August;

The hottest time of the year where cottages are in peak business, beers are the coldest and your favourite bikini is part of your staple wardrobe. It's been a minute since I've posted a Style Story, but I'm back in action with a quick post to inspire you to add a little artwork in your life before the summer is over!

Here in Canada, there is about 3 months of the year where you can actually enjoy the sun, and many of us intend to take full advantage of every weekend possible. My escape is to the cottage, about 3 hours north of the city. I'm not going to lie, the majority of time spent at the cottage is dedicated to spreading out my oversized Alewife Beach Towel on the dock to work on my nap (I mean tan) and my new found love for crosswords. I'm realizing now that I'm reading this outloud, these are signs of getting older...

Alewife towel and the classic Canadian Muskoka chair

When I'm not at the cottage, the beach is the next go-to place. Here in Toronto, despite being known for the concrete jungle, just south of the renowned CN Tower are the Toronto Islands. Equipped with cute cafes, a petting zoo, beer stands and even a nude beach, the Islands are the place to be. I will typically pack my Totes Ma Goats Tote and head to Ward's Island Beach is my favourite spot where 20-somethings gather to have a drink, throw around a football and enjoy the sun.

For many of us, August not only marks the best part of the summer with outdoor concerts and festivals, but it is also the end of a holiday. Shopping for the new school year was always my favourite time in the summer. I felt like it gave me an opportunity to 'refresh' myself and showcase the "new me" through fashion and school supplies. Buying new binders were like blank slates to express myself, especially with stickers. Though I personally am past the age of decorating binders, I have been sticking my Shark stickers on my water bottles and planners.

Great White Sticker exclusively through direct message only

I have even been making these stickers into magnets for my fellow marine nerds that are perfect for a dorm fridge or locker. Disclaimer: these are made personally by me and will need to be requested for them. These are the stickers/magnets currently available:

Whether you're heading back to start a new school year, or continuing the regular full time job, I hope you have made the best of your summer so far. Enjoy the moments you can to recharge to take on the rest of the year! What are your favourite things to do during the summer?

Carm

Visual Artist and Photographer

Style Story: Summer Transition to Back to School