It’s impossible to find a bad photo of Olivia Palermo, whether she’s dolled up at an event or snapped by paparazzi while running errands in the streets of New York; Ms. Palermo is always put together nicely. After much fashionable admiration, I finally determined how she does it, and no, you don’t need the fortune of a socialite to accomplish her style.

Complimenting her body, Olivia wears classic pieces that are tailored to fit properly, when you have a variety of these staples to choose from your outfit is almost foolproof. Next, experiment with colours! Playing with colours and mixing prints will divide you from the crowd and exude originality. The final touches is my favourite step to bring a look together, by adding dramatic accessories, such as vintage jewelry and belts, you have the power to dress up an outfit effortlessly.

1. Style Inspiration: Olivia Palermo at a Montblanc event, image courtesy of InStyle
2. Style Inspiration: Olivia Palermo street style, image courtesy of InStyle
3. BCBG MAXAZRIA Natalia Cropped Jacket, $188
4. Malene Birger Bikum Bib Necklace, $204, available at Shopbop
5. Rebecca Minkoff Mabel Strappy Booties, $340, available at Shopbop
6. H&M Blue Clutch, $20

By: Michelle Morton, Vancouver

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An emerging key print for Fall 2012 is slithering its way back into our closets: reptile inspirations, skins and prints were heavy on the runways this season and have a sultry and mysterious vibe, making it the perfect choice to add a little edge to your wardrobe. Snake-reminiscent looks may seem a bit intimidating to wear, but like any trend, the key is to pairing it the right way, and then it is actually super easy to pull off. Avoid going overboard in head-to-toe matching skins, or overcompensating with highly embellished bags or shoes – simply wear one piece of this print or texture with basics, opt for an understated snake-influenced accessory or follow in Givenchy’s footsteps by coveting this trend in the detailing on hems and cuffs. If you are really daring, try piecing together different textiles in complimentary colors of the design upping the ante for a fashion forward reptile look.

Inspiration Image: Givenchy Pre-Fall 2012, courtesy of style.com

1. Club Monaco Tasha Snakeskin Legging, $150
2. BCBG MaxAzria “Modern Snake-Chain Necklace, $88
3. Diane Von Furstenberg Tonda Striped Snakeskin Clutch, $502, available at Shopbop 
4. Joe Fresh Snake Print Ankle Boot, $99
5. Matthew Williamson “Printed Silk-Chiffon Blouse, $750
6. J.Crew Collection No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Python, $2,500

By: Emily Gray, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @litlmissfashn.

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With the bright, playful garden-party florals of the Spring and Summer behind us, it is hard to believe that a rose by any other name could still smell as sweet, and yet, the Fall has brought with it a new set of blossoms entirely its own for us to covet. In a darker, more sultry approach to the trend, Fall 2012 features modern updates on floral styling – as a stand-out bouquet on a sleek blouse, growing in the overlay of a pair of chic driving gloves, patterned on a statement necklace, scarf or evening clutch, or budding in a neutral tone on a wardrobe staple like the skinny jean. Untamed and irresistible, this cool weather garden is pure style temptation and we are wearing it everywhere.

1. BCBG MaxAzria Floral Filigree Necklace, $68 US
2. Rag & Bone Chevron Quilted Driving Gloves, $260, available at Shopbop
3. Banana Republic Cindy Floral Scarf, $74
4. Club Monaco Liza Slim-Fit Crop Pant, $130
5. J.Crew Daisy Lace Minaudiere, $338 US
6. H&M Floral Blouse, $35

By: Elizabeth Pryde, Managing Editor, Vancouver

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In the summer we tend to pare down on our clothing layers. High temperatures lead to simpler outfits that don’t involve so many heat-trapping pieces. While we want to stay cool and collected, there are still occasions where we are required to wear a jacket that either cover up our shoulders or provides some structure to our outfit. Summer outwear is the perfect way to round out your office wardrobe, protect from the elements or top off an evening look. Pick blazers made with light fabric and consider choosing something bright to make your outfit really pop.

1.  J. Crew Maritime Blazer, $138

2. alice + olivia floral blazer, $428, shopbop

3. BCBG MAX AZRIA Metallic Blazer, $258

4. Zara Zebra Print Blazer, $99

By: Gabi Pirraglia, Toronto 

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This season, a little refinement is in order as designers showcase lady-like clothing and accessories sure to bring out the finishing school in all of us. Straight from the Spring/Summer 2012 Prada runway, this polished trend blends understated elegance with glamorously demure luxury in delicate fabrics, flattering silhouettes, and sumptuous hues impossible to resist. For high style accents, complete your look with royalty-inspired statement jewelry, a classic handbag in a feminine tone, and sleek, subtle heels. As it turns out fashionistas, our mothers were right: we should act like ladies. At least, style-wise.

1. Style Inspiration: Prada Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear, courtesy of Style.com

2. Tibi Pleated Jersey Dress, $345 US, available at Net-a-Porter 

3. Sam Edelman Orly Patent Pumps, $124, available at Shopbop 

4. J.Crew Edie Purse, $274

5. BCBG MaxAzria Floral Bouquet Statement Necklace, $118

By: Elizabeth Pryde, Vancouver

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Typically a festive Winter embellishment, sequins are making a debut this season as designers highlight their clothing and accessory collections with sparkle and prove a little bling is in for Spring! Ideal for adding visual interest and a sense of glamor to your warm weather wardrobe, sequined looks are fresh, feminine and boldly beautiful, truly reflective of the daring attitude of the Spring/Summer 2012 fashion season. Shine on with our favorite adorned pieces – featuring subtle color palettes, streamlined silhouettes and understated designs these items are Spring sequined stunning and worthy of glam fashionistas everywhere.

1. J.Crew Sequin Cami, $484

2. Parker Spaced Sequin Open Back Top, $330, available at Shopbop 

3. Diane Von Furstenberg Izzy Sequined Printed Silk Dress $600 US, available at Net-a-Porter

4. BCBG MaxAzria Edna Sequined Pleated Skirt, $150

5. Gap Sequin Stripe Tote, $50

6. Tommy Hilfiger Slub Jersey Knit Tank, $45

By: Elizabeth Pryde, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @elizabethpryde.

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