For my March break getaway, I’ll be packing a frilly little number like this one by Montreal-based chain Dynamite ($40, dynamite.ca). By day, I can work it on the beach with flip-flops and a sunhat à la Brigitte Bardot, then dress it up post-sunset with strappy sandals and glam red lipstick.

When jewel-encrusted butterflies land on Lanvin’s Spring 2011 accessories, you know it’s time to put down your swatter and embrace the creepy-crawlies. Insect embellishment is creating major buzz, popping up on everything from belts to bags. Like Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz, I prefer them as luxe baubles, like this playful ladybug pendant by Aaron Basha [...]

Leave it to the buyers at Misch (2960 Granville St., 604-731-1017, misch.ca) to stock the latest and greatest from the best under-the-radar fashion brands. New this spring is a capsule collection of shirts and other pieces by Forte Forte (forte-forte.com), an Italian label that has re-dyed and repurposed gorgeous fabrics. The store will stock the [...]

On trend but not over the top, these minimalist denim kicks by TOMS ($65, at Holt Renfrew, 510 Eighth Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-269-7341, holtrenfrew.com) give your blue-jean basics a modern twist without blowing your budget. Even better: The company donates one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold.

There’s been plenty of action on Laurier Avenue lately: Salon Orbite (221 Laurier Ave. W., 514-271-6333, orbite.com) just got a futuristic reno; dandy den Michel Brisson (1074 Laurier Ave. W., 514-270-1012, michelbrisson.com) moved a couple of blocks east; and Billie (1012 Laurier Ave. W., 514-270-5415, billieboutique.com) has taken over this chic space. Besides Alice + [...]

After 25 years in the Canadian fashion industry (including a nine-year stint as senior designer for Lida Baday), Dennis Merotto has added another layer to his already impressive resumé: his own label. Why did you decide to launch the Dennis Merotto collection? “It seemed to be a natural move. After so many years of working [...]

No matter what the forecast says, I’d like to believe that the sun’s hiding just around the corner. And if not—well, I can always take a little spring-break vacation, non? Either way, I feel justified splurging on a pair of Linda Farrow for Agent Provocateur sunglasses (from $375). The collection includes styles with suitably provocative [...]

Instead of super-feminine jewellery, this season I’m reaching for bold, modern designs by Finland-born, Brit-raised and Calgary-based designer Ellinor Stenroos. “I wanted to incorporate high tech into wearable pieces that were functional,” she says. Case in point: The sterling-silver-and-rubber O-rings ($350 each) feature synthetic stones in a variety of colours that can be rearranged to [...]