admin's blog

1. THE FESTIVAL DRESS

Dress, $39.95 at American Eagle Outfitters

Even if you aren’t going to a festival this summer, a light cotton dress works perfectly for picnics, garden parties, and barbeques. Wear this one with a crochet cardigan or a denim jacket, and a pair of summer wedges or pretty flat sandals. Make sure to wear nude undergarments, white will show!

2. THE RETRO BIKINI

Top, $54 at Change and Bottoms, $28 at Change

This is a great summer bikini because the top has a retro-cut, but the bottoms are modern and flattering. The tropical print suits most skin tones, and the bra-style cut of the top has support and a bit of padding. Those thick halter straps and sweetheart neckline make for a very pretty décolleté.

3. THE ESPADRILLE WEDGE

Indigo Clarks Wedge, $129.95 at Freedman Shoes

This Clarks espadrille wedge is a great every day heel for summer. Clarks are known for making very comfortable shoes, so these ones can easily be worn all day, paired with a summer dress or white jeans. And for the die-hard high heel lovers, these shoes can be worn on the beach, in the grass, or all day at a festival, so you never have to resort to flats.

4. THE BEACH BAG

Bag, $29.95 at H&M

This every day beach bag won’t quite fit your towel, but it is a fun, easy summer handbag. This one works with jeans, dresses, and of course with a swimsuit. The bag comes in red or yellow stripes, and won’t break the bank.

5. THE BOAT SHOE (MEN'S)

Shoe, $75 at Aldo

The boat shoe is the men’s shoe of the summer. Sure, it has always been a key item amongst older men, but since we’ve all been embracing iconic, conservative fashion pieces in the past few seasons, the younger trendy guy can wear this classic piece and look on trend. The boat shoes are best worn on hot summer days with worn in chino shorts.

6. THE NAUTICAL CARDIGAN (MEN'S)

Cardigan, $59.50 at American Eagle Outfitters

Cardigans and nautical stripes have both been major trends in menswear recently, so this piece is the perfect combination of the two. Cardigans work in most casual situations, just don’t wear them with a pair of suit trousers!

7. THE FRINGED TOP

Top, $19.95 at H&M

Fringe was all over the catwalks for spring summer 2011, and this little fringed tank is the perfect way to capitalize on this trend. Pair this H&M top with a white tank and jean cut-offs, or with a pretty floral skirt for a chic summer affair.

Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, VitaminDaily.com for Park Royal

Alexandra Suhner Isenberg spent 12 years immersed in the European fashion scene. She was a designer for Sonia Rykiel and Burberry, ran her own luxury lingerie company, and worked as a trend forecaster. But even Europe can get boring so in 2009 Alexandra packed up her shoes and returned to her hometown of Vancouver. Alexandra shares her vast knowledge, appreciation of craftsmanship and opinions on the state of fashion on her blog Searching for Style

1. THE NEUTRAL MAXI

Mateo dress, $358.00 at BCBG

So versatile! The neutral maxi is gorgeous when paired with wedges and a bold colourful necklace, and it looks downright cool when worn with rugged boots and a structured jacket. Hey, you could even throw on a cropped loose-fitting t-shirt overtop of this dress and it’ll do double duty as a maxi shirt.

2. THE SEVENTIES BAG

Faux leather fringe bag, $19.95 at H&M

Just imagine how cute this fringe bag would look swish-swishing on your arm as you sashay around town. Equally soft and edgy, it’s a surefire way to whip yourself into a fringe frenzy.

3. THE MIXED METAL CUFF

Brass cuff, $19.95 at Le Chateau

Channel your inner Wonder Woman by rocking a pair of matching metal cuffs. Or create a heavy metal effect by stacking your wrist with this cuff and a couple metallic bangles.

4. THE STATEMENT NECKLACE

Aurora Agate Slice Necklace, $55.00 at Moule

Nothing frames your face quite like a statement necklace. It adds interest to any old t-shirt and looks polished when peeking out from behind a structured jacket. Made of earth-toned agate slices, this one’s a real treasure.

