you couldn’t ask for a better price point.

And so, for those of you who haven’t already seen it, allow me to introduce some images from the Fall/Winter 10 collection. And don’t worry, I’ve pointed out which pieces I’ve bought for Bicyclette, so you can start compiling your wish lists!

Time for the big question – what’s your favourite MinkPink piece from this collection so far? Leave it in the comments!

Lace trim crop top. That covetable slouchy fit that's perfect for layering.

High-waisted leather shorts. Cuffed, and oh-so-vintage. Picturing them layered over tights.

Long, leopard print cardi (the perfect animal print) and striped, long sleeved tee dress.

Leather look moto leggings. I'm thinking styled with oversized layers on top.

And finally, the pièce de résistance: the structured, sequin blazer. So perfect!

images: minkpink

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