September Sustainably Stylish: Bre

For September and my Sustainably stylish feature, I am pleased to introduce Bre. I first met Bre during our time modeling consignment clothing for Global Television here in Calgary and she has since become a friend and style icon in my life. Read about her advice about being stylish, confident, and thinking about your choices when it comes to fashion.

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself?

I am an entrepreneur, with a long-term vision to live a life between Canada and Australia. I advocate for mentoring people about financial freedom so they can pursue their passions!

2. How do you define style for yourself?

It shifts. Sometimes I will feel edgy and I will wear some denim with more masculine accents. For example, I will wear my husbands baseball hat with chucks and jeans or I will feel amazing in my leather jacket. Other times I want high heels and a sexy dress. Sexy for me is a powerful woman in charge of her destiny ... it's not necessarily a clubbing outfit that shows my skin, but rather it's high class and elegant! Sometimes I like to go ultra glam, with sunglasses and lacy tops. My go to are power skirts just below the knee.

3. What’s your must have style accessory?

My favourite necklace, which has a lion on it to symbolize: courage, bravery, strength and fierceness. The gem is blue green spinal and it symbolizes focusing on your desired goals, and reaching them!

4. If there was one piece of style advice you would give to others what would be it be?

Love and celebrate yourself every day. For women - let's lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. Feel good and make sure you are always smiling. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else! That’s how I style myself, whatever I feel good in, it’s not necessarily what is on trend. For me, I feel good when I feel powerful, I love mixing in high heeled pumps and power skirts. I don’t like to show too much skin, I like to have form fitting clothes that make me feel feminine and independent.

5. What sparked your interest in sustainable style?

I was asked to model with Jennifer Allyson for Aldona, the street style huntress. The experience helped me to become more aware of some of the other brands that you might be able to access for cheaper, but then you look behind and learn about how people or processes are being exploited or harmed... it got me thinking. I am now just starting to learn about ethical products. There is lots to learn and ... yeah I am still learning.

6. What’s your favorite vintage, sustainable, or eco fashion stores? Why?

Curated, its a local consignment store in Calgary and very high-end. I love the bold high-end pieces available. Shoes are incredible in the store, the owner has high-end Italian suede boots and other really stunning pieces. I also recall beautiful bold jackets, a Kate Spade pink jacket in particular that caught my eye. I also love the work of IMA Wear, which is featured in this photograph, I have recently modeled for the brand and really believe in what they stand for. They are Canadian designed and ethically produced.

7. Currently wearing?

I’m wearing a long purple lilac pleated skirt from Curated Consignment. I wore it when I modeled for Aldona and had to go out and buy it after wearing it! I love pairing it with elegant jewelry, which can dress up any outfit. For me I like signature clothing, that is timeless and elegant. I am looking forward to learning more about shops like Curated, they keep popping up in this beautiful city! It makes me realize how fashion forward Calgary truly is.