A clothing swap with a Canadian biker gang
This Saturday, The Deadly Nightshades — recently called "Canada's most fashionable bike gang" — is hosting a "closet detox." Obviously, everyone is invited. It's happening at The Fountain Bar on Dundas West, and you're encouraged to bring everything from clothing to craft supplies you haven't used. Men also welcome. $5 to swap with three (3) items in pristine condition. Not in the mood? Have a drink and watch. Find out more here.

Brave Leather launches a virtual workshop to design your own belt
Toronto-based belt and accessory masters Brave have launched an online portal to design your own belt, in your own style. Choose from a variety of options like cuts and patterns — from basic black to zebra print to a skinny grommeted belt. You decide. (Full disclosure: I made one, and they're not lying.) Prices range from $80 to $120, with free shipping until February 1. Treat yo' self here.

Retail buzz to keep on your radar...

CB2 to open — finally — at Queen & Bathurst
On January 21 at 10 a.m., line up to experience opening of CB2, the younger/sexier/trendier diffusion store from Crate and Barrel. It will feature pops of candy-colour furnishings (think: Tangerine Tango) for your apartment, office, and beyond. Locals: you can score big if you keep your eyes open for CB2-branded Fait cars handing out deals. Through February 29, customers will receive a promotional card for a chance to win $10 off a purchase of $50 or more, or the daily grand prize of a $500 shop card. 649 -651 Queen Street West.

In case you missed it: what celebs are doing in fashion...

MySpace founder + Olsen twins launch new social shopping website(s) in Canada
And it's user-driven and affordable. At the end of December, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen — yes, those twins — debuted StyleMint for Canadian users, a social media-slash-shopping website that blends personal recommendations with everyday, every-girl style. How it works: fill out a "StyleProfile" based on questions like "Which outfit do you like best?" Then, get a "showroom" with recommendations chosen just for you - all Olsen-designed and approved. Right now, it's an offering of t-shirts starting at $29.99, but there's talk of more custom and exclusive pieces on the way. The site is completely free service, and you don't even have to sign-up to become a member unless you put down the cold hard cash, so experiment all you like. Oh yeah, and free shipping. They're also doing something similar for jewellery (JewelMint) and shoes (ShoeMint). Eat that, Jessica Simpson's "empire" - the Olsens have gone viral.

Attention men: David Beckham bodywear for H&M
Soccer star (he still plays, right?) David Beckham has launched a line of nine underwear styles with H&M, available starting February 2. It's the start of an ongoing partnership between brand and brand with a focus on "fit, function, comfort and designed." The range, conceived by Beckham's in-house team, includes briefs, boxers, vests, T-shirts, pyjamas and long johns.

Photo of the Deadly Nightshades by digitalfarbik.ca