IF you've stepped inside a department store in the
last few days, you've seen that back-to-school
shopping is in full swing. Before you start stocking
up for the change of seasons, take some time to
savour these dog days of summer. Holidays all used
up? There are still many evenings to enjoy the warm
weather, relaxed gatherings on the patio and leisurely
strolls in the park. Here are a few of my favourite products
to help you make the most of the end of August.
Barcelona Dress by Tilley
Category: Clothing
Mention the name Tilley and most of us automatically think of those iconic hats. But this Canadian designer belongs on the runway with this new dress. The Barcelona is a sleeveless, A-line, empire waist number that falls just below the knee, making it a flattering length for everyone. The sizing -- available in 6 to 20 -- is bang on. It's made from indestructible fabric, resists wrinkles and dries in a flash, making it a great piece for travel. Wear it alone in warm weather or layer it with a blouse and blazer in cooler spots. It comes in black but I think charcoal is the more contemporary choice. It's quickly become the most popular piece in my wardrobe. It's new for the fall so you'll have to wait until next month to get yours.
Barcelona Dress, $169
Tilley.com
1-800-ENDURES
Journeys SuperCentre, 102-326 Wardlaw Ave., 982-9494
Kings & Queens
Category: Body Care
If you prefer spice to sugar then this line of body care products from Greece is for you. Kings & Queens features shower gel, body milk and body butters infused with herbs and spices, resulting in five scents that will be loved by both girls and guys. The earthy, spicy blend called Caspar Myrrh is my favourite. Try the body milk with hazel, grape and sunflower seed extracts and avocado oils. There are also several other equally exotic scents in the collection, all fit for royalty.
Shower Gel, $9.99
Body Milk, $11.99
Body Butter, $11.99
Available only at Shoppers Drug Mart
The Body Shop Flawless Skin Protecting Foundation SPF 25
Category: Cosmetics
Wearing sunscreen at the beach is a given, but we can easily forget that a lunch hour on a patio can give your face a little more exposure than it needs. Switch to The Body Shop's new foundation with SPF 25 and you won't have to worry about sunburned cheeks and damage down the road. It's a cream-to-powder formula that goes on smoothly with good coverage. It comes in six shades so you can easily match your colour when you do get a little sun. A concealer stick is also available. Remember that your face sees the sun every day, so wear it all year long.
Foundation, $25
Concealer, $16.50
At The Body Shop
chocolate + plus
Category: Food
Next time you get chastised for indulging in chocolate, you'll have a good comeback: "I'm getting my vitamins," you'll chirp. These gourmet bars are scientifically enhanced to include calcium, probiotics, minerals and a long list of vitamins. The Sweet Dreams bar is a white chocolate English Toffee concoction with magnesium oxide and valerian to induce a restful sleep. For a grown-up version of a Reese's Peanut Butter cup, try the milk chocolate peanut-butter praline bar. Craving a little mint? The dark chocolate with mojito mint flavour bar is packed with vitamins. So can chocolate bars that are good for you taste good? Oh yes.
Eight bars in various flavours, about 300 calories each, $2.49 per 50g bar
At Shoppers Drug Mart
Bic Luminere Candle Lighter
Category: Housewares
It's no fun trying to slide a match down into the cylinder of those tall taper candles. It's equally treacherous holding a small lighter to a citronella torch wick -- they like to light quickly and enthusiastically. It takes all my courage to light the barbecue with a Red Bird match now that the automatic igniter is dead. My problems have been solved with the this new long-handled lighter from Bic. The nose is a good 10 cm long and clicks into three positions. Best of all, $1 from each lighter goes to the Canadian Cancer Society to fund research. Go out and buy a bunch now for stocking stuffers.
Luminere Candle Lighter, $6.99
At most drug, department and grocery stores
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