The runways are bringing us a ton of minimalism for 2013. In case that is not for you, don’t fret as top designers and high-street retailers are bringing us a little bit of feminine-flirty-fun. Ruffles are the next big thing, literally. Gucci, Marni, Chloe and Marc Jacobs are just a few of the top designers bringing us this playful trend for summer – and in the most soft sorbet colours.

This “it” trend is right on time and giving of some serious frills to frock with. A perfect accent to any womans figure, whether it be off the shoulder, around the waist, peplum or a little fringe at your skirt hem line. Be sure to get your fill and at affordable prices at your favourite spots like Zara, Club Monaco, and J.Crew. How will you be wearing this cool new trend?

Guest Writer – Marika Jewell

Ladies, the ultimate evolution of smooth is finally here – and it comes in the cutest little ball of joy. EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm is this “it” girl’s latest crave, with Honeysuckle Honeydew at the top of my list.

These 100% natural and gluten-free balms also come in Strawberry Sorbet, Pomegranate Raspberry, Sweet Mint, and Summer Fruit. Though the choice may seem hard, there’s no way you can go wrong with any pick. 

So after you hydrate your lips to perfection with shea butter and vitamin E, you’ll definitely be ready to kiss and don’t tell with this EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm.

Anything Tom Ford puts out, catches the “it” gals eyes, so it was time we splurged and reviewed some shades from the Tom Ford Lip Color Shine line.

This new luxurious line up consists of 10 creamy lipsticks in neutral, pink, and bright tones. Offering semi-sheer coverage, the lipstick shades are wearable for light-medium skin tones.  With a dense texture we were pleasantly surprised at how hydrating our lips felt. Loaded with rare and exotic moisturizing ingredients like soja seed extract, Brazilian butter and flower oil, creates creamy texture with smooth application.

Not heavily pigmented, gives a sheer glossy finish – perfect touch of colour for Spring

These lipsticks may be a splurge at $48 each, but Insidious and Frolic have earned the Tom Ford Lip Shine Color Lipsticks a permanent rotation in my make up bag.

• Bring it! MT @alexkgt: B4 we descend into madness shoutout my girls @ShelleyMantei @Kimberly_Gray & ol steady @Hedgehodge Bring on the nerds ->
• The Mayor of Calgary @Nenshi is co-marshalling our #CalgaryExpo Parade tomorrow! #ClientNews #PRpride ->
• Our office mascot Theo’s 4 min of fame! My pup’s episode on @novustv
  “Pet Diaries” #woof http://t.co/lfqPNUw7Hm Thanks! Andy @FMAWeekly ->
• And so @Calgaryexpo cray cray begins! @BTCalgary with @CasperVanDien. Next stop #POWparade ->
• Are job is so tough when we get to escort @CasperVanDien for @Calgaryexpo morning runs. Who needs coffee http://t.co/RhapP3DcR9 ->
• Our office mascot Theo’s 4 min of fame! My pup’s episode on @novustv
  “Pet Diaries” #woof http://t.co/1dylKtVnd7 Thanks! Andy @FMAWeekly ->
• Okay let’s do this #POWparade! Release the cosplayers!! Mayor @Nenshi, Torchwood crew are co-marshalling ->
• Ready, set, bring on the geeks! @CalgaryExpo my #MediatonicPR team is ready for you. So excited by the “media love”! ->
• Crop “it” Shirts Get Short for Spring: crop tops are back with a vengeance this season ala Coachella http://t.co/JWc92CBvIa ->
• I’m in Calgary calling it a night and on the radio “I Cry” ala mr @chin8 #cowtownmemories ->
• Welcome to http://t.co/hYH4FIhr5v family! @ohdeeryyc #bloglove I enjoyed face time with you in #YYC in reply to OHDEERyyc ->
• Ready!! RT @jordankallman: The gas tank is empty, jerry can reserves tapped and not a gas station in sight #StartUp #timetopush
• Hold tight to ur 604′s! RT @miyoungleecbc: Smartphone demand means new area code for B.C. http://t.co/MezCvO3Mxj ->
• Theo! @rufinachang Our office mascot’s 4 min of fame! My pup’s episode on @novustv “Pet Diaries” #woof http://t.co/JdZLtawV7g ->
• RT @vancitybuzz: Lol! The Dove Real Beauty Parody featuring Balls! http://t.co/K0L1pHBn3I ->
• #MediatonicPR is hiring. Fun projects on the go. Just need U! Caveat: Must have experience http://t.co/rx6Os54l39 #PR #socialmedia #YVR ->
• Kisses for the RT @MoveThrough ->

