We love our summer totes as much as you do, but if the recent snow flurries haven’t convinced you that it’s time to make the switch, then these lovelies surely will.

From local design duo Alison Booth and Alison Lovell (between them they have a resume that reads Parsons School of Design, Celine, Pink Tartan and Coach), Brunswick + Co is a line of bags that are as practical as they are chic.

The combination of durable canvas with buttery leather appeals to our globetrotting needs. Indeed, the urban shopper ($495 in sage, black and slate) makes the ideal travel companion.

Once the snow settles, were heading south. Care to join us?

At La Merceria, 506 Adelaide St. W., Toronto, 416-848-0057, http://lamerceriatoronto.blogspot.com/

We’ve long had a love affair with the leather bags and bow clutches by Hoakon loves Helga, but now we’re having a summer fling with the line’s newest beach totes and bike bags.

Made from fabric and deconstructed vintage leather jackets, the bags are all handmade in Calgary. The upcycled, fully lined, textured black leather bike bag with a zipper closure and vintage belt straps for attaching to your handlebars (US$65) is the perfect cruiser bike accessory while the Ikat print beach tote (US$65, pictured) even has a pocket for your summer read.

Summer loving happens so fast.

At Hoakon loves Helga’s Etsy Shop.

Step aside sparkle, there’s a new fad in town. We mean splatter paint, and it’s all the rage.

Local style-setter Ashley Rowe pays homage to Pollock, Twombly, Hirst, et al. with a series of limited edition splatter-painted T-shirts ($125).

Each one was a collaborative creative effort between Rowe and her five muses; recording artist Anna Cyzon, stylist Jessica Albano, fashion writer Sarah Nicole Prickett and brasandranties.com blogger Jen Newton.

http://ashleyrowe.com/

A rising star in Toronto’s fashion firmament, Ashley Rowe’s latest collection of patent leather bustier dresses and punchy-hued shifts is sure to cause a buzz this season.

We asked the one-time Fashion intern for some of her tips and picks for spring.

Have you spotted any runway trends at recent shows that will translate happily to your everyday life?
I love the idea of contrasting colours (think hot pink and red). Expect to see this in upcoming miss rowe collections.

What item in your wardrobe is pining for warmer weather?
My miss rowe a-line dresses (I have one in every colour) are just waiting to be worn sans tights with a pair of flat sandals and great bag.

Is there an accessory you can’t live without?
I absolutely love my Jessica Jensen grace portfolio clutch, I have one from each of her collections. They are the perfect accessory to take from day to night

Do you have any favourite Toronto designers?
Mikhael Kale. He is extremely talented and has been like a mentor to me. His designs are so intricate and time consuming that I just sit back and watch in awe!

Can you pick a favourite piece from your Spring/Summer 09 collection?
The hot pink leather A-line dress, it wears and photographs beautifully. 

The miss rowe collection is available at TNT stores.