If I had a Genie...

...I might have asked him to give me a few more (ok like 6 more) inches in height so I could make the most of these sweeping maxi dresses (barefoot or in thin, weathered leather, indian sandals). Shown above: Sworn Virgin Tie Dye Rita Dress (from ravinstyle.com) made from 100% sustainable bamboo cotton jersey.

Foley + Cobrinna's Spring collection especially had some beautiful, earthy numbers. Below: Tropical Graffiti Long Dress (from shopbop.com)


Below: Elizabeth James Tulip Dress (from shopbop.com)


For my second wish: long, loose waves to complete the bohemian vibe.

Urban Outfitter Late Spring Catelogue Vid

It's not too soon...

I couldn't resist picking up this cute oversized floral tote today from Fine Finds.   Lucky for me, it only cost $36.  Perfect item for spring and going into summer...I can't wait to pair this up with bubble shorts, light denims, and strappy cut-out sandals.

The sun today also got me thinking about some new shades (an ongoing obsession).  Some of my picks at the moment:

Rayban Tonal Wayfarers

Oliver Peoples Sofiane

Marc Jacobs Retro

All sunglasses pics from shopbop.com

What Spring Brings: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Hopefully there's only a few more weeks of winter left as I'm looking forward to some of these very wearable looks from Marc by Marc Jacobs. The collection can be summed up as, "what the chic boys and girls wear".  Again, a trend in the spring is heavy 80's - and we see that here. Unlike the rock n roll 80's punk style we saw for Rock and Republic, this collection is all about fun, lightness and utility. 80's wash denim, canvas shoes, neon accessories (I love the neon pink string bracelets and layered necklaces), cargo and khaki capris pants (often rolled up), and high waisted shorts put together a picture of youthful exuberance. He somehow even made fanny packs work.

The menswear was a standout - I know rolled up capris and short shorts aren't for every guy, but the boys that walked this runway looked fine.

And what's a Marc by Marc Jacobs collection without the hot accessories? I am in want of sunglasses like these and I can't wait to take a closer look at the bags.

I was skeptical of the whole neon trend when I first spotted it, but I am now completely enamored.  

There's a kind of Johnny Depp cool about this look:

(All pictures from Style.com)

Matt Bernson Spring and 15% Off

One of my favorite shoe lines, Matt Bernson, has launched it's new spring line of shoes.  The low key sandals are in the vein of what one usually expects from Bernson - low, sexy but comfy, boho sandals with nice details such as studs and zippers.  This spring brings an Indian feel - these sandals would pair perfectly with what i've seen from the Anna Sui and Antik Batik spring collections.

I was very pleasantly surprised by the hot wedges they have to offer - as you know, I am currently obsessed with any tall shoes that have me strapped, wrapped and zipped.  This pair has my toes-a-tingling.  

I've got a promo code for 15% off so I just might be tempted to give in.

Matt Bernson is available at several Vancouver retailers, including One of a Few and Two of a Few.

What Spring Brings: Stella McCartney's Slouchy Sexy

Stella McCartney's Spring 2009 collection brought out more of my faves: jumpsuits!  The colour palette was spot on - lovely neutrals in nude, beige, peach, cream, gunmetal, silver and a touch of turquoise for pop. Stella embodies what it means to be effortlessly stylish; her muse is no try-hard. You will find no girly bows, ribbons, or animal prints.  The sensuality and femininity is subtle but equally potent.   Plunging V-necklines and high cut jumpers (like a one piece maillot) show plenty of skin, and inventive tailoring keeps the line uniquely modern.  The boyfriend jacket and drapey tops continue to make a strong showing, and they make very wearable pieces.  I also loved the pared down makeup and swept back hair - very fresh for spring.  Accessories were limited to at the most one stand-out item.  This Stella girl is modern, strong and looks equally chic from day to night to weekend.  She's on the go, but makes it look so easy.

My only question is, can one successfully pull off one of these jumpers?  Or is this strictly resort wear?  

What Spring Brings: Rock and Republic 2009

Here's a good reason to look forward to spring and summer - the uber sexy collection from Rock and Republic. Short, tight i-dare-you mini dresses and skyscraper high stilettos can be the wrong kind of come-hither but this collection hits all the right notes for me. There's a definite eighties rocker edge, but it's done in a tasteful way. White, black and metallic skinnies are sweetened up with ruffled tops. The body conscious blazers would be a great addition to any wardrobe - pair them off with the collection's "skinny bitch" jeans or top it over a bubble skirt. I especially love the bandage style dresses which remind of me Rachel Bilson's white number from Herve Leger for Max Azria. I'd love one or two in both black and white.

There were also a few very sexy secretary looks - tight high waisted skirts accentuated by wide belts with tucked-in white button up shirts and cardigans. Demure but very hot. Equally hot but not shy is the black leather dress. Never thought that I would ever consider leather for a dress but it works here.

On the men side, the collection featured more skinnies: skinny jeans and ties.

Better start toning up for those skinnies and bandage minis.

What Spring Brings: Marc Jacobs 2009

I got the style.com's app on the iPhone a while ago and I have never enjoyed watching and flicking through fashion shows as much. It's so much easier than on my old PC! With all the snow that we've received, I'm dream of the Spring 2009 collections.

Here is the first of a series of spring shows - Marc Jacobs 2009 RTW

It's definitely a mish-mash of style. I'm not really sure what to define it as: purposely mis-matched yet somehow it magically flows together. There was gingham and plaid, high waists and hats, and some asian and african inspired pieces remixed to a lady-like tune. Style.com likens it to a global mashup. I'm really digging the corset belts, the richly textured, layered looks, and the long slim silouhette.

Below are some of my fave looks.