Barre and adult ballet classes are popping up all over town, but nsure your tender tootsies have the right gear before pirouetting in.

The black microsuede Emma elasticized Ballerina (US$115) is the perfect go-to slipper to keep you steady in the studio and also looking chic in your dancer ensemble. The line is on good footing thanks to Blake Brody, a Pilates, barre and yoga aficionado who wanted to design a shoe that was not only practical and comfortable but also still allowed feet and ankles to have full range of motion.

While we’ll be snatching up a couple pairs of these as we prep for dance class, we're still debating the tutu. —Kait Kucy

www.blakebrody.com

Parents of boys know that there is a harsh inequality when it comes to baby clothes. Girls have a vast collection of separates, dresses, and accessories to choose from, while boys have to contend with basic onesies, jeans, and the odd sweater.

We think Winter Water Factory is trying to even things out. Its collection of organic printed baby clothes features a goldmine of boys’ items. The tools romper ($40) and construction onesie ($36.50, pictured) will certainly excite the heavy machinery fans in your family, and the high seas gown ($36) is perfect for any pirate-in-the-making.

May as well dress our girls in these too, in hopes they’ll take an early interest in power tools. That toddler bed isn't going to assemble itself. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

At Hip Baby, 2110 W. Fourth Ave., Vancouver, 604-736-8020 and online at www.hipbaby.com

Growing out of your winter maternity duds? Here are a few pieces that will keep you and your bump stylish and cool as the hot weather approaches.

The dress: If your biggest maternity investment is going to be a formal dresss, then we suggest this silk number from Seraphine. Available in a maxi ($359) or mini ($299) version, the kimono sleeves and jewel tone blues are perfect for summer parties or weddings. At Seraphine, www.seraphinematernity.com

The jeans: Go white this summer, since it will mostly likely be the last time you’ll be able to don white pants without having them covered in spit up, food, and crayons marks. These ones are from Loved by Heidi Klum. $59.98 from Motherhood Maternity, www.motherhoodcanada.ca

The tank: Be practical and buy this plain white tank from Au Fait Mama. The comfy bamboo fabric works perfectly underneath blouses (to keep the belly oils from staining your good clothes) or on its own when it’s broiling. Best part? This is actually a nursing tank, so you’ll be able to use it when baby is born, too. $68 from Au Fait Mama. www.aufaitmama.myshopify.com

The tee: This grey tee from H&M features a pretty floral print, and at $14.95, we won’t feel bad wearing for a few months and then passing it on to our next expecting friend. Mama Top, at H&M. Maternity collection available in 30 stores across Canada. www.hm.com

The cardigan: The Ruth Cardigan from Isabella Oliver comes in ochre (shown) or turquoise and cool enough to wear when we are done making babies. Just don’t tell anyone it is maternity clothes. Ruth Crop Maternity Cardigan, $145 at Isabella Oliver, www.isabellaoliver.com

—Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

Retrophiles are countint the days till AMC’s sixth season of Mad Men on April 7, and we are right there with them. With mod fashion seen everywhere right now, jump on the bandwagon and host your own Mad Men party.

Banana Republic's yearly Mad Men collection brings dresses inspired by Betty, Joan and Peggy to the masses. This '60s-style print in a flattering silhouette and will work in your wardrobe long past the premiere. Mad Men Collection Peggy Knit Shift Dress, $160 at Banana Republic.

No party is complete without a beauty of a soundtrack. Dig out the turntable to spin this red vinyl treasure. It will be like Megan Draper is right in the room serenading you. Zou Bisou Bizou Vinyl Single by Jessica Pare, $13.06 at Amazon.ca

Put together your bar cart and mix your friends some great cocktails with this fantastic recipe book. Vintage Cocktails, $50 at www.anthropologie.com

And while Canadian beauty junkies missed the Estee Lauder Mad Men, we are getting by with swiping on some equally vintage shades from their signature collection. Estée Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick, $25 at www.murale.ca

—Kait Kucy

Using the word “predictable” isn’t always a good thing when describing fashion, but in the case of Swarovski’s latest collection of sunglasses, predictable is just what we want.

Featuring frames with faceted surfaces decorated with crystals, the range is exactly what we’d expect from a company whose expertise is to make things shine and sparkle. Complete with a high sun protection, these glasses do more than just hide our tired eyes.

And without an obviously visible logo, the shades are as discreet as a sparkly, big pair of sunglasses can be. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

From $300 at Swarovski.com

We spotted Nicole Campre's work on the PARKSHOW13 Runway and were instantly smitten with the Albertan designer's minimalist yet ultra-feminine garments.

