FASHION Magazine

I’m often asked what my favourite local labels are, and Dace (dace.ca) is invariably on my list. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the line, and to celebrate the occasion, designer Dace Moore has asked a handful of other locals to create special pieces that complement her clothing. Mono’s layered leather necklace adds texture to the oversized Ginger blazer; a Broken English oxidized silver necklace makes the sweet Cedar silk dress a little more edgy; the Rosemary purse by Ashley Watson (shown, $250) goes with pretty much everything in the milestone collection; and the Sage crochet bikini top was handmade by Moore’s mother—a different type of collaboration.

On our fashion radar: the opening of Western Canada’s first Thomas Sabo store (West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170th St., 780-487-7226, thomassabo.com), which is dedicated to all things bright and shiny. I’m eager to scoop up the Rebel at Heart line, which features Sabo’s rock ’n’ roll take on rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches.

This season, swap your oversized tote for something with a little more structure. With its strong shape and classic lines, this smart clutch by Peter Kent (peterkentcanada.com) is my latest must-have. Designed and made in Argentina, the napa leather bag has a zippered pocket and detachable shoulder strap, and comes with either black or multicoloured tassels.

Hairstyles ran the gamut on the runways this season, from sleek to mussed-up.
Read up on the hottest hair looks! »

Pop-art, David Bowie and the California Gold Rush were amongst the beauty inspirations on the runways this season.
Check out our makeup must-haves now! »

Primp like a pro with some of our favourite beauty items of the season ».

Kick off the new season with this gold-tinted transparent raincoat by Ben & Diction (1215 Bernard Ave. W., 514-564-6575, benetdiction.com).

With bright hues radiating from many spring ready-to-wear collections (Fendi! Jil Sander! Gucci!), now’s the time to give the colour wheel a spin. Amp up this season’s mostly neutral palette with a pop of bright orange. Pair this blouse ($40, at H&M) with white for an urban sport look, or with khaki for cool camp appeal.

Find your fashion footing with this season’s mostly wearable (gasp!) shoes.
Click here to see the best in Spring 2011 shoes. >>

There are a few companies in the world that are widely known for their prints: Liberty comes to mind, of course, as does Finnish designer brand Marimekko, which has its only Canadian concept store here in Vancouver. For spring, the brand has collaborated with Converse on a collection of sneakers, bringing those brightly coloured graphics to the classic footwear.

Get in on this season’s hottest trends with these major new must-haves.

Click here to see the 12 must-have items now! >>

We’ve scoured the runways and have narrowed it down
to these 10 items that must be in your closet now.

Click here to see the 10 best statement-making items now! >>