Every morning, before my workday can officially begin, I must spend a few minutes reading the latest from one of my most important fashion go-to website – style.com! The online bible for everything and anything fashion, their daily blog has inspired me to do so many things from writing to searching for the latest addition to my over crammed closet.

As I was browsing around, I found out about the latest coffee table book to hit the shelves by Financial Times’ fashion editor, Vanessa Friedman. The author decided to write about the world of Pucci and what makes this Italian fashion house timeless to this very day. Many writers have taken this route and have become inspired to create reads both textually and visually appealing. The history behind some of the most famous fashion brands has always been a coffee table favourite including Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture – a praise to one of the most recognized labels in the industry. The purpose of these books is to attract and entertain guests while creating some excellent conversation topics all at the same time.

By far, my absolute favourite has been Influence by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The fashion world’s most stylish twins added yet another to their many titles on top of actresses, designers and most recently, authors. Unlike other designers, these ladies decided to focus not on their countless brands but on the people who have influenced them the most by focusing on other industry talents such as Diane von Furstenberg.

The list goes on when it comes to these books so check out your closest store or library and grab some joe while you’re at it as well!

Images Courtesy of Amazon.ca and Style.com

By: Mijana Veljkovic, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @mijanaveljkovic.

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You say you want a style revolution for 2013 so begin the New Year by transporting yourself back in time to a high-spirited era that’s mad for mod. The swinging 60s make their return this year with retro brilliance that’s a bold blast from the past.
Looking through your rose coloured lenses, you’ll gain perspective on the eccentric era that brought notable new style to life. From pop art to futuristic mod to the happy, yet haute hippie, fashion looks back to this revolutionary decade with no shortage of reference points. Start the year off embracing this retro revival by turning back the clock with 60s reminiscent clear-cut patterns, high-contrast colours, blunt silhouettes and wild geometric prints.
To join the mod squad, give a nod to the carefree, youthful vibe emanated by the decade with graphic mod prints, decorative flower power embellishments, swing coats and geometric shifts that’ll easily take you from winter to spring, and back again, with the slip of an opaque pair of black tights to relieve fashionable nostalgia with Twiggy-like proportions.
As you take a psychedelic trip down memory lane, you’ll be left feeling and looking extra groovy in go-go girl glamour as the 60s return with a modern makeover for 2013, proving that eras gone by can still be hip and totally current.

1. Style Inspiration: Moschino Spring/Summer 2013 Collection, image courtesy of Style.com
2. Topshop A-Line Sixties Swing Coat, $53
3. Juicy Couture Pleated Dress, $180, available at Shopbop
4. Jeffrey Campbell Bootie, $164, available at Solestruck
5. The Row Clear Frame Sunglasses, $440, available at Marissa Collections
6. AWear Peterpan Collar Blouse, $35
7. Diane von Furstenberg Houndstooth Skirt, $95, available at Matches
8. Blu Bijoux Enamel Earrings, $22, available at Max & Chloe
9. Coach Eyelet Leather Bag, $188

By: Megan Correia, Managing Editor, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @MeganAlyssaC.

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The short winter days and bone chilling temperatures alone is enough to drive us right out of our own country, seeking refuge down south. Tropical destinations such as The Caribbean, Mexico, and Costa Rica are ranked among the top most desirable places to visit this time of year. Shifts in seasons here in Canada, are enough to harm your skin and body overall. Before you jet off on your holiday, ensure you are well equipped to handle the drastic change in weather. Dig out those last season sandals, but indulge in something new to build up the anticipation before leaping on that plane. I know how hard it is to shift back into summer mode and therefore, I have rounded up some sunny essentials to add to your never-ending “to pack list”. Who says you can’t stay chic while immersed in the sand?

1. Christopher Kon Alisson Tote, $467, available at Shopbop
2. Miu Miu Bow-embellished Bandeau Swimsuit, $245, available at Net-a-porter
3. Victoria’s Secret Striped Cover-up Sweater, $56
4. Becca Crochet Cover-up Pants, $75, available at Nordstrom
5. Eric Javits Oversized Straw Hat, $365, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
6. Celine Antique Rose Wayfarer, $345, available at Holt Renfrew
7. Tory Burch Linen Tunic, $275
8. American Apparel Chiffon A-line Maxi Dress in Charcoal, $70
9. Old Navy Women’s Faux-Jeweled Flip-Flops, $10
10. Diane Von Furstenberg Opal Wedge Sandals, $304, available at Shopbop

By: Jenn McNaughton, Toronto

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Every year I get tons of creative, cost effective ideas for everyone on my list, and go into the holiday season with a frugal gung-ho attitude. Then reality and panic slowly start to sink in as I realize I have absolutely no time to be baking dozens of gingerbread men or making bath balms for everyone on my list. Shopping for a close friend can sometimes be hard enough, let alone a friend you barely speak to outside of your 9-5 setting. You see your co-workers on a daily basis, but when it comes to shopping for them, you quickly realize you have no idea what their interests are. Instead of putting a hefty dent into your bank account, consider these festive gift ideas for your workplace gift exchange.

