This week’s roundup of top picks ranges from lounging comfies and simple breezy dresses, to fancy flip-flops and fun earrings. Be sure to browse all the colour and size options. If you catch items on flash sales, so much the better, although some items are already discounted.
1. Midnight Bakery Tie-Dye Lounge and Sleepwear
I wear loungewear first thing in the early morning before I shower, and in the evening as I wind down for the day. I find the change of dress quite therapeutic and it’s very much part of my daily dressing routine. For bottoms, I like to wear floppy and very soft full-length wide legs instead of joggers, leggings, flannel pyjama pants, or shorts. These are not easy to find in the right weight, length, fabric and pattern, so I’m thrilled when I do find them. The wide peach tie-dye lounge pants from Midnight Bakery fit the bill and are sublime. They are breezier than they look, and I adore them. They are super soft, drapey, flattering, very comfy, and not too high in the rise. Size up if you want a looser fit. I’ve ordered the hoodie to match. There are joggers and camisoles if you prefer those silhouettes.
2. Unity In Diversity
This is a Canadian footwear brand that is manufactured in Europe. For example, these fun, high-energy flat oxfords are made in Portugal. They have rubber soles for good traction. Extremely well-made and comfortable. Fits a wider foot. The cushioning foot bed is removable if you need to insert orthotics. Check out the rest of the brand for very comfortable and uniquely designed maximal footwear. There are lots of interesting design details, and great patterns.
3. Old Navy and Gap Casual Summer Dresses
Don’t underestimate how great a simple and comfy Summer dress from the Gap or Old Navy can be. Every year, my clients find one or many from this retail source so keep them on your radar. They usually launder well, are adequate to good quality, and can work as a swimsuit cover-up. The Gap’s dresses tend to run big so size down. Prices are affordable.
4. Talbots Flounce Skirts
Talbots does a lovely selection of cotton-rich, flouncy midi and maxi skirts every Summer season, and this style caught my eye. They are well-made, substantial yet breezy, streamlined yet fluid, easy to launder, and fit a curvier bottom half extremely well. Size down if you’re straighter through the hips, seat and thighs. Available in petite, straight, and plus sizes.
5. B New York Conscious Pleat Sleeve Button Down
This is a gorgeous architectural shirt, which has been produced sustainably and ethically. Great drape, good fabric, and fun sleeve ruching detail. It’s voluminous but with structure in the right places to temper the volume. The narrow forearm fit, shorter front, and side slits create subtle structure. I tried it but needed a size down which they don’t offer. I loved it. It would have been mine in the right size.
6. Flip-flops with Arch Support
For some, flip-flops spell Summer. If you’re after a pair with arch support, try out brands like FitFlop, Vionic, Birkenstock, Clarks, Dansko, Merrell, Mephisto, Reef and Sanuk. FitFlops, Birkenstocks, Vionic and Sanuks are favorites with my clientele. Here’s a selection of winners, and some brands offer wide sizes.
7. Ann Taylor Earrings
If you bat for Team Earrings, Ann Taylor has some fun and unique pairs at the moment. Playful and on-trend, yet classic and refined. If I wore earrings, I’d wear the pretty pearl daisies.
