The must-have accessory this spring is the bangle. Try this wooden, studded one from Aldo.
Local Style Blog Dishes
Rags and Mags, a cheeky new blog produced by stylista/musician Carolyn Rohaly (who pens an online journal for the Toronto Fashion Incubator) and fashion illustrator Danielle Meder, launched appropriately during L’Oreal Fashion Week. Delivered in a chatty diary format, the clever project offers up vastly different, yet authentic perspectives on Toronto’s fashion scene via two fictional female characters — a hip emerging designer (Max) and a veteran fashion writer (Lucinda) who reference real people, places and local happenings. Not surprisingly, it’s already enjoying heavy traffic. Check it out at: www.ragsandmags.com
Philip Sparks for Town Shoes
Local it-boy designer Philip Sparks whose runway show wowed both press and fashion fanatics last week can now also boast a tempting capsule collection of fashion forward men’s footwear. Sold exclusively at Town Shoes, the designs include stylish everyday cycling-inspired lace-ups, a sleek sailing shoe and a retro-chic evening loafer — especially delicious in white — that conjures the bygone elegance of 1970s Bowie and Brian Ferry (Roxy Music) ensembles ($120 – $135). www.townshoes.com.
MiMa Paper Sale
The Custom stationery gurus at MiMa Designs are moving on to other artistic projects and selling off their studio’s contents at swoon-worthy prices. DIYers who dig paper crafts, brides on a budget keen to make their own invites as well as renegade scrapbookers should definitely take a gander at these goodies. Expect to gush over beautiful handmade (mostly Japanese) papers, lovely higher-end ribbons, cards and envelopes as well as vintage wallpapers from Italy and some beads — all going for a song (envelopes are 10 cents each). Plus: stacks of wedding and décor mags ($1 each) and select store fixtures are also for sale. Few things are more memorable than an über-stylish invitation or handwritten thank-you note on gorgeous paper, so scoot over there while there’s still a dreamy selection.
Where: 400 King St. East (near River), 416-423-0679. Closed Sunday. www.mimadesign.com.
Springify at ALDO
Accessories represent the democracy of fashion — instant wardrobe updates that won’t bite your wallet. This season, the most obvious must-have is the bangle — go with one chunky stunner or (better still) stack them in threes. They offer up bold punches of colour and texture and rarely cost more than $20. Canada’s own Aldo has oodles of styles. Try neon yellow or orange for some fresh Spring pop or — for a more subtle nod to the trend, opt for natural woods (perhaps accented with copper studs). www.aldoshoes.com.
Nathalie-Roze Fischer
Nathalie-Roze Fischer is an accessories designer, writer and DIY enthusiast. Visit her online at www.nathalie-roze.comor at her indie shop/studio in Leslieville (1015 Queen St. East).
