CULTURE HACKS: SPRING SOCIAL

After the brutality that winter wreaks on our social lives, some of us emerge from hibernation feeling a little…uh…rusty.  Here’s 5 tricks we follow to get us back into tiptop shape. Or at least feeling somewhat human again.

ICE BREAKERS: Hi. I’m _________. A simple “Hello”  (and maybe a relevant follow-up question like “how do you know the bride” or “have you tried Kevin’s BBQ yet?”) is really all it takes.

SIGNATURE DRINK: Do you really need a spring water ice-cube and a sprig of fresh thyme imported from Greece? Ermmm, you’re holding the party up. Keep it simple, stud.

WINGMAN: We get it, you want a little back up. But beware the wingman relationship that holds you back. Sometimes striking out on your own is where the real adventure is.

EATING IN PUBLIC: Nobody cares if you know which fork to use, but if you’re at an event nice enough to wear closed-toe shoes, you may as well use those manners your mama taught you.

DANCE MOVES: Look, you do you. All we’re saying is, if you is a dancer who needs A LOT OF physical space to get down, try not to poke anyone’s eyeballs out.

Now get out into the world and enjoy!

DETAILS DETAILS: COLOUR KICK

So you picked up a poppy pair of kicks? First off, let us salute you for your good taste! Colourful sneakers are a great way to inject a bit of fun into your wardrobe. But now that you’ve got them home, are you wondering how exactly you’re going to incorporate a bright red, orange, turquoise coloured shoe into your look? Here’s a few tips to keep in mind:

WHITE T-SHIRTS ARE YOUR NEW BFF: As if it wasn’t already. The rock-steadiest of friends, a white t-shirt is a neutral that can literally go with anything. None in your immediate vicinity? A grey t-shirt will do the trick too.

KEEP YOUR BOTTOMS LIKE SWITZERLAND – NEUTRAL: As in, if you’ve got pants in bold colours, this is not the time to bust them out. Repeat after us: black, grey, white, navy, khaki, or cream.

PRINTS AND COLOUR? COULD IT BE? Yes! Think dark florals, plaid, gingham, or prints that introduce a minimum of new colours into your look.

WHEN IN DOUBT, REFER TO YOUR COLOR WHEEL: Remember the circle that showed red/green, violet/yellow, and blue/orange as opposites? It’s everything you need to know which colours work together.

KEEP THE ACCESSORIES SIMPLE: A pair of colourful shoes is already a statement, so don’t go overboard with the sunglasses, the headwear, the bags, the bracelet, the watch. One or two other details will suffice to mark your territory as a sartorial stud.

CULTURE HACKS: WEEKEND CHILL

How to squeeze out every last drop of summer!

It’s been hot for like, a minute, and you’ve already done the requisite summer activities: sat on a patio, gone to the beach. Have no fear. We’ve got a handful of DIY weekend projects to get you back in the summer saddle.

Take A Bike Trip

When was the last time you got on your bike and just rode around? Why not pack a bag with the essentials and hit the open road? With minimal planning you can find tons of great campsites, and staring up at a sky full of stars is well worth it.

Build Something

You’ve got hands? Why not use them to do DIY things! From DIY speakers out of paper cups to a wooden bottle opener to a hammock you can laze around in.

Create Your Own Obstacle Course

You could buy the schematics to build your own backyard obstacle course (like a devil ladder and curved wall) or you could just gather up a bunch of materials (like pool noodles, water balloons, old car tires and – why not? -a piñata) and get creative.

Throw A Killer BBQ

Ok, if you start right now, you can host the greatest barbeque of life tomorrow. Clear out some space, grab some dogs and burgers and ribs (tip: soak the ribs in cola for a few hours before cooking) plus a bevy of cold drinks and make a party playlist. Call the crew and get grillin’.

CULTURE HACKS: SUMMER FUN HUN

How to squeeze out every last drop of summer!
Remember plodding through the winter weather, yearning for the days when you could lounge around under the sun in sandaled feet with painted toes? Now the time has come, are you making the most of these warm summer days? Here’s five easy ways to make every weekend a mini vacation.

Build a backyard campsite
What, just because you’re not 12 anymore you’re too old for a slumber party? Poppycock! Rig up a tent with some string, bed sheets and tons of pillows. Then build your own outdoor theater with a white sheet, a projector, and plenty of popcorn.

