G! Whiz: Astro-illogical

The universe has bigger fish to fry than finding your ideal water sign

By Heidi Brander
I roll my eyes at a lot of things, but I reserve my most exaggerated, contact lens-dispensing eye rolls for a very special breed of people: Astrology Junkies. I just can’t believe there is an entire multimillion-dollar industry dedicated to the notion that everyone born around the same time is exactly alike. Seeing as Kid Rock, Michelle Obama, and the late, great Shari Lewis were all born on the same day, I don’t know about all that.

Listening to some space gypsy tell you that you’re “outgoing, yet shy,” “confident, but lack self-confidence,” and that “you need to get your finances in order” seems innocent enough, but I draw the line when people use astrology to determine whom they can and cannot date. You say the caring, generous kindergarten teacher is a fire sign and you’re a water sign? Well, you’re clearly not compatible so you might as well date the alcoholic, bipolar exterminator because he’s a Scorpio. (I’m being sarcastic. How Aries of me.)

I wasn’t always this cynical. Things changed for me the day a psychic (a Cajun restaurant’s resident psychic, but a psychic nonetheless) told me that the first name of the man I was destined to marry would start with the letter “P.” For months after that psychic reading, I kicked all Jacobs, Tylers, and Matthews to the curb while stomach butterflies rendered me speechless every time I shook the hand of a Patrick.

By year’s end, with 45% of my cell phone contacts starting with P including a 50-year-old bartender named Patchy, I knew I had to re-evaluate my life. Maybe it’s because I’m against any practice that prohibits me from dating Jon Hamm (ladies, am I right?), but using the positioning of planets on the day you were born to determine your astrological sign, and then using that sign to narrow the dating field seems pretty wacky to me. In my opinion, the only signs worth paying attention to are Stop signs and signs that end in “ –nese Buffet.”

I’m not saying I don’t think we’re all a part of something much bigger than ourselves. On the contrary! I believe the universe is too preoccupied with other things* to concern itself with making sure bullheaded you gets paired up with a laid-back Piscean just so he’ll be cool when you make him hand over the remote control so you can watch “X Factor”.

*“Other things” = Not imploding in on itself, the Battle of Tatooine, Miss Universe pageants.

You can find Heidi and her satirical take on all of life’s important moments each month in G! and online as a contributor for datingguy.com.

The universe has bigger fish to fry than finding your ideal water sign By Heidi Brander I roll my eyes at a lot of things, but I reserve my most exaggerated, contact lens-dispensing eye rolls for a very special breed of people: Astrology Junkies. I just can’t believe there is an entire multimillion-dollar industry dedicated [...]

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G! Style: One-of-a-Kind Designs

Jenny Dunphy Designs has passion and hard work in the bag

Photography and text by Ellen Egan

Jenny Dunphy is living proof that you really can have your dream job if you’re willing to work hard enough for it. Growing up in the small community of Morell, the 28-year-old handbag designer credits her upbringing for getting her to where she is today.

“My father is a cabinet designer, so I was exposed to the design industry at a young age,” she says. “It really taught me to appreciate the symmetry of design and the art of making something from scratch with your hands.”

However, like most young people, Dunphy wasn’t always so sure of her career path.

“Fashion was always kind of deep down inside me. I was the kid who had fashion magazines inside her text book,” she laughs. “I was always taking my clothes and deconstructing them to be like how I envisioned it in my head.”

She tried out a few different streams before deciding to turn her passion into her job. Armed with a strong work ethic, supportive family and creative vision, Jenny enrolled at the International Academy of Design and Technology (now called Academy of Design) in Toronto, ON, at age 23. Here she gained her technical foundation and learned how to sew just about anything.

During her four year stint in Toronto, her own drive for greatness landed her internships for some of Canada’s top fashion labels. She went on to gain experience in trend forecasting, branding, and bridal accessory design. Her focus soon shifted and she decided to teach herself handbag design and manufacturing.

“Although I loved making clothes, I quickly realized that not everyone can wear the clothes you make,” says Dunphy. “A purse will fit everyone. It’s something that makes a girl feel good. I’m happy I can now do something everyone can enjoy.”

Attracted by the design freedom that comes along with owning her own business, Jenny decided to move back home in September of 2010 to pursue just that.

Now designing for her own aesthetic, she loves to mix the old with the new by blending vintage finds with new materials. Her pieces are all handmade from mostly leather, but she does keep vinyl on hand for someone who wants a vegan-friendly bag.

