Style Your Inner Child

If you're a jewelry connoisseur, comme moi, then you've seen the multitude of necklaces covered in rainbow thread, or the sudden over-accessibility of neon-coloured rhinestone collars -- Tom Binns would be spinning in his grave, you know, if he were not alive. While I'm not necessarily jumping all over the trend (not shocking with my devotion to black) I like the idea of childhood whimsy behind it.

Rainbow thread brings me back to senior kindergarten when the coolest, most popular girl, Courtney, put rainbow thread in her running shoes and won all the boys' fancy and clearly some of the girls'. Now my most favourite pieces reflect my childhood from my satin cat print 'Duchesse' Miu Mius to my crystal Cinderella-esque Pradas and most recently my navy and white Bekket Isabel Marants that look identical to my first pair of Spice Girls-era platform sneakers. Kitties, Disney, and Girl Power -- my life as a little girl in a nutshell, now interpreted in high fashion.

Embrace your past and wear your inner-child on your neck. And maybe add a dinosaur, or two.

-Hallae Khosravi

Impossible Conversations

The MET has done it again. The new exhibition, “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations”, at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art pays tribute to the two designers exemplifying the likeness between their works despite being separated by centuries.

Unfortunately for those of use stuck in Toronto, the city that seems torn between winter and spring, we are a plane ride away from this exhilarating exhibit. But for the lucky few who will be passing through The Big Apple during its run time, May 10-August 19^th, this is one not to miss!

Paying tribute to two of the greatest fashion shapers of the twentieth century, curators Harold Koda and Andrew Bolton examined Prada’s archive, the Costume Institute’s collection, as well as several private collections, deciding on a final 90 designs and 30 accessories which draw parallels between the women's creations.

Having worked years apart, Elsa Schiapareli from the late 1920’s to the early 1950’s and Miuccia Prada from the late 1980’s until the present, fashion lovers alike will be astounded by the display. The pairings will be coupled with videos created and directed by the imagination of Baz Luhrmann, and will feature these “impossible conversations” between the two.

Don’t miss your chance to see this one of a kind exhibition!

- Laura Patriquin

The Top Handle is Taking Over

It seems that the top handle purse has always been around, but this spring season it seems even more prevalent than ever. With brands like Yves St Laurent, Prada, Michael Kors, Max Mara and the always classic Louis Vuitton (all pictured below) showing their interpretation of the top handle. I personally prefer the top handle over an over the shoulder handbag because of the functionality, space, and utility and it seems that so do designers.

The term purse or handbag originally referred to a small bag for holding coins and have been around since the 14th century, but a lot has changed since the then. Handbags were originally made from leather, but today they can be made from all kinds of materials. This season leather,lace and calfskin are prominent, which means that handbags are finally making the leap from fashion to functional. For years we have seen handbags that are first of all tiny, and secondly unusable because of the materials used (primarily Chanel’s lambskin, the fabric is so soft that it can be easily stained and marked). But this year there seems to be a turn around and not just with handbags. Designers are proving the point that fashion, comfort, and functionality can go hand-in-hand. Which is how I think fashion should always be viewed. But I digress, the handbag has always been a very crucial part of any season and any outfit so whats your favorite type of handbag? Hobo, tote, shoulder, or this season top handle?

Arabella

Think Big, Go Small

by: Finency Anggreni Setioyuwono

Big bags are so 2010.

This season, designers are going smaller yet practical. From disco ball at Louis Vuitton to metal coin purses at Ralph Lauren, the Spring runways were full of tiny-yummy-glittery handbags.

From ASOS to Fendi to Reed Krakoff offer different options of wearable petite clutches, totes, and shoulder bags that can carry women bare necessities. Phone, lip-gloss, keys, wallet are the true minimalist women’s luggage.

Alexander Wang - Jade stingray, leather, and suede wristlet bag
$795 - net-a-porter.com

A roomy wristlet clutch with exceptional cool hardware and panels of exotic leather, Alexander Wang's off-white stingray, leather, and suede trunk-style wristlet bag is one quirky-cool accessory

Reed Krakoff - Boxer leather envelope clutch
$990 - reedkrakoff.com

Got a Python in only three-digits price? Totally worth the money!
Reed Krakoff's knotted strap black leather and python envelope clutch is a perfectly pared-down piece. Pair this fuss-free bag with a high-impact dress and directional platofm sandals for after-dark city style

Prada Canapa Striped bag

$795 - prada.com

Prada's stripes are the pattern of the season. This bag is so fresh and crisp, really suitable for the spring.

ASOS Leather Boxy Lock Bag

$89.65 - asos.com

Boxy lock bag, featuring a bold washed leather finish with a contrasting buckle strap, silver-tone hardware detailing and square boxy styling. The bold yellow hue is also on the trend with the lemon-colored Spring runways.

Kate Spade Essex Small Scout

$295 - katespade.com

The infamous Essex bag from Kate Spade is definitely the “it” bag for this season. Clean shape, functional, and affordable, who can resist this candy bag?

Make your Prada Private!

There have been a growing number of brands who offering customization as an option for consumers. You can customize anything from NIKE shoes, Ralph Lauren polos, and Louis Vuitton totes. The only thing missing from this selection is eyewear! Prada has recently launched their custom sunglass line, Prada Private. It was launched December 2nd 2010 at a cocktail party in at one of the Sunglass Hut locations in NYC. Socialites and models were in attedance creating their very own pair of Prada Private frames. Canada's very own Jessica Stam was spotted accenting her frames with skulls and symbols. The Prada Private frames feature removable arms that can be personalized by 47 character or symbol inserts. They are available in three colours; black, white or tortoiseshell. You can customize your own pari of Prada Private frames at various Sunglass Hut location across North America. Once Spring/Summer 2011 hits, the frames will be customizable within Prada boutiques across the globe.