10 Items For Summer

Happy Summer, everyone! We hope you're all enjoying yours! Here's our final instalment of the seasonal 10 Items series, in which we share our top picks for summer! Happy shopping and wearing :-)

1. A Maxi Dress

I absolutely live in maxi dresses during the summer; they are just so comfortable, flattering to every body type, easy to pack, easy to style, and they hide a multitude of sins! If you still have your suspicions regarding their wearability, I urge you to just try one--I guarantee you'll be a convert ;-)
Floral maxi dress - newlook.com

2. A Wide-Brimmed Hat

A beachy hat not only gives your outfit a put-together, chic feel--it also has health benefits too, by protecting the delicate skin on your face from the harsh rays of the sun. Win win!
Lalù straw beach hat - pret-a-beaute.com

3. A Little White Dress

A cool, crisp white dress is an absolute summer must. Check out our round-up of favourite LWD styles here.
Miss Selfridge strap prom dress - missselfridge.com

4. A Fun Pair of Sandals

By 'fun', we mean something a bit quirky and colourful, like these gorgeous aquamarine ones. Pretty much everyone has a pair of practical sandals in a neutral shade, but bright colours can be just as versatile. 
Ankle tie shoes - makemechic.com

5. A Pair of Luxe Shorts

Ditch the Daisy Dukes in favour of something a tad more sophisticated, like these fab jacquard shorts, which can be dressed down for day with a casual tank and sandals, or up for night with heels.
Elizabeth and james shorts - shoplesnouvelles.com

6. A Kaftan

A folkloric, embroidered kaftan is such a ubiquitous summer holiday essential that it's almost a cliche at this point, but for a reason: it's the perfect thing to throw on over your swimsuit and looks fabulous with a tan and tousled, beachy waves.
River island - riverisland.com

7. A Swimsuit
Bikinis are all very well, but there is something so sweetly retro and cool about one-pieces in bold colours (and then of course there's the fact that they are infinitely more forgiving).
Norma Kamali pinup swimsuit - shoplesnouvelles.com

8. A Pair of Espadrilles

Every girl should have a pair of espadrilles, either with or without wedge heels, in her wardrobe: they're the ultimate shoe of summer.
Lauren Ralph Lauren espadrilles shoes - macys.com

9. A Pair of White Jeans

Yes, they can be scary, but they're just so darn summery: the perfect accompaniment to nautical tops and colourful sandals. (Just keep your Tide-to-Go pen handy--you're gonna need it with these bad boys!)
Citizens of Humanity denim skinny jeans - mytheresa.com

10. A Beach Tote
Even if you don't plan on setting foot on a beach this summer, a large, colourful bag is still the most seasonally-appropriate option for lugging around all your stuff on a daily basis. 
Two s Company jute tote bag - sundancebeach.com

10 Things to Do in July

Can you believe that this is our last ever monthly 10 Things list?! Where has the past year gone! (If you're interested, you can revisit our first 10 Things list--for August--here). We'll miss creating these monthly suggestions of things to do, but we have plenty of other "10" lists in the works, so stay tuned! 

1. Celebrate Canada Day

















http://www.canada-day.ca

Kick off the month of July by celebrating all things Canadian on the first. Even if you don't have the same ties to the country that we do, you can still use it as an excuse to indulge in a stack of maple syrup-drenched pancakes, read some Margaret Atwood, or listen to an exclusively Canadian playlist on your iPod.

2. Celebrate the Fourth of July

http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2012/07/02/where-to-watch-fireworks-in-massachusetts-this-4th-of-july/

Happy Fourth of July, Americans! No doubt you'll go all out on your special day, but those of us who don't live in the Land of the Free can still take advantage of the festivities by watching all the fabulously elaborate concerts on TV. 

3. Celebrate Bastille Day


http://www.stoffersgroup.com/vive-la-france-how-to-celebrate-bastille-day/bastille-day-fireworks/

The 14th of July is Bastille Day--France's day for patriotic pride. While it may not be your home country, it's the perfect excuse for indulging in some Gallic delights, whether that be a dainty serving of macarons, or a fresh-out-of-the-oven baguette. 

4. Partake in a Poolside Party

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/nevada/las-vegas/vegas-pool-party

Cool down from the hot temperatures in the most refreshing way possible--that is, poolside, and preferably with an icy cold drink in hand.

5. Hail Down an Ice Cream Van

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lomokev/7034881665/

Indulge your inner child and satisfy a sweet tooth by answering the siren call of the ice cream van next time you hear one doing the rounds in your neighbourhood.

6. Go to a Farmers Market

http://www.artpictures.co.uk/gifp0959.htm

There is something so wholesome and summery about farmers markets--and you're bound to find one somewhere in your vicinity during these warmer months.

7. Go on a Road Trip

http://kassyaugustine.tumblr.com

Whether it's a grand All-American monthlong affair, or an afternoon drive to a little town an hour away from where you live, there's nothing like hitting the road to get away from it all. 

