Versatility is one of my top design considerations. When I am creating pieces, I want you to be able to wear them anywhere and in all seasons. Amaranth Designs clothing can be dressed up or down, which means your comfortable vacation clothes also look fantastic at the office—which makes it a little easier to pretend you’re on a sunny beach instead of at a desk next to the window, right?
One easy way to switch up a look is layering, and tanks are a perfect way to do that. Though tanks are a great choice throughout the year, they’re an important part of my latest collection for spring and summer, Breezy. With this yellow tank, you get a gorgeous pop of colour that will dress up or down under blazers and jean jackets, but the button detailing down the back also makes it a beautiful top all on its own—ideal for the days the office temperature can’t make up its mind or when you need to head from a nice restaurant to the soccer field. This midi top brings vacation vibes everywhere it goes with a tropical print and easy-care fabric, with a length just right for layering over shorts, capris, or leggings, but it also works as a minidress!
Speaking of dresses, they are a great way to make getting dressed the easiest part of your day—after all, you’re grabbing one piece instead of two! The Breezy collection has two tank dresses that work for day or night, at the office or on the weekend. The royal blue eyelet dress adds some pizazz to neutrals, and still combines well with other colours and prints. If you prefer neutral colours for a dress, I hope you’re ready to take versatile to a whole new level, because this dress is reversible. Seriously. One side is a subtle black and white polka dot, and the other is solid black. You can change your look without even changing your clothes!
For those who like a bigger, bolder pattern on a dress, I’ve got another two options. This shift dress is designed to flatter all shapes and sizes, and the non-wrinkling fabric makes it perfect for wearing and packing. If you’re looking for something a little longer, this high-low dress is an excellent choice. The lightweight floral fabric is great for summer days, with a colour palette that will work right through the fall, too.
Maybe you’re not one for skirts and dresses; that doesn’t mean you have to deal with hard pants if you want a versatile option. I have a wide leg crop pant that is comfortable, stylish, and works with nearly everything in your closet. You can keep it casual with flip flops and a t-shirt or add heels and a blouse, but you’ll always feel like you’re wearing your most comfortable sweats (thank you, elastic waistband and stretchy fabric!).
Though the weather is warming up, don’t dismiss a cardigan for your layering options. These two choices hit the sweet spot between the formality of a blazer and the casual vibe of a jean jacket. This coral cardigan has ¾ sleeves, a light knit fabric, and just enough structure to make it work in a conference room or on the bleachers. This white bell-sleeve cardigan can add a summer vibe to your work wardrobe, or dress up a band tee and jeans.
Another one of my summer favourites is outdoor markets! I’ll be at Bazaart when it returns to Regina on June 18, so please swing by to check out Saskatchewan’s largest outdoor art and craft show and sale. You can also shop directly from my website, visit Brick + Mortar in Regina, or even book a boutique shopping experience in my studio. May your summer wardrobe be comfortable, gorgeous, and versatile!
That consistency in sizing is even more important in the age of online shopping. There’s nothing quite as frustrating as spending all that time browsing and then waiting for a piece to arrive, only for it to completely disappoint when you put it on.
It’s once again Mental Health Week here in Canada (May 2-8), and I am doing my part to spread the message and support some of the folks doing the work right here at home.
This is the third year for the Amaranth Designs Annual Heart Sweater Charity Campaign, and we are once again supporting the work of Family Service Regina.