Posts Tagged ‘Matt & Nat’

July 13th, 2010 | Author: christie

Great by Sandy Elona

Happy Socks

HoiBo Shoulder Tote

Modalu Cobana

Phuze Lilac Bling Ring

Zelig Tote Medium

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

April 11th, 2010 | Author: christie

Adhesif Strapless DressEdun Ziggy One Piece $345

Lav & Kush Cape Coat and ShortsLav & Kush Summer Jumper

Nicole Bridger Courage Cardigan $227-1Stella McCartney Green Collection Dress-1

Matt & Nat Cleo Hobo $225Navoh

Eco-friendly fashion isn’t just for Birkenstock-wearing hippies anymore. Trailblazers such as Stella McCartney have taken sustainable fashion from granola to haute couture. This is, I think, the environmentally conscious fashionista’s dilemma: we don’t want to sacrifice our style quotient to go green. The fashion gods are finally listening it seems, as more and more chic, trend-conscious local and international designers are taking eco-friendly production practices into consideration when creating their lines, using up-cycled and organic materials. From local labels such as Nicole Bridger, Adhesif, and Lav & Kush, to big names such as Edun, Bono’s label, designers everywhere are urging people to take their efforts to help the environment beyond the recycling bin.

Vancouverite Joscelyne Schroeder, who will be launching her eco-friendly online boutique and resource center Naïve Boutique on Earth Day (April 22nd), states that not only are you helping the environment by shopping eco-friendly, but you’re also benefiting your personal health and well being. The farming practices used to create materials such as organic cotton and bamboo, which feature prominently in the lines she will be carrying, not only drastically reduce production waste, but also rid clothing of the toxic pesticides and chemicals that are harmful to the body and are present in a lot of the clothing we usually wear. Yes, it might be a bit more expensive to shop organic, but only until more people start doing it and the trend catches on, increasing demand for the product. The movement extends beyond clothing: look for vegan accessory lines like Matt & Nat and Navoh. I think it’s time the fashion world began to take the environment, and our health, seriously. Who’s with me?

Left to right: Adhesif dress is available at Forsya Boutique in Vancouver and in Toronto at Distill Gallery and online at adhesif.supermarkethq.com. Edun one-piece available online. Lav & Kush cape, shorts and jumper available in Vancouver at Fine Finds, Tenth and Proper, Life of Riley and Body Politic and in Toronto at Trixie, Lou Lou, and Mudshark. Nicole Bridger cardigan is available in Vancouver at Twigg and Hottie and Ingenue, in Toronto at My Bump and Frock and online. Stella McCartney dress. Matt & Nat Cleo handbag available online and Warren Boutique in South Surrey.

By: Chloe Berge, Vancouver