Under $100: Best buys for April

Utilitarian meets fashion

Khaki and military-inspired fashion was big on the runways this year (we even included the trend in our Mother’s Day fashion story), but instead of reaching for my trusty army jacket, I plan on adding this cargo skirt to my wardrobe. It’s just polished enough to pair with summer blouses for work—but you know I’ll be rocking this piece with my lived-in t-shirts and slide sandals on weekends.

Cargo skirt, $40, hm.com.

 

Matte Lip Balm

I’m always on the quest for finding a bright matte lip colour that doesn’t dry out my lips and this one from Revlon delivers. It’s infused with it’s patented triple butter complex, which gives your lips a burst of colour and a balm-like finish and feel. 

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Lip Balm, $8.50, walmart.ca.

Spell it out

Who didn’t want Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic gold name necklace when Sex and the City first came out? The choker trend doesn’t seem to being going away and this customizable update allows you to fulfill your early 2000's aspirations by adding your name, last name or nickname to a gold, baby chain.

Custom Letter Choker, $20, the1074.com.

Smart spending

The classic chino–revisited. Easy, loose pants are the epitome of spring and can be dressed up with heeled sandals or paired down with Converse. Everlane provides a level of transparency with their production that every brand should be following. In each product description, you’re able to see the factory where the garment was made, a biography of the owner of the factory, how many workers they employ, and why Everlane chose to work with them. 

The Slouchy Chino Pant in Off-White, $58, everlane.com.

Neckerchief

This modified version of a classic bandana can be worn a number of different ways around your neck and looks effortlessly chic with a white button down or a striped tee. 

Puzzello, $18, aldoshoes.com.

Look fit, feel fit

Since I’ve re-committed myself to my workout routine (ditching my baggy winter sweaters and thinking about off-the-shoulder tops will do that), I’ve been on the hunt for stylish and effective workout gear. Enter Canadian brand Hyba. The moisture-wicking leggings and high-impact sportsbras are great, but I’ll be picking up this unique top with a built-in bra—that is shown off with figure-flattering draping from behind.

Hyba printed bra tank, $40, reitmans.com.

Modern minimalism

Patio season calls for taking advantage of the short summer months Canada has—and you’ll need a stylish heel that will carry you from sunrise to sunset. The unexpected material and shape of this heel will garner so many compliments, and (bonus!) matches every outfit. Wander the streets pain- and hobble-free—the low heel is comfortable enough to wear for hours and the backless sandal ensures no blisters.

Wooden leather sandals, $80, mango.com.

The perfect topper

Warmer weather and springtime feelings just beg for a denim jacket. This season, I’m hoping to switch out my faded, distressed denim jacket for something a little sharper. The deep blue hue and details on this Joe Fresh pick are perfect for wearing my denim jacket to everything from office meetings to brunch.

Denim jacket, $49, joefresh.com.
 

No bad hairdays

I'm always on the hunt for ways to nourish and calm my hair—especially when humidity kicks in. The new Aura Botanica line from Kerastase is 98% natural, and I’m very impressed by the Essence D’Eclat, a super lightweight mist. It’s made up of oils (jojoba, avocado, coconut and argan), orange essential oil and Damask Rose water for added hydration.

Kerastase Aura Botanica Essence d’Eclat, $57, kerastase.ca.

Denim Culottes

Jeans are the probably one of the toughest garments to buy, so most of us tend to stick to what we know. That being said, it’s important to experiment every now and then, and this season the denim culotte is worth trying on. With it’s excess material it may look daunting but it can actually be super flattering. The key is finding balance; pairing the wide-legged bottoms with shrunken tops and grounding the look with leg-lengthening shoes.

Denim, $50, reitmans.com.

A little bit of France

The #1 selling body wash brand in France has finally made its way to Canada. Le Petit Marseillais range of body washes is inspired by the ingredients of Provence. Which means you can find great-smelling touches in every bottle. Try the super popular Orange Blossom or go for something slightly richer with the Vanilla Milk Shower Crème.

Le Petit Marseillais Vanilla Milk Shower Crème, $8, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
 

Au natural

When it comes to picking up a bag this spring, ditch anything overly formal or fussy for an inexpensive tote with a bit of interesting detail. My pick? This natural-fibre bag made appropriate for venues other than the beach with the addition of a sporty stripe down the center.

Natural fibre handbag, $50, zara.com.
 

Wash and go

Starting my mornings with hot yoga has done wonders for my mood—but leaving the studio drenched in sweat necessitates a shower. The daily hair washing has wrecked havoc on my dry mane and my gym bag is cluttered with products. New Wash claims to be the only hair product you’ll need in your arsenal; it cleanses hair with aloe and essential oils, instead of detergent like other shampoos. Meaning your hair will thank you. Make sure to give it a thorough scrub and use more than you think you need; it won’t suds up, but this will allow your hair to return to it’s naturally hydrated state.

Hairstory New wash, $40, shophairstory.com.

Chic Mules

We all have those shoes in our wardrobe that we go back to again and again. Why? Usually because they’re chic and the comfort level is through the roof. These satin slides from H&M have the potential for being one of those go-to shoes. 

Mules, $30, hm.com.