Summer Essentials

Summer is my favorite time to experiment with outfits; I always add more jewellery, color, and prints to my basic black wardrobe. I think it must have something to do with the weather because I feel much more easy-going and adventurous, but sometimes when it is really hot, the last thing you want to do is plan an outfit. Because of this, we came up with a Top 10 List of Summer Essentials here at Yu Fashion to make creating outfits much easier.

1. Cargo Pants or Shorts: Cargo pants are a huge trend for summer, and will carry through to the fall and beyond. They are a great alternative to your basic blue jeans, and look great paired with earthtones. Here, Rachel Bilson is sporting the trend with a pair of brown ballet flats. To get this look at Yu, we have the Rich and Skinny cargo shorts, and will be getting the James cargos in shortly (for those that missed out on the Rich & Skinny cargo leggings).

2. Clogs: Clogs became huge after Chanel showed them on the runway, and many celebrities are wearing them with boyfriend and skinny jeans. I think they are super fun for summer footwear, and compliment all the bohemian printed pieces of the season. To try this look out for yourself, we suggest the Ugg Clog...fashion and comfort all in one, what else can you ask for???

3. Ripped Denim: Ripped Denim is perfect for summer because it is breezy...your legs are exposed to the air after all!!! Here in Edmonton, ripped denim doesn't really work after September (unless you want frostbite), so you take advantage of the trend (and weather) while you can. Here at Yu, we offer a variety of heavily distressed denim: Boyfriend shorts by Rich & Skinny, Boyfriend jeans, and Skinny ripped jeans by both 7 For All Mankind and Rich & Skinny. Again, Rachel Bilson is showcasing trends 2 and 3 in the outfit pictured above.

4. Prints: I LOVE prints in the summer time! Whether it is a scarf, cardigan, or shirt, in the summer I feel I can wear them all! Right now at Yu, we have a number of printed scarves by Sir Alistair Rai, and tons of silk printed camis! We are also getting more Winter Kate shortly, which is always prints galore!

5. Jean Jackets: Denim jackets are big once again, and look great paired with cargo pants, or over a light, printed dress on a breezy night. We have a super cute Juicy Couture denim jacket that we featured on our blog recently...uber cute!!!

6. Lightweight Scarf: Lightweight scarves are great for cooler days and nights because they add style to an otherwise simple outfit. We have linen scarves by Love Quotes in every color imaginable! Here Nicole Richie combines all three trends in a fabulous outfit.
7. Pocket Tees: Not only are Pocket tees a huge trend right now, but they are great in the summer because you don't have to wear anything over them. Pocket tees are generally oversized making them nice and breezy! We offer a number of pocket tees and tanks by Joie, and Central Park West.

8. Nudes: Nude is the new black!!! It is a lighter alternative to black that you should be pairing with absolutely everything.

9. Wood/ Organic Jewellery: Wood and turquoise are always the jewellery of choice in the summer for their bohemian feel. Feel free to mix and match them with the rest of your jewels! We offer pieces by Claudia, BRITTA, and Jocelyn Kennedy to get your fix!

10. Tube dress: Tube dresses are the PERFECT summer dress. They can be used as a coverup over a bathing suit, or dressed up for a night out. Also, once it gets cooler, you can add leggings and a lightweight sweater...perfect ensemble for fall!!! We have tube dresses by Rachel Pally and Velvet!

How many of these essentials do you have???

Hobo International

So the summer months have finally arrived, and we know a lot of you are jetting off to numerous destinations. Organization is key to a stress free get-away, and Hobo International has created the perfect card organizer! The little wallet can hold up to ten cards and is complete with an ID holder; it also has two leather bands that snap into place to make sure that your cards are safe and snug. Just slip it into your carry on and you're ready to go! Furthermore, If you are a handbag enthusiast, this little wallet is super easy to transfer from bag to bag.

Hobo International also creates fantastic clutches that combine style and practicality, which we love! Come in for a look or click HERE to check out the website.

