I’ve lost count over the number of times we’ve featured bold pants on this blog – whether bright or printed. So if you’re looking for a change of hue or still aren’t convinced vivid bottoms are right for you, pastel-colour pants are a softer, more feminine option.

Mint green seems to be the front-runner of the sorbet hues – it's a surprisingly versatile shade that can be paired with neutral-colour tops. These skinny jeans from Old Navy will keep you cool all summer long.

The Rock Star Pop-Colour Jeans, $35, oldnavy.ca.

If the thought of wearing light-colour skinny jeans freaks you out, you can still get your candy-colour fix and a more relaxed fit with these office-friendly chinos from J.Crew.

Scout Chino, $81.50, jcrew.com.

Skinny jeans available at Old Navy and chinos available at J.Crew.

Whether you’ve been busy at work, have a lack of gift-giving ideas or – let’s be honest – you simply forgot, you’re running out of time to find your mom the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Before hitting the mall only to walk around aimlessly without any gift options in mind, get inspired with these four wallet-friendly gifts.

Roots Edie Bag, $78, exclusively at dealuxe.ca.

A sleek carryall like this aqua Roots Edie bag ($78) from dealuxe.ca is large enough to hold all of your mom's daily essentials without weighing her down throughout the day.

Stripe Crystal Stretch Bracelet, $45.50, jcrew.com.

Add some colour and sparkle to your mom's wrist with an updated take on a classic bracelet, courtesy of J.Crew ($45.50).

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum, 28 mL, $75, sephora.com.

Instead of copping out and giving your mom a bouquet of her favourite flowers, Viktor and Rolf's Flowerbomb scent ($75) is one set of flowers that will always be in bloom.

The Connoisseur Tea Set, $26.50, davidstea.com.

If you're still at a loss about what to give your mom this Sunday – or you want to gift on the safe side – go with The Connoisseur Tea Set ($26.50) by David's Tea. With a selection of 12 traditional teas, including Organic Breakfast and Silk Dragon Jasmine, you'll have your mom covered, no matter her cup of tea.

What are your foolproof Mother's Day gift ideas?

Spring is in the air, and as the days start to grow longer my hem lines are progressively getting shorter. Which means I need to do something about my ghostly white skin. I'm pale. My skin tone au natural looks like I could be an extra from the cast of "True Blood" -- yes, that pasty. I'd like some colour, but I don't want to look like an extra from "Jersey Shore." Somewhere in the middle would be nice, and without any damage from UVA/UVB rays, of course!

In my quest to achieve a slightly golden glow I've turned to sunless tanners. My current obsession is St. Tropez Self-Tan Bronzing Mousse ($38). Not cheap, I know, but it pays to splurge on a self-tanner if it works with you skin's chemistry. It's continuously given me streak-free, non-orangey results without the telltale smell of most faux-tanners. However, I'm the first to admit that you need to go through the prepping motions to achieve the perfect fake tan.

Here are the rules of self-tanning -- step by step.

1. Prep your skin: Shave and exfoliate the same day you self-tan. And never pick an oil-based exfoliator as the slick consistency can prevent the tanning formula from adhering to your skin.

Try: Venus and Olay Razor with two replacement cartridges ($12) and Origins Incredible Spreadable Scrub (250 mL, $27.50).

2. Moisturize dry spots... or all over: Don't forget those dry areas like your elbows, knees and feet. If they're not properly moisturized they'll pick up more colour than the rest of your body and will look splotchy. If you have normal-to-dry skin it doesn't hurt to moisturize all over.

Try: Yes to Blueberries Rejuvenating Body Lotion (170 g, $10).

I had the pleasure of attending the Toronto Fashion Incubator's birthday bash last Thursday evening. The TFI has been nurturing local design talent for the last 25 years and counts stars such as Sunny Fong and David Dixon among its alumni.

As a guest of Mattel, I helped celebrate the facility's anniversary with a very special Barbie fashion show. For the show, 25 designers were asked to create dresses inspired by Barbie. The dresses were modelled by local celebrities, including Dina Pugliese and Liz West.

Liz West

The dresses were all gorgeous, ranging from a rainbow tulle and feather fishtail hem to a stunning, pleated cream concoction that was over the top and frothy and sweet all at the same time.

