FASHION Magazine

I have a secret. My hatred of the months of February and March sometimes results in irrational, denial-fuelled shopping trips. In a feeble attempt to will winter to end, I find myself purchasing summer dresses, floral and even (I hesitate to write this next word, because I can practically hear the sharp intake of breath that usually precedes my mother’s hearty disapproval) flip-flops.

Imagine if Jules Verne designed jewellery. Picture it and you’ll get the idea behind the beautiful, yet distinctly utilitarian necklaces, cufflinks, pendants, rings and ties clips created by Islander Matt Bowness.

My friends always argue about which of these dresses, wolf vs. bird, is the most fantastic, and while a verdict is rarely reached, everyone seems to agree that these two dresses are the Lennon and McCartney of the local fashion scene.

If I was an 18-year-old designer bursting at the seams (no pun intended) with talent, I can’t promise I would be anywhere near as modest as the three  girls who make up the design team of Sunsets on the Eastside. Katryna Crabbe, Kirsten Sweet and Jackie Skinner of Queens County, Prince Edward Island debuted their clothing line at P.E.I. Fashion Week in 2006 when they were barely 16 years old. Two years later, the girls have formed a small company and sell their cute wares both on Facebook and at the local vintage hipster haven, The Green Man Vintage and Vinyl (48 University Ave., 902-566-1361) .

I love vintage. It’s economical, environmentally friendly and the best way to find a unique piece to wear somewhere special. For me, the best thing about vintage shopping is digging for hours and leaving a store with an amazing find that will make my friends jealous. So when The Green Man Vintage and Vinyl (48 University Ave., 902-566-1361) opened its doors last fall, I was thrilled that the store was everything that vintage shopping is supposed to be—and more.