The weather in Waterloo has been unbelievably perfect these last couple of weeks and I wish the easy, breezy, sunny days could stay all year long. I’m in a much happier mood and I love living most of my non-working days outdoors. The arrival of spring (and summer in no-time, I’m sure) means that people are craving lighter, brighter spaces. Current issues of Style at Home and House & Home have fully embraced white and I have the impression that more people appreciate my white-loving tendencies at this time of year. It’s awesome.

I thought I’d round-up some of my favourite spring/summer items for those of you who may normally lead a colourful life, but who may also want to inject some white into your homes and wardrobes.

I’m one of those people who has flowers at home all year long. I love taking care of my plants and bringing cut flowers into my home instantly makes me happy. I’ve been a long-time fan of white flowers – as a teenager, I loved calla lilies, and in my adult life I’ve alternated my preferences for hydrangea, carnations, and roses. I know everyone is pretty obsessed with peonies at the moment (I am too, let me assure you), but I hope people aren’t forgetting the loveliness of flowers like lilacs and lily of the valley. I’m currently loving dahlias and have planted a couple pots of them for my balcony. Apparently they’ll grow all summer long, just as geraniums do.

via

White linens are perfect for any time of year, but they’re especially welcome in the springtime. A crisp white table cloth sets the perfect backdrop for a delicious meal, preferably outdoors. Table settings can be brightened up with colourful napkins, candles, or glassware, but I still tend to prefer something neutral, like the setting in the photo below.

photo via Food Studio

When I was living in London, Ontario, I didn’t use my bike at all. I walked a lot and drove a lot, but I never really felt like it was a bike-friendly city. Kitchener-Waterloo has surprised me with its lengthy, smooth (and flat) trails and I’ve been trying to get out on my bike a few times a week. It’s been glorious. I don’t really like biking on busy roads, but many of the roads here have bike lanes so I feel pretty safe. My bike is an old pink Raleigh mountain bike with a basket on the front (so handy), but I’m pretty sure my next bike will be a stylish white one. Biking is great exercise and it’s a great way to discover new places. If you don’t want to invest in something expensive, pick one up at a yard sale (like I did years ago!).

photo via Favim

In terms of fashion, I love picking up a few new pieces in white to freshen up my wardrobe. I can never have too many white shirts, and for spring, I like something that’s a little lighter and airier than a classic oxford. The lightweight tuxedo shirt from J. Crew below would look great with jeans or colourful pants. It would also look chic paired with white jeans – another staple for your spring wardrobe.

swiss-dot tuxedo shirt – J.Crew

white jeans – Gap

Now that our boots are all packed up, it is time to lighten up our footwear. While I don’t wear sneakers or flip-flops at work, I usually spend my downtime in them. They’re easy and comfortable, so what’s not to love? I’ve recently purchased a pair of white Superga (to alternate with my Converse), but I think they’re 1/2 a size too small, so I may have to return them or pass them on to my sister. What was I thinking? Word to the wise: make sure you really test out shoes before buying them. Regardless, buying a new pair of shoes seems like a necessity in the springtime. Don’t you agree?

white Superga sneakers

When I was in New Orleans a few years ago, I picked up a Panama hat. It’s been one of my favourite summer accessories ever since. It’s chic, classic, and, best of all, it protects your face from the hot sun. Perfect.

straw Panama hat

What are your spring traditions? Do you change your decor with the seasons?