1. Starbucks Stainless Steel Travel Coffee Press, $23
2. Forever 21 Striped PJ Set, $19
3. Victoria’s Secret Gloss and Go Key Chain, $23
4. Ted Baker Flying Duck Friendship Bracelet, $19
5. Diane Von Furstenberg Fashion Fairytale Memoirs, $22, available at Net-A-Porter
6. Aldo Reibsome Clutch, $15

By: Layan Barakat, Toronto

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I can honestly say that winter is my least favourite of the four seasons. Sure everything associated with the cold winter months – hot chocolate, cozy nights and the festive holidays – are nice, but bone chilling Canadian temperatures can put a damper on all that, especially when it comes to your wardrobe. Layering is always cute, but when you add jackets, hats, scarves and gloves into the mix you can end up being mistaken for a plump snowman. That’s why I like to incorporate my outer layers with my outfit to get rid of some winter bulk, and the best way to do that is with an accessory scarf. This versatile garment is the perfect accent to any outfit and the best part is you don’t have to check it at the door.

1. Alexander McQueen Skull print chiffon scarf, $295, available at Net-A-Porter
2. Christopher Kane Floral-Print modal and cashmere-blend scarf, $520, available at Net-A-Porter
3. Diane Von Furstenburg Tasseled Voile circle scarf, $185, available at Net-A-Porter
4. Forever 21 Zig Zag Stripe Scarf, $12
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Clara Printed Silk and Cashmere-Blend Scarf, $198, available at Net-A-Porter
6. Kimchi Blue Crosshatch Printed Eternity Scarf, $29, available at Urban Outfitters

By: Layan Barakat, Toronto

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This Christmas send the jetsetter in your life off in style with travel trinkets perfect for the girl-on-the-go. Whether it’s a quick weekend jaunt, in flight journey to a vacation destination or long road trip to visit loved ones, the jetsetter is always on the move and exudes effortless style while getting away. From luxurious cashmere sweaters to super cool foldable sunglasses, send your friend packing with chic, smart accessories and top-shelf products that marry form and function. These gifts for the ultimate jetsetter are sure to delight trendy globetrotters wherever their travels take them.

Travel Timepiece: Stay in check and on time with a dual time zone watch and keep track when you’re coming and going.
Passport Cover: Store and protect your jetsetters travel lifeline with a pretty pink passport cover.

Carry On Baggage: Give your globetrotter the gift of the perfect travel companion with a cool carry on bag in a distinguishable graphic pattern to save time and hassle at baggage claim.
Wrap Scarf: For casual cool sophistication and effortless elegance, give your traveler a luxe leopard print scarf to throw around her neck when layers are absolutely necessary.

Eye Mask: Let your wandering nomad rest her weary eyes behind a chic eye mask to ensure sleep comes easy on those overnight escapades.
Jewellery Case: Keep precious pieces safe and avoid tangled chains and knotted necklaces for good with easy and compact jewellery storage.

Cashmere Cardigan: Sumptuously soft and warm, your favourite traveler can cozy up to a luxurious cashmere cardigan to fight the airplane chill.
Travel Tote: Accommodate your girl-on-the-go’s need to pack everything with a roomy travel tote she’ll keep in tow long after the vacation is over.

Ballet Flats: To give your tired traveler’s aching feet a rest, let her slip into something a little more comfortable like a ballet flat.
Foldable Sunglasses: Hide jetlagged eyes and a makeup-free face behind oversized sunglasses that fold away in a snap for easy transportation.

Luggage Tag: Never let your jetsetter suffer at baggage claim or with lost luggage again with a leather luggage tag that makes her bag distinguishable from the rest.
Toiletry Bag: Store all your jetsetters unmentionables in a carryall cosmetics case to keep necessities near by at all times.

1. Gucci I-Gucci Collection Dual Time Zone Watch, $1,350
2. Kate Spade Passport Holder, $68
3. Diane von Furstenberg Carry On Baggage, $120
4. Banana Republic Leopard Print Scarf, $49.50
5. Fred Flare Holly GoLightly Sleep Mask, $15
6. Coach Jewellery Case, $78
7. J.Crew Cashmere Boyfriend Cardigan, $198
8. MICHAEL Michael Kors Travel Tote, $278
9. Tory Burch Ballet Flat, $235
10. Jimmy Choo Foldable Sunglasses, $365
11. Smythson Luggage Label, $100, available at Barneys
12. Marc by Marc Jacobs Cosmetics Case, $118, available at Shopbop

By: Megan Correia, Managing Editor, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @MeganAlyssaC.

Are you an employer? Post your job here.

Are you a job seeker? Find fashion jobs here.