Lipstick Lifestyle

For the perfect summer day the key recipe is a bit of sun, a bit of shade, icy cold drinks, tasty snacks and comfortable seating. A comfortable chair that looks stylish will make your backyard, patio or deck the spot to survive the heat and humidity. For summer ’08, go trad with teak or trendy with resin.

Teak is a long-lasting wood that can survive any weather. Seat cushions in on trend bright blue and chocolate brown will compliment the warm reddish tones of teak. Since teak can change to gray when it ages, maintain it with a yearly touch up of wood stain. Sourced from islands in the south Pacific, look for teak that is responsibly harvested. For something lighter and modern, consider resin. Weather-resistant and lightweight, resin makes for a contemporary touch to a balcony or backyard patio and is easy to move, keep clean and available in a myriad of colours and shapes.

The NEST resin chair from Dutch designer Tord Boontje is a fun addition to your outdoor living area. Available in several colours (cool kids go for white or chartreuse to create the club look at home) this rounded chair is a comfortable spot for late afternoon lounging and features holes/handles on either side and an embossed floral surface texture, a typical Boontje signature design style.

Tord Boontje
www.tordboontje.com
Available at NEAT Storage Essentials in Toronto and MoMA Design Stores in New York

Agent Provocateur is known for its sexy lingerie and celebrity following but the famous UK-based company has branched out and now produces some of the most glamourous swimwear around. Inspired by a 1950s silhouette, these pieces help coax out our inner Bond girl.

The Vicky bikini will make a big slash at your next pool party or trip to the beach. A halter top with light padding and underwire cups pair perfectly with the low-rise briefs to flatter the figure. The navy background is the perfect host for the chain link pattern and silver chain and heart details.

Warning: the Vicky bikini may increase self-confidence.

Agent Provocateur
www.agentprovocateur.com
Available at Agent Provocateur boutiques and online at www.agentprovocateur.com

After a long day nothing looks more inviting then diving into a bed of plush pillows, satiny sheets and a duvet of downy delight. What’s even better is if all this beautiful bedding is made from pure organic cotton, grown without pesticides or fertilizers and any synthetic materials whatsoever. Well now you can dream in green with the Fiona Organic Duvet Cover & Sham from Pottery Barn. A calm botanical oasis, its elegant design of leaves and flowers on 200-thread count ivory percale is soft, smooth and gentle on both your skin and the environment.

The duvet cover has hidden buttons, interior ties and a 6″ flap to enclose duvet and pillow shams have envelope closure and everything is machine washable.

Now your dreams can be even sweeter knowing you did something good for the environment.

Pottery Barn
www.potterybarn.ca www.potterbarn.com

Beach Bag – check. Sunscreen – check. Sunglasses – check. You’re all set. Just slide on those flip flops and off to the beach you go.

Instead of stepping out in those boring, plain-coloured ones, why not try something that suits your personality. Bonnie Marcus is well known for her stylish stationary and recently introduced her own line of flip flops. Designed to provide maximum style and comfort, these super-cool accessories are available in 14 fun and funky styles.

Whether you need a pair for yoga, the beach or even your wedding day, Bonnie has the perfect pair. And a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these products will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and other organizations promoting breast cancer awareness.

Now off to the beach you go!

Bonnie Marcus
www.bonniemarcus.com
Available at Bloomingdales and online at bonniemarcus.com

Let’s face it, this summer has left just a little something to be desired, the grey skies and constant drizzle have us yearning for just a little more, a swing in the hammock perhaps? But instead of waiting for the sun to break through the clouds, add a touch of colour and summer whimsy to any décor with the Tulip Garden Party Pillow. Available at Anthropologie, this 20” square pillow brightens up any room with its embroidered petals and pompom-edged design.

Also machine washable, this pillow is perfect for sitting on the deck with a cocktail in hand or taking a Sunday afternoon nap while lounging in the hammock. Guaranteed to go with any interior décor—from minimalist to comfy cozy—and in bloom all year through, these brightly bloomed flowers will have you singing in the rain!

Anthropologie
www.anthropologie.com