Our next Style Spotlight has made a name for herself as one of Toronto’s top fashion stylists and experts.
Allow us to introduce you to Alexis Honce.
The Calgary-born, Toronto-native probably has one of the best jobs in the industry. She’s the lead stylist at The Marilyn Denis Show and has worked a wide scope of projects, from commercial to high-end. Her impressive roster of clients includes renown brands like MAC Cosmetics, Budweiser and Virgin Mobile to name a few, and she’s even had the opportunity to work alongside celebrities like Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, Fefe Dobson and more.
We had the opportunity to chat with Alexis Honce about her fashion regrets, the three fashion items you should always splurge on, and where you can find the best sale in the city.
Tell us a little about you and what you do.
I am a fashion stylist based in Toronto. I get the opportunity to work on national ad campaigns for companies like Virgin Mobile, Expedia, Target, and Stella McCartney for Adidas. I am also on The Marilyn Denis show as their fashion expert styling fashion segments. A fun part of my job is when I get to collaborate with artists and actors as well. I recently worked with Lights, Tatiana Maslany, and Eric Johnson. It’s always changing and it’s always creative which makes it worth it.
Define your style in three words.
Chic and effortless, with an edge.
What are some of your own style ‘rules’ that you like to live by?
- Stripes are always in season.
- Invest in jewelry, jackets, and shoes. Save money on other pieces.
- Play with shapes. Clothing silhouettes can totally transform your look and make you stand out.
- Be comfortable. You will look better, feel more confident, and your clothes won’t “wear” you.
Spill the beans. Looking back, what were some trends you wish you hadn’t worn (aka. Your style regrets)?
I went through a big punk faze, which I am forever grateful was before Instagram. I dyed my hair black, which was a huge nightmare when I tried to get it back to my natural colour. Also, a few too many piercings. I was having fun with fashion, but those outfits were scary now looking back.
What’s an item in your closet that you can’t live without?
My Kenzo coat. It’s bright red and it’s made to be quite oversized. I wear it all the time in the fall/winter. I have a pair of Barbara Bui boots that I bought at Specchio that I have worn out and fixed so many times, but they are my favorite go-to’s. Also over the last year I have bought a few pairs of Paige denim leather pants at sample sales. They don’t stretch out and really edge up a t-shirt or sweater, so I have been wearing mine a ton lately.
You’re running late. What’s your go-to outfit?
My go-to day outfit is leather pants, adidas sneakers, t-shirt, and my Aritzia leather jacket.
My go-to night look is my Phillip Lim high-waisted cropped flare dress pants – they have these gold oversize buttons around the pockets which I love. I usually pair this with a thin turtleneck and Zara heels.
What are your three favourite places to shop in the city?
I love shopping TNT’s annual sale. The prices are insanely amazing and you can get unique, hard to find designers as their buyer does a great job at mixing high fashion pieces with everyday basics.
Rue Pigalle is another gem. When I met the owner Isabelle, she had a store on Queen Street, but now she runs the store out of her home studio. Rue Pigalle is my go to for accessories. She has an incredible eye and some of my favorite pieces have come from her store.
Zane on Queen West is another great store. Everything he has is wearable, edgy, and you can pick up pieces that really match your personality. All accessories – bags, jewelry, hats, sunnies. He’s got you covered.
What is the best piece you ever got on sale?
The best purchase I made from a sale was a Rick Owens coat. I found it in the men’s section of a store. It is oversize and is made of a heavy knit black denim. I die for this coat. Usually Rick Owens would be priced around $2000 or more for a coat… I bought mine for $300. Best decision ever!
List the top 5 things about Toronto that you love!
The energy of this city is addicting. There is so much support and pride in being a Torontonian which I love to see and be a part of.
The food scene. Our chefs in this city are opening the best little spots for dinner and drinks.
Our sports teams. I love going to Raptors games and have season tix to the blue jays. Everyone supports them!
Also got on the Leafs bandwagon this year – they had an incredible season.
Love our support of local designers. We have designers making it huge on an international scale – Beaufille, Sid Neigum, and Greta Constantine are killing it across the border.
Another thing I love about Toronto is that even though it’s a big city, it still feels small and we have a sense of community downtown.
How can our readers keep up with you online?
Follow me on Instagram at @alexis_honce and on my website www.alexishonce.com.
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