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Yes, I have created a new word: expressorize. Defined as accessorizing your wardrobe with those items that express your personal style. Including, but not limited to, your shoes, jewelry, hats, belts, scarves, sunglasses and handbags. Now that we have embarked on full-on summer temperatures I am finding myself wearing less and less to keep cool. The fewer the items of clothing, the more apparent are your accessories, so carefully edit and balance your choices. What are my go-to accoutrements this season? Layered woven bracelets, drapey plaid scarves, nautical totes, zipper-back sandals and long bib necklaces that can make a v-neck t-shirt look like casual couture. I am still looking for my ultimate summer hat but am getting closer with all of the great straw fedoras available.

What do these accessories say about me? I am casual by nature, I pay attention to the details and try to achieve a sort of global bohemian classic chic. It’s hard to put your own look into words. Dressing is like interior decorating - marrying classic with trends and the things you love, with style. Expressorize.

Photos: Shopbop.com, Anthropologie, Land’s End Canvas

Do-bee says ‘do be’ in style and add a romper to your wardrobe this season. There are many options out there to suit any occasion and body type so there is no real excuse to pass up this trend. A simple black silk version can be dressed up with killer strappy heels and textured clutch but can also be worn with your favourite flip flops and look equally cool. Or choose to channel Lauren Hutton with a crisp shirt + khakis version paired with gorgeous Navajo-inspired accessories like these zip-front clogs and beaded cuff. Who do I see in these looks? I see Jenny and Shauna and Lisa and Cassy and…

Photos: Shopbop.com, Revolveclothing.com, Ebay.com

It might look a little lonely in the picture here but this sweet indigo clutch is no wallflower. Made from naturally dyed, handwoven cotton and re-purposed airplane seat leather, it would love to go to brunch with your Saturday belted romper or party with your Friday night jean leggings and cut-out heels. Your new best friend and eco-friendly too. Order now because you have to wait to be in the company of perfection.

Photos: Shoparticle22.com

Two ways to add a pop of colour: handbag, lipgloss. And really the perfect items to purchase online because you know they are going to fit. Well, the lipgloss may arrive and fall just short of the perfect shade but who tries it on in the store anyway? You take that risk online and on the street…it’s like choosing paint colours, you get better at it the more practice you have. This new lip stain by Tarte is cheerful, easy to apply and moisturizes like your favourite little chapstick. And no oozing into the innards of my handbags. The hot pink hue called Charmed is great for the warmer weather. Then throw your essentials into either of these two bright bags to meet the girls and bask in the glow of envy. Made in LA by Treesje, they save you money on duty when shipping to Canada and by the way, buy the blue satchel here and the shipping is free. If you must have green then try here.

I have been doing a little studying of what is coming up the fashion pipe this Spring and I must say that the colour is making me happy. Why, you may ask then, is most of my wardrobe a study in neutrals with shades of blue? I try, I do. Don’t get me wrong, layered neutrals are hot in a big way but this year but I am trying harder on the colour front. A floral frock, an acid yellow cardi, a fuchsia high-waisted skirt, electric purple pumps, now these are the things that make you skip unexpectedly as you stride down the street.

The sequin skirt above adds colour and sparkle to an otherwise serious palette. And I really love finding shoes like these woven sand booties - you can (almost) justify the price because you just know you are going to wear them with EVERYTHING. Keep your accessories simple like a feminine gold necklace and hobo bag as to not out-shine the skirt. (Side note on the bag: I am usually not a fan of pebbled leather - it is so ‘Coach’, however, I thought it was time for the grunge-y hobo bag to grow up a little!) Of course, at this time of year, you may have to break out the self-tanner before you attempt this mini skirt and plunging v-neckline so get a move on girls, Spring is here. More colour inspiration to come.

Photos: Shopbop, FCUK, Aqua Skye

I felt I needed to spread the word to whomever is reading today that Dace is having a 40% off sale until midnight tonight, December 3, 2009. The reason I feel that you need to know is that I checked out some of their Fall 2009 pieces in person at a local Toronto shop this week and they are stunning. Dace really knows what fabrics complement their designs and I would be pretty excited to wear a number of their pieces to any holiday soiree this season. My faves include the Seamus Blouse (sits right at hip with soft, slightly sheer fabric), the Wild Card Dress (you can’t see the front but just a perfectly cut shift with some girly detail in the back), and the Madness One-Piece (spot on trend but super classy at the same time).

