FASHION Magazine

As if frigid temps weren’t enough, keeping your feet warm, dry, and far away from icy puddles is also part of a Canadian winter. Trying to find footwear that accomplishes all three usually means means a major style compromise, and the only options we’re left with resemble large buckled marshmallows. Well, here we present the unusual: 10 amazing boots that will save you from the slush, while actually looking good with your outfit.

Check out our favourite all-purpose boots »

While we’ve been rather lucky with fairly temperate days and nights this winter, it’s only a matter of time before the weather outside turns frightful. However, we at FASHION believe that colder temperatures are no reason to stop looking fashionable—and in order to help you look your best we’re focusing on winter essentials all week long! From boots to beauty products, we’ve rounded up everything you need to make it to spring in style. First up: coats that will keep you warm and on-trend. No ubiquitous fur-hood down puffers, we promise!

See our top picks for outerwear! »

Escape the chill and head to heavenly Hawaii in resort brights, surfer prints and dive-inspired details. For our very first resort collections shoot, we couldn’t imagine a more fitting setting than the swaying palms and long stretches of white sandy beach on Oahu—especially since Givenchy, Stella McCartney, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Marni resort were blooming with wild botanical prints and scuba-inspired silhouettes in a tropical paradise palette. Armed with a salt water–filled spray bottle and a boatload of bronzer, our hair and makeup artist Greg Wencel created a sun-kissed, unfussy beach beauty look for model Natalia Bogdanova. A short drive along the coast from Waikiki, we scaled the sloping cliffscape to the crashing waves below to shoot on sparkling black rocks at Lana’i Lookout (or Rifle Range, as the locals call it) and Halona Cove. We spent the day flinging ourselves into the pounding surf to cool off between frames. Our story was completed with a professional surfer as handsome accessory—and on the last day of the trip, we mustered the courage to take a lesson and catch a few waves of our own.

View the photo shoot »
Go behind the scenes »

Today, we’re going inside the festival-ready Marc by Marc Jacobs bag belonging to Rachel Simpson, our associate designer extraordinaire. From the assortment of stuff, it’s easy to see that she’s into cats, photos, and ticket stubs—but one thing you won’t find a trace of inside? The adorable dusting of freckles that adds an enviable bit of summer to her cheeks year round.

Let’s explore! »

Whether it’s between shows or between castings, top models are often snapped in laid-back outfits that include lots of leather, a good pair of boots and of course, an It bag. We wish we knew their secret on how to make dressing on-trend look effortless. Here’s our guide of cool-girl essentials that will have you looking like you are a model off duty.

Shop the guide now! »

While animal prints—leopard, zebra, snake—never really go out of style, this season we’re dealing with a whole other beast… literally. From cute little bunnies to fearsome felines, animals ran wild on fall runways. That clever little fox is one of our absolute faves, and with representations from fast-fashion H&M to luxury leather label Mulberry joining this fashion pack, there’s a little something for everyone.

View the photo gallery »

After grabbing a $10 raw vegan green juice (only in New York!) from the Chelsea Market to keep up my strength for all the hustle and bustle, I made my way over to the Alice + Olivia presentation to brush up on what all the girly partygoers will inevitably be wearing come spring. Kourtney Kardashian clearly had the same idea, as I saw the pint-sized reality star surveying the selection. The elaborate faux garden party set the stage for Betty Draper–inspired vintage cropped pants, juicy-hued full skirts, retro square-buckle belts, floral palazzo pants, and heaps of sequins. Feeling extra ladylike, I tried to snag a freebie Butter London manicure at the Aldo Salon Pop-Up Shop but, sadly, the manicurist was on break.

By Randi Bergman and Jordan Porter

When we hear the old ditty “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” we’re not exactly thinking Christmas. More likely, we’re dreaming of fashion week. Well, friends, the time has come for New York to take the first turn for Spring 2012. What to wear? Do? See? With those pressing questions in mind, we present our foolproof guide to everything in-between attending wham-bam shows from the likes of Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Michael Kors, and DVF. Checking the shows out from the comfort of your own home? Have no fear, we’ll be bringing you the best from the runway, backstage beauty, and street style daily!

Shop the guide now! »

This week, we take you inside the zipped croc Marc by Marc Jacobs purse belonging to our lovely beauty editor, Sarah Daniel. She claims that the bag was her first foray into grownup shopping, but we find that hard to believe, given her assortment of beautiful and hard-to-find products, like a sample bottle of perfume that’s got its creator’s handwritten labelling. Oh, and that book she’s reading? The recommendation came from India Hicks. No biggie.

Let’s explore! »

By Randi Bergman and Jordan Porter

Are you sick of putting aside your blonde ambitions? Have no fear. You can finally scratch that Seven Year Itch. Jewels, the new exhibit of Bert Stern’s iconic images of ’60s icons, including Marilyn Monroe in the last images ever taken of her, just opened in Toronto and has the icon firmly planted in our minds. Why not catch the exhibit (on until July 9, at IZZY GALLERY, 106 Yorkville Avenue, 416-922-1666) while channeling the screen star in some of the pieces we’ve spotted!

Shop the guide now! »

Holt Renfrew is publicizing the renovation of its long-standing Yorkdale location. This news comes right after two big moves at the Bay: two days ago the Bay announced the opening of The Room Vancouver, and a week ago it announced renovations at 80 of its stores across Canada. A press release issued this morning announced the expansion of Holt Renfrew’s Yorkdale store for the Holiday 2012 season. The department store will be increasing its space by 40 per cent—which means even more Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang and Balenciaga, as well as some hot new labels (to be announced in the coming months).

Watch H&M’s Fall 2011 lookbook in motion! [Fashionologie]