Clothes Inspired by Travel

It may not be safe to travel just yet, but Paris-based luxury clothing and accessories label Kilometre is offering another way to see the world. The brand uses vintage shirts as a blank canvas for intricate geography-in- spired embroidery – maps, coordin- ates, sketches – to create one-of-a-kind pieces that aim to transport wearers to places like Madrid, Ojai and Tokyo. Each product even comes with a “passport” so the wearer can learn more about the destination. (From $116, kilometre.paris)

Highly Anticipated R&B

If Canadian R&B artist Emanuel isn’t already a fixture in your regular rotation, may we politely suggest that you rectify that? His debut single, “Need You,” quickly racked up over 1.5 million streams and was lauded by Idris Elba. The singer-songwriter left us wanting much more after dropping his first EP, the rich and intimate Alt Therapy Session 1: Disillusion, early this summer. Luckily, we won’t have to wait long: A second EP and a full-length album are set to drop later this year.

First-Of-Its-Kind Skincare

Phase Skin is the first hormone-based product line to be developed in Canada; its formulations align with the skin’s needs based on one’s menstrual cycle and include options for those who are perimenopausal or menopausal. Switch between the fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formulas – in products from PMS-spot treatment to exfoliators that will take you to peak natural glow – for a routine that purports to adapt to your biochemistry. ($82, myphaseskin.com)

Stand-Out Sneakers

Owning another pair of sneakers is never a bad idea, especially when they’re from Korean footwear label AGE – a.k.a. Across to Genuine Era. The brand, which recently launched in North America, is known for its unique sculpted soles and durable carbon-coated canvas, both of which add a contemporary twist to classic styles. Its latest collaboration is with Los Angeles-based Band of Outsiders and features pops of coral, yellow and blue for a shoe that truly stands out. ($165, age-official.ca)

Chic Dinnerware

Leave the mismatched dinnerware behind in favour of Fable’s collection of minimal, ethically made ceramic plates and bowls and stainless-steel cutlery. The pieces, which are designed in Vancouver and crafted by artisans in Portugal, combine sustainable practices – excess clay, broken plates and water from production are recycled and reused – with a hand-glazed finish. Simple yet elegant, the pieces are perfect for special occasions, midnight snacks and everything in between. (From $46, fable home.co)

Feel-Good Home Pieces

Vanessa Béland and her husband, Félix, are a perfect match – in more ways than one. Béland studied decor and loves focusing her energy on curating her home aesthetic; her husband is a graphic designer. Together, the Montreal-based couple started lifestyle brand Fleur Maison with a simple goal: to add a little colour and joy to life. Get your dose of adorable whimsy from their selection of stationery, prints and more. (From $5, fleurmaisonco.com)

An Entertaining Read

For her debut novel (and the first book to be published by beloved indie shop Flying Books), Toronto-based writer Marlowe Granados wanted to write a story about two unapologetic pleasure-seeking women who wouldn’t be punished for their choices. The result is Happy Hour (out on September 8), which follows charming BFFs Isa and Gala on their quest for a glam summer in NYC. “I hope that people find some courage in reading it – that they can be bold like Isa and Gala,” says Granados. “They rarely hesitate in the pursuit of what they want, and I hope that’s a little infectious.”

The Perfect Summer Drink

Created by ELLE Canada for Girls’ Night Out

Whether you’re soaking up the sun poolside or hosting an intimate alfresco dinner, you’ll want a delicious refreshment to match the mood. Enter Girls’ Night Out sangrias: fresh, fruit-forward flavoured wines that are reminiscent of the classic Mediterranean punch. Chill a bottle of the original Sangria, which is bursting with juicy berry notes and crisp citrus, or try Girls’ Night Out White Sangria, a lighter tasting, thirst-quenching version that’s infused with tropical-fruit flavours. The best part? These ready-to-pour bevvies don’t require any prep. Just serve over ice – or your choice of fruit for a more luscious sangria experience – and savour all the unforgettable moments that summer has to offer.

A Brand-New EP

Following the release of her critically-acclaimed debut album, CH III: The Come Up, earlier this year, Toronto artist Storry is set to drop a new EP on September 5. Interlude-19, most of which was written, recorded and produced during quarantine, continues the musician’s tradition of taking listeners through a complex, nuanced story via song. It’s sure to leave a mark.

A British Detective Drama

No one does crime dramas like the Brits, so obviously we’re intrigued by new Britbox series McDonald & Dodds. Jason Watkins (The Crown) and up-and-comer Tala Gouveia star as an unlikely crime-solving duo who, like every iconic on-screen pairing, are a perfect match despite being vastly different. Check it out when it starts streaming on September 11.

A Must-Watch Film

Australian singer Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman” became an anthem for the second-wave feminist movement. Now, the story of her life and career is coming to the screen with I Am Woman, which first debuted at TIFF last year. Catch it on digital and demand on September 11.

The Return of a Popular Podcast

Martine St-Victor and Isabelle Racicot, long-time friends and hosts of CBC podcast A Seat At The Table have returned for a six-episode mini-series (premiering on August 27) that is focused on the Black Lives Matter movement. The new season captures personal stories surrounding the movement and features notable guests from media, pop culture and sports. This is one podcast you won’t want to miss.

Soothing Scents 

Essential-oil blends from Lohn’s new Forage collection are here and we cannot wait to try them. The collection was inspired by a coast-to-coast journey, drawing offerings from Mother Nature to help you unwind. Choose from 100 percent natural fragrances like the crisp and woodsy Nord, cozy and beachy Sur and refreshing Este. (From $24, shoplohn.com)

Healing Music

Los Angeles-based songwriter Rituals of Mine (a.k.a. Terra Lopez) has announced her newest album, Hype Nostalgia, which drops on September 25. This 13-track album feels like a mix of R&B, electronic and pop that is layered with the softness of Lopez’s vocals. This album tackles what it’s like to be a woman of color in the music industry to exploring trauma and healing after tragedy, giving us an intimate look into Lopez’s growth and resilience.

A Gripping Page-Turner

If you’re looking for a new read, look no further than Catherine Bush’s new novel Blaze Island. This timely book explores life after the climate crisis and looks at the way we will cope once we experience world-changing events. Out on September 1st, Blaze Island follows the story of Miranda, a woman living in the North Atlantic where a category five hurricane makes it way through. Read along as Miranda deals with the aftermath of the storm and finds herself, those around her and her settings so radically altered.

A Call To Action

Expanding on her wildly popular online affirmation series, Toronto-based writer and artist Hana Shafi offers deeply powerful work in her new book, Small, Broke and Kind of Dirty. This very special (non-advice) book is beautifully illustrated and speaks to our never-ending journey of self-discovery while exploring different ways the world can wear us down. Dive into pop culture, body politics, racism, feminism and so much more when it hits bookstores on September 22.

A Special-Edition Book

Multi-disciplinary artist Vivek Shraya self-published her first book, God Loves Hair, 10 years. In celebration of its anniversary, a special-edition version of the illustrated short-story collection – which explores themes of gender identity, beauty politics, queerness and more – is launching this month and needs a spot on your bookshelf.

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