1. Let It Rain
   

   Ilse Jacobsen Boots, $175 Available at Fine Finds Boutique in Vancouver www.finefindsboutique.com

2. Canadian Cool
   

   The definition of Canadian cool, Joyce Gunhouse and Judy Cornish have been designing their label Comrags, under the radar for around twenty-five years. Gunhouse and Cornish agree their success is due to designing clothes that are not fussy and will have a place in wardrobes today and five years from now; you really can live in these clothes year after year. In addition to a seasonally designed collection, the pair also has a line of Basics in black that was launched in 1997. This collection of their most popular designs keeps Comrags’ legion of devoted fans coming back for more.

   What inspired you to launch Comrags? Youth! We were just finishing up at Ryerson, knew we worked well together - the times was right.

   Can you explain your design process? First, Judy researches fabrics, compiling her selections. Then together we edit it into about three mini collections. We work separately at first, then show each other our muslin’s - we don’t really sketch our ideas - and then we create new pieces together, which are inspired by each other’s work.

   How has your design process changed over the years? We trust each other a bit more.

   What is the Comrags style philosophy? Our philosophy is always changing, ...

3. Arm Candy
   

   Handbags have always been my thing and so great joy followed my discovery of handbag designer Andrea Brueckner - her line has even made a cameo on Gossip Girl. Fellow Canadian and Fashion Institute of Technology alum, Brueckner has been on the handbag scene since 2004. Her Fall 2008 collection features glazed, goat skin, leather clutches and handbags in bright colors like magenta and cobalt blue. I’m loving the simple lines and lock hardware of the Aspen Collection and the Luxembourg Satchel Boudeaux with its functional zipper pockets and edge piping details. I think it’s time to buy me another handbag. Andrea Brueckner is available in Vancouver at Kiss & Makeup (925 Main Street, The Village at Park Royal, West Vancouver).

   Jan Tong, The Style Spy jan@thestylespy.com

courtesy of thestylespy.com