Jinan Ellahib

Jinan – or J as we call her – is espy’s local Calgarian on staff. She was born and raised here and has gone to school in Calgary from pre-school to university. J is working towards finishing her Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in finance, at the University of Calgary. Although she is business orientated, her goal has always been to have a career in fashion.

Her very first job out of high school was working in a locally owned boutique where she was mentored in fashion and retail by the owner, who had been in the business for over 20 years. She taught J about different fabrics, merchandising, and understanding the needs of customers. J continued her work in locally owned businesses in another boutique where she quickly moved from a sales associate to a merchandiser and buyer, as well as a personal stylist and events coordinator. After moving away from retail for a while, J started as an intern at a new bra boutique in Calgary as the media and public relations manager. She was in charge of getting the word out there about this fabulous new store that offered the proper service women need in order to find the right bra. “Some women would actually cry when you fit them in the proper bra, they just do not realize how much of a difference not only does it make to their appearance, but the weight that is literally lifted off their shoulders.”

“Some women would actually cry when you fit them in the proper bra, they just do not realize how much of a difference not only does it make to their appearance, but the weight that is literally lifted off their shoulders.”

J came across espy when she realized that at all three locally owned boutiques she had worked at, styling her customers was her favourite part of the job. She knew espy was the place in Calgary for fashion stylists, so she applied and the rest is history! The thing J loves the most about espy is that the energy is always through the roof and as an espy stylist, she can see how that energy is passed on to customers. The positive environment is healthy and full of positivity and optimism for anyone who comes in. Although most espy days are crazy – that is what J loves. There is always something amazing happening everyday at espy and there is always that opportunity to shake things up for a new customer or an espy regular.

J is definitely on the side of comfort when it comes to her personal style. She loves to dress up – but it will always be in something comfy she can confidently rock. At espy you will see J in leggings and booties and a super stylish hoodie. Her favourite outfit is a pair of skinnies, flat boots, a nice top, leather jacket and cute scarf. That way if she is going out later, all she has to do is throw on the pumps she keeps in her car!

Jinan is exactly like that one friend in your group that has zero problem telling you what she thinks. Her blunt honesty is refreshing and her knowledge and background in the industry is clear when you come in for a pair of jeans and leave the store with a brand new, affordable wardrobe. To J, fashion really defines individuality. She loves how trends are constantly evolving but always being recycled. The trick to trends, according to J, is to “wear the outfit, do not let the outfit wear you.” Being stylish is about making it your own and in order to do that, you have to be the star of your outfit. And standing out from the clothes means being confident in what you are wearing. The clothes are the accessory to you looking and feeling the best you can. And J definitely knows just how to accessorize you to get you feeling fabulous and confident.

J finds her style inspiration from designers, and especially Karl Lagerfeld because his designs are always timeless. Timeless fashion is signature to Chanel. Playing up the classics and basics in a way that translates to each year’s changing style while keeping that signature Chanel flair is what most designers dream to do and why J is so taken with Mr. Lagerfeld. But she also appreciates celebrity style because it makes runway more understandable and accessible to the masses. It’s that accessibility that J can bring to customers that makes her such a good stylist. She understands the runway because she knows how to bring that fashion to a level that is appropriate for Calgary and for you.

It is J’s laid back but fearless approach to fashion and customers that make her a fierce espy stylist. When she can get someone to look in the mirror and not even believe how good they look, it is a good day at espy. J is always down for hug – and after an hour with her you probably won’t be able to resist showing her some affection!