Style Snapshot

Imagine the Equator