Our Latest Obsession

Lately we have been OBSESSED with the Joann t-shirt by Joie. This is the perfect basic with a twist because it is silk. Instead of wearing a regular cotton t-shirt with jeans, try wearing the Joann...voila it effortlessly takes your outfit up a notch! Also, it'll give you more coverage than a regular silk tank, so you don't have to worry about wearing a cardigan over it in the hot summer months!

The fit is fantastic! It is baggier on the top, and more fitted at the bottom making it an extremely figure flattering top, covering everything we want to cover...no visible "bits" here!!! What I love most about the top is its length; it is long enough to wear with leggings, while not being too long to wear with jeans. Another plus is that the Joann serves as a great showcase for fabulous jewellery!

Joie makes fantastic silk basics, and the Joann t-shirt does not disappoint! This top is available in 3 different colours: Pebble (grey, shown above), Caviar (black), and Porcelain (white). Stop by and pick up one (or two, or three) of them!

*FYI, Joie is discontinuing the Joann top for fall, so this will be the last time you will be able to purchase it! Come get yours now before it's too late!

What's Mabel Wearing????

So, a little birdie told me that Miss Lola bought this stunning Winter Kate Eden Cardigan. Since she asked last week, what Mabel wears for drinks on Friday night that is a little unexpected, I thought I would use Lola as inspiration for this outfit!

Mabel is wearing the Winter Kate Eden Cardigan with a gold foil Peace Sign tank by Lauren Moshi. I thought the gold foil would play very nicely with the yellow tones in the kimono. For jewelry, Mabel is wearing three crystal necklaces from Jocelyn Kennedy. The combination of clear and champagne compliments both the jacket and the tank.

This is a perfect unexpected outfit because the kimono is simply unique, it looks vintage, so be prepared to get lots of compliments. Pair this look with skinny jeans, or if you want to be even more UNEXPECTED, pair it with the Rich and Skinny cargos. You will definitely stand out from the rest of your girlfriends!

Lola, comment below, what do you think of this outfit?

Xoxo,

Jerd

Charms, charms, for everyone!

If you have not heard of Thomas Sabo before, you are in for a real treat! Thomas Sabo is a German company that makes sterling silver charms for bracelets, earrings, necklaces, watches, and brooches. They have 2 lines: a regular and higher-end line. The former produces smaller sized charms (2-3cm in length), ranging in price from $29 to $124 per charm. The charms for the latter are much larger in size, and are often much more "blinged-out." Also, included in this line are pendants, earrings, rings, and bracelets. The price of these charms and accessories greatly range but generally start around the $100 mark.

There is great diversity in the many charms available, so finding one to like, if not love, is pretty much a sure thing, making them the perfect gift idea! They have charms to mark milestones in your life, as well as charms for hobbies, activities, religions, and travelling. And of course, they also have the basic charms that everyone seems to love: hearts, stars, birthstones, and letter charms.

If you would like to check out these charms, click HERE to see the regular line, and HERE for the higher-end line.

What's Mabel Wearing????

This week's outfit choice for Mabel is in response to Lola's comment last week. She wrote:

"What about [this situation]...it's Friday night, heading out for dinner with friends, want to be a little different/a little unexpected...what would Mabel wear???"

Mabel is wearing a cream James Perse tank, and a taupe silk vest/top by Ever. For jewellery, she has on a short silver and turquoise slab necklace by Jocelyn Kennedy, a long mixed metal chain necklace by Claudia Accessories, and a multi layered gold necklace by our own private label.

Personally I think Mabel looks killer!!! The turquoise necklace gives her a great pop of colour, especially since the rest of the ensemble is fairly neutral. In my opinion, when I'm out with girlfriends, I tend to get "all dolled up" in my girlier, dressier clothes, and because this outfit is the exact opposite of that, it is unexpected! Hopefully this is what you were looking for Lola. If not, check back next week. Mabel may have a new surprise for you!