A few of the designs

For the feel-good finale, $10,000 was awarded to the creator of the winning design, Thunder Bay native Sarah Nicol of Sar Couture. Her cocktail-length black-and-white chevron dress was highlighted with gorgeous Barbie-inspired hot pink satin and was modelled by "Degrassi" actress Meghan Heffern.

Designer Sarah Nicol (right) and actress Meghan Heffern in the winning design.

The entire evening was a huge success, including the New Label show that ended the festivities and was won by the very talented Edmonton-born designer Sid Neigum for his lust-worthy modern separates.

Last night the Royal Ontario Museum played host to the Toronto Fashion Incubator's 25th anniversary gala, which included dinner, an exhibit, a new labels runway show and an award presentation. I was lucky enough to be in attendance, and as a guest I was able to partake in some high-quality people watching – which is pretty much one of my favourite pastimes. I saw some major gowns and serious bling, but that was just the preshow. I was really there to take in the Canadian design talent in the TFI New Labels show.

Photography by George Pimentel.

The TFI has been a driving force in the careers of our country's top fashion brands – from David Dixon, Joeffer Caoc and Arthur Mendonça to Smythe, Juma and Stephen Wong of Greta Constantine. This year the top four contenders were Edmonton native Sid Neigum; outerwear label Jameson Kane, designed by Genevieve Pearson and Stanley Capobianco; [blak]·i, created by Diego Fuchs and Helder Aguiar; and Montreal-based designer Patrick Larrivée.

Photography by George Pimentel.

I was tremendously impressed with all the design talent. My personal style lends itself to [blak]·i, which was kind of like a northern version of Alexander Wang. I would love to own everything fom that collection.

However, after seeing all four mini collections (each designer showed 12 looks) it was obvious the award was going to either Sid Neigum or Patrick Larrivée. Despite the master styling of Larrivée's collection I was leaning toward Team Sid. Especially because his proud parents were sitting at our table.

And the winner was... Sid Neigum!

Photography by George Pimentel.

The winning collection featured sleek separates in an all black, beige, grey and white palette. Neigum showcased a range of meticulously tailored pieces in a variety of styles using a mix of fabrics including lamb leather, boiled wool, cashmere, linen and bamboo. The designer will receive $25,000 (cash) courtesy of philanthropist and honorary gala event chair Suzanne Rogers, as well as a feature in Flare magazine and free studio space at TFI, sponsored by TNT boutique.

I'm anxious to see more from this emerging Canadian designer.

Yesterday H&M announced its latest collaboration — but this time around it's not with a designer. For the first time it's with a living style icon, Anna Dello Russo. The Vogue Japan director-at-large is set to launch an accessory line with the fast-fashion Swedish retailer this fall.

Photo credit: Magnus Magnusson

What can you expect from the fashion maniac's accessory line come October? The overall vision has been dubbed "over-the-top", it will feature rhinestone encrusted sunglasses, over sized jewelry, gilded shoes and statement bags. One things for sure, it's going to be flashy. Which makes my heart race, because exaggerated accessories makes me melt. In this case — like most cases — bigger is definitely better.

Phot credit: Magnus Magnusson

Her bold taste and keen eye for decoration are sure to make this partnership a successful one. Dello Russo's new line with H&M is set to hit 140 stores world wide on October, 4. Will you be lining up?

The weather has been a bit of a downer lately, but it hasn't stopped me from dreaming of warmer temperatures and the shoe possibilities that come with sunnier days.

Cue the flat sandal. If I'm planning on running around throughout the day, I need a pair of shoes that are slightly more practical then wedges (though I swear wedges are actually comfortable) but still stylish at the same time.

The on-trend possibilities this year are endless, with features such as metallic straps, bold colours and even a few studs. Here are my three top picks to keep you looking cool all summer long.

Snakeskin was a huge print this past fall and it looks like it's sticking around on these black imitation leather sandals from H&M.

Black snakeskin sandals, $30, hm.com/ca.

If you're still unsure about trying colour blocking, these metallic and orange Zara sandals are a way to incorporate bold colours into your outfit with ease.

Two-tone sandals, $36, zara.com.

And if you're looking for more modest footwear, these nude buckled T-strap sandals from J.Crew are fit for running errands around the city on a balmy sunny day.

