Spring is here, and it’s out with the old and in with the new!

Ladies: May is no time for dull-coloured handbags, swap the brown leather for a white or neon shade, or prove you have nothing to hide and go transparent! And, as for men, there’s more to a warm weather wardrobe than Ts. Stay on trend with one of the season’s new watches or some fresh kicks to get you where you need to be in style.

Once you’ve finished your seasonal wardrobe purge, look to our list of fashion-must haves for inspiration when restocking your closet with spring essentials. Plus, our editors share the items they’re personally oohing and ahhing over this season.

 

Dr. Martens x Brutus Shirt:

Brutus label’s Trimfit shirt for Dr. Martens is for a bold boy, who is not afraid of a little colour. From this British brands partnership, comes a Spring/Summer essential that embraces Dr. Martens iconicity in its colour palette: an eye-catching oxblood and yellow gingham check. Fitted for a sleek modern fit, the shirt can easily transition from a stand alone day piece to an evening look when layered under a blazer. And the versatility doesn’t end there, the shirt’s classic pattern and colours make it so it might be worn by the hippest of hipsters or a preppy plaid wearers alike. In other words, artist or banker, you want this shirt.

Mollusk Generic Surplus Shoe:

Mollusk Surf Shop and Generic Surplus collaborated to give birth to one of our fave kicks of the season, the Mollusk shoe. Boys, picture this: you bend down to roll up your chinos and retie your Mollusk shoe. Then, as you stand up, your eyes fall on her… spotted! She was checking you out. Didn’t you know that girls judge your style on your shoes first and foremost? Wear the Mollusk shoe from the beach to the streets for guaranteed head turns.

88 Rue de Rhone Watch:

It’s about time! If you are superstitious about it being 2013, combat bad-black-cat-Friday-the-13th juju with a new time teller from this smart looking Swiss label — the number 8 signifies good fortune in Chinese culture didn’t you know? Get 88 Rue de Rhone’s newly launched Double 8 Origin Power Chrono while its hot. Boasting an anthracite grey face paired with black leather strap with alligator padding, this little number was only just introduced to watch aficionados at Basel World 2013, the mega timepiece and jewellery fair. Especially fitting since 88 Rue de Rhone is 100% Swiss made. Looking for something more for everyday wear? Try the, 42mm Chrono with its handsome red thread accent — it’s a classic. Should you be able to get your hands on one of these tickers, it’s safe to say you have good fortune locked.

Topman Swim Trunks:

Suit up! No, do not put more clothes on – the suit the warmer months are inviting you to don is a swimsuit. When far away from the stresses of the office, embrace relaxation with a dip into the pool or ocean in your Topman trunks. Designed for gentlemen with personality, choose from floral motifs to stripes. Who loves the sun? You will in your stylist beachwear.

Persol Suprema Sunglasses:

When we think of the Persol Suprema sunglasses, we can’t help but think of Johnny Depp. A classic brand with a timeless fashion sense, Persol’s Suprema shades (available in tourtoise, black and blue) are an investment that will last the test of time. With a shape that flatters all face types, Supremas can be worn by anyone, and are versatile enough style wise to completment a variety of looks. Lose the pile of so-so shades crowding up the top of your dresser, and stick to a single pair of these retro sunglasses when in search of shield from the sun this season.

 

Judith & Charles Blouse:

The Emerson blouse from Canada’s Judith & Charles‘s latest collection is a clean and fresh design that speaks to the lightness of the season. Try in on when relaxing at home paired with jeans rolled up to the ankle or while on vacation, worn over your swimsuit when strolling through local markets. Effortlessly chic, the blouse is a fashion staple to build your Spring/Summer wardrobe around.

Olivia + Joy Trixie Convertible Crossbody:

Keeping up with the Kardashians’ baggage isn’t as hard as you may have thought — well, at least not literally. Replicate the fashion savvy of sisters Kim and Khloe with an Olivia + Joy handbag, spotted hanging over the shoulder of both Kardashians. Available at The Bay in Canada, this environmentally friendly line (designed with vegans in mind), cares as much about the wellbeing of the planet, as it does your bank account. Affordably priced, the Trixie Convertible Crossbody model of these PVC handbags will keep you on track with this season’s vibrant colour palette in shocking green and pink. Or try it in back if in need of an accessory to finish off your black and white look.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Fedora:

BCBG’s spring accessories are oozing bohemian chic, making them perfect for either a trip to an exotic locale by the water or your summer cottage. The brand’s black and white banded fedora is a must for the urban jungle and jaunts alike, while the woven fedora is a classic for the beach. Whether you’re on the go or your hair is disheveled and curled with sea water, a chapeau to cover up your mane is a fashionable solution to the season’s oldest beauty dilemma.

 

Sneha Varma NYC Mini Satchel:

For us, Sneha Varma’s NYC Mini Satchel embodies spring fashion. We love it in white  — a lovely accessory when trying on this season’s black and white trend. And if stark isn’t your thing, the satchel is also available in black, cognac and black embossed croc. With its multiple pockets and clean aesthetic, this handbag also manages to conquers the structured trend that is dominating boutique shelves currently. Plus, a detachable crossbody strap allows for easy everyday use. Every wardrobe deserves an item as stylish, timeless and versatile as this, now get spring cleaning and make some room in your closet!

Free People Overalls:

The Canadian tuxedo is a trend this season, with denim on denim all the rage. Overalls are back in style (matched with a jean shirt of some sort of course), and a favorite of ours from the plethora of Spring/Summer denim is Free People’s Boyfriend Shortall. The baggy and raw edging on these creates an effortless look, that will still be in style when this trend inevitably comes back around yet again in a few year’s time. In short, these overalls are an immediate must-have and also a smart wardrobe investment.

 Published  May 2, 2013