March Sustainably Stylish: Jameela
This month I am pleased to introduce Jameela as March's sustainably stylish feature. Jameela not only runs a personal lifestyle blog, but she also works towards giving back to women in need through her efforts with her jewelry line, Alora Boutique. Jameela and I first met last year at Calgary's Sustainable Style YYC event, and we have recently been working together on a photo shoot for her upcoming Alora Boutique jewelry collection - Shine! I'l share more about this soon, but I am honoured to be part of this collection, where I modeled jewelry dedicated to finding your own unique "shine". Learn more about this inspiring woman below!
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself? My name is Jameela Ghann and I am the co-founder and designer of Alora Boutique. We create meaningful jewelry that gives back that is created from recycled materials. I am also a mother of two beautiful girls and a Calgary native. I try to give back to the Calgary community through my business. Working with the Mustard Seed and other similar organizations helps me to fulfill my goal of helping disadvantaged women rise out of poverty.
I also have a lifestyle blog where I talk about my family and personal style: Jam and Tea. I don't post all that often, but I find it fun!
2. How do you define style for yourself?
I define style as the way you want to express/present yourself to the world. I think that style is deeply personal, and that is why I like to wear a lot of colour. I think that I have a colourful personality, and that shows in the clothing that I wear.
3. What’s our must have style accessory? A statement necklace for sure! I LOVE statement jewelry, but necklaces are my favourite. I think that jewelry really personalizes an outfit. Jewelry can make a boring black dress 100 times better and more unique.
4. If there was one piece of style advice you would give to others what would be it be? Dress in what makes you comfortable while still dressing for the occasion. I mean, I am most comfortable in sweatpants, no bra, and a t-shirt, but that isn't appropriate for anywhere but home. I think that you have to be respectful of the people and environment that you are in. To have good style you have to dress appropriately for the occasion while still being comfortable.
5. What sparked your interest in sustainable style? I have always liked reusing items to keep them useful. I am also a believer in treating people fairly. I don't believe in being wasteful or treating people poorly simply because you can be. Since I have always been of the reduce, reuse, and equity mindset, I was introduced to sustainable fashion through my research and network. When I realized that regular/fast-fashion exploited workers (mainly women) around the world I made the decision to ONLY shop Canadian made, tailor made (African print), or consignment/vintage. I think that my consumer choices help to keep local brands in business while sending a message with my consumption dollars that I do not support unethical clothing manufacturing.
6. What’s your favourite vintage, sustainable, or eco fashion stores? Why? Twiss and Weber, Jennifer Glasgow for Canadian Made clothing and Velour Clothing Exchange and Joyce's closet are my fave consignment stores.
I love the color from Twiss and Weber and the great cuts and quality from Jennifer Glasgow. Velour Clothing has great classic pieces and Joyce's closet has amazing trendy pieces. The fact that they are all Canadian and all really amazing people makes it easy to shop from them.
7. Currently wearing? Right now (on a Saturday afternoon in my house), I am wearing Salgado Fenwick leggings, a top I got in Ghana and a cozy sweater from Joyce's Closet.
In the photo I am wearing: Alora Jewelry // Twiss and Weber Top // Tailor Made African Print Skirt // BellaMass Shoes // Consignment Bag
Learn more about Jameela by visiting her websites: www.alora.ca and jamandtea.com. You can also follow her on Instagram: @aloraboutique and @jamandteablog.
