Obviously Chic

I’d like to introduce a girl who has style and knows fashion; meet Jess the founder/owner of Obviously Chic and blogger of Obviously Coco. I’m proud to say Jess is a fellow Canadian based out of Estevan, Saskatchewan. Her store Obviously Chic was opened there in 2009 as a 8 week pop up theme and flourished. Lucky for us, Jess is now launching an amazing web-based store on Nov 1st, obviouslychic.com. While C&C is anxiously awaiting the opening of the website (4 more days!). Jess gave us some insight on Obviously Chic and what to expect.

Meet Jess, the owner and force behind Obviously Chic

Q: What gave you the idea or inspiration for Obviously Chic?

A:  I was always coming back to my parents place in the country and everyone was always commenting on my style, saying how they love it and I usually always found it at an affordable price, so that sort of triggered the idea that there was a market for my store in Saskatchewan. After being in the fashion industry and making contacts and seeing the void I realized that my passion is fashion and making women feel and look great at a price they can afford, so I came back to Saskatchewan to open up a “pop up” store for 8 weeks twice a year. Things took off and 2 months later I bought the building, then Facebook sales start exploding and I realized that I was in the perfect spot in Canada to launch a national online store, so that process began.

Q: What are some of your fashion muses at the moment?

A:  I love patterns, bold colors and silks! I am a sucker for it! I love Trina Turk there is never a piece of her’s that I don’t love. I have picked my print at Louis Vuitton and started my collection with them. On my last trip to LA my brother got a wallet and belt and they monogrammed it for free and it was 9 pm and every other store was closed except for their’s.  When asking why they weren’t closed they said we stay open until no one comes in anymore. That’s customer service to me and of course I am in love with their roots, how many people it takes to craft one piece of LV and the fact that at a certain point it becomes “vintage” and can be passed down for generations. I love Yves Saint Laurent, that was my first designer purchase and my heart still flutters when I think back to that day. Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere’s style, is a huge inspiration for me and of course I love Canadian brand Joe and what he has done with his brand.

Q: What are some must have items heading into fall/winter season that you can find at Obviously Chic?

A: Colored denim!!!!- I have 4 different colors right now including RED which is the hottest trend, but I am loving the teal myself. Going into spring colored denim is going to be big too, so its good to start your collection now.
Friendship Bracelets the trend hasn’t hit Canada yet. But it’s big elsewhere my girlfriend in LA makes these amazing swarvoski crystal friendship bracelets that I have in store, layer them with your watch and bangles = chic
Over the Shoulder Bag- I just got the most amazing handmade leather bag line from Toronto, they are a higher price point for the store but they are an investment piece that you will have for years to come. The leather is so soft the look so classic! LOVE
Over The knee boots– 2 years ago when I opened I tried to push this trend, everyone thought I was crazy they thought they looked like a “hooker” now everyone is coming in for them! They dress up any outfit and with our Canadian winters they are a helpful friend!
Chunky Knits– Both in sweaters and scarves!! I love the look of cozying up in a big chunky knit sweater with a pair of over the knee boots!
Statement Jewels– Anything bold, big and fantastic! That’s my style, so you will find LOTS of unique jewellery at Obviously Chic- I have a feeling that might be something we get known for!:)

Q: You also have the blog Obviously Coco, Who are some of your favourite bloggers?

A: www.cupcakesandcashmere.com– My fav blog she is so real, trendy and fab! I read her everyday.
www.madebygirl.blogspot.com– Love her as well, if you love fashion you usually have a passion for interior design which I have a passion for so I love reading her mix of both home and fashion.
www.jilliancrago.com — Jill is my girlfriend from Vancouver, she is the rep for Matt N Natt handbags and super fab! I love reading her blog, she is so down to earth and real and FASHIONABLE!
http://www.centsationalgirl.com– I LOVE refinishing old furniture so this blog inspires me constantly

And below is a sneak peek of what to expect to see Nov 1st, so mark it on your calendars! P.S. Guess my favourite? It might include some camo and a beautiful feathered necklace!