This week’s look is from Club Monaco’s Fall/Winter 10 collection, which is currently in stores. YSG loves this look for its modern spin on essential classics. Club Monaco presents a white collared shirt, navy trouser short, and a beige trench coat, which all have slight design details and modifications that transform them into something out of the ordinary. The thin blue pinstripe on the shirt adds some colour and interest, the trouser short has a stylish suspender detail and the beige trench has thick navy cuffs on the sleeves as well as a featuring two-tones of beige: a lighter colour on top, and a darker, richer colour on the bottom of the jacket. These pieces are all easy to wear and the neutral colours make them perfect for any skin tone!

YSG Tip: Suspenders can be a cute and stylish addition to many outfits, however, make sure that they are not actually holding up your pants or shorts and keep in mind that they are simply an accessory.

Hard to believe in this 30 degree heat, but Its almost that time of year when we can pull out our favourite sweaters, jackets and booties. Fall is quickly approaching, and although the summer weather is still going strong, retail floors are not wasting anytime. Example, the look of the week from Zara’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection. This simple everyday look, cable knit sweater and jeans, is spiced up with a funky, oversized, animal print clutch. I like this look because it is so versatile and can be worn by everyone at every size, price-point and age. A neutral coloured, cable knit sweater is a must for all fall wardrobes. It can be paired with all types of slim fitting denim, in blue, black or even white washes. A funky clutch is a good accessory to add, in order to keep the outfit youthful and current.

YSG Tip: When looking for the perfect sweater, make sure to purchase one that is fitted, not oversized or baggy. Because of the cable knit, and typical thicker material, you want to avoid adding any extra bulk to your frame.

Nothing screams girly, flirty, feminine like ruffles. Not to be confused with the over-the-top tiered ruffles found on your favorite party dress in elementary school, the refined ruffle is for grown ladies and has been adding a touch of fun and girly charm to garments all over the runways. A ruffle detail can take a simple summer dress from being day to night wear, and it adds a dose of personality and femininity. A simple ruffle, as shown in the example above, adds movement to a garment, which makes it come alive, not to mention a ruffle will exaggerate  and draw attention to the area which it is situated. Therefore, a ruffle at the bust-line, as shown above, is great for ladies with smaller chests. Also note the punchy, loud colour of the garment, which combined with the ruffle detail, makes this look a knockout and a head turner.

YSG tip: Ruffles speak for themselves, so be sure to pair your ruffled garment with simple accessories.  Also note, ruffles will add bulk and weight to the area which they are situated, therefore if you are busty avoid ruffles around the neckline. Similarly, avoid ruffle details at the hips and arms if you wish to play down such areas and make them appear slimmer.

Let’s step off the Main for a moment - just for a moment - and stroll (stylishly) over to Avenue Laurier for a peek at this particular shopping avenue’s fashion mecca, Billie Boutique.

Opened in September of 2005, Billie is the perfect embodiment of what a boutique should be; small and intimate; offering labels and garments meticulously chosen to both reflect the shop’s image and create sophisticated looks for their clientele; knowledgeable and attentive staff; and, a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes shoppers want to stay prrreeeetty much all day.

A large front window looks out upon the tree-lined Laurier and, against this backdrop, one can peruse the multitude of carefully selected labels on offer, covering feminine fashion from classic to trendy. Rifle through tees and tanks by Velvet, James Perse and Repeat neatly folded in the center dresser; choose a pair of J Brand, Hudson or Rich and Skinny jeans stacked on the side shelf; and, slip into summer and cocktail dresses by Designers Remix Collection, Graham & Spencer and Snob hanging on the side racks. Don’t forget to accessorize with jewelery by previously-mentioned Montreal designer, Claudia and shoes by Bloch (ballet flat experts), Dolce Vita and Ted Baker. Nor does it stop there - other brands and designers include Anna Sui, Filippa K, K by Karl Lagerfeld, Qi Cashmere, Tara Jarmon, Tracey Reese, Margit Brandt and Loeffler Randall. Sooo, yeah. No big deal or anything.

