Ever since Oscar de la Renta sent his Spring 2013 models down the runway, with streaks of pink and blue pieces tucked up into classic French twists, I’ve been dying to have a little spring fling with my strands.

Hair chalking sounds like the perfect, noncommittal foray into electric hued hair. Free People sells these cute little tins of Ombre Hair Chalk in five different shades—just dampen hair, rub in, and wash out when you’re done. Chalk it up to spring fever, but I can’t wait to try them out.

$14, freepeople.com

Scented candles aren’t the most manly home accessory. That is, unless they are made from Kentucky Bourbon. Then, even the grizzliest gent can feel good about getting some ambiance going at his pad.

Enter Chicago Candle Co. The folks behind this local start-up create their scents based on wines, cocktails, and spirits—and they hand-pour their soy wax into cut and polished wine bottles recycled from local bars and cafes.

Their Kentucky Bourbon candle has notes of oak barrel and spice. An added bonus: Next time someone shows up at your house and the place reeks of whiskey, you can just blame it on your candle.

$28 at Haberdash, 607 N. State. St., 312.624.8551

There’s no quicker way to kill your zen than schlepping your clunky rolled-up yoga mat home after class. Do you toss it under your shoulder, bumping into passersby with your newly sprouted appendage? Or do you attempt to shove it into your purse or backpack, forcing yourself into an awkward balancing act as the thing wobbles to and fro?

I’ve fought it for long enough, but at last I concede: It’s time to invest in a yoga strap.

But like the all-important iPhone case, this little sling is a form of self-expression. Boring old black simply doesn’t cut it—so I found a lovely swirl-patterned version called the Dsenyo Sling. It’s got adjustable Velcro closures to fit whichever size mat you’re toting, and it has a nice long strap so you don’t choke yourself in transit.

Best of all, like everything at Greenheart Shop, it comes with a story: Crafted in Malawi under fair trade-business practices, this little accessory helps create employment opportunities for industrious Africans. Om yeah!

$20 at Greenheart Shop, 1911 W. Division St., 312-264-1625

Last week, the jewelry line Altruette became available in Chicago for the first time (at the adorably quirky Gold Coast store Judy Maxwell, which my colleague Gina Bazer blogged about here). Pop quiz: Why is this a big deal?


a) Because Altruette’s classic charms—in sterling silver or gold vermeil—bestow a dose of Mad Men-esque retro chic


b) Because half of the net profit goes directly to the do-good cause that each charm represents

c) Because they make great gifts for Mother's Day (less than eight weeks away!)


d) Because you may bump into actress Joan Cusack as you shop (she owns the store)


e) All of the above 


That's right, smarty: E. Just don't buy all of the bee charms (pictured)—which support the Honey Bee Research Fund—before I get there.


$95 for gold vermeil; $75 for sterling (coordinating neck chains and bracelets also available) at Judy Maxwell General Store, 1151 N. State Street, 312-787-9999


I have to admit I was a bit disappointed after seeing the first hotly anticipated collection by Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent. It all seemed to veer too close to the original without a zing of modernity that you would expect from someone who overhauled menswear dramatically in the early aughts.  

But after looking at the offerings on the racks in some of my favorite stores, I’ve come around to see the brilliance in Slimane’s retail offerings. This little mini dress is just one example of the many gems that I’m lusting after. It’s a little rock-and-roll, yet it alludes to the classic proportions and French sensibilities of Saint Laurent. I believe the hype.

$2,690 at Barneys, 15 E. Oak St. or barneys.com

Around this time of year, I typically find myself in desperate need of change. Spring is just around the corner, and yet those beachy waves and that sun-kissed glow feel so very far away. When it’s too soon for bronzer, a highlighter is my weapon of choice against seasonal depression.

The Multiple highlighter stick by NARS is easy to use and comes in the most gorgeous, pearly shade called Copacabana. A light-handed swipe across the cheekbone gives just the right glowy sheen—it’s almost as if my vitamin D levels were sufficient.

$39, Sephora, 520 N. Michigan Ave., 312-494-9598; or sephora.com

If you want to develop your eye for good design—whether for Louis XVI furniture, Chinese porcelain, or haute couture—nothing’s better than hitting the sale preview at a good auction house. And unlike in a museum, if you fall in love with anything, you can buy it (provided you submit the winning bid, of course).

Which brings me to Leslie Hindman Auctioneers’s upcoming sale, “Property from the Ebony Fashion Fair Collection.” By property, these pros mean clothes. 1960s silk gowns dripping with hand-sewn paillettes. Groovy 1970s pantsuits in happy colors. 1980s plaid power jackets with linebacker-sized shoulder pads. These mini-time capsules are overflow examples from the exhibit that opens this Saturday at the Chicago History Museum, chronicling the traveling fashion show that from 1959 to 2009 brought the work of the world’s best designers to African American women around the country.  