Sew a Seed
Looking for something a little more contemplative? Try gardening. If you’re a newbie, start with mint – it’s inexpensive and easy. Plus, using the leaves for mojitos later will make you feel like a real pro.

Host a picnic
Host your own elegant alfresco meal! Gather some vintage blankets and pile your china high with cheese and grapes, and cucumber sandwiches. Oh, and definitely make these awesome candle holders for the event.

Get Your Vitamin D
So you’ve done it all? Before you start your next project take a minute to appreciate what you’ve got. Clear your schedule, grab something to read and a tall lemonade, and soak in the rays (with the requisite protection, of course!).

SIDE BY SIDE: FOOLPROOF FLIP-FLOPS

Flip-flops. As a casual footwear statement, they’re as decisive as it gets. When you slip on a pair of thong sandals, it’s a low-stress, low-stakes scenario. That in no way suggests, of course, that you have to completely let yourself go when you hit the beach or the pool. You can totally preserve your fashion cred with this downtime slip-on. Fact is, flip-flops have come a long way from those disposable, old school models you wore as a kid. And by the way, they’re not just for swimming lessons anymore.

Granted, unless your boss’s notion of Casual Friday is insanely chill, you’re probably not wearing flip-flops to the office. But outside the office? Different story. The latest styles of thong sandals match up with a wide range of summer looks. Tapered pants with sleek tees or untucked, short-sleeve button-down shirts complement flip-flops well; just substitute in place of your favorite sneakers or boat shoes. Other than that wedding or fancy cocktail there’s really no wrong play here. On a casual brunch date, at that new neighbourhood coffee shop, on a walk through the park; a sharp, well-made pair of sandals gets the job done. It’s summertime guys. Free up those feet, fashionably, with the right flip-flops.

DETAILS DETAILS: OUTTA SIGHT

015 by ALDO TEAM

Sunglasses are essential. Don’t blow it.

Sunglasses. The ultimate fashion necessity and accessory. A well-chosen pair can elevate your entire look and make a powerful statement. No need to squint, gentlemen. Spruce up your shades game with these four styles and get on with your summer with confidence.

Browline frames cut a bookish and sexy look. A retro style for narrower, more chiseled faces, these sunglasses sport a classic and assertive browline. The funky, animal print color scheme balances it out and sets a playful tone for fun times under the sun.

Trapezoidal frames, a revered and iconic style long-associated with dashing wayfarers, look sharp on almost any face shape. Make no mistake about it: this is a bold, no-nonsense eyewear choice guaranteed to turn heads.

Want to commemorate International Sunglasses Day (it’s a thing, believe it or not) on June 27 with a little youthful exuberance and panache? Throw on this blue tinted number to instantly spice up your casual summer looks.

Classic aviator sunglasses never go out of style. Ever. No matter what your face shape, wardrobe choice, or hair style, these shades have you covered. Versatile? You bet. Dress them up at a business lunch or play it cool on the weekend, no sweat.

DETAILS DETAILS: MADE IN THE SHADE

27, 2015 by ALDO TEAM

Pick up a fresh pair of frames—it’s International Sunglasses Day!

No summertime wardrobe is complete without the perfect pair of shades, so in celebration of International Sunglasses Day, we’re helping you get your frame game on fleek with stylish shapes to suit every face.

SQUARE
The best choice for accentuating those cheekbones is an architectural frame in striking black and white. Another option working seamlessly with summer’s music-fest looks is the ever-cool wayfarer.

ROUND
A slim-framed round lens will also soften your strong, natural lines. You can just as easily create an elongated effect by making like a modern-day Maverick in aviators with a mirrored lens.

HEART-SHAPED
The most playful way to offset your angles while shielding those peepers has to be our heart-shaped specs. To flatter the feminine proportions of your face, look for frames that  that’ll take you from work lunches to weekend picnics, and a winged-tip cat-eyethat’s as classic as it is chic.

OVAL
Lucky you—you can pull off almost any pair, so embrace your inner A-lister in a glam set of oversized shades (Audrey Hepburn would approve!), or explore your funky side with a two-tone style that takes the form of a rounded square.