Vancity Chic in New Westminster, Vancouver
by Samriddhi, Miss Teen Lower Mainland 2017
Photos by Shubhi Singh
If I were to describe Vancouver’s style in one word, I would say EXOTIC. Everyone has their own style here, which makes them unique in their own way. These personalities and identities end up becoming exotic because of the diversity shown, even in the clothing. When I go out to the streets of New Westminster, I see people who are genuinely happy in their style and don’t care about other’s opinions. I believe that everyone should be entitled to dress however they like and make the most of it. Once again, the Vancouver crowd didn’t fail to surprise me with their unique styles. Let’s take a look at these unique styles found on the street of Quayside Dr, New Westminster.
High school students have some of the most different styles ever. This fresh out of high school student, Darien, explains his style: “‘As a dancer, I pride myself with my ability to dress appropriately for any given circumstance and being able to do so, has given me a certain style, a casual yet fancy style. As I go throughout my days I often like to dress-to-impress, since it’s a small world and you never know who you’re going to meet or see again’”. Now let’s dabble a little as to where this future P.E/History teacher buys his clothes from. These cool black cargo joggers are made by Urban Heritage and can be purchased at Urban Planet for only $34.99! Sometimes simple things are the best, just like this simple white t-shirt from Divided, which can also be purchased at Urban Planet for $9.99. Decked with Denim, Darien is rocking a DNKY Jeans blue button-up shirt, purchased from the bay for just $14.99. To complete his look, Darien chooses his favourite white converse from Converse All Stars, which can be found at Journeys for $85.
Jasmeet is a 21 year old who wants to focus her career in HR Management. She’s outgoing, bubbly and never fails to crack a smile on your face. Jasmeet is an extrovert who loves debating about anything and everything. On an average day, you can find Jasmeet at school, working, hanging out with her closest friends or giving cuddles to her dog, Dana. “‘I’m a stylish storm in a teacup’” says Jasmeet as she is only 5 ft tall. This beauty is wearing a snazzy peachy top from Glo Boutique which she got for $15. Those silky black chiffon pants are only $34 and are also from Glo Boutique. Sounds like an amazing place to get stylish and trendy clothing! These colourful heels are the definition of ‘Chic’! You can get your own funky pair of heels at La Chateau for only $69.99.
When people discuss animals, Ketki is always there to liven up the party with fun facts and cute animal talk. This fellow dog lover is only 22 and is in the 2nd year of her Ecological Restoration program. “‘I believe in staying classy and elegant and let yourself stand out with your simplicity. I think that inner beauty of a person maters more than the outer appearances. The substance of your personality makes you, YOU. So, stay simple, have faith, love nature and stay beautiful.’” Ketki is sporting plum shaded George jeggings, which she got from Walmart for only $15. Her adorable black top comes from Old Navy, priced at $25. If you love the heels she’s wearing, just like me, be sure to check out Ardene for these $20 beauties. While you’re at Ardene, might at was take a look at the dream-catcher pendant she got for only $15!
Samantha was born and brought up in China. This 27 year old moved here when she was in grade 11. Samantha just graduated with her HR degree and is currently working as a HR Assistant. Her grandfather is where she gets her discipline and structure from as he is an ex military man. She gets her style and fashion sense from her mom. Samantha is a confident woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. “‘I live a life of glamour and class’”. Sam is killing it in the royal blue, cotton crop top from A&F. Her baby pink, chiffon skirt is for $150 from Aritzia. Samantha’s gorgeous white heels are from Valentino; she got them for $995!
Vancity is full of culture, elegance, beauty and uniqueness! I not only got to know about the unique styles of these amazing people, I got to know their unique lives too. Vancouver’s Street Chic is amazing at showcasing diversity and the community.
Camillie is a university student and loves to express herself through her fashion. Camillie and her two sisters run a fashion instagram (@fashionandfetch ) where they show off their different styles to the world. They hope to inspire others to do the same. Her influence comes from all over the world and she is always looking for the perfect items to add to her closet! The orange shorts and white shoes that Camillie is wearing come from different shops along the beach in Chile This helps to make her style even more unique. The red bodysuit is from Urban Behavior and the black belt is thrifted. I chose to go with an off-white wall in one of the alleys along the street because I really wanted the bright colours of this summer outfit to pop! I love how Camillie has pulled the red together by adding the sunglasses and having the small red detailing on the shoes. Doing this really helps to make a complete look that’s ready for the beach or a local festival.
