Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Got to Have it: What’s Your Spring and Summer Uniform?

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Ah, sprummer. It’s not quite spring… not quite summer. The weather is warm (but not hot), open toed shoes are back and layers are a must for a day-to-night wardrobe. Do you have a uniform? I’m all about casual dresses, comfy shoes and my beloved distressed jean jacket. Add a colourful tote and I’m good to go!
Aside from my trusty jean jacket, my head-to-toe look in the photo above is from Mark’s. Yes, Mark’s! If you haven’t checked out the brand in-store or online recently, you may be blown away. Stylish-yet-casual fashions, boardroom-to-bar work wear and on-trend accessories.

(Dress: Denver Hayes Smocked Waist Dress, $44.99. Shoes: Denver Hayes Women’s Brenda Braided Cork Slide Sandals, $59.99. Tote: Denver Hayes Daphne Floral Tote Bag, $29.99.) 

As for me? I reconnected with the company in March. It began with a shoe campaign and blossomed into an all-out love affair. Here’s what went down.

You may remember me gushing about these Denver Hayes Women’s Brenda Braided Cork Slide Sandals from an Instagram photo earlier this season. What’s not to love? They’re super stylish with adjustable, braided diagonal straps in one of the season’s hottest colours, bronze. And because the contoured cork topsoles cradle the feet, I can wear them comfortably all day long with everything from capris to casual dresses. Honestly, they’re my go-to pair of casual shoes this spring! I’ve received a ton of compliments – women have even stopped me in line at the supermarket to ask about my gorgeous cork sandals.
So here’s the thing. Had I reviewed these shoes back in March, my post likely would have ended here – showcasing the shoes (which are an affordable $59.99! Go buy them – NOW!) and telling you how much I love them. But I may not have been inspired to venture into a Mark’s store, or discover the brand further.

However, I sat on my review. Truthfully, I procrastinated a bit. And while it stayed on my “to do” list, I began to notice all the cute outfits from Mark’s that my friends were posting online, in addition to seeing a few ads for incredible sales. I decided if I was going to re-introduce Mark’s to my readers, I had to do some research – so I went shopping, of course!
Admittedly, this was my first time in a Mark’s store since its rebrand. For a long time, I associated the company solely with work wear – safety shoes, nurses scrubs, etc. But I theorized that anyone who carried such cute sandals surely had more hidden treasures, and I was not disappointed! If you think you know Mark’s, think again.
The first thing that caught my eye? Dresses. Casual dresses galore! It’s perfectly my style and I was like a kid in a candy shop (or Lena in a dress shop, to be fair). I scooped up four dresses which were all on promo and have already worn two of them twice in the past week. Most of the styles are comfortable, breezy and perfect for summer.

They offer a ton of jeans and stretch khakis in a variety of fits (skinny, boot cut, relaxed, etc) but I didn’t linger for too long this time, mainly because I want to get away from long pants now that the warmer weather is finally here. But, I made a mental note to return in September. Loving the selection!
I popped into the shoe department where – you guessed it – I found my beloved sandals. Would you believe I bought ANOTHER PAIR? It’s true! Since they’re adjustable, they fit so well and I wanted an additional pair for wearing around the house. We don’t have carpet in our home, so indoor shoes are a must – bonus marks if they’re cute!
Finally, I checked out the accessories and was duly impressed with their colourful selection of bags and totes. It was between this Denver Hayes Janelle Floral Saddlebag and the Daphne Floral Tote Bag; as you know, I opted for the tote. I’l pick up this one next time!
When was the last time you checked out Mark’s? I’m thrilled that I took the time to truly discover their amazing selection and incredible prices. You can bet I’ll be back for more!

In the meantime, did I mention that my brand new Smocked Waist Dress has pockets? A girl always has to point that out!
To find spring and summer wardrobe staples you’ll love, visit marks.com.

One lucky Listen to Lena reader will WIN a $100 Mark’s Gift Card! To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is sponsored by Mark’s. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Lacey

    I am all about capris t shirts and sanders lol I am easy going. Love to be comfortable

  4. Laurie Burns

    In the summer I just want to live in comfy easy summer dresses and I am loving the look of the striped v-neck t-shirt dress! Looks stylish and cozy.

  6. Joy Doucette

    I would love to include the Front Lace Yoke T-Shirt. A touch of femininity but easy to wear.

  7. Cathy Breda

    I love my capris and a casual tank top. Comfy slip on shoes are a must for chasing the kids out the door.

  8. Susan Hanley

    I love wearing capris and t-shirts. Marks has a great selection of both. I am particularly interested in their jean capris.

