Delicious Colour of the Year from Pantone 2025

Fashion inspired by Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse ... soft browns, creamy neutrals, runway-ready styling—basically a feast for your eyes.

Mocha Mousse

PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warming, chocolatey-brown hue that’s all about comfort, calm, and that ever-trendy “quiet luxury” vibe

 Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone’s Executive Director, calls it “sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time, an unpretentious classic,”consider the idea of harmony—Mocha Mousse is meant to embody connection, balance, and modern-day self-care.

Why It’s the Mood of 2025 ... 

Sensory and Emotional Appeal: Pantone emphasizes that Mocha Mousse triggers our senses Chocolate. Coffee. Warmth. Pleasure. A comforting hug in color ... 

Quiet Luxury & Timelessness: The “quiet luxury” trend is all about selective, elevated basics—and Mocha Mousse fits right in. It’s a timeless neutral that feels luxe without the flash (InStyleVogue) .

How to Wear It Styling Tips:

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  photo the Pretavoir Blog

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    Consider the many shades of Mocha  

    Pair mocha pants with a crisp white blouse and add a long wool coat or vest in a coordinating tone for that ultimate cozy-chic look

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    Try a mocha wool sweater with wine-red or gold accessories—think luxe, aspirational, romantic

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    Swap out your usual black boots for distressed chocolate-brown moto boots, letting the brown tones shin.

    Quick Style Guide

  • Start small: Mocha sneakers, belts, or handbags are a subtle but stylish nod.

  • Layer warmly: Rock a mocha turtleneck with cream trousers for a relaxed daytime look.

  • Go bold: Opt for statement pieces—think jumpsuits or statement coats in mocha.

  • Accessorize smart: Combine with rose gold or burgundy for that modern romantic twist.

  • Mix & contrast: Earthy and pastel colors—like corals or muted blues—actually pop against mocha’s neutrality.

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  In short? Mocha Mousse isn’t just a color—it’s a whole mood. It feels warm, grounded, and quietly luxurious, a color for those who find joy in the understated. Whether it's your new wardrobe staple or just a soft accent, it’s definitely one of the most talked-about (and polarizing) shades of the yea.

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The Little Things This Season 🎄

'Tis the season to say thank you to those that do the little extra bits that make your life better, or to slip a little extra into someone's Christmas Stocking. These are some of our Favorite Things .... 

Keep it Under $30 

The fresh scent of Inis comes from the Irish shore, created with nutrient-rich sea minerals to clean and moisturize your skin. Gift just a little this season.

From SPF30+ Lip Balm to pampering your hair and skin. SunBum is a naturally sourced line of sun protection skin care, full selection in the boutique for stocking stuffers, and select items online.

Gift Ideas Under $60

Gift your favorite traveler a wallet with RFID security for their personal information, or for those that explore the outdoors: soft hats and scarves, gloves or sunshades for sunny winter days. Your inside events and visits with friends deserve bamboo layers and a bit of bling to shine for the occasion.

Cozy fall and winter scarves for all their adventures.

 

Bamboo layers for relaxing days.

No one ever has too many accessories - slip them something fabulous.

Inspiration for His and Hers

Sometimes you need a little help finding the perfect gift for the opposite sex, we have great ideas ...

From a lazy morning coffee to an outdoor adventure.

Pamper her with lace and perfume.

and for those you want to spoil ...

Decadent fabrics wrap your favorite people in little hugs with Mangolian Cashmere toques and scarves, light merino wool for someone who's always cold, or elegant leather gloves that don't slip when she's driving. When you want a more personal idea for the love of your life, we can help you find the perfect gift. 

 

 

Stocking Stuffers and Gift Exchange Ideas for 2022

 'Tis the Season - share some happiness with those you love - little gifts of thanks or fabulous stocking stuffers! We've collected stocking stuffers for every budget ...

Keep it Under $30

Protect your kisser for just $5, or pamper your hair and skin. SunBum is a naturally sourced line of sun protection skin care, full selection in the boutique for stocking stuffers, and select items online.

online shopping

 

 

Gift Ideas Under $50

Keep it cozy outside too, with soft hats and scarves, add some gloves and sunshades for those sunny winter walks. Your inside events and visits with friends require a bit of bling to shine for the occasion.

