A part of me hopes that the retro 70’s refurbished leather vintage look sticks around forever.  And the other part of me doesn’t understand why flower power bothers to resurface!

You might be able to find one of these in your mom’s old vintage truck of surprises.  Patchwork purses  are back as a hot summer 2008 trend - - and lucky for us the patchwork purse isn’t partial to only hippies.

Michael Kors is doing metallic patchwork purses, diamond shaped patches are huge for Dolce & Gabbana, and even Prada has their own version in snakeskin tiles (right). As sported by Victoria, Fergie and Lindsay  these patchwork purse are sure to patch your look together in more ways that one!

~ Nicole, guest "it" writer.

I’m proud to say I’m getting better at doing two things when I leave the house. Taking my handy non-plastic bag. I love BYOB or else I use keep a foldable nylon pocket one in my purse.

The other thing is a purse hook to protect my handbag from getting wrecked or stolen. Smaller than the size of some pocket mirrors is ClipChic -  a "must-have" fashion accessory. This slick handy purse hook wraps around the circular top, so it’s not awkward and bulky like some of the original hooks.

Alot of purse hooks can get a bit pricey, but this one is only $19…even better Get 25% off!

To celebrate the arrival of Spring, receive 25% off on all orders over $60, until June 20th. Just enter promo code PRIMA25 at checkout. And shipping is always FREE on all US & Canada orders.

O Magazine’s has featured  Lug Travel, quality and innovative travel accessories, on the O List.  Oprah loves the Puddle Jumper bag, which now comes in two sizes.

Their products are specifically designed to keep you organized, in control, and looking good. Spa green, chocolate brown or jewel colors.

Lug is a small Toronto-based company that’s been growing fast. Tons of new products - the latest being it’s Nap Sac travel blanket.

I love the collection of transparent cases that you can mix and match. In green, I bought a combo of the Freight Box Storage Container  with the Clear View Train Case - stylish toiletry kit with transparent sides so you can see all the goodies you have packed inside.

O Magazine’s has featured  Lug Travel, quality and innovative travel accessories, on the O List.  Oprah loves the Puddle Jumper bag, which now comes in two sizes.

Their products are specifically designed to keep you organized, in control, and looking good. Spa green, chocolate brown or jewel colors.

Lug is a small Toronto-based company that’s been growing fast. Tons of new products - the latest being it’s Nap Sac travel blanket.

I love the collection of transparent cases that you can mix and match. In green, I bought a combo of the Freight Box Storage Container  with the Clear View Train Case - stylish toiletry kit with transparent sides so you can see all the goodies you have packed inside. 

Designers this spring have thrown in a touch of color - in contrast to previous seasons’ emphasis on neutrals. Neon is trying to make a comeback in the mainstream fashion scene with the latest neon color trend from Nixon, Diesel, Chris Benz, and more.

Popular colors of neon green and hot pink or even brighter varieties of orange and yellow - straight from the 80’s. I’m hyped for all the retro 80’s fluorescent  fashions that are lighting up this spring season. Anything 80’s goes for me!

Take a chance and wear this neon bright pink Nixon Vega watch.  Or glow even more with this sexy neon pair of bright yellow Diesel stretch jeans. 

You just might need shades, these colors can blind you. But dare to be bright no matter what your selection, retro-glow is this season’s new beau!

~ Nicole, guest "it" writer. 

I loves hands free mobile, but hate looking half alien with a blinking blue light on my ear.  If you also hold the same disdain for Bluetooth headsets, then tech savvy sisters I have the tip for you.

Plantronics may soon change your feelings with a new mobile headset that has apparently gotten big celebrity approval. Post-NY Fashion Week - Eva Longoria Parker, Brooke Shields, Lisa Rinna and Aisha Tyler proved hands-free communication is a big trend.

They’re all sporting the new Discovery 925 by Plantronics, the first fashion-forward Bluetooth earpiece for mobile phones. 

Celeb or not, we’ve all got just two hands, and  this hands-free “tech-cessory” offers both premium fashion and function. 

Debuting this April the first colors released will be black, gold and pink, with nine more to follow. The earpiece even comes with an innovative charging case no larger than a lipstick holder. Priced at $149 each, so start saving those dollars tech-girls.  

They come and go, but metallic handbags are now hotter than ever. Metallic bags are very hot looks for 2008 Spring handbag trends.

Expect to see metallic bags in the shape of retro clutches and oversized bags.  Colors will range from burnished gold to gunmetal grey. Colors like purple, blue, pink, and orange will also translate well into metallic looks.

One way that metallic bags will pop up is with subtle metallic leather trim on fabric handbags. You can also anticipate added details like metallic stitching and tassels to spice up handbags.

Another way that a metal shine and pizzazz is added to trendy handbags is through their hardware. Look for chains replacing handbag straps, decorative clasps, studs, and rings.

