The New Year is an opportunity to reinvent your personal style, so why not welcome 2013 by standing out from the crowd? When I feel inspired to experiment with new looks, I reset by going back to the basics. Black and white is a timeless combination. Whether you’re dressed up for a night out or casually chic, the outfit will always keep you looking sharp. My favourite way to wear classic pieces is to add some edge, and blacks and whites are the perfect neutrals to mix with. With all the trendy patterns out right now, such as Aztec prints, bold stripes and classic polka dots, the options are endless! Mixing patterns can be a bit intimidating at first, but with a few simple rules you can gain many new outfits from your closet and beginning with a black and white palette is the best way to start:

(1) The first and most important step when creating your ensemble is having a starting point. Choose a piece you want to build off of, for example, a pair of floral trousers or a polka dot blouse.

(2) Rule number two is exactly that! Do not mix more than two prints together, three or more combinations will be too much and look sloppy.

(3) Accessorize accordingly to bring the outfit together by adding some jewels or a cool clutch paired with some pumps!

The world is your red carpet, so be bold and walk it with confidence from head to toe! Which prints are you excited to mix first?

1. Style Inspiration: Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2013, image courtesy of style.com
2. Style Inspiration: Olivia Palermo at the Montblanc Private Party, image courtesy of fashionscanner.onsugar
3. BCBGMAXAZRIA Simone Ikat Power Skirt, $178
4. H&M Blouse $30 and Trousers $50
5. Joe Fresh Optic Print Silk Shirt, $49
6. Elizabeth & James Stella Loafer Pumps, $358, available at shopbop

By: Michelle Morton, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @MichelleEMorton.

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Get carried away to all your celebratory fetes with an over the top evening bag to make your party pop. It’s two’s company when you’re toting around a statement soiree bag this season to all your festive functions. Deck your dressy ensemble out with miniature minaudières and itty-bitty box bags in dazzling decadence with extravagant jewels, glistening glitter and a heavy dose of hot holiday sheen. Though they may be small in stature, your after-hours arm candy takes shape in these megawatt minis to pack a seasonal style punch for the twinkling trimming topper on your haute holidays.

1. Sondra Roberts Gift Bow Clutch, $58
2. Ted Baker Glitter Bow Bag, $103
3. BCBGMaxAzria Crystal Detail Clutch, $198
4. Karen Millen Baroque Jewel Clutch, $125
5. Coach Poppy Jewel Frame Bag, $398
6. Juicy Couture Shoulder Bag, $160
7. Kate Spade Feather Evening Bag, $278
8. Lulu Guinness Embellished Fan Bag, $795
9. Reiss Embellished Box Clutch, $180
10. River Island Jeweled Box Clutch, $53, available at ASOS

By: Megan Correia, Managing Editor, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @MeganAlyssaC.

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Fully clad in Fall fashions and adjusting to the cooler weather, these days it can be tempting to set aside those stand-by-me staple accessories of the warmer months and not look back. Before you find yourself focused solely on scarves and chic hats to compliment the Winter winds, keep in mind, however, that a stylish pair of season-appropriate sunglasses can be just the trick to complete your outfits this transitional time of year. Fashionable and functional, the right pair of sunglasses will not only keep you looking flawless, they will also protect your eyes from what can be a deceiving time for weather – after all, cold days don’t necessarily mean no more sun, and as any truly Canadian girl knows, the glare of the snow can be downright blinding. Timeless, modern or trendy, we have sunglass selections to cover your bases – and your pretty eyes – no matter what look you are rocking.

Timeless:

1. J.Crew Selima Sun Lou Sunglasses, $134

2. Ray-Ban Wayfarer, $ 250, available at The Sunglass Hut 

Modern:
3. Burberry Oversized Rounded Frame Sunglasses, $252
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Metal Aviator Sunglasses, $100, available at Shopbop

Trendy:
5. Illesteva Mademoiselle Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses, $240 US, available at Net-a-Porter
6. BCBG MaxAzria Tasi Sunglasses, $90 US

By: Elizabeth Pryde, Managing Editor, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @elizabethpryde.