Über-soft bamboo layers to keep everyone warm & cozy.

and for those you want to spoil ...

Recycled warmth for your favorite pooch, or Mangolian Cashmere for your fav people, don't forget to add a BrÜMate for your travels. When you want a more personal idea for the love of your life, we can help you find the perfect gift. It's a busy season for all, and you deserve some new lounge-wear for your downtime.

To make your gifting easier, watch for bonus bundles this year during our 12 Days of Christmas Promotion.

Stocking Stuffers to bring Comfort & Joy!

 'Tis the Season - share some happiness with those you love - little gifts of thanks or fabulous stocking stuffers! This year, more than any before, we have collected a delightful collection to inspire you.

Ready for your perusal in the boutique, with curbside pickup (or delivery within 50km), and some items are also available online! Stay safe and find your happy place.

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Start with Gifts under $20

Protect your kisser for just $5, or pamper your hair and skin. SunBum is a naturally sourced line of sun protection skin care that is safe for the environment too. Full selection in the boutique for stocking stuffers, select items online including BabyBum spray sanitizer.

click to shop online, or visit Sand'n'Sea Boutique

We all love the absorbent and anti-bacterial properties of bamboo, from socks to t-shirts the Über-soft fabric will keep everyone warm and cozy. 

Bamboo comfort from top to bottom

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Gifts Under $50

From softly woven scarves to wallets with RFID protection,  there is something for every man and woman on your list this year. Everyone appreciates feeling warm and safe.

Mens and ladies wallets in basics and colour!

 

Sometimes it is all about HER, and she loves our one size comfort lingerie (it truly fits both regular and curve sizes). No visible panty lines are offered by Chantelle in soft stretch model, and Hanky Panky in patented stretch lace - or just treat yourself.

One Size Lingerie that fits like it should

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Decadent Gifts Under $100

Sometimes you deserve to spoil yourself, or someone else, with Mongolian Cashmere hats and scarves in absolutely luxurious fsoftness to wrap yourself in - six colours, only in the boutique :)

Mongolian Cashmere or something similar :)

Hanky Panky partnered with Walton Wood Farms this year bring bundled savings and quenching creams made with sustainable ingredients, while helping to protect the environment for future generations. All the creams are based on the benefits of essential oils, butters, and oils in delicious scents (except the unscented Front Line Rescue).

Holiday bundles that pamper your hands too!

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Wishing you and yours a peaceful holiday season!

From our family to yours, wherever you may be, Merry Christmas. Take time for yourself to relax and breathe, talk to those you care about the most, maybe share a meal over zoom or plan a game night - this year will be different - but we will make new memories and share old ones.

- Ellen & Terry

How Men Wear Shorts & Look Great!

Your perfect answer to summer comfort in relaxed settings - these are definitely not business attire - but for the cottage, pool party, backyard BBQ or just meeting friends for drinks, you need to have them. But what style suits you best?

A tailored pair of shorts will define shape and create a flattering profile, they should feel comfortable and suit your body shape, without being too tight or restricting movement. Tailored doesn't always mean slim-fitting, just that everything needs to fit properly.

Lois 6" Cargo Short

Wearing shorts is about confidence and comfort -  shorter lengths are cooler so when this style works for you -  you can show some leg. If you’re a shorter man, be this bold, as the long and baggy styles will swamp you.

Length of shorts is about personal judgement but if your whole thighs are on show, even when perfectly toned, it's probably a little too short. Anywhere between two and six inches above the knee is the perfect length for a tailored pair of shorts.

Straight legs look best on a man whose hips are wider than shoulders with a bigger waist. 

 

Slim Leg 10"inseam

Tailored is not skin tight (which would also almost guarantee you would feel uncomfortable, and self-conscious too). Fitted mid-length shorts are flattering on all body types, and Lois comfort waistband stretches while maintaining that tailored look.

