FRESH

light, bright decor touches

EVERYTHING IS COMING UP ROSES (AND OTHER FLOWERS)

By Jill Ellis-Worthington

When spring is in the air, our fancies turn to lighter fabrics, brighter colours and floral patterns. It’s time to toss off heaviness of any kind, whether it’s bulky jackets, oversized sweaters, thick leggings or weighty footwear. Bright, light and pretty are buzzwords for spring and summer. Natural fabrics are a natural for hotter months and design ers don’t disappoint. Runways are shimmer ing, shining and glowing with silky chiffons, floaty linens and wispy cottons. So, slip into a frothy frock, slide on a pair of strappy san dals, grab a straw tote. Complement this fab ensemble with glittery jewellery and top it all with a luxurious pashmina – it’s time to kick up your heels and bring on spring.

1 From Italy, this 100 per cent linen ensemble is designed by Me and Gee, a company that specializes in natural fibres. It’s available in sizes XS to XL at Lifestyles Women’s Wear.

2 Available at Hangar9, the Sara Roka floral cotton midi dress has a leather belt. It can be worn fully buttoned or you can show a little leg as the season heats up.

3 Need just your lipstick, phone and a credit card for a beautiful spring day? This Dorothee Schumacher Dègradè Dreams mini straw bag, from Hangar9, is perfect.

4. When there’s still a nip in the spring air, step out in accessories from Boutique Firenze. A beautiful silk chiffon scarf by Massimo Ravinale from Florence, Italy, a chambray linen hat with SPF 50+, made in Canada by Puffin Gear, and embossed leather and deerskin wristlets by Panabo Designs, made in Canada. Add some bling with necklaces by Joanna of London, Ontario. 5 & 6 Available in various silhouettes and colours, Gavazzeni Vitto leather handbags are made in Italy and available at Hangar9.

7 The Aragon top from Montreal designer Melow is one of those great dress it up/dress it down pieces. Made of bamboo rayon and spandex, it’s available at Curiosities Boutique.

8 Available at Hangar9, you’ll reflect the sun’s brightness with this Dean Davidson Sol multi-stacking ring.

9 Brighten up your day with Dorothee Schumacher’s electric Dégradé cardigan at Hangar9.

10 Sustainably constructed from stretch fabric, Frame Le One flare jeans are available at Hangar9.

11 You’ll be noticed in these Dean Davidson Sol statement drop earrings with orange onyx gemstones from Hangar9.

12 Warm up a chilly spring walk in the Kerri Rosenthal chunky knit cotton sweater from Hangar9.

13 Curiosities Boutique gives you casual comfort with the Cokluch Camasia playsuit. It’s made in Montreal and, best of all, has pockets.

14 These comfortable relaxed Malia jean joggers from Yoga Jeans are made to order for weekends, from Curiosities Boutique.

15 Cheer up even the gloomiest day with Me and Gee’s scoopedneck pocket dress, with adjustable roll sleeves, from Lifestyles Women’s Wear.

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BOUTIQUE FIRENZE: 189 Adelaide Street, South Number 3 • 519-649-4122 • www.boutiquefirenze.ca

CURIOSITIES BOUTIQUE: 174 1/2 Wortley Road 519-432-0434 • www.curiositiesgiftshop.com

HANGAR9: 620 Richmond Street 519-672-0073 • www.hangar9.ca

LIFESTYLES WOMEN’S WEAR: 615 Richmond Street 519-663-1143 • www.lifestylesww.ca

We have hundreds of beautiful designs to choose from for engagements, anniversaries, and general expressions of love.

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Time to get back in the habit

One of life’s truisms: the more often we do something, the easier and better it becomes.

That’s what Simon Joynes wants to see happen. The artistic director of Port Stanley Festival Theatre (PSFT) wants audiences to “get back into the habit of going to the theatre.”

After the two year hiatus caused by the pandemic ended and live theatre was on again last summer, PSFT enjoyed some success with its abbreviated 15-week season. Down from 2019’s best season attendance record, the 2022 season saw better-than-expected numbers. Joynes is counting on the theatre faithful to gain con dence from that and start coming out again on a regular basis.

“This is industry wide, and we are hoping people who had subscriptions to various theatres begin to re-engage,” he says.

There’s a lot to engage with this summer at PSFT. One is a Canadian premier of an all-female performance, called The Beaver Club, a road-trip story of four women heading to Newfoundland.

Some more traditional favourites include a Norm Foster play, Wrong For Each Other. The season kicks off with Early Morning Rain, The Legend of Gordon Lightfoot, for music lovers.

Warning: great live theatre can be habit forming.