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