Just. Elise.

When I encountered this talkative, expressive, hand gesturing girl just 3 years ago, she was living in Toronto ever questioning her role in this city. Common problem. If there’s anyone I know that can be the ambassador for change, it’s Elise. Within two years, she made the jump into a new life. After leaving her part time graphic design job in Toronto, she packed up and told me she was heading to London, England. She was to go solo, and sans job. Something I’ve always admired in people.

Not long after she moved, I was traveling Europe and did a pit stop over in the UK, where I had the chance to catch up with her. She told me she had found a great job with a firm, doing her “passion” graphic design. This was all I ever heard of when she discussed her future plans. Frankly I didn’t even know she sang.

Well one year later. Elise quit her job, started a musical duo with her brother David, signed to a label, put out an album on itunes, and has toured within Europe and the United States as the lead singer for Au Palais, obviously her true passion.

Because Elise is only visiting with us in Toronto, I could not shoot in her home atmosphere like usual. Rather we shot in her friends store on Dundas and Dufferin. A beautiful little place called ”Life of Manek“ carrying new and vintage items. Owner and curator Nicole Manek is assisted by the store’s manager Clara Gold with the buying, and trust me they do a fantastic job! If you need a party dress, a sexy pair of pumps, and a purse to go with it, they have what you need. Obviously I left with a little something something for myself : )

Name: Elise
Job - Singer (Au Palais) / Graphic Designer
Age - 25
Hometown - Toronto
Currently living in - London, UK
Nationality - Canadian/Italian

Who are your style icons?
That’s a really tricky question actually. I don’t know if I have any icons, but I really respect the style of certain people. I love what Patti Smith was doing in the 70s. Edie Sedwick. Right now I think Alexa Chung is pretty bang on.

How would you describe your style?
I feel like I have a split personality when it comes to style. There is my band style which is a lot darker, more theatrical. But then in my daily life, my style is equal parts girly and dressing like a boy.

When you were in highshchool you dressed in?
A catholic school kilt uniform.

Must have items?
I always need to have a good pair of flat black boots, I can’t dance as much as I want to on stage if I’m in heels. And a big fur hat for winter.

How do you decide what you wear each day?
The weather plays a big role in what I end up wearing. I hate being underdressed and cold!

What do you feel most comfortable in?
Day dresses. My leather jacket. Brogues. In fact that combination is my favourite.

What’s your most cherished item/items
I’m very sentimental about things, so my most cherished are my grandmother’s pearl earrings.

You splurge on…?
Restaurants

Never be caught wearing..?
Birkenstocks!

Key pieces for this upcoming fall would be?
Really want a new pair of combat boots. Was eyeing a beautiful vintage hooded cape the other day as well.

Do you have any particular fashion rules?
Maybe just if an outfit makes me feel uncomfortable or self-conscious then I will change it. There is no point going out wearing something that makes you feel awkward or hyper-aware of yourself. There’s no fun in that!

How do you like to spend your free time ?
Illustrating, reading, wandering, daydreaming, sleeping.

Your favourite places to shop are?
The status of my bank account affects this question greatly.

What perfume do you wear?
Currently rotating between Calvin Klein Euphoria and Miss Dior Cherie.

Do you have a shopping secret?
If you wouldn’t buy it if it wasn’t on sale, don’t buy it.