Most times when you think of a clutch you think of those small wee ones ladies carry to formal events. For Spring/ Summer 2012 the clutches being sent down the runway are large enough to hold all necessary stuff a woman needs daily. From leather to synthetic, plain and structured to ornamented and slouchy, clutches come both in neutral colors and in brighter hues. Here’s some inspiration for you to drool over:
If you can’t decide on color Phillip Lim’s duo-color clutch does the trick. Lemon yellow on one side and summer white on the flip side. $400, www.ssense.com


One feature I really like on a clutch is a removable strap, like this one by House of Harlow 1960. I’m digging the geometric shapes and the periwinkle color on the clutch as well. $225, www.houseofharlow1960.com

Since black and … more …
I love lace details, they’re so romantic and feminine. Nothing really new from a trend stand point - The lace trend has been carried over from 2010. Last years lace was all about being sheer and stretchy, think 80’s apparel and Madonna. For Summer 2011, the lace has more of a antique look and feel, more romantic in my opinion. The fabrics look like a more traditional needle or bobbin lace with a wider net. Once only used for formal attire, lace is now being paired up with causal day wear. Some of my favourite lace pieces this summer:

Talula Betsy Blouse from www.aritzia.com

Penelope Dress from www.oakandfort.com

Lace Tap Shorts from www.shopnastygal.com
All over lace or used just as a trim, it’s a look you can’t skip out on.
Sunny Shum, Footwear … more …
Preppy style never really dies; I consider it a classic look. The last time I wore penny loafers was in the late 80’s and early 90’s and I was wearing the original Bass Weejuns. It seems like the “preppy” look of penny loafers and driving mocs just made itself an excuse to come back into fashion years later.

Everyone is sporting the cool boarding school look and the penny loafer is poised to be the center of attention. On top of your traditional black and burgundy leather penny’s, it’s taking on new forms and coloration’s for 2011. Here are some top looks to watch for:
I found a pair of Crown Vintage tan penny’s at DSW. I’ve been practically living in them because they are so comfortable since the leather … more …
Traditionally, pleating was used to make room in tighter fitting clothes but now it’s used as a design accent. It’s great for giving you more fullness in skirts and dresses and even some blouses. I don’t want to bore you with the terminology of all the types of pleating but, you’ll see more traditional uses of knife and accordion pleating in today’s fashions. Here are a few of my favourite pleated picks:
Pleats give a little more life to this ordinary tank top from www.shopnastygal.com, $38.

This is a must have item for S/S 2011 and I don’t care where you get it from, but be sure to get the look somewhere. A high-waisted full pleated skirt either in a maxi or 3/4 length like this one from www.clubmonaco.com, $125. … more …
Not everyone is a fan of the over-sized coat nor is it suitable for every body shape. All I can say is that I’m a fan! The “cocoon” shape or what the industry may call a blanket or studio coat is a key silhouette for F/W 2010. Best thing about this shape is that you can fit in your thick woolly cable knit or cowichan sweater with ease. With extreme chilly weather hitting our city, it’s the perfect shape of coat to add to your winter wardrobe.
Some of my favourite picks this winter are: Wilfred’s Cashmere Cocoon Coat, $325 (main photo), Cheap Monday’s Lindsay Coat, $155 (2nd photo), and Apiece Apart’s Blanket Coat, $566 (3rd photo).
Break out of the mold and move with ease this winter. Trust me - … more …