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Shopping: Beach Vacation Packing List

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I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for winter to be over. Which is why I am extra excited for my upcoming beach getaway. My bags are nearly packed – a few versatile dresses that can be worn to the beach and to dinner, a roomy straw tote, way too many one-piece swimsuits, one pair of flat beach sandals, a pair of dressy mules, and of course a couple of pairs of chic sunglasses. And thanks to all of the fresh resortwear new arrivals at stores like Shopbop, shopping for my vacay was super easy. If you’re looking for a few beach essentials yourself, I put together some of my faves below.

Are you planning a winter getaway any time soon? Share your dream destination in the comments.

Dresses


Swimsuits

Bags

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Style Blog Travels: Boating in Capri

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Before our trip to Italy this summer, I told le bf that we are definitely, 100%, non-negotiable renting a boat as soon as we get to Capri. Mostly, because one of my happiest memories in life involved boating in Capri and I wanted him to experience the joy of cruising around this beautiful island with me. He wasn’t psyched about navigating an unfamiliar boat in an unfamiliar area, but as I said – non-negotiable. Spoiler alert: he ended up loving it! If you’re into swimming, beautiful views, wind in your hair and sun in your face, then you too must rent a boat in Capri the next time you find yourself on this gorgeous island – it truly is the best.


While doing my boat research, I stumbled upon Capri Boat Banana Sport company and I am happy to report that they were professional, well-organized, and affordable – would hire them again without hesitation. Renting a boat for 2 hours cost us EUR 90 (each additional hour is only EUR 30, and the all-day rate is EUR 220), the staff was very helpful, walking us through the ins and outs of operating and anchoring their boats, as well as giving us a bit of background info about the island’s best sights along the way, before taking us to our boat. It was such a straightforward process, that both le bf and I immediately felt at ease.

Boating in Capri is very easy, even for inexperienced boaters – there is no reef to worry about, the water is fairly calm, there are plenty of spots where you can drop anchor and go for a swim, and the island itself isn’t very large, so you can cruise around without worrying about getting lost. As long as someone in your group has a driver’s license, you’re all set. There are a lot of stops to make along the way, so you may need more than 2 hours to finish the trip, but it was just enough time for us.


After our boating expedition, which included swimming, going through the Faraglioni arch, and just the overall feeling of being truly alive, we returned our yacht boat, and headed to Terrazza Brunella for lunch. We had a reservation, so we took the funicular to the center of Capri from Marina Grande – the quickest way to get to the top. This wasn’t our first time at Terrazza Brunella, and once again we were not disappointed – the food was top-notch, as was the service and the views.

Post-lunch we did some window shopping along Via Camerelle, but somehow I was able to walk away empty-handed. The store that really caught my eye on this trip was Wonderland, which carried a great selection of vintage bags and accessories. The shop itself is very cute, so check it out if you have time.


Because our boat to Sorrento was departing early, we didn’t have time for a visit to Anacapri, but having visited it in the past, I was ok with skipping it. We took the funicular back to Marina Grande and headed to our dock, sunkissed, with salt in our hair, and bellies full of clams. On our way back to Sorrento, le bf told me that boating around Capri was a highlight of our trip for him, and I couldn’t agree more.


Have you been to Capri before? What are you favourite activities on the island? Share in the comments.


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Shopping: Orlebar Brown at Holt Renfrew

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It may not look like it, but summer is on its way, and with it, sunny days by the lake/ocean/inflatable pool in your backyard. And while women usually have a wide variety of options available to them for such occasions – from cute bikinis to stylish one-piece swimwear, men’s swimsuits are usually limited to those ubiquitously unattractive board shorts in loud (and often unattractive) patterns. Well, British label Orlebar Brown is aiming to fix that gap by offering a wide selection of very stylish swim trunks for men – ones your significant other can wear to the beach and to the nearby restaurant with ease.

Last week, Holt Renfrew hosted an intimate dinner to celebrate the Orlebar Brown pop-up at the flagship store on Bloor St with founder Adam Brown as the guest of honour. Brown revealed that having a pop-up at Holt Renfrew was a bit of a dream come true, as the Canadian store was on his short list of retailers when the label first launched. Brown himself is a great spokesperson for the brand (charming, sophisticated, and impeccably dressed), and can be seen wearing the label in numerous Instagram snaps from various exotic destinations, along with photos of his two adorable dogs Arthur and Rudi.