Juicy Couture

New Juicy has arrived for summer! A favourite amongst us here at the store is an adorable ruffle back cardigan available in Black, Pale Ash (taupe), and coming in Angel (cream); it's classic in shape with a modern twist (simple V-neck front with tulle, tiered back). Pair this cute cardigan with the new Juicy ruffle, "Pixie Polka Dot cami," for a super feminine look, or with the Juicy denim jacket if you're feeling a bit more casual. These pieces are fantastic, easy summer pieces that are both fun and flirty!

New Lauren Moshi...

So, Lauren Moshi, everybody's favourite graphic tee, has officially arrived for the summer. Available in a gold chainlink peace sign, and Cartier "Love" print, these tees are the perfect summer "throw-on"; they'd look great paired with a pair of denim boyfriend shorts for the summer, and/or with skinny jeans tucked into a pair of "to die for" boots in the fall. If you are not yet familiar with this line, come check it out; we have both prints available in a tank and short sleeved style...promise, you'll be a fan for life!!!

Spring Treats!!!

Alas, the wait is over, Winter Kate has finally arrived!!! We just received a shipment this morning of Nicole Richie's "Ginger" and "Eden" jackets, and although long, the wait was more than worth it. The Ginger available in Willow (taupe) and Grey silk chiffon is a great alternative to your basic black cardigan while the Eden jacket (my personal favourite) is the perfect attention grabber!!! Throw either of these on over a silky camisole and boyfriend jeans, and you've got the "perfect for any occassion" ensemble, OR if you really want to channel Ms. Richie's bohemian vibe, put one of these on over top of a maxi dress and flip flops...but most importantly, don't forget your oversized sunnies and Balenciaga City tote!!!

Also, new to the store is "Funktional." Based out of L.A., this line offers fashion forward pieces in luxurious fabrics all at an unbeatable price!!! Come take a peak before they're all gone...

What's Mabel Wearing????

This week Mabel is sporting the shoulder pad trend in a twenty8twelve top in charcoal and a black high waisted skirt by Central Park West.

I added 2 chain necklaces, one in black and one in silver, to edge up this look!

Would you date Mabel?

Skinny Cargos!

The skinny cargo has to be the biggest pant trend since the boyfriend jean!! The cargo pants were seen at Balmain's fall runway show. Balmain ignited the trend and now every celebrity is sporting skinny cargos. These pants are a great all year pant! Right now, we are all wearing ours with caged heels and even flip flops! For the fall, I will be wearing mine with combat boots! Surprisingly, they are extremely versatile, the army green is a great neutral.

So far we have the Rich and Skinny cargos, and they have been flying out of here! I am in love with them!! They are comfy like a jegging, but don't bag out and they have the cutest flap pocket! We also got the Rich and Skinny cargo shorts which will be perfect for summer with sandals or boots!

If we no longer have your size at the store, not to worry we will be getting the James skinny cargos within the month!

Belts, Belts, Belts!

New belts have finally arrived! From skinny to wide, belts are an easy way to define an outfit. Throw on a wide belt over a cardigan to create a more sophisticated look, or pair a skinny belt with high waisted jeans. Belts definitely add interest to an otherwise boring outfit, so if your outfit is falling flat, belt it!

Belt lines available at the store:

Brave Leather (Canadian Company)
Tali's(American, makers of "The Sex and the City" belts)

For more belt inspiration click HERE.

What's Mabel Wearing????

This week Mabel is wearing the Benette silk tank by Joie. I am loving this tank because it combines two of summer's biggest trends, stripes and tie-dye in one! Over the tank, Mabel is wearing the navy Mackage Kenya leather jacket. It is motorcycle style, but the toughness of the style is softened by being navy. Navy is a unique color for a leather jacket and surprisingly goes with everything!

For jewels, Mabel is wearing 2 Jocelyn Kennedy crystal necklaces and a Claudia crystal chain necklace, all of these pieces are perfect for layering with everything in your wardrobe!

What's Mabel Wearing????

