Lipstick Lifestyle

We love summer and the hot weather and the cute clothes that come with it, but sometimes a tank top just doesn’t cut it as your outfit of choice. That’s why we’re loving this flirty little blouse from H&M (available in sizes 2-12). It adds a certain breeziness to your wardrobe with it’s ruffled cap-sleeve, pretty bow tie and delicate buttons.

It’s the perfect piece to take you from an office meeting to cocktails on the patio after work. Pair it with jeans or a cute pencil skirt and you’ll be sure to turn heads with your summer glow and easy breezy style.

And isn’t purple a royal colour?

H&M
www.HM.com
Available at H&M stores across North America or online at www.HM.com

Sunglass addicts rejoice! Modo, a Japanese sunglass shop, is selling its fab shades to all through their new website, modoshop.com. And the goods are great. The shades come in a range of silhouettes and styles — perfect for ladies who like to fit their sunglasses to their moods. Embrace your inner Hollywood glamazon with a pair of oversized Valentina frames. Channel Top Gun’s Maverick (and add a feminine twist, of course) with the Umberto gold and brown aviators. Go girly and low-key with the Francesca, bold purple frames.

If the fashion benefits weren’t enough, Modo’s sunglasses are all handcrafted. The frames are made from titanium and acetate plastics, and lenses are made of mineral glass (anti-glare and scratch resistant!).

Shine on sunglass lovers, shine on.

Modo
www.modoshop.com
Available online at framesdirect.com and modoshop.com

Earlier this year, Graham & Brown teamed up with Umbra to introduce a range of 10 contemporary wallpapers that allow you to introduce style to your home, on a grand scale.

Graham & Brown’s unique “Paste the Wall” technology makes hanging their wallpapers quick and easy. It also means that a stylish finish can be achieved in double-quick time! When you are bored and feel it’s time for a change, you can remove the paper by peeling it off the wall in a single strip – no harsh chemicals or scraping required. It’s easy-peasy.

Our favourite is definitely Fracto in shoot (it also comes in rust and natural). The design boasts a bold, large-scale pattern inspired by botanical fern leaves and is very pretty.

This weekend why not redecorate one of your rooms? It’ll take you no time at all!

Graham & Brown
www.grahambrown.com
Available at Umbra and online at www.grahambrown.com

Isn’t it nice to sometimes sit quietly and jot down your ideas, thoughts and dreams? In this day and age of the computer, we don’t really embrace note taking. Ecojot is all about the hand written word and has a large range of notebooks, journals and agendas for you to do just that.

Ecojot’s designer, Carolyn Gavin, has produced a delightful variety of bright, whimsical and sophisticated designs for every taste. Each item is made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper and printed using harmless vegetable-based ink. We are especially fond of the Nature collection (available in a 5×7 journal, 6×9 jumbo and a 6×9 agenda) that has us daydreaming about strolling through a country meadow on a summer’s day, with flowers swirling around our legs.

Next time you are busily typing out your grocery list on your tiny Blackberry keyboard, think that you could be writing in a pretty, environmentally friendly notebook.

ecojot
www.ecojot.com
Available at Anthropologie, Barnes & Noble and Chapters/Indigo

When was the last time you sent a hand-written thank you note? Or any note for that matter? If you can’t remember, put down your blackberry and read this. If you’re reading this on your blackberry, run, don’t walk to your local stationery store (yes, those places still exist!) and pick up some of Vera Wang’s Fine Papers. Her line of stationery—note cards, wedding invitations, boxed cards and delicate writing papers are all inspired by Ms. Wang’s elegant, timeless collections.

We’re especially loving Vera’s simple tea-length note card with the pretty yellow grosgrain ribbon. It’s chic and classy, never goes out of style and comes with an optional French flap envelope that’s hand-lined with a pattern inspired by her ready-to-wear collection.

Hand written notes never go out of style. Now pick up your pen…

Vera Wang
www.verawang.com
Available online at www.verawang.com and www.finestationery.com