Boutique for those in need of a prom dress-Oakville Beaver April 9/10- Mainstream Clothier donates prom dresses..read article
Article by Leah J Chutko from OUR TOWN DOWNTOWN OAKVILLE magazine, Summer 2009
Shining Daze of Summer
By Leah J Chutko
One can’t live in a bathing suit all summer so strut your way through the season in the hottest and most wearable trends. Summer’s colours range from cool to captivating and silhouettes jump from carelessly casual to artfully architectural. This summer, choose from the ocean of fresh looks to create the best warm-weather you there is!
A sea change in work attire is necessary as the days become bright and hot. Cool off in white suiting with a few bright touches like a turquoise silk scarf, a playful yellow underpinning or funky fuchsia sunglasses. Try a jumpsuit with sky-high metallic platforms and a quirky handbag. And on dress-down Friday or for drinks with colleagues, try a polished indigo trouser jean with a crisp white shirt (sleeves rolled back of course) and a sexy pair of heels. A simple, classic outfit such as this calls for a statement necklace, something that is custom-beaded, multi-layered or try pearls mixed with brushed gold for the new classic approach.
When the inevitable summer evening event approaches, don’t even consider the black gown that you wore to last year’s winter formal. Flowy chiffon dresses are now bedazzled with stunning beaded necklines that add a chic, cheerful touch. A brightly hued satin dress can take you from garden wedding to evening affair and feature fun accents like geometric bows or youthful pockets. Lurex and sequins are also sure to shine in the evening and will add brilliance to any outfit.
If the cottage or beach is where you plan on whiling away the summer days, kick off those platform shoes and relax in strappy flat sandals or a cork wedge. Play around with the colours of summer – a splash of blue and a ray of yellow. Embody sky and sun in a flirty print dress paired up with flip flops or a sporty colour-blocked tunic, leggings and a natural wood-heeled sandal. When the nights cool down, roll up the cuffs of your boyfriend chinos and pair them with a relaxed tee in a tart citrus hue: grapefruit, lemon or orange. And don’t forget your woven tote and wood bangles – the accoutrements necessary to finish off the look.
When in doubt: wear jeans. This is the year to extend your favourite pair’s life deep into the summer months. Distressed and boyfriend styles are great for everyday-casual, prim and proper denim is fantastic for work or dinner and if you are looking for that edge: studs, faux leather and acid wash are all making a comeback. Skinny jeans are here to stay and, since “skinny” refers to the leg-opening and not the body that goes into them, anyone can wear them. Just look for a pair that lays flat around the tummy, has a good stretch and doesn’t sag. Whether your jeans are slim or slouchy, rolled or sleek, wear them as much as you can and show summer that you can beat the heat!
