You know you’ve grown up when you start sporting a silk scarf.

Printed is better than plain, and Anu Raina’s nature-inspired designs ($180) really make a splash.

The collection is inspired by her grandfather’s garden in Kashmir, blooming with echinacea, daisies and pomegranate trees.

For ten ways to wear a silk scarf (youthfully) head over to A Beautiful Mess. —Athena Tsavliris

See website for stockists www.anuraina.com/stores.html

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

For someone who dresses entirely in colour, it takes all sorts of restraint to consider grey.

And then I happened upon these beautifully understated scarves ($140) and considered, all at once, transforming into Rei Kawakubo.
From Canadian textile house String Theory, (one part of the design duo is based in Toronto) the highly textured scarves are spun from luxurious yarns like baby Peruvian Alpaca and Italian Merino. Etched, checkered and pixilated, it’s hard to pick a favourite pattern.
Rei, which would you choose? —Athena Tsavliris

For stockists visit http://www.stringtheory.ws/pages/stockists

Is your penchant for silk scarves in Grace Kelly proportions? Do you sort of wish for a broken arm so could wear an Hermès scarf as a sling?

Anyone with a fetish for foulards should come find Jan Marriott at The Brickworks on Saturdays. Her collection of vintage silk scarves (sourced at markets, brocantes and charity shops) is divine, and spans the decades from the romantic scarves of the '50s to the bright, clashing colours of the '60s.

Quilt devotees will fall in love with her blankets, quilts and textiles too, dating as far back as the 1800s. Her prices range from $28 for a small baby quilt (perhaps made by a ladies church group) to $500 for a 19th century showpiece.

You’re bound to find the perfect wedding/baby gift here: You just won’t want to let it go. —Athena Tsavliris

Find Jan Marriott at The Brickworks every Saturday 8 a.m.-1 p.m., http://ebw.evergreen.ca/farmers-market

Spring has sprung early. Pick up a lightweight scarf to protect you from inevitable cold spells.

Sara Ghadaki’s cotton voile print circle scarves bring texture and colour to your look. Choose from several designs, including The Voyageurs collection, printed with moody scenes shot by Pam Forster from a moving train between Montreal and Toronto.

An instant way to update a wardrobe, whatever the weather. —Athena Tsavliris

At Model Citizen, 279 Augusta Ave., Toronto, 416-703-7625, www.modelcitizentoronto.com

It’s always lovely to discover local talent on a million-miles away blog. How did a girl from San Fran find Good Night, Day before us?

A collection of deliciously soft cashmere knits, each piece is designed and handmade in Toronto by Tara-Lynn Morrison. Her fair trade yarns (alpaca, merino and bamboo blends) are sourced from family run farms and women’s collectives in South America.

The huge cashmere collar ($85) takes this season’s collar necklaces to new heights while the headbands ($55) are super for sweeping back winter-worn hair and keeping your ears warm. —Athena Tsavliris

Tip: Give your cashmere a comb (a dull razor works just fine) after every use to encourage longevity.

www.goodnightday.bigcartel.com

Forget fancy baubles and try-hard ­winter sunglasses, right now scarves are the can’t live without accessory. Turban, kerchief or security blanket, it doesn’t matter how you wear one, just do it with aplomb.

This four-minute video is genius, showcasing 25 different scarf-tying techniques. I’ve been busy perfected the ‘Mira’ and the ‘DIY Infinity’ on my Juma scarf but I’m always a fan of the simple ‘European Loop’.

What about you, do you loop, knot or tie? —Athena Tsavliris

www.youtube.com

There’s something about bows in fashion that is so utterly charming. Think ribbon cinched waists, flouncy silk neck-ties and bow-capped shoes.

Our love for all things bowed brought us to Emma Robertson’s knitted confections. We’ve been waiting for the California-based graphic designer to knit up a fresh batch of scarves, pins, neckties and headbands for a while, and it’s finally arrived.

The Jinger BOW ($40, a two-in-one ear warmer and headband) is adorable and we’re loopy about the oversize bow scarf ($25) too.

Oh yes, there is bow-coup to love.

http://emmadimeknitted.bigcartel.com

In our dreams we’re unwrapping a '50s Hermès scarf on Christmas morning, (maybe one that belonged to Grace Kelly, but we’re not picky).

The next best thing is a newly released book about the Carré Hermès. With beautiful images of over 150 coveted scarves, plus plenty of bedtime reading on the history and mystique behind the brand, this book will take pride of place among our fashion tomes.

And if it’s wrapped in a silk twill (Hermès) scarf, well, that’s just dreamy.

Hermès, 131 Bloor W., Toronto, 416-968-8626, www.hermes.com

Inspired by the gorgeous scarves at Dolce & Gabbana, Paul Smith, Caroline Herrera et al., we’re getting all tied up in our favourite foulards.

Five ways to wear a scarf:

Cravat it: For a touch of elegance, add a loose, feminine necktie and a string of baubles to your work suit.

A la Grace Kelly: Cover up a bad bouffant with a chic, printed headscarf.

What a waist: Thread a scarf through your belt loops or fold one into an envelope and wrap it around your waist like an obi-sash.

In the bag: Tired of the same old brown suede tote? Weave a scarf through the handles for a pop of fresh colour.

'80s revival: Galliano pulls it off with aplomb, but get the bandana wrong and you’ll look like a wannabe rapper.

For a smattering of vintage scarves, from Halston to Dior, check out I Miss You, 63 Ossington Ave., Toronto, 416-916-7021.