Summer is here and I’m looking forward to giving my wardrobe a bit of a season refresh. Over the past few months I’ve been drooling over a few styles but here are my top five pieces that I know will not just freshen up my summer wardrobe but will also last for many more summers to come. I love these not only for style, quality and craftmanship but they all happen to be Canadian designers. What a talented bunch!
SMYTHE Les Vestes offers a modern looked to tailored dressing. Famous for their jackets and coats, the Smythe team’s made-in-Canada collections take traditional menswear tailoring expertise and marries the style with a little bit of edgy cool. The jackets are highly coveted wardrobe staples and celebrity sightings often pop up (Hello Duchess Kate!) This summer, go with a pop of colour worn with jeans for even casual nights. I love this College Blazer in grass green!
CA VA DE SOI is all about clean and classic lines. Think Audrey Hepburn elegance with a modern touch. The design team and family from Montreal sources the highest quality in Cashmere, Wool and Egyptian cottons for the most beautiful designs. Founded by Odile and Antoine Nasri, Ca Va De Soi believes that when you already use great fabrics and materials to begin with, you’ll have the pieces for a very long time. Investing in timeless elegance always looks on point. All you need are a few solid pieces. I’ve purchased this Natalia long blazer that is great for the office (darn air conditioners) that looks super sharp over the little summer dresses and you can also pair it with a crisp pair of shorts for evenings.
LOLE Women will take you from casual days to work outs and yoga classes. This line takes a flexible approach to life with easy activewear and lifestyle pieces that you won’t want to get out of. Flattering styles and crisp colours for the season makes you want to live in them. We also love LOLE for it’s technical advances in design and fabric. The creative director behind the label is Andy The-Ahn, who is already a well-known name in the Canadian style scene with his own successful line. His collection here is confident with a feminine touches and inspires us to kick-butt everyday. This Yasmi Tank Top has a pretty cross-over back that is sophisticated and made with their drirelease® Silk, a moisture wicking fabric. (other colours available)
LINE KNITWEAR has a global attraction for its quality, practicality and style. The hometown designer team of John Muscat and Jennifer Wells knows what works for women and their sweaters have been consistent staples in my wardrobe year after year. I’m lusting over this casual wrap perfect for cool summer evenings and weekend getaways to the cottage.
RON WHITE Shoes are popular for many reasons and hey, after 20 years in the shoe business he knows what women want! But this season, the Casey Slingback pump is a perfect office to evening shoe. The designer’s exclusive All Day Heels® technology means just that. While I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the Belinda style for evenings, this Casey is a go-to with its superflex construction and NASA created cushioning. Ron White designs them here and the leather is from Italy. I pick the Champagne Metallic Shimmer as it’s a flattering tone for summer than helps elongate the legs (trust me I’m short) when you’re wearing that cute little shift dress. And Champagne is the new neutral. By the way, if you’re in Toronto FYI..he’s opened a new shop in Leaside!
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