Somehow, despite a slow-moving global pandemic, it still feels like summer has gone by in the blink of an eye. Here in Canada, we’re already weeks away from leaves falling, temperatures dropping and having to pull out our fall wardrobes (which, for fellow sweater weather lovers, isn’t such a bad thing). It’s officially time to get down to business and soak up the last bits of summer!
To make the most of the final stretch, check out my latest fashion must-haves, music faves, summer reads plus the hottest TV shows streaming now.
Fashion
* Reppin’ Your Team *
Vegas Golden Knights Violent Gentlemen-branded tee, unavailable online // For basketball fans: Toronto Raptors Junk Food Mickey Squad tee, NBA Store, $46 CAD
Summer sports were not in my plans for 2020, but it’s definitely giving us all something to watch as we continue to socially distance. Personally, I’m happy to continue cheering on two of my favourite teams, the Vegas Golden Knights (hockey) and the Toronto Raptors (basketball). RIP to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins… until next season!
While my VGK shirt has of course been a recent go-to, I’m looking forward to receiving my Disney x Junk Food Raptors tee, featuring a vintage-style photo of Mickey Mouse and his pals Goofy and Donald sporting Raptors jerseys! There’s a set of three designs for each team in the bubble, so act fast while the collection is still available.
* Ex-Boyfriend Denim *
SIMILAR SHORTS: Garage, $25 (great sale!)
It’s so hard to find the perfect denim fit, but I’m obsessed with Garage’s lived-in ex-boyfriend style! I dare you to find a comfier and cuter pair of jean shorts. The best part: several of Garage’s ex-boyfriend denim looks are part of their new Re.Think collection, allowing you to look and feel good as you help lessen the impact on the planet. A win for all!
* Clothing Resale Apps *
Last month, I shared my love for fashion resale apps, particularly Poshmark (I’m shopangelaaaxo!) and Depop (angelaaaxoxo). Shopping for new finds (especially sold out or hard to find pieces) and listing my pre-loved clothing quickly became one of my favourite quarantine activities. As promised, I’ve listed a bunch of new goodies on both apps. Go check them out, and feel free to comment or send me your links!
In case you missed it, I recently compiled a list of nine Black-owned fashion brands with beautiful pieces to add to your wardrobe. Consider supporting one of these talented designers next time you feel like going on a shopping spree!
Books
I’ve been behind on book recommendations, so here’s a double header for the end of summer!
* The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue *
Available from Indigo for $25 (sale)
When best-selling author Emma Donoghue started writing her latest historical fiction novel, I’m sure she had no idea that a similar storyline would be playing out in real life come release day. In a perfect coincidence, The Pull of the Stars, which is set in the middle of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, has several eery parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.
See the publisher’s synopsis:
In an Ireland doubly ravaged by war and disease, Nurse Julia Power works at an understaffed hospital in the city center, where expectant mothers who have come down with the terrible new Flu are quarantined together. Into Julia’s regimented world step two outsiders—Doctor Kathleen Lynn, on the run from the police, and a young volunteer helper, Bridie Sweeney.
In the darkness and intensity of this tiny ward, over three days, these women change each other’s lives in unexpected ways. They lose patients to this baffling pandemic, but they also shepherd new life into a fearful world. With tireless tenderness and humanity, carers and mothers alike somehow do their impossible work.
The same way pandemic-based films like Contagion were must-watch movies earlier this year, The Pull of the Stars is a solid pick for the times — and an important story to highlight the incredibly difficult and selfless work of our frontline workers.
* Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner *
Available from Indigo for $14.32 (sale)
Big Summer is the quintessential beach read with friendship and romance at the heart. Author Jennifer Weiner, who is also behind the hit Mrs. Everything, effortlessly ties in influencer culture, and a surprising mystery twist that I won’t spoil!
