With June being my birth month, an affinity for the summer is ingrained in me. Each year during the season I become a magpie collector of beautiful sorbetcoloured garments, and, lucky for me, hues of pink are on every designer’s palette this time around. Sarah Burton used shades of pink throughout the Alexander McQueen spring/ summer 2015 collection, which I adored, and vibrant colours dominated collections from Mary Katrantzou and Peter Pilotto.
For the past few summers, I have travelled to Capri where I enjoy Italian culture and spectacular scenic views that are hard to beat. For the long flight (or even for a casual patio lunch once I arrive), a denim jumpsuit is comfortable and on trend. I have a favourite one by Splendid that is so soft. It is an easy piece to accessorize, too—think neutral gladiator sandals and an oversized fringed tote in natural or white leather.
Walking on the cobblestone streets of Capri, footwear options are limited to sturdy wedge sandals; a rhinestone-embellished pair by Michael Kors and a pretty embellished pair from Charlotte Olympia are my go-tos.
For a dramatic sun hat, before I leave, I visit Lilliput Hats in Toronto’s Little Italy for something custom made. Karyn Gingras is a master milliner and together we have fun artistically placing large fabric roses and bows on her wonderful, large floppy summer brims. She has crafted some incredible creations for me that I have worn to the Royal Box at Ascot and the “Save Venice” Masquerade Gala in New York. I also find Eric Javits’ hats wonderful to wear and easy to pack. The larger the better!
I love sunglasses with an oversized “cat eye” look. Linda Farrow and Balenciaga are my favourite names for sunnies and, just like hats, the bigger the better.
My other must-have accessory is sunscreen. Dermalogica’s Protection SPF 50 and Age Smart Skinperfect Primer SPF 30 both feel like silk on the skin. I also use Jane Iredale’s Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen in SPF 30 and in my purse, instead of a powder compact, I carry Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50.
I try not to overpack when I travel by sticking to classic white-cotton dresses that can be glammed up by accessorizing. For this trip to Capri, I pack white eyelet dresses, blouses and long skirts that flow in the wind. This year, I am bringing a white ruffled strapless dress with beautiful eyelet detailing, created by Greta Constantine. Oscar de la Renta caftans are a must, too. These staple pieces carry me from daytime city explorations to people-watching over a glass of rosé with my husband and friends in the evening. Plus, travelling lightly ensures that I’ll have room in my suitcase for all the fun souvenirs I might find wherever the cobblestone road leads me.
Until next time…