Such a lovely, refined space it is too. The soft colours, the beige wood, the rosy champagne satin and warm lighting in the dressing rooms that bathe you in a nice, little glow - SUCH a contrast from the usual heinous, yellow-florescent glare in most store change rooms - plus, the way in which the clothes are displayed, it’s basically like a gorgeous walk-in closet. One that I want installed in my bedroom. Immediately.

Billie is located at 141 Laurier St. W, t: 514. 270. 5415. Check out their amazing website to shop online and follow their blog at www.billieboutique.com

A well fitted, basic suit is an essential is any grown woman’s closet-especially those who work in the corporate world. If you do work in the corporate world, however, in no way should you ever solely rely on this one suit. There have been many fashionable variations on the tailored woman’s suit,  and if a suit is your 9-5 dress code, you should most definitely indulge in a least a few. Try to mix up fabrics, colours, and cuts in order to change up your everyday bland pant suit. See two examples from Philip Lim’s Spring/Summer 2010 ready to wear collection for inspiration. Try a shiny fabric or a tapered pant (above). Moving into summer, try a sleeveless coat with a slightly cropped pant (below). Your Shop Girl wants you to remember that you can always be fashion forward,  and stylish even at the office!

YSG Tip: It is very rare that a suit will fit you perfectly right off the rack. Make sure to look into in-store, complimentary  alteration services to ensure that your suit fits you like a glove and makes your look and feel your best.

Flirty, feminine and fun, the sweetheart neckline is one which suits almost every woman. As the name suggests, the sweetheart neckline dips down in the middle creating a heart-like shape on a woman’s chest. This neckline flatters all as it can give the illusion of a larger bust for those who are small chested, and also play up a woman’s already existing curves for those who have a more shapely figure. As shown, this neckline is often found on strapless numbers, such as tops and dresses, and instantly gives off a sexy, 1950’s pin-up vibe by highlighting the bust and diminishing the waist.

YSG Tip: Finding a piece with a sweetheart neck in the right size is key, one that is too large will look baggy and not flatter, and one that is too small will flatten the chest and give unflattering underarm ’spillage’-never ever good!

Ever since the phenomenon that is ‘Gossip Girl’ hit the airways, there has been a new light shed on vast possibilities of making prep-school like attire, such a kilts, ties, blazers and knee socks, look amazingly stylish and cute. Once a girl who loathed her daily private school uniform consisting of a all of the above, now looks back on those days with serious regret. What a shame it is that i never appreciated all of  the possibilities i had to really make something of the uniform, which when broken down, really has some nice elements. The blazer, required to be worn to all formal school events was often shoved deep into a locker, with hopes of never resurfacing. The shirt, kilt and tie combo, which now i realize could truly make for a flattering ensemble, was never worn neatly, perpetually un-tucked, un-ironed and without any sense of pride or style. It seems now like these items cannot be escaped when shopping in stores or even looking to runways. As it appears i cannot escape it, i have recently come to embrace it as i encourage all of you to do the same. Its funny now as i would love to have a well fitting pleated kilt and must admit to having at least four blazers, all eerily similar to the one from my high school days. When its all said and done, its hard to go wrong with a high waisted a-line skirt and well fitted collared shirt. The blazer is most definitely a nice addition and something which many women would call a closet staple. This time around however maybe we will leave the knee socks in the sock drawer and the ties to the boys.

YSG tip: In order to avoid looking like an actual school girl, make sure you look for a skirt that is not too short. Avoid patterns such as tartan and opt for such shades as the caramel neutral colour shown above. The dark blue shirt is also a nice addition and a twist on the classic white shirt. School pride never looked so good.

