There is plenty to be excited about this May — from the year’s most-anticipated red carpet event post-Oscars (we’re talking about The MET gala of course) to the Cannes International Film Festival later in the month — there is no shortage of glitz and glamour to be had. Whether you’re planning upcoming travels or just need some sweet Mother’s Day ideas, there is much to covet this month.

Palace Hotel Tokyo, Japan
Opening its doors May 17, this luxurious hotel is in the heart of Tokyo with a prime position next to the iconic Imperial Palace. In fact, all of the 290 rooms have views of this magnificent site. The hotel also features a basement level retail area, which includes 17 shops, 10 restaurants and bars, a pastry shop and an Evian Spa. The upscale, refined designs of the hotel have been conceived by Terry McGinnity, manager of GA Design International, whose clients have included other premiere hotels like Hotel Bel-Air and the Conrad Hotel in Tokyo. While the rates are steep (starting at $625/night), at the very least consider enjoying a meal at the sushi restaurant Kanesaka or having a legendary martini at the Lounge Bar Privé.

Tory Burch + FEED bag available at Holt Renfrew
Designed exclusively for Holt Renfrew, this limited-edition tote bag was designed by Tory Burch in collaboration with FEED, a non-profit organization started by model and activist Lauren Bush, dedicated to supporting programs and organizations working to fight hunger and eliminate malnutrition around the world. The goal is to raise $100,000 for both the FEED Foundation and the Tory Burch Foundation, and at $50 a pop, we think it’s an easy way to support a good cause. Available in 3 colour combos, you can pre-purchase online now or buy in-stores starting May 10, 2012.

Zoe Karseen Tee at Club Monaco, $98, clubmonaco.ca.
We were thrilled when Club Monaco opened it’s online shopping portal just last month — although it hasn’t stopped us from popping into the store non-stop. We spotted this graphic tee during one of our online browsing sessions and have it on our must list. Considering we’ve read Valley of the Dolls at least a dozen times, it only makes sense to have a tee to support our love of the novel. Plus it’s so vintage cool and easy to pair with jeans, skinnies or even a cute skirt.

Schiaparella and Prada: Impossible Conversations at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
For those of us fashion followers, every year The Met throws an impossibly chic gala with a guest list that makes the Oscars look dull — from A-list stars to fashion moguls and top magazine editors — it’s the ultimate fashion show. The gala happens May 7, and for those who need to see it has it happens, you can watch it live between 6:30-8:30 p.m. for all of the red carpet action. The gala will celebrate the opening of Schiaparella and Prada: Impossible Conversations, which “explores the striking affinities between Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada two Italian designers from different eras.” Plan a summer trip to NYC, as this exhibit runs only from May 10 – August 19, 2012.

Estée Lauder Mad Men Color Collection Limited Editon Creme Rouge, $40, esteelauder.com
We were wondering when a Mad Men beauty collection would hit the shelves and are more than excited to see Estée Lauder taking the reins. Packaged in gorgeous vintage designs inspired from Estée Lauder’s ’60s collection, this limited-edition collection contains a creme rouge and lipstick, both of which are beautiful to tote and apply. Mother’s Day gift perhaps?

H&M skirt, $15, hm.com
Brights and patterns are definitely on our radar right now and this easy-to-wear fun skirt from H&M is the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe and if the weather’s right, there’s no harm in pulling it out of the closet now!

Cannes Film Festival, France, May 16-27, 2012
This marks the 65th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival, an exclusive festival held every year in France showcasing everything from feature films to shorts. This year’s Official Selection includes films from Wes Anderson and David Cronenberg, with actors such as Brad Pitt, Robert Pattinson and Diane Kruger, likely to make red carpet appearances. While this film festival is not as open to patrons, as say TIFF or SXSW, you can buy tickets to the Director’s Fortnight screenings or to the Critic’s Week films if you can manage to locate the ticket tent for free tickets. Your best bet may to be catch a free flick at the Cinema de la Plage on the beach across from the Majestic where “Out of Competition” and “Cannes Classic” films are shown nightly.

