When it comes to strolling the streets of New York, who better to ask about the hottest spots than a maker of some pretty amazing shoes? We ask the VP of Product Development for Nine West Ninive Giordano to share her quick hits for a short visit in NYC. This woman spends her days in the world of shoes (something we dream of constantly) and helps design and create some of Nine West’s stunning heels, flats and boots, so wherever her heels take her, we’re willing to join.

Ninive Giordano’s guide to NYC

NYC love: “I love New York City because I was born here and its diversity.”

Must-dos on a quick visit:

1. “Visit the Highline”

2. “Go for a run in Central Park”

3. “Have lunch at Fred’s New York in Barney’s”

4. “You must try dim sum in China Town”

5. “Hit up the museums” Read the rest of this entry

Photography by Barbora Simek

Tajana Rajcic, snapped in Toronto

Personal style: Colourful punk

Wearing: Leggings from boutique in Prauge, t-shirt from London, Botun bags

Inspired by: Morning moods, the colour black

Click through to see our Montreal street style pic of the day!

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Beauty in a raw form, the lavender-tinted stone in this fluorite octahendral ring looks like it was plucked right from the earth. The ring–gritty yet polished–features metals harvested from the archives of famed San Francisco-based Arthur Court’s decor house back in the ’60s. Mounted on a sleek 14-karat gold band, it’s the perfect accent to any outfit.

I’d wear this ring with a plain white T and dark denim for a casual daytime ensemble or pair it with a tailored cocktail dress for a chic evening look.

The Smythe one-button navy blazer favoured by Kate Middleton.

Every designer in the world wants to dress Kate Middleton, and Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe—the designers behind Toronto’s Smythe label—have done it twice, most recently today at an Olympic equestrian event. (No big deal.) Today, the Duchess wore the same navy Smythe blazer she wore during her Canadian tour last year, this time paired with a white shirt, slim jeans and navy wedges.  ELLE Canada talked to the designers about their royal connection.

How did you first hear about Kate Middleton wearing your blazer today?
“The Twitterverse!”

What was your reaction?
“Delighted that she chose to wear her blazer again a year later. We feel like Sally Field: She likes it, she really likes it.”

Kate also wore the blazer during her Canada tour last year – what’s been the most memorable comment people have made about your royal connection?
“I’ll take 500 more units, please.”

If you could suggest one more Smythe blazer for Kate to try, which would it be?
“We would love to see H.R.H in the Hourglass Tuxedo. It’s very tailored so it would show off her figure and it would be great to see her in something more menswear-inspired.”

Click through to see the pic of the Hourglass Tuxedo!

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A Marilyn Monroe-inspired style from Salvatore Ferragamo’s Creations line, available at the Vancouver boutique. Image courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo.

VANCOUVER: SHOPPING
Status: Back again
What: After a spanking new, Tuscan-style reno, the Vancouver Salvatore Ferragamo boutique has re-opened its doors and will feature men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections, as well as handbags, luggage, accessories and, of course, shoes.
When: Just re-opened this weekend.
Where: 918 Robson St.
Buzzworthy notes: Exclusive to Canada, the newly renovated boutique will also feature three selections of shoes from the limited-edition Creations line, a curated pick of re-issued styles from Marilyn Monroe’s collection, available for purchase.

TORONTO: NEW SHOP
Status: Standing on their own
What: Philadelphia-based brand of hippie chic, Free People opens its first Canadian boutique in Yorkville August 3, with a grand opening event August 2; a second shop at Calgary’s Chinook Centre is set to open August 31.
When: Grand opening event takes place in-store on August 2, from 6 to 8PM.
Where: 79 Yorkville Ave.
Buzzworthy notes: Join Ally Dean, ELLE Canada‘s associate editor, who will be on hand August 2 for the opening event, extolling shopping advice and Free People styling wisdom; the first 50 people to arrive will receive a Free People-designed iPhone case.

Read on for more fashionable events, including cool photog classes in Vancouver and Montreal’s hottest music fest!

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A cottage-inspired runway look from Michael Kors’s Spring/Summer 2012 show.

Story by Chloé Berge

Nothing is more relaxing than a weekend at your cottage or cabin, but some of us tend to be a bit too relaxed (read: sloppy) when we hit the dock. Go from disheveled to dynamite with these expert fashion tips from Nicole Manek, a Toronto stylist with Judy Inc.

Expert fashion tip: GIVE YOUR FLIP-FLOPS A REST

In lieu of ultra casual rubber flip-flops, try a metallic sandal and add a little bling to your natural surroundings, says Manek. Choose a metallic that suits your skin tone – rose gold is universally flattering – and wear them with a crisp white sundress.

