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.

I love Preloved. I love everything about it. I love how their clothes are all one of a kind creations, made from restored vintage fabrics; I love how their focus is on sustainability in their pieces; and, I love that they still recognize the importance of fit, comfort and style with every garment they create. Environmentally-conscious fashion that’s gorgeous to boot - what’s not to love about Preloved?

The store itself is cozy and welcoming; warm, golden-brown wood and red brick covers floor to ceiling and racks of clothes in beautifully rich colours and strong fabrics line the walls. I wanted to curl up in an armchair with a steaming cup of tea, wrapped in one of their handmade vintage quilts and pretend that I was at the cottage for the weekend. However, as the kind shopgirls would probably think that a bit weird after a few hours, I tried on one of their hugely popular Fefe dresses instead. Strapless, cut just above the knee and reconstructed from a curtain and two trench coats, this dress is perfect for the upcoming summer weather and can oh so easily be dressed up for evening on the town. My favorite was done in a deep, bold pink fabric on top and a silvery grey on the bottom, but the dress comes in a multitude of colour combinations; blues and yellows, purples and pinks, reds and navys…basically, all kinds of pretty from which you can choose.

On top of everything else that’s great about Preloved, what I think I love most about it is that every garment has a story behind it; the item you purchase, when you buy something from this shop, has a history. Each piece came from somewhere and was something else (one might even say that each piece is, um, pre…loved, yes?) before being reconstructed into that special cocktail dress or knit sweater and I think that’s pretty neat. Someone I know once found a pillow there that was covered in the exact same fabric and pattern as her old baby blanket! Seriously, I can’t imagine a more special find.

Preloved is located at 4832 St. Laurent (t: 514.499.9898), but, if you’re unable to visit the Montreal location, there just happens to be one in Toronto, as well as an online boutique and plenty of retail locations throughout the globe. See the website, www.preloved.ca for the deets.

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

Week after week,  i have often noted looks involving pattern and colour. Recently there has been a large resurgence of one of the most iconic and classic patterns of all, the nautical stripe. This traditional blue and white stripe pattern has been showing up everywhere, on every possible surface, in every possible thickness and in a variety of colours. The nautical stripe, especially in its traditional blue and white form, screams preppy, casual cool, and is the perfect addition to a spring/summer outfit or bold pattern to wear alone. Try a striped tee, sweater, dress or even a blazer.

YSG TIP: Don’t be scared of the nautical stripe because of its horizontal orientation. Just be sure to pick a stripe that works for you. A larger, thick stripe will draw more attention, where as a thin stripe will produce less of a bold look. Also keep in mind to balance the size of the stripe, with the size the garment and of course yourself. Do not let yourself drown in this oceanic pattern.