Five fab fashion finds

The year 2011 wasn't exactly a stellar one when it came to style, if you ask me. Sure there were a few gems - a rebirth of sixties cool, lovely blouses in sheer fabrics and feminine sundresses that celebrated the female form, but for the most part 2011 fashion was blasé.

In this fashionista's humble opinion, there were far too many sloppy-looking, unstructured garments on the retail racks, not to mention I'm growing tired of the "hipster" look -- since when was it considered stylish to rock the bike courier look? And please, ditch the tuque in the summer, along with the faux eyeglasses.

Thankfully, not all fashion sense was lost this past year; 2011 was the year of the accessory. From hair pieces to funky kicks to lacy underthings, accoutrements were where the style was at.

So if you're on the hunt for that perfect present for the fashionista on your list, check out my Five Fab Fashion Finds for 2011.

Platforms with punch

Who doesn't love a great shoe? This year, we sure had our fair share of fabulous heels to choose from, but my all-time fave was the platform. From moderate to sky-high, the platform shoe was a must-have of 2011. For the chic girl on your list, opt for a platform that really packs a punch, such as faux snakeskin, leopard print or platforms with adorable appliqués.

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Red and White Bordello Concealed platform shoes, Foxy Shoppe (CAITLIN / DECENT PHOTOGRAPHY)

The luxurious chemise

Ooh la la, ma cherie. Tell her you love her this holiday season with a simple yet sophisticated silk chemise. This intimate accessory makes a lovely gift for the woman you hold near and dear to your heart.

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Sparkly, beaded splatterings and sequins make this brush stroke motif chemise by Gold Hawk pop, $127 at Hill's of Kerrisdale. (JASON PAYNE / POSTMEDIA)

Cellular style

No need to go utilitarian when it comes to protecting your cellphone from bumps and falls. Function meets fashion with the Kate Spade designer iPhone case. This mobile must makes for a stylish stocking-stuffer for the techie on your list.

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Designer iPhone case, Kate Spade, $39.95. (POSTMEDIA / HANDOUT)

Haute hair accessories

The Royal Wedding this past spring sprouted an accessory trend across the pond. Yes, I am talking feather hair extensions and flashy fascinators. Whether big and eye-catching with vibrant feathers and birdcages or simple and sleek with shiny beads and crystals, hair accessories make an ideal gift for gals of all ages. (And their range in price means they fit all budgets, too!)

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Rhinestone hair pins, $85. Dripping diamond beak hair clip, $105. From Edward Carriere.

Cheer gear for her

Maybe it's a bit of a stretch to call sports paraphernalia an accessory, but it really doesn't fall into the category of daily wear, either. With all the buzz surrounding the return of the Winnipeg Jets, sports gear is flying off the shelves and it's no wonder, considering the addition of feminine, form-fitting tops and warm-up jackets made especially for us gals. So go ahead and offer the special woman on the list her very own Jets gear and reclaim that oversized T-shirt or jersey

For more examples of the Fab Five Finds, see www.winnipegfreepress.com

Got a fashion trend worth following? Email Connie Tamoto at connietamotofashion@hotmail.com.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 10, 2011 E10