A man that is tall and thin with a shoulder width that approximately matches hips is considered a rectangle or athletic shape. Their best look is a sleek flat front - baggy shorts don’t complement any body - slim legs, but still keep the fabric loose on the thighs. 

Most golf shorts have these similar features, and pockets.

 

Lightweight Cargo Short

Cargo shorts are practical for many men, side pockets allow you to get your wallet out of the back pocket, but don't overstuff these pockets, and keep the length above the knee. Get your shorts hemmed if necessary.

While flattering on medium to tall men, still avoid a leg opening that is a lot wider than the circumference of your leg (that'll make legs appear smaller and thinner, again, not a flattering look). You don't need a great body to look great; you just need your clothes to fit.

For bigger guys, don't go for a roomier, baggy pair of shorts, rather than make you look thinner, they'll just make you look sloppy. Find a smaller pair instead, fitted but with enough room to move around in. 

Mens trends have embraced shorts, wear them with confidence, barefeet and sandals, or a shoe with short ankle socks if necessary.

 
 

Working forom Home - 5 Best Tips for Focus

#WFH It's the new normal in Covid-19
For many it includes online meetings with video, juggling children, cats,  reports and paperwork, when you didn't even have an office last month. There are many tips available, these are some of my favorites.

1. Get dressed! it is hard to feel productive in your pjs' and you loose track of weekends if you don't save this fashion break for the weekend. It certainly doesn't have to be a suit, should be comfortable, and also you won't be embarrassed to be caught on an unexpected video chat.

2. Make a list - start with the vital items you need to accomplish today, add longer range goals, and track what is done, what needs to be done, and reminders of what is coming.
 
3. It's about location when you don't have a home office, test different areas of the house to find where you can be the most productive. If you get 7 hours of work done in 4 focused hours, that's great, and I won't tell.

4. Create work blocks around 45 minutes of focused tasks, sit down and time it. This allows you to block a manageable timeline for others in your house, keeps you out of the fridge, and if you're on a roll - go for another 45 minutes.
 
5. Communicate with co-workers (sometimes it's lonely at home), explain your expectations to family, but turn off social media until break time. Social media is not wasting your bosses time - it's your time - and a reward for a job well done.

 

Simplify Your Christmas Shopping

'Tis the Season to show those you love just a little something extra, it doesn't have to be expensive, it just needs to be inspired ...

Under $20, protect their skin

SunBum skin protection is healthy for your skin, 

start with tanning towels, use SPF50 or SPF30 sunscreen in cream or spray, or try SPF15 tanning lotion. 

For sensitive skin there is SunBum Baby skin care, and the cooling lotion is great for wind dried skin or if you forgot to re-apply your sunscreen. 

One of our favorites is their collection of hair care products.

Under $30, just a little something extra

Something casual or something very personal

From fashion jewellery, a light pashmina wrap or swimsuit pareo, to coconut wash 

or our best selling one size bamboo leggings (in 4 colours).

To one size panties from Chantelle or thongs from HankyPanky, to sized control from Spanx.

Under $50, something special

A little something extra

Starts with a soft fall scarf or gloves, mens or ladies belt, Kuma sunglasses with bamboo arms 

or a Simbi bracelet that supports clean drinking water in Haiti.

Thinking of your traveler, a hat, flip flops or SPF30 rashguard 

(Body Glove, Beach House, Reef, Tommy Bahama) is always appreciated. 

Gift our best selling personal up a level in the  one size fits all retro thong from HankyPanky.

Still don't know what to get?

Our Gift Certificates are on everyone's Christmas List.

Thankful for Fall Colour 2019

Fall is slow coming this year, but the colours are finally starting to turn and while we plan a roadtrip it's time to celebrate these new colours in fashion.

Pantone has once again provided a confidence-building shades like fiery Chili Pepper and the deeper Biking Red balanced by softer,  complexion-flattering Crème de Peche and Peach Pink. Rocky Road, a grounded solid brown, followed by the more look-at-me, effervescent pink Fruit Dove Sugar Almond, and Dark Cheddar, a very wearable blend of yellow and orange.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, loves that our confidence builds creativity and we are no longer glued to a matchy-matchy look, she said, “It’s more about doing what really expresses how you feel about yourself and your clothing, and the statement that you want to make as an individual."

