Must-Have Accessories for Spring 2013

So, I have rounded up my 5 favourite must-have accessory trends for the Spring season. It was a difficult choice, but these are fun, easy to find, and wearable.

1.     The Mini

I am obsessed with the mini handbag. It might be the cutest trend of the season and you can get a few in various colours. The Reed Krakoff micro boxer is my all time favourite- Not only do I love the electric blue colour (especially for Spring), but I also adore how it's structured. Below it, is the 3.1 Phillip Lim Mini Pashli Satchet. The top handle and snakeskin print are key selling points. 

 Reed Krakoff

 3.1 Phillip Lim

2.     Black and White

This trend is a given as everyone has been talking about it- black and white. You can play up the contrasting colours in either geometric shapes or stripes. I love the Celine calfskin slipper in the colour block. If you are feeling a bit edgier, the Nicholas Kirkwood striped block heel is sure to turn heads. 

Celine

Nicholas Kirkwood

3.     Seeing Clearly

The clear plastic trend seems to be on everyone’s radar this Spring. A beautiful shoe is the Celine Optic Mule, made of shiny calfskin and smoked vinyl. Pair it with an all white suit and you’re the center of attention. If you don’t want to break the bank, I adore the Marc by Marc Jacobs clear top handle satchel. Just be sure to keep the inside of your bag clean, of course!

 Celine

Marc by Marc Jacobs

4.     Pastel Dream

Pastels are sticking with us for another season, which I am excited about. I love the blush Mulberry Alexa bag. It’s an iconic handbag and its more neutral colour gives you the opportunity to wear it at any time. The Alexander McQueen structured Heroine tote is beautiful and I find the pastel colour to be perfect. 

rry,

 Mulberry

 Alexander McQueen

5.     Stackin’ It

I have saved by favourite accessory trend for last- Stackin’ It. I have started following a blog called  Me and Lex, and the sister duo stack vintage and new necklaces above one another to create the look of a bib. I find it to be stunning and I cannot wait to try it for Spring. The bib necklace from Dannijo is a more subtle way of creating a stacked look- or if you’re loving the look...stack on!

Me and Lex

 Dannijo

 - Carolyn Beaudry

Dr. Gladstone

The Gladstone bag or doctor's bag was once a workingman’s asset, but today it has become a woman’s arm luxury. Functional, elegant, and back in our sights for 2012, the Gladstone bag is an accessory worth investing in.

A bag with the potential to be minimalist, classic and statement-worthy all at once, is by default considered a part of Celine’s equally sharp uniform. In their Fall 2011 runway show, models marched with the Gladstone tucked under their arm. The original doctor’s bag shape was maintained with small handles, a sturdy rectangular base and a magnetic-centre with the trademark floppy feature. Celine’s latest offering for Spring 2012 is a modified version of the Gladstone. It’s got corporate sophistication with hints of perky colours, giving the trend another opportunity for an appraisal.

-Ariana Chung❤

Here come the British!!

By Amanda Jazvac

There is no doubt that British fashion has always had an impact on the rest of the world, dating back to the 1960’s Mod invasion, and later with the grunge and punk movements. The past year has been their biggest yet however, and the groundwork laid promises no near end in sight.

The British Fashion Awards 2010, hosted at London’s Savoy Hotel and Theatre last night, drew its biggest crowd yet in honoring the most important and influential fashion icons of the past year. Winners included Alexa Chung for British Style, Phoebe Philo (for Céline) as Designer of the Year, and Burberry for the Digital Innovation award.

Special recognition went to the late Alexander McQueen as Sarah Burton, assistant to McQueen for the last 15 years of his life, accepted the award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion on his behalf. Also acknowledged were Naomi Campbell, as one of the greatest contributors to British fashion over the last 25 years, and Nicola Formichetti for the Isabella Blow award for Fashion Creator.

For those in the North American fashion industry, the British are becoming and holding their place as ‘household names’; for those not in the know, newer fashion phenomena such as Topshop are sure to command their attention. No matter what angle you look at it from, not only are the British here to stay, but they have proven to provide a consistent supply of fresh and innovative talent. I think it best to be wide-eyed and ready for what they’ll bring us next.

To watch some of the best moments from the British Fashion Awards 2010, click here.