I found these printed socks and tights on Etsy the other day. I love the photography used to show off the products, they have a real sense of whimsy, like Alice in Wonderland.

They are from Tattoo Socks. Everything is hand printed and they come in a variety of skin tone shades:

Personally, I would go with the Alice feeling and get these beauties in white. The octopus and butterfly designs are my favorites.

My name is Danielle, and I have always dressed myself, sometimes disastrously. Pre-school comes to mind… my Dad let me have at it and I layered a sweater over a dress and a pair of jeans, tied a bandanna around my leg and threw on all of the jewelery I could find in the apartment, in a vain attempt to emulate my then idol, Punky Brewster.

Not much has changed since then, I’ve just gotten taller.

I’ve just moved back to Toronto from London, where I lived for six years.  I still go back and forth often, so I hope to bring you the best that both cities have to offer in terms of independent design.

I am fascinated by independent designers because they represent the two faces of fashion, business and art. For me, fashion is just another form of self-expression. I will always go for originality over label. I look forward to sharing my latest finds with you and hearing what’s inspiring you!

For those of us on the East Coast who watched most of our summer from under an umbrella, and those on the West Coast who don’t get a “real” fall, there is no need to fret. Thanks to fall 2009’s “summer in winter” trend, there’s no need to pack away the minidresses, shorts, rompers, tanks, and peep-toes once the temps start to drop. All you need are:

1) Leggings and/or opaque tights

“Winterize” your shorts, rompers, and minis by sliding a pair of opaque tights on under them. (I LOVE these rock candy-print tights by Look from London). If you’re like Michelle Obama and not big on pantyhose, go with leggings instead. Thanks to the plethora of options designers whipped up for the great ’80s comeback — exposed zip and “scrunch” details, and fun prints — leggings have emerged as one of fall’s “star” pieces. Invest in a few and rock them under minidresses, rompers and shorts, or wear them instead of jeans with a turtleneck layered under your fave boyfriend tee.

2) A bright scarf

This flame red Christopher Fischer scarf is totally on-trend as ’80s technicolors brighten up fall’s usually dark palette, plus, it’ll catch the color nicely in one of your print sundresses. Likewise, a printed scarf like this one by Kashmere will not only look great with a summer romper and wedge heels but it’s fully in sync with fall’s ragamuffin chic/prints-on-prints trend.

Get the whole scoop »

I love to cook, but cleaning is definitely not my favorite thing. Now that I’m married, I’ve got even more to clean and an extra mouth to feed–and impress! Wearing an adorable apron makes cooking even the most easy of meals seem glamorous and I’d rather vacuum in one of these than an old ratty shirt.

From left to right:

• Ballyhoo Vintage sheer red apron with heart detail
• Cupcake Provocateur “Cupcake Cutie” apron
• Anthropologie “Sunny Rose” apron
• Jessie Steele “Cafe Toile” apron
• Carolyn’s Kitchen “Dorothy Apron”
• Williams-Sonoma “Jardin des Fleurs” apron
• Addicted to Aprons “Rose Blue Stripe” apron

Black diamonds are the essence of contemporary elegance and have become more popular than ever on today’s fashion scene – most notably since Victoria’s Secret’s release of the ultra luxurious 2008 Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra®.

But don’t let such razzle-dazzle blind you into thinking you must spend millions ($5,000,000 to be exact) to sparkle in the spotlight. Listed below are a few stunning and way more affordable black diamond jewelry alternatives that are sure to enhance your look.

Start off your black diamond collection (because it will turn into one before you know it) with a pair of classic princess-cut black diamond studs. They are understated yet refined, so you can wear them from business hour to happy hour, to late-night delight.

On those hot nights out on the town, complement your little black dress with an eye-catching black diamond fashion ring: a unique design that will reflect even the dimmest evening lights from every angle.

Get the whole scoop »

I have been looking through fashion magazines and on websites at the new Fall offerings recently, and have noticed a heavy lean toward an entirely black outfit, from head to toe.

While that is a nice, clean, look that I would have embraced back in high school when I used to sit and listen to the Cure in a darkened room, nowadays, I like a bit of color. In fact, I think most of us like a little variety in our wardrobes. It’s very easy to incorporate some color while still keeping the overall outfit black.

Throw on a brightly colored coat over the black outfit:

Above: B.B. Dakota Coat found at Lulus.com.

Add a bright t-shirt as a foundation piece and make it the burst of color in your outfit:

Above: LnA tee found at Bluefly.com.

Get the whole scoop »