my town: 'Cottage Country' of Ontario, Canada by Lori from Automatism

Hello Fern and Feather I am Lori with Automatism...
When the warm weather arrives, Canadians in Ontario pack the car and head to what's known as cottage country -- the many northerly lakes in our beautiful province. For me it's the ideal way to spend summer here.

clothing: shorts and tees -- usually with a swimsuit underneath for impromptu dips -- are the clothes of choice. {JCrew}
shoes: sneakers for scrambling in and out of canoes, walking through woods and running along rickety docks.
scenery: the beautiful Canadian wilderness, with a wood cottage in the background such as this one on Georgian Bay.
food: lots of barbeque use for burgers, accompanied by potato salads, green salads, fresh corn and berries -- eaten outside as much as possible.
need for survival: lots of insect repellent -- both spray and citronella -- until late August, when it gets a lot less buggy!
music: the haunting call of the loon (shown here beautifully sculpted in wood by master carver Sam Nottleman) never fails to thrill me.
art: the Canadian Group of Seven painted Ontario in all its wild beauty -- this painting, called "Fine Weather, Georgian Bay" is by J.E.H. MacDonald (1913) and really captures the look of a bright summer day on the water. link
culture: on rainy days there's indoor crafts, board games, books and home grown music -- someone always brings a guitar.
accessory: a hat to keep the sun off while dozing on the dock or paddling on the lake.

my town: Black Forest, Germany by Ashley from Chasing Heartbeats.

Hello Fern and Feather... My name is Ashley and I have a blog called Chasing Heartbeats. I live in Germany's Black Forest or "Schwarzwald", a picturesque landscape of mountains, thick forests and vast farmland where the Brothers Grimm based many of their fairy tales. A California girl with previous homes in Paris and San Francisco, moving here was a big change of pace, but the beauty I am surrounded by never ceases to amaze and inspire me. Our icy winters contrasted by blazing summers dramatically effect our style here, when the weather is nice everyone is outside riding bicycles, swimming in the lakes and hiking through the forest- clothes are casual and comfort is key. In the spirit of summer, here is our sunny weather style:

Clothing~ I live in sundresses here- something you can wear to work, to the lake for a lunchtime picnic, on bicycle rides and around town to the farmer's market. It gets super hot and humid here and your clothes need to flow and be comfortable. Big Plus to us in Europe, Anthropologie has started selling from the UK! so now I don't have to wait to a trip to the states to stock up :)
Shoes~ Swedish Hasbeens LOVE these sky high sandals. comfortable, cute and super high quality. plus they go with just about every summer outfit!
Music~ Laura Marling love her lyrics and beautiful voice
accessory~ a good hat is essential for days lounging by the lake

Scenery Shot~ The land here is a combination of farm land and forests, which makes for lots of gorgeous landscape photos ;)
Culture~ Fußball culture, Soccer/Football is the only sport I really enjoy watching, and Germany is a country with a great love affair with the sport. When we lost against Spain in the semi-final of the world cup, I swear, the entire country's heart broke :( But after a win, everyone goes wild, the excitement in the air is contagious and so much fun to be a part of.
Food~ Flammkuchen, This thin crust "pizza" is particular to our region here in Germany and across the border in Alsace, France. Bacon, Onions and a creamy sauce is the classic recipe, and delicious!
Need for survival- Bicycle, One of my favorite parts about europe and especially Germany, is how bike-friendly it is. The entire country is lined with bike trails so you can get just about anywhere by bicycle. Not a big fan of cars, especially when the sun is shining- my bicycle is my best friend!

my town: Malmö, Sweden by Vanessa from The Voyage of V

Hello Fern & Feather readers!
My names is Vanessa and I'm coming to you from a little blog called The Voyage of V. I was super duper flattered when Alexis asked me to contribute with a tiny slice of the city I've lived in for a little over four years. Malmö, Sweden is all the way in the South West corner of the country, just a hop, skip and 25-minute train ride from Copenhagen, Denmark. Despite the fact that Sweden is a small country, there's quite a difference from city to city, and as the third largest, it has a strong character all its own. A little more laid back that Stockholm and Göteborg, easy going style is the name of the game.