We aren’t oblivious to the fact that it’s not just us women who want to look put together travelling, so we thought it was time we dedicated a post to men who are in search of style inspiration. It only made sense for us to turn our attention to one of the best dressed men in Hollywood, Ryan Gosling, who always manages to look effortless whether it’s on the red carpet or walking through the airport. Like Ryan, we’re fans of men who can look good on the go and the reality is it’s not as hard as it looks. We find 9 travel essentials for the stylish guy.

1. Tissot The T-Navigator, $1,225, tissot.ch.
Although many people opt to check time with their phone’s, a watch can be a man’s best accessory. This particular model by Tissot is made of scratch resistant sapphire crystal, has a stainless steel case and is water resistant up to 100 metres. In classic black, it’s a luxurious piece that will last a lifetime.

2. H&M linen jacket, $80, hm.com.
A linen jacket is a must for summer travel or if you’re heading to a hot destination, as it’s easy to pack and will keep you cool. We’re fans of this navy hue that will work well with a pair of khakis.

3. Baxter of California Hydro Salve lip balm, $8, baxterofcalifornia.com.
If you only tote one skin care product make it a lip balm. All natural, no matter what climate you’re heading too, your lips will stay soft and hydrated.

4. Topman Off White Mountains t-shirt, £18, topman.com.
Be sure to pack a handful of graphic tees, which look great under a blazer or on its own with a pair of jeans. Aim for tees with cool designs, album covers or retro-prints.

5. Burberry BE3055 polarized sunglasses, $270, sunglasshut.com.
You can’t go wrong with an aviator shade. We love the subtle incorporation of the Burberry check pattern on the arms and gradient lenses.

6. Moleskine Roller Ball Pen Med 07, $18, chapters.indigo.ca.
Now you can pair your Moleskine notebook with a pen that’s designed to stay attached to your book. Containing a refillable ink, you can also personalize your pen with one of 24 adhesive labels that are also included. A pen will come in handy for filling out immigration documents and jotting down important info on the go.

7. Moleskine Volant Green S Ruled Notebook, $12, chapters.indigo.ca.
For the traveller who likes to take notes on the go (old-school style), we suggest carrying a classic Moleskine. There are just some things that are better written down by hand.

8. Serapian Leather Double Handle Duffel Bag, $1,000, barneys.com.
As Ryan proves walking through the airport, a sturdy leather duffel bag not only carry’s well, but is practical too. This uber-luxe Italian-made bag has a suede interior, piping details and will stand the test of time.

9. Clarks Ashcott grey leather shoe, clarkscanada.com.
This clean, yet rugged grey leather shoe not only looks good, but is comfortable too. Plus it’s easy to slip on and off (think airport security) and are created using premium materials so you won’t have to worry about them falling apart after a few wears.

A view of Porto from a room at The Yeatman Hotel.

We recently had the opportunity to spend a few nights at The Yeatman Hotel in Porto, Portugal and can say it quickly became one of our favourite hotels. Upon arrival we were greeted by a charming bellman who had to escort us through an alternate entrance, since we happened to arrive at the same time as the President of Poland. From this moment it was clear service here was above and beyond. Before checking in I had to use the restroom and when I asked the concierge, instead of just telling me, she escorted me directly to the door. This happened again when one of the two elevators were temporarily out and we wanted to use the stairs — instead of just directing us, we were escorted to our destination.

The layout to The Yeatman is unique in that the floors go down instead of up (reception is on the top floor and rooms are below). Unlike many other hotels proclaiming a view, all of the 82 rooms here boast spectacular views of Porto (as pictured above). We stayed in a Superior Room complete with a large private terrace, a perfect place to sip a glass of port and enjoy the view. We were also pleasantly surprised to see a large carafe of water compliments of the hotel on a side table, which we preferred over the small bottle in the minibar going for 3EUR.

A Superior Room at The Yeatman.

We found the room to be spacious, with plenty of cupboard space to hang our clothes. Plus there was a desk, flat-screen TV and free WiFi. Besides the fantastic view and plush bed, we also were crazy about the bathroom. The floors were heated and there was a huge soaker tub positioned so you could open up louvered shutters to enjoy the view or even watch TV! Not to mention there was a walk-in shower complete with Caudalie toiletries (though no conditioner — only conditioning shampoo).

