Stilettos are out. Taking their place, mercifully, are super-low, almost-like-you’re-wearing-flats heels. Here, ten ladylike pairs that you’ll be able to stroll in all summer. Read the rest of this entry »
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The Find: 10 pairs of low-heeled shoes that look as good as they feel
The Find: the best close-fitting denim jackets for men
(Image: Normal Wong; styled by Kate Cobertt/Pluting Group)
Denim jackets were ballsy in the ’60s and ’70s, then broken by the acid-washed ’80s. This spring they’re back, cut tight and short. Here, our favourites from around the city. Read the rest of this entry »
The Find: t-shirts inspired by Broken Social Scene, Feist and other Canadian musicians
Just in time for the music festival season, designer Jeremy Laing has teamed up with Toronto record label Arts and Crafts and a handful of visual artists to produce a collection of t-shirts inspired by Canadian acts like Feist, Broken Social Scene and Dan Mangan. For our favourite of the bunch, Niall McClelland—who previously produced dreamy prints for Laing’s spring 2012 collection—created a moody graphic reminiscent of Timber Timbre’s haunting vocals. Meanwhile, Feist handpicked artist Sojourner Truth Parsons to riff off her music, and the resulting shirt, covered in otherworldly-looking figures, has all the cool cred of a well-worn concert tee. The tees go on sale today, with all the profits going to MusiCounts, a charity that supports musical education in schools across the country. $75.
The Find: essential running gear to propel you to a personal best
Running stores are chock-full of unnecessary gear that will only weigh you down on race day (ahem, Fuelbelt). Alongside the gimmicks, however, are a few gems that actually can make the lengthy grind feel a little shorter. In honour of Sunday’s Goodlife Fitness Marathon, we round up our top six race-tested essentials.
The Find: 10 dresses perfect for wearing to summer weddings
Weddings are good for seeing old friends, hitting an open bar and strutting around in a fancy dress. Though the brides picked their gowns months ago, most wedding guests are just beginning their hunt for the season’s flattering cocktail dresses and sultry evening gowns (in any colour but white, natch). Below 10 modern options that take you from ceremony through the final dance in style.
The Find: 10 stylish men’s belts to cap off a casual outfit
Many men have exactly two belts in their wardrobe: one brown and one black. Many others opt to omit them altogether, at least until faced with a pair of too-roomy pants. Either way, it’s a wasted opportunity. The right belt can subtly pull an outfit together, and sporting one in an unusual material or unexpected colour can add a little pep to a laid-back weekend outfit. Here, 10 subtly stylish waist-cinchers to wear yachting, camping or just enjoying spring in the city.
The Find: vintage-inspired sandals from Philip Sparks’ first women’s shoe collection
Since clothier Philip Sparks started making men’s shoes a few seasons ago, female visitors to his Ossington Avenue boutique have been begging him to produce the retro-inspired brogues and boots in smaller sizes. This spring, the Toronto designer did one better, launching a line of footwear specifically designed for women. The collection is small—just two styles in a couple of different colours—but it’s a promising start. This leather sandal in canary yellow, for instance, is a little preppy, a little vintage and very, very cheerful. $225.
Available at Philip Sparks, 162 Ossington Ave. (side entrance off Foxley Street), 647-348-1827, philipsparks.com
The Find: coloured chinos for men with bold style
Toronto men have long relegated colour to subtle details: a red sock here, a purple pocket square there. That’s set to change this spring with a swell of bright, look-at-me chinos appearing in shops across the city. Though denim devotees may find coloured pants intimidating, they’re surprisingly wearable—we suggest pairing them with a tailored blazer and brogues for a dandyish look, or a sweatshirt and casual jacket for weekend brunch. Below, our favourite chinos in saturated hues. Read the rest of this entry »
The Find: 15 picks from the spring 2013 One of a Kind Show
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The One of a Kind Show, with its signature mix of handmade clothing, art, jewellery, food, beauty products, toys and assorted knick-knacks, was around long before pop-up markets became all the rage among hip millennials. The latest edition of the semi-annual show, which starts tomorrow, also has a new feature: an Etsy marketplace where 40 mostly online artisans will flog their wares in the flesh. To help you navigate the thousands of products, we offer our top picks from the Etsy section and the rest of the show. Tickets $14. March 27 – 31; W, F, Sa 10–9; Su 10–6; Th 10–11. Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Boulevard, oneofakindshow.com
The Find: 11 trendy pieces to update your home for spring
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The hottest crazes in home decor right now are bold and quirky, which means homeowners can refresh an entire room by switching in a single of-the-moment piece of furniture or accessory—as long as it’s loud enough. Here, 11 items that are stylish, eye-catching and perfectly on trend.
The Find: bright leather gloves for a late-winter pick-me-up
Spring isn’t far off, but, judging from this weekend’s forecast, Toronto is still in for a cold snap or two before it really arrives. In lieu of a breath of fresh spring air, consider the scent of a brand new pair of leather gloves—in cheery pink, purple or red—for a boost to the spirits. Pair them with a patterned scarf and a jacket, and you’ll stay warm without feeling totally stuck in winter.
The Find: Jennifer Lawrence’s Canadian-made talisman necklace
Everyone wants a piece of Jennifer Lawrence (even it’s just her sweaty sports bra). No wonder Pyrrha’s Vancouver-based designers Wade Papin and Danielle Wilmore were chuffed that the actress wore one of their talisman necklaces mere hours after taking home the Oscar for best actress. The pair makes their silver and bronze pendants by hand using 18th- and 19th-century wax seals, each of which bears a heraldic message. J.Law’s reads “jamais arrière” which roughly translates as “never behind”—but if getting the exact same necklace as her feels just a bit too creepy fan-girl (or boy), the company makes more than hundred other options too. $202 (U.S.).
The Find: pretty pastel clothing and accessories to take you from winter to spring
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We’re pining for spring weather—and spring clothing. Luckily, seasonal shopping starts early this year: pastel colours were a trend in the winter and they’re going to continue to be this spring. With some clever styling (read: tights and sweaters), you can wear many of the tempting new garments in stores now, even though there’s still snow on the ground. Below, we round up our favourite candy-hued items from around the city.
The Find: six tortoiseshell frames that are perfectly bookish
Like Atticus Finch or an off-screen Johnny Depp, tortoiseshell frames are bookish, distinguished and a little bit mysterious. Depending on the rest of your outfit, they can come off timeless and sensible—or adorably nerdy. Here, the best of this year’s biggest Toronto eyewear trend.
The Find: designer dog accessories that won’t blow your budget
In an era of designer dog wear, kitting out a puppy can be as costly as a kid. With a little insider knowledge, however, bargain-seekers can find deals on everything from eco-friendly pet bowls to fleece-lined dog coats. Here, a look at the best sales, stores and products to prevent your pooch from becoming a money pit.