Cecelia buckle sandals, $138, jcrew.com.

What is your go-to pair of shoes on a summer day?

Sandals available at H&M, Zara and J.Crew.

Have you ever read the back of the packaging on one of your favourite beauty products?

If you haven’t, chances are you won’t be able to pronounce the names of half of the ingredients that make up your favourite mascara or eye shadow. If that doesn’t scare you, it should. There’s the possibility that some of the ingredients listed may be potentially harmful to your health.

Sally Glover, who is based in Toronto, was tired of using potentially dangerous products and fed up with the frustrations of trying to find natural and nontoxic personal-care products in Canada. So she launched Fresh Faced, a one-stop online shop that will help you fill your makeup bag and bathroom cabinet with luxury natural products, minus expensive shipping and duty fees.

Why should you consider making the switch to natural beauty products?

“If you're using conventional brands, you're exposed to potentially thousands of chemicals that are readily absorbed through the skin. Not too pretty, right?" says Glover. "Choosing clean, responsible products limits your exposure to many of these nasties: substances known or suspected to be carcinogenic or mutagenic, reproductive toxins, developmental toxins, neurotoxins and hormone disruptors.”

The Fresh Faced website also features a blog filled with tips and info on trendy natural products. Glover hopes that “one day the terms 'natural product' or 'organic makeup' won't conjure up images of Birkenstocks or earth mamas," she says. "I wanted to incorporate editorial content just like any other mainstream fashion or beauty site. The products are equally as beautiful and stylish – they just happen to be clean and sustainable as well.”

Soapwalla Deodorant Cream, $12, freshfaced.ca

If you’re not sure where to start or what product to try first, one of the site’s current bestsellers is Soapwalla Deodorant Cream ($12), which unlike many other natural deodorants, actually works. Other favourites include Revolution Organics Freedom Lip Gloss ($29) and Lavera Volume Mascara ($23).

Would you switch to using natural beauty products?

By now we’re all used to the endless hysteria surrounding designer collaborations, such as the recent Marni and Versace collections for H&M. However, it’s refreshing to see a designer pairing that has a purpose.

Tory Burch + FEED tote bags, $50 each, holtrenfrew.com

Tory Burch, the purveyor of sophisticated yet attainable womenswear, has partnered with FEED to put her personal and colourful touch on the organization’s traditional burlap bags. Burch's bags will be available exclusively at holtrenfrew.com starting April 30 and at all Holt Renfrew locations beginning May 10. In your choice of three vibrant hues, these bags are essential for running errands or hitting the beach this summer.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bag will go toward FEED’s initiative to feed children in areas of the world that are in need, and will help Holt Renfrew in their goal to raise $100,000 to provide 500,000 meals for children and contribute $50, 000 in microfinance and mentoring support.

A designer collaborating with one of Canada’s favourite retailers to help a worthy cause is a fashionable partnership that will always get me excited.

Tory Burch + FEED tote bags ($50) are available at holtrenfrew.com beginning April 30 and at Holt Renfrew locations across Canada beginning May 10.

If I were to compare my favourite beauty products to the stuff that aids in post-baking kitchen cleanup, it would a little something like this. Steel wool is like my Clarisonic (deep scrubbing sans scratching), while LiquidPlumr paired with a heavy duty plunger (or a decent, real-life plumber) excavates crumbs like Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque does to build up dirt and oil in my pores.

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, $26.00 for 125ml

And just in time for Earth Day, the brand with apothecary roots and cult-like followings is releasing a limited-edition version of the creamy jarred version of this bestseller. The mask doesn't stink, never stings and leaves pores looking tremendously less disgusting (not saying they're eternally vanquished, people) and the shiny bits of my face looking noticeably more matte. I also find it pretty soothing, which is likely due to the (Canadian!) ingredient Bentonite, renowned for its ability to sooth and heal skin. With sweat-soaked days on the horizon, adding this to your beauty cabinet really can't hurt.

The purchase will sooth your conscience, too. One hundred per cent of the proceeds will benefit Evergreen, a not-for-profit group focused on sustainability throughout Canada.

 
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, $26.00 for 125ml; available at Kiehl's locations throughout Canada.