Before you instantly poo-poo the romper, or disregard it as being ugly or childish, please take five minutes and read why i think the romper is an essential part of any girl on the go’s summer apparel and therefore this week look of the week. To start, id like you to take a moment and think back to your childhood and remember that amazing one piece snowsuit your mom would insist you wear every snowy day to school. Although you may have loathed it at the time, like i did, i now realize why my mother loved it so much. Simply put, it was functional, easy and pretty darn cute. In my opinion the same can be said for the romper. Firstly, the great thing about rompers, is like a dress, they are one step outfits. You don’t have to worry about co-ordinating a top with a bottom, simply slip one on and tada, you are dressed! Secondly, rompers, unlike dresses, are either shorts or pants and this instantly makes them perfect day to night wear. Casual enough to wear on a afternoon shopping trip, yet cute and stylish enough to pair with great shoes and wear at night. Rompers too have seen a lot of variety this season and come in all cuts, lengths and materials. If you still think rompers are young and immature looking, think again.

This full length romper, featured above, looks elegant and refined. The full pants make ones legs appear longer and the belted waist adds a flattering touch.

This short, light romper is slightly younger at heart, but still looks put-together and stylish. Simply put, rompers can be a fun addition to anyone summer wardrobe. Try something different and find one that works for your needs and body.

YSG tip: The key to rompers is finding one that fits correctly. Because they are one piece, you must find one where the waist hits you in the right place to avoid it sagging or riding up. Also when considering a short romper, keep in mind the length of the shorts to ensure you feel and look comfortable.

On a day to day basis, everyone is looking for simplicity in their wardrobe- the ability to hop out of bed, and throw something on that makes you look great and feel comfortable in your skin. The warmer months ahead  make this much easier, as we are able to ditch all the fuss of bulky coats, sweaters, scarves and mittens and get back to the basics of a great outfit. The boho look is ideal for this as its cool, comfortable and can be effortlessly cute. Pairing  a great boho piece with a timeless basic makes getting dressed as simple as can be, and more so keeps you looking put together and stylish. Try a boho top paired with  simple denim shorts and easy sandals.

YSG tip: Keeping the colours and fabrics light will keep you comfortable on the hottest of summer days.

What’s that, you say? Lola and Emily, second edition?? Mais, oui - cue the drumroll - after dressing up Montreal’s Mile End and Plateau fashionistas on St. Laurent, Lola and Emily has opened a second boutique across the city, in Westmount!! Ladies, dreams really do come true.

The Westmount location still has has that intimate and pretty feel to it for which the original location is known, though it is slightly more elegant, with a more open, minimalist concept behind it. It’s as if the girls moved out of their downtown, two bedroom apartment and into an uptown, spacious, grey-and-white-walled, purple-accented, gorgeous loft. It’s Lola and Emily, grown up.

Labels are mostly the same at both stores, with the ever-loved, cult-status-like Nudie Jeans and Ca Va De Soi tops lining the racks, but the shop’s owners, Marnie Blanshay and Amanda Eaman, like to keep the stock different at each store. So, if a certain Designers Remix Collection summer dress isn’t exactly to your taste at one store (though I dare you to try to convince me that’s possible), head over to the other location to check out the different styles or colours it might be carrying! So, you ask, you’re saying that I have more choice of sartorial treasures with which to perfect the signature Lola and Emily look? That is EXACTLY what I’m saying. How amazing is that?

The Westmount location, however, does have a few new, captivating items. Check out the line of Lollia candles, bath products and body lotions, a brand that is completely new for the boutique. Delicious-smelling candles, decorated with prints of flowers and vintage birdcages, bubble bath stored in wine bottles and lotions with names such as Relax, Wish and Imagine are sure to be a lovely accent to your home (they’re definitely on my list!) As for des vetements, the 100% silk dresses and flowing tops by Yumi Kim are gorgeous, comfortable and will absolutely have your girlfriends gasping, “Where did you get that??” and rushing off to buy their own piece (also on my list - my list is getting rather long, actually).

The new boutique is located at 4920 Sherbrooke W. t: 514.483.4040, www.lolaandemily.com

From Montreal,

Lindsay