In week 3 of "What's Mabel Wearing???", Mabel is wearing a circle scarf by Sir Alistar Rai, a heather oatmeal silk and cotton tank by Heather, a taupe button-down shirt by James Perse, and a sterling silver charm necklace by Chan Luu. The tank, by Heather, is new to the store this week and is also the first time this brand has graced our store. Heather is produced by the same company that makes Bordeaux. However, in comparison to the more dressy line, Bordeaux, Heather produces more contemporary styles. We certainly like it so expect to see it in the future here at Yu!!!

Bordeaux is known for soft fabrics and fantastic draping, and some beautiful tops have just arrived! My fav is the champagne silk and cotton top. I love the combination of silk and cotton fabrics, as it makes the shirt look more dressy. Add a Karyn Chopik necklace for a more casual organic feel or layer on the bling to really dress it up!

The tanks also have an inner lining that is super soft and holds in everything that you dont want to show.

Cute New Juicy Dresses!

This week's fashion highlight are the two very cute Juicy dresses we got into the store. The first one is called the Pinwheel Posy (pictured on right). It is very pink and girly and perfect if you are looking for a fun and flirty dress. One thing I love about it is that it is a silk/cotton blend, making it feel absolutely amazing. In addition, when I tried it on it made me feel pretty and carefree. I felt like it would be perfect to wear to a dinner party with my girlfriends! The second dress is the Waterlily (pictured on left). It is a black dress with a nude underlay. The black overlay has eyelets cut into it in the shape of flowers allowing the nude to peek through. Both dresses would be perfect for many summer events; such as weddings, dates, and dinners; that you are planning on attending!!

Highwaisted Jeans

There has been much buzz on the "highwaisted" jean. We LOVE them here as we feel they are a "dual" purpose style. Firstly, for some of us with that little extra "pooch" or "muffin top," it instantly sucks that in, and voila you have that fit, firm tummy we all like to strive for. Secondly, for the true fashionista, they are the newest, coolest style to add to your denim wardrobe: tuck in (yes, we said tuck in) a great shirt, add a fab belt, great heels, and you're good to go!!! They are not going away anytime soon, and don't worry they don't look like "mom" jeans!!! Seriously, come and try a pair!!!

NEW THIS WEEK!!

This week we have new shipments of Graham & Spencer and Joie!!

The Graham & Spencer stuff is fantastic! They have done some great silk tie-dye pieces that I am in love with! Also, the linen tops with sparkly studded details are great summer basics with something extra!!

The Joie shipment has great summer pieces, seriously, there is nothing that I don't like in this grouping! There are some great bohemian pieces and a great basic white silk tank and a brown silk dress with pockets!!!

Drop by and take a look!!!

What's Mabel Wearing????

This is the second week of our What's Mabel Wearing? feature.

Mabel is wearing the Free People "My Fair Lady" jacket along with a printed Joie silk tank! I have already blogged about the Fair Lady jacket, so I thought since I love it so much, Mabel should be wearing it!

For jewelry, Mabel is wearing a Jocelyn Kennedy wood necklace wrapped around twice.

What's Mabel Wearing????

If you shop at the store often, you have probably seen our big shoulder mannequin Mabel! Every week she is dressed differently, so we have decided to start a segement on the blog about Miss Mabel, called "What's Mabel Wearing??" Mabel is a fun way for us to showcase what's new in the store, so we thought it would be perfect for the blog.

This week Mabel is wearing a royal blue Central Park West silk tank and a cashmere Vince vest (all brand new this week!). For jewelry, Mabel is wearing a Claudia agate necklace, a Jocelyn Kennedy crystal necklace, a cubic zirconia medallion and snake.

Hanky Panky

Hanky Panky's have long been a favorite at Yu fashion. The original Hanky Panky sits higher on the hips, and provides fuller coverage at the front ($25), while the low rise thong sits just below the hips ($24). For those of us who feel like a "thong" is a little too risky, Hanky Panky also makes a super comfy boyshort ($46). They come in a wide range of colors and prints that change seasonally, and make excellent gifts. Hanky Panky's are the ultimate little panty and as soon as you slip into a pair you will be hooked for life!