Lastly we have Camillie, again, showing us a different side of her fashion personality. This more dressy look is perfect for a summer date or afternoon tea in the garden. The flowers in the background add a fresh feel to the street and really help to the the dress stand out. Camillie loves to have statement pieces which is why this Red Madison Tote from Shop J&G for $56 is perfect for her. The dress she is wearing from Zara. She may love a statement piece but she knows when enough is enough, which is why she has paired this outfit with a set of nude platform heels. The heels and purse together give Camillie the perfect amount of statement.
Person- Sarah (myself), an Alberta Delegate competing in the 2017 Search for Miss Teenage Canada.
I saw Gorete’s style and couldn’t help but run over and ask her about what she was wearing. Gorete is a counselor. She loves to stand out and look unique. Her style is very colourful and she likes to mix and match different outfits, shoes and jewelry. Gorete was wearing a stunning white lacy dress, pink shoes with a rainbow heel and a matching pink handbag. She also wore a very nice stone necklace and earrings.
I was so amazed when I saw Ira at how she made a pair of old ripped jeans look so classy! Ira is a technical designer. She describes her style as “boho meets off duty rockstar.” She also loves to stand out, but likes to keep things more comfortable. Ira wore a loose and very light weight orange and white shirt that tied up at the front. She paired it with black ripped jeans and faux alligator skin and leather black shoes with bright orange socks. She also held a faux alligator skin purse. She bought all of her clothes in Montreal.
I loved Kelly’s style so much I couldn’t help but ask her about it. Although Kelly’s outfit looks very classy and expensive, she actually created most of her outfit from hand-me-downs, so some of it is unknown. Kelly wore a beautiful sheer white dress that buttoned up and tied up at the front. She got this as a hand me down from her step mother. She is also wearing black sandals and carrying a black leather handbag. Kelly describes her style as preppy but feminine. Kelly’s look is perfect for any setting and any occasion.
My name is Genavieve. I am 17 years old and have been crowned Miss Teenage Manitoba 2017. I am going into Grade 12 at Glenlawn Collegiate in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I hope to go into forensic psychology and one day become an RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) officer. I want to make a difference in the world in everything I do, so I thought that this would be the best career for me. I am currently working at a spa in Winnipeg as a skin health sales associate and have also worked in different clothing stores because it is very important for me to ensure that people always feel their best and I want to empower people to feel confident in themselves and to embrace their individual unique qualities. I would describe my style as sometimes sporty and sometimes preppy.
My second outfit came mostly from one of my favourite stores, Fashion Nova, and a little bit from my Mom’s closet again. Those cute blue cowboy boots are my mom’s but I believe she got them from Byrnes’ Shoes & Sportswear. The gorgeous tie-up blue and white striped top can be found on the Fashion Nova website. It’s on sale for $12.61 until Monday, August 7th! On to the shorts; I LOVE these shorts, they are my absolute favourite. Fashion Nova has the nicest shorts and jeans. Everything fits just right universally (meaning they make your booty look cute no matter your size)!
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 $169. This was taken on McFarlane Drive, in Cambridge Ontario.
Islay: The Casual Camper
As you can see by the outstanding pictures, Kayla is wearing such a beautiful outfit. This is her style and she wears this kind of thing all the time. Starting with her glasses, they are very cute and goes really well with the whole look. They are Michael Kors and these glasses are a bit metallic and original. For their high quality, the glasses she is wearing for this look are worth 360$.
For the beautiful sandals that Kayla’s wearing, they seem to be a very beautifully, silky texture. They were also bought in Moncton, NB at La Vie en Rose in the mall. The price of these are surprisingly low considering how lovely they are and how comfortable they are made. And the bright white makes them stand out from the outfit and gives it a little bit of colour, like the shirt.
