Sarah Casselman talks hot shoes, cool bags and head gear from the gods.
Hot Find
Lustre (439 Danforth Ave., 647-435-8195), a.k.a. Shoe and Bag Mecca, is now stocking its chic shelves with two new lines: L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani (T-straps, mirror details and sexy peep-toed pumps) and Chie Mihara (stacked heels, metallic finishes and bright colour combos). I plan on pairing my Marc by Marc Jacobs colour-block shift dress with the Chie Mihara Saima shoe (shown, $345). Perfect for le printemps.
Fashion alert
Augustina(5 Old York Lane, 416-922-4248, augustinaboutiques.com) has added a new line to its well-edited roster of labels. Designer Min Young Lee, formerly the head designer of Calypso’s high-end label, Christiane Celle, has launched her collection of stunning tunics, tops and dresses, available exclusively at the Yorkville shop this spring. Watch for the hand-embroidered, ruffled and silk print pieces to make a splash with the fashion set.
Spotted: Haute headbands
The mini-tiara is so 2007. Spring tresses look fresh with an of-the-moment thin wire band, like the ones by Toronto designer Shannon Hazell (shannonhazell.com). These chic, goddess-inspired hair accessories (shown, $30) boast gold-plated leaves, feathers, rhinestones and wood. Consider them the crowning glory of your closet for the new season.
Photography by Carlo Mendoza
One to watch
Handbag designer Jenny Bird
With over 10 years of experience in jewellery making and textile and bag design, Toronto’s Jenny Bird has launched a line of innovative versions of the little black bag. Her debut collection of Italian leather bags (Shown, from $465) offers the perfect mix of art deco inspiration with Audrey Hepburn’s ladylike elegance. Understated luxury at our fingertips? Now that is something to have and to hold. At Plum Shoe Boutique (29 Bellair St., 416-964-1410).
Double your pleasure
Miss Sixty/Energie is relocating its women’s and men’s megastore to an even larger location — twice the size! — in Yorkdale Shopping Centre (3401 Dufferin St., 416-782-0518, misssixty.com) this May. Fans of the fashion-forward collections can expect a full range of products (Miss Sixty for women, and Energie and Sixty for men), including premium denim, ready-to-wear, footwear, fragrances and accessories. Editor’s pick: the high-waisted canary yellow pencil skirt.