SUMMER TREND REPORT: Winning Whites

Liu Wen rocks a Derek Lam LWD. Photo: Harper's Bazaar

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Between Wimbledon, FIFA World Cup, and the upcoming Rogers Cup, fairweather sports enthusiasts like me are currently experiencing some full-on fandemonium. I usually like to participate in team sports (girls shopping trips) and full contact sports (sample sales), but the thrill of Canada's epic Wimbledon run and the World Cup Final Four have me living on the edge of my seat instead.

Sure, I love the games, but you can't blame me for lusting after the style of these sports heroes; I mean, Eugenie in her tennis whites? Talk about 'love'. And Team Germany's highly impractical soccer whites? Winning. 

A hot summer day just begs for this coolest of palette cleansers: bright, solid white. When worn head-to-toe, there isn't a more winning combination for any athlete, whether your sport is sangria-sipping, World Cup watching or, of course, shoe shopping. 

Happy FIFA Finals! Oh, and while you wait for the next game to start, check out my fav winning whites in stores now...

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SUMMER LOVE: Your Under-$100 Shoe Guide

A gorgeous shot from the Dune London S/S 2014 Campaign. Photo: Dune London.

Originally posted in The LOOK

If I had a dime for every time my husband told me I'm a shoe hoarder...just imagine all of the amazing shoes I could buy...sigh...Whether they're super strappy flat sandals or sky-high man-killers, I'm a total sucker for fierce footwear.

Summer is the perfect time to give our wallets a break with all of the affordable sandals in stores and luckily I've found plenty of ways to justify every pair. If you need a little help in this department the next time you're challenged on your 'need' for yet another pair (whether by your own conscience or by someone else) this little cheat sheet should help you out:

1) After so many months spent in socks and clunky boots, your poor feet need to breathe. Sandals are natural way to give your toes the oxygen they deserve. Note: I have exactly zero scientific studies to back this up.

2) Closed-toe loafers, boat shoes and slip-on sneakers are considered 'safety' footwear. You wouldn't want to slip while chasing after your little ones, would you?

3) You've spent all that hard-earned money on your pedicure. Sandals protect (and beautifully showcase) your investment so you can make the absolute most of your pedi potential.

4) Summer requires reaching higher places like that high cupboard where you keep your lemonade pitcher, the top bookshelf where you store your perfect barbecue cookbook and pruning errant branches off your wayward maple tree. Heels are kind of like a built-in stepladder, no?

5) Cute shoes = happy wives = happy husbands = happy lives. I'd say shoe shopping is a no-brainer, wouldn't you?

Check out my fav under-$100 summer shoe picks below. Don't say I didn't warn you...

SEE MY TOP SUMMER SHOE PICKS HERE...

DIVE IN: Under-$100 Breezy Beach Finds

Heading to the beach, dock or pool this week? Lucky you (and you, and you). In my weekly style article for iVillage.ca, I’ve rounded up the cutest summer gear from swimsuits and cover-ups to sandals, sunglasses and beach bags. And since every item checks out at under $100, looks like your week just got even luckier... 

SEE MY BEACH PICKS HERE...

SUMMER STYLE: The Working Girl Edit

 A perfect office look from the H&M Summer '14 Campaign. Photo courtesy H&M.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Staying motivated for work can be hard work in and of itself. But in the summer? Fuhgeddaboudit.  I mean, seriously, with the sun shining and docks, beaches and patios constantly calling your name, is it any wonder that we want hit the snooze button a few more times than normal?

While we can't promise that a good work wardrobe will make that epic team meeting any shorter, we can promise that you'll be the best-dressed beauty in that boardroom. Simply check out our working girl edit below to look like a boss all summer long. See? Your work here is done. You can go home now (just tell them Sarah said you were needed elsewhere...)

READ THE FULL STORY HERE...

Happy long weekend!

HEAT WAVE: 15 Summer Pieces You'll Want to Pick Up Now

Karmen Pedaru looking lovely in the Michael Kors Summer '14 Campaign. Photo: Michael Kors.

Originally posted in The LOOK

Summer is finally, officially, here and while it might seem hard to believe, I'm totally on board with the idea. I mean, longer days, fewer deadlines, a more relaxed schedule, vacations on the horizon...ahhh, yes, I could totally get used to this.

If one look at your wardrobe has you less-than-stoked for summer, I've got you covered. From flowy shorts to breezy summer dresses to sweet sandals, I've handpicked the 15 prettiest summer pieces you'll want to pick up now. And with most items checking out at under-$100, you can rest easy that your summer budget won't suffer the consequences.

Happy summer to you! Hope this one's full of long, lazy days, super fun nights, and a wardrobe that will make them all grass green with envy...

SEE MY 15 SUMMER STYLE ESSENTIALS HERE...