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.

There is nothing quite like flouncing the night away in a glamourous vintage gown.

But why let the retro  fantasy stop there? You can outfit your whole life  at Beltine's  A Vintage Affair. The shop owners  are constantly bringing in new treasures like mid-century modern furniture, 1950s costume jewellery,  bright and graphic housewares and racks of tulle dresses.  For men, there's an entire Don Draper section of classic looks.

And just like that, everything old is new again. —Kait Kucy

A Vintage Affair, 638 11th Avenue SW, Calgary, 587-351-7363, http://www.avintageaffair.ca

High fashion indie shops congregate in the Marais alongside to-the-trade fashion, great art, and, like everywhere in Paris, hot girls on bikes! A tour:

Stop for delicious (and affordable) café alongé (Americano) and pain au chocolat at Christain LeCroix’s favourite neighbourhood spot, Le Sancerre. If you have kids, let them run wild in the gated park across the street. 87 Rue des Archives, Paris.

 
Pick up the best bedding, table linens, Japanese stationery, and maybe even a Vanessa Bruno coat at the famous 3-storey lifestyle store, Merci. Look for special collaborations with the likes of Maison Martin Margiela (trompe d’oeil door, pictured). The adjoining restaurant is known for its healthy fare. 111 Boul., Beaumarché, Paris, www.merci-merci.com

 
Designer children’s clothes like you have never seen (baby Chloé!) are up to 60 per cent off at the clearance outlet of Fifi de Vem. 17 Rue de Turenne, Paris.

 
The Lebanese couscous counter at the lively food market dating back to 1615, Marché Des Enfants Rouge is known city-wide. Great for a refueling pitstop at the end of a fun day. 39 Rue de Bretagne, Paris.

 
Open till 7:30 pm, the flagship store for Isabel Marant does inventory every two hours. Watch the chauffeurs crowding the street waiting for their charges doing serious credit card damage inside. Pale blue leather leggings anyone? 47 Rue de Saintonge, www.isabelmarant.tm.fr

 
Just a block away is the hush-hush tequila bar housed in the back of the teensy taqueria that everyone is talking about, Candelaria. You mean you went all the way to Paris for cheap Mexican food? We sure did.  52 Rue de Saintonge, Paris, www.candelariaparis.com

—Sarah Bancroft

New Year's Eve can go either way… it could be a raging success or you could end up standing on a street corner at 1 a.m., waiting for a taxi that will never arrive. Regardless of what happens, you want to look good doing it.

Hair Accessory fit for a Goddess

Keltie Leanne’s gold Goddess hair chain is a perfect accessory for the girl who likes to wear her hair down. $28 at www.keltieleannedesigns.com

Love the Night

Vancouver-based jewelry brand Amouro makes delicate necklaces that show off a décolleté, and what better night to do that? We love the Andrea necklace that wraps around your neck like a very dainty scarf. $250, from www.amourojewelry.com or at Bernstein & Gold, 1168 Hamilton St., 604-687-1535.

Carry Your Heart On Your Sleeve

Topshop’s stud heart box bag might not be that roomy, but all you really need on NYE is your phone, a credit card, lipstick, and a key. $64 from The Bay’s Topshop stores, www.thebay.com

These Boots are Made for Celebrating

Strappy sandals seem like a great idea when you are getting dressed, but it’s December. Fluevog’s Malibu boot in black and silver screams party but allows for socks. Win-win! $789 from Fluevog stores. $789 at www.fluevog.com

The guys in my life like simple, well-made items and when I came across this Areaware Bottle Opener ($18) I couldn’t resist picking up one for each of their stockings. A rustic addition to any bar. At Indigo.ca



Even luddites are getting on board with iPhone’s these days, so give your technologically challenged guy this retro VW iPhone Case (US$35). Just the perfect amount of nostalgia to keep him from feeling too high-tech. At Society6, http://society6.com/product/VW_iPhone-Case


The design-savvy guy is always looking for ways to spruce up his already impeccable loft. This beautiful wooden bulb lamp ($200) can be displayed in several different ways including letting it rest on a table top (as pictured) or hung from the ceiling. At The UnCommons in Inglewood,
www.theuncommons.ca

This classically preppy Cheddar wallet from Jack Spade (Kate Spade’s menswear line) is essential for gifting a stack of gift cards to your guy. Why not put them all in one incredibly stylish place? Made of super soft calfskin leather and printed with gold foil, this is one must-have he’ll be able to keep for years. At Jack Spade,
 www.jackspade.com


If you are looking for something totally amazing for the guy who has everything, check out the Magic Cube Keyboard ($200). Not unlike something from a sci-fi movie, this hologram-style projection keyboard works seamlessly with your phone, tablet devices and computers. At Holt Renfrew,www.holtrenfrew.com

If there is one thing our editors know, it's online shopping. Herewith, our favourite places to browse on the world wide web.

