Shop Talk is written by OM senior editor Dayanti Karunaratne and Sarah Fischer, OM account executive and fashion maven.

Dayanti and I had a great time taking in the trends at Ottawa Fashion Week — Fall/Winter 2011 this past weekend. A few highlights:

Emilia Torabi and Jana Hanzel: Great collaboration between these two designers! One of my favourite outfits was this two-piece (left); I love the elaborate yet feminine collar and the flattering fit of the jacket. Interesting, tasteful use of patterns, colour, and fur accents in this line — dubbed Panache — that caters to the everyday working woman.

Veronica MacIsaac: Veronica has a very fun and creative way of using tartan; this show definitely surprised. Favourites included form-fitting skirts and 60s-inspired mini dresses.

ElizBourk: Looks like fur will be around for yet another season. We were loving this oversized hood look (left) — there’s something sexy yet tough about it, and combined with the tribal patterns, well, we can’t help but think it represents Canadian gals.

Rachel Sin: Rachel’s designs definitely made a lastly impression on me! I noticed it was one of the shorter shows but she made some killer pieces. I was particularly lusting after the great leather jacket and the dramatic one sleeve dress. Great collection, Rachel!

All photos by Sarah Fischer, except home page image by Jamie Kronick. Click above images for photo gallery.