Superstar, demanding for respect, bringing classics, and hip urban shoes, Adidas has carved itself a comfortable space in our top-of-mind go-to brands for casual shoes. Their new colourful skate shoe has been introduced with the hopes of youth everywhere rocking this colourful mosiac of striped shoes. My opinion is that they’ve just reworked the old into a portrayal of the new. But who am I kidding, if I had size 5 feet and a matching kid-like stature I’d be out rocking these.

> image courtesy of nylonmag.com

Poised on the cover of New York Times Magazine, Tyra Banks has commanded waves of attention as the next biggest iconic woman of this generation.

I have to admit that I’ve admired her entrepreneurial capabilities for quite some time. Most fashionistas are convinced that despite her fame and fortune, she lacks style and substance. I refuse to believe it.

Sure she repeatedly abuses the waistbelt trend (something her and I share), but the woman still knows how to work the industry, her ideas, and most importantly herself.

Go you Bankable woman.

You’d think the bolder the better with our beloved primary colour red, but it seems that the faded has made a comeback. Rather than wearing your own aged and preloved shirts, you can now purchase high quality shirts lacking colour from fine retailers this season.

I’m personally not a fan of this frugal use of dye – who’s with me?

> image courtesy of clubmonaco.com

Once in awhile I come across a style that’s seemingly outlandish in cheer, but just peppy enough to catch my eye. ESPE is a brand that I consider my find for The Spring Clothing Show – their striking bags and colourful accessories are unique and crafty, perfect for brightening up your day.

Based out of Richmond Hill, Ontario, ESPE aims to be an animal friendly, high quality, and versatile line. In a way, it brings me a great deal of nostalgia to see colourful pvc flowers stitched onto more pvc. Knowing that there are designers out there who target my age demographic with a child-like design strategy is invigorating.

What do you think of these – too childish or not playful enough?

> images courtesy of espe.ca

As an emerging force in the Toronto fashion industry, Adrienne Butikofer has proven herself a designer to watch for. With ‘TFI New Label’s Competition Finalist’ and ‘NOW Magazine Designer Grand Prize Winner’ titles under her belt, her sense of fashion design is tremendously original and fine in styling. With focus on vintage-gone-modern and blending menswear into her feminine clothing line, Butikofer is a highly wearable and lively brand to embrace. Check out the Q&A after the jump.

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