“I’m not competing with mass production. My bags are all one of a kind and made to order, although I do have stock,” she says. “I also offer customization. For example, if there’s a certain kind of lining or different cell phone pocket you’d prefer.”

Having been away for a while, the young designer says she finds a huge shift in fashion and arts in PEI.

“There’s now such a pulse here on the Island for fashion. Although PEI was always very artistic, there is definitely a community of young people in fashion that are doing really great things and we all try to support each other.”

For inspiration, Dunphy says she does a lot of research online and pays close attention to trends and what other designers are doing to keep up.

“As much as you try to fight it, you have to be at least somewhat on trend. I’m always mindful of staying on trend with shape and colour, especially,” states Dunphy. “But after being in the industry for a while, you get better at predicting trends before they even happen.”

Yet, despite her growth as a designer, she recognizes that it is a continuous learning process.

“I’m perfecting it as I go. I really feel like you will stunt yourself as an artist, as a designer, as a person if you don’t recognize your strengths and weaknesses. I think that is also a really important part of staying grounded,” she concludes.

For your very own Jenny Dunphy handbag, check out www.jennydunphy.com or call (902) 940-7476 to book an appointment at her office. 

Jenny Dunphy Designs has passion and hard work in the bag Photography and text by Ellen Egan Jenny Dunphy is living proof that you really can have your dream job if you’re willing to work hard enough for it. Growing up in the small community of Morell, the 28-year-old handbag designer credits her upbringing for [...]

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Hot Legs!

Photography and text by Kimberly Rashed

The ultimate accessory for any gal with those perfect legs has got to be leggings. Fear not, ladies, there are options out there for everyone. We’ve ventured well beyond just wearing them for aerobic workouts. Oh, but wasn’t that neon fabulous?

From casual to dressed up looks, leggings are a convenient and comfortable choice. With the wide variety that’s offered these days, you’ve got countless ways to work them into your wardrobe.

Be sure to stock up on a few options for mixing and matching with your favourite top.

Heavy knits

We all love to cozy up in that perfect cable knit sweater this time of year, but why not carry that comfort down to the legs. Yes, please! Heavy textured knit leggings keep you toasty warm when paired with the perfect little a-line mini or sweater dress. Steer clear of going too matchy-matchy; if you choose to wear these with a sweater dress, go with a simpler knit on top. We mustn’t look like we’re wearing a heat-to-toe look hand-knit by Nana.

 

Jeggings

It’s a jean, it’s a legging, oh yes – it’s a jegging! A favourite with riding boots, these jeans put the “slim fit” to shame. Fair warning, ladies: Even though these may come with pockets this does not make them an actual pant. However convenient it may be for toting along a necessity, unless you’ve got “buns o’ steel,” you should still leave a little ‘sumpin, sumpin’ to the imagination.

 

 

Adorned

Basic legs no more! The popularity of leggings is definitely apparent with the endless possibilities out there. Zippers, buttons, bows, pockets or ruching – you name it, there’s a legging that has it. Ruching can be any woman’s best friend by not only adding a little extra flare to a look, but also giving the feel of a little more coverage.

 

 

Leather

Ok, rock star. Leather + Lycra = your new best friend! Because, let’s be honest – Lycra is about the only thing that could get us into a pair (if we wanted to still continue breathing, that is). Daring? Yes, but when paired with a soft flowy blouse or dress it can really balance this look out.

 

 

 

 

Colour

Neon is out (yes!) but that doesn’t mean we should be afraid of colour altogether. Add some pop to your look with a fun hue worn under an oversized shirt dress and a tall boot for a flirty look.

Legging Lesson 101: Beware of the muffin top. It’s like anything, gals. If you’re too tightly squeezed in there, that little bit of extra leftover from too many holiday eats is going to find its way out somewhere. Give yourself some breathing room. You can thank me later.

Model: Amy Halman (recent graduate of the Panache Modelling Program)

Kimberly Rashed keeps us looking fashion forward each month in G! and on her blog Style Becomes Her.

Photography and text by Kimberly Rashed The ultimate accessory for any gal with those perfect legs has got to be leggings. Fear not, ladies, there are options out there for everyone. We’ve ventured well beyond just wearing them for aerobic workouts. Oh, but wasn’t that neon fabulous? From casual to dressed up looks, leggings are [...]

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