Vibrant palettes, sheer and delicate fabrics, high-impact embellishment: it would be nice if we could get excited about spring fashion trends, but with February forecasts being bitterly cold and March hovering around zero temperatures, the idea of pastels and denim jackets is, well, FORGETABOUTIT! Sorry.

In an effort to stay positive (and god help us, warm!) we’re going to focus our attention instead on wonderful Canadian women who make cute, sexy (cashmere can be sexy!) but tough apparel that is made for THIS.

Preloved, Julia Grieve

For over a decade, Preloved has been making one-of-a-kind pieces out of reclaimed vintage. Fans include Kirsten Dunst, Kate Hudson and Daria Werbowy, to name a few.

 

Lillylab, South Godfrey

South grew up in Banff, Alberta; she knows cold. Her oversized heart cardigan is made with love, but also with the windchill in mind.

Good Night, Day, Tara-Lynn Morrison

Modern, minimalist hand-knit fashion made of fair trade sourced wool by a quirky, and creative, local lady who cares about a nice headband. Don’t we all?

Sartoria, Sara Torrie

Tights and leggings don’t cut it! You need cashmere lingerie too. But that’s not all Sara Torrie makes! Cute long johns and naughty underthings for the North.

The Cashmere Shop, Alison Currie

If you want to buy cashmere, The Cashmere Shop in Yorkville is the best destination for high-quality pieces that will last you a lifetime. Classic, beautiful and imported from the finest wool in Mongolia.

Valentine K, Lauren McLachlan

This ombre sweater will take you through every season. Perfect for layering but also a noteworthy, stand-alone fashion statement.

Stay warm friends, stay warm.