TANGO INTO SPRING

How to wear the official colour of spring 2012

As announced last fall, Tangerine Tango is the Pantone colour of spring 2012. And the reddish orange hue, which is popping up in all kinds of sartorial pieces, is more vivid, more vibrant and more fun than last year’s shade —Honeysuckle, a pale, pinkish red hue. As we transition from a gloomy winter, Tangerine Tango’s overwhelming, yet seductive brightness will ensure that you get noticed, no matter how you wear it.

1. Not ready to don the tangerine to its full effect? Try this more muted floral dress, to add a feminine edge to your wardrobe. Forever21, $29.90. Available online at Forever21.com and in-stores.

2. Get a head start with try out this chunky, ribbed sweater from J.Crew, a perfectly form-fitting sweater that will go from winter straight into spring. $78, Available online at J.Crew.com

3. These neck grazing accoutrements will give your ears the much-needed attention they deserve. H&M, $6.95.

4. Give your basics a boost with this crew neck sweater that will instantly add style and sophistication to an everyday ensemble. Pink Tartan, $275. Available online at dealuxe.ca

5. It wouldn’t be spring without a little floral infusion. Try this distressed handbag, with flower emblems to spice up your accessories. $34.99, available at Payless.

6. Make your first step into spring with these vibrant orange, strappy wedge sandals from Payless. $74,99, available at Payless.

AND THE WINNER IS…

Danier Design Challenge 2011 winner announced

Last night at an intimate event at Ryerson University, Danier CEO Jeffrey Wortsman announced Meagan Johnston as the winner of the 2011 Danier Design Challenge,  a competition that pitted Johnston, who has a fine arts background, against almost 60 of her classmates and saw her taking home a prize of $5,000, as well as a paid internship with the Canadian leather brand. After a public vote which narrowed the field down to ten finalists, a decision was made by a panel of industry judges, including Fashion Television‘s Jeanne Beker, designer and TheCoveteur.com‘s Erin Kleinberg, chair of Ryerson’s School of Fashion Robert Ott and fashion designer and stylist George Antonopoulos, naming Johnston’s asymmetrical, soft leather bomber—which comes with a belt/harness detail making this a multi-functional piece—tops above finalists Brie Reid and Jayson Araja, who each took a prize of $2,000 and $3,000 respectively. Johnston’s jacket will now go into production and appear in Danier stores this spring, where like last year’s pieces, will hopefully become a top seller for Danier.

RUNWAY TO RETAIL

Joe Fresh brings the Spring 2012 collection to its new standalone stores

Inspired by a beach party on the Greek island of Mykanos, Joe Mimran’s Spring 2012 collection is a mix of brights and neutrals, prep and tech. Stand-out pieces include the water colour cropped print pant, neon orange boyfriend jacket, leather cropped pants in orange and green, sport tech jackets, coloured denim in skinny and widelegged styles, and the beyond maxi skirts that made such an impact on the runway last fall and also for the queen of daytime (we were told at the media preview that Oprah herself is having one made!). After a very welcome reception stateside and with the new standalone stores in his home country, the Joe Fresh brand is now bringing close to 90 percent of the runway looks into a select number of their retail outlets, much to the glee of editors and fashion watchers alike. Some early spring items are available now, with more coming starting in February. Expect runway items to hit Joe in April.

Warm It Up

Stylish coats to keep you chic and warm this Winter

It is a fashion dilemma that arises every winter—how can I look stylish and stay warm? Well friends, it is possible! Here are five toppersthat do both.

1. Want a more feminine edge? This long wool coat from J.Crew, $229, adds flare to a dressed down look and is sophisticated enough to wear on a night out. Available online and in J.Crew Canada stores.

2. Go minimal with details, all while staying cozy with this vintage-inspired grey lady coat from Urban Outfitters, $78. Available online.

3. Give your casual weekend outfit a chic finishing touch with this quilted anorak that will warm you up with its unique soft feather interior and nylon lining. ZARA, $119.99.

4. Add colour to your winter with this bright, red quilted down jacket, that will not only keep the cold out, but will help you stand out in a crowd. $150, Reitmans.

5. Puffed and trimmed with faux fur, this down jacket is sleek and comfortable. Esprit, $189.50. Available online and ESPRIT stores.

