Fashion to Fitness in Downtown Toronto
By Nicole, Miss Teenage South Central Ontario 2017
What is fashion? It is a distinctive trend in style in a way which a certain person dresses. Fashion is a way for someone to express themselves, and who they are. The beauty about fashion is there is no right or wrong way to dress, trends come and go changing every single day, so you just have to wear what you want, and walk in it as if you are on your own runway! The most important thing to remember is to always be comfortable in your own skin cause that’s what makes you fabulous!
In my role as Miss teenage South Central Ontario, I ventured out on the streets of Toronto, in search for the different styles out there. My first step, was to pick what street I would begin my journey on. It was actually an easy choice for me; I decided to pick one of the longest streets we have in Canada, and that is “Yonge Street.”
To put a spin on things, I decided to write this Street Chic fashion article with a focus on my platform, which is, Empowering people through physical activity. I wanted to capture the look of people dressing fashionable at work, but able to easily change and keep a healthy lifestyle, by going to work out. Which is why my location was located more specifically near the Goodlife fitness where I train everyday. Some of the people I interviewed worked out that same day, while others had different set days that they go to the gym.
I noticed a lot of students, and people from their workplace going to the gym on their lunch break. Since I had stayed a few hours I saw them walk into the gym fashionable, and leave just as beautiful. That is because they picked outfits that were cute but comfortable, and easy to change. This goes to show, it’s easy to live a healthy lifestyle but be well dressed at the same time. Even if you aren’t wearing the most elaborate clothes, and a lot of accessories, I believe that having a fit healthy body is something you can wear as well. I asked all the people a series of questions, and named my survey “fashion to fitness.” I also asked for their permission to use their first name and picture. Here is what I got!
Our first Model was Monica
What is your Job: “Customer Service.”
How often do you go to the gym: “2 times per week.”
What is your favorite thing to do at the gym: “I enjoy doing cardio, and classes are really fun!”
How long does it take you to decide what to wear in the morning: “I plan the night before for work in ten minutes, but if I am going on a night out 30 minutes.”
Do you prefer online shopping or going to the mall: “The mall is more of an experience, but I prefer online because it’s more convenient.”
Monica’s outfit
Top
Brand: no name brand
Description: nude peach half sleeve shirt.
Jacket
Brand: Terranova
Description: light cream beige colour, oversized tie around cape, with a suede material. She purchased this in Europe.
Bottoms
Brand: H&M
Description: they were black high waisted dressy leggings.
Shoes
Brand: Express
Description: black open toe wedge heel, with a cork colour bottom material.
Our second model was Teresa
What is your job: “antiques.”
How often do you go to the gym: “two times per week”
What is your favorite thing to do at the gym: “yoga and Pilates classes”
How long does it take you to decide what to wear in the morning: “10 minutes- 1 day”
Do you prefer online shopping or going to the mall: “online”
Teresa’s outfit
Top
Brand: Zara
Description: black, loose sleeveless scoop top.
Bottom
Brand: Zara
Description: different shades of green throughout, with a long wide leg cut, and a Hawaiian floral print.
Shoes
Brand: Zara
Description: black espadrille summer heels
Hat
Brand: winners
Description: large black floppy sun hat
Accessories
Brand: Club Monaco
Description: necklace is a large gold fan frilled design, large gold dangling and part hoop earrings.
The third model is John
Job: student
How often do you go to the gym: “ 4 times per week”
What is your favorite thing to do at the gym: “biceps, because I have really small ones and I like seeing the improvements.”
How long does it take you to decide what to wear in the morning: “5 minutes.”
Online shopping or going to the mall: “I equally enjoy both.”
John’s outfit
Top:
Brand: Zara
Description: black graphic-T
Bottoms:
Brand: H&M
Description: white cuffed skinny jeans
Shoes:
Brand: Nike, purchased in Peter Borough
Description: red and white, Nike SB
Glasses:
Brand: Atzzes
Description: black with gold rim and round frame
The forth model is Giana
Job: “ I am a student and athlete”
How often do you go to the gym: “4 times per week”
What is your favorite thing to do at the gym: “I like to work gluteus and abdominals the most.”
How long does it take you to decide what to wear in the morning: “I prefer to prepare my outfits before I go to sleep.”
Online shopping or going to the mall: “I like to go to the mall because I like to try on the clothes before I buy them.”
Gianas’s outfit:
Top:
Brand: H&M
Description: light blue wash, tied up dress shirt.
Bottoms:
Brand: Zara
Description: white beach shorts, with a flower embroidery at the bottom.
Shoes:
Brand: Nike
Description: bright blue, Nike Air Presto
Purse:
Brand: C&A
Description: black leather tote
Glasses:
Brand: New Yorker
Description: black lens and round frame
The fifth model is Victor
Job: student
How often do you go to the gym: “3-4 times per week”
What is your favorite thing to do at the gym: “leg workouts”
How long does it take you to decide what to wear in the morning: “30 minutes”
Online shopping or going to the mall: “mall”
Victor’s outfit:
Top:
Brand: Alfani
Description: light blue wash, buttoned up dress shirt.
Bottoms:
Brand: Tommy Hilfiger
Description: black straight dress pants.
Jacket:
Brand: H&M
Description: black fitted blazer
Shoes:
Brand: clarks
Description: black dress shoes
Glasses:
Brand: U.S. Polo Assn.
Description: black square rimmed reading glasses
After interviewing all four of my volunteers, I came to a few conclusions…. I saw that some know they have a busy schedule, but they still find time to pick a fashionable outfit for the morning and change after to workout. Their solution was to prepare their clothes the night before! They planned their week at their own pace, and decided how many times they feel like going to the gym. Some of these peoples photos, were them on their days off. We are all allowed to have a break, and that’s the perfect moment we can take time, to have fun with picking our outfits. It’s easy, and rewarding on so many levels being active, there shouldn’t be anything stopping all of you!!!! In fact I truly believe having a strong body, that you feel happy, and confident in, is the best accessory that you can wear! Thank you for following along, and remember you are always fabulous! Xoxo Nicole Miss Teenage South Central Ontario