It’s a common problem for young women of a certain age: we covet high-end accessories that we come with matching high price-tags, and the ones we can actually afford tend to be mass produced, poor quality, and cheap. Where’s the middle ground? Well, ladies, our prayers have been answered. Zane Aburneh, founder of ATOZANE.com, has made it his mission to bring Canadian women “luxurious accessories that possess the quality craftsmanship and timelessness of designer brands with the artistry and affordability of independent, boutique labels.”

As a former handbag specialist at Holt Renfrew’s Bloor Street location, Aburneh knows a thing or two about accessories. “Style, functionality, and quality are the main factors I use before choosing any collection,” says Aburneh. “I also try to bring a unique and exclusive collection to the Canadian consumer through our own and international designers. I don’t carry overly trendy accessories because I believe that they are investment items and, if purchased correctly, don’t have to change from season to season like the fast changing trends of clothing.”

Currently dealing primarily in handbags, ATOZANE.com also carries socks, jewelry, belts, and bow ties. “I’m hoping to introduce different commodities of accessories as ATOZANE grows. I’m already looking at some amazing scarves, watches, and umbrellas for the upcoming seasons. You will start seeing a stronger Canadian presence on ATOZANE.com like Jenny Bird, Matt&Nat, and HoiBo.” Here are some of our faves, all available at www.atozane.com:

1. Great by Sandie Elona Patchwork Magic $599

2. Happy Socks $12

3. Hoi Bo Shoulder Tote $360

4. Modalu Cobana $225

5. Phuze Lilac Bling Ring $120
6. Tila March Zelig Tote $695

By: Caitlin Agnew, Toronto

When it comes to beauty products, phonetics may be the last thing on your mind, but there is no better name for the some of the latest offerings in skincare. Consonant Body is 100% natural and 100% organic, a concept that certainly attests to its name. I must say that with all of the product out there claiming to be “organic”, not to mention my extremely sensitive skin, I was skeptical. But after just a few uses, I noticed the change – I was fresh faced, glowy, and my skin was soft and smooth! One of my favourite things about this product is its scent – it wasn’t overpowering, but clean and pleasant. I was also surprised at how luxurious this product felt. Might I suggest the citrus and bergamot body lotion?
Consonant Body Organic Skincare is available at select stores across Canada. For complete locations, check website for details. Buy online at Consonant Body.

1. Who knew that “organic” and “natural” ingredients could make you feel like ultra luxe? Check out the latest scent from the summer collection, Citrus Bergamot. Organic Body Lotion ($22 for 250 ml, $42 for 500 ml), Organic Foaming Face Wash ($18 for125 ml), and Organic Body Wash ($16 for 250 ml, $28 for 500 ml).

2. I am in love with this Consonant Body Organic Lip Therapy! Nothing beats that tingly feeling, and the result leaves you with soft, moisturized and kissable puckers ($12).

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Summer vacation season has officially arrived which means many of us are jetting off for quick weekend retreats. For those of us lucky enough to be escaping Vancouver’s poor excuse for a Summer, we’re left with one question- what to pack? Packing can be a daunting task, especially when going away for a short period of time when one really can’t justify hauling along ten different outfit options (at least not if you don’t want to be faced with endless ridicule as I so often have in the past). Two to three ensembles should be enough for a weekend. The key is choosing pieces that can either be easily mixed and matched to create different looks, or that can be worn for a full day, transitioning from day to night with different accessories. Whether you’re heading to a beach oasis, a countryside cabin, or the city, take a cue from these weekend wardrobes to ensure you’re traveling in style.

Shopping Info:

Country Cabin:
Forever 21 Floral Bouquet Dress $27.80 and Straw Fedora $6.80 Available at select Forever 21 stores across Canada.
Sienna Ray & Co Tux Mak Bag $300. Available at select boutiques in Canada.
Aldo Nethkin Wedge $80. Available at select Aldo stores across Canada.
Tkee Thong Sandals $55. Available at Lynn Steven Boutique in Gastown and Warren Boutique in South Surrey.

The City:
Myne Silk Addison Skirt $199, Myne Silk Alex Tank $159, and Rebecca Minkoff 3-Zip Rocker handbag $219
All available at Charlie and Lee in Victoria or shop online.

Aldo Mckew brogue $55 and Aldo Garlits Cage Heel $70. Both available at select Aldo stores across Canada.

Beach Oasis:
BCBG Chevron Halter Maxi Dress $178 at select BCBG stores across Canada.
Nine West Reflect Metallic thong sandal $39.99 at select Nine West stores across Canada.
Forever 21 Straw Cowgirl Hat $9.80
Ray Ban Aviators $170 available at Holt Renfrew.

By: Chloe Berge, Vancouver

Spring 2009 saw the first wave of the British Invasion for the New Millenium: the grand opening of Topshop in Manhattan. Fast-forward to June 2010: Topshop lands in Toronto. The trendy British wares are now available in Canada exclusively at Jonathan+Olivia. The addition of the Topshop collection has done wonders for the space, which expanded by 800 feet to house the store-within-a-store. While the prices aren’t quite as low as I thought they’d be, everything is affordable,well-made, and very cute. More good news? They’ll be getting new merchandise in every two weeks. Lucky for me Jonathan+Olivia is around the corner from my apartment, which means I’ll be going on a lot of dog-walk/shopping combos this summer. At the media preview last week I couldn’t resist a pair of flowal-print overall short-shorts and some sky-high pink and wood platforms (they add a good five inches to my petite stature). I hope it’s only a matter of time before, like New York, we get our own Topshop flagship store and national expansion…to Vancouver.

Images courtesy of Jonathan+Olivia.

By: Caitlin Agnew, Toronto