Jane Birkin may go down in history for inspiring the Hermès Birkin bag, but she is also famous for popularizing the simple wicker basket in the 1960s.

Now her daughter Lou Doillon is one of the faces of Club Monaco and donning the label’s newest collection of Moroccan Straw Bags. Coincidence? We think not! With over ten styles to choose from, whether small or large, colourful or plain, these chic little wicker totes are our summer beach essentials. —Anya Georgijevic

From $59 at Club Monaco.

We have mad respect for the masters of reinvention – Madonna, Lady Gaga and now Ashley Watson.

The Vancouver designer transforms vintage jackets into on-trend leather goods, which means big-shouldered eighties bombers can find new life as chic arm candy.

Our pick for spring? Ashley Watson's buckle wallet. Like all of her pieces, it is one-of-a-kind and bears some imprint of its previous incarnation, whether a seam or a button or a badass attitude. And because it’s made of eco-friendly repurposed leather, it’s green, no matter what colour you choose.

From $165 at www.ashleywatson.net

From fashion writer Derek Blasberg’s freshly penned book for young girls called Classy to Louis Vuitton’s fall runway of nipped waists and full skirts, being a lady is back in vogue (Lohans take note).

And in keeping with the return of ladylike behaviour is carrying a smaller, more structured purse. Covet the Céline classic box bag, but bring home a Rebecca Minkoff now. Her Heartthrob Clutch ($380) is a little Chanel and her Mini Morning After Bag ($575) is not unlike the doctor’s bags carried down LV’s fall runway.

Will it bag us a proper gentleman? Here’s hoping.

At Charlie & Lee, www.charlieandlee.com

We profess to be lovers, not fighters, but for a canvas bag from Red Flag Design we’d battle it out.

Best known for using reclaimed sails, the company has branched out, fashioning its latest line out of recycled canvas, the most stunning cut from the marbled green cloth of retired military tents. Both the Shelter bag ($130) and over-the-shoulder Musette ($70) are just the right size for short treks through the urban jungle or day hikes into the wilderness.

Start canvassing your commander for one now.

www.redflagdesign.ca

If we had our own genie in a bottle, he’d look like Jake Gyllenhaal and he’d grant us these three things from the new Wish.list Boutique in Kits:

1. The sporty Jamie handbag ($260) from Elise Caarels—an Aussie line you’ll only find here.
2. A glam Swarovski velvet headband ($62) by celeb favourite Michelle Roy.
3. Gorgeous scented stationery ($38) from the Soap and Paper Factory.

There are also cute gifts for baby and bridal showers, mod housewares from Torre & Tagus and brilliant body products by Whish. Guess the rest of our list will have to be left up to loved ones (hint, hint).

Wish.list Boutique, 2811 W. Broadway (at MacDonald), Vancouver, 604-676-8070, www.wishlistboutique.ca

When trail walking on weekends or bombing around Rome on a rented moped it helps to be hands free. But who wants to be bogged down by a backpack?

The Roots Village Pack is the perfect take-along for day tripping. A streamlined shape fashioned in buttery soft Italian leather makes this waist bag a far cry from the heinous nylon fanny packs of yesteryear. The key to keeping it hip is exactly that—wear it slung low and off to one side.

In both bold brights ($118) and tried-and-true earth tones ($88), it fits the necessities: lip balm, keys, passport, travel map, maybe even a flask. Full of water, natch.

www.canada.roots.com

Who doesn’t love the supple leather goods of Montreal’s M0851 (formerly known as Rugby)?

And now it has opened a Vancouver store where West Coast girls can get in on the action.

The slouchy-chic bags from its Knot Collection (from $365) are perfect to sling over a shift dress this spring and the handles can be tied at the length you choose.
Men’s parka-style olive rain jackets ($350) roll up for travel and are nice enough to wear with a suit, and the lime green leather passport holders ($75) have room to stash cash and boarding passes.

Sounds like a weekend jaunt to San Fran is in order….

1035 Alberni St., Vancouver, 604-688-9575 and 3526 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montreal, 514-849-9759, www.m0851.com

Was that really a crocus I saw? Was that a robin I heard? You’re not in a delusional stupor— It won’t be long before we can trade in our parkas for Liberty prints and gumboots for peep-toe pumps.

A good place to start is with the Montreal-born designer of L.A.-based BB Dakota whose airy Spanish dresses, short-short jumpers, cheerful cherry prints and cute red coats will have you springing for the lot.

View the line here.

Available at Below the Belt, 1131 Robson St., Vancouver (and various locations), 604-688-6878.