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.

This week’s style savvy celebrity is Diane Kruger. German born model and actress, Diane knows how to be in the spotlight, not to mention, how to look good doing it. Red carpet to city streets, Diane’s style is always in check, and she is most definitely not afraid to take fashion risks. YSG has chosen Diane as our style icon this week to provide you with some fashion inspiration, and highlight her envy worthy style which oozes self-confidence and creativity. Speaking of envy worthy, did we mention she is dating Canadian actor Joshua Jackson!? Some girls just have it all!

This week YSG has selected the one and only Gwyneth Paltrow for our - just in time for the weekend- dose of inspiration. Gwyneth is timelessly elegant and highly regarded for her red carpet glamour. Movie premiers aside, this busy mom has more then floor length gowns in her fashion repertoire and is able to look amazing both day and night, casual and dressed to the nines. Although her leggy figure and beautiful face make it possible for her to look good in almost anything, Gwyneth has managed to maintain her own sense of style which always suits her body, the occasion and her age.

For a little weekend inspiration, YSG will be highlighting icons of style: Enter Rachel Bilson. We love her for her casual cool, easy going style that always manages to look effortlessly chic. Bohemian meets high street in Rachels electic look, and we love the way she mixes pieces to develop her own unique outfits.

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.

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.