Accessory~ A pretty patterned head scarf does the trick for the beach or the bar.
Shoes~ Clogs. Whether you're young or old. Male or female. High heel, low heel or somewhere in the middle. Clogs are as Swedish as Volvos and meatballs, and every single one of us has at some point in our lives worn a pair. I used to have a purple suede pair when I was little. Luckily they're back in and available in lots of styles. The sandal version is all over the city.

Food~ Nothing says summer in Sweden to me like stekt strömming (fried herring). I like it best with mashed potatoes and lingon berries, but this sandwich was equally delicious.
Need for survival~ During the summer, you definitely need a bike. And a really good lock.

Music~ Robyn. Sweden is home to so many amazing musicians, but Dancing on My Own is the song of the summer.
Scenery shot~ The Turning Torso, designed by Calatrava, is one of the most well-known buildings in the country and has become a real symbol of the city.

Clothing~ Malmö is all about low maintenance fashion. The girls look great, but rarely like they try too hard. Because we're so close to the water, a belted t-shirt dress (like Rachel Bilson's) that can be thrown on top of your favorite bikini or worn out at night with heels is perfect.
Art~ When I think of Malmö, I always think of this poster by the graphic designer Olle Eksell. The eyes were designed for Mazetti's cocoa packaging, and a giant pair is casted in the iron gate at the old chocolate factory around the corner from my apartment. Two of my close friends gave the poster to me for my 30th birthday, so I will always remember the city when it's time for me to move on.

my town: Lille, France by Linda from Old and Odd

Originally a Londoner I have lived near Lille, in Northern France, since 2001; I am an Artist/Antique Dealer. I previously worked as a Graphic Designer Fine Artist and Illustrator in London but am so much happier self employed, free and financially poorer! My blog is called 'Odd and Old'. Although I am a tad odd I like to think that I am not so very old. ...Ummm...
I really appreciate the invitation from Alexis to guest blog ' Chez Elle'; (especially as I am new to this virtual world blogging lark)... and a bit of a style anomaly!
Images: {left to right, top to bottom}
1. L'amour partout...
2. Brocante Finds/Inspiration. For the last 15 years I have been an Antique Dealer sourcing delights for UK/London clients.
I am now in the process of reverting to my original profession as an Artist. My work is greatly influenced by my Brocante/Flea market finds.
3. Café life rules! and rules! (merde alors).
4. Opera and Cake!
5. Vieux Lille. (Old Lille) Groovy designer led shopping.
6. Vieux Lille. (Old Lille) Groovy designer led shopping.
7. 'Paul'. famous French bakers now opening in uber cool areas such as Marylebone and Notting Hill in London UK.
8. My Work 2010 ~ Recent Drawing/Collage ~ 2 x Assemblages/Sculptures ~ Original 2010 Linda Dacey
9. Cheers. Sante...

my town: NY, NY by Sarah from Walking Around

Hello I am Sarah from Walking Around. My town is New York City;) And I love it, the energy and spirit are unique to New York and unlike any other city in the world, and fashion eye candy is everywhere!
clothing~ Zac Posen Dress - a black dress in NYC, you can never go wrong, it's classic and can take you from day to night.
shoes~ Jimmy Choo Platform sandals - Everywhere I turn, I am seeing higher heals, strappy ankle booties and zippers, these are a fun pair of neutral platforms - I love the style because there are many knock-offs for much cheaper if you have an eye for street fashion and bargain shopping;)
art~ The Met - it's steps are famous to sit on and it's artwork collection consists of more than million works of art spanning five thousand years of world culture, it's such an amazing iconic museum to visit. They have some beautiful Picasso's.
culture~ NYC is eclectic full of life, I think the best way to take in it's culture from a far, is to watch all of the great movies that celebrate how unique it is...Breakfast at Tiffany's? Why not!
accessory~ Anything goes...NYMag always has the best local jewelry finds and I spotted this Love Bird ring that I adore!
need for survival~ Flats to carry in your bag, I walk everywhere, and always try to carry shoes that are cute, but comfy.

music~ I could easily say Sinatra or JZ but I look forward to the annual NY Philharmonic in Central Park, where everyone gathers for picnics and beautiful classical music followed by fireworks. {nytimes}
scenery shoot~ This is the New York City skyline on a hazy summer morning from my old apartment rooftop.
food~ I have a million favorites...but it's just a well known fact, that NYC pizza is the best;) Here is a list of cheap faves.