Another detail we appreciated were the eco-friendly initiatives including lights which turned off automatically (with sensors) and the bathroom garbage can that let you separate plastic, paper and glass from regular garbage.

The Indoor Pool.

Being a wine hotel, The Yeatman really is a destination for wine lovers. Not only will you find the cellars, which boast one of the most comprehensive collections of Portuguese wines, you’ll also discover the Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa where you can find unique treatments inspired by wine including a Merlot Wrap, Crushed Cabernet Scrub and Caudalie Relaxing Massage, which uses grape extract and lemongrass essential oils.

Dining-wise The Yeatman Restaurant is a Michelin-star destination with gorgeous view of the Douro River and Porto. For breakfast you’ll find a large buffet with fresh fruit, pastries and breads, plus a mouthwatering selection of cheese and meats. And if you really want to indulge consider dipping into the caviar and champagne! Eggs are available too, but must be ordered à la carte and are an additional 10EUR.

Although we didn’t get to experience everything the hotel had to offer (no àpres drink at Dick’s Bar or wine tasting), we were thrilled with the excellent service, beyond comfortable room and fantastic amenities. We highly recommend staying here when in Porto!

Where to Find:
The Yeatman Hotel
Rua do Choupelo (Sta. Marinha)
4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia
Porto, Portugal

This spring and summer we’re loving all the brightly hued fashion options that hit the runways. We also saw neon shades beauty-wise, but we’re opting out of the high-voltage lids and lips in favour of a slick of neon on our nails. It’s the best way to add a pop of colour to any wardrobe — especially with our regular travel neutrals. Here are our top picks for neon nails this season.

1. O.P.I That’s Hot! Pink nail polish, $9.99, opi.com.
The perfect shade of hot pink that will look great on toes or fingers.

2. Deborah Lippmann Yellow Brick Road, $16, lippmanncollection.com.
Don’t think you can sport cheery yellow? Think again with this sheer summery shade. Hint: add a few coats to get a deeper colour.

3. Chanel Le Vernis Rose Exubérant, $26, chanel.com.
Just like any Chanel product, this lacquer is worth every penny, and the hot shade of rose can go from a afternoon tea party to a night on the town.

4. Orly Green Apple, $6, orlydiva.com.
If you’re feeling extra bold, opt for the brightest of all neons — green — for a flirty and fun take on the trend.

5. CND colour in Bicycle Yellow, $9, cnd.com.
Another great yellow shade, this sunny yellow is creamy and goes on thick.

6. Thakoon for NARS Nail Collection, $21, narsscosmetics.com.
We’ve recently become huge fans of orange, and the pairing of Thakoon and Nars makes this dreamy orange even brighter.

7. Topshop Marine Scene, $8, topshop.com.
Our favourite blue hue comes in this pretty and girly polish.

8. M.A.C Kid Orange, $16, maccosmetics.com.
The best mix of a red and orange … if you’re not sure about testing out a bright polish, but love a good red, this is a great shade to start with.

9. ALDO Mini Bikini, $5, aldoshoes.com.
You can’t go wrong with this sheer hit of bold pink that can go from light and feminine to notice-me bold with a few extra layers.

10. Essie Bazooka, $8, essie.com.
With a name like Bazooka and from a “Paparazzi” collection, this vibrant orange will get your fingers or toes notice for sure. Best to have applied in a salon to ensure a perfect mani or pedi to pull off this shade.

A macchiato and croissant at Manic Coffee. Photography by Kyle Edward Wilson.

While we love our Starbucks, we also love finding independent cafés where we can sip on everything from organic brews to espresso from fair-trade beans. The great thing about Toronto is that no matter what neighbourhood you happen to be in, you’ll be able to find a great coffee shop. Plus many of these cafés come with free WiFi, ample seating and yummy treats. Read on to find out 5 of our favourite.

1. Dark Horse Espresso Bar
A well-known espresso bar amongst coffee lovers in the city, Dark Horse currently has four locations across the city, including a spacious café in Chinatown. This particular location has a rustic atmosphere, with large wood communal tables and a second-level with plenty of seating. Our Americano was smooth and went down quite easily. Like most cafés with free WiFi, it’s a great place to get some work done on your laptop, so don’t be surprised if you see everyone from students to writers sipping and typing away (although WiFi is only free for an hour). If you’re in the mood for a treat you’ll find everything from muffins to parfaits.