Galaxy Blue and Bluestone are more subdued blues, grounded and more subtle. Orange Tiger is a stronger clean orange in addition to a strong red, balanced by stately forest green in Eden.

The classic shades provided by Vanilla Custard, Evening Blue (a perfect alternate for black) Paloma grey and Guacamole round out these basics.

Taking summer colours to blend with these new fall favorites, is the easiest way to build your transitional wardrobe. (Most fall days you need something warm in the morning, something lighter on a sunny afternoon, add a layer for diner, and back to something warm in the evening.) The transitional wardrobe is also exactly what you need for fall travel.



Need inspiration for a road trip?

From the 401 to Highway 7,  hills and waterways will provide a constantly changing view. You can drive north of Kingston meander on backroads to Peterborough, and discover many small towns and scenic views along the way. Extending a trip to the Muskoka's will never disappoint, but for a day-trip it means you will sacrifice walking some wonderful downtowns, and skipping leisurely lunch.

Have you visited the rolling hills of Northumberland on one of their themed drives?

Tour the rustic farms, lush vineyards and charming towns that dot the landscape of Prince Edward County. Follow the Taste Trail and enjoy locally grown food from local artisans and farmers’ markets. The Scenic Routes of North Hastings are perfect for soaking in the fall foliage.

At this time of year, we are always thankful for family, friends, customers and good food.

#WomenTalkTravel about River Cruises

This is a hot topic - with so many trips to choose from - it works for every age group. You can link this more intimate form of cruising with fine dining, historical tours, biking cross country or international shopping excursions.

River Cruising is the top of many bucket lists because it offers such a diverse experience.

Can you imagine - drifting through picturesque villages, floating by resplendent castles and awe-inspiring cathedrals? That’s what you get with European river cruises. They’re multi-generational, safe, no fuss and filled with beauty.

Aline Lamere has worked in tourism all her life and traveled the world from Thailand to Mexico, from The Caribbean to Bali, Hong Kong and Japan. As someone who’s worked for a Greek cruise line and taken many European River Cruises, Aline will shared her knowledge of travel and cruising with us on Nov 21. 

All the benefits of a large ocean cruise, in a more private intimate setting ...

1. Unpack just once

Forget about lugging bags from one lobby to the next – river cruises allow you to really get comfortable. Unpack just once and keep your home comforts close by in your private cabin

2. A new destination every day

Rivers were the first highways, river crossings the beginning of cities. Greet each new day in a new city, stopping at each port for several hours at a time. Tick off a few bucket-list destinations at once, like France, Spain and Portugal, or maybe about Moscow and St.Petersburg, visit Vietnam, China and Cambodia without worrying about language challenges.

3. On-shore activities for active or passive people

Depending on your cruise itinerary, you will have the opportunity to explore several ports either independently or on a pre-arranged guided tour. Often partnering with local guides to customize intimate adventures ashore, from tours of ancient castles to bustling markets and other cultural hubs.

4. Indulgent wining, dining & VIP service

On board you can expect fine dining matched with premium beer and wine. Some meals are matched to the countryside, so you can glide through Bordeaux with a full-bodied red or bask in Bavarian fare in southern Germany. Add the indulgence of Concierge services to take care of an extra blanket or to plan activities for your next docking. Modern ships are also full of amenities, such as fitness centres, spas, bars and pools.

5. Inclusive extras

Be sure to ask what is included, and which costs are extra when booking. There are added extras already worked into the cost, making it much more budget-friendly than you might imagine. Your meals and beverages on board are almost always complimentary, with more all-inclusive cruises taking care of airport transfers, gratuities and even on-shore tours. Others will let you opt in to only the excursions that interest you the most, and schedule free days in between.

 What's on your bucket list?

Love these Shades of Fall

Isn't it always the way, just when you are ready to change seasons, mother nature plays with the schedule. This year September feels like summer, but we know fall will arrive in all it's glorious colour one day.

