labour day shopping
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A Starter Pack for Summer’s Last Hurrah

Keep the good vibes going just a little longer

I’ll say it: Labour Day sucks. As much as it softens the blow of summer ending, it heralds it. Summer, the season, may not be officially over, but summer, the feeling, certainly is. Coming to terms with this is a bit like forcing yourself to get over a silly crush or having to grow up all over again. But before you embrace fall’s crisp, fresh start, there’s still time for a few summer lasts: the last beach day, the last road trip, the last luxuriant plein air dinner party. Here, a starter pack for some late-summer fun. Because retail therapy (Labour Day sales—still a thing). And because you’ll be delighted to bring these pieces out again next summer. 

Urban OutfittersBamboo bowl, $11, urbanoutfitters.com
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For That Last Outdoor Dinner Party 

These dishwasher-safe bamboo bowls are sturdy enough for outdoor use, but pretty enough for your tablescape. Mix and match the olive and pink bowls for the prettiest set-up. 

Cocktail EmporiumSom Cane Cordial Tangerine with Sea Salt Shrub, $20, cocktailemporium.com
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For A Guilt-Free Alfresco Tipple  

Was this the summer you got into shrubs, a.k.a drinking vinegars? Add this cane vinegar cordial tinged with Calamansi citrus to some sparkling water for a refreshing booze-free cocktail. 

Chapters IndigoLED lantern, $28, chapters.indigo.ca
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For a Twinkly Patio Night 

Soak in the perfectly fire-proof glow of this LED lantern, great for the outdoors and indoors alike. 

LloydLloyd hat, $80, lloydclothing.com
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For Sun Protection (because UV rays don’t leave on Labour Day)

This minimal take on the bucket hat is handmade by designers Mira Clancy and Kathy Hamagami in Vancouver. 

Cb2CB2 watering can, $70, cb2.ca
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For That Beautiful Garden You Grew 

A watering can worthy of your triumphant summer herb patch, and for tending to your house plants, too. 

PatagoniaPatagonia shorts, $85, patagonia.ca
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For The Last of Bare-Leg Weather 

Shorts season is, well, short. Cap it off with this new workwear-inspired pair by sustainability leader Patagonia. 

MECUnited by Blue Surf candle, $15, mec.ca
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For The Scent of Summer

Combining minerals and salt, it’s a coastal breeze in a candle. Plus, each candle purchase removes one pound of waste from oceans. 

Urban OutfittersStrawberry bowl set, $34, urbanoutfitters.com
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For Late-Season Farmers Market hauls 

Strawberry season may be over, but these joyful serving bowls might just be the next best thing. 

H&MCooler bag, $15, hm.com
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For Ice-Cream Truck Chases

In my books, no picnic is complete without soft serve, but a cooler to keep the rest of the menu cold is always a good idea. 

MECMEC waist pack, $29, mec.ca
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For Hiking Adventures 

It’s true, hiking was the trend activity of summer 2020. Bring this highly functional (and ’80s fabulous) waist pack on your next trek to the woods. 

LululemonLululemon swimsuit, $79, shop.lululemon.com
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For The End of (Beach) Days 

The upside to buying a swimsuit at the end of summer? That you can snap it up on sale, of course. This full-coverage one-piece is made from UV-protective and chorine-resistant ribbed jersey. 

Hannah IsoldeHannah Isolde blouse, $170, hannahisolde.com
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For Toasting Summer in Style 

Peasant blouses forever. This two-tone number is handmade in Montreal by designer and textile specialist Hannah Isolde Goodman.

SipsMaster Sommelier Package, $185, sipstoronto.com
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For Summer Vacations (That Didn’t Exactly Happen)

A trip to Spain wasn’t in the cards this summer. Make up for it with a wine-tasting from the D.O. Rueda region, home to the 1000-year-old indigenous Verdejo grape. Offered by boutique wine retailer Sips Toronto, $185 will buy you six full-sized bottles, Spanish snacks and an invite to a virtual Zoom tasting on September 22 with master sommelier Bruce Wallner. 
 
 

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