And while the Orlebar Brown pop-up shop offers plenty of styles and prints to choose from, I love the brand’s “Design Your Own“ service. Apparently, family photos and snaps of pets are the most popular, but pretty much anything can be turned into a pair of one-of-a-kind swim shorts. Oh, and every pair of swim shorts comes with a 5-year guarantee!

The Orlebar Brown pop-up will be available until September 4th as part of Holt Renfrew’s Cool Summer concept shop on Bloor St. Happy Shopping!



Photo Credits: Holt Renfrew and George Pimentel Photography

Shopping: Best One-Piece Swimsuits To Buy Right Now

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First things first – Shopbop Friends and Family Sale starts today, so if you like any of the swimsuits on this list, know that they are most likely on sale RIGHT NOW! The sale will end on April 7th, and you can use promo code INTHEFAM to get 25% off sale and regular-priced merchandise.

Having said that, today’s post is about one-piece swimsuits. As someone who’s no longer a size zero, I am psyched that one-piece bathing suits are making a comeback. The variety of styles is pretty incredible – from solid to striped, to everything in between, rocking a one-piece this summer is practically a necessity. I wore a few on my getaway to Hawaii, and loved how flattering and comfy they were. Mark my words – all you need is a pair of chic sunglasses and a cool one-piece for any beach getaway. So if you’re looking for a stylish one-piece swimsuit, now’s the perfect time to pick one up. Check out my faves below!

Striped


Slogan

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Marimekko for Target Collaboration Is Launching Next Month!

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Well, if you needed another reason to mourn Target’s departure from Canada, here’s one – Marimekko for Target collection is slated to hit the stores on April 17th, and it looks like it’ll be a good one! A really, really good one! From bikinis, to dinnerware, to teepees, this is going to be one printastic and colourful collab, and I literally want everything! The collection will feature “more than 200 playful, print-centric pieces that span outdoor décor, furniture and entertaining essentials, as well as beach and swimwear for women and girls. Standout items include the paddle board, inflatables, hammocks and swimsuits. The collection also features a number of firsts for Marimekko, including the bocce ball sets and parachutes. And best of all? Most pieces can be yours for under $50.” I mean…how amazing does it all sound?!

But don’t worry, if you live in Canada and don’t have a Target store nearby, you may still be able to snap up a piece or two over at Target Loves Canada – the international version of the e-comm site. I am not 100% sure whether the collab will be available to shop on the Canadian site, but it’s worth a try.

What do you think about the Marimekko for Target collection? Are you sad that we no longer have Target in Canada? Share in the comments.
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What I Wore: Baldwin Beach Park and Paia

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The thing I loved about Maui is how easy it is to get around the island. There are only a couple of main roads, so getting lost is nearly impossible. After spending a few blissfully relaxing days at our hotel, we decided to go on an adventure. We rented a car at the hotel, and took a picturesque drive to the north side of the island, heading towards the fishing village of Paia. Our plan involved a late lunch at Mama’s Fish House, as well as some beach time at Baldwin Beach Park.

On our way from the hotel, we noticed signs for a scenic lookout, and decided to make a pit stop. What we found was a breathtaking view of the ocean, with whales splashing in the distance. It was glorious! After enjoying the lookout, we jumped back in the car, and headed to IHOP in Kahului…judge if you must, but our breakfast was deeeeelicious. Afterwards we drove to Baldwin Beach Park to work off those pancakes, relax, and look for sea turtles.

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Baldwin Beach Park was an interesting place – a beautiful beach with lifeguards, and all kinds of colourful characters. Hula-hooping hippies, a friendly, if a little crazed-seeming Bible-reciting man, girls handing out free coconuts, nudists…you name it, Baldwin Beach Park has it all! Speaking of free coconuts…I considered declining the kind offer, but the girls were opening them up right next to us, so I figured YOLO, and accepted one. I didn’t share the coconut water with le bf, in case it was laced with something…but it ended up being delicious and not at all poisoned nor roofied. Lesson learned: when life gives you free coconuts, take them and drink the coconut water with abandon.

