It seems like it took forever for summer to arrive this year so I am hardly looking forward to cooler weather. That was before I previewed the Esprit fall/winter 2009 collection. Now there’s a reason to get excited about fall.

The Esprit lines - Casual, EDC and Collection - have great colours and interprets the latest European trends while keeping what we love about Esprit – good design, fit and variety. As seen on the Paris runways, the collection includes vests, a few jumpsuits, a touch of leather, and of course lots of denim. Accessories are on point as well – slim belts, sequined scarves and, studded belts and handbags.

The Casual line features brightly coloured tunics, skinny jeans that fit like tights, lots of layering, sweaters and Esprit’s signature sequin detailing. The tried and true straight leg black pant is also included because that’s the one customers come back for every season.

The funky EDC for the younger crowd includes lots of patterned tees, paisley tunics, metallic and liquid leather tights, military style jackets and purple green and black denim.

The most expensive line is Collection. For fall you will see lots of detailed and tailored suiting, sheer ruffled blouses, shift dresses and sophisticated denim.

It’s an all around great collection and I’ve got my eye on a bubble gum pink winter jacket. The perfect thing to brighten up your spirits and keep you warm and smiling on the coldest and dreariest winter day.

Currently available at Esprit stores - www.esprit.com.

To those who know me, it is no secret that I have had a long love affair with Danier Leather. I can confess to a time when half of my wardrobe consisted of leather or suede pieces with more than 90% belonging to the Danier brand.

To this day I have many vintage Danier pieces in my closet that I refuse to part with. It doesn’t matter that I cannot fit into most of these items anymore, I am firmly entrenched in the belief that it will happen “someday.” Countless other peices have been “borrowed” by friends (you know who you are) never to be seen again.

But like most great love affairs, there was a cooling period. Danier went back to basics and I decided to play the field. So when I received an invitation to preview the fall 09 collection, it was with the anticipation of going back to a class reunion. Would my High School sweetheart and I still share sparks? Or would we stare at each other and wonder what all the fuss was ever about?

To my delight the collection proved, without a doubt, why leather is on everyone’s “must have” list for the fall. Once again, I am smitten.

In these days of increased baggage fees and restricted weight limits, luxury German luggage-maker Rimowa is proving once again how much they understand the needs of travelers by introducing Salsa Air.

Made from a high-tech polycarbonate plastic that is light as a feather, practically indestructible, scratch resistant and 26% lighter than the Salsa and Salsa Deluxe lines, it means you won’t be sacrificing your precious luggage allowance to the weight of your suitcase. They can take the battering of the luggage handlers and spring back to their original shape.

The Salsa Air with the distinctive grooves and patented Multiwheel technology system - which ensures your suitcase is always upright even as you switch directions or maneuver in tight spaces. Salsa Air is available in carry on and 3 full suitcase sizes 26”, 29” and 32.”

The cases which are produced in Cambridge, Ontario will be available at Taschen, De Catarina and La Borsa stores October 2009.

The warm season is upon us and you can feel your temperature rising! Finally, you can replace those winter woollies and booties with much anticipated leg-baring fashions. One small dilemma – after months of hibernation your legs are pasty white and you feel self conscious about exposing them in that new summer dress and open-toe pair of shoes. So what’s a sandal-lover to do?

Secret has come up with a nifty solution - Summer Cool; a toeless thigh-high pantyhose. Now you can showcase your pretty pedicured toes in a whole new way. The hose is offered in a single shade, Summer Nude, which will provide your legs with a hint of colour while making them look long and lean. Not too hot, not too cold ... you are ready for every look from that early morning meeting at the office to late night cocktails on a glam night out.

So bare your legs, strut your stuff and stay cool with Summer Cool. Available at department stores, drug stores and retailers nation-wide with prices ranging from $8.50 to $10.50.

www.secretlegwear.com

Few of us are lucky enough to have a perfect figure – most of us can use a little help. For a quick and easy realignment for some of those not-so-perfect areas there is a “quick fix” to shape up. Secret’s Fusion shapewear collection will help you beat the battle of the bulge - it couldn’t be easier, faster and with little damage to your pocket book.

The collection includes a variety of garments; briefs, slips and camisoles. The Secret Fusion Brief ($13.95) is a must-have to flattens unwanted tummy bulges faster than a 20-minute workout. For those difficult unwanted love handles, the Secret Fusion High Waist Mid Thigh ($23.95) will shape your figure back to a more elegant look. The Secret Fusion Camisole ($19.97) features a deep V cut on one side and a regular V cut on the other; you can wear one way for casual daywear and then reverse for a plunging neckline for that evening party.

What’s great about this line is that it allows you to combine a few key pieces to make the most of any curve-conscious clothing. The shapers are made from a lightweight nylon and elastane microfibre which wears like a second skin that won’t constrict or bind. This allows you to breathe comfortably while looking your absolute best. Secret Fusion is offered in both black and latte and is available across Canada exclusively at Zellers.