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Get your rocks on with super-sized jewels and decadent designs for high fashion style this season in the shape of statement necklaces. For fall, necklaces are oversized and dramatic to create jewelry that packs a powerful statement when added to any outfit ensemble. Statement necklaces are timeless classics that will elevate your simplest of wardrobe basics and provide show-stopping beauty all at once. Whether your style is feminine and vintage or bold and edgy, the season’s stand-out pieces come in a variety of shapes and sizes suitable for all looks, from daytime or night-time dressing. A multitude of chains, burnished metallics, in-your-face pendants and a rainbow of colored stones are the season’s top defining elements when it comes to the perfect statement necklace. These large, decorative baubles are an effortlessly cool way to add drama and glamour into your Fall wardrobe. Even if you only opt for a few new additions to your jewelry collection this season, make sure you snap up a big and bold statement necklace because this trend is a definite keeper and investment for seasons to come.

1. ASOS Cameo Statement Necklace, $150
2. Lulu Frost Statement Necklace, $278, available at J.Crew
3. Banana Republic Oval Focal Necklace, $85
4. H&M Large Stone Statement Necklace, $69.95
5. BCBG MaxAzria Rocker Statement Necklace, $148
6. Amrita Singh Stannard Necklace, $100

By: Megan Correia, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @MeganAlyssaC.

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Equestrian-inspired pieces have long been a standing staple among the fashion elite – especially as the leaves start to turn – and as such, no cool weather season would be complete without a tribute to the iconic shoe behind the look: the riding boot. While the classic version of this wardrobe fixture will never go out of favor, as an updated take on an old favorite, the riding boots available for Fall 2012 do not disappoint. With a rock and roll edge right on-trend, these new boots are a little bit country, and a whole lot fierce. Look for lavish hardware, patent or matte finish leather, high heel and ankle varieties, all in jet black tones and pair them with everything from skirts and dresses to skinny jeans and leggings. Time to get out of the stables, head downtown and admit once and for all, we are fashionistas and we are just a little bit bad-ass.

1. Tommy Hilfiger Boot with Leather Braid Detail, $248
2. Alexander McQueen McQ Chain Riding Boots, $800, available at Shopbop
3. BCBG MaxAzria Franz Riding Boot, $395 US
4. Tory Burch Calista High Heel Riding Boot, $525 US
5. J.Crew Emmett Wedge Ankle Boots, $318
6. Michael Kors Hamilton Boot, $283, available at Nordstrom

By: Elizabeth Pryde, Managing Editor, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @elizabethpryde.

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From carryall totes to doctor’s bags, Fall’s hottest handbags are being introduced in the new color crush of the season: berry. This haute hue trend is made up of rich burgundy’s, oxbloods, merlots and Bordeaux’s – opulent jewel tones that are ideal for the cooler season as their deep, moody tones add warmth and depth to any outfit. For extra drama select berry accessories in mixed media luxe finishing’s like fur and leather or opt for embellished detail like superb studding for a sexy polish to make up the perfect handbag for Fall. Whatever you call this “it” color, just be sure to wear it with everything from elaborate styling to your favorite neutrals for a sleek and sophisticated wardrobe update. After all, berry is the new black!

1. Aldo Eskeets Messenger Bag, $50
2. Oasis Double Compartment Bag, $112, available at ASOS
3. Nine West Take A Vow Medium Frame Bag, $135
4. BCBGMaxAzria Gemma Shoulder Bag, $328
5. DKNY Wrap Clutch, $195
6. Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C Clutch, $295
7. Michael Kors Large Hamilton Tote, $378
8. Lauren Ralph Lauren Zip Satchel, $348, available at The Bay

By: Megan Correia, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @MeganAlyssaC.

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