Every woman dreads bathing suit shopping. No matter how prepared you are, a combination of bad lighting and ill-fitting cuts can lead to painful results. While I can't do anything about the fluorescent bulbs, I can at least give some fit tips that will serve as a shortcut to the best suit for your shape.

BODY TYPE: Full waist
LOOK FOR: Cut-outs and colour blocks can be helpful in creating definition. Dark side panels and curvy cut-outs in the side seams will create the illusion of a drawn-in waist.

Many of you are either on Spring Break or on the cusp of vacation, and at this time of year we Canadians love to escape in pursuit of warmth. Here are the top 5 things you shouldn't fly south without:

#1 SARONG
Rather than lugging a heavy towel down to the beach, I'm a big fan of the sarong as an alternative. Sure, it's not going to provide that fresh-out-of-the-water cuddle factor, but you're in the tropics—the water drops will dry before you even make land. Plus a sarong is lightweight for carrying down the boardwalk and easy to tie around your beach bag. Even better? Wrap it around your shoulders and neck if the sun goes down while you're still out in your suit.

GAP kindly opened its showroom to a group of select editors for a sneak peek of the Summer 2013 GAP, Old Navy, and Banana Republic collections. We happily took in the display of goodies and - as if we weren't already over-the-top excited for summer - the tie-dye, electric colours, and tribal prints got us seriously jazzed for sunshine.

Here are my top 5 picks for the coming season:

Finding office appropriate looks that won't leave you overheated can be a big challenge in the summer. Luckily this sleeveless vest walks the line between professional and chic, while also keeping you cool. Paired with a patterned skirt and gladiators or wide leg pants and pointed heels, it's a versatile piece for the modern working woman.

Last week, we were lucky enough to attend a preview of Swarovski’s Tropical Paradise collection for spring/summer 2013. Inspired by exotic locales – like Rio, the Amazon, and Acapulco – the influence is evident in the vibrant colours and playful styles.

Here are 5 of our favourite items:

 Tropical necklace

I rarely spend time in office buildings these days, yet today I found myself riding up to the 8th floor with a woman who seemed to belong to the bricks and mortar from Monday through Friday. She had just stepped out for lunch and was making her way back to a desk with take-out in hand and her iPhone fixed to her ear, wearing a black cotton t-shirt, tattered jeans, and high-top sneakers.

It's only right to wear red and white in honour of Canada Day this weekend and to help you celebrate, the country's top online retailer, eLuxe, is going on sale. In their words, "shop from your home and native land" today through Monday and you could save up to 30% off of your purchases. Free shipping, free returns, and on sale? Get shopping patriots!

Here are some of our favourite red and white eLuxe picks from Canadian designers:

This dainty piece is perfect for summer to brighten up your look and give it a beachy feel, thanks to those red coral stones. Jenny Bird Earth Nugget Necklace, $125.

As the mercury rises across the country, bringing with it hot humid air, it's a great time for a refresher on the best ways to beat the heat. In my opinion, it really all comes down to one thing: ventilation. Forget tight, synthetic fabrics and go for loose, natural knits that breathe. The best way to score this cooling combination is a dress. Whether it's a long maxi or an above-the-knee number, dresses are light, airy and über-comfortable, especially when compared to sweat-inducing denim shorts.

The GAP Tudor Pocket Tank I picked up in black, gray, green, cobalt and berry. Available at GAP stores and gap.com.

I found the perfect tank top yesterday. It was the right fit, length, and weight,  so I bought one in every colour. Fortunately it was only $19.99, otherwise this post may read more like "I bought two of the same top", but when the price is right and the fit is perfect, how can one resist?

Coachella, the first music festival of the season, has officially wrapped and while the biggest story to come out of the two-weekend-long bash was a surprise performance from late rapper Tupac, the celebrity style exhibited was also of note.

Of course music fests are notorious for their peace-loving looks - inspired by the original outdoor bash, Woodstock - but here are some celebs who balanced the fringe and flower wreaths, with just the right amount of sensible style.

Exhibit A: Rosie Huntington Whiteley
This model-turned-actress is a vision in white with short shorts only her catwalk-ready legs can pull off. Shorts make it easy to grab a seat on the grass, but a few flashy details help you stand out in a crowd, so I love this embellished cut-off. She's also wearing boots, which is great for keeping the dust and dirt out of your toes and protecting them from getting stepped on in lineups. Rosie's also ready for a full day in the sun with both stylish shades and a loose sheer top to keep her shoulders covered. Believe it or not, wearing a loose longsleeve will keep you much cooler than a tight tank.

The sporty look has to be one of my favourite trends this spring. Why? Because comfy jogging pants are chic - that's why! And who wouldn't want to take their indoor lounge pants outdoors? Truly, that's the secret to this look—drawstrings and loose, baggy fabrics. Here are a few of my favourite looks:


The Anorak
So rarely do trends combine fashion and function, but this sporty style anorak looks as good as it is comforatble. GAP Lightweight Nylon Parka, available at GAP stores.