9.26.2008

One of Us


Veronique Boileau, queen of bathing suit haute couture, has launched a website for her local label One of Us. While summer is definitely over, this site is still a must-see for everyone already aching for next year's bikini season. And, what better way to put the wheels in motion for a trip to LA this winter, than with a made-to-order bathing suit? 

At www.oneofus-swimwear.com, shoppers can pick the fabric and cut of their bathing suit to create completely unique look that fits like a glove. 

My personal pick is the skulls & stripes with the criss-cross bikini top. Meow!

9.24.2008

The Dinner Jacket


Keep your eyes peeled for this lovely new addition to Ottawa's fashion scene. Ashley and Justyna, two glamourous gals who rock the vintage like nobody's business, have launched the first issue of their new magazine, Dinner Jacket. To get your hot little hands on a copy, all you have to do is go to the world wide web. After a look through their debut rag, I'm aching for a collaboration already.

9.22.2008

365 Days

Happy One Year Anniversary, Youth League! It was one year ago today that I started this little blog, and look at how far it's come! 

Shout out to all you loyal readers; the fabulous boutiques and designers that I have had the pleasure of working with; and all the lovely models, photographers and hair and make-up artists that I have collaborated with on photo shoots. 

I love you all.

xoxo

Tracizzle

Vintage Bliss

Ah, the Capital Clothing Show. What fun I had. A jam-packed weekend prevented me from arriving until the last 45-minutes of the two-day show, but I made the most of it by busting out my express shopping skills. There were more vintage exhibitors than you could shake a stick at, and I was in heaven.

Over the course of those 45 minutes, I acquired a new belt, a lovely chain necklace that very closely resembles the work of Powerhaus, a 1950s day dress, a pair of leather pumps, and a brown suede purse. All for about $150.

I'm still on the look-out for a new pair of brown boots and a trench coat, but those can wait until the vintage clothing show at the Chateau Laurier in November. Stay tuned for details!

Hilda picked out the most beautiful purple dress, and she kindly offered to model it for you guys. Check her out!
And here's me in my new 1950s ensemble. There's something about putting on a pair of old-school heels and a well-tailored dress that makes me feel so feminine. Vintage can't be beat.

Some exhibitors to look out for next year are:

Mary Ann Harris - The fabulous gal who runs the vintage boutique in Old Ottawa South
Norma's Styling & Costuming - Vintage dresses, shoes, hats, and other treats
The Handbag Gallery - With over 150 handbags available on the 'net for those who missed out 
Robert Pauly Bespoke Hats - For those incredible vintage hats with netting and flowers

9.17.2008

Pulp Fiction - Final Cut


Check out the photos from my '90s inspired shoot with Paul and Shalan from CPro Photo:







Photo credits:
Photographers - Paul & Shalan with CPro Photo
Styling: Tracie LeBlanc & Erin Heather
Model: Melissa for Angie's Models
Hair: Anne
Make-up: Catherine
Clothing provided by Mika at Young Janes Boutique

9.14.2008

Fashion on the Campaign Trail: Monsieur Dion

I have to admit that I've taken a particular shine to Monsieur Dion's look. I think it stems from a sense of camaraderie in that we both share the same fate of looking a bit bookish, and have chosen to continue wearing glasses despite the temptations of laser eye surgery. 

I suggest M. Dion take this Geek Chic look and really make it his own. And by this, I mean ROCK THE GEEK CHIC. I'm talking over-sized heavy framed glasses, bow ties, leather-patched elbows, and cardigans over dress shirts. 

M. Dion needs to look no further than Simons on St. Catherine Street in Montreal, just a hop skip and a jump from his riding in Saint-Laurent--Cartierville, to obtain this campaign-ready look. Have a gander at Simons' current menswear campaign:


We've got M. Dion's evening wear and daytime looks covered. And for those casual Sunday campaign stops, why not keep the signature bow tie, but work it with a v-neck sweater?


A pair of Kenneth Cole loafers would be a lovely addition to this look:

For outerwear and a briefcase, I suggest M. Dion consult Rudsak, another Montreal staple. A heavy leather shoulder bag and mid-length trench coat would be a nice complement to the sweater-bow tie combination. 

For further inspiration on the modern dandy look (or what I like to call Geek Chic), check out www.moderndandies.com.

9.09.2008

Fashion on the Campaign Trail: Mr. Harper

Mr. Harper has some good things going for him in the fashion department. For one, his party colour is blue, and this gives him a lot of options when selecting suits and coordinating ties and shirts, as we see above. He also has the benefit of a pair of stunningly blue eyes, which are even further accentuated by a blue ensemble.