Where to Find:
Queen West: 684 Queen St. West, Toronto, 647-352-3512
Riverside: 682 Queen St. East, Toronto, 647-436-3460
Chinatown: 215 Spadina Ave. Suite 102, Toronto, 416-979-1200
Entertainment District: 125 John St., Toronto, 647-748-7700

Coffee beans for sale at Merchants of Green Coffee. Photography by Kyle Edward Wilson.

2. Merchants of Green Coffee
You have to go slightly off the beaten path to find Merchants, but it’s worth it. Located in Leslieville, just over the Don Valley Parkway, this company is all about sourcing the best certified green arabica coffee beans and trust us, you can taste the difference. The café is large and open with a mixed bag of cozy furniture. The service isn’t exactly fast, so plan to come in when you can have a seat and relax while you enjoy your brew. There’s also free WiFi and a small selection of treats.

Where to Find:
2 Matilda St. Toronto, 416-778-6600

Manic Coffee. Photography by Kyle Edward Wilson.

3. Manic Coffee
Founder Matthew Lee didn’t set out to open any old coffee shop, in fact he studied the art and science of coffee to learn how to make the perfect brew and we have to say we enjoyed what we found. Not into espresso? Their regular coffee is brewed with the Clover Brewing Machine (you can find it at select Starbucks) and having tasted it, can say it does make a difference. But for those craving an espresso-based drink, you’ll find your standard barista beverages from cappucino’s to Americano’s. Another bonus, not only will you find in-house baked treats like croissants and scones, but they also happen to serve gelato. If you pop by on a weekend, don’t be surprised if you see the tables mostly occupied by students on laptops, as this is a popular destination for nearby U of T students.

Where to Find:
426 College St., Toronto, 416-966-3888

White Squirrel Coffee. Photography by Kyle Edward Wilson.

4. White Squirrel Coffee
Located across from Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto’s Queen West neighbourhood, White Squirrel is just the place to get a caffeine buzz to start your day or perhaps late in the day when you’ve shopped all the best boutiques in the area. Our favourite feature about this shop is the ordering window that allows you to stay with your pup while you make your coffee purchase, but you can also opt to take a seat at the communal table located upstairs. In addition to the delicious espresso, you can also order cookies, muffins, sandwiches and Greg’s Ice Cream (P.S. the roasted marshmallow flavour is amazing!!).  

Where to Find:
907 Queen St. West, Toronto, 647-428-4478

The Good Neighbour. Photography by Justin Harrington.

5. The Good Neighbour
Just outside the bustle of the Junction in the west end, you’ll find a quirky spot to stop and sip a cup of organic coffee or a cozy up with a foamy latte. The Good Neighbour’s artsy, hip vibe with miss-matched tables, metal chairs, funky light fixtures and a nook with deep leather chairs is inviting enough to come in whether you’re a coffee aficianado or not. But once you’re in, you’ll want to order a large chai latte, or espresso and nibble on the addictive almond croissants (just order two — trust us, they’re that good!) and people watch from the communal table. Don’t forget your laptop or eReader … you’ll find customers here soaking up the caffeine and good reads for hours. We can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon.

Where to Find:
238 Annette St., Toronto, hello@thegoodneighbour.ca

Every year Pantone comes out with its Colour of the Year and for 2012 it’s a vibrant shade of orange they’ve dubbed “Tangerine Tango.” This energetic hue has been spotted everywhere from the Spring/Summer 2012 runways, including Nanette Lepore and Eli Tahari, to home accessories and appliances, as well as cosmetics — like the limited-edition collection of products developed by Sephora and Pantone. We think it’s the perfect colour to add to your travel wardrobe, whether you’re en route to the beaches of Turks and Caicos, or the city streets of Manhattan.

