For a shoe that dates back to the 13th century, the espadrille has done a remarkable job at staying in vogue summer after summer.

It may have been popularized by Spanish peasants, but this shoe is undeniably the chicest summer flat. The simpler, the better: the espadrille is at its best when it remains true to its classic shape. Enter Soludos, the ultimate classic. Whether exploring the markets of Barcelona, lounging in the French Riviera, or simply strolling about Vancouver, we’ve found our summer essential. —Anya Georgijevic

From US$25.91 at Shopbop.com

They say clothes make the man. We say lingerie makes the woman.

Wearing sweet and sexy undergarments by Global Love not only increases your feminine mystique, it also helps empower women in developing countries, with five percent of proceeds going to FINCA, an organization that offers microfinance opportunities to women. Go adorably retro in the Moonlight in Moscow set ($36), or play it coy with the Paris 2 a.m. bodysuit. For those who like just a little bit of lace, we love the sweet and sexy Marion knickers.

As Elle (The Body) MacPherson once said: “If you’re wearing lingerie that makes you feel glamorous, you're halfway there to turning heads.” —Jennifer Nachshen

At www.globlove.com

If it's "early to bed, early to rise" for most people, then it's "never to bed, always to rise" for new moms.

You may not have the little one sleeping through the night quite yet, but Canadian-made sleep sacks by Big Fat Hen will at least keep them comfy while they learn to doze for more than two hours at a time. Made with eco-friendly fabrics, these sleeveless sacks unzip easily for diaper changes and are soft inside and out. Made for babie 0-18 months, they come in three cute designs (yellow chicks, pink piggies and green owls) and hold up well in the wash.

And one day soon, the sun will rise before you. We promise. —MT

$79.90 at www.bigfathen.ca

It's an easy, breezy, seventies-y summer. For the maxi to match, swing over to primo vintage e-boutique Shrimpton Couture.

Cherie, the beauty and brains behind Shrimpton, loves all things '70s best—and the best is all she stocks. There are Christian Dior caftans and op-art Lanvins and signature-printed Puccis. To spend less, seek out-of-print cult labels: a rose-and-porcelain John Kloss dress (intended as a slip, but whatever) is $350, while a gorgeous geisha-print Paganne is $425.

Just add wooden platforms and an overblown silk flower in your hair. —SNP

www.shrimptoncouture.com

Designing a nursery is easy. There is a ton of choice, and let’s face it, babies don’t really notice their rooms.

Decor gets more complicated for children and teens. Kids need a space that reflects their personality and style, but without compromising the taste of their parents. Which is why it came as great news that PB Teen now ships internationally.

The PB stands for Pottery Barn, and the stock reflects that: stylish and reasonably priced. The site sells great bedding and bathroom accessories but the study spaces are probably our favourite.

Now you won’t feel bad for sending them to their room. —ASI

www.pbteen.com

Picking toys up off the living room floor is inevitable, but aesthetically pleasing toys make the job much more enjoyable.

P’Kolino started as a project between two dads who wanted to improve play at home. Their design philosophy is “playfully smart,” which means all of their children’s toys are fun and engaging—and look good, too.

Our favourite is the multi-solution shape puzzle ($20, pictured), which is both challenging and entertaining because there are a multitude of solutions, unlike a standard puzzle. Even smarter is that each piece is non-toxic and durable.

Just don't try to pronounce the name. —ASI

From $12 at Crocodile Baby, www.crocodilebaby.com and www.qhousekids.com

Our childhood discomfort in the dental chair has been replaced by slick offices with personal TVs and spa-like facilities—but it all starts with the daily brush.

Just in time for Earth Day we tested a sustainable, compostable, biodegradable dental line, Clean Idea. Designed in Vancouver and made from veggies like potatoes, corn, tapioca and wheat, the children's toothbrush ($3.99) has soft bristles and a handle designed especially for small hands, while the kid's ecoflosser is topped with a Mr. Molar cartoon.

We'll get over our headgear one day.

For national retailers, click here.

Imagine a family of Italian craftsman gathered around a wood stove carving toys in the mid 1800s.

That was the beginning of the Sevi toy brand, now known for their beautiful wooden toys, puzzles and games. Our favourites are the little helicopter (so cute and only $5!), the rattle butterfly (an infant toy that actually looks interesting, $10) and the incredible village train set ($84).

And yes, the paints are non-toxic and saliva resistant. What else would you expect from one of Europe’s oldest toy companies? —ASI

At www.goopandgoob.com

If your kids are taking an early liking to designer labels (they take after their mom, of course), then you’ll be as happy as we are that Stella McCartney’s childrenswear is now available online.

The mother of four has kept her staunch commitment to fair trade labour and eco fabrics for this collection, but it is of course a lot more playful than what she puts on the catwalk. Expect pretty prints, fun motifs, and very fashionable pieces for babies to pre-teens. The first of the spring/summer stock is available, and we loved the casual boy's checked waterproof parka (€85, pictured) and the precious three quarter sleeve bird print dress for girls (€80, pictured).

But let's hope they don't acquire your taste for shoes, too, or you may need a second mortgage.

www.stellamccartneykids.net

Besides saying goodbye to all-day happy hour and cheese plates galore, bid farewell to dull, flaky skin.

Mario Bedascu’s Glycolic Foaming Cleanser ($20) breaks down the skin’s winter build-up, reduces minor discoloration and leaves our mug soft and smooth. With no abrasive granules in sight, the glycolic acid gently exfoliates while the herbal extracts sooth the skin. 

Super Mario, indeed.

At BeautyMark.