  9. Amy R

    Love a good pair of Sketchers slip ons for all the summer running around. Good for city and camping outings

  11. Katie Mitchell

    I LOVE wearing dresses in the summer, and Mark’s has some really cute ones. My summer attire is all about comfort. I embrace the time of year I don’t need to wear stockings/pantyhose with my dresses.

  14. kathy downey

    I would love to add the DENVER HAYES
    Poly Braid Bucket Hat to my summer “uniform”!

  19. Alayne Langford

    I am all about dresses and easy pieces and the Stripe Burnout Blouson Maxi Dress sure doesn’t disappoint!

  20. Elizabeth G

    Definitely the Denver Hayes Women’s Brenda Braided Cork Slide Sandals as my feet are swelling from pregnancy! They look super comfy!

  21. September Dee

    I love the Brenda cork slides. The bronze colour is both casual and dressy. So many nice things at Mark’s! Thanks for the chance to update my summer wardrobe!

  22. Krista M

    My summer uniform would include the Vintage Twill Cinched Hem Capris perfect for doing errands in, hiking, etc. The Farwest graphic tees & tanks are nice and casual for any day of summer. I’d also love a pair of Clark’s Women’s Sillian Rest Skimmer Shoes!

  23. Jeannie Lam

    I would love to include the SUNG ALFRED SUNG Laser Cut Dress in my summer wardrobe!

  27. Angelica De La Rosa

    I am loving the Floral Print Smocked Waist Dress! Can pair with a light cardigan or jean jacket depending on our fluctuating summer weather.

  28. Stephanie LaPlante

    I would love to include in my wardrobe the Denver Hayes Floral Adjustable Rouched Dress.

  29. Ann Kieswetter

    I would love to add the Smocked Back High Low Maxi Dress to my summer wardrobe. Great for work & going out evenings.

  31. Christy Eldred

    I love the Women’s Gratis Knit Bungie Slide Casual Shoes and they would be perfect for summer.

  33. Florence Cochrane

    I like to have a pair of the printed Janet Capris and a couple of new tops.

  41. gayle bellemare

    I love Mark’s and there are a few items I’d love to add to my summer uniform, a few cute summer tops, a blouse or two for work and one or two very versatile summer dresses that could be dressed up or down depending on accessories. Oh…there are some really cute hats and sunglasses too. I always watch my paper flyers for coupons which make shopping at Mark’s even more affordable.

  43. Dar

    I like Smocked Waist Dress in Pink paired with Women’s Whitney Micro Wedge Sandals!!
    thanks for the chance.

  44. Sharon Devellis

    I’m all about the tank tops and shorts and Mark’s tanks are THE BEST (the ones with the built in bra). All kinds of awesome.

  46. kristen visser

    There are a few items I would LOVE to get! I am loving the CURVE-TECH High-Low Dress, everyday scoop neck tank top and the Artisan Slub Scoop Tank

  49. Amy Stackhouse

    I love the Crossover Front Slit Maxi Dress in Dark Pink as well as all of the Smocked Waits dresses. If the rain continues like it has been, I’ll also need the HD2 Water-Resistant Yoho Travel Jacket!

  53. Laila I

    The Women’s Sport Burst Knit Lace-Up Sneakers by Sketchers!! They look so cute and comfy

  54. Jenna D

    My (quickly growing…!) list would include:
    – REEBOK Game Changer Zip Hoodie
    – WINDRIVER Pintuck Tank Top
    – DENVER HAYES Lace Yoke Tank
    – DENVER HAYESV-Placket Tank

    Thanks for the nudge to check out Mark’s and for the chance to win!

  57. Dianne G.

    My summer uniform would include the Palm Print Sharkbite Midi Dress and the Striped Smocked Bodice Dress.

  58. Lilly Wong

    My Summer outfit is a T Shirt, light pants, thin socks & running shoes. I don’t wear sandals because I always get dirt or pebbles between the soles of my feet & sandals.

    • Lilly Wong

      Oops. I didn’t realize there was a question. The Daphne Floral Tote Bag in blue caught my eye. Shambala Slub Jersey Active T-Shirt, Performance Convertible Pants & Breatheeasy suede bungie slip on shoes in Black. I always wanted Convertable Pants for days when the weather changes from cool to hot.

  60. Lynnie

    I seriously went to the site and just ordered a crossover front slit maxi in dark pink and dark indigo! I’m not waiting to see if I won Lena! I will buy something else if I do. tehe!

