Some websites take invite-only shopping way too seriously. Since when did we need to apply (with a personal essay) to buy a blouse?

Sites like ReFashioner peak our interest a whole lot more. Branded as a ‘swap heaven’ this is the place to go to trade in your Margiela ankle booties for Balenciaga pumps that actually fit.

“Your mistakes and one-wear-wonders become valuable assets. Refresh your wardrobe without spending the earth.”

You’ll find all sorts of designer duds from Lanvin, Prada and Rick Owens, plus a smattering of vintage offerings.

Point, click and swap.

$5 fee is charged per swap; www.refashioner.com

From Balmain-inspired chain epaulettes to oversized pads, shoulders have been getting some very special treatment of late.

We’re mad about these wearable harnesses (from $80) from New York-based fashion blogger, stylist and designer Zana Bayne. The three-tiered wings are made from leather, and give their wearer the strength and dynamism of a gladiator.

Now all we need is a shoulder massage when we get home from battle.

www.zanabayne.com 

So you’re not quite as swift with the Singer as your mom once was.

Thank goodness there’s another mother who’ll whip up a gorgeous handmade dress for your budding fashionista. With au courant details like 1920s drop waists and Liberty of London fabrics, the modern frocks by Vancouver line Mette will have her standing apart from the crowd.

And not because she’s wearing a bright orange polyester shift—that was you at age 4.

Dresses from $40, www.mette.ca

From chic office basics to imaginative baubles, Banana Republic has long been the belle of the mall.

And now BR fans will be delighted to hear that the company’s stylish footwear is available in Canada.

The collection features bang-on-trend booties, peep toes and flats, like Miu Miu inspired ballerinas ($89), gladiator heels ($120), and woven flats ($89) in the style of Bottega Veneta.

We may be knee deep in snow, but it’s never too early to get a shoe into spring.

At Banana Republic, Bloor St., Eaton Centre and Sherway Gardens, www.bananarepublic.ca

From tartan and lace to spots, dots and sequins, possibilities are endless when decorating your pins this season.

Get a leg up in embellished tights from haute hosier Bebaroque. The Tuxx Stockings with pleated grosgrain ribbon hand sewn down the back are divine, and the ‘Rapunzel’ tights, in either blue or gold with hand-embroidered chording and crystals, are sure to turn heads.

If it’s daring hues you’re after check out the reds, greens and neons at We Love Colors. And for bold patterns and prints don’t miss out on My Tights. With a vast selection of stars, stripes and swirls, you’ll find every theme imaginable at this hosiery heaven.

Now all we need are Ute Lemper’s legs.

www.bebaroque.co.uk
www.welovecolors.com
www.mytights.com

We bickered with our mothers over wearing winter hats, but the nagging was true—you do lose lots of heat through your head.

These days, we’re staying toasty in a vintage fox beret. Plucked from a selection of previously loved fur toppers at Paper Bag Princess, this beauty has opened our season in glamorous '60s style.

Pick from pill-boxes, cloches and berets in mink, rabbit and uber-soft chinchilla. Sourced locally, (mainly from Eatons and Simpsons), the hats were no doubt worn by the chic social darlings of that time.

Far better than a silly bobble hat, mum.

At Paper Bag Princess, 287 Davenport Rd., Toronto, 416-925-2603, www.thepaperbagprincess.com

You know him as the host of Fashion File, but these days Adrian Mainella is filtering his sartorial expertise into a newly launched image consultancy. Here, the über suave fashionisto shares some tips on getting party ready this holiday season.

Antlers, Santa hats, tinsel trims—yay or nay?
Nay, unless it is Christmas morning at Grandma's house please don't be the party mascot. First impressions are just that—always look your best.

Christmas is not a time for shrinking violets. How can a girl make a statement at this year’s fête?
Read the answer to this question and the rest of our interview with Adrian Mainella here.

In this gloomy weather, being cozy needn't mean forfeiting your fashion sense.

We’re harking after a hoodie (from $129) from local indie label Clothing Brand Experiment. Designed to look stylish, but with all the comfy qualities of a sweatshirt, this is luxe loungewear that’s thick, soft and won’t shrink or fade.

Made at a studio on a little street among the industrial buildings and train tracks of Toronto, CBE is an experiment worth watching.

Check out www.clothingbrandexperiment.com for stockists.

Are you raising a little Miss Matched?

Tired of ransacking the house in search of a twosome, we turned to Blind Mice’s sturdy slouchers. Meant to be mixed-and-matched, these toe warmers are packaged in colour schemes, like purple/cream/lime, and sold in threes (US$9.50) or fives (US$14.50).

Mix the cyan houndstooth print with a solid black sock and not only is your tot an individual, but you don’t have to go treasure hunting in the laundry room anymore.

www.blindmicesocks.com

It’s not just chic grandmothers that feel incomplete without a hat, pearls and a dash of perfume.

If you’re a modern girl with old-school sensibilities take a peek inside Ewanika (the beloved boutique used to be in Little Italy and just moved to North Annex).

Browse the gorgeous silk, cotton and cashmere dresses and blouses from Trish Ewanika’s fall collection, try on a Lilliput felt cloche (from$170), or douse yourself in CB I Hate Perfume ($85).

The boutique carries some lovely snoods ($345) from Autumn Cashmere (the chicest way to ward off winter chills), beautiful scarves ($85) from local textile designer Virginia Johnson, and strands of pearls (from $300) from Toronto jeweler Maryam Keyhani.

Why wait till we’re 80 to start dressing like a lady?

Ewanika, 1083 Bathurst St., Toronto, 416-927-9699, www.ewanika.ca