Country Inspired Fashion in Calgary Alberta
by Cailyn, Miss Teenage Calgary 2017
I live in Calgary and consider myself lucky when it comes to fashion. We have everything we need here including fancy evening dresses and country wear, which includes cowboy boots and, during The Calgary Stampede, a cowboy hat. Even for simply enjoying a Saturday night inside with the girls, you have to still go out and pick up that pizza, and so you have to look semi presentable. That’s the look I find myself wearing more than I’d like to admit.
In Calgary, we have many diverse fashion styles; some folks like long, baggy shirts worn as a dress with a plaid around your waist, while others seem to always choose sweat pants and jersey tops. These styles are not gender specific and us younger ladies like to occasionally wear a man’s shirt or a blazer.
I have four different looks that I find myself wearing most frequently, and sometimes I mix them up and combine styles.
My first look is something you can wear to a casual event/ outing or you can dress it up with heels like I did or even a bit of jewelry like bracelets or a longer necklace since the front is quite plain and you’re good to go to a nice dinner.
The model is me, Cailyn. Here I’m wearing a shoulder less top which is a must in every girls closet during the summer (free those shoulders) but due to the fact that there is no hiding annoying bra straps I highly recommend a strapless bra, which I know can be tricky to keep up sometimes but your outfit will look so much better. The shirt is just a plain high waisted black skirt which gives you the freedom to tuck in your shirt or leave it untucked, the shirt I’m wearing was quite long, so I decided to have it tucked-in for a cleaner and more put-together look.
My second outfit is ‘country inspired’ and is something I find myself wearing quite often. This is a look I could wear for a day out, to the Calgary stampede or another local outing like many country-themed restaurants and bars we have in town. I chose a light coloured jeans and top because not only does it get less hot, the subtle notes make your boots pop. Regardless you could just as easily throw on some dark blue jeans and the outfit would still work.
Traditionally, with cowboy boots, I would wear boot cut jeans that cover them, but not and then I like to show them off by wearing tight jeans such as a ‘skinny jean’ to show those boots off. Also on a side note is like to add the fact that cowboy boots are one of my favorite shoes because they are versatile and functional but also they look great with jeans and if planned right they go amazingly well with a skirt or cute summer dress.
My third look is street wear that is comfortable for an exercise work-out and nice enough that you could wear outside and do your daily deeds. I went with white sweat pants because I feel like they are a great statement piece considering how often you actually see white sweatpants. I went with the white tank top to blend in under to make the black jersey standout more. Then I used the red bandana and lipstick to give the look a pop of color and as a standout piece. Also I swear by Converse running shoes, they are my absolute favorite sneakers because you can where them with anything at any time!
For my last outfit I went for more of a classic look with the 50s style red dress. You can wear it whenever and its light enough to wear in the summer and once winter rolls around you can throw on some leggings or thighs and put on an old style knitted jacket (the one I have reminds me of a sock monkey)
I think my favorite part about any of these outfits is that you can wear them anytime and dress them up or down due to your mood and what you are dressing for.
The very fashionable founder of Peekaboo Beans, Traci is always working to market her products and get the word out about her stylish and comfortable kids’ line. She recently designed the outfits that were on display at our country’s capital on Canada Day, being modeled by the children of our Prime Minister, as can be seen in the picture attached. 
All of the Peekaboo Bean prices are very reasonable as well given the amazing value that is coming with your clothes. Most dresses range anywhere from $40-$60. And for a boys T-shirt only $30-$40. To sum up my blog post I would like to address how these clothes tie into my platform, These clothes can let kids stay active and healthy in a very fashionable way and I hope all parents and kids decide to make the switch, as their website says “Once you go BEANS, you never go back!”
Our first model is Mervat, a 19 year old college student who aspires to be a paramedic. She is outgoing, talkative, supporting, and the type of person who fills the room with energy simply by entering.
For this shoot we’d agreed to take photos at six pm on College Dr. She decided to wear something a little more casual sporting vintage denim jeans with a “Bad influence” graphic halter top with threaded roses. She had purchased her trendy top at Urban Planet and thrifted her Levi jeans from a friend. She accessorizes with a pair of sunglasses and beaded flower sandals. Adding a bit of colour with a camel, braided leather belt from Bluenotes she managed to create an outfit that’s tré cute but manageable.
Our second look today is at Belle an 18 year old free spirit who is hands down one of the most exciting people you will ever meet. She is a dedicated hard worker currently holding two jobs at David’s Tea and Marshalls, both located in Medicine Hat mall. With a great love for friends and a soul meant to wonder she loves to take adventures. Being the wildheart she is she loves to take risks with her style. Today she decided to pair a fitted cotton-mesh black bodysuit from Garage with dark denim Hollister jean shorts and simple black flip flops for a cute summer look. A flattering outfit for checking out the nightlife downtown with friends.
For accessories, she gives us a small, grey, textured Guess coin purse with stunning shimmering and beige nails to give the look a little more glam factor.
The Monarch Theatre is Canada’s oldest operating movie theatre. The theatre remains relevant playing new movies and also allows viewers to enjoy classical films now and then. Many citizens in the Hat hold fond memories here such as watching movies together with their father or spending times with friends.
The gas lights brighten up the streets of downtown Medicine Hat, and serve as a reminder 
“Street fashion to me shows comfort and character.” Lexi explained, “Also bright colors show bright personalities.”
Person- Sarah (myself), an Alberta Delegate competing in the 2017 Search for Miss Teenage Canada.