  61. Treen Goodwin

    I love these https://www.marks.com/en/categories/womens/casual/capris/product/vintage-rouched-cargo-capri-pants-90943.html#90943%5Bcolor%5D=BLACK

    https://www.marks.com/en/categories/womens/casual/tops/casual-shirts/product/sleeveless-rayon-crinkled-solid-crochet-hem-top-plus-size-91233.html#91233%5Bcolor%5D=DRKGRY

    https://www.marks.com/en/categories/womens/footwear/sandals/product/womens-swiftwater-sandals-100591.html#100591%5Bcolor%5D=BLACK

    this would be my picks :)

  64. Wanda Tracey

    I love wearing dresses in the summer and I always go to Marks for mine.I love
    the Curve-Tech high-low Dress.It beautiful and so comfortable looking too.
    Thanks for this opportunity to participate. :)

  66. Stephanie

    I would love to add the Denver Hayes Solid T-Shirt Dress to my summer wardrobe!

  68. Shannon V

    Hi Lena! I’d love to try the cork sandals. They look like they’d be very comfy walking around at summer festivals!

  70. Pam

    I have my eyes on the V-Neck T-Shirt Dress and the Stripe T-Shirt Dress and Janet Printed Capris

  72. Christine D

    There are so many great summer pieces! I’m really loving the ALFRED SUNG skirt!

  74. Rhonda W G.

    Tummy Control Bermuda Shorts in white with Short-Sleeve Cold Shoulder Top would be my summer uniform…

  75. Judy Cowan

    Would love to get one of the WINDRIVER Vintage Twill Skorts and SUNG ALFRED SUNG
    Sleeveless Tiered Tank Top.

  76. nicolthepickle

    I really like the Eyelet Ruffle Hem Dress. I know it’s white, but I wear a lot of white. I use good laundry soap.

  77. Shelley Nelson

    Indigo chino walking shorts, Columbia Bluebell Sandy River T-shirt, and Women’s Whitney Micro Wedge Sandals would be my summer uniform. So many great items to choose from.

  78. Shirley S

    I’d love to include the Denver Hayes Split V-Neck Print Stripe T-Shirt and the Denver Hayes Linen Bermuda Shorts in my summer “uniform”.

  79. Debbie White Beattie

    I would love to have many items like SUNG ALFRED SUNG Sleeveless Chevron Tunic Tank Top and the DENVER HAYES CURVE-TECH Supersoft Chloe Curvy Capris

  80. Lee-Ann S

    I need to add the Women’s Waterproof Traditional Mid-Cut Hiking Shoe to my summer uniform.

  85. Tina L.

    I would like to include the Artisan Tile Print Scoop Tank Top, Pintuck Shadow Stripe Top, Casual Skort and Printed CURVE-TECH Tummy Control Capris

  86. BEV Sayers

    I do not like shorts on me but I love midi length skirts and a tank top or tshirt. I love summery dresses too and colourful totes.

  87. Jonnie

    My summer uniform would include the SHAMBHALA 100 Wash Back Split Capris and the Printed Button Back Tank Top

  90. Julie Knoblauch

    My mom was showing off a pair of awesome capris that she just bought at Marks. She liked them so much she got them in 2 colours! Time to go shopping!

  91. Lindsay T

    I love the v-neck t-shirt dress! It’s perfect for work because I could still get down & play with my students!

  93. Janice Cournoyer

    Women’s Brenda Braided Cork Slide Sandals look like you could wear them with just about anything.

  94. Clair Palmer

    I’m all for comfort lol, like SHAMBHALA Capris, or Suki Capris, and a t-shirt mostly Activewear shirts as they are just comfortable and dont seam as hot, I have no style but there is cute shirts here, I do love to wear dresses as well when it’s really hot (I always wear shorts as I’m not to lady like lol no I’m to busy chasing the kids bending down to tie shoes or whatever)

  96. Lorena Grande

    A nice summer dress is always the most comfortable of all…the add a snappy little sweater or jean jacket and some chic sandals and you are set to go!

  97. nicky

    I’d love to get the Janet Pintuck Shorts, the CURVE-TECH High-Low Dress, and the SUNG ALFRED SUNG Laser Cut Top!

  99. Natalie

    The red polka-dotted Denver Hayes high-low dress is really cute and it looks comfy too. I could see myself spending the summer in it.

  102. Alison Braidwood

    If I win I’ll totally get a pair of Skechers Go Step Marina shoes. Super cute.

  105. LisaM

    Oooh I’d love the Women’s Leisa Lakelyn Ankle Sandals! They look comfy and still good for work!

