Summer is a great time of year for clothing; the colors are bright and the fabric is light and, though summer can be a time for fashion, the footwear can be neglected. When the summer hits, us Okanaganites start trading in our winter footwear for flip flops - boots, pumps, and flats all take a back seat to the plastic sandals with two straps.

Flip flops can be a great way to throw something on your feet when going to the gym or to the grocery store, but they can quickly turn an outfit from fashionable to confusing. Make it a goal this summer to expand your summer footwear!

A great alternative to the flip flop this season is the boat shoe. I love the boat shoe for both men and women because they can give personality to a casual and ordinary outfit. You can stand out by adding these to your shorts and t-shirt. Girls, pair them with your summer dresses and rompers this summer. Guys can wear these shoes with just about anything; with jeans and a shirt or chinos and a button up for date night.

(Photo: Rhys Albrecht - rhysalbrecht.com)

The boat shoe is just as easy and comfortable as the flip flop, but will give you that fashionable and put together look that can sometimes be hard to create in the heat. The boat shoe can be found in classic colors like navy, brown, and white but is also popping up in the seasons hottest colors like pink, yellow, and mint green. So, think out of the box this summer and grab a pair of classic and preppy boat shoes...and while you're at it, grab on drink at a dock or a boat!

Spring and summer accessories are hitting the stores with floppy hats, beach bags, and colourful jewellery as popular add-ons, but my favourite summer accessory is that old classic: sunglasses.

Throwing on a pair of oversized sunnies can add fashion or glamour, transforming a basic outfit.  And when the weather gets too hot to wear lots of make-up, oversized shades can make you look flawless. No one will know behind those specs! 

 

As fashion trends change season to season so does the eyeglass trends. There are the classic shapes that can be compared to the staples in your wardrobe (like a good pair of jeans or a neutral blazer), and there are the trendy, fun shapes that are come in and out of style (like that neon blouse or chevron skirt).

 

Sunglasses come in all price ranges, if you're looking to splurge on a pair (hello UV protection) then I would suggest a classic wire-frame aviator.  Always a sunglass staple, these shades go with casual cutoffs or a hot mini dress. These have been in style for nearly 50 years, and I see no chance of that changing.

 

If you're looking to make a statement with your sunnies, look for colour and pattern! Bright colours are big right now, wearing colourful eyewear can be a great way to add that pop of colour.  Patterns such as leopard or snakeskin can make your sunnies stand out, but they can also be worn with just about anything since these can be considered neutrals!

 

For the hottest trend right now, look to pick up cat-eye or round frames. Big or small, these frames are what every fashionista is wearing and can be found in the designer section or the budget shop!

 

(Photo: Rhys Albrecht - rhysalbrecht.com)

Choosing your morning outfit can be difficult task on a good day, let alone a morning when you have little time and zero creativity.  For these time-sensitive and sleep deprived days, I like to have a set of outfits that are my go-to's.

A few examples of how to wear each type of skirt:

 

The mini skirt:  The blouse is a perfect pairing with the mini skirt. The modest cut of the blouse lets you show off one body part. And of course I love a mix of colours to take the skirt into summer. 

 

The maxi skirt: Adding a flowy neutral blouse to a bright maxi skirt is a great way to wear this trend to the office.  The skirt is loud but the blouse plays it down into work appropriate.  You may feel a bit too covered up with a long sleeve blouse and the ankle length skirt so just look for one with slits to show a little leg.  Keep this skirt summer appropriate by pairing it with a sleeveless silk blouse and strappy sandals. 

 

The bandage skirt: This ultimate body hugging sexy skirt is the perfect piece to have in your wardrobe for that last minute date night. Pair this skirt with a loose oversized silk blouse to balance out the proportions and a pair of killer heels. 

 

(Photo: Rhys Albrecht - rhysalbrecht.com)

(Photo: Rhys Albrecht - rhysalbrecht.com)

For many seasons the classic silk, flow-y blouse has been a found in many women's closets.  It's a favourite of mine for its easy wearability, flow-y fabric, and its ability to make any outfit seem put-together. These blouses are taking a new turn with thinner, more sheer materials.

(Photo: Rhys Albrecht - rhysalbrecht.com)