Downtown Calgary March 2012 Post: Rewind

In case you missed it, my March post for Downtown Calgary was all about Rewind Consignment and how much I love it! 

http://www.getdown.ca/2012/03/03/street-style-huntress-rewind-2/

And now for a little Street Style Action! 

One of my favourite things to do…

When it comes to street style, one of the core elements is of course shopping, and the many beautiful, shiny and interesting retailers that are out there. For me personally, one of my favourite shopping experiences is that of vintage, thrift and consignment stores. I’ve found it all…a beautiful Georgio Armani blazer in a hot and steamy orange from the 80s, a sweet leather jacket from the 60s that cost me a dollar (yes, you read right, a dollar!), and many funky outfits that others were apparently bored and done with. And so, I cheer to those and their boredom and the loveliness that is clothes recycling.

I only discovered Rewind Consignment about a year and a half ago, and it instantly became one of my favourite stores in Calgary. Aside from the great and diverse selection of consignment and new garments, what really appeals to me is the amazing, friendly, energetic and genuine customer service that the store’s owner provides on all visits.

The instant that I met Krista Duckworth-Hopfauf, I knew I’d be a fan of her and her store for many years to come. When I was first introduced to Rewind by a great friend of mine, the two of us knew that we’d be frolicking to the store often, and we were right. My most recent purchase was an incredible mustard coloured clutch adorned with rock and roll chain detailing, and a lovely polka-dot dress that makes me look and feel like Minnie Mouse. Love!

So now that I’ve told you why I love this shop so much, I think it’s time to turn it over to the heart and soul of the operation to find out a little bit more about this lovely little gem…

When did you open Rewind?

I didn’t actually open the store – I took it over in the early stages and have owned and been running the business since August 2008. It worked out better than trying to start from scratch and I decided on this type of business because it’s fashion, which I’ve always loved, supports the recycling movement, it’s fun and allows for ongoing opportunity to be creative and change things when needed.

What is your business mission?

I want a successful boutique where women will know they can come here and always find something unique and fabulous for great prices and be treated like a friend. I would like to one day expand the space to offer vintage and more of the upscale designer labels, but without losing the unique character of the space I have.

How do you feel about the Calgary fashion scene?

There are some very stylish, trendy women in Calgary and the city is moving in the direction of supporting local designers and being inspired to find their own unique style. Our city’s culture isn’t quite there because we seem to be so shopping mall driven, but for good reason; there’s so many of them. But business revitalization zones in Calgary are really pushing for a “be local/shop local” mentality. And at the same time people are realizing that by supporting local businesses it boosts our own economy and also provides the city with unique character.

What do you hope changes within fashion in this city?

I hope to see a fashion culture where anything goes. Where you don’t ever have to think about getting funny looks from people if you decide to wear something really different. More independent, personal style reflected in our streets and in turn the shopping venues that pop up. Think London or NYC!

What clientele do you cater to?

We cater to women primarily in their 20s, 30s, 40s. Women who love fashion and women who need a little help with styling and want to try something different.

What would you say was tricky about being in the consignment business?

You have to know brand value but be reasonable at the same time, for the consumer and the consignor – that’s always tricky. Sometimes it’s a gamble on what’s going to sell. Knock off designer merchandise can also be tricky, particularly with bags and wallets. I recently just got an Hermes wallet in but I couldn’t authenticate it, so I just returned it to the consignor. On eBay Hermes wallets are going for $1,000+.

Are you from Calgary? Are you able to share some of your history?

I’m actually from Saskatchewan. Small town girl; farmer’s daughter. I’ve been in Calgary since 1998. I moved here simply for new opportunity. For the last 13 years I’ve worked in the hotel business, administration, marketing and now retail. It’s amazing to work for yourself, but you have to be ready. I left the corporate world to be independent, set my own schedule and be challenged in a number of ways. Running your own small retail business, you get to be in charge of marketing & advertising, bookkeeping, customer service, human resources, buying and merchandising and styling.

Anything else you’d like to add?

If our hours don’t work for people, we offer private shopping parties as well – anytime outside of business hours, with wine and cheese!

urbanorchard

When I met Sonia Rakchaev and commented on how much I loved her beautiful knit circle scarf, and she told me that she’d made it, I wasn’t the least bit surprised. I often find myself drawn to our city’s creative types when I’m out shooting, and Rakchaev, the designer behind urbanorchard, was no exception.  Her knitwear line is intriguing, funky and impeccably constructed—much like Rakchaev herself.  Rakchaev’s look is colourful and very much at ease. Her lovely accessories effortlessly enhance a simple denim shirt dress and funky boots. Some of her necklaces were designed and made by a friend from London and she added one of her own scarf designs as the cherry on top.

http://swervecalgary.com/2012/03/20/sonia-rakchaev/

Print Perfect

I was standing in line at Beano on a lovely Saturday afternoon when Silvana Chiasson breezed by. We immediately started chatting and admiring one another’s personal styles and I knew instantly that I had to capture her for Style YYC.

Chiasson’s look strikes the balance between funky and distinguished. It also doesn’t hurt that her beauty radiates from the inside out. During the few minutes I spent photographing her, we chatted about hair and fashion, I was delighted to learn that her energy is as enchanting as her personal style. From her funky haircut and colour, to her great jacket and coloured denim, Chiasson’s sartorial choices will always remain a favourite for me.

http://swervecalgary.com/2012/03/13/silvana-chiasson/ 

Pretty in...Orange!