8. Watch the Tennis at Wimbledon

http://www.theuksportsnetwork.com/the-digital-side-of-wimbledon-2013-who-is-doing-what

Did you watch the showdown between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic on the 7th of July? Nailbiting stuff, right?! We never realised watching tennis could be so edge-of-your-seat!

9. Go Camping
http://www.henandhammock.co.uk/helpingtheenvironment/index.aspx?id=2722

Well, first off, a disclaimer: we're not really camping girls ourselves, to be honest. But if it's your thing, then go all out and enjoy some time in the wilderness!

10. Make a Summer Playlist

http://www.bcliving.ca/entertainment/granville-onlines-ultimate-summer-playlist

A playlist of summery songs is the perfect accompaniment to all your warm-weather fun--from listening to at the beach on your iPod to playing at a party for all to enjoy. And, when you're feeling a bit down in the depths of winter, listening to those songs will bring back a flood of happy, summertime memories. 

Thirty Years

A very special Happy Anniversary to our parents, who celebrate thirty years of marriage today!!! Congratulations, Mum and Dad!! We love you and hope you have a wonderful day. Here's to the next thirty!

10 Things to Do in June

Soooo. This blog. Believe it or not, we're still committed to it (her?) as it approaches its first birthday in August (they grow up so fast! Sniff sniff). We know we've been pretty lax on the posting front, but we're working on it, we promise! We hope you enjoy our belated suggestions for May and June (many of which can apply throughout the summer months), and we hope your summer is going fantastically thus far :-)

1. Make Your Own Summer Bucket List

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/summer%20bucket%20list

We enjoy giving monthly suggestions here on the blog, but only you can decide what exactly you want to achieve over the summer! Half the fun of summer activities is the planning stage; if you're a fellow list person, go all out and handwrite an elaborate bucket list (complete with illustrations!) of all that you'd like to cram in over the next few months.

2. Go For a Run

http://ehow-blog.com/how-to-breathe-during-running/

Did you know that the 5th of June is National Running Day? Nope, neither did we, and while it's not the most thrilling-sounding holiday for exercise-phobes such as ourselves, if running is your thing, go out and have a...celebratory...run! (Maybe wear a costume or something?! And then reward yourself with cake :-)

3. Go To a Festival






















http://www.motelrocks.co.uk/tag/motel-fashion/

It's the time of the season when festivals are in full force, and while Glastonbury might not be on your agenda this year, there's bound to be some sort of music/cultural festival happening in your vicinity that's worth checking out.

4. Have a Garden Party

http://madeleinelamour.blogspot.ca/2011/07/throwing-garden-party.html

Barbecues are all very well, but sometimes it's nice to introduce a bit of old-school formality into your life. Make this a slightly prim and proper, genteel affair at which everyone dresses up in frothy pastel frocks and dainty nibbles are served on delicate china plates.

5. Celebrate Father's Day

http://www.artrenewal.org/pages/artwork.php?artworkid=37157&size=large

Sunday the 16th of June is Father's Day: the perfect opportunity to make a big fuss of your dad (or father figure). Whether his recreation of choice is golfing or hiking, or simply taking in a movie, celebrate in style!

6. Celebrate Bloomsday

http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/Bloomsday-Tracing-James-Joyces-Ulysses-through-the-streets-of-Dublin---PHOTOS-123936964.html

The 16th of June also happens to be Bloomsday--the day on which, in 1904, the events of James Joyce's Ulysses unfold in Dublin. If you're a big fan of the book (neither of us have read it), you can partake in the Joycean-themed events to be found in most cities worldwide.

7. Partake in World Sauntering Day

https://www.facebook.com/XLIreland

If #2 is not really your thing, you may be more in favour of partaking in World Sauntering Day, observed on the 19th of June; a day to simply take things easy, stroll around at your leisure, people watch, and soak up the summer vibes.

8. Celebrate Summer Solstice

http://www.templeilluminatus.com/group/beacons-for-love-and-light/forum/topics/summer-solstice-meditation-stonehenge-06-21-2013

June 21st, aka the Summer Solstice, officially marks the first day of summer. Weather permitting, it's the perfect occasion to perhaps organise #4 or #10.

9. Wander a Flea Market

http://design2share.com/design2share-qa/2012/8/22/tips-for-haggling-and-navigating-local-flea-markets.html

Some cities have year-round flea markets, but there is something so distinctly summery about wandering leisurely around one, admiring the random bric-a-brac and objets d'arts. Summer is also the perfect time for working on DIY projects, so be on the look-out for items that could be transformed with a few simple alterations or a lick of paint.

10. Dine Alfresco

http://www.masala.com/16089-al-fresco-dining-at-ottomans

There are few things more enjoyable than dining outside on a sunny afternoon or balmy evening. Whether your location of choice is the patio of a favourite restaurant or your apartment balcony, enjoy this summery pastime however you see fit.