Don't Miss Out On The Season's Hottest Fashion

Shopping for spring and summer items is my favourite, and so I tend to jump the gun. By mid-February, shops and boutiques begin to acquire their spring collections - and I trick myself into thinking that, if I start shopping for spring clothing, my actions will summon the warm weather.

Of course, the pieces I purchase end up sitting in my closet for the next two months - but by the time the season actually arrives, I’m ready. I’ve been thinking about what spring pieces to buy since fashion week last October when designers showcased their Spring 2011 collections. Below is a list of what we at WOMAN.CA believe to be the five essential purchases of the season; I’ve spent a lot of time studying these items, and can confidently give each one my stamp of approval.

Bodkin’s Twister Jumper
To the great dismay of my boyfriend, I am infatuated with overalls and rompers; I think they look great on women, but I’ve heard a lot of my male friends complaining about this trend. To them I say, “Deal with it.” Rompers and jumpers are perfect for the summer - they’re comfortable, practical, (especially for those who ride bikes) and I believe they really can complement and reveal a great body. Bodkin’s entire Spring 2011 collection is beautiful, and the Twister Jumper is its reigning champion.  Since its release on the runway, I’ve been looking online every single day to see if it’s being sold yet.  A beautiful shade of cream (which would suit any hair colour or skin tone) with a ruched, twist-tie center and gorgeous cut, this piece is my number 1 must-have.

Jenny Bird’s Tusk Drop Necklaces
Every season Jenny Bird releases an amazing line of accessories, always perfectly in keeping with the current season’s colouring and style. At her most recent sample sale, I had the chance to check out some of Bird’s spring pieces. All were exquisite, but I must say that my clear standout - in terms of practicality and versatility for wear - was the Tusk Drop Necklace.

James Perse, Striped Maxi Tank Dress
I’m a huge James Perse fan. His pieces, and dresses especially, are just so easy to wear and transferable - you can wear them during the day, or to a fancy evening event. Further, his blend of materials hugs the body in a way that is complementary to any body type - even the modest will love the way they look. The Striped Maxi Tank Dress is gorgeous. It comes in both navy and white, and is long and fluid with an empire waist; and the rouching on the lower half of the dress creates a perfect amount of volume.

Frye’s Veronica Slouch Boot
Frye has earned a place on my must-have list every season, but at first I wasn’t completely sold on these boots; now, however, I’m saving five dollars a day so I can eventually afford them. Usually I wouldn’t wear boots in the spring or summer months, but this beautifully faded boot (available in colours ranging from beige to a blackish grey) would fit perfectly with a long flowing dress or skirt.

Duy’s Silk Crepe Trench
Last but certainly not least comes Duy and his amazing Silk Crepe Trench. I’ve fallen head over heels in love with Duy since the release of his Spring 2011 collection, debuted at the Toronto Fashion Week in October. His Spring collection, which was inspired by the film “The English Patient” astonished fashion critics, and stole my heart. Ever since I saw it on the runway, I knew I had to have it. Since it’s 100% silk, it is the perfect coat for Spring-not too heavy, just a little something extra, and not to mention elegant. This breathtaking trench is definitely on my top five list.

Nicole Simon
		About the author:
		Nicole is a Toronto native, who somehow weaseled her way into the Fashion Institute for Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. There, she majored in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising. Her greatest accomplishments include working as a fish monger for one memorable summer when she was eighteen, and getting scowled at by Judge Judy in line at a restaurant in Manhattan.
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