This fall the Pantone Institue has embraced the warmth of your favorite sweater in shades that will flatter every skintone. Pull the deeper tones into bottoms that demonstrate your love of the season, or mix them on top with black bottoms. This is the season to embrace colour, and wear less black.

5 Steps to Capsule Wardrobe Basics

Capsule wardrobes are all the rage - you will find them on social media, pinterest & travel fashionista blogs - so how do you shop your closet for yours? Consider your personal style, and what you will be comfortable in, and adjust items shown to suit you.

1. start with 3 bottoms

A mix of shorts, skirts, pants or jeans works well. If it's really hot, you may not want pants, substitute capri or second skirt. Leggings can also be worn under a dress skirt.

At least 2 of these should be a neutral colour - grey, taupe, navy or black.

2. next add 2 outer layers

A jacket and sweater can be layered if necessary, choose something to protect you from the elements or air conditioning.
? rainy climate - definitely a waterproof coat
? mixed weather - a wide scarf adds choice
? road trip - something soft & comfortable

3. add 5 tops and 2 dresses

Start with a tank top for layering, it is good on its own, or as a warm layer under other pieces. Mix prints and solids. Don't forget that you can also layer over a dress, a blouse tied at the waist over a LBD looks like skirt and two tops.

4. fill the gap

Lay out what you have collected, and decide if you need an additional accent, or confirm that your basics are in good condition and will still look great after you have worn them several times. Then ... shop to fill the gaps...  you are better buying one good piece which will style multiple ways than packing 3 mediocre pieces.

 5. add shoes and accessories

Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane, pack 2 more styles. When you are going to be doing a lot of walking, comfort is key. Add jewellery, and a couple of belts or scarves. These pieces can change the focus of an outfit without adding bulk.

Underwear and pajamas are extra - don't forget lingerie soap so you can wash out undies on a longer trip (taking 3 is plenty).

Once you have these basics covered, you can travel at a the last minute, and it becomes simple to add an extra piece for a special event or specific weather requirement. Grab your suitcase - go make some memories!

A Naturalle Fashionista

summer style in natural fabrics

Some of the best advice for looking fabulous and feeling comfortable starts with fabric. Choosing breathable fabrics allows the slightest breeze to caress your skin, allows your heat to escape, and allows you to feel as cool as possible when the temperatures go up.

Specialty Cup Sizes

For our D to F cup ladies, support is vital to creating a fabulous swimsuit profile. You will love our selection for the support, and variety of stylish fit solutions.

Sunsets underwire tankinis

Sunsets comes to us from California, their bikini tops are available in a variety of prints and fit styles, in sizes 32D to 38E.  The tankini tops fit with a generous flare, and have hidden underwire support.

SwimSystems specializes in D-DD-E cups, tankinis feature a bra strap closure at the back to ensure additional support, taking the weight of "the girls" off your neck in these beautiful halter styles.

Bra Fitter Training

When the Napanee shop opened in January, we

  specialized in mix and match swimwear 

because this is what fits women best. It just made sense. So does specialty size swimwear. With the average bra size now a 36D, a lot of ladies are left looking for more support.

But I must admit, that being an A cup myself, I sometimes struggled to help my ladies find a better fitting swimsuit, I felt that I didn't understand enough. You also shared with me your frustrations in finding well priced, good quality, supportive bras. This planted the germ of an idea ... perhaps I could help my ladies better, everyday, by opening a Bra Dept.

Brands we Love

These are some of the brands we love, sometimes for the fabulous style & fit, sometimes for the colours and shape solutions, other times for the value which still provides beautiful fabrics and fit (because we all have budgets) ... which will become your favourites?

Welcome to Sand'n Sea

a new face in downtown Napanee, Ontario

Sand'n Sea Swim & Cruise Boutique is your year round destination to 

"Dress for Your Vacation State of Mind". 

This is more than a motto – it is the feeling evoked when you enter the shop.

From a notion begun at Sand'n Sea in Thunder Bay, to a new sister store in Napanee, our focus is on personalized service. Each shop is owned by one of the sisters, and we are excited to take a dreaded shopping experience (Swimsuits? Oh No!), and turn it into a fun event with fabulous results.