5. THE RUGGED BOOT

ZigiGirl boot, $129.95 at Freedman Shoes

Ankle boots look great with skinny jeans and they add a little rock ‘n roll to a sheer, flowy maxi skirt. If you paired these with denim cutoffs and a seventies-inspired blouse, you’d look like you walked straight out of Coachella.

6. THE MEN'S SHORT SHORT

Welt Pocket Short, $54.00 at American Apparel

Finally! Men get to show a little leg. The shorter short looks more polished than its slouchy cousin. Worn with a polo shirt and some slip-on sneakers, it’s got a smart, retro feel. Want to go really prep-tastic? Rock these shorts with a shirt, jacket and bow tie.

7. THE MEN'S FEEL-GOOD SHOE

Burlap Tom’s, $60.00 at Intercept

Perfectly preppy when worn with shorts or chinos, burlap Tom’s look effortless (you don’t even have to lace ‘em). And you can feel good knowing that while you’re cruising in comfort, Tom’s has donated a pair to a child in need.

Kelsey Dundon, VitaminDaily.com for Park Royal

Kelsey Dundon is a fashion fiend, design lover, and self-confessed travel addict. A Vancouverite right down to her Hunter wellies, she has a serious passion for the arts and has contributed dance reviews to the Georgia Straight and is the face of The Anthology - a blog that celebrates the style side of lifestyle.

Nancy Small, Park Royal Director of Marketing and Sustainability did an amazing job featuring some of the hottest trends this season, today on Breakfast Television. She showcased 3 outfits: the first – a versatile business casual look, with dark denim trouser jeans, a floral tank, and a totally fab jacket, all from Moule at Park Royal.

The second: A light grey power suit from United Colours of Benetton paired with a knockout sequined top from BCBG. This suit is affordable and classy, not to mention has a skirt option for maximum wear. The shirt is a splurge item, but can easily transition from daytime into evening.

The third: Garden Party outfit – the super fun white dress from Hangers is a steal at only $50, pair it with some chunky dark brown accessories, and sexy Stuart Weitzman shoes to dress it up. Polish this look with the classic beige trench from United Colours of Benetton.

Check out the segment here. Like this video for your chance to win a $25 Park Royal GC.

1. COLOUR BLOCK

Colour Block Knit Top, $79 at United Colors of Benetton

Thanks to Prada and Jil Sander, everyone is going colour crazy this spring. As expected, United Colours of Benetton is always colour-crazy! Instead of a boring old tee, opt for a fun and cheerful one. It is spring, afterall.

2. OVERSIZED CLUTCH

Urban Expressions Faux Ostrich Clutch, $19.99 at Winners

In the spring and summer, try and keep it light. There is no need to lug a giant handbag on your nights out on the town. An oversized clutch can still fit all our things and fit neatly in our hand. This dark teal faux ostrich one from Winners just demands warm weather!

3. TRIBAL MAXI

RACHEL Rachel Roy Maxi, $129 at The Bay

The summer maxi is always a must and this season it is getting a tribal treatment. Think early 70s with this gorgeous Rachel Roy number. Notice the leather straps? It’s one stellar dress! A true steal.

4. TEXTURE PUMP

BCBG ‘Brenna’ Pump, $234 at BCBG

Shoes are getting a major texture treatment this season (wood, cork, rope, animal) and this one has two: the snake and the perforation. Also, the sculptural shape of the heel further separates it from being a regular old pump. It’s bound to get attention anywhere it goes!

5. FLOPPY HAT

Wicker Hat, $24.50 at American Eagle Outfitters

Big floppy hats are in trend every summer. Not only are they stylish, but they protect us from the sun. Whether strolling the city or heading out to the beach, this hat would compliment almost any casual summer outfit.

