Style(ish) Matters....

Jutta Anderson could quite possibly be the most stylish woman in Kelowna.  If you have ever ventured into Justin Paul Fashions on Ellis Street, you will know what I mean.  As manager of this lovely women's wear store, Jutta is the perfect  advertisement for the product.  She consistently looks like she has just stepped out of the offices of French Vogue, where she would no doubt be a senior fashion editor or some such, chic to within an inch of her life.

Originally from Jamsa, a small town in Central Finland, Jutta arrived in Kelowna a year ago, having spent the previous 15 years in Vancouver, which she still loves. She was kind enough to answer some questions for us on all things stylish - and Okanagan...

TGNL: What initially attracted you to the Kelowna area?
JA: The same old story...a man! Also I love the lake and the mountains, Finland is a lake country so it feels like home. And, of course, the amazing local summers can't be dismissed.

TGNL: How would you define your own sense of style?
JA: Definitely classic, but occasionally the inner 'rocker chick" wants to come out and play.

TGNL: How did you become so stylish?
JA: As a young girl I remember watching this black and white French movie and I saw this very elegant lady applying red ( I assume it was red...) lipstick. That moment I knew, that I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. It was like an epiphany.

TGNL: Who are your style icons?
JA: To name one, I would have to go with the creator of the LBD, Coco Chanel. She totally took ladies fashion to a new direction, not the easiest task at the time, but she stayed true to her vision.

TGNL: What do you think makes a woman stylish?
JA:  Confidence!

TGNL: What would be your biggest style tip/tips?
JA: Always dress for your own body type and personality. Don't follow the trends too literally, pick pieces that suit you and your lifestyle the best, if unsure ask for advice. Create your own style and have fun with it. 
"Fashion changes, style endures" - Coco Chanel

TGNL: What is the one fashion faux pas that you really can't stand?
JA: Ladies, yoga pants are only for exercising!!!

TGNL: What are some of the big looks coming in to Justin Paul for Spring?
JA: A printed baseball jacket is definitely one of the novelties this season, combining two different trends (print and the sporty look), a pop-art t-shirt is an other great way to update your look this spring and for the minimalists there is the classic black and white look.

TGNL: What is the one thing that every woman should invest in for the coming season to update her wardrobe for SS14.
JA: So hard to pick just one...but my personal choice would be a structured top handle bag in a bright color (red, yellow or kelly green)

TGNL: What is your favourite thing to do in the Okanagan?
JA: My dermatologist wouldn't like my answer...sunbathing! All those rainy years in Vancouver...

Justin Paul Fashions: 1296 Ellis Street, Kelowna. 250 860 3666. www.justinpaulfashions.com

Look Global, Shoot Local

I love a good fashion shoot, and in my time as a fashion stylist/editor I have been lucky enough to shoot them in London, Paris, New York, et al.  The creativity that comes into play creating beautiful photos is totally inspirational - and addictive - so imagine my delight in being able to stage a world-class shoot here in Kelowna, using nothing but home grown talent.

The planets must have been in alignment, because I managed to connect with Lindsey Fisette, a wonderful 23 year old Kelowna-raised fashion photographer who is now based in Australia, but was just home for a month on holiday. Lindsey then hooked me up with the fantastic Bri Stein, a local - and really talented - makeup artist, and models Emilee and Matt from local agency Deja Vu.  My Icon Okanagan connections netted us hair styling from Annah at Cream Hair and Make Up Lounge, and clothes from MacDermott's Menswear and Justin Paul Fashions. And lastly, we were able to organise a simply amazing location in Bo.tegga Farm Inn - a boutique hotel and working alpaca farm.

Next thing I knew, Go Okanagan at Shaw Cable were interested in what was going on, and decided to pop down and shoot the shoot - if you know what I mean.

It was a wonderfully exciting and productive day for all involved, and the results were - if I do say so myself- pretty darn gobsmacking.  But if you don't believe me, you can see for yourself... the shoot is in the new issue of Icon magazine, which you can pick up from numerous locations around the Okanagan or online at http://www.icon-okanagan.com/articles/. You can also see the shoot, and learn more about Lindsey on Go Okanagan's website at http://www.shaw.ca/ShawTV/Kelowna/Shows/ShawTV/ .

All-in-all, it was a good days work, and - hopefully - the first of many to come!