NOW WEAR THIS: THE PEPLUM TOP 

Ultra feminine and oh-so-on-trend, every woman should own a peplum top

Hip to be feminine, the peplum trend has proven it’s staying power this season. Grab a lady-like peplum top and take it to the max with an all white accessories and a proper pencil skirt, perfect for an evening cocktail or a day time wedding. But don’t fret, if you’re not feeling super dressy on any given day, a peplum top, like this one from Vera Wang, looks just as fantastic with a pair of skinny jeans, a clutch and killer heels.

Top, $995, Vera Wang.

Pencil skirt, $660, Alexander McQueen.

Ring, $125USD, Jenny Bird.

Earrings, $145, Dean Davidson.

Clutch, $195, House of Harlow.

Shoes, $124.99, Ivanka Trump.

FRINGE BENEFITS

Summer is the time to step up your style game, and sporting’70s-inspired fringe pieces is the ultimate boho-chic look

Fringe anything has long been synonamous with the 1970s. Whether you’re looking to go all out with a fringe sleeved dress, or you only want to add a touch of the boho life to your closet, we’ve got you covered.

1. Dress, $34.95, H&M.

2. Earrings, $55.99, Juicy Couture.

3. Sandal, $88, Michael Stars.

4. Necklace, $110, WildFox Vintage.

5. Bracelet, $125, Jules Smith.

6. Bathing suit top, $68, L*Space.

7. Bag, $484, Cleobella.

8. Skirt, $345, Elizabeth and James.

OFF THE CARPET

The top trends from the Met Gala 2012

Metallics, feathers, peplums and rouge. Get the runway looks for less with these chic finds.

1. Red.
Lace dress, $74.33, TopShop.

2. Peplums.
Peplum dress, $59.99, ASOS.

3. Metallics.
Sequined dress, $338, BCBG.

4. Feathers.
Fringe dress, $120, TopShop.

MAJOR MILESTONE

This week FrontRowMag.com reaches 1,000 posts

And to help us celebrate the amazing team at Faulhaber public relations has a gift for 1 lucky FrontRowMag.com reader. Valued at over $300, the gift basket includes a Dermalogica Clean Starter Kit, an Essence makeup pack and a sterling silver winged heart necklace from Thomas Sabo. Simply sign up for our e-newsletter and ‘Like’ us on Facebook by Wednesday, May 16th at 5pm to be enter.

Thank you to Faulhaber PR for helping us to celebrate this milestone. And thank you all for reading FrontRowMag.com.

THE DRIVE IN

The summer clutch is a staple no fashion forward woman should ignore

A light-hued and easy-to-pair clutch makes feeling put together in warmer weather a snap, whether it’s a date, night out on the town, or brunch with the in-laws. Grab these bags now and your wardrobe will thank us!

1. Clutch, $359, Michael Kors.

2. Clutch, $142, Clare Vivier.

3. Clutch, $195, Rebecca Minkoff.

4. Clutch, $650, Kara Ross.

5. Clutch, $54.54, ASOS.

6. Clutch, $88, BCBG Max Azria.

NOW WEAR THIS: THE MIRRORED TOE PUMP

Date night heels never looked this good

Who knew adding a simple mirrored cap to the toe of the ubiquitous patent pump would cause such a stir on the fashion scene? Gwyneth approved and spotted on the Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 runway, we love the sex appeal of this Stuart Weitzman version, perfect for date night.

Pumps, $365, Stuart Weitzman.

Top, $315, Vince.

Blazer, $70, TopShop.

Earrings, $229, Made Her Think.

Jeans, $195, 7 For All Mankind.

Belt, $75, Gorjana.

Clutch, $36.36, ASOS.

UPPING THE ANTE

The Toronto Fashion Incubator celebrates 25 years with an elaborate New Labels celebration at the ROM

Launched 25 years ago, the Toronto Fashion Incubator, has mentored and helped breed Canadian design talent such as Arthur Mendonça, Paris Li, Label and Pina Ferlisi (who was appointed as head designer at McQ by Alexander McQueen in 2010). On May 3rd, 2012, TFI presented this year’s New Labels show at the spectacular ROM, where one designer was awarded $25,000, thanks to a donation by Canadian philanthropist Suzanne Rogers. Four labels made the cut after an extensive six-months process, including Jameson Kane (a brand new outerwear label inspired by British fox hunting and 1950s silhouettes who presented their first ever collection), [Blak]-I (who produced street wear with a tuxedo twist) and Patrick Larrivée (a grad of La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne). But the night belonged to winner Sid Neigum, whose collection of well-tailored silk blend blazers with leather accents and cashmere sweaters garnered massive applause from the audience and won the attention of the judges, including The Toronto Star‘s Derick Chetty, designer David Dixon and Flare editor-in-chief Lisa Tant.

BALLET BRIGHTS

A quintessential staple, the ubiquitous ballet flat still makes a major statement Spring 2012

Every girls knows the ballet flat is an essential wardrobe staple. Its classic silhouette lends elegance and effortlessness to any ensemble and can easily be worn day or night. For the working girl, a more muted palette of navy, black or camel offers a sophisticatedly chic yet practical look. While, more vibrant hues of violet, yellow and red add a welcome splash of colour, perhaps for a night on the dance floor.1. Ballet flat, $310.00, Repetto.

2. Ballet flat, $35.90, Zara.

3. Ballet flat, $14.95, H&M.

4. Ballet flat, $225.00, Belle Sigerson Morrison.

5. Ballet flat, $146.00, J.Crew.

6. Ballet flat, $485.00, Yves Saint Laurent.

IN THE DETAILS

Zane Aburaneh and his popular shop on Queen Street West have fast become fashion staples in Toronto

It can be said of most successful entrepreneur’s that when they see an area lacking attention, they jump at the chance to fill that void. And that’s precisely what A2Zane’s Zane Aburaneh has done. “I got my start in the fashion industry working in wholesale, but have worked at a number of retail stores like Zara, Hugo Boss and Holt Renfrew, where I was the Gucci handbag specialist,” Aburaneh told us recently. “When working in the handbag department, I noticed a contemporary clientele that was not being serviced and it sparked the idea for A2Zane. It started with an idea, a trip to Europe and then an online store, where I used my condo as the stockroom.”

Already in business for over two years, the online store that started it all is now accompanied by a Queen Street West hot spot for great handbags and accessories, including labels like Vlieger & Vandam, Juma, Rebecca Minkoff, Happy Socks, Hoi Bo, Elizabeth and James and more.

A fashion management grad from George Brown College, Aburaneh can credit his success to hard work, obviously, but also with being a welcome presence to a strip where most stores do not have a recognizable face. “I’m hands on and in the store six days a week,” he said. “I can be found fulfilling online orders, helping clients, merchandising or buying next season’s product.” Also a man about town, Aburaneh represents himself and his brand in an eclectic yet laidback style. Think beat up jeans one day, or a suit the next.

Inspired by trips to Paris and NYC, where he hopes to one day open another store, his current favourite ensemble includes a navy knitted, doubled breasted, soft shouldered blazer that allows him “to feel prepared for any occasion no matter if I am in jeans or dress pants.”

“I like contemporary pieces that have understated detail,” he said of his personal dress, which easily ties back to his eye for what’s working in his store. “When owning a store the word fashion quickly becomes subjective. What one client likes another might not, so I am always inspired to keep my eyes open for one more collection.”