Expert fashion tip: THINK OUTSIDE THE TANK TOP BOX

Instead of pairing your cut-offs with a tank top, try a fitted or short caftan. Manek suggests choosing one that’s lightweight and fitted enough to show your shape but still comfortable. Stay away from sheer fabrics so that it can do double duty as a dress and beach cover-up.

Click through for more cottage dressing fashion tips!

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Photography by Barbora Simek

Julie Lopreiato, snapped in Toronto

Personal style: Boho chic

Wearing: Free People dress, Jeffery Campbell shoes, Tory Burch bag, jewellery by Thomas Sabo, Links of London

Inspired by: Vintage looks from the ’60s and ’70s

Click through to see our Montreal street style pic of the day!

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TokyoMilk Gin & Rosewater No. 12 (approx. $30), available at tokyomilk.com.

While in Boston a few weeks ago, I wandered into a tiny, hidden gem boutique called Shake the Tree, in the city’s trendy yet charming North End neighbourhood. One of those stylish, all-encompassing kind of cool shops with displays of hand-made jewellery and cute home décor pieces that you could spend hours perusing, and I gravitated to the shelf lined with bottles of fragrances with interesting-sounding scents made by Denver-based parfumerie TokyoMilk (who could resist sniffing what a Let Them Eat Cake scent is all about?).

After scanning and spritzing each fragrance on different parts of my body, for investigative purposes, I decided on Gin & Rosewater No. 12 (approx. $30), a citrusy scent that instantly conjured fragrant memories of leather jackets and Mimosas. What I thought would become the distinct fragrance that would later remind me of my trip to Boston, has become my signature summer scent.

Photo courtesy of Bang Media.

L’amour fou
Everyone is in a tizzy over the news that Kristen Stewart cheated on Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson with her married Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders. “This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him, I love him, I’m so sorry,” K-Stew said in a statement. R-Patz has since moved out of their mansion and apparently has a serious case of the sads.

A couple things: First, K-Stew, what was with the statement? If you’ve never officially confirmed you’re dating someone, you don’t have to apologize for cheating on them via People magazine.

Next: Put yourself in her high tops for a second. Can you imagine how violating it would feel to find out some gross dude had stealthily taken photos of you in your most intimate moments?  And, anyone who says they didn’t do stupid things when they were 22 is a lying liar. At least we were allowed to make our mistakes outside of the public eye.  [Us magazine]
Verdict: Single tear on a sparkling vampire cheek

Jackson Family Madness
There’s never a dull moment with the Jackson family. After a dispute as to matriarch Katherine Jackson’s location—her nephew reported her missing earlier this week—she’s lost custody of Michael Jackson’s kids Paris, Prince, and Blanket to Tito. Then CNN released a surveillance video that showed Janet Jackson fighting Paris, allegedly trying to take the 14-year-old’s cell phone away from her. Now everyone is tweeting weird things and it seems like the bunch of them are fighting over Katherine Jackson’s claim on Michael’s estate. Makes your family seem normal in comparison, right?
Verdict:  No verdict. Just a head shake. [CNN]

You Go, Joe
Toronto-based fast fashion brand (and Loblaws staple) Joe Fresh has inked a four-year deal with J.C. Penney to open shops in 683 stores worldwide. “I buy into the vision,” Mimran told WWD. “The wider aisles, the self checkout, the cafe, the juice bar, the seating arrangements, the room being offered to the brands and the fact that each brand can have its own voice. It feels right.”
Verdict: Slow clap plus fresh squeezed Joe Fresh juice for everyone! [WWD]

Click through for more celeb scoop!

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If you’re lucky enough to be heading to London for the Summer Olympics—or anytime for that matter—here are some favourite spots from my short-but-sweet recent visit.

Where to stay

I checked in to the Belgraves, one of London’s swankiest new hotels. It’s the Thompson Hotel group’s first U.K. outpost, and it lives up to the brand’s cool-kid reputation. The Belgraves is intimate (just 85 guest rooms), eclectic, modern—and already attracting celebs. (Just a week before I arrived, ELLE Canada’s Kathryn Hudson interviewed Gwyneth Paltrow here—pick up a copy of our September issue to read her “What would Gwyneth do?” cover story.)

The hotel’s sunken “lobby” feels cozy and surprisingly private—more like the living room of your dream house than a public space. Select an art or design book from the coffee table or the library-style shelves, order a Moroccan mint tea from Mark’s Bar, and sink into the tufted velvet couch. (Careful here…you just might not want to leave the hotel!)

Click through to read more about London hot spots!

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