Notes from the Old Country

We just got back from our first European buying trip of the season. There was much less visible security than last year. It felt much more welcoming. Nice to see.

We did Paris like we always do, but we also did Düsseldorf, which, if you didn't know, is to Germany what Milan is to Italy. Generally speaking, German designers are very fashion-forward but also very minimalist — almost too much for North American and British tastes. Our clients love the looks we bring back, and they love the quality. For example, two of our German suppliers source wool from Loro Piana for their coats.

Over the course of the trip, we noticed a few interesting trends we’re sure to see here in no time ¾ at least, we hope to see them.

1.  Lace

After a few years of solid, serious fabrics, lace is back to make everyone feel a little lighter (and a lot sexier). We saw it integrated into cool wool, cotton casuals or as the stand-alone design for dresses and tops. Naturally, lace got us thinking about the summer in the city, and how excited we are to see the snow go. There wasn't much in Europe. It was a nice change.

2. Navy Blue

It was everywhere. We see it as a sign of positivity — a lighter take on black. We also saw more plaid and stripes than we’ve seen in the past.

3. Ruffles

They’re back — especially on the arms. But rather than designed into a blouse (like the Seinfeld puffy shirt), designers are accessorizing with silk scarves on the wrist. What a smart way to add contour.

4. Easy wear

Comfortable fabrics like jersey and denim were a big number across the shows. Again, a sign of positivity: the looser you are, the better you feel. On the other end of the spectrum, we saw some experimentation with more high-tech fabrics like scuba knit.

5. Athleisure

This might be a fad (it probably is), but we saw some pretty glamorous sneakers paired with outfits that suited dressier shoes or even heels. It’ll be interesting to see if the trend makes its way here.

Next month, we’ll tell you about Anja Gockel, the newest European addition to our line of designers who make

Five 2017 Resolutions We’d Encourage

With all that 2016 talk finally gone, we can focus on the positivity of the year ahead. For us, that starts in the closet, and so here are five promises you can make for yourself.

1.  Wear more colour

Here’s one you can put into action right away, and now’s the perfect time because there’s so much black out there in the winter, from parkas to boots to the dark winter nights.

A splash of colour like green or turquoise tells the world you’re feeling good and invites everyone to join you; like a surrogate for warmth on a drab day. And you don't have to overload on colour to spread a bit of joy. A hat, a scarf, even a belt will do the trick.

2. Don’t settle for ill-fitting pants

If you pay more attention to your look above the waist, you’re not alone. Most of us focus on what others look at — and very few people look at your pants when they're talking to you.

But think about how you look when you’re wearing pants that don't fit. You’re fidgety, you’re uncomfortable and that shows over your whole body. So pay attention. Try on a few pairs before you buy. Make sure you can bend. Make sure the fabric doesn't make noise when you walk. And make sure you feel good in them. Because it’ll show.

3. Take stock of your staples

Like a kitchen, a wardrobe doesn't function without the basics. And they don't have to be fancy at all. They just have to be present and flexible. So see what you have now, get rid of what you’re not going to wear and replace with stuff you will. This includes items like white blouses or shirts, a simple pencil skirt or two, black pants and a comfortable yet classy sweater.

And remember that it’s never a bad idea to replace an old piece with something new. Because while staples don’t change, styles do.

4. Think differently about accessories

You think accessories and you think earrings and bracelets. Of course you do. So do we. But we’d challenge you to broaden that a bit in 2017 to include broaches, pendants and scarves.

That last one is particularly interesting because scarves are shaping up to be the hot accent piece of 2017 for women and men. The beauty of a scarf is its light weight and versatility. It can go around your neck as intended, but it can also go around your waist, your mid-rift, your arm and even your head if you’re so inclined. And should you need to, you can use the scarf to temporarily shield you from rain and snow.

5. Expand your horizons

Gucci. Prada. Versace. Those are the names you know — and for good reason. But there’s so much out there from designers you don’t know, like Anja Gockel, who we’re particularly fond of and will be featuring this spring in our store.

Ms. Gockel has been designing clothes for 20+ years — more if you count her time working with Vivienne Westwood. Her stuff’s fabulous — look out for it on our racks and on our blog.

Our Little Christmas Tradition

We like to think of our store as a little slice of the Euro-couture life in the heart of Toronto. Obviously, you have to suspend your disbelief a little bit — but not as much as you’d think when you make it to the salon at the back of the store.

We’ve been entertaining customers, vendors and ourselves in our salon for as long as we’ve been here (20+ years). And while the furniture and art have changed a bit, as have the Parisian-style accessories, sitting down for a coffee or a bite and shooting the breeze with Clarke and/or Dorothea hasn’t changed one bit.

The First Cheers of the Day

Every year on Christmas Eve day, we invite our customers down to the store for a drink with us. But this year, we’re taking it up a few notches:

•   There’s a yule log video on the TV to keep us warm.

•   We brought in Stollen straight from Germany, which is a traditional holiday bread from the old country made with marzipan and fruit.

•   And, yes, a glass of wine is still on offer.

And a well-deserved one at that.

The year 2016 was different, to say the least, from the political upheaval in the world to the loss of cultural icons like David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Alan Rickman and more. We KNOW that 2017’s going to be a great year — starting with the big changes coming to Manulife Centre (hello, Eataly!)

We can’t wait to see what the new year brings. But in the meantime, let’s end 2016 together. Come on by for some peaceful relaxation with good food, good music and good company. We’ll be here waiting with some Stollen and vino in hand!