This is It

"I like dinosaurs like a nine-year old boy likes dinosaurs." - Alexa Chung 

The key to enjoying Alexa Chung's It is to know going in that it is not a memoir. It is a collection of Alexa's short writings and personal photographs and sketches. It is a look inside the head and world of one of today's most influential style icons. 

It covers everything from Alexa's thoughts on love, music and style, and provides unique advice on makeup, getting dressed and even how to be a karaoke superstar in your local bar. 

Interesting facts about Alexa:

• She loves dinosaurs. If you're lucky, you may be able to spot her hanging around the halls of the American Museum of Natural History. 
• Speaking of the Museum, her goal in life is to become the voice of the Planetarium. Watch out Whoopi!
• She has a passion for karaoke and even sings Nickleback. 
• While figuring out her own personal style she borrowed from film stars/characters like Annie Hall, Liv Tyler in Empire Records and Wednesday Addams. 
• Wardrobe staples she can't live without: her denim hot pants, navy blue jumper, Burberry trench coat, ankle boots, white shirt . . .

Advice and tips to consider:

• From her mother, "Nobody goes through life without having their heart broken and one day you'll wake up and it will be okay."
• Things you will need at a music festival: wet wipes, a blanket, water and glitter. 
• An impromptu exfoliation technique, Vaseline and brown sugar. 
• Number one in her guide to getting dressed, "In the shower/bath/over the sink . . take your time to imagine your day and how you'd like to look as you are doing all those boring tasks/potentially running into an ex or future partner/nemesis." Also important, "look in the mirror."
• As a general karaoke rule, "the more cheesy and awful the song is, the better. Nobody wants to hear you doing a perfect rendition of a Frank Sinatra classic."

I enjoyed It, it was random and a super fast read. Going in my knowledge of Alexa was basic. I still don't know a whole lot about her, but it was a start. This book isn't for people who want to read Alexa's life story, it is not a memoir! But read it, it takes no time at all and you'll learn an interesting thing or two. 

Enjoy It! 
Jennifer

The June Issue

“While clothes may not make the woman, they certainly have a strong effect on her self-confidence - which, I believe, does make the woman.” - Mary Kay Ash

I subscribe to ELLE Canada and think all fashion loving people who live in Canada should as well. I love looking through the pages of American Vogue, but ELLE Canada is more well-rounded and a better fit for my lifestyle. ELLE of course follows fashion trends, but also beauty, upcoming books and movies to watch out for, relationships, and stories of interesting and often times inspiring women.

The great thing about ELLE is that many of the trends and recommended pieces are attainable in both location and price. Vogue’s idea of an affordable piece of clothing or accessory is $500 and less, ELLE’s is $100 and less. The magazine often recommends affordable brands like H&M, Aldo, Nine West and Levi’s, and stores like Winners.

Here is a look at the June issues trends to watch for this summer:

• Boy Season: Fashion is in a “boyish mood,” watch out for boyfriend blazers, pantsuits, biker jackets, bow ties and if you're feeling daring the she-stache. 
• Denim: Try denim in a classic short, jean or jacket, but also consider a denim bag, shoe and bikini. 
• 60’s Style Resin Sunglasses: This summer consider a new colour when browsing for sunglasses. Try on red, yellow, blue, purple, green, pink and light brown. 
• Fringe: The magazine recommends shoes and bags with fringe. 
• Orange: Orange is in this summer! Give a splash of colour to your outfit by adding the bright colour. Look for shoes, jewelry, tanks, bags, belts and swimsuits. 
• White: Nina Garcia recommended the little white dress in The One Hundred, and now ELLE is as well. White is always classic, simple, sophisticated and looks great with a little bit of sun. 
• Nautical: As always, sail away this season in navy and white. 

www.ellecanada.com

Happy summer,
Jennifer

The One Hundred

“Dressing is a way of life.” - Yves Saint Laurent

Nina Garcia’s The One Hundred is a fabulous style guide that every woman must own. Garcia details 100 items (clothing, shoes and accessories) that she believes will never go out of style; I couldn’t agree more with her choices (with a few slight adjustments and careful selections to reflect my personal style). The One Hundred is a perfect reference for women who are ready and willing to invest in good-quality, classic pieces that will stay in their wardrobe for years to come.

Many of the items in the book are investment pieces, but Garcia provides affordable options where she can. For the boyfriend cardigan she suggests Gap, Target and H&M. Note that H&M does have well-made sweaters. I have sweaters that are 4 years-old and still look brand new. For the motorcycle jacket she suggests Topshop, H&M and Forever 21. And for the ballet flat she suggests Gap, J.Crew and Tory Burch if you’re not ready to invest in Chanel. I personally suggest looking into Jessica Simpson flats www.jessicasimpsoncollection.com.

