SUMMER STYLE CLASS | 3 Must-Try Trends

via Stradivarius

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Summer is nearly here and while I've been lusting after the season's top trends for months now, many of them haven't felt all that feasible until now. I mean, busting out floral shorts on a frigid day just didn't seem right. And all that girly gingham really only makes sense during picnic weather.

For Spring '15, designers sent loads of tempting trends down the runways but as we all know, so many of them look better in performance than in practice. Luckily this summer, it's easy for even the most cautious dressers to diffuse the big trends down into outfits you can actually wear. 

Florals can feel too precious but the right blooms make for the perfect summer look. I'm loving the floral high-waisted shorts at H&M right now - add a chic white shirt and block-heeled city sandals and you're good to go for the Best Lunch-Date Look Ever.

The Seventies has been the biggest trend of the season so far but I like my disco-era in small doses. You dig? Round sunglasses, wooden accents and clean, pale denim feel like just enough to give off the right vibe. I'll be rocking summer's must-wear shirt - the short-sleeved chambray shirt - with my white girlfriend jeans and easy slides (another huge summer trend, btw).

And while stripes are a perpetual summer staple, the most fresh print of summer is gingham. The picnic print is back in a big way and will ensure you'll look right on point this season. I love the idea of a sweet gingham dress worn with sneakers or gladiators. I've shown a mildly risky pair but if you feel like pushing it even further, I'd highly recommend a pair of super tall gladiators this summer. 

Check out the looks below for some hot-weather style inspiration. Happy (summer) shopping! 

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Last-Minute Gifts for the Dapper Dad

Forget tried-and-true tool kits and perfunctory cases of beer—this Father’s Day, it’s all about raising your gift-giving game. In my latest story for W Dish, I've sussed out the raddest gifts for dad, from a coffee maker that will blow his mind to an 'anti-stink' running shirt that will change his workouts (and your post-workout hugs) forever. If you're still searching for the perfect gift, look no further...

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RLR FINDS | Liza's Little Things

via Etsy

All of my jewellery is so small, gold and minimal right now that I'm craving something way more fun for summer. Can't get enough of these tassel necklaces I just found on Etsy by Liza's Little Things. My plain white tees and LWD's will die when they see these. 

That's all I've got. Time to shop. Happy Fri beauties!

WORK IT | Spring's Most Stylish Workout Gear

Karlie Kloss via Nike

Originally posted in The LOOK

I don't know about you but it's really easy for me to get to the gym. It's the staying at the gym that's a problem. Every year around this time - you know the time where you see ads everywhere for beautiful girls in bikinis - I realize how badly I need to get my butt in gear. But this year, it feels different somehow. 

From Instagram to Snapchat, fitness fanatics are everywhere right now. And while getting fit is an especially huge trend at the moment, it feels less like a passing fad and more like a movement. Women I follow on social media not only look amazing in their bright workout gear but they look strong, powerful and crazy confident as they run marathons, hit the boxing ring and do mind-blowing yoga balances. Instead of models simply posing in pretty workout gear, you get the sense that they're actually doing the workouts in their daily downtime, too. Since having kids, I've never been so inspired to get fit.

While I think personal trainers are great, nothing motivates me to get my body moving more than cute workout gear. Luckily this season, the stores are loaded with the prettiest printed sports bras, bright tanks and sleek bottoms that will make you envy of any fitness class. As they say, looking good is half the battle ;)

Scroll through the slideshow for my top spring workout gear picks. You can do it!

 

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SMOOTH OPERATOR | My Top DIY Tricks for Summer Smooth Skin

 

After months hiding out under parkas and pants, my skin always comes out pale, dry, and sullen-looking in the spring. And so, like a good spring cleaning, I always need to coax my skin back into shape once the warm weather hits. Since I’ve been lucky to work with editors, beauty bloggers and models in my career, I’ve picked up loads of useful tips along the way. Some of my fave go-to tips hardly cost anything but are super effective all the same.

While I’m loaded with ideas for smooth skin, my hair removal M.O. is as basic as it gets. Men’s razor. Done. Nair asked me to test out their new Nair Cire Divine formula and share my verdict. I’ll be honest - I was skeptical. I mean, that scene of Steve Carrell in The 40 Year-Old Virgin is enough to make anyone sprint screaming from wax. I was assured that this new formula is next-gen, designed to adhere to the hair and less to the skin, making it less painful and more effective than the old formulations. Plus, argan oil and orange blossom makes skin soft and smell pretty, too. I tried it. I liked it. Yes, even my sensitive bikini line is smooth, soft and ready for the beach.

Ready to get your body beach-ready, too? Give Nair Cire Divine a go, then try these summer smooth skin tricks:

 

1)    WALK | From my face to my body, my skin just feels way better when I sweat a little. If you can’t get motivated to hit the gym, take advantage of the spring weather and head outside. I get my 10,000 steps a day by walking my kids to school and back each day and jumping around my house at night to make up the rest. My skin has improved and my body has toned up in a surprisingly short amount of time. The surprising side effect? Movement makes you thirsty which makes you actually crave…

2)    WATER | I normally have the hardest time drinking enough water. I mean, I’m lucky if I get 3 glasses of water a day, even though it’s the #1 beauty tip on every list out there. But since I started walking more, I’m easily getting my 8 glasses.

3)    DIY GOMMAGE | After experiencing a Hammam Gommage Treatment, I realized that while I always thought my skin was soft, I had NO idea of my skin’s true potential. I now make my own gommage at home. After waxing, mix honey & sea salt into a paste, spread it on, then use it to exfoliate your skin in the shower. The result? Impossible baby softness, even on rough places like feet, knees and elbows. 

4)    BABY OIL | When I used to model scout, I’d often hit up models for beauty advice. One trick I still swear by? Use a little baby oil all over at the end of your shower, then give your body a quick rinse. I used to use regular baby oil but now opt for more natural version from Burt’s Bees. Game-changing.

5)    SLEEP WITH YOUR SOCKS ON | Stubborn dry feet messing with your perfect pedicure? Slather coconut oil on feet then sleep with little sport socks on. Bonus points if they’re white because white socks are SO hot.  

New Nair Cire Divine Moroccan Argan Oil Wax’s unique ‘Bye-Bye Ouch’ formulation adheres perfectly to the hair, and less to the skin reducing the uncomfortable sensation (discomfort) associated with waxing. Learn more at: http://naircare.ca 

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Church & Dwight via Mode Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Church & Dwight.