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YOU, IN YOUR HARLY JAE FAVOURITES

October 8, 2026

WHAT WE'VE BEEN BUILDING, TOGETHER

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Since the beginning, harly jae has always been about more than just what we wear. It’s about slowing down, choosing with intention, and finding pieces that can stay with us through all the different seasons of life.

One of my favourite parts of building this brand has been seeing our pieces become part of your lives in ways I could never have imagined when I first designed them. They get worn through big milestones, ordinary days, changes, celebrations, and everything in between, and over time, they become so much more than just clothes.

We’re sharing the experiences of four women who have each been part of the harly jae journey for several years. They’ve each shared a little about the pieces they’ve loved, lived in, and returned to over the years, and what harly jae has come to mean to them.

I’m so grateful for the trust they’ve placed in this brand, and for the beautiful ways they continue to make these pieces their own.

I hope you enjoy getting to know their stories, too.

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SYDNEY (customer since 2020)

“I first discovered Harly Jae when starting my slow fashion journey 6 years ago and they quickly became one of my fav Canadian businesses to support. I love the quality and how pieces like the Doll Blouses can be dressed up for family photo shoots with a skirt or dressed down for errands with some jogging shorts. To me that’s what investing in slow fashion is about - getting pieces with longevity!"

"When I think of memories in my harly jae pieces, I think of finding my style again as a postpartum mom and that was a really transformative time in my life.”

Sydney wears our Dorothy Romper (2023), Étoile Nightgown (2024), and Groove Sweater (2024)

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MICHELLE (customer since 2024)

" A few aspects drew and continues to draw me to harly jae! The first is the designs. Besides the evergreen styles, the intentionality behind them keeps me hooked. I think it’s one thing to create pieces that are aesthetically conscientious, but it’s another to create conscientiously.

For one, the designs are timeless, which not only entails the pieces maintain a longer lifetime of wear, but also demonstrates HJ’s values-based outlook (e.g. zero-waste/environmental principles, fair pay/dignified work, etc.). The designs likewise have a lightness and rootedness to them that interplay artfully. The pieces range from delicate embroidery to formidable colour ways, sometimes all-in-one, permitting a greater sartorial expression. To me, this speaks to the degree of time, energy, and thought devoted to ensuring the designs possess dimensionality and stylistic potential.

The second aspect which made me fall in love with HJ was the use of natural fibres. After a long overdue closet clean-out, I underwent self-reflection on how I wanted my wardrobe to feel. HJ uses linen, cotton, wool, and hemp, near exclusively, which has incorporated so much comfort and ease into my day-to-day outfits. As someone with sensory issues, discovering HJ was a game-changer. What’s more, is the careful consideration of patterns: Playful but still elegant, simple but still a statement, and dreamy but still grounded. Or, put in a less abstract way, who could resist a cute gingham blouse?"

"I feel centered when I wear harly jae. I think this is because I don’t have to physically or emotionally change myself to "work" for the pieces; instead, the pieces work to meet me where I am. I remember when I tried on my first HJ outfit, and feeling relief, like I could let go of all the external expectations and shame I’ve been carrying about my self-image. I strongly believe one’s style of dress holds more psychological weight than is explicitly discussed, especially since clothing harbours complex notions about body image, health, lived experiences, culture, socio-economic status, beauty ideals, etc. Considering all this, I'm of the opinion that investing in what we wear isn’t a frivolous pursuit because it’s a meaningful way to feeling good, to feeling whole, to feeling affirmed. I can unequivocally say that HJ's pieces help me feel those ways, and more!"

Michelle wears our Doll Blouse (2024 colour) and Juliette Dress (2025 colour)

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REBECCA (customer since 2020)

"There were a few things that drew me to harly jae. I came upon Laila and the brand by coincidence on Instagram sometime quite soon after I had my son. I was not feeling that comfortable or confident in my new body, but something about the easy designs made me feel like I could pull it off. Not only that, but they were also practical. I remember buying a beautiful Beatriz jumpsuit - I was unfamiliar with how great good quality linen could feel. The buttons allowed me to breastfeed. The best part was it was an all in one outfit I could put on and feel put together. The sizing was also flexible as my body was still changing postpartum.

Nothing felt constricting - and it camouflaged all the bits I was not comfortable with. The styles were also nothing I had ever worn or thought to wear - I guess my style was evolving! But something about the images of the models in the outfits just evoked a feeling of easy, but feminine and stylish comfort. I ended up buying a short version of the jumpsuit and also a pair of Aura pants not soon after. Of course that was the start of my love of these pants that continue to this day!

"I always feel put together when I wear HJ. Whether it's dressed up, to go to the office, or on a casual day out with family or friends. It's my go to on days that I don't feel the best because I know that no matter how blah or bloated I feel, the clothes just find a way to hide all that. Knowing that I'm wearing a garment that had so much thought go into it and made by someone in our community is also extra special. Not sure how else to summarize that into a word.. But the clothes are magical at hiding what you don't want on display and drawing attention to other beautiful and fun details that flatter."

Rebecca wears our Beatriz Romper (2020) & Paysanne Mini (2021)

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ALLISON (customer since 2021)

"In early 2021, I bought my first piece - the timeless House Blouse. Thinking back, what made HJ stand out was not of the wearability of this classic piece but the exceptional customer service. I recall having a few chats with the owner/designer to find the perfect fit. I was very impressed with her friendliness and responsiveness, something that has continued since.

I've continued to buy HJ pieces regularly for three main reasons 1) superior designs, details, fabric and craftsmanship 2) timeless, feminine feel and 3) consistency of sizing and fit!"

"HJ makes me feel beautiful. I love the ability of many of the pieces to be dressed down for a more casual look. Aura Pants look amazing with a t-shirt and baseball hat. The dresses go with heels but also birks or a pair of uggs. Knitwear is stand out. I think I've worn my Meadow cardigan everywhere from the grocery store with a pair of tights to a trail ride horseback."

Allison wears our Milos Dress (2023 colourway)