Canadian fashion is thriving from the East coast to the West. During my break from art school I headed out to Vancouver where I checked out the local fashion scene. Here is my East Meets West of Canadian fashion and style.

Some of the more unknown, yet most avant-garde and sophisticated looks in the Canadian fashion industry include the Vancouver label Jason Matlo and SWABY Design House in Toronto. Up-and-coming Canadian designers to keep an eye on include Kulpa, Sinbi Collection, PierreJale, and CinCyn.

The freshest Canadian fashion stores are Liquid on 4th in Vancouver and Risque on Bloor in Toronto. For a more eclectic look I love twigg & hottie on Main St. in Vancouver and Fresh Collective on Queen St. W. or distill in the Distillery District in Toronto.

I love to kick back with a casual look. Hyphennation Clothing is based out of Toronto and offers a unique alternative. It is an earthy look that can definitely take you right off the streets and into the club. I particularly adore the scrunch tops by Ghetto Couture. Vancouver designer Wanny Tang has a totally fresh casual collection featuring clean lines, comfort and a lot of good old fashioned F-U-N with flirty skirts.

Nothing beats the jeans and t-shirt for the casual look. But why be boring and wear something that oodles of people already are? The absolute coolest tees around are by Oligarchy, created by Toronto sibling design duo Jonathon and Tabatha Burford who create silk-screened shirts with seamless sides. Other labels to check out include OrangeShag and Amie Scott.

Now what do you wear under your clothes? Be honest, now! Most of us are wearing Hanes, Fruit of the Loom or Victoria's Secret. But seriously, go out now, and find undies that, in the words of The Candi Factory, will love your bum for years to come. The most fun undergarments ever are by The Candi Factory and Doll Factory Studios out of Toronto and Beunostyle and Miss Frilly out of Vancouver.

I absolutely love clothes that make me feel girly. Hands down the best girly-girl designs are by Shelly Klassen of Blushing Designs. For a younger girly feel, I opt for Wonderlust and, if you want that ultra feminine feel at the office, check out Peel. For all the women who are independent, check out the individualistic looks provided by House of Spy in Toronto and twigg & hottie out of Vancouver.

We all know it is important to support our local designers. Tell me who your favourite local designer is! I'd love to hear from you.

Picture by Kulpa.