Unfortunately, Mr. Harper is not as lucky in the hair department. That stern side part really isn't working for him, nor is that overly-coiffed look where every hair looks hairsprayed into place to form a hair helmet. I suggest spicing it up a little. And by that, I mean adding some George Clooney. What about rocking some salt and pepper instead of that simple grey, and using some product to add a little oomph?

And, as I always say, you can tell a man by his shoes. Mr. Harper is from Alberta where one of the country's best shoe stores first got its start, and it sure wouldn't hurt to represent those Western roots with some footwear from Gravity Pope.

What about this pair from Japanese designers TO & CO? Sensible, classy, yet unique and fun. Just the kind of things I'm looking for in a Prime Minister.



And, while blue is a safe colour for a suit, it doesn't hurt to branch out into colours and cuts outside the typical political suit. I suggest Mr. Harper invest in a slim-fitting black suit, pinstripes, or better yet, a three piece-er. Look no further than the September men's Vogue for inspiration.


And, last but not least, a briefcase. Our prime minister needs something secure and manageable to cart around his important documents, but that doesn't necessarily mean your run-of-the-mill bureaucrat case. What better way to represent transparency to your electorate than with a new transparent lucite briefcase?

Fashion on the Campaign Trail

Ah, the 2008 Federal Election. A time when Ottawa really comes alive. Over the next six weeks, we'll see images of our fair city plastered behind newscasters on every Canadian political commentary show on television.

We'll have until October 14th to scope out the candidates, hear their pitches, and finally, make up our minds on who will be our next Prime Minister.

While what matters most is what the candidates have to say, we are often more taken in by their presentation and delivery than what they are saying. Image is what creates that first--and often lasting--impression.

So, how do our Prime Ministerial candidates add up in the style department? Do their carefully-crafted ensembles scream ooh-la-la? Youth League says nuh-uh. Stay tuned as I offer style advice to each of the five candidates over the coming weeks.

Check 'em out:

Stephen Harper, Leader of the Conservative Party


Stephane Dion, Leader of the Liberal Party


Jack Layton, Leader of the New Democrat Party


Gilles Duceppe, Leader of the Bloc Québecois


Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party

Disclaimer: This series will focus only on fashion. It will not endorse any particular candidate, nor will my views on their mandates be shared. For political blogging, please look elsewhere!

9.06.2008

The Capital Clothing Show

Kania Couture

This event has been on my calendar for months, and now it's practically here! Clothing and accessory designers from Ottawa and other fashion hotspots like Toronto and Montreal will be coming to Carlton University to show off their wares and talk shop on September 20th and 21st. 

Split Spine and Kania Couture, two designers featured at the inaugural Ottawa Fashion Week, are some of the notable exhibitors on the list, but I'm also looking forward to seeing some new up and comers, and my ultimate fave--vintage! Word on the street is that there'll be lots of second-hand gems to admire.

Here's the deets:

September 20th and 21st, 2008
Fieldhouse at Carlton University
Tickets: $10

9.01.2008

Fact or Fiction: No white after Labour Day



Every Labour Day long weekend, I wrestle the urge to banish whites and pastels from my closet in favour of the heavier fabrics and tones of autumn. If I don't do it now, will I be the only one wearing white after Labour Day? Will I alone be breaking a sacrosanct fashion rule? Heaven forbid! 

I am all about breaking fashion rules, as long as I can get away with it looking cute and savvy, but I shudder at the thought of being someone who doesn't "get it"--akin to the girls who wear mini skirts and tube dresses in the dead of winter, or belly-baring tops after they no longer flatter one's physique.

After careful thought this weekend, I've decided that the No White After Labour Day Rule is actually just a general guide. If it's cold and dreary for the month of September, it's time to retire the summer clothes, especially sandals and white pants. But if it's sunshiney and warm, why not get some mileage out of our favourite summer pieces that will be facing a long, cold, and lonely winter tucked away in the back of the closet?

Nature will tell us--either with the gentle nudge of frosty nights, or the full-on shove of blustery days--that it's time to don our new pea coats, scarves, and knee-high boots. And the beauty of modern fashion is you can still wear white, but it should be of the "winter white" variety. Check out the Fall 2008 Balenciaga runway show below for inspiration, or the Christian Dior show above. My heart's aflutter with all the possibilities for Fall 2008.



There's nothing better than putting on your first carefully-crafted autumn ensemble for the world to see. I'll be on the look-out for all you stylish cats for some hot fall street style on Youth League.