At only 23-years-old, Campre has already been featured in British Vogue and FASHION Magazine and her S/S2013 collection makes dressing look effortless with drapey tops and flattering tailored pants.

The next big thing has arrived. —Kait Kucy

http://www.nicole-campre.com

In celebration of the first day of spring, we’re leaving the doldrums of winter black for a world of colour, colour, colour. Only this year we’re bypassing wishy-washy pastels in favour of shades that really pop. Care to join us?

It’s not spring until you’ve snapped up a flirty silk dress, or two. This one, ($198) covered in vivid blooms, is as pretty as they come. At www.anthropologie.com

 
Nothing beats bare, sun-kissed legs, but for now, stockings ($36) in bright colours and bold prints will more than do. At http://robberstore.wordpress.com

And for even more colour (can you take it?), add a jolt of fiery orange or cobalt blue with digital printed scarf ($300) from Juma. At http://jumastudio.com

In the spirit of Dries van Noten, we’re definitely up for these multi-hued pumps ($79) from high street fave, Zara. At www.zara.com

Send it over the edge, with nails in watermelon pink ($10) and a catflick in Yves Klein blue.

—Athena Tsavliris

Zara.com's Canadian launch sure had the bloggers buzzing, but what got us chirping was the cool kids selection.

With spring just around the corner (and last year's tops showing a bit too much belly), we're determined to ease the morning tutu struggle with pieces that look look as good on a 3-year-old as they would on her mother.

Stocked with a wearable selection of on-trend but not-too-precious clothes, this Vertical Stripe Dress ($45.90) and the navy Bermuda shorts ($35.90) are the perfect touch of Gallic for our 7-year-old, while the 3-year-old will be splish-splashing around in this striped suit ($17.90) that just screams "French Riviera!"  

Ordering was easy, delivery was fast and free - now if only registering for pre-school were so easy….

www.zara.com

What better way to show your Celtic pride than with a bit of green, the official Pantone colour of the year.

We'll be writing down our deep, dark secrets (aka laser hair removal appointments) in this Moleskine notebook: $17 at Chapters.ca

This Newberry Flat from Splendid is technically clover, but with a shoe this pretty, let's not split hues.  $98 at Splendid.com

But we won't mind a few chilly spring days… it will give us an excuse to wear this smart J. Crew wool-blend coat. $325 at Net-a-Porter.com

This Want Less Essentiels De La Vie tote is green in more ways than one - it's made with organic cotton. $175 at Ssense.com

And a set of chic diamond cluster and emerald earrings from Birks will have us doing a happy jig. $8,800 at Birks.ca

That'll make 'em Pantone 17-5641 with envy.

In Vancouver for the Holt Renfrew Spring presentations, we stole a few minutes with the very stylish Lisa Tant, Vice President, Fashion Editor at Holt Renfrew. Herewith, spring looks she's coveting.

After a long, cold (and snowy) winter), I’m looking forward to spring’s bold, bright statement looks. Here are five of my favourites:

1.  Pattern mixing
I’m so inspired by the new pattern mixing – dots with florals, toss in some stripes and throw it all in a mixer! I first saw the concept on the streets in Paris at Fashion Week. The street style stars who inspire me – Joanna Hillman, Taylor Tomasi Hill, Elizabeth Cabral – mix pattern scale and colour with chic abandon. (Pictured L: Top, Marc by Marc Jacobs, skirt by Peter Pilotto. R: Top by Fendi, skirt by Zero Maria Cornejo)

 

 

2.  Bold stripes
I know that most of are told to never ever wear wide stripes but I love how unexpected they look. I’ll be trying the trend on for size in full trousers with a cropped leather jacket.
(Pictured: Michael Michael Kors striped cotton tank dress.)

3.  Flapper dress
Twenties fashion is back with a splash thanks to shows like Downton Abbey and the upcoming film, The Great Gatsby. I love the simplicity of the silhouette but the intricacy of the embellishment. (Pictured: Pearl earrings by Anzie, Dress by RED Valentino, purse by Jimmo Choo, drop earrings by Alexis Bittar)

4.  Single sole pump
I’ve never seen the need for a simple black pump – the crazier the shoe the better for me – until now. A dead simple black leather or suede pointy toe pump looks super chic. All of the girls around Holts office are wearing them now with sleek trousers and pencil skirts. (Pictured: Manolo Blahnik)

5.  Cropped trousers
Perhaps my favourite trend of the season – and one look that I’ll reach for constantly – is a pair of slim trousers cropped above the ankle. To be honest, it has nothing to do with the figure flattering cut (although it helps) – it’s because the hemline will show off my absolute favourite thing in the world – amazing shoes! (Pictured:3.1 Philip Lim trousers)