1. Rag & Bone Racine Pant, $395, rag-bone.com.
Wide-leg pants made their way back into the spotlight last spring and are staying strong into spring 2012. While we aren’t ditching our skinny’s anytime soon, wide-leg pants are a great alternative. Best paired with heels and a more fitted top, not only will these trousers pack well, but will add a burst of energy to your travel look.

2. Nine West Actout Sandal, $130, ninewest.ca.
If you like the idea of incorporating some tangerine into your life, but would rather do it subtly, consider doing it with accessories, like with these wedges. A great pop of colour to any neutral outfit, the cork is also very on trend (and comfortable) too!

3. Rebecca Taylor All Tied Up Dress, $425, dealuxe.ca.
Perfect to wear to a summer wedding or even as a date dress, you won’t need to do much other than accessorize with some neutral shoes and handful of jewellery. Bonus: this dress has pockets!

4. Topshop Lips in Infrared, £8.00, topshop.com.
Lips sure didn’t take a backseat on the runways this spring, in fact statement lips in shades from purple to deep red and of course, orange were fair game. Feel like a change from your everyday shade? We suggest trying an orange-red, like this one from Topshop, which won’t break the bank either.

5. Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year Enamel Set, $24, sephora.com.
The easiest (and lowest commitment) way to try this vibrant shade is by trying it on your nails. This is Sephora’s first collaboration with Pantone, and hopefully not their last. This set comes with four shades. We love the idea of using one of the solids as a base for a moon manicure, or laying with one of the glitters.

6. Vince knitted cotton sweatshirt, $145, net-a-porter.com.
Add some colour to your sweater wardrobe, with an energizing knit like this from Vince. Not only will this light-weight top be a great layering piece in the spring, but will easily make the transition into your fall wardrobe.

7. Tory Burch Robinson Chain Mini Bag, $365, toryburch.com.
While it may be the colour of the year, we suspect you’ll get much more than a year of love out of this gorgeous mini bag from Tory Burch. Perfect for a night on the town, if you’re just carrying your essentials (ie. phone, money and lip gloss), it’s perfect for shopping in the day or even museum hopping, when  you want to be hands-free.

As the Strategic Manager of Finance and Operations for Trufflepig Travel, Diane Ring gets to dabble in a little bit of everything — from marketing to balancing the books — not to mention jetting to and from Paris on a regular basis (they have an office there). For those of you who aren’t familiar, Trufflepig Travel is a luxury trip planning company who specializes in designing custom trips for clients around the globe. Unlike other trip planning services, Trufflepig only services a select number of countries (currently it’s 31) of places they know — and know well. Plus they also rely on experts on the ground in various locations to keep them up-to-snuff on what’s new in that destination.

Diane (who’s also recently engaged to a pilot, none-the-less), may be saying “I do” close to home, but is currently planning two honeymoons. One right after the wedding and a second later in the year, either in South Africa or Brazil. We would too especially having the best information right at her fingertips! We recently chatted to Diane about her travel must-haves and latest adventures (she just hit the slopes in Whistler), so read on to get the scoop!

Pretty Chic Travel: What city do you find yourself landing in the most often?
Diane Ring: It’s a toss up between Paris (we have a small office located there) and New York. But isn’t that how it should be?

PCT: What’s your carry-on bag?
DR: I have an amazing satchel bag Marc by Marc Jacobs that I carry with me everywhere.  It’s a tan leather colour so it works across all seasons and goes with everything.  And it’s the perfect size of purse for carry on. I feel like Mary Poppins with everything I can fit in there.

PCT: What are your top 3 essential pieces you put in your carry-on?
DR: Kiehl’s lip balm # 1. My passport. Extra socks  — I always find flights to be cold!

PCT: Travel accessory you can’t leave home without?
DR: Multiple iPhone chargers.  I’m completely addicted to my iPhone and have it on me at all times.

PCT: How do you kill time waiting for your flight?
DR: If I’m with a friend I’m always keen for an airport beer (preferably something simple & classic like a Keiths). When travelling alone I hit up the magazine racks; British Elle Décor is a fan favourite.

PCT: Favourite hotel?
DR: Last time I was in Paris I stopped by Pavillon de la Reine – it’s absolutely gorgeous! And when in NYC I love the Crosby Street Hotel.