Illustrations by Ruben Toledo

Here is a look at ten of my favourite items: 

• Aviators: In fashion since 1936, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Ray-Ban aviators. Also look into Tory Burch and Chanel www.toryburch.com. 
• Black Opaque Tights: Garcia’s best advice, “from time to time, you will see a girl wearing her black opaque tights as pants. They are, in fact, not.” I recommend Calvin Klein www.calvinkleininc.com. 
• Blazer: Every girl should own a well-tailored blazer. You can wear it with anything: a skinny jean, cute dress, khakis and of course to complete a suit. Banana Republic makes wonderful blazers bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca. 
• Frye Boot: Another item that can be worn with pretty much anything. Some people think that spending a lot of money on boots is crazy, but I assure you Frye Boots are worth every single cent www.thefryecompany.com. 
• The Chanel 2.55: Coco’s quilted bag, with a double-chain shoulder strap and interlocking C’s as the clasp. This bag will stay with you and your family forever www.chanel.com.
• The Little Black Dress: We have all had a day where we can’t find a thing to wear, until we spot the LBD - always coming to the rescue. 
• Pajamas: Wearing a cute pair of pajamas at night will make you feel stylish 24/7. 
• Perfume: I recommend finding a signature scent that fits you perfectly. I am a Chloe girl www.chloe.com. 
• Plain White Tee: The white tee is another item that goes with anything: under a blazer, with a pair of skinny jeans or tucked into a skirt. Garcia recommends Hanes www.hanes.com. 
• Trench: Wearing a classic trench can instantly make you feel pulled together. I recommend looking at Anthropologie’s selection www.anthropologie.com.

Not only is The One Hundred informative, it’s also fun. I love the fashion 101’s. Did you know that Lacoste was an international tennis champion whose nickname was le crocodile? It’s no wonder when Lacoste asked a friend to design a short-sleeve cotton-knit to wear on the court, the little crocodile was sewn on as the logo. 

Invest in a good book!
Jennifer

The Classics

“Simplicity, good taste, and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing and these do not cost money.” - Christian Dior

While I work my way through my first book for review, I thought I’d start this blog with a few details on the designers and stores I love. For me good personal style is about simple, classic pieces and taking the time to groom. I work for an environmental charity and don’t exactly have a surplus of extra money to spend each season on new clothing and accessories. For this reason, I always focus my shopping on buying classic pieces that won’t go out of style. 

Here is a look at the designers and stores I love for their classic pieces. Note that not all of these I can afford, but a girl can dream: 

• Anthropologie: My life has changed since two stores opened in Toronto (Shops at Don Mills & Yorkville). Walking into Anthropologie makes you feel like you’re in another part of the world. The clothing is fun, vintage inspired and sophisticated. Note that the home decor is a little pricey, but worth it for the one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else. Anthropologie is an experience www.anthropologie.com

• Banana Republic: Banana Republic is my go to place for a classic outfit. The clothing is simple, classic, good quality and well tailored. If you’re a petite like me, please visit the petite section and try on a pair of jeans and a suit www.bananarepublic.ca 

• Burberry: What girl doesn’t dream of a classic Burberry trench or anything with the tartan pattern that has made the British fashion house so well-known? www.burberry.com

• Calvin Klein (Underwear): I actually can’t walk past a Calvin Klein Underwear store without going in - I love this store. The sleepwear is comfortable, stylish and cute! The bras and underwear sets are sexy and good quality. I have CK bras and underwear that are a few years old and are still in wonderful shape (literally) www.cku.com 

• Chanel: The quilted Chanel 2.55 bag, the little black dress, two-toned shoes, the cardigan, what else is there to say? www.chanel.com

• Chloe (See by Chloe): I recently fell in love with Chloe after discovering See by Chloe at The Bay (The Room, Queen & Yonge). Chloe is classic, luxurious and sophisticated www.chloe.com 

• Dior: The bags are just beautiful www.dior.com 

• Nine West : Nine West has classic and trendy shoes that are well-made, affordable and almost always comfortable. Nine West is my go to shoe store. It is not too cheap or too expensive - which in my opinion is perfect when buying a shoe, especially when you live in Toronto and do a lot of walking. A cheap shoe most often looks it, which is why a store like Nine West is a perfect solution for those of us who can’t afford Manolo’s www.ninewest.com 

Much love, 

Jennifer