Here’s more from the publisher’s synopsis:
Six years after the fight that ended their friendship, Daphne Berg is shocked when Drue Cavanaugh walks back into her life, looking as lovely and successful as ever, with a massive favour to ask. Daphne hasn’t spoken one word to Drue in all this time—she doesn’t even hate-follow her ex-best friend on social media—so when Drue asks if she will be her maid-of-honor at the society wedding of the summer, Daphne is rightfully speechless.
Drue was always the one who had everything—except the ability to hold onto friends. Meanwhile, Daphne’s no longer the same self-effacing sidekick she was back in high school. She’s built a life that she loves, including a growing career as a plus-size Instagram influencer. Letting glamorous, seductive Drue back into her life is risky, but it comes with an invitation to spend a weekend in a waterfront Cape Cod mansion. When Drue begs and pleads and dangles the prospect of cute single guys, Daphne finds herself powerless as ever to resist her friend’s siren song.
A sparkling novel about the complexities of female friendship, the pitfalls of living out loud and online, and the resilience of the human heart, Big Summer is a witty, moving story about family, friendship, and figuring out what matters most.
Music
We’re running out of time to round out our summer music playlists and decide on a song of the summer! I’ll share my final choice next month, but Harry Styles’ “Watermelon Sugar,” and my latest finds below, are definitely top contenders.
* Midnight Sky by Miley Cyrus *
Miley Cyrus was on everyone’s mind at the start of quarantine with her daily Instagram Live show, Bright Minded. After a short break, Miss Miley is back with a banger of a summer single in “Midnight Sky.” The track is upbeat, freeing and empowering, addressing some of Miley’s past relationships and solidifying her confidence in being alone and following life wherever (and with whomever) it takes her.
* Brown Skin Girl by Beyoncé feat. SAINt JHN & WizKid *
If you haven’t already listened to Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift compilation album or watched her Disney+ visual album, get on it. “Brown Skin Girl,” which features SAINt JHN and WizKid, is the latest song to be promoted from the project, with a stunning and rich new video complementing the beautiful lyrics. Queen Bey can do no wrong!
* Smile by Katy Perry (Album) *
Last month, I plugged Katy Perry’s upcoming album title track “Smile” as the happiest song on your playlist. Hopefully you’re still smiling — the full album is due out in just a few days on Aug. 28! I’m very excited to have my most anticipated tracks “Cry About It Later” and “Teary Eyes” on repeat — and fingers crossed I have a new music video to share with all of you next month.
Don’t forget to also check out my evergreen collection of warm weather staples!
TV Shows
Here’s what’s streaming on Apple TV+!
Since launching last fall, Apple TV+ has upped its game and premiered several new original shows with notable star power. A free subscription comes with many new Apple products, or can be purchased for $5.99 CAD a month!
From executive producer Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never & Believe), Home Before Dark is a gripping mystery inspired by the reporting of a nine-year-old journalist, whose investigative intellect prompts her to dig into a cold case and uncover well-kept secrets (and hopefully the truth) in her dad’s tight-knit hometown. Fans of this show will also enjoy Truth Be Told, a 2019 Apple TV+ thriller starring Octavia Spencer and Aaron Paul. Renewed for a second season that is due out post-pandemic, Octavia stars as a true crime podcaster returning to the case that made her famous, with new evidence suggesting the convicted murderer may have been framed. Look no further for two juicy, bingeable shows!
For a feel-good story with music at the heart, Little Voice, executive produced by the beautiful and talented singer Sara Bareilles (you’ll hear plenty of new music on the show!), explores the journey of finding yourself — and your voice — amidst the rollercoaster of emotions and experiences that define young adult life.
If you’re looking for some laughs, Apple TV+’s latest release is Jason Sudeikis’ sports comedy, Ted Lasso. You may recognize the Ted Lasso character from a series of promos Jason starred in for NBC Sports’ coverage of the English Premier League in 2013 and 2014. Thanks to this new digital show, Ted is back and ready to coach ball — or at least as ready as he can be, considering the American college football coach doesn’t know much about association football. This can’t possibly go smoothly!
Share your end of summer must-haves in the comments below — or tweet me @angelamcleanx!
*All prices listed or linked to are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and accurate at the time of posting.
xx