• .@AllegoryofAlice we’re the PR team for FanExpo and we’ve got a media opp for you but no contact info. Call us! 778.737.6877 (or tweet me) ->
• Put down the hammer @thordiakow (and get the hell out of the rain). U should be with Tia & me ->
• In studio with @TiaCarrere at @bt_vancouver learning all kinds of Wayne’s world trivia #schwiiiing ->
• RT @realslobo: Warming up the guest co-host chair on @bt_vancouver! #tiacarrere w/ @riazmeghji! http://t.co/oKAquIsc6f ->
• Who just got schooled on his Sean Connery impression? That’d be @riazmeghji with @TiaCarrere hee! ->
• Who made the best green room ever? you did!!! @denadetails I’ll do press junkets anytime with your wine clients and my comic-con crew in reply to denadetails ->
• Virtual high fives to @SeanAstin at @VancouverSunRun today – this is me sending out some #Run3rd luv from our PR Team (amanda & me!) ->
• Survived day one of @ExpoVancouver! Bring on more #fullfrontalnerdity!! ->
• Zara Does Canada (Online): now officially online I found a great spring jacket and more… http://t.co/FMRvPoMewy ->
• Day 1 #FanExpoVan Recap MT @bcbuzztv: Day 1 Photos of @ExpoVancouver Time to head down for day 2 today! http://t.co/uVsDFG4A5c ->
• Kookn Kappin “it”: chic bonnet Kookn Kap keeps the odor out of the hair and the hair out of the food! http://t.co/JNU2iQzWZS ->

Sailors aren’t the only ones who are wearing blue and white stripes this season – so is the “it” gal.  Look beyond the classic blue and white breton stripe and accompany nautical with less obvious colour patterns and combinations.

If you want to add some edge to the American sweetheart look – here are our tips to approach the trend from a subtle angle with new nuances:

• White pants – whether they are linen or denim this is a must for the nautical just-stepped-off-a-yacht look.
• Contrast colours with the outfit- you can’t go wrong with red or banana yellow, but we suggest pairing with nude, mint green and coral.
• Mix the stripes with floral and fruit prints – this is for the truly bold.
• Go for opposite direction stripes - Spring/Summer runways have been showcasing contrasting direction stripes on the same outfit. A fun bold way to wear stripes (and a definite stand out).
• Gold – Gold – Gold – accessorize with tons of gold to complete the look – the chunkier the better!

Be versatile and take that risk when you mix and match nauticals! Wear flat sandals for a casual look and wedges for a dressier look. The nautical look is just so easy and so classic – you can’t go wrong.

If Coachella is any sign, crop tops are back with a vengeance this season.Seen all over the Spring/Summer 2013 runways this 90’s trend has been given a modern twist.

Whether it’s a high-fashion Louis Vuitton cropped blouse or a cotton bralet from TopShop, there’s a version for (almost) everyone. While the trend may be daunting to some (cue Britney Spears or Spice Girls flashbacks) the crop is much more subdued this time around: most often paired with high-waisted shorts, pants, or skirts.

This gives the trend a more “1950’s at the beach” vibe and means you can rock a crop top and still be classy. Peter Som, Michael Kors, and Balenciaga displayed some beautiful versions of the crop from a sporty long sleeve to a hippie flowered bralet. Check out the plethora of crop tops available at TopShop for a more affordable version of the trend; it’s the perfect store to pick up the “it” item of the spring.

Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2013

This chic bonnet Kookn Kap keeps the odor out of the hair and the hair out of the food!

This “it” gal is all about cooking and baking. You can find me spending all my evenings trying new recipes and the weekends testing them out with friends while entertaining. But the one thing I can never stand is the smell of cooking in my hair. I have no time to get a blowout or get ready before guests come; that was until I was introduced to a fabulous new concept.

When I make curries or BBQ I put on the cute pink Kookn Kap and kook away. They are cute little chef hats in pink and white with fun slogans. My fave is the “bitch in the kitch”.

I love this trendy version of a chef hat, so get yours and start Bitchin in the Kitchen!

One size fits all.

By now you’ve likely heard that last month fashion leader ZARA has officially launched their online store in Canada.

I couldn’t help, but partake already! I nabbed my new fave spring jacket. I love the gold zipper details on this casual take on a trench coat. And I also picked this little black & white blouse -  neon is stronger than ever so this subtle piping of hot pink brings a bit of neon to the office.

Recently I was sharing my latest scores from Zara – my girlfriend shared how sometimes shopping at Zara can bit a bit overwhelming.  But see! that’s the best part of online – no vast floor to navigate, no long change room lineups, or bumping elbows over a sale. And I have to say Zara does a really good job of letting you zoom in close on the fashions to see the fabric and detailing.

For our east coast sisters we’ll keep you posted on the expected opening of a ZARA Home and Massimo Dutti (clothing) at Yorkdale Mall in Toronto.

Prints are “it” this spring, and what better way to wear them than on your feet. Converse has teamed up with Marimekko once again to bring some much-needed fun to your oft-forgot feet.

The vivid colours and graphic prints of the Finnish design company are available on the traditional Chuck Taylors style, as well as a platform version of the sneakers. Available in March 2013, a pair of these bad boys will instantly cheer up your spring wardrobe.

Mansikka, Unikko, or Räsymatto – which “it” print will you be rocking this year?

Unikko Print

Räsymatto Print

Platform, Mansikka Print