Look More Stylish This Summer + Win Our $100 Smart Set Giveaway

All photos courtesy Smart Set. Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

We all have secrets in our closets we'd rather keep - you know, like that ratty old t-shirt you can't bear to give away, those shorts that you secretly hope you'll fit back into someday. But let's face it - summer is way more fun when you're properly dressed for it. Breezy summer dresses, chic little sandals, pretty prints and the perfect summery accessories to go with all add up to making an already stellar season even more sweet. 

I regularly rely on Smart Set to keep my wardrobe up-to-date without destroying my clothing budget and luckily, the brand keeps getting better (and more on-trend) season after season. I've handpicked my fav summer pieces from Smart Set to help you look instantly more stylish this summer. And the best part? We;re giving away a $100 Gift Card to shop Smart Set's summer collection. Read on my for summer style essentials and then be sure to enter to win the giveaway below. Happy Summer!

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True Patriot Love

Stripe Fringe Short, $49, Joe Fresh

Who says you have to wear red, white and maple leaf to show your Canadian pride? In my article for iVillage.ca this week, I've rounded up my fav homegrown pieces to help you look chic, and feel extra-Canadian, this summer. Happy Canada Day! 

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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...

Your Sun, Sand & Surf Survival Kit

Karolina Kurkova in Sudbury. Kidding... Photo via Vogue Spain.

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

When it comes to body image, you can learn a lot from a 5 year-old. My daughter's criteria for a bathing suit: a) Does it fit? b) Is it pink? c) Can it go in the water? She'll strut around the pool with a crowd of fully-clothed parents and grandparents looking on and not only does she not mind that they're there, but she wants to make sure that they arewatching. A 5 year-old doesn't slowly slip into the water, she canonballs right in. And when it's freezing cold, instead of complaining, she shouts, 'This is ah-MA-zing!!!' 

I know we don't all have perfect bodies but this summer, let's all try our best to forget about our far-from-flat tummies and, like a 5 year-old, let's focus on the fun instead. I mean, nobody's going to notice your thighs when they're busy checking out your super cute sandals. I mean, this is a fashion blog, I'm allowed to be superficial, right?

The stores this season are loaded with fun beach gear, from suits to cover-ups to amped-up flip-flops to help you turn your attention away from your bod to your bangin' beach wardrobe. Oh and to your friends and to your family and to your perfect swandive, too. I've hand-picked my top 50 picks to pick up now, whether you're heading to the beach, the boat or the pool this first official weekend of summer. Sigh...can you even believe it's finally here??

SEE MY TOP 50 PICKS HERE... 

Happy Friday!