PCT: Best meal on your last trip.
DR: Hmmm, it would have to be the water lily greens at a Chinese dive restaurant in the Marais, Paris.  Completely random meal choice for a visit to Paris, but they were delicious! And exactly what I needed after gorging on cheese for a week.

PCT: Current travel reading material?
DR: The Sounder, of course.  But otherwise AFAR magazine & Departures.

PCT: Travel music playlist?
DR: I’ve been awful about discovering music lately. But I’m a big fan of anything Motown or funk related. I’ve been spying on my wedding DJ lately to make sure he stay’s up to snuff!

PCT: Favourite travel-friendly beauty product? 
DR: I’m a pretty low maintenance gal, but with all the dehydrating effects of plane travel a good moisturizer can solve your problems.

PCT: Window or aisle?
DR: Window for sure.

PCT: Tell us what your airplane style is.
DR: I’m classic and dark, generally. I’m most likely wearing my black jeans, with a boat neck blue & white striped ¾ length sleeved top, a loose grey drapey sweater, black blazer (as I said, flights are cold!), and then ballet flats and a colourful silk scarf.

PCT: Where was your last vacation and who did you travel with?
DR: I was just in Whistler visiting friends and family. Travelling with my fiancé. We stay with family when there, but if I wasn’t I’d definitely be crashing at The Four Seasons Whistler.

PCT: What was the best thing you did on your last vacation?
DR: It’s a toss up between private ski lesson or celebrating my 30^th birthday at various après spots: Dusty’s was definitely the favourite this visit.

PCT: Dream destination?
DR: It’s so tough! My work is constantly coming up with dream trips all over the world. Even though Rudston came back raving about the Splendido in Portofino, I’d rather tag along Anton’s Brazil research trip next week. He’s checking out some amazing spots & hotels (check out The Sounder for a recap!)

The beach at The Crane in Barbados. Photography courtesy The Crane.

The Caribbean’s oldest luxury hotel, The Crane Residential Resort is celebrating a major milestone this year — 125 years! To mark this, as well as their multi-million dollar restoration, the resort is offering 365 of events, festivals and specials starting now until April 2013.

Located in beautiful Barbados, this beachside retreat has been a popular hideaway for generations of guests looking to enjoy low-key elegance steps away from the pink powdery sand of Crane Beach. The restoration of the resort include the 55,000 square-foot Crane Village, a guest pavilion which includes a dining, shopping, entertainment, and health and wellness centre. Here you’ll find restaurants including the casual Italian eatery D’Onfonio’s, Japanese and Thai restaurant Zen, as well as the island’s fine dining gem, L’Azure, which underwent an extensive enrichment.

While were are told there are going to be plenty of specials throughout the next 365 days, to kick-off this celebration, The Crane is offering a “Crane 125 Package” (based on a five-night stay) valid from May 1 – December 22, 2012 and includes:

• Accommodation in a two or three bedroom suite in the resort’s Residences by the Sea, Residences in the Park or Historical residences
• US$125 spa credit per room
• US$125 dining credit per room to be used at any of the resort’s restaurants or eateries

Sounds pretty good to us. We can’t wait to see what else The Crane has in store.

While neither of us can claim to be true sailors (our not so successful sail in Antigua is definite proof), however we love getting out on the water — be it on a catamaran or a yacht — just don’t ask us to any tacking. Inspired by the latest anchor motifs appearing on everything from swimsuits to sandals, we think it’s a great pattern to sport next time you’re ocean-bound — or even lake-bound for that matter. And whether you like to feel the ocean wind on a boat or prefer to get that feeling with your feet firmly planted on the ground, we suggest letting this nautical pattern inspire your travel look.

1. H&M tank, $15, hm.com.
Stripes and an anchor print. It doesn’t get more nautical than this. A great basic to pair we imagine pairing with white denim or a pleated skirt, besides being cute it won’t break your summer wardrobe budget either.

2. A.P.C. Printed cotton-canvas tote, $150, net-a-porter.com.
Don’t be silly. Tote your beach to boat essentials in a cotton-canvas bag without worrying about a little sand or salt doing your bag damage. Plus this tote has tons of room to pack everything from snacks to your reading material.

