Risky Business: Mr. Holmes (aka Tom Cruise) gets down in his tightie-whities.

The newly planted herbs in the windowsill are dying a slow, tragic death.  My always perfectly jeujed bangs are plastered to my forehead and for someone who doesn’t really sweat, I am sweating in places that I never knew existed.  Guess what?  Only dancers in music videos and Cindy Crawford in a Pepsi commercial circa 1990 look damn sexy in the blistering heat (though I can’t comment on the smell).  For us regular folk, we just have to work it a little harder. 

With no air conditionning, there seems to be little relief with the windows open, curtains drawn.  With record-breaking soaring temperatures, modesty is at best, an afterthought.  Perhaps this is high season for voyeurs since cooking in your underwear is de rigeur.  And if we’re going to be prancing about in our skivvies, let’s channel Risky Business (without the long-sleeve since it’s much too HOTTT for that!)…

True Story: I have often happened upon a random dance party in my living room. Forever 21 Love Struck Bikini

The neighbours don't mind: Get spotted in this Zimmerman Thistle Bikini

Dare Wear Short Shorts: Stay cool in these barely there Element Fleece Shorts

For the modest, cover up in this lightweight Anthropologie Slubby Boy Tank in the faintest blush

In lieu of tube socks, I suggest these gold zebra print Old Navy Flip Flops. You can wear socks but only if you're concerned about gliding across the hardwood floors.

Rachel Bilson in a pink gingham top and Current/Elliot cut off shorts. It doesn't get more country than this.

As a child, I often spent entire summers with my aunts in suburban Chicago.  For weekend getaways, we travelled to their trailer tucked in secluded farm country.  While I am very much a city girl at heart, I have accumulated many fond memories of picking up fresh corn from farmers on the side of the road, roasting marshmallows over the bonfire and waking up to the smell of burning logs.  And when in the country… it is always best to unwind and ‘be like the country.’ (Think when in Rome…)

Take Some Shade: Always protect the face in this Aqua Straw Crochet Hat

When I was younger, I used to wear skorts. I would skip or spin around but you weren't really seeing my undies. Forever 21 Floral Skort Romper

My roomie swears by checking out the consignment shops in small towns. She often scores the best treasures. Kick about a sleepy town in these polka dot Steve Madden ballet flats.

Gimme Gimme: A fun tip on making the best S'mores. Wrap the graham cracker, chocolate and marshmallow in tin foil and insert into the fire for a few minutes. An ooey gooey treat that melts without being burnt.

Tra La La Ladies: Weeee, isn't this so glamourous and fun

The summer with its warm beams of sunshine is often rammed with social engagements – from weddings and bridal showers to birthdays celebrated on outdoor terraces.  For occasions such as these, forego your usual skinny jeans and forget the flimsy t-shirt.  Dressing up is an integral part of the celebration! You can still be stylish and keep your cool.  Every day, I graciously accept compliments to the point that perhaps I take them for granted.  In a gesture of good will, here are my secrets to lady-like dressing.

Fresh as a Mint Julep – The easiest way to make an impression is to wear a day dress in a jewel tone lightweight cotton or linen.  Both have a tendency to crinkle so make sure your event is of the standing, sipping spritzer and mingling variety.  Vibrant colours often accentuate the glow of sun-kissed skin and make you stand out from the crowd.  I love the combination of bright red lips matched with a sunflower hued dress.  The best are A-line styles that flare at the waist into a full skirt – this is best for lithe girls who want more volume or for those who want to accentuate a tiny waist.  Add a skinny belt in a contrasting colour, presto 25% cuter!  Channelling Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.  Yes please!  

Classicly Refined: Alice + Olivia Grace Blouson Dress

Look Ma, no tan lines: Swish your skirt in this Rebecca Taylor Button Dress

Blinded by the Lights - When wearing a solid coloured dress, make sure to pop with a bold statement necklace.  Use the natural rays of the sun to make your jewellery sparkle.  Clear facetted or bezelled gems often radiate more than naturally smooth stones - it’s the cut that makes them more reflective and glittery.  If you are going to an outdoor party, why not beat the mosquitoes by pinning yourself with a faux insect such as a rhinestone encrusted bumble bee.  It’s a great ‘wink-wink’ conversation piece.  Hi-larious.

Mmm, this has an Antique Flavour: Aqua Pearl Necklace with Brooch

Bzz Bzzz: A Bumble Bee Ring for extra flare. You can often find these inexpensive pins or rings in Kensington Market.