Calling All Jewelry Lovers!

Jewelry is essential to an outfit every season of the year. However, in the summer it sometimes feels more difficult to wear the same jewelry you were wearing in winter. The (hopefully) hot temperature and the carefree attitude of the summer may require accessories that suit this new environment. In this case, why not try some wood necklaces and bracelets, beautiful pink or red coral pieces, or accessories with white, blue, or green turquoise! Jocelyn Kennedy is an Edmontonian jewelry designer who is providing us with these "Must-Haves." She has made great thick wooden bracelets in Ebony and Baywood, wood necklaces with carved wooden beads, as well as wood necklaces that are mixed with smokey quartz. In addition, there is a long white turqoise necklace with gold caps around some round beads and a double-stranded pink coral necklace with silver accents. All of these pieces are drool-worthy and so easy to wear. You won't even think twice about throwing these on as you run out the door to take your kids to their summer camp or to wear to work! Come check them out!

New Free People

We just got a new shipment of Free People!! There are some awesome tanks and floral tunics that would pair perfectly with shorts, skinny jeans, or leggings.

My absolute favorite from the new shipment is the My Fair Lady jacket! It totally reminds me of something Olivia Palmero would wear. This jacket would look great with boyfriend jeans and heels or skinny jeans and ballet flats. Or copy Olivia's look with shorts.

Style advice from Coco Chanel

We all have those days every once in a while, where we don't seem to have the energy to put ourselves together: days when we just want to leave the house in sweat pants, a pony tail, and no make-up. However, before actually doing this, maybe think of what Coco has to say: "I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny." Seeing as Madame Chanel is still, to this day, synonymous with style and luxury, maybe she knows a thing or two...wink! Wink!

As an ode to Chanel, pull out your vintage pearls: wear them heavily layered over a basic tee and boyfriend jeans for a classic look with a modern twist, or with a little black dress for a "Breakfast at Tiffany's" moment...Coco would approve!!!

New Velvet Shipment

We just got a huge new shipment of Velvet today!! Seriously, there is something for everyone! There are some cute summer dresses that are perfect for holidays or once it warms up (whichever comes first). My favorite are the tube dresses, they are great for a summer day or even as a beach coverup! We also got replenishments of all the favorite Velvet basics and some boyfriend "burnout" tees.

Finally, we got these awesome shoulder padded tops that are crystal encrusted on the shoulders. They are such a trendy piece as bold shoulders are a HUGE trend. And I promise, the shoulder pads are NOT huge!!!

Winter Kate...Arriving Soon!!!

We JUST heard from our Winter Kate rep that Nicole Richie has decided to re-cut some of her favorite, and best pieces; so for all of us that missed out the first time, here's your chance now!!! For your information, all the web sites are pre-selling for this delivery, so if you want to get in on it, give us a call. Here's a list (and pictures) of what is coming: Ginger Cardi in Ivory and Grey, and the Eden Jacket in the Plume.

More Color Please!!

With the onset of summer, we have celebrated by filling our boutique with tonnes of color! Choose from any color on the color wheel: green, pink, orange, red, purple, blue, and more! This year, feel free to add a pop of color to a basic black outfit, or mix and match colors to make a bold statement. If you are not comfortable with color, we suggest wearing a Love Quotes scarf in the color of your choice. Add it to an outfit of jeans and the basic black and grey shirts you have collected over the winter. However, if you are adventurous, mix a green dress with pink accessories or a yellow silk tank with a beautiful printed cardigan. The options are endless! Carpe Diem!

Lauren Moshi

We all love Lauren Moshi here at Yu. The fun graphic designs are all hand drawn by Lauren making each tank, t-shirt, or hoodie an original piece of art. Our two new favorites are the bow t-shirt and diamond tongue tank. Both look fantastic under a little cardigan!