After a long day of fairly unsuccessful style hunting downtown last week, I was about ready to pack it in when Ellen Close and her exuberant orange coat walked into my life. This lovely young lady—and said coat—was exactly the ray of sunshine that I had been waiting for all day.

As you may have already guessed, her fabulous jacket really was the attention-getter in Close’s ensemble. The colour is beautiful and the cut interesting. I also adored how the print of Close’s dress looks as though it were made  to be paired with her topper and how she layered her look for added visual appeal. To avoid looking over-the-top matchy, Close throws in a few unexpected elements. It’s a look that is prim without being too proper.

http://swervecalgary.com/2012/03/06/ellen-close/ 

Pretty in Pink

I had the pleasure of meeting (and eventually becoming great friends with) Amy Lynn Strilchuk a few years ago, and I can genuinely say there has never been a day when she hasn’t looked polished, put together and absolutely on point. Strilchuk’s style is distinct, colourful and very Audrey Hepburn inspired—so much so that her nickname is Audrey.

With a theatre background, personal styling credits to her name and a witty blog she’s sharing with the world, this stylish lady is only getting started as a style star. This particular outfit is beautifully colourful and exciting.  I’m sure Ms. Hepburn would approve.

http://swervecalgary.com/2012/02/29/amy-lynn-strilchuk/

Hearts

Sometimes, shooting street style is super-simple. (If you can stand the alliteration, that is.) On occasion I come across someone who is just so adorable she needs to be photographed. This was the case with Nicole Ortega. This lovely young lady exudes a fun and playful energy, which is clearly reflected in her clothing choices. From her heart-patterned cardigan to her bright coloured bangles, Ortega is a vibrant thing.

Ortega’s accessories—brown skinny belt, chunky-heeled short booties, a circle scarf and a great large tote—make her look. The dark grey wool jacket is a perfect winter piece that can be worn over everything, and the neckline adds a cool visual detail. Ortega’s look is as enchanting as they come.

http://swervecalgary.com/2012/02/21/nicole-ortega/

The lovely and talented Vincent Law

In this world there are those who do and those who watch. Vincent Law is definitely a doer. This 28-year-old Hong Kong native is not only a graduate student in medical studies at the University of Calgary and a television host, he’s also a talented visual artist, style blogger and undeniable presence on the city’s fashion scene. These are certainly not typical trades, but Law is a jack of all of them.

What are the interests and hobbies that make you tick?
Music is a major part of my life. I love singing and in 2007 I was in a singing competition held by a Canadian-Chinese television broadcast here called the New Talent Singing Awards. It’s an annual competition, with regionals held in cities around the world, including Sydney, New York, Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and Hong Kong. The winner from each city then goes on to represent their home town in the finals held in Hong Kong. It’s almost like Miss Universe for vocalists, and the winner receives a record contract. I made it to the top 10, but I didn’t win.

You did leave with a consolation prize, though, didn’t you?
Yes, the network liked me and I’m now a host for one of its television programs. It’s called Alberta Reports and this is my fourth year hosting. Over time I’ve learned a lot and they’ve given me a lot of opportunities to go out and do live shows. Now I’m emceeing the same competition that I was in a few years ago here in town, and for the last three years I’ve been emceeing the finals in Asia. It’s been fun and I’ve met so many people through this work.

Although you are a scientist, you are also heavily into art and fashion.

Well, as much as I like science, I’ve always been into the arts and culture. I’ve always had an interest in fashion and just love dressing up and being different. It allows me to be bold and express myself without even saying a word.

I actually went to an art school when I was in elementary, but stopped creating after high school. I’m trying to keep my art going now, so I’m working on finishing a series and my goal is to have a show in the next few years. I like to paint and I love pastel drawing. For me, it’s easier to manipulate and it’s a really great, underutilized medium.

You also have your own style blog. What is your goal with that?
I started my blog, binzentovincente.blogspot.com, as a platform for the artists I find to be amazing. I wanted to give them a little push to promote their work. I’m all about supporting up-and-coming and local designers. I want to expose them to the public and let people know about them.

Favourite Designers

Clearly drawn to the artists and the avant-garde, Law lists Vivienne Westwood, Yohji Yamamoto, Alexander McQueen, Issey Miyake and Martin Margiela as his top five.

Favourite Musical Artists

Faye Wong, Björk, Florence and the Machine and Roisin Murphy.

Collectibles

“I have a pretty extensive doll and anime collection. When I was in Grade 1, my mom bought me a doll and it started from there. A lot of these toys are vintage, and I have actually learned a lot about their histories over the years.”

The Highlight Reel

“I think the greatest experience so far was when I was able to cover the Gemini Awards a few years back. I met George Stroumboulopoulos and some people from Dragon’s Den, as well as Cory Monteith and Erin Karpluk from Being Erica. That was a highlight.”

The Cutting Edge

“I’m inspired by design—anything that looks unique. I think fashion and art interplay with each other. Fashion is how you put things together and mix and match your outfits. I think style is all about character and personality, and I’m not afraid to show what I like.”

Originally published in Swerve magazine 17.02.12.

http://swervecalgary.com/2012/02/20/vincent-law/