Ask a Stylist

by Shai Thompson, House of Lily Koi – 

It can be difficult to feel amazing every day, but I’m here to help you find answers and give direction when it comes to creating and organizing your wardrobe. Always remember: nobody’s perfect! Email your questions to makeover@seasidemagazine.ca.

March Style Tip: What does spring mean to you?

To me it means COLOUR COLOUR COLOUR. The number-one colour for spring this season is purple. Red haters celebrate! In the spectrum of purple there are many tones. Pick the tone that best reflects in your skin, eyes and hair. Personally, I think all colour is in style all the time … so whatever works for you rock it!


I’m a professional corporate woman living on the Island; where do I find a strong corporate look? Suiting is difficult to find here on the Island at the best of times, especially for women. Aside from going custom which has great value, sourcing a product line that works for your budget and body shape is key. This means “work” by trying on an assortment of suits at a variety of stores and locations. Holt Renfrew hosts the higher end price point pieces where you will usually find better fabrics. Here are my top three go-to suits when I’m dressing corporate women: Hugo Boss, Judith & Charles and Carolina Herrera.

I have a girlfriend who keeps nagging on me to cut my hair short, saying that long hair is for young women only. My hair length is at my shoulders and I’m 55. What can I tell her so she stops bugging me every time I see her? She thinks she is being helpful when in fact she is hurting my feelings! I don’t mind when people use their better judgement to assess the situation. But outright judgment is borderline bullying; I will not take it so neither should you! Everything we judge in others is something within ourselves we don’t want to face. To be clear with another is to state your peace graciously. For example: “Jane, since you are being so honest and clear with me, I need to be honest and clear with you. Every time you judge my hair, you hurt my feelings and it makes it uncomfortable to be around you.” If discussion ensues in a positive way afterwards then you have a valuable friendship; if not perhaps you should reconsider it.

I am new to the iPhone world and see all these cute phone covers that don’t look like a big ugly chunky brick. Where do I find one that will protect my phone and also look stylish? It’s time to hit the mall, as there are kiosks everywhere with fashion covers for your phone. I love that you can personalize your phone. For example: if you are in business, placing your logo on your device is another way to advertise. You can also take a favourite picture. My friend used a picture of her and her dad when she was a little girl. It’s a feel-good thing!

I’ve been using gel nail polish for quite a few years now and have recently taken it off to find my nails are in bad shape. HELP? Unfortunately, that can happen with gel nails, and it can take quite a long time for them to heal. When I had mine done it left my nails brittle and vulnerable to breaking. UV is used to cure the gel and acetone is used to soak the polish off. Those that have them love them, so this really is a matter of choice. One of my clients stopped polishing altogether and now just files and buffs and her nails look healthy and polished. Here is some random info: the nail industry in North America sold $800 million in nail polish last year!

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