Jaclyn Genovese is the woman behind jacflash, an amazing boutique on Queen West. Just walking past their windows is a crash-course in the latest trends and, as you would expect, Jaclyn can be spotted in these looks all over the city. She’s a society page constant and savvy business woman who makes a body suit look as wearable as boyfriend jeans.

SDTC: What’s the outfit that feels the most you?

Jaclyn Genovese: I have always been a bit of a tomboy, so I feel most comfortable in something along of the lines of boyfriend jeans, a white tee and a leather moto jacket with a basic pump. 

SDTC: From which era in time do you find the most fashion inspiration?

JG: I love the feminine, hourglass shapes, as well as the Greaser subculture, of the 1950s.

SDTC: What fashion object is always sexy?

JG: Confidence is the #1 rule in looking sexy. I always say to my girlfriends, as long as you feel good about yourself and you think that you look good, who is to say that you don’t?! I have also learned that with fashion the simpler, the better. I love showcasing one killer piece with a more subtle outfit. As Chanel says “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”

SDTC: If you had to choose a character in a TV series or film whose style you dig, who would it be?

JG: I would have to choose the most obvious answer, which is Carrie from Sex and the City. I genuinely believe that Carrie Bradshaw changed the game of fashion. Her style was always unexpected, but still relatable and chic.

SDTC: What are you currently obsessed with?

JG: Right now I really enjoy fostering animals. I volunteer at both the Upper Credit Humane Society in Erin, Ontario, as well as Noble Dog Rescue. In the last six months, I have fostered and found homes for 17 cats and three dogs. It is the most rewarding and enjoyable thing that I have ever done.

SDTC: Is there something you have in your closet that you don’t wear often but have kept for years because of sentimental value? What is it and why is it still there?

JG: This would have to be a sequined green dress of my mothers. She had worn it to a gala when I was very young and I always remembered gawking at it.  I called it “the mermaid dress”. I will pull it out on special occasions.

SDTC: What would we catch you wearing as a teenager? What was your style in high school?

JG: Like many girls in high school, I was still experimenting with my style. I looked up to many pop stars and often tried to replicate the racier looks, like Britney Spears’ “I love rock ‘n roll” style and Mariah Carey’s “bejeweled” jeans, but also loved Jewel’s more carefree look.

SDTC: When and where do you do your best creative thinking?

JG: I do my best creative thinking lying in bed before I fall asleep and as soon as I wake up, as I scroll through blogs, Instagram and fashion apps.

SDTC: What’s one piece of advice that a role model taught you that you’ll never forget?

JG: My Grandma Lynne always taught me the importance of manners. She was the ultimate hostess; featured in Chatelaine magazine and always hosting amazing parties. Even while she was sick, I never remembered her being crabby, impolite or pessimistic. She always seemed lively, peaceful and pleasant and knew how to make people feel at ease and smile. She taught me to never let your mood dictate your manners. 

SDTC: What did you originally go to school for? Where?

JG: I studied Classical Music (vocal) at Dalhousie University. 

SDTC: What other secret talents do you have?

JG: I love opera singing, playing the guitar, horseback riding, writing poetry and baking.