In the Zone

Hey guys! In the Zone is finally back with your hot 2007 Winter Trends! I'll start with some basic accessories this week.

LUXE ACCESSORIES

Luxury accessories have been big in seasons past, and as this trend shows no sign of slowing down this year, a luxe hat is an easy and inexpensive way to work the trend of luxury fabrics and accessories into your wardrobe. However, since a lot of heat is lost from your head, and winter means you need all the body heat you can get, a good hat is a necessity, not just an accessory. A decent hat will give you years of use, and a hat is also a great way to add a hint of colour to your outerwear.

This tuque from Harrison is both luxurious and practical. Made from 100% cashmere, it will fit snugly around your head to keep your ears and head toasty, all while the amazing sky-blue colour livens up a drab winter wardrobe or a grey day. Wear this tuque with anything -- the cashmere means it’s dressy enough for the most sophisticated occasion, while the ribbing lets you get away with wearing it with jeans and hoodies.


EQUESTRIAN WEAR

Throw away those mittens your mom knitted and prepare to look like you spend your weekends socializing with the horsey set instead of on the playground. British-inspired equestrian is in vogue for winter 2007, and one of the easiest and most elegant ways to tap into this trend is to sport a pair of brown leather gloves.

These gloves are a great way to work the equestrian look, even in a -30°C Canadian winter, because in addition to their supple yet resistant napa leather exterior, the interior is lined with warm, soft cashmere. Wear them with neutrals, greens and other earthy tones for a dapper fox-hunter style. And even if you've never been hunting in your life, foxy ladies will be sure to notice this classic accessory long after the Anglo-mania trend is over. Tally Ho!


GREY ANYTHING

Grey is the new black this year for many of menswear’s top designers. If you’d rather save your money for skiing than investing in a grey coat, a scarf is an ideal way to wear winter’s latest “it” colour. Forzieri’s supremely elegant grey cashmere scarf is extra-long, but not overly bulky, so you won’t have to wear an enormous, itchy, woolly sweater underneath your coat just to keep warm. In fact, if you get a little cold in the office, take a stay-warm cue from the Quebecois and just fold the scarf in half, wrap it around your neck and pull the joined ends through the looped end -- voila, instant Montreal style!