Lipstick Powder N Paint

By Doris Montanera

You don’t need high-octane hues to create high-octane outfits. Not just for babies and bunnies (of the Easter variety), for summer 2012 sorbet shades will keep you looking cool.

Anyone can wear pastels, says Julie Hanning, the fashion director at Scarborough Town Centre in Toronto. “Don’t worry about complimenting your hair colour. Blondes can work soft yellows and redheads needn’t steer clear of pinks.”

They’re soft, but they can sizzle in statement-making pairings like mint green with peach, mauve with light tangerine or yellow with baby blue. As long as they’re all pastel tones, you can mix the palette, says Hanning. Just “try to avoid being too matchy-matchy.”

For the cool and confident: flowy poly tank from BB Dakota. $65.

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by Gabrielle Johnson

Cool breezes blowing in from the lake, burgers grilling on the barbeque, marshmallows roasting on the fire and itchy mosquito bites threatening to unhinge you: Summer just wouldn’t be complete without a week at the cottage. Make the most of it with these can’t-live-without cottage essentials.

Shorts Story

Sundresses can feel a little fussy amidst an ultra-relaxed cottage setting, so break out a comfy pair of shorts instead. Gap’s neon boyfriend roll-up shorts exude effortless cool, and they might even glow in the dark (always a bonus).

$44.95, available at www.gapcanada.ca.

By Gabrielle Johnson

We love our high heels — take a look in our closets for proof — but there’s something about the sultry summer weather that makes us reach for cute flats day in and day out. With so many fabulous options in stores right now, we’ve rounded up six of our favourites. (more…)

By Doris Montanera

Spring 2012 is all about living in colour. Nix the boring black or faded denim bottoms and show your bright side. We’ve picked a high-octane hue for each day of the week (and an extra we couldn’t resist) and even put them in rainbow order for you. (more…)