I am late posting the sale so get online before midnight and check it out.

Photos: Dace

I always love that first warm day I can wear my new Spring jacket. No more long and practical down coats to defend against our winter weather. Bring on the outerwear chosen purely on frivolous fashion factors. One of my favourites this year is the Mackage Packable Pearl Rain Jacket. What could be cuter than this motorcycle-inspired nylon jacket that rolls up to pack neatly in this purse-like carrier? I am so inspired that I want to book a trip to rainy London just to get the use it deserves. Unfortunately it only comes in black and even though I promised myself I would not buy a black Spring jacket this year…I am considering breaking my oath.

Another one I have my eye on and actually had a dream about last week is this lavender cropped leather number that I had in my 2009 inspirations. It is a fantastic blend of feminine, edge and this Spring’s pastel trend. Still oh so inspiring. Another staple piece is this putty coloured canvas fitted jacket that exudes laid-back cool and allows you to wear the multitude of tank tops in your collection before the steamy weather sets in. It’s not as far away as it feels.

Photos: Mackage, Tobi.com, Victoriassecret.com

No Top 10 this year, I have only one pick for Valentine’s Day. The good news is that you can buy it for yourself or you can put it on your wishlist to receive. But you had better drop the hint quickly. There are only 11 days left to order the Hello Gorgeous Microfiber Babydoll and Panties from La Senza. Really, it’s cute, it’s sexy, it’s sweet and naughty all at the same time. Just what you want in a ‘come-hither’ outfit for an evening of romance. Hmmm, bummer, I just checked online and there are only 2 sizes left: small and x-small. I guess I won’t be wearing it on the 14th but I would love to hear how it turned out for all of you size smalls.

For mediums and up I have another suggestion. It is at a different price point admittedly but just as sexy sweet is the Chantelle Pure Beauty Push-up Bra and Shorty. I really love the combination of the shell pink and the black lace. Classy but sizzling hot at the same time. If you can’t buy yourself (oops, I mean receive) beautiful lingerie on Valentine’s Day, when can you? Go for it. Even if your night includes nibbling chocolate bonbons while watching your favourite chick flick by yourself, there is no reason to do it in sweats.

Photos: La Senza, BareNecessities.com

Luxual Boutique has opened its virtual doors this Fall and is offering Swishlist readers a 20% discount on regular price items until November 30, 2008. It is a great resource for this season’s ‘boyfriend cardigan’ that spruces up both your work and casual wardrobes (invest in a skinny belt in a perky colour to make it zing). Check out the shoulder detailing on the fluxus pocket cardigan, above left, or the nautical stripes on the aude olsen. Other hard-to-live-without pieces on the site include the swell hoodie by tonic - a silky mix of bamboo and organic cotton to cozy up to on those crisp nights; along with the nerror shawl by kemi in a steely grey wool to toss casually around your neck day or night. Basics with a twist and free shipping in Canada to boot. Type SWISHLIST in the coupon field at checkout.

Photos: Luxual Boutique

I skipped last week’s episode due to the lack of any exciting fashion items to blog about. There was a beautiful purple tie-dye dress by ADAM that Serena wore to Blair’s party however seeing that it is September, I think readers are more interested in how to build a stylish Fall wardrobe. I hate to say it but summer is O-V-E-R.

Now, my first comment from this week…did Serena get boobs? It might have just been her wardrobe Sunday night but they looked decidedly larger than last year. Just an observation. Onto the clothes - embellished tanks and dark jeans with the pop of colour that is ever so hot this season. Start with a solid pair of deep blue denims like the Rinse Skinny Jean by Armani Exchange. Serena then wore the navy Young Fabulous & Broke Snap Tie-Dye Tank (which was a summer item but can still be had at shopbop in size small) and a gorgeous, bright aqua Clutch by super popular handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff. This is another summer item but you can call to order the purple to Canada - made in NYC means no duty.

The Gabrielle Feathers Tank by Torn by Ronny Kobo is a cool alternative to the usual studded, fringed or corded embellishments. And if you must have the aqua accessory, try Rebecca Minkoff’s Morning After Mini in Sea Green.  This whole look is best worn with shoes rather than boots right now. Try something chunky but open like Chie Mihara’s new Passion Pump or the Serpan Twist Pump in black. Hopefully next week will feature more Fall closet-candy.

Photos: Retailers mentioned above