  107. Jackie M

    I would get DH Women’s Petra Lazer Cut Ballet Flats and DENVER HAYES Solid T-Shirt Dress

  114. Andrea Amy

    I would love to add the 100 Wash Back Split Capris – Plus Size and Sleeveless Rayon Crinkled Printed Crochet Shoulder Top – Plus Size

  115. Doris Calvert

    I love the Danielle 3-Compartment Satchel and the Women’s Breeze Mila Thong Sandals

  116. Terri Baker

    DENVER HAYES Palm Print Burnout Blouson Maxi Dress, DENVER HAYES Crossover Front Slit Maxi Dress and DH Women’s Bettina Block Heel Gilly Sandals to complete either look

  117. Julie bolduc

    I LOVE this dress my birthday is Monday and I my hubby to get me this DENVER HAYES
    V-Neck T-Shirt Dress

  118. Jenny Ragan

    I would love the red and white polka dot dress and the white eyelet circle skirt!

  120. Valerie Caldicott

    I love shoes and for summer slide sandal. I like the Women’s Swiftwater Sandals as can get them wet @ the beach but smart enough to go shopping.

  123. Lori L.

    Wow, I had no idea Mark’s has such cute dresses! So glad I read your post. I really like this Floral Print Smocked Waist Dress and I also love that they come in sizes XS right through to 2 XL!
    https://www.marks.com/en/categories/womens/casual/dresses-and-skirts/product/floral-print-smocked-waist-dress-91009.html#91009%5Bcolor%5D=NAVY

    I would also love the Barbara Top Zip 3-Compartment Crossbody Bag: https://www.marks.com/en/categories/womens/accessories/handbags-and-wallets/product/barbara-top-zip-3-compartment-crossbody-bag-81630.html#81630%5Bcolor%5D=WHITE

    I think it’s time to head to Mark’s! Thanks for this chance to win.

  125. Geneviève Daoust

    Love skirt and cami for the summer or cute little dress. Thanks for the chance

  127. Donnas

    I like the Alfred Sung Eyelet Ruffle Hem Dress. I also like the styles of shoes at Mark’s but I find them to be a bit too snug.

  128. Melinda

    I would like to include the Women’s Whitney Micro Wedge Sandals in my summer uniform.

  129. Karla Sceviour

    I want the Remaster Printed Quick Legging. I actually want a lot of things..lol.but that was one :)

  130. Chris C

    I like the licensed logo shirts. Time to re-visit Mark’s! I used to buy all my shorts and t-shirts there.

  133. Milena

    Denver Hayes Crossover Front Slit Maxi Dress and DH Women’s Claire Cage Heel Gladiator Sandals

  134. Tara Betterley

    I would love to get some Skorts and some nice tank tops that I could wear to work.. Love some of the business casual clothing they have too. I also love that they carry the Short Sleeve Crew Retro Mickey Mouse T-Shirt!

  137. Kristy

    I bought a whole bunch of new t-shirts at Marks a couple of weeks ago. Gotta have my Ts! My favourite is a red one with white stripes. I didn’t look at the dresses because I was pressed for time, but I will be going back to get one as I have a few events to attend this month and would love something new/fresh to wear.

  143. Lisa Bolduc

    my sister for a pair of the crocs swiftwater sandles. I love them and want a pair for myself

  163. Leslie C

    I recently lost alot of weight…almost back to my normal weight..BUT now nothing fits me and my daughter is upset that I keep stealing her clothes!

  165. Trevor Lackey

    Think it would have to be the Jumpstart Best Canadian Dad T-Shirt, my daughter would love it.

  169. bobbijo pentney

    I want to wear shorts, but hate the look of my legs, so long shorts would be my solution.

  172. Rosanne Robinson

    I would like to include the:
    Denver Hayes Palm Print Burnout Blouson Maxi Dress and the Denver Hayes Women’s Rachel Ankle Strap Sandals
    to include in my summer “uniform”

  177. Carol Denny

    I would get the The Beatles Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt. Can’t have enough tshirts for summer.

  188. Janice K

    I need some capris! I’ve had a hard time finding anything between short shorts and leggings lately. I needs some new sandals as well.

  195. Elizabeth Matthiesen

    There’s nothing in the clothing line that I really need but a nice pair of jeans that really fit well would be very nice. :-) Oh yes there is, I forgot I really do need a warm winter jacket that keeps me snug at -25 C to -40 C – and that is a must have! The one I bought last year is fine to about – 15 C but no colder than that.

  196. Elizabeth Matthiesen

    Unfortunately I didn’t win this and I could really do with a new winter jacket. I bought one last year but it just doesn’t keep me warm enough when we get down to -20C and lower. :-(