Clearly most buyers won’t actually wear these garments; they’ll display them as pieces of African American history or as examples of important designers’ work. But in paging through the sale catalog, I was struck by how many of these items you could actually wear today. (One catalog flaw: The year of each garment’s design is not included.) Here are 14 standouts.

Lot No. 79:
Bill Blass satin dress
(estimate: $150 to $250)
The perfect timeless little cocktail dress in this year’s hottest color.

Lot No. 139:
Chloe silk and lace dress with jacket
(estimate: $200 to $400)
Transparency trend? Check. Lace trend? Check. Wearable by a woman of any age? Check again.

Lot No. 156:
Christian Dior wool and lace ensemble
(estimate: $200 to $400)
While the velvet bows are dated, the zingy contrast of the magenta wool and yellow lace—plus the asymmetrical hem—still feels fresh.

Lot No. 209:
Christian Lacroix silk dress with jacket
(estimate: $150 to $250)
Very Marni 2013.

Lot No. 316:
Halston silk pants ensemble
(estimate: $150 to $250)
Still chic, in a ‘70s sort of way.

Lot No. 332:
Herve Leger cocktail dress
(estimate: $200 to $400)
A prime specimen from the maker of the original bandage dress—with an of-the-moment cutout.

Lot No. 341:
Issey Miyake pants ensemble
(estimate: $200 to $400)
The work of this Japanese pleat master never goes out of style.

Lot No. 362:
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac wool coat
(estimate: $150 to $250)
There’s a little Roksanda Ilincic 2013 happening here—at the hem, at least.

Lot No. 433:
Madame Gres velvet evening gown
(estimate: $150 to $250)
Classic in the ‘60s; classic now.

Lot No. 500:
Oscar de la Renta velvet dress with fur-striped skirt
(estimate: $200 to $400)
Bands of transparency. Restrained use of fur. Simple cut. Love.

Lot No. 543:
Pauline Trigere silk chiffon evening dress
(estimate: $200 to $400)
Can’t you see yourself wearing this on a yacht as a summertime breeze blows off Lake Michigan?

Lot No. 591
Ralph Rucci chinchilla and satin jacket
(estimate: $200 to $400)
I don’t really know what this is, but it’s fabulous.

Lot No. 627:
Thierry Mugler wool skirt suit
(estimate: $100 to $200)
Oh, that short-sleeved peplum jacket….

Lot No. 679:
Valentino Garavani mink-trimmed ensemble
(estimate: $200 to $400)
This coat’s creamy color (not to mention its architectural details) was all over the runways for next fall.

Location: Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, 1338 W. Lake St., 312-280-1212
Preview: March 16, 10 am to 3 pm; March 17, noon to 4 pm; March 18, 10 am to 5 pm
Sale: March 19, 10 am
 

It’s an old dilemma—when the April showers come, what footwear do you don to keep you looking like May flowers?

Galoshes are great—for the garden. Gortex hiking boots are nice – for Saturday. But what about having to splash through the streets to that important business meeting, that night at the opera.

Check out these sleek shiny Raidie black casual pull-on fashion ankle rain boots by Hugo Boss ($195 at Bloomingdale's) 900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-440-4460.

Made of shiny rubber, they give the appearance of patent leather-- perfect for tux or suit. When it rains, their good looks pour.

Surely you’ve noticed that the stationary bike, the lakefront, and even the grocery store are overrun with Lululemon-clad clones (myself included). We’ve all shunned the odor-holding, unflattering gym clothes of yore in favor of functional, flattering, and smartly constructed workout gear.

There has to be a suitable Lulu alternative, but darned if I’ve had any luck finding one. That’s why I’m doing backflips (and Downward Dogs) over Swirlgear, a one-month-old online shop offering duds to sweat in, courtesy of South Loop-based entrepreneur/marathoner Lacie Whyte. In addition to its obvious cuteness (which, let’s be honest, is of utmost importance), this top is moisture-wicking, reflective, and cut to minimize chafing.

I’ll spin to that.

$49, available for pre-order at swirlgear.com

As you probably know by now, transparent accessories are big for spring. If you prefer to stick to the classics, do you figure this is one trend that needs to pass you by?

Before you answer, check out this jewel-like evening bag. The furthest thing from those tragically plasticky totes that litter the mall, this Plexiglas stunner is embedded with octagons that obscure the outlines of what’s inside while still giving a feeling of lightness. (It comes in three colors—clear, pink, and “smoked”—the last of which is the best choice if you want to carry it year-round.)

And the shape couldn’t be simpler. Good thing, because this is one bag you’ll happily clutch long after the fashion slaves are on to the next trend.

$1,150 at Gucci.com, and at the Gucci store at 900 N. Michigan Ave.