Between the weather and my weight changes my rings are constantly swinging and wrapping the wrong directions.

If the gap is too small for a ring resize then I end up finger swapping unless I’m needing an inbetween. Oh the madness.

Instead of an ugly band aid or those awkward ring guards, there’s Ring Guard Solution. A gel that is applied to the inside of a band before wear, takes care of rings that slip, slide or fall off your finger. The temporary gel dries to a clear plastic to secure the ring in place. Best of all, you just peel it off after removing the ring.

P.S. Ring Guard can be added to clip-on earrings also to keep them from pinching so much.

Designers have recently looked into the past in to revive one of the most loved of fabrics - brocade. I’m pleasantly surprised at this heavy detail popping up in spring fashion. Velvet brocade is ultra rich looking!

Dolce & Gabbana is using the opulence of brocade for dresses to lush hand bags.

For a modern twist D&G are meshing brocade with tule and exotic animal skins. This is so fun because it’s both eccentric and fashion forward patchworked into one.  

I have officially indulged the no-plastic bag wave - except for one major hurdle. I kept forgetting them at home.

Solution! I finally started tucking away the little compact nylon versions in my car and bigger purses - and best of all I found some durable cotton ones with images & messages that kick. So much so that they inspire me to remember to bring them everywhere.

With BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) versions, I can express myself as both cheeky and environmental. I’m toting this “F*@k Plastic” in natural, but as a bonus the black is organic cotton.

Another one of their best sellers is this satchel. It features a kitsch burst of recycled vintage fabric (aka also a sustainable point) and is reversible. Big buttons are starting to pop up as a spring trend - makes sense this bag would pop one for of detail as part of it’s convenient side pocket.

Stock up gals, BYOB bags are sustainable, stylish, and carry a message. These bags will stay beyond a trend.

You know when you get something new and you become hyper-aware and start to see it everything. Suddenly everyone’s driving an Audi, or carrying a Juicy Couture Bag.

That’s me with cashmere lately. Yesterday I shared the innovative styles of Eric Bompard, and now I’ll add TDM Design’s YumYum.  And to beat the scoop, they’ll be featured in February’s Harpers Bazaar.

Skinny scarves are on the out, but I still miss having something around my neck inside the office. Answer: the new trend in scarves are cashmere YumYum neck warmers. Insanely soft and worn as an accessory to your sweater or outerwear. My favorite is the weave that almost looks basket woven, and the textured fringe.

And to fulfill your new years resolution to do something good for the world - each purchase gives back to the Nepal community where it’s made. Both by donating to and employing women in Nepal.

I kept on noticing these gorgeous flashes of bright Chinese silk, framed in silver and dangling from the necks of fellow gals on the same Christmas social circuit. Not one to shy from gushing my praise and asking where something is from I received the same answer: Shi Studio.

Teal rectangles, royal blue dragons, red ovals. Oh my.

Shi (pronouced "she") , means poetic expression in Chinese and is a collaborative evolution of ideas and aesthetic. Shi Studio is the creation of glass artist, Cory Judge and accessories designer, Honor Cienska.

Shi Studio jewelry is of the many highlights of Fashion Forward Canada, an online fashion boutique dedicated to emerging indie fashion. A collective of indie designers passionate about and committed to creating global awareness of Canadian style and originality.  Also check out: Sans Soucie, Amber Jewellery, and Nicole Bridger.

Give yourself a hand this season with a pair of long gloves - the decadent accessory this season. It just goes to show you that luxe details are a staple for your accessory wardrobe this season.

Extra-long, and extra chic long gloves are in every toasty fabric from cashmere to suede and leather, but don’t forget shiny satin to style up your LBD evening affair. These casual knits are French Connection $28

Considering that many of the coats and sweaters of the season have 3/4 length sleeves, gloves add a fantastic accent because you can actually see them and they also fend of the cold.

Quick tips for wearing your arm candy like a pro:

* Add life to dark grey, brown and black jackets with long gloves in a rich moss green.

* Don’t show skin slivers between your glove and sleeve. The best fit should reach the elbow.

* Match the color of your glove and your sweater or jacket and you’ll create a long, slim line. Monochromatic Rule 101.

* Search around - this trend comes at every budget to splurge price tag.

The Christmas social circuit has me in full swing. Five schmoozy events in two days, and armed with either husband or Nicole as my "martini-mates." ‘Tis the season!

Actually at the Louis Vuitton party, it was properly Champagne in order, which was just as well because of a little mishap that involved some luggage. Thank God, L.V. is vinyl! And the champagne also made it that much more fun to try on baubles and purses.

Our pick of the nite….the Nimbus PM handbag named after Mount Olympus in gorgeous lamb leather.  Note: Not to be spilled on.