Boyfriend, Boyfriend, Boyfriend.

Now that it's warm outside, we can finally wear some spring stuff in this city! I really hope the weather lasts :)

Anyways, my absolute favorite fashion "trend" is boyfriend-anything (tees, jeans, tanks, shorts, blazers). But please remember to mix boyfriend items with your tighter fitting items, otherwise it gets a little sloppy looking! For example, if you are wearing a boyfriend tee, pair it with skinny jeans, or if you are wearing boyfriend jeans pair them with a tighter top!

The boyfriend items are super comfy, but still fashionable, which is what I am always looking for! We just got a shipment of the James Perse boyfriend tops and some Rich and Skinny boyfriend shorts (great alternative to the jeans for summer).

Sir Alistair Scarves

So we know alot of you are fans of Sir Alistair scarves and a whole bunch have arrived in bright colors for spring and summer. These scarves first became a hit with the stars in 2007 when Drew Barrymore raved about them during an interview with London Times. Each scarf, handmade in India, comes with its own personal message of peace, love, karma, or fate.

Since the summer weather has finally arrived, one of these light cotton/linen blend scarves would be the perfect accessory over a tank, or just throw one on in the evening to keep you warm and cozy.

We LOVE Sequins & Sparkle

We've gotten so many clients asking us if sequins are only for evening. Well, a true fashionista doesn't care what anyone thinks, but as far as we're concerned, it's WAY more fun to wear them when not expected. For instance you could wear this great Vince dress (pictured) with a denim jacket and flats, or glam it up with some fab heels and a leather jacket. How cool is that???

The same "rule" applies for jewellery as well. Some feel that sparklies are more appropriate for evening, but we've always felt that the juxtaposition of the dressy and casual to be a much more current way to wear them. The next time you have on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, rather than throwing on a basic hoop earring, try some crystal chandeliers instead, and while you're at it throw on a whack of crystal necklaces too. When you think "is this too much???" add another one!!! As Rachel Zoe, our fave celebrity stylist would say, "There's no such thing as too much...more is always more!!!"

Fashionistas unite and "Excessorize"

Just a warning to fellow fashionistas and magpies alike, "Claudia" has arrived!!! We just received our latest shipment of sparkly goodies from Montreal-based, designer extraordinaire Claudia Grundman: long necklaces, short necklaces, crystal necklaces, stone necklaces etc. etc....we have them all. For those of you already familiar with her work, she's once again outdone herself; more is still more, so come in and add a trinket or two (or three, or four) to your collection, and for those who've yet to experience the allure of Claudia's jewellery, I envy you because you're in for a real treat. Enjoy!!!

Lace!

So a big trend for spring/summer is lace! It was seen all over the runways during fashion week! We have many takes on the trend, the "bedroom lingerie" look from Odd Molly and a more subtle take from Plastic Island (as pictured). Whether you want to fully embrace the trend or add just a hint to your wardrobe, I think everyone should try some lace!

New Temptations

So we just got a ship load of temptations!!! This time of year is always so exciting, opening box after box of new, fun looks. It's starting to feel like spring is finally coming........... we just received the FANTASTIC ultra comfy Samra flats at $65.00 and our fashionistas are picking up more than 1 pair. Who can blame them??? Also on the hot list are our Rich & Skinny ripped jeans in a super lightweight denim, perfect for summer; Rich & Skinny boyfriend shorts; Autumn Cashmere cardi's - the perfect throw on over your tees; Lauren Moshi tees; Geren Ford; Juicy Couture - super cute, vintage florals which are so now; Joie - my personal favorite - great silk, nice & flowy; Ella Moss and Bordeaux.

We can't forget about jewelry either.....Karyn Chopik, Queen Bee and Jocelyn Kennedy have done AMAZING pieces this season. Just when you think everything has been done, they all come up with something you just "have to have". We LOVE it!!!

Come in for a look!