Beating the Heat in Summer Essentials & Sparkly Pink Slides

In Toronto, the temperatures tend to jump from cool Spring days to scorching hot summers, in an instant. So your mind, body & wardrobe better be ready for it!

You know those girls who look simply radiant during the summer? Yeah, that’s not me. I personally suffer during hot & humid temperatures: my hair goes nuts, my skin gets slick & clothing from head to shoes makes me feel icky. There are, however, some summer essentials that can make looking & feeling good a lot more manageable. At least in the clothing department! Today, in partnership with Dixie Outlet Mall, I’m talking about my new hot summer outfit wardrobe essentials to surviving the heat (and looking good while doing it)!

• Photography by J.Gale (2-8)

Everyone knows: a good dress is must have for summer. But not just for the cuteness factor. Practical qualities are key! Like a dress that lets my body breathe & will stay put when the wind strikes. Add a great pattern & I’m sold!

That’s why I fell for this Suzy Shier dress so hard. The pattern, with it’s tropical motif, is on-trend without being cheesy & will mask any signs of moisture or mustard stains for us less ladylike folk. It’s breathable & cool, and to save you from any additional layers, it has a built in bra. Oh yes! I’m also partial to its maxi dress status because it covers my bright white legs (I don’t easily tan) and depending on how you accessorize it, can be easily transformed from a beach dress, to a casual day dress & into an effortless semi-formal evening frock. I got a special deal on it too, since I bought these pretty tassel earrings & saved 30% on the items!

Protecting my skin & hair from sun damage is a must. I already have a few hats in my wardrobe for summer to shield my enormous forehead from sunburns, but they’re either too small, or too big or simply unstylish. When I spotted this fabric & straw hat at Dixie’s Winners & saw that it suited me, I nabbed it on the spot. I love the colors, the size of the brim & it looks so lovely with my new dress! A steal for its under $20 price tag too.

Last, but definitely not least: shoes. Wouldn’t it be nice to wear flip-flops all summer? In theory yes, but they will look anything but glam. Let’s not be basic, shall we!? I was obviously having a good day at Winners, because I snagged not one, but two amazing summer shoes!

I had already eyed these rhinestone studded glitter during my last trip to Dixie Outlet Mall, while I was shopping for my day to night outfit inspiration look. These sparkly pink slides were the only ones left in my size & already discounted. Much to my surprise, when I popped back in the other week, they were still there & currently on serious clearance from $300 to $70! Talk about a score on handmade Italian shoes crafted entirely of leather. Not to mention the colorful sparkly finishes! MUCH more fun than the lackluster slides everyone seems to be wearing these days.

The second pair of shoes I spotted was a shimmery fabric platform espadrille. I figured these would be anything but comfortable, but are actually a dream to walk in. They look fab with this dress but will also look incredible with denim cut offs & a breezy top for a summer picnic.

So yet another successful shopping trip at Dixie! Now I’m all set for the hot summer days ahead. But the real question is: are you…?!

xo Cristina

**Thank you Dixie Outlet Mall for sponsoring this post & helping me look stylish this summer! All opinions expressed are my own**

Cristina Ehm

Cristina is the chief editor, fashion & shoe expert here at ShoeTease. As a seasoned stylist and women's fashion & shoe designer, she boasts over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. She loves crafting effortless outfits for ladies both online and off and believes that styling advice should be accessible to everyone. Whether you're a styling pro or just starting out, Cristina's here to guide you on your fashion journey! Learn more.

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