Summer Trends

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a passion for fashion, so advocating for sustainable style was something that came easily to me. I loved being able to make a difference and support local businesses and entrepreneurs in a field that I already loved so much. I first became involved in Sustainable Style when I launched a small and successful vintage fashion line, called Wonderland Vintage. This followed by a wonderful feature in Avenue Magazine and I continued on with helping to run the Sustainable Style YYC event in Calgary for 2 years, including debunking the myths of sustainable style with Be Local. This work sparked an even larger fire in my heart for the cause and sent me down a path to consume all of the information that I could get my hands on.

A specific group of advocates that particularly caught my interest was the incredible team who created The True Cost, a documentary that tells the inconvenient, and often hidden, truth about the harm our current fashion industry causes to the workers who make it possible, and the environment that we pollute for the sake of cheap style. The film further cemented my passion for vintage style and looking to second hand stores for my clothing before turning to cheap, fast fashion.

Part of sustainable style can mean shopping close to home and supporting local businesses that are challenging the traditional fashion industry business model. One of my favourite local businesses advocating for the cause is the Clothing Bar Boutique, an amazing consignment boutique in Marda Loop, and I’ve been so pleased to model and promote their initiatives over the years. Most recently, we were part of the “Take Me To Paris” show, which showcased the upcoming styles of local businesses.

The fashion trends I loved that are hot on the market this summer (that you can also find in many consignments stores – always a bonus) included:

Black and white geometric prints that can go straight from the office to the bar
Rompers that were stylish, but also provide some warmth on breezy summer evenings
Fine lace and floral details that can be paired with ripped jeans for a perfectly on-trend outfit (white ripped jeans are also making waves this summer)

If you’re looking for a way to stay stylish but also give back to your community and the planet this summer, keep these trends and sustainable fashion tips in mind. There’s nothing like wearing a cute, new closet staple that I know came with some good karma to kickstart a sunny summer disposition.

I also want to say thank you to the Clothing Bar Boutique for putting on an event that not only inspired, but also gave back to the Women in Need Society. Thank you to all of the local businesses, such as Adorn Infusions, that were also in attendance for inspiring me through their work to do good in the community. Thank you to Katie, owner of the Clothing Bar, for encouraging me to continue to model and for inspiring and reminding me that every woman, regardless of their age, shape, or ethnicity is beautiful inside out. Last but not least, thank you to Brook Cupelli for capturing the evening beautifully.