Workin' It This Summer

It is hot out!
Kim covered what to do for date nights but what about work days. I work in an office during the day and it is tough coming up with summer appropriate attire. I feel like I am going through early menopause with the air conditioning in our old building! I am hot then cold, hot then cold.

I know a lot of my friends also work in offices or just plane indoors. So if you are like us here are some tips to staying comfortable in these hot months.

1. Short sleeves are amazing but sleeveless is better! We can't wear tops showing off our bra straps... because dress codes were apparently made by Amish men so I went out and bought:

A. New bras! Check out this one from Victoria Secret, it is great for those racer back tanks.

and

B. Wider strapped tank tops like this one from Top Shop.

Wear it with a camisole underneath and you are ready to go.

2. Skirts are amazing. Not only are they easy to wear they are breezy and feminine.

I like long skirts that are a bit more appropriate, especially if you have to bend over lots or walk around all day like I do, check out this beautifully printed skirt from Anthropologie.

3. And if Skirts aren't your thing then try out a pair of cropped pants, and if you feel like joining the trends get a colour instead of plain old black. This pair from Banana Republic is only cropped at the ankle but it cools you down and switches things up a bit. 

4. Don't forget your Cardigan! When that air conditioning is on, it gets cold. J Crew has quite the selection as does Banana Republic. I cannot tell you how many times keeping a cozy sweater, like this one, at work has saved me... I suppose taking a 15 minute break outside in the sun would help too.

5. And finally, for number 5, a comfortable, classy pair of sandals.

I love this pair of Fluevog Sandals and he is a Canadian designer so even better!...I actually might have to go buy these today after work. hahaha


I hope these tips help you out, or at least tempt you to go spruce up your summer wardrobe...right in time for FALL.


-Alex

Date Night in a Summer City

Along with this beautiful weather and sunny disposition of everyone living in it comes the desire to be outside, going on adventures and having fun, preferably with a special someone. Vancouver has a lot going on in the summertime, from Bard on the Beach to Movie's in the Park, there are a ton of things to do making it a great place to go on a date. As much as I love food, and this city has every type of cuisine out there, if I'm looking to go on a date I much prefer one that is an event filled outing versus a simple meal at a restaurant. So what are Fair JAKE's favourite dates in Vancouver? Here's our top 5.

1. Horseraces. Its got it all; sunshine, adrenaline, gambling and fancy hats. Its a great outing that will have you feeling posh for the day. You can even take in a little gambling at the casino, a lovely meal at one of their six dining options or have a beverage or two in the stands. Relatively close to town, a great day excursion and something you don't do everyday - Hastings Racecourse makes our list.

2. A seawall bike ride to the Pitch&Putt in Stanley Park. Load a picnic into your basket and pedal off around downtown making your way to pitch and putt to show who you're with how little patience you really have...just me? Its actually a ton of fun wether you are a golf fan or not. Open from 12-7:30 from June to September there is ample time to work on that swing. And how romantic and lovely is a bike ride, especially at sunset upon the return? Can't miss on this one!

3. If you're planning a full day outing, one of my favourites has to be a Vancouver Canadians game. Squeeze it in between a picnic and bottle of wine in Queen Elizabeth Park and walking down Commercial drive in search of a patio after and you've got a great day. You can eat in the shade and then head to Nat Bailey stadium to bask in the sun, drink beer and maybe watch some baseball. A little wander afterwards heeds so many options for dinner that you really can't go wrong.

4. Sit on the beach. Thats it. Maybe bring some food (I prefer sushi takeout). And a bottle of wine (in innocent looking cups of course). Lay out a blanket and just relax. Watch the sunset. Maybe take in a band playing at the Kitsilano Showboat, or a Movie in the Park, or fireworks at the Celebration of Light. For a week night where you just want to relax in good company, for me this one takes the cake.

5. Comedy night. I know its not outside, but laughing my head off for a couple hours after work, especially when its with someone who has the same sense of humour as me, gets me every time. There's quite a few places to take in a variety of comedy shows. Last week we went to ProAm night at the Comedy Mix and had a great time. You can also check out Vancouver TheatreSports League on Granville Island or even Yuk Yuks.

These may not all be time-frame appropriate for a week night outing, but break 'em up, switch 'em around and you will definitely be able to find a good time. Its nice to be doing something a little different from the norm, and summertime in Vancouver has all those events lined up for you, so take advantage and go have some fun! You can sit inside a restaurant during the rainy season.