Sarah Casselman uncovers this month’s hot spots and cool finds.
By Sarah Casselman
Spotted: Bows
Whether elegant in silk (à la Valentino) or cartoony in tulle (à la Louis Vuitton), style mavens everywhere are getting tied up in bows. Slipped on your finger or carried on your arm, the charming accents lend a touch of girlish romance to the season’s new mood (Van Cleef & Arpels at Birks ring shown, $27,800).
Photography by Tracy Shumate
Fashion flash
Conjure up a little East Coast cool this season. If it’s good enough for the Kennedy clan, it’s good enough for you. Best buys: Old Navy’s wooden-handled clutch ($25) and preppy seersucker blazer.
Editor’s Pick: Tenielle Design
With necklaces in every size, shape and precious stone dangling from coast to coast this spring, how can a girl stand out from the fashion pack? The answer (and my obsession du jour) is local designer Tenielle Franklin (tenielledesign.com), who specializes in statement necklaces (shown, $380). Her handmade pieces boast precious stones, wood, ribbons and chains (think: oversized, earthy and ethnic-inspired). Perfect for the globe-trotting gal or the city sophisticate. At Finishing Touches (3281 Yonge St., 416-824-9034, ftouches.com).
Photography by Nicole Stafford
Best new store: Shopgirls gallery
I love the idea of mixing a one-of-a-kind Canadian piece with an established international label—whether it’s in my closet or hanging from my walls. Shopgirls Gallery owner Michelle Germain and I have a lot in common. Located in the hip ’hood of West Queen West, her groovy new shop (1342 Queen St. W., 416-534-7467, shopgirls.ca) showcases fashion, art and home accents from over 30 Canadian artists and designers. Cool factor: The gallery is both a retail and studio space, so customers can watch as creations come to life.
Photography by Carolyn C.
Hot find
Time to stock up on devastatingly chic and—gasp!—affordable sunglasses for summer. Check out Club Monaco’s debut collection of vintage-inspired frames, available this spring nationwide at Club Monaco, Sunglass Hut and LensCrafters. With prices starting from $80, you’ll be able to match a different pair with every bikini in your suitcase. Beach and boy not included.