Writer: Kathleen Bushie 

"TOP 10 FASHION MUST HAVES"

The shifting of one season to the next comes as naturally as the passing of two strangers on a street. Just the other day, I was faced with the lingering feeling that comes only with the devolvement of summer to fall. Gone are the days of beaches and tanned bodies. Gone are days of sunshine and roasted marshmallows. We now have cool weather and the pending arrival of "that white stuff" to serve as replacements (NOOOO!).

Walking through downtown Toronto, you can begin to notice the changes that occur naturally but often out of our sights. We often stop and admire the leaves as they take on glows of brassy orange and sun-kissed yellow. As this change of season occurs, so does a change for us-the shift to fall and winter fashions has begun. Looking ahead, what a season it will turn out to be!

Top 10 FASHION MUST HAVES for Fall/Winter:

1. Wide Legged Trouser Pants - Dress them up or wear them with a white T-shirt. Give your legs a break from last year's skinny craze!

2. Ankle Boots - 80’s children will be laughing! This vintage treasure is back but with an updated makeover-black leather minus the silver hardware.

3. Purple - This colour is everywhere from Dior to Zac Posen. Deep shades of purple help keep our spirits up during the winter blahs. Purple gloves, purple earrings…anything goes!!!

4. Belts - This last year’s goodie is back with a slim down. Pencil thin belts give our waist a much needed break from the chunky belts of yesterday.

5. Ruffles - Romantic and girly; see them on everything from dresses to blouses.

6. Fur Accents - Bring out your wild side but still be lady like. Try a fur-lined knee length peacoat!

7. Thick Tights/leggings - YA! We got them!

8. Knits - Warm and styling? My kind of fall trend! Ask granny to knit you something-the more handmade the better!

9. Gloves - Not a single catwalk lacked these. Fur to leather and up to your elbows, A MUST!

10. Red accessories - Hot hot hot! Keep the passions of summer with you this year by adding a little red to your ensemble!

Now that girls have a list of goodies to fill their bags (and closet) with, locations to purchase these items must be sought! Here is a small gathering of local shops to dip your trnedy hands into:

1. Vintage - Kensington Market never fails to fill our plate with retro finds (such as ankle boots). Others to note: Black Market (Queen Street West)

2. Consignment Stores - Trendy pieces that are gently used and priced to go! Check your local yellow pages for one! (Those east of Toronto should visit "It’s Worth Repeating Consignments" located in Whitby)

3. Online: www.bluefly.com - Trendy designer must haves- up to 60% off.
-www.eluxury.com

As the glow of summer slowly fades away, take delight in the journey back to school and work with fashion that falls forward!

Got a tip? Comment? You can contact Kathleen at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Photographer: Rebecca Leung // Stylist: Olivia Sementova
Makeup Artist: Maggie Ng // Model: Saven (Stylus) // Designer: Michelle Leung

Silk Scarf Brooches by Smitten Kitten, Knitted Scarves by l’ammie;
Grey Grecian Dress by Brazen Hussy; all other wardrobe stylist’s own.