Summer’s here: Shoes, shirts and swimwear for the sunny days

It's summer! Time to dress for the warmer weather and pack your clothes for a few days at the beach—but if you need to squeeze in a shopping trip before going on vacation, here are a few brands with summer-ready offerings you might want to check out.

Common Thread

The brightly lit, color-splashed store that first made its mark in Singapore and Malaysia is now in Manila. Common Thread, a style hub that carries brands such as US names Levi's and Ray-Ban, Brazil's Havaianas, France's Bensimon and Italy's K-Way, formally opened its doors last month in Greenbelt 5, Makati.

There's a reason for the brand's name, said the store: “Each person’s unique sense of style and personal preference, from the pieces he or she chooses to how they are worn, tells a personal tale that binds them to a common thread—that is, expression through fashion.”

Summer staples such as shoes, slippers, sunglasses and comfy tees are stocked here: Allegrina ballet flats from Singapore, made by skilled artisans in fun colors such as pink, yellow and orange; California brand Hoola Eyewear, adding a touch of the Golden State to old-school eyewear styles like aviators, wayfarers and classic rounds; all-terrain, ultra-light, island-scented, waterproof and weather-proof shoes from French company Praiaz; and universally flattering cotton shirts from local label Thread 365.

The store will also feature other Filipino brands, to provide an interesting mix of options for shoppers.

Superdry Spring/Summer 2014

Neon tees with burnt effects, army-inspired flag jackets and nautical-style ensembles comprise the current women's wear offerings of youth-oriented British brand Superdry. For the men, tailoring is emphasized, along with dramatic detailing on premium materials.

Denims for women carry a palette of printed effects: stars, Navajo print, pocket detailing and bleached treatment. Not to be missed are the accessories in a variety of colors and options, from candy-colored jelly shoppers for girls to scuba rucksacks in neoprene for boys.

Footwear completes Superdry's collection, with everything from beach espadrilles to retro sneakers and that summer staple classic, the boat shoe. Their best-selling flip-flops now feature contrast colors and cork sole styles for the first time.

Superdry has upped its style for summer by being fun and wearable at the same time.

Speedo Spring/Summer 2014

"Evolution" is the overall creative direction for Speedo’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection, both in the development of designs for its iconic swimsuits and its mission to go beyond the expectations of swimwear.

The collection addresses outfit needs for all, from competitive swimmers to casual ones who swim for fitness, health or enjoyment—as well as those who don't swim at all but who would like to cut a striking figure by the pool.

For competitive swimmers, Speedo Fastskin Racing System provides a collection of training swimwear in attractive prints together with caps, goggles and suits.

Speedo's "Play and Fun" range combines fashion and functionality. Designed for the beach lovers, its one-piece suits, bandeau tops and tankinis come in Aztec, abstract and floral prints. The "Health and Being" line, on the other hand, features technology and prints which visually sculpt the body for a flattering look.

Also not to be missed is the children’s collection. Freestyle was the inspiration for the kids’ swimwear, with graphics, doodles and colors generating a sense of fantasy and make-believe, reflecting the joy of swimming. — BM, GMA News

Photos courtesy of Common Thread, Superdry and Speedo