Whenever I'm in New York (which is sadly not that often), my first shopping stop is Maryam Nassir Zadeh, the cool girl's Lower East Side secret. Thankfully, they keep their online store fully stocked with  hard-to-find pieces. I'm currently coveting Carven's sweet little Foal Bag ($660). www.mnzstore.com —Anya Georgijevic, Beauty Editor

"Earthquake kit” has been on my to-do list forever, but recent natural disasters were all the motivation I needed. Instead of trawling hardware stores for supplies, I bought my car and home 72-hour emergency kits off Beesafe.ca. Expect a four week wait for orders: New York, New Jersey, and Guatemala are getting first dibs.(Editor’s Tip: Add a toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, toilet paper, diapers, bleach (for disinfecting water), money, and vodka to personalize your kit.) www.beesafe.ca —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, Fashion Editor

When I need a bit of inspiration and my credit card is burning a hole in my purse, my one-stop online shop destination is Leif Shop. Overflowing with an abundance of beautifully designed accessories for the home and you, Leif is known for their stunning curation of colourful and on-trend items. I am obsessing over Striped Taper Candles ($24, pictured) for my New Years Eve party. http://www.leifshop.com —Kait Kucy, Calgary Editor

The drawers on my Fifties writing desk are stuffed full of beautiful papers, cards, ribbons and tapes. I’m a paper geek. Just look at the wrapping paper, notes and gift tags over at Happy Home – it’s pure whimsy. http://happyhome.bigcartel.com —Athena Tsavliris, Toronto Editor

My latest purchases all come from Toronto’s eLuxe.ca. Free shipping on orders over $25, free returns (!), labels ranging from Splendid to Smythe, stylists on hand for live chat styling sessions… its URL might as well be heaven.ca. www.eLuxe.ca —Christine Laroche, Montreal, Editor

Canadian fashionistas always have their finger on the pulse of Montreal, our mecca of flâneuses and incredible shopping. Opening their first store outside of Quebec, the sartorially revered Simons is setting up shop at West Edmonton Mall.

Carefully curated with collections international designs like Missoni, the Edmonton store will also carry Simon’s signature private label of apparel and home decor. Our must-have for fall is the Twik Asymmetric Cocoon Sweater ($88) – just the right item to layer up on cooler days.

Like the landmark Quebec stores, the Alberto location has a creative, architecture-focused milieu. Renown Canadian architect Philip Beesley has installed a glass cube filled with crystalline columns that respond to human movement, creating an astonishing soft light sculpture that reflects throughout the store.

Your shopping experience is going to completely change after visiting Simons. —Kait Kucy

Simons, West Edmonton Mall, 2nd Level, www.simons.ca

Just when we thought we had our fall wardrobe set, the newly launched Hello Holiday has our wishlist growing at light speed.

This online shop has an incredible stash of darling dresses, shoes and accessories not to mention plenty of inspirational outfit photos to keep you on your toes.

We fell in love with the Dear Diary Purse (US$130) in teal immediately after seeing it styled up on the Hello Holiday blog. A completely adorable handbag, the tiny keys and lock make it ever so special. We see this being our day to night purse well in to the holiday party season; functional, gorgeous and the perfect pop of colour for any outfit. —Kait Kucy

http://hello-holiday.com

Take advantage of style experts, massage therapists and makeup artists all week long to perfect your fall look. The Downtown Style Van is at it again bringing you the best in downtown luxury and culture.

September 11 – Hotel Le Germain’s deluxe spa, Sante will be out on the Avenue in the van doing massages, manicures and pedicures. Could your lunch hour be any more glamourous?

September 12 – Learn more about heart disease, watch a fashion show and get your lips done up in a ravishing red with Heart Truth as they take over the Van for Wednesday.

September 13 – Get a complete new look before heading back to the office with The Bay. They are doing free cosmetic makeovers showcasing some of the latest trends for autumn colours. —Kait Kucy

Downtown Style Van, 720, 304 8th Ave SW, Calgary, www.downtowncalgary.com