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Wildhagen hat

I am not a hipster. But I am a fan of the original hipster chic personified by the Rat Pack. This contemporary derby, which boasts subtle tone-on-tone polka dots and a red inside rim, is more Sammy Davis than Ashton Kutcher. And it’s Toronto-made in a sweet little atelier on the city’s (yes, hipster-heavy) Queen Street West. $50 to $185 through Wildhagen Hats (www.wildhagenwear.com).

TOMS Remarque Shoes

Since 2006, TOMS has donated a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair of shoes it sells. Sporting the slogan Make Art, Not War, the black canvas Remarque style reminds me of the late Stephen Sprouse’s chic graffiti designs for Louis Vuitton. In the spirit of giving, this is a step in the right direction. $55 through www.tomsshoes.com.

Gucci Snowman in Africa wristlet

Who knew Frosty could be such a fashion plate? Just when I thought I had conquered my It bag weakness, this imaginative collaboration between Gucci and illustrator Michael Roberts has proved downright irresistible. Dubbed Snowman in Africa, the special collection donates 25 per cent of all sales to Unicef. I’ll take one wristlet, please. $320 through www.gucci.com.

Phillip Lim necklace

Phillip Lim may be a latecomer to the world of designer accessories, but this grosgrain pleated accordion necklace threaded with pearls and accented with hardware and chiffon would be a welcome way to spruce up my work wardrobe. $235 at Holt Renfrew (www.holtrenfrew.com).

Escama Studio messenger bag

In a perfect world, I would make my own bag out of post-consumer pop-can tops, but it would take a monster-sized holiday party to produce more than 1,600 of the aluminum pieces. So thank you, Escama Studio, for providing a refreshing twist on recycled fashion accessories. Bonus: The San Francisco-based company produces the bags through a co-operative in Brazil. $255 through www.ago.net/shop.

Dolce & Gabbana butterfly slip

What a lovely Lepidoptera! I respond to butterfly motifs, whether in a Damien Hirst work or a D&G slip. In this case, the black-and-white colour scheme stops short of being too precious. Paired with an oversized woolly sweater and socks, it’s a perfect outfit for movie night chez moi. $148 though Holt Renfrew (www.holtrenfrew.com).

Lambskin Coco Cocoon Shopper Bag

This bold new puffy bag from Chanel speaks of getting comfy with the idea of shopping again. It comes in nylon or luxurious lambskin and is reversible, revealing the label’s signature quilting on the inside. It’s also so delightfully squishy that it could double as a pillow on those long transatlantic flights. Lily Allen, Freida Pinto and Gwen Stefani all tote one. $3,025 through www.chanel.com.

Erica Giuliani shoe clips

Much to my chagrin, the recession has forced me to cut back on shoe shopping. Fortunately, these snazzy clip-on Erica Giuliani shoe accessories sporting sparkling Swarovski crystals can instantly and economically transform plain pumps, boring boots and insipid sandals into a variety of flashy style statements. $50 a pair through www.ericagiuliani.com.

The CFDA's American Fashion Cookbook

As much as the fashion world often appears to be encouraging us not to eat, this Assouline book filled with recipes and illustrations by more than 100 American designers inspires indulgence. Besides, I’ve always wanted to know how Isaac Mizrahi makes his mushroom truffle spaghetti. $50 at Teatro Verde (www.teatroverde.com).

HBC Signature duffle coat

I see a banner year ahead for Canadian style patriotism in my crystal snow globe. And what better way to wave the flag than to make a fashion statement that smacks of tradition and heritage? Besides looking cool, this coat is warm and practical for weekends in the country. And it’s evidently hip, as my 20-year-old daughter threatens to steal it during the week. $249 through www.hbc.com .

Burberry ear muffs

I’m tired of all those ubiquitous tuques resulting in dreaded hat head every winter. Bring on the retro whimsy of a pair of luxe ear muffs. Burberry’s shearling-lined grey-and-white-check cashmere models are among the chicest. Perfect for on the street or the slopes. $150 through www.burberry.com.

Birks Olympic bangle bracelet

Enough with those trendy Wonder Woman cuffs! When I bear the Olympic torch in Surrey, B.C. on Feb. 9, I want a tag bangle bracelet from Birks’s Vancouver 2010 Collection on my wrist to empower me. Others can strive for the gold; this elegant link between sports and fashion gets me going. $250 through www.birks.com.

Chan Luu wrap bracelet

I am a sucker for a good cuff bracelet, mainly because I think a beautiful on-trend accessory updates the most mundane outfit. This black Chan Luu bracelet with gold “vermicelli” accenting wraps around the wrist five times and can be worn as a necklace or anklet. $290 through www.augustinaboutiques.com.

Miss Ellie cardie

If you sit at home all day typing in a damp old house like I do, you really can’t have enough cardigans. This one, by the ingenious repurposing fashion house Preloved, is a cheeky take on the classic button-up design and doesn’t make you look like you’ve given up on life if the meter reader happens to come to the door. I want/need a minimum of three in different neutral tones. $129 through www.preloved.ca.

Classic penny loafers

Kitten heels kill, stilettos make me cranky and ballerina flats are flattering only on ballerinas. I am, and always will be, a loafer girl. This pair of Bass classics take me back to a simpler time when sweaters were itchy, phone calls cost a dime and tweeting was something birds did. If that makes me old, so be it. That’s the thing about loafer girls: We age well. $240 at Jonathan + Olivia (jonathanandolivia.com).