We spent the rest of the afternoon lounging around and playing in the waves. After a while, we took a stroll down the beach and spotted sea turtles swimming super close to shore. Le bf grabbed the camera and waded into the water, forgetting that his phone was in the pocket of his swim trunks. Cutting our sea turtle adventure short, we drove to Paia to buy some rice to try and save his phone, but apparently the rice trick doesn’t work with ocean water. Before we realized it, it was time for our Mama’s Fish House lunch. Once we arrived at the restaurant, we found immaculate grounds overlooking the ocean, friendly staff, and a dining room with a ton of character. We ordered Macadamia Nut Crab Cakes, Mama’s Stuffed Mahimahi, and Opah, Mahimahi and Ahi fish sautéed in Panang Curry. All seafood at Mama’s is freshly-caught by local fishermen, and everything tasted great. Prices are definitely not cheap (especially with a weak Canadian dollar), but Mama’s is a perfect place for a special occasion dinner while in Maui.

After spending some time in Paia, we jumped back into our rental and drove back to Kaanapali, enjoying all the beautiful sights along the way. Minus the ruined cell phone, it was a pretty magical day…IHOP and all.

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Shopping: Packing for a Sunny Resort Getaway

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If you’re sick of winter, raise your hand. I am now sitting in front of my laptop with both my arms high up in the air like I just don’t care. But in actuality, I do care…a lot! I care about spring, which is about a month away, and I care about those blistery mornings when I drag myself to the subway station, resigned to my fate of bulky coats and salt-stained boots, and I care about a little dream getaway that le bf and I will be going on soon, but not soon enough. If you’re lucky enough to get away from winter this month or next, even if for a week or two, I put together some of my current resortwear faves – cute swimsuits, lovely cover-ups, cool shades, and even a piñata bag! Add a piece or two to your luggage, and start counting down the days (like I’m doing) until you’re away from this neverending winter.

And if you’re not going to find yourself poolside or near a beach until summer, it’s never too early to start shopping for those beach essentials. All the best selection is available now, so snag your fave pieces and be ready for summer when it eventually arrives. It always makes me feel better to shop for those seasonal items early…as if summer may arrive sooner if I buy a new bikini. Perhaps not, but it doesn’t hurt to try. Happy Shopping!

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Giveaway: Skinny Bikini

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It’s giveaway time, lovelies! And today’s is extra special, because up for grabs is one gorgeous bathing suit by Skinny Bikini – a new swimwear company recently launched by my dear friend Aida Takyrbasheva! Being a smart cookie that she is, Aida founded Skinny Bikini with a hope of creating a perfect bikini – one that’s glam and edgy, but also comfortable, and made of only high-quality fabrics.

“Skinny Bikini represents a confident woman, show-stopping jetsetter with an immeasurable sense of individuality who loves to have fun. A Skinny Bikini customer loves to be daring and edgy, provocative yet elegant, and appreciates a comfortable fit without having to sacrifice a sexy look.”

All Skinny Bikini products are made in USA, using only the best fabrics, and exotic prints from Asia, India, South America, and Europe. Every piece incorporates hand-made, stitched, details along with glamorous embellishments, and rhinestone appliqué. Aida wanted to incorporate accents that are over-the-top yet versatile, which is why most of the trims are removable.

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And to celebrate the official launch of Skinny Bikini, Aida graciously agreed to give one lucky Style Blog reader an Arabian Nights bikini ($296 shown in first photo) – a classic black bikini with glam detailing. Amazing, right?

So here’s what you’ll need to do to score this awesome prize!

1. Leave a comment below, sharing which Skinny Bikini is your fave

2. Follow Skinny Bikini on Facebook or Twitter

For extra entries:

1. RT the following: “Hey @styleblogca, I want that glam @SkinnyBikini!!! #skinnybikini http://wp.me/p1WxbY-3Ts“

2. Leave a comment on our Facebook, sharing your fave Skinny Bikini style

This giveaway is open to North American readers only, and will close on Sunday, April 22nd at 11:59 EST. Good luck!

And the winner is…Tracy, who liked the Untamed Mistress bikini!!! Congrats!!!

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Photo Credits: Skinny Bikini

WHAT I WORE

What I Wore: Cute Winter Boots
Hermès Boutique Opens at 100 Bloor Street West in Toronto
Beauty: Introducing GABRIELLE CHANEL
What They Wore: Grey Goose Sunset Soiree Picnic
Style Blog Travels: Boating in Capri
Style Blog Travels: Sorrento, My Love
Style Blog Travels: #FordConnections at Langdon Hall

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