Summertime in the city

It's summertime and that means one thing to Torontorians: Cottages! The time honoured tradition of escaping from city life to be one with nature and drink yourself stupid on a beach.
When packing for up North the key is to keep it simple and skimpy, but that doesn't mean skimping on style.
The top five must-haves for cottage life are:
5. Jelly Sandals-Although barefoot is appealing occasions do come up where you need footwear. Just this past weekend I was in the country and in a effort to pack light I only bought a pair of simple, white canvas shoes. When I arrived I found out there was a wedding reception I would be attending. The Jelly Sandals made a comeback this year and I wasn't sure what to think of them until I found this clear, chain link pair at Old Navy for five dollars. Simple, elegant and very affordable.

4. Iconic Sunglasses- The larger the better is still my philosophy with sunglasses. Audrey Hepburn's legendary Breakfast at Tiffany's oversized, black sunglasses are perfect anywhere and anytime.

Image: www.oldnavy.com

3. Bright Coloured Shorts - Shorts are big this year, especially with the arrival of more dressy styles. Trouser shorts and satin styles are great for the city, but for the cottage American Apparel's thick knit jersey safari style shorts in gold are bold, hot and very comfortable.

2. Maxi Dress - Flowly, hippie-inspired and you can eat as much as you like without showing it- makes this trend extremely lovable for the summer months. Zara offers a wide variety of maxi dresses from tropical prints to purple plaid.

1. Swimsuit - The swimsuit is the most important cottage life staple. Balance your choice between a flattering cut and cutting edge style. Check out Ed Hardy's Vintage Tattoo Swimwear for the hottest look on the beach http://www.edhardyswimwear.com/
Image: www.americanapparel.net

Ed Hardy Swimwear was recently launched in Canada with a fashion show at Ultra Supper Club's rooftop patio.