I did a double take when I first saw images of Mark Fast’s spring/summer 2011 collection. It’s futuristic, bold and racy, also known as the complete opposite of my style. But those are the precise elements that left me wanting to step out of my style bubble and dress a little. I kid you not.

What I like about this Canadian born knitwear designer’s collection is the balance that’s somehow maintained in each dramatic piece – whether that be between masculine and feminine, dark and bright, or hard and delicate. How about that black macrame bodice with purple and orange fringe hanging from the waist? Or that flamingo pink piece with geometric and strategic cutouts that could also be a lounge party ensemble?

I’ve just promised myself that I’ll be a little bit more audacious when summer rolls around. How about you?

For the social-conscious modern woman with a mild case of shoe addiction, this one’s for you: In conjunction with the Canadian designer’s boutique opening this May, Denis Gagnon and ALDO will be releasing the samples from their Spring/Summer 2011 shoe collaboration, and will be giving part of the profits from sales to the Farha Foundation in Montreal. The Farha Foundation is Quebec’s leading AIDS fundraising organization, and the designer is proud to be able to support a cause dear to him, while it’s been widely known that ALDO’s been a major supporter of the fight against AIDS for years now. In limited quantities, the edgy, fierce footwear will be sold for $150 per pair exclusively at Gagnon’s first stand-alone boutique (in Montreal, sorry Torontonians!).

Following the success of a collaboration with the Hudson’s Bay Company last spring, Klaxon Howl has once-again teamed up with HBC for Fall 2011. Known for its expensive, yet casual, line of menswear, Klaxon’s collabo with HBC resulted in some pretty fierce outerwear pieces, and a sturdy duffle bag in HBC’s signature stripes.

Though it takes a more adventerous spirit to pull off the look (have you seen the wild ‘stache on that model?), the collection proves that fashion can be fun for boys, too.

The Klaxon Howl for HBC collection will be available this fall at The Bay across Canada.

We discovered AMBUSH Apparel, a young Toronto streetwear brand, around this time last year. Since then, we’ve been wondering what the brother-sister team, Cameron and Gaelen Mackay, have been up to.

We knew we’d expect nothing less than bold based on the fact that “Fuck What You Heard” was printed on the tanks in the women’s collection last year. This time, the designs override the names of the collections – “Cut Collection” and “City Collective”.

The tees and tanks have a strong emphasis on typography to the point where we almost want to cut them out and put them in picture frames. That means they’re meant for those who don’t shy away from the spotlight. Maybe next time, wallflowers.

Not only are we impressed with the banging tees, tanks and hoodies, we’ve also been grooving along the  funk-worthy video showcasing the collections.  It was shot in Kensington Market’s Crows Net Barbershop. We really can’t believe how far the homegrown duo has come.

Check out their website: http://www.ambushapparel.com

A few weeks ago I bought my first DSLR camera (tryin’ to get my Annie Liebowitz on). Not soon after I started my search for the perfect camera bag; one that has both style and substance (i.e. big enough with lots of pockets for lenses etc).  As I’m sure you can understand, I didn’t want a generic, nylon, style-deficient, come-steal-me-because-there’s-a-camera-in-here type bag so my hunt brought me online to sites like Etsy and eBay for something different and maybe vintage.

I came up with nothing.

That is until I found The Bossi Bag by THEIT.

100% what I was looking for and TO DIE FOR!

The Bossi is both fashion forward and efficient with dividers for all of your photog goodies.

Based in Toronto, THEIT was launched in 2010 by photographer Nicole Fajardo who also wanted a fashionable bag for her camera without having to sacrifice practicality.

THEIT creates camera bags for photographers that value both style and substance. With designs that aim to capture classic modernity with a sense of playfulness, this philosophy exemplifies the essence of the THEIT customer: someone who is independent, inspired, and full of life, who cannot help but to capture the beauty in her world through the lens. An homage to the well-known fashion term “the it” bag, the brand represents more than the most coveted piece for the season, but a new wave of design enabling style, function and versatility for the fashion-minded photographer. Inspired by the runway and the streets, THEIT’s vision is to uphold a fashion standard that helps photographers live their dreams in style.

The BOSSI Bag features:

• Convenient: dual carrying handles.
• Detachable: cross body gold chain strap
• Customizable: padded dividers to protect your gear and suit your needs.
• Fully removable padded insert: the unique design allows easy organization and the   ability to switch from a camera bag to just a handbag with ease.

Capacity: camera body, 2-4 lenses (dependant on size), flash, battery, phone and other miscellaneous accessories.

Details: interior and exterior zip pockets for extra room. Made of water resistant man-made leather. Antique brass hardware, metal feet for protection, zipper top closure.

I’m currently on the waiting list for the black bag until May-ish (ugh!) but THEIT just introduced to new colours, Fawn and White that, I’m positive will be hits as well.

www.lovetheit.com