3. Minor Obsessions Gold Anchor Pendant Necklace, $315, barneys.com.
Simple, yet stylish, we love a pendant necklace. Consider laying it with an assortment of gold strands or even alone for a low maintenance look. Keep your look breezy by opting for a white top.

4. J.Crew Anchors aweigh underwire top, $72 and belted hipster, $68, jcrew.com.
We’re fans of J. Crew swimwear to begin with, so when we spotted this adorable print, it was instantly on our must-have list. Navy is a great alternative to black and this pattern won’t wear out after one season either.

5. ASOS Bandeau Summer Dress in anchor print, $46, asos.com.
Doesn’t this dress just shout summer? Worn alone or on top of a swimsuit, this is the perfect sailing outfit. All you need is a cute floppy hat, some shades and a cocktail.

6. Topshop wood anchor boat earrings, £7, topshop.com.
Despite being wood, these anchor earrings won’t weigh your lobes down. We suggest keeping your overall look more on a boho-chic side — think maxi dress, earth tone shades and undone hair.

7. Yves Saint Laurent Riviera embroidered suede wedge sandals, $795, net-a-porter.com.
We were a little smitten with these wedge sandals when we spotted the anchor embroidery and wave-shaped sole (the detail!). It’s the ultimate nautical accessory, however we’d reserve these for yachting only.

We love spring … the freshness, the the warmer temps and, yes, even April showers. Those rainy days mean it’s the perfect excuse to wear a trench, our go-to wellies (they served us well this slushy winter) and tote a cute umbrella. And when you’re travelling, you need to be ready for any kind of weather. If you’re looking for some rainy day stylish inspiration, look no further than London, where the locals know a thing or two about looking fab in dreary weather. They make it clear — there’s no reason to look shabby in the rain. And since this weekend is supposed to bring true spring showers, we decided to pick a few of our rainy-day musts that you can splurge or save on, and still look chic, no matter what city you’re in.

SPLURGE
1. Hudson’s Bay Company Collection golf umbrella, $45, thebay.com.
In the Bay’s signature colours, this sturdy umbrella is not only functional, but the added splash of hues brightens up a rainy day. It’s on our splurge side, but we think the $45 is definitely not too much to spend on a never-fail umbrella.

2. Burberry Prorsum leather-trimmed cotton-gabardine trench coat, $3,195, net-a-porter.com.
When we think trench coat, we think of this British classic by Burberry (we love the modern update with leather trim). You’ll be spending on quality here (we know the over three grand price tag is huge), but remember, this investment piece will last you a lifetime.

3. Hunter CeCe wellies in black and milk chocolate, $195, hunter-boot.com.
Wellies have become so popular in the past couple of years, but the Brits have always known how comfortable, practical and stylish they can be. Where better to get the ultimate welly than from British brand Hunter (because let’s face it — people in Britain definitely know about how to look stylish in the rain).

4. Michael Kors Gia large slouchy tote, $795, michaelkors.com.
Our bag of choice when it’s raining? A tote that’s easy to hold when your hands are full (umbrellas and other bags), and keeping it tucked under your shoulder will ensure contents inside won’t get wet.  We love the slick look of this leather tote, but make sure to use leather protection before stepping out in the rain.

SAVE
5. Banana Republic classic trench, $198, bananarepublic.ca.
Our go-to place for a well-fitting, great quality trench has to be Banana Republic. This one could easily pass for a higher end name, but without the hefty price tag.

6. Old Navy color-blocked faux-leather tote, $30, oldnavy.gapcanada.ca.
This faux-leather tote comes in a great pop of colour, and at the price, if it does get a little water damaged, it’s not the end of the world.

7. Forever 21 Clear Skies umbrella, $12, forever21.com.
Rainy days begone, it looks like blue skies ahead. A black umbrella is a staple, but we love the added touch of a blue sky as the underside. And at this price it’s easy to see why we love this store for cheap, fun accessories.

8. Tretorn Skerry rubber rain boots, $65, zappos.com.
These less expensive wellies offer a more casual look and come in a slew of great shades. We love the cropped height so your legs don’t get too warm as the temps rise during spring and summer.