Casual Fashion in Kensington Village, Calgary
By Emily, Miss Teen North Calgary 2017
Fashion is one of the most personal forms of expression. Since my style has always been different, I’ve never really fallen into a specific category with my wardrobe. Through first and last days of school, bowties and ‘DIY’ jewelry, I’ve learned that getting creative with your attire can make a lasting impression wherever you go.
Traveling anywhere in the world will give you the opportunity to explore new looks and ideas in regards to what fashion is. It could be defined by what the hottest celebrities are wearing, or simply by what makes you feel your absolute best. You can find Inspiration for your wardrobe anywhere; the mall, Instagram, and even your friends and family. I have personally always admired the styles of Julia and Sarah, two talented and successful girls who are taking the world by storm.
While working full time as a restaurant chef, Julia doesn’t have many opportunities to get creative with her style. Therefore when she isn’t in uniform, she fully embraces her chance to make a statement with her fashion. On the other hand, Sarah works full time as a Nanny, which creates more opportunities to get creative with her wardrobe. Nevertheless, when the two girls aren’t working, they take to the streets of Kensington Village, just north of Downtown Calgary to relax, grab a coffee, and express their own personal styles.
One of Julia’s favourite go-to looks is a $45 simple white tube top from Aritzia and a pair of $67 stylishly ripped light wash American Eagle jeans. She’s paired this look with ($25) 3” chunky heeled sandals from Walmart and a $35 matching black cross shoulder bag from Garage. This edgy and inexpensive look never fails to get Julia feeling ready to take on whatever the day will hold.
Sarah’s first outfit consists of a $30 fitted bright pink shirt with a triangle-shaped keyhole neckline that she purchased from express, which she paired with classic $75 dark blue jeans from Guess, some stylish $120 light brown leather block heels from Steve Madden and a matching $50 brown purse from Spring.
Another look you can find Julia in frequently is this beautifully feminine $25 pastel pink wraparound dress. Tying the dress in the front with a bow completes the look and provides a fun and flirty feeling. It was purchased from Winners for $25. Pairing this dress with $80 white converse gives this dress a relaxed and casual vibe.
Sarah enjoys dressing it up with a stylish $45 white v-neck bodysuit from Aritzia, as well as a bright red $35 pencil skirt purchased from the same store. The bright colours in this look give Sarah the perfect summer style. She completed the look with some beautiful blue $40 heeled sandals purchased from Lulus.
This last look is classy and perfect for any summer outing. The $45 black off the shoulder shirt from Dynamite is dotted with a white and pink flowers print and has a looser fit to keep you cooler longer in the hot Calgarian sun. The sleeves on the shirt are complete with a slit running down the outer arm. Julia paired this look with $67 blue jeans from American Eagle, and some fashion forward $75 loafer style shoes from Aldo. She worked the same black bag into this new look, which proves just how versatile fashion can be.
The dress that Sarah is wearing in this final photo was only $30 that she bought from Forever 21 It is an elegant white fitted dress with a scoop neckline. She added to the summery look with an adorable pendant necklace from Hawaii. She completed the look with some navy blue tie up heels that she purchased for $40 from Lulus.
I believe that fashion is undoubtedly defined by you. Wear what makes you feel beautiful, and wear it with pride. “Style is very personal, it has nothing to do with fashion, fashion is over quickly. Style is forever.” -Ralph Lauren
Raglan Street in Renfrew, Ontario will provide you with just that mix! The street itself has been in existence since the early 1800s and although obviously transformed over the decades it remains the hub for exceptional fashion in the Valley. The architectural structures can date back to the late 1800s and today’s merchants have enhanced the historical features and have captured the essence of yesteryear in their store facades. Strolling down Raglan Street (main street Renfrew) is a lovely way to spend an afternoon and certainly personifies STREET CHIC in the fashions that can be found in this hidden Valley gem!
I couldn’t let the opportunity go by without modelling one of these amazing gowns as well. I found a memorable blue floral MORILEE gown that I fell in love with. The gown retails for $498.00 and would be a show-stopper at prom or gracing a pageant runway.
The next stop on my Raglan Street fashion discovery tour was a gorgeous boutique called DASH of FAB! The store is aptly named! It features a variety of fashion lines from LA and New York, wonderful accessories and a lovely selection of handbags and wallets. Guess who I found at Dash of Fab? My friend and cancer survivor Paige.
Paige was trying on a fun and comfortable fuchsia pink dress with a bright coloured shawl-like off the shoulder neckline. Absolutely adorable! Meeting Paige outside the store and accompanying Paige in the photo in their full uniform (their compulsory fashion attire) are two of the area’s Police officers. A true “street shot!”
Mary was in Pick It Fence looking for a fun and comfortable everyday outfit so we helped her choose this eye-catching outfit; a pair of brightly printed leggings, a classic white tee with shoulder cutouts and topped it off with the large stone necklace. The entire outfit came in at just under $56.00!
I’m seen here photographing Emily, Nihan, and Arya for Street Chic Magazine. I’m wearing a one piece jumpsuit in a bright hot pink and black heel shoe. 
The first photo at The Forks was taken in the pathways of the large flower garden. It features Leanza wearing a floral sleeveless shirt from Zara, Pilcro Em Jeans from Anthropologie ($138), white lace floral Keds from SoftMoc ($44.99) and a Floral-border bandana from Anthropologie ($18). This is one outfit that she would wear doing errands or while studying at university.
For the second outfit, a versatile piece that could be worn while working or even to a wedding, Leanza is wearing a floral jumpsuit “Plenty by Tracy Reese Gwyneth” from Anthropologie ($168), Brelawien fuschia heels from Call it Spring ($22.49 on sale), and finished her look with a black wool floppy hat from H&M.
When she’s not working or studying, Carly can be found at the Dalplex gym on South Street. Here she is seen sporting all the latest gear from Victoria’s Secret; she loves wearing her cropped workout pant with her exposed back and flowy tank that shows off her mint green sports bra. The versatility and comfort of this outfit allows her to practice yoga, play sports and even can be worn during weight training. She brings her backpack with her so she has all the necessities required for a successful workout.
