A Real Gem

The first order of business after returning from Milan was to go to the office to see how it was shaping up. I had left Lindsay with the task of setting up the studio space with clearer instructions as to how I would like it decorated. When I walked in I was so happy, because she had executed my wishes perfectly. She only had four days to get it together and the job she did exceeded my expectations. I felt that the space now really reflected my personality, and that we were ready to have our first fitting. Lindsay is amazing! I love her so much. She is so kind, funny, and incredibly hard working. I am so lucky to have found her and cannot imagine my life without her. She’s a gem.

I love Shay Mitchell. She is so beautiful, talented, and sweet. Styling her for the Much Music Video Awards was a big deal. Being Canadian, I know that it is THE music awards show in Canada, and since it was her first time presenting there, I wanted her to have an amazing red carpet moment. We had two racks of really great options that offered a lot of variety. The purpose of a fitting is to try as many things as possible to see what works and what isn’t working. It is also the time to edit out the things that are immediately not “winners.” As a stylist, it is important for me to always steer my clients in the right direction and to push them when I feel it is necessary. In this instance, I wanted Shay to show a little more skin and to step outside of her comfort zone. We settled on an amazing Asos dress with a beaded bustier and feathered skirt. I love working with Shay. She loves clothes, loves switching up her look, and isn’t afraid to try something new. I feel so lucky to still be working with her. She is not only a client, but she has become a good friend.

Penelope is perfection to me. Yes, she barks at me when Gary and I are talking. Yes, she wants to sit on our laps while we have breakfast. Yes, I spoon her when I sleep instead of spooning Gary, but that is the way it is. Caryle, the dog trainer, did have some very good pointers, and we did try them with Penelope for a day or two, but then everything went back to the way it was. She has really calmed down, but in the end, I love her the way she is. She is a little rescue angel. We are both obsessed with her.

I have been involved with the Trevor Project for about nine years now. It is an organization that is very near and dear to my heart, so I am happy to support it in anyway that I can. It is always an honor to go to their events. There was definitely a time when I was younger when I didn’t think I could take any more bullying, and I thank god that I felt comfortable talking to my mom about it. However there are people who are not as lucky as I was, and the people at the Trevor Project are there to answer the calls when kids don’t feel like they have anyone to talk to.Danielle is one of my best friends. We have really grown up together in a way. We met while interning at Vogue in New York and have been friends ever since. She is always there for me whenever I need her. I know she will ALWAYS tell me the truth and not what I want to hear, and I am so lucky to have her in my life. Also how hot does she look in a Lanvin mini skirt and Valentino heels? SICK!

Planning the party with Gary was a really fun experience. It really cracked me up watching people’s reaction to his particular ways and his ability to express what he likes and does not like. I love it in the episode when Stephanie, the chef from Whoa Nelly Catering, gasps when Gary says he doesn’t like chicken thigh. So funny. I cannot express how delicious the food was that they prepared for us. It was hard to choose what we were going to have on the menu at the party, but at least we knew we would have amazing food. The trip to New York was a big confidence booster for me. The InStyle page looked incredible and the Details shoot blew me away. I couldn’t believe that my shoot got twelve pages in their September issue. I left feeling as if I was hitting a groove and that all of the pieces I was putting in place were going to pay off. Not to mention, I was about to celebrate 10 years of being with Gary and all of our family and friends were going to be coming over to our house to celebrate.

I cannot wait for you to see the finale episode next week. It is truly magical!