Toronto
April 30th, 2013
flower power
We’re crazy about Erdem around here, and spring 2012 was one of our favourite collections to date.
So you can imagine our delight when we stepped into the springtime garden that is Club Monaco right now. Several pieces are reminiscent of Erdem Moralioglu's signature florals. Think flirty skirts, tops, pants and blouses in prints worthy of a frame.
A citrus yellow lace skirt ($149.50) and a vintage inspired top ($98.50) covered in cobalt and aqua flowers, are top of our list.
Wear them together and you’ll look like you sprung from Kew Gardens. —Athena TsavlirisApril 24th, 2013
crossing the finish line
Spring forward – on the sidewalk, that is – with these three colourful options to help you get your run on.
Nike Flyknit Lunar1+Steam these lightweight runners before wearing the first time (some Nike stores have a steamer on-hand) so the knitted upper conforms to your feet, producing a snug but not-too-tight fit. On our test run, we were thrilled with how cushy they felt without being heavy. $194.95, at Nike stores and select retailers
MPG Black Series short-sleeved teeShove unflattering, baggy tops to the back of your drawers. This form-fitting scoop-neck – in basic black as well as two hot spring brights – hugs your curves and is trimmed in lace. $49, at mec.ca and other select retailers
Lululemon Swiftly Arm WarmersArm warmers seem gimmicky, but they're perfect for weather where you start out feeling chilled and end up overheated – and these cuffs allow for coverage of cold hands while upper arms can breathe. Plus, a myriad of cute colours allows for fun styling. $32 at Lululemon.
—Kat Tancock
March 19th, 2013
spring has sprung
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
February 25th, 2013
Five Square
Born in Syria, educated in Lebanon, and based in Vancouver, Mona Sultan’s biography reads like an exotic novel. But we’re even more interested in her beautiful, bold, colour-blocked scarves and can’t wait to wear her spring collection.
1. As a neck accessory. We like wrapping it around once, and letting the bright colours be the statement in our outfit.2. As a bandana, Axl Rose-style. This will be especially cool when we start hitting the summer festivals.
3. As a beach cover-up. The cotton silk blend is beach-friendly and the scarves can be knotted around our waist as a pareo, or around our chest as a strapless dress.
4. Tied around our bag strap. Everyone needs a great accessory, even our handbag.
5. Around our head, tied at the chin, Jackie O-style. Best worn with large sunglasses and whilst driving a convertible.
—Alexandra Suhner Isenberg
Mona Sultan scarves, from $150, at www.monasultan.com
May 2nd, 2012
pied-à-terre
Glaglas are putting the spring into our step.
Designed in France, these pumped up kicks are made from the same material as deep-sea diving suits so they’re waterproof, featherweight (5.5 oz to be precise), machine-washable and (most-importantly) the bamboo fiber insoles mean our trotters won’t smell. We’re color blocking the tips of our toes in ventilated tuti frutti Classics ($70) and planning sandy strolls along Lake O in pink ballet-style Kona flats. Happy feet, happy heart. —Marianne WisenthalAvailable at SAIL stores, www.sail.ca
March 23rd, 2012
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Mary might have been contrary, but her garden was spectacular.
Silver bells and cockle shells won’t bloom on our own patch of dirt but we’ll still aim high with a visit to the locally-focused garden market at Evergreen Brick Works. Start fresh this season with hand-forged tools (from $45), frost-proof terracotta pots, and organic seeds for sprouting calendula, swiss chard and purple top turnips (from $3). Advice is aplenty, or sign up for one of Evergreen’s annual workshops.Next up for spring? Getting our pretty maids all in a row. —Marianne Wisenthal
Garden Market at Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave., Toronto, 416-596-0404, www.evergreen.ca, native plant store opens May 7th.
March 14th, 2012
4 Signs of Spring
It may still be winter but birds are chirping and crocuses are blooming. Ignore the calendar and step into a spring state of mind.
Nothing says spring like a vase filled with tulips in every hue. Pick some up today.
Florals are a perennial favourite for spring/summer and this season sees more colour combinations than ever. If Dries or Katrantzou are out of reach, get your flower fix at any one of your go-to high street options.
Be it daffodil, banana or lemon curd, every shade of yellow is in this season. I’m indulging in pastel yellow macarons and painting my front door the colour of a buttercup.
The topknot is still going strong, but for spring, try adding a colourful scarf aroundit (if the bun is big enough) for a quaint, slightly Parisian twist. —Athena Tsavliris
March 12th, 2012
Spring Beauty Toronto
Fancy a little update for spring? Herewith, some beauty trends sure to put a skip in your step.
Perfect Plaits
Braids are so chic right now, and we’re not talking Pippi Longstocking plaits, but rather messy braided up-dos that no matter how long they take to create, look effortless.Editor's pick: This gorgeous Italian bride more is bang on the mark. Don’t you just adore her Valentino gown, too?
Chic Shades
Is anyone else tired of talon art? Bring back natural, freshly buffed nails, I say. Creamy, feminine shades of grey, pink, vanilla and caramel are in for Spring.Editor's pick: Try Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Naked (pictured), $16 at www.lippmanncollection.net
Bright Eyes
Coloured mascara (not a typo) is making a comeback. Before you dismiss the idea, try it; the right colour lifts the face and makes the eyes pop.Editor's pick: Try Yves Saint Laurent Waterproof Exaggerated Lashes Mascara in Vibrant Plum, Violet and Blue are the pick of the season. $36 at www.holtrenfrew.com —Athena Tsavliris
March 23rd, 2011
Under Cover Agent
Spring is on the way, and with it come April showers, putting pretty brollies at the top of our wish list.
Ultra-chic designs come from long-time collector of umbrellas, Seattle's Jodell Egbert. Her super site, Umbrellas.net is brimming with fabulous options from colourful beach stripes ($75) to playful polka dots ($57).
Check out her unique collection of vintage brollies and these handy options for travelling.
Rain or shine, we’re covered.
http://www.umbrellas.netFebruary 28th, 2011
Spring it forward
If we had a magic wand we’d wake up tomorrow morning to chirping sparrows and tulips on our front lawn. Sadly, we can’t speed up spring, but we can make the last weeks of winter a bit more bearable:
Make like you’re prepping for Phuket and get buffed, polished and waxed at stillwater spa. Paint your nails Plumeria pink.Splurge on something flirty from the spring collections.
When the days warm up the last thing you’ll feel like doing is re-arranging thermals and dusting kitchen cupboards. Get a head start on your spring cleaning.
Tired of stews and soups? Take a peek at the lovely flavours and spring colours over at Cannelle et Vanille.
And lastly, pour yourself a cocktail and play Beach Boys tunes at full blast.
>That'll put a spring in your step. —AT