6. THE SUMMER SWEATER

Left On Houston Open Knit Sweater, $130 at Moule

Most of us have packed away our winter sweaters by now, but still yearn for something soft and cozy. An open knit sweater is a great light alternative. It can be worn over tank tops with jeans or shorts or over your favourite summer dress. Very casual and chic!

7. SLIM JEAN (MEN’S)

GAP Skinny Jeans, $69.50 at GAP

Most men are still pretty hesitant to embrace the slim jean. No worries: GAP’s version is slim but not unnervingly so. And they come in array of washes and colours, from indigo, steel, pale blue, off-white and, a definite spring favourite, mustard. It looks smart and polished, so start embracing them.

Sarah Bancroft, VitaminDaily.com for Park Royal

Sarah Bancroft is one of Western Canada’s foremost trend experts on matters of style and shopping. She has appeared on programs such as Canada’s Next Top Model and Fashion File, and was previously the western editor of FASHION Magazine before co-founding VitaminDaily.com. Follow her sartorial musings at www.twitter.com/sarah__bancroft.

1. THE BRIGHT BAG

Valentina Leather Bucket Bag, $80 at Winners

This season, there is a strong emphasis on bright colours. Having a sunny bag is a great way to give it a kick start. This Valentina soft Italian leather bucket bag from Winners is a steal for only $80! It also comes in red and green.

2. CLASSIC TRENCH COAT

Double-Breasted Trench Coat, $159.99 at United Colors of Benetton

Always in trend, a double-breasted trench coat is a must for spring. While any colour is great, one can’t go wrong with classic tan. It can be worn with pretty much anything and one will always look extremely polished in it.

3. WRAP DRESS

Watercolour Wrap Dress, $160 at Banana Republic

As the weather gets hotter and hotter, there is nothing quite as comfortable and breezy as a wrap dress. Banana Republic is known for their great and affordable dresses, and this one is right on trend with the watercolour floral print. Perfect for the office when paired with a blazer or a cardigan, or in the evening on its own (with very high heels, of course).

4. THE WEDGE

Nine West Vintage America ‘Jolyn’ Wedge, $130 at Nine West

For once, the hottest shoe of the season is not a painful 5” stiletto but something we can actually wear pain-free: the wedge. Whether it’s rubber, wood, cork or espadrilles, you will see the wedge everywhere. Nine West has a great selection, but this vintage-inspired peep-toe wedge takes the cake for versatility. Wear it with, well, anything!

5. THE SAILOR

Stripe Blazer, $49.95 at H&M

Sailor chic is in every single spring. It’s a classic look: think Brigitte Bardot frolicking somewhere in the French Riviera. Pair with a solid maxi dress, a simple t-shirt and shorts or trousers. If you can, add a little scarf to the mix (in case it gets windy on the boat).

6. THE TROUSER JEAN

Trouser Jeans, $89.50 at GAP

Wide-leg jeans are finally enjoying a comeback after years of the skinny style. Do I hear a sign of relief? They are actually really versatile and can be worn with a pretty silk blouse for a dressier look or with a t-shirt or a tank if you want to look more casual. One thing is for sure: they look their best when worn with heels (even just 2” ones).

7. THE ANORAK (MEN’S)

Chambray Anorak, $59.95 at H&M

Spring usually means that most men revert to their old faithful hoodie. Well, it’s time to ditch the boring and ubiquitous, and get a bit more sophisticated with a light anorak. This chambray one from H&M is just perfect for the put-together-yet-casual look. Wear with jeans (yes, denim on denim is okay), chinos or, later in the summer, shorts.

Anya Georgijevic, VitaminDaily.com for Park Royal

Anya Georgijevic is the resident jewellery aficionado of the group. A couple of decades of a serious fashion obsession and a very overstuffed closet led her to found her much loved blog, I'm the It Girl. She is also a contributing writer for The Block magazine. Her favourite pastime is enjoying long walks on the Vancouver seawall with her dog Bun.