Jenna Lyons

Met Gala 2016: Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology

3 May, 2016 Nelia

The first Monday in May is here and so is the annual Met Gala aka Fashion Oscars. After poring over hundreds of celeb pics, I have to say that it was probably one of my fave red carpets in a while…which is why I had such a tough time choosing my faves. This year, there were so many interesting dresses, I couldn’t narrow down my choices to the usual “best” and “worst”, and so, I am just going to post all of the looks that I’d found either exciting, or super boring/terrible, so that you can judge for yourself.

Perhaps the red carpet was extra exciting thanks to this year’s theme – Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology. Anna Wintour arrived wearing one of my fave looks from CHANEL Haute Couture Spring 2016 collection, and knowing first-hand how important both technology and innovation are in creating a lot of the CHANEL looks, I loved her choice that much more. Other stand-outs included Solange in an origami-like David Laport frock of my dreams, Zoe Saldana sporting a gown with an exaggerated peacock-like train, Nicole Kidman in an ethereal caped creation, Kristen Stewart in yet another stunning CHANEL dress, Claire Danes in a glow-in-the-dark ball gown, and Lena Dunham, Jenna Lyons, and Jennifer Konner in custom-made J.Crew tuxes – so fresh and so cool, though perhaps not exactly adhering to the theme of the night.

I have to say that I was very disappointed to see Michelle Williams in a completely forgettable and way-too-casual dress, which was made even worse by her terrible new bangs and drab makeup – a rare misstep for this usually stylish actress. Other misses included Grimes in an ill-fitting dress and dishevelled hair, SJP in a puzzling get-up, Kerry Washington looking like she was going to a Halloween party dressed as a witch, and a whole bunch of people like Elle Fanning, Katie Holmes, Amber Heard, Emily Ratajkowski, Maria Sharapova, among others, who wore completely forgettable dresses, definitely not worthy of the Met Gala. Last, but not least, Taylor Swift, who was the co-chair of this year’s event, totally missed the mark in a cocktail dress that could have come from Banana Republic (no offence to Banana Republic, but it’s usually not Met Gala appropriate).

And there you have it, my faves and not-so-faves from this year’s Met Gala. Which looks did you like? Share your best and worst in the comments.

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NYFW: J.Crew Fall 2016 Collection

19 February, 2016 Nelia

Even before previewing the J.Crew Fall 2016 presentation at Spring Studios, I knew that my day was off to a great start. As I walked out of the elevator, I nearly stumbled right into Anna Wintour in her signature shades and a leopard coat. Greeted by Jenna Lyons and Somsack Sikhounmuong, J.Crew’s new head of women’s design (and a fellow Canadian!), Anna walked through the room spending some time to explore the collection. After a few minutes of star-struck stupor, I finally looked up at the row of beautiful models, and promptly fell in love with the entire collection – menswear and womenswear combined.

There was just so much to love – plush faux fur coats in cotton candy pink and dove grey, Anna-worthy leopard print pieces, coolest strappy shoes, colourful culottes, pajamas styled as daywear, a mirepoix of prints, bold toppers, and so much more. Unsurprisingly, it was all impeccably-styled, with chic neck scarves, artful layering, and braided ponytails. I spent a crazy amount of time looking at each outfit, but when I inevitably came back to take another look at my favourites, I would notice more cool details that I had somehow missed earlier. On top of it, thanks to one of the coldest winter days in New York, I really wanted to borrow a few of the cozy cable-knit sweaters and a fluffy coat or two and wear it all right then and there.

Needless to say, I adored J.Crew Fall 2016 collection and will certainly be on the lookout for my favourite pieces next fall. What do you think of this collection? Share in the comments!

“The advantage of having been with J.Crew for more than 15 years is knowing what feels right/what doesn’t, what is natural to J.Crew versus what feels unnatural…striking the right balance between what is new and what is timeless. Designing the collection almost feels instinctual.” — Somsack Sikhounmuong, women’s design team

“This season we focused on the inherent DNA of J.Crew with an emphasis on reinvigorating time honored classics with a modern, whimsical twist. Unexpected colors in traditional men’s tailoring – the playful mash-up of vibrant prints – the embracing of pleated pants and wide wale cord. Those are some of my most favorite moments in the collection. In addition, this season will be Somsack’s first in his new position as head of women’s design. Having Somsack back on the team has been like rereading your favorite book and discovering all over again the reasons you loved it the first time. He brings a fresh and spirited take to the women’s collection with a deep understanding of its core tenants. Most importantly – the magic is in the mix.” — Jenna Lyons, creative director and president

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Finally: J.Crew in Canada!

29 August, 2011 Nelia

If you encountered unexpected levels of traffic on your way to Yorkdale, J.Crew might be to blame. First Canadian store of the preppy US retailer opened earlier this month to much excitement from the shopaholics (myself included).

At the launch of the store, I witnessed the coolest pieces fly off the shelves (don’t worry, they restock) faster than you can say “twin-set”. The store itself is really fun – bright and spacious, with stylish (and helpful) sales associates decked out in J.Crew from head to toe, not to mention the great selection of womenswear, from my fave Cafe Capris, to cashmere sweaters in all colors of the rainbow, to a ton of pretty shoes and accessories. J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler and President Jenna Lyons mingled with attendees, with Jenna dressed up in her signature stripes, and sequins – the look she’d perfected.

As for me, I made a mental checklist of my J.Crew must-haves, that I could come back to try on once the craziness dies down a bit. They include beautiful cropped floral pants, as well as the cropped pants on every guest’s list – in loud fuschia or bold orange – perfect for a night out, yet demure enough to wear at the office. Another item on my list is a pair of lace-up boots in camel leather – a pair that will go perfectly with skirts, jeans, dresses, pants (bathing suits even?) this fall. Last, but not least, I am hoping that the classic J.Crew trench looks as good on me as it does on a mannequin – I need a new one this season, and the one at the store looks pretty damn perfect.

If you still haven’t stopped by the store, and are looking to update your wardrobe for the Back To ~~School~~ Work season, now is the time. See you there?

More photos from the launch on our Facebook Page!

Style Fille: Jenna Lyons

17 August, 2011 Nelia

Tonight, Toronto welcomes Jenna Lyons – President and Executive Creative Director of J.Crew at the company’s first official store opening in Canada! If you still don’t know who Jenna is…well, she’s the woman behind the brand – the J in J.Crew, she is Jenna from “Jenna’s Picks”, and the reason why so many of us want to achieve the effortless-chic-look featured in the pages of J.Crew’s lookbooks and catalogues.

It is not surprising then, that this woman, who is a pro at high-low styling, is a huge style inspiration to many, with her easy-breezy cocktail of feminine and masculine styles, and her endless love for sequins and furs. She wore a freaking sweater over her gown to the Met Gala! Now that takes some serious style-chops to pull off.

What do you think about Jenna’s style? Are you as obsessed as I am? Let me know in the comments.

Photo Credits: TFS

Met Gala 2016: Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology

NYFW: J.Crew Fall 2016 Collection

Finally: J.Crew in Canada!

Style Fille: Jenna Lyons

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