 

DESIGNERS ON THE RISE

Toronto-based label Lark & Hazel’s dreamy sophomore collection

With a modern meets nostalgic aesthetic, Lark & Hazel is the creation of Canadians Sarah Kelpin and Nazmul Bhuiyan. Exploring the feminine silhouette in their inaugural collection with ruffles, gathers, and a rich colour palette for Fall 2011, the line finds a seasonal complement in their Spring 2012 collection. Where some brands find difficulty in asserting their voice in sophomore collections, Lark & Hazel has no such problem; their latest wares echo the feminine stylings they started with, showcasing a lighter colour palette, girly lace and retrofit dresses. And having closed 2011 with features in both Papercut Magazine and LOULOU Magazine, the line is one to watch in 2012. The brand is currently available for sale online at LarkandHazel.com.

MONTHLY MINT

Beachmint brings its trio of online shopping destinations to the Canadian style market

Launched in Canada on Boxing Day, cyber shopping for coveted celebrity style has just become even simpler. Backed by industry favorites, JewelMint, ShoeMint and StyleMint offer a monthly selection of wallet-friendly baubles, shoes and t-shirts to choose from, exclusive to members and based on your personal taste. Coupled with stylish videos, free shipping and the option to skip a month, the perfect cocktail ring fit for Kate Bosworth, suede wedge platforms from Steve Madden and Rachel Bilson or effortlessly cool shirts designed by the Olsens, can be the newest additions to your closet. Canada is the first country for Beachmint’s—the parent company to the trio of brands—international expansion, bringing the online fashion community north of the border the same service and fashion finds American fans have raved about since launching just over a year ago. “StyleMint allows us to interact with customers in a personal way. We have a strong connection with our Canadian customers and are thrilled to bring them StyleMint,” Mary Kate Olsen said in a press release to media last week. —By Ishra Sharif

FASHION FIND

Rock ’n’ roll in comfort with these brown moto-inspired boots by Cat Footwear

Kick it up this winter with a pair of moto-inspired boots, like the Payton from Cat Footwear. A well-heeled steal for stomping around in the cold, grab a pair half a size bigger than normal to fit in those comfy wool socks, letting them show while you’re at it. Paired with skinny jeans and a plaid shirt or a flowy skirt and tights, these bad boys were made for weekend brunch with the girls.

Boots, $189.99, Cat Footwear, available at catfootwear.com.

CUSTOM EYES

Bespoke eyewear comes to Cutler and Gross’ North American flagship store in Toronto

Taking up space in the recently opened 84 Yorkville North American flagship location, British eyewear brand Cutler and Gross has recently introduced a VIP room, aptly titled the Museum (think plush black chairs, clean pale floors and hidden custom drawers filled to the brim with frames), housing their new bespoke services. Starting at $950 per pair, by appointment only, customers can design specs from more than 600 archived frames dating from 1969 to present day. Change up colour and style, or add personal touches such as heirloom jewels, or other antique materials, as well as a personalized inscription on the inside arm near the temple, for a truly custom pair of reading- or sunglasses.

Cutler and Gross is known for its high quality frames and designer collaborations, having previously partnered with designers Maison Martin Margiela, Giles Deacon and Canadian expats Thomas Tait and Erdem Moralioglu, who used antique lace from one of his mother’s old frocks inside his limited edition frames.

Delivery of your new frames will take 6-12 weeks. To make an appointment call, (416) 966-5149, or stop by the store at 84 Yorkville Ave, in Toronto.

BEST BETS

5 gifts under $50 for him

Still not sure what to get him? Here are five wallet-friendly suggestions:

1. Stripes are quite popular this year so put a spin on the trend with this subtle gradient-striped sweater. Available at Nordstrom for $49.50 USD.

2. He’ll be the talk of the town at Sunday brunch with this beautifully handcrafted pocket square. Available at J.Crew for $39 USD.

3. Did he just buy a Kindle Fire? Help him protect that purchase with this case, which features black Moroccan cloth and bamboo tray. Available at DODOcase for $44.95 USD.

4. Movember may be over, but that doesn’t mean that moustaches are no longer cool. Get him this fun and well-made wallet for Christmas. Available at Urban Outfitters for $18 USD.

5. Nothing says “weekend casual” quite like this tee. Available at J.Crew for $40 USD.