There was an abundance of fur on the fall/winter runways, but Philip Sparks has proven that it doesn’t always need to be a big honking animal to be showy. We love that Sparks has opted out of using traditional pelts like arctic wolf, fox and bunny for a more renewable fur source: the mountain sheep. This jacket’s oversized, curly collar reminds us of a lion, and the relaxed military inspiration is perfect for evenings when you may not want to be too formal. Can’t grow a beard or a moustache for Movember? Don’t worry, this collar will keep your baby face warm. It’s also comfortable enough to rest your head on, should the stranger’s shoulder on your train ride home for the holidays not be an option. $795.
I Miss You, 63 Ossington Ave., 416-916-7021, imissyou.ca
Since the green movement hit the mainstream market somewhere in the mid-noughties, we have seen a ton of antique and vintage pieces repainted with a gloss or matte finish to give it a contemporary feel, or disassembled and reassembled as something completely different. Sometimes we think the final outcome either looks like a bad DIY project or something you could have picked up at a yard sale, but Tahir Mahmood has coined a new term: “design revival,” which means not breaking down the old and rebuilding something new, or painting something old and making it look new. Instead, he actually takes old pieces of machinery and scrap metal and melts them down to make brand new moulds. His Jugnu lamp, available at Pimlico, is an example of this. We love its mid-century modern look and contemporary construction. Bonus, it’s lead-free (and likely peanut-free too, moms). $650.
Black is always in style, but espresso is the colour for handbags this fall (that means there’s a brown undertone, like hair with lowlights). We know it isn’t fall yet (we’ve been outside), but during our endless hours of shopping, it has become clear that fall and pre-fall items are slowly creeping into stores, like the worst kind of autumnal tease (oh, and since we’re still sweating the summer, there’s a good chance a 50 to 70 per cent off summer sale is within throwing distance).
These Jeffrey Campbell Douma sandals might look plain-Jane from an aerial view, but we love the wedge-meets-platform profile, which is one of this summer’s hottest trends. Those looking for comfortable footwear need look no further, because Doumas are not only wrapped in soft suede, but they also have only a slight arch, which is why it feels more like a flat, even though ladies who take these for a spin will be at least three inches off the ground. Women interested in a bit of height can join the Douma club, and for everyone else there’s, um, Birkenstocks. $115.
Originating in Scotland back in the 12th century, tartan plaid was traditionally made locally for clans from different areas across the country. The pattern has since evolved from the classic tartan used for kilts and blankets, making its way into the mainstream with variations like 
