Three years pounding the sales floor can seem like an eternity. That's why, at 27-years-old, Zane Aburaneh, a handbag sales associate at Holt Renfrew, decided that he'd had enough. Enough of the big-box shift work, but not enough of the luxury bags. Just months later, he launched A to Zane (atozane.com) an e-commerce website specializing in stylish and unique bags and accessories, made both locally and internationally. He took a running start and a leap of faith, and has continued to create quite the buzz among pretty women with Paypal, who aren't afraid to spend their pennies.

Last month, to celebrate his emerging success, Aburaneh gifted his clientele, both new and old, a tangible treat. A one week pop-up extravaganza, allowing his loyal shoppers to touch the product, smell the leather and meet the man who made it all happen. He set up shop on boutique-row in Queen Street West, and transformed elite shoe-shop destination Chasse Gardee (1084 Queen Street W.) into a mixed-bag of mixed bags, shoes and accessories. The walls were lined with stunning hobos and must-have clutches, jewellery and hair pieces, all from independent designers like Hoi Bo, Tila March and local newcomer Amanda Lew Kee.

"After visiting Paris and London I realized that there were so many amazing collections that weren't being made available to the Canadian consumer," says the dapper entrepreneur. He, like the stock he carries, isn't exactly hard on the eyes. However, greater than his love for foreign labels is his desire to support the home team. "I made the decision to work with four amazing Canadian designers because I believe we have incredible talent here, and I want to show it off," he boasts.

When selecting the items to sell on his site, Aburaneh looks for three key elements: style, functionality and quality. Those, he insists, are the cornerstones of good fashion. But good fashion, as we all know, doesn't come cheap. "Accessories are investment items, and, if purchased correctly, the won't have to change from season to season," says Aburaneh. Not only is a well selected accessory timeless, but it's also essential. "Accessories are so important because they change the look of your everyday wardrobe," he says. How, you ask?

"Easy. They add style and individuality."

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