Casual Classics in Lethbridge, Alberta
By Grace, Miss Teenage Alberta 2017
“In a world full of trends I want to remain a classic.” –Iman
In fashion terms, I would consider myself to be more on the sophisticated, classy, artsy, chic end of the spectrum. The outfits in this article are what I would wear every day. With a modern look that holds onto classic pieces that are sure to turn heads. Fashion is art, and in art there is no rules.
At the end of July, my awesome photographer, Adam and I took some pictures in the heart of my home town Lethbridge. Born and raised in this urban city, I encounter art every day. I’m 17 years old and graduated high school in Lethbridge a year early. Driven and ambitious, I’m headed into the world of business. My wardrobe reflects my light-heartedness and professionalism. For my outfits. on a day to day basis, I find one piece that I’m inspired by and mold my attire around it.
Calm Confidence – My first look is inspired by this black hat called “The Jackson Fedora” by Shannon Phillips. “The Jackson Fedora” is 100% wool and a replica of one of Michael Jackson’s hats. The designs of hats haven’t changed in hundreds of years. I forgo trendy pieces in favour of the classics. The other accessories I’m wearing in this picture are vintage Swarovski crystal earrings, a Swiss watch by Wittnauer and a sterling silver bangle & ring set from Pandora. The real gem of this outfit is the sapphire lady Diane ring!!
The rest of my outfit is chic and artsy. Blue jean button up shirt from Pseudo, faded plaid beige blazer from Le Chateau and black ankle pants from Reitman’s. These nude, lace up corduroy heels from The Bay are a must for me to complete this outfit. They look hot and will keep anyone who wears them cool for the summer. Also getting a head start on fall fashion for 2017, corduroy will be almost inescapable! Finding one or two key clothing items to build an outfit around, saves time in our busy lives. It keeps my street style looking put together on any occasion. Layering is a fun way to change up a look instantly. In the morning before going to my favourite local coffee shop, Bread Milk & Honey, in my hometown we did some shopping and went for a walk through Galt Gardens.
Cool & Casual – The following day, July 31st was a day to run some errands in downtown Lethbridge. I enjoy strolling through the shops and streets. The farmer’s market on 6th street is where I sold rafiki bracelets to fund-raise for the We Charity and enjoy browsing through all the vendors. Thought it was fitting to take some cool pictures downtown, where I attend local events.
For my second look, I focused on the must have maxi dress by KOY Resort from the Travelman Luggage & Swimwear Warehouse. Light, flowy, soft and timeless with a slit half-way up the leg on both sides makes it perfect for the hot weather we’ve been having in Lethbridge. It has a jaw string to accentuate my waistline and several buttons from the center of the neckline to the jaw string. I paired it with a cute blue pair of dark blue lace up flats from The Bay. The over the shoulder, edgy, white and grey alligator textured leather purse from Guess compliments the edginess of the slits up the sides of the dress. The earth friendly is a pair of Kuma sunglasses with bamboo arms. Lastly, I added the earrings from Le Chateau with a gold frame as they add a little bit of sparkle.
In fashion terms, individuals can be whoever they want to portray. I prefer sophisticated pieces and having classic go to items that have endless outfit combinations. We live in 2017, people shouldn’t have to look a certain way to feel beautiful or accepted. To me fashion is how individuals express themselves through hair, make-up, clothes, and accessories. The second definition of fashion is “a manner of doing something.” Both of those sentences are about self-expression. When I say fashion is art and in art there is no rules, I mean there is no limits for self-expression. Fashion is about expressing our own individuality through our own unique styles. All our differences makes us beautiful!
Chloe is 21 years old and loves to travel, in fact she moved to Canada 3 years ago from Wales. She described herself as creative and shared with me her passion for drawing. So… what is she wearing!? Being a full time Pandora employee, her uniform requires her to wear black on black on black. Chloe is wearing a high fashion black twisted V-neck T-shirt from Urban Planet made from polyester and nylon which she purchased for $15. For pants she chose trendy black leggings from Reitmans made out of viscose and nylon for $45. Black Adidas flats, and 2 gorgeous Pandora bracelets and 3 rings all made from sterling silver, cubic zirconia, and pearl accents.
Next up in the Cambridge Center on Hespeler Road I stumbled upon a true beauty, Brianna. Brianna is the youngest out of 9 biological siblings, and also has 4 foster siblings! She just switched school’s at the age of 17, and currently works 4 jobs! Brianna is an equestrian, she loves to ride horses at Irish Creek Stables, and loves art and fitness. She was wearing a blue dress from Winners made out of cotton for $14, a cover up black jacket made from nylon and polyester also from Winners for $25. To tie the outfit together she wore a thick black belt made out of leather and elastic from Ardenes for $10. And on her feet, heels from Aldo for $80. I noticed this gorgeous ring on her finger as well, and it came out of a candle! Charmed aroma candles and bath bombs are gifts she receives often, and they definitely pay off. (And might I add, her makeup skills are incredible.)
Lastly, on my way home I bumped into Kimberly. Kimberly is 43 years old and in the pharmaceutical industry, she loves fitness, gardening and water sports at her cottage. When Kimberly has down time, she listens to audiobooks. In fact she just finished listening to 44 hours of Stephen King’s ‘It’ novel. Kimberly is wearing a Frank Lyman designer beaded white dress made out of lycra, nylon, and cotton which she purchased for $165. On her feet gorgeous sparkly heels from Aldo for $99 and on her wrist a FitBit Charge 2 for $169. This was taken on McFarlane Drive, in Cambridge Ontario.
Kat is 17 years old and enjoys writing posts on her blog 
