Design & Fashion: Signs of Summer

The weather in Waterloo has been unbelievably perfect these last couple of weeks and I wish the easy, breezy, sunny days could stay all year long. I’m in a much happier mood and I love living most of my non-working days outdoors. The arrival of spring (and summer in no-time, I’m sure) means that people are craving lighter, brighter spaces. Current issues of Style at Home and House & Home have fully embraced white and I have the impression that more people appreciate my white-loving tendencies at this time of year. It’s awesome.

I thought I’d round-up some of my favourite spring/summer items for those of you who may normally lead a colourful life, but who may also want to inject some white into your homes and wardrobes.

I’m one of those people who has flowers at home all year long. I love taking care of my plants and bringing cut flowers into my home instantly makes me happy. I’ve been a long-time fan of white flowers – as a teenager, I loved calla lilies, and in my adult life I’ve alternated my preferences for hydrangea, carnations, and roses. I know everyone is pretty obsessed with peonies at the moment (I am too, let me assure you), but I hope people aren’t forgetting the loveliness of flowers like lilacs and lily of the valley. I’m currently loving dahlias and have planted a couple pots of them for my balcony. Apparently they’ll grow all summer long, just as geraniums do.

white-dahlia

via

White linens are perfect for any time of year, but they’re especially welcome in the springtime. A crisp white table cloth sets the perfect backdrop for a delicious meal, preferably outdoors. Table settings can be brightened up with colourful napkins, candles, or glassware, but I still tend to prefer something neutral, like the setting in the photo below.

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photo via Food Studio

When I was living in London, Ontario, I didn’t use my bike at all. I walked a lot and drove a lot, but I never really felt like it was a bike-friendly city. Kitchener-Waterloo has surprised me with its lengthy, smooth (and flat) trails and I’ve been trying to get out on my bike a few times a week. It’s been glorious. I don’t really like biking on busy roads, but many of the roads here have bike lanes so I feel pretty safe. My bike is an old pink Raleigh mountain bike with a basket on the front (so handy), but I’m pretty sure my next bike will be a stylish white one. Biking is great exercise and it’s a great way to discover new places. If you don’t want to invest in something expensive, pick one up at a yard sale (like I did years ago!).

bicycle-photography-pretty-vintage-white-Favim.com-91981

photo via Favim

In terms of fashion, I love picking up a few new pieces in white to freshen up my wardrobe. I can never have too many white shirts, and for spring, I like something that’s a little lighter and airier than a classic oxford. The lightweight tuxedo shirt from J. Crew below would look great with jeans or colourful pants. It would also look chic paired with white jeans – another staple for your spring wardrobe.

white-shirt-JCrew

swiss-dot tuxedo shirt – J.Crew

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white jeans – Gap

Now that our boots are all packed up, it is time to lighten up our footwear. While I don’t wear sneakers or flip-flops at work, I usually spend my downtime in them. They’re easy and comfortable, so what’s not to love? I’ve recently purchased a pair of white Superga (to alternate with my Converse), but I think they’re 1/2 a size too small, so I may have to return them or pass them on to my sister. What was I thinking? Word to the wise: make sure you really test out shoes before buying them. Regardless, buying a new pair of shoes seems like a necessity in the springtime. Don’t you agree?

Superga-white-sneakers

white Superga sneakers

When I was in New Orleans a few years ago, I picked up a Panama hat. It’s been one of my favourite summer accessories ever since. It’s chic, classic, and, best of all, it protects your face from the hot sun. Perfect.

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straw Panama hat

What are your spring traditions? Do you change your decor with the seasons?

4 Comments

  1. Fatima June 2, 2014

    Love the panama hat. I am completely obsessed with it as well! It’s my summer go to.

    Reply
  2. You’re right, it is white season! Its been years since I’ve had a pair of good white jeans. Might be time to pick some up.

    Reply
  3. Shannon June 13, 2014

    You could spray paint your bike white for a new DIY project. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jordana June 13, 2014

      I just might!!! I spray painted the new black bike basket I had to buy since my wicker one broke.

      Reply

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