Rooster

Personal style that is fun, distinctive and that speaks to someone’s vibe is always attention getting; Rodney Ruiz’s look is no exception. His esthetic is a reflection of his personality: warm, funny and very colourful. His clothes have a sense of humour, and Ruiz dresses to suit his mood. He is a walking billboard for what’s happening on the inside. Luckily for me the day I had the pleasure of shooting him, all sorts of good vibes were floating around.

This rooster T-shirt is adorable and fun and the red chucks are always a classic summer choice. The ripped jeans are hip and the backpack is the perfect way for Ruiz to cart his iPad and other work gadgets to his favourite haunts like Beano. Of course, Ruiz’s look wouldn’t be complete without a cool haircut and a few fun accessories. More proof that menswear in Calgary is having a moment.

Milan or Paris?

The question I get asked most frequently is, “How do you choose the people you photograph?” The answer is that I’m not attracted by a certain look but rather a feeling that I must capture a person on film (or digitally, as the case may be). While the subjects of Style YYC all possess a unique sense of style, it’s usually more about the energy and confidence they put out into the world.

This was certainly the case with Matt Isinger. He carries with him a style that can easily be translated to any city in the world—he’d fit right in on the streets of Paris. Isinger’s style is classic and chic, comfortable and cool. He’s confident and possesses a je ne sais quoi we’re lucky to have on the streets of YYC.

Local Style

Market Collective is always a hot bed of hot local style, and when I spotted Shauna Thompson manning a friend’s booth at the last event, she proved to be a prime example.

Clearly, Thompson’s beautiful hair colour and super-high bun garner some attention.  The rest of her look is casual and cool with a few bohemian touches that I love. The rich purple hue of the top highlights Thompson’s fair complexion—in a good way—and the additions of a pair of chucks, woven belt and statement necklace keep her simple pieces looking fresh and interesting.

Culture House Party, Theatre Junction

When I saw that the fun at Theatre Junction’s fundraiser included a fortune teller, I had a hunch this was going to be a good night. When I saw the tie rack, my hunch became a conviction.

Theatre Junction does this annual event up right, inviting all comers to party and dance in their house. And it’s quite a house. The theatre did a great job of putting on a celebration that won’t soon be forgotten and that will help keep the lights on next season.

And on that note, before I could ask the fortune teller for her predictions, Mark Lawes, Theatre Junction’s artistic director, announced the 2012-2013 season. That was all very interesting, but for me the real attractions were the stylish and lovely people who were drawn to the mix.

Easy/Breezy

There’s nothing I love more than a pretty summer dress. The femininity of this quintessential warm weather piece can’t be beat. It is also one of the most versatile pieces a woman can have in her wardrobe, as the options for dressing it up or down are endless. Short or long, belted or left loose, add the right accessories and you are dressed to kill for most occasions.

Take the lovely Emily Moore’s summery frock, for example. On the day I spotted her, she was keeping it casual with a lovely navy boat shoe, fun daytime accessories and funky sunglasses. The flower in her hair just adds to her girly vibe, and the combination of pastel pink, bold blue and stripes is fresh and appealing. Moore’s look is pretty and effortless—as breezy as a pre-summer day.