While we all love summer vacation and cosy winter mini-breaks, there’s nothing more alluring than escaping Vancouver’s unreliable spring for some other place’s sun-soaked one. So let’s fantasize for a moment that our 2017 spring break will include bikinis and bronzed beach bods, rather than battling the commute in raincoat and wellies. Here’s what we’ll be (pretend) packing.
Going swimmingly
Let’s leave our trusty black Speedo in the back of a drawer and pack something bright and beautiful. BC brand Bikini Empire specializes in ethical swimwear (made in Vancouver) with a tropical aesthetic. This season’s collection, Retro Baja, has retro motifs in a Mexican-themed colour palette. Our pick: the Reversible V-Neck One Piece ($160), which comes in a print by Canadian textiles designer Robyn Waffle of Totem Design Co. Shop online at bikiniempire.ca and check out the website for bricks-and-mortar stockists.
Dressed for success
We’re done with generic little strappy dresses. Instead, bring this embroidered dress ($89.90, at Zara and zara.com/ca). It’s bold but not gaudy, and can be slung on over a bathing suit or worn for cocktails in the evening.
Best foot forward
It’s easy to tumble off heels when you’re three daiquiris over your usual limit, but many flats look too casual. Get sandals in gold, like these simple Toe-post ones ($19.99, at H&M and hm.com), so things stay classy.
To tan or not to tan?
Never a real tan, of course – SPF40 is mandatory. If we fancy the bronzed look, we’ll fake it with St Tropez Gradual Tan ($38, at Shoppers Drug Mart), which comes in an easy-to-apply mousse, contains moisturizing ingredients, and gives a gradual, buildable, natural-looking tan. If we’re feeling more “pale and interesting,” we’ll apply French Girl Organics Lumière in Moonlight ($60, at India Rose Cosmeticary). It adds a pearlescent glow to collarbone, shoulders and legs, smells like jasmine and neroli, and is vegan and at least 80 per cent organic.
Hair today
Sun, sea and sand are horrible for our hair, drying it out and making it look the very opposite of swishy and fabulous. AG Hair has just launched Fast Food Leave On Conditioner, with humectants to draw moisture into frazzled hair, and oil to keep it there. $22, at select salons, ulta.com, loxabeauty.com and chatters.ca.
Talon show
A vibrant nail colour completes the picture. We’ll be heading to Onyx Aesthetics Studio (421 Abbott St.) for a Shellac manicure ($50) in Mambo Beat – a glorious red/orange shade from CND’s tropical-themed Rhythm & Heat collection. We’ll pair it with a Vinylux pedi ($45) in the same colour, and in case of nail emergencies, probably pick up a bottle of the Vinylux ($12.50), too. Or we might just throw caution to the wind and ask for the Heat Wave nail-art mani.