Sob-sob-sob: Re-enactment of me muffling the sound of crying into a pillow

I like to temper my summer fluffy chic-lit with the heavy drama, the kind that has your heart strings pulled taught, weeping secretly into your beach blanket.  Aren’t we all just gluttons for punishment?  As a voracious reader, I have on loan from J’s basement bookshelf, the best-selling My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult.  Even from the well designed book cover, you know this one is going to be a major tearjerker.  MAJOR. TEARJERKER. Spoiler Alert…

The story unfolds as Anna Fitzgerald, 13 year tween, is asked to become an organ donor to her ailing older sister Kate who suffers from leukemia.  Having been conceived by her parents, Brian and Sara, in order to become a biological match for her sister, Anna eventually undergoes a number of medical procedures to prolong her sibling’s survival.  After a lifetime of being a default donor, Anna reaches out to a local attorney, Campbell Alexander, for medical emancipation in order to assert her right to make her own decisions. 

The narrative switches from the point of view of Anna, to Kate, to her parents, her troubled brother Jesse, her attorney Campbell and guardian Julia; the various characters pose the ethical and moral dilemmas that ensue when parents’ obligation to children is superseded by their love and desire to keep their family unit together.  A moving tale about adolesence, family bonds, love and the heartache of loss, it is an emotional read which will likely make you ponder your ideals and how they might bend in times when your closest are in duress.

Sidenote:  I am glad I read this before watching the 2009 film adaptation of the book.  Cameron Diaz is not the Sara Fitzgerald I pictured in my mind.

All The Pretty Girls Wearing a Garden Variety: Stella McCartney SS 2011

While it’s no surprise that Floral has made a return this Summer as a print that adorns many a top, bottom or dress, it’s the way in which you interpret your flowers that makes the bold difference.  Through my travels, there appeared to be a “go big or go home” trend on the streets and in the magazines, with PYT’s (pretty young things) pairing various garden motifs in one ensemble.  Daring, yes.  Impossible, no! 

Let me impart some loving words of wisdom on the matter:

• Clash of the Rhododendrons – In nature, it is common to see lillies growing alongside roses and daisies.  Actually, it is quite lovely when you observe the wildness of these disparate florals come together.  Very English garden.  Alas, I digress.  Why not try a chiffon top in miniscule pattern with a maxi skirt in an abstract?  To subtley reduce the visual tension of these prints, keep the fabrics in the same family (ie. silky or chiffon) or try colours that sit adjacent to each other on the colour wheel (ie. red-purple-blue).  Another trick to soften the look is to wear a few solid colours in between – a simple ribbed tank top, a camel coloured belt, a neutral wedge, etc.

Who's That Girl? Knock their socks off with this Aqua Floral Printed Gown

Count your blessings: If God giveth you twigs for legs, try these DKNY Floral Silk pants. Ruche them to your ankles and sport some sandal stilettos. Trust.

• This Old Thing – Florals have a vintage-y sentiment attached to them.  If you feel ill prepared to have blossoms running wild all over your outfit,  try accessorizing with a gauzy scarf, a dainty cocktail ring or a cabbage rose sitting atop your very chic chignon.  Oh yes, I am campaigning very adamantly for a giant floral headdress revival.  Wait for it!

Forget your Buffalo Check for a Moment: Tie this Accessorize 50's Floral Silk Scarf in a bow and channel your inner Stewardess

Tell tall tales with this Accessorize Catwalk Flower: "I took a siesta in the garden and when I awoke this was sprouting from my head."

Painter Meets Muse: Loving the look of this Free People One Desert Floral Maxi. Dress it up. Dress it down.

Alhambra in Granada: The legend of the Generalife Rose Gardens is that princesses would have secret rendez vous with suitors among the many mazes of roses. (Dreamy) Le sigh!

Ooh la! La retour of the maillot and red lips. French Vogue starts the wave with Kate Moss.

The glorious sunshine and warmth of a sunny day has stirred up my love of bathing attire.  There are few activities more enjoyable than frolicking in the water and digging your toes into a sandy beach dressed in the most glamourous of bikinis.  Pina colada, por favor.

While it is easy to continually accumulate a destination wardrobe, I suggest you pick up a new swimsuit and retire an old one.  Don’t fret.  She has had the time of her life - her colours are faded from sun-soaked days and her strings have lost their elasticity from dips in the salty ocean.  Her life flashes before her similar to a montage sequence a la From Here to Eternity.  If you love her, let her go.

To ease the pain of your loss, I have compiled the best of Swimwear.  There are a plethora of new styling options and the return of the very retro Swimdress.  More modest than a string bikini, many designers are showing a modern take on swim with plunging sweetheart necklines and hipster bottoms.  Very G-L-A-M-O-U-R-O-U-S! (Canadian spelling)

Ruched in all the right places: Coral Carmen Marc Valvo Swimdress would be lovely paired with gold and turquoise chandelier earrings. Do it!

Stun the beach-goers with patterns and textures: Juicy Couture Rope Bikini

Hipster Ruffles make you wanna Samba in this Vix Liberty Ruffle

Bandeau a go-go. Trina Turk Peacock Bikini. Bandeau styles are great for snorkelling. Look ma! No tan lines!

It's only okay to stay in your swimsuit if you are ordering from the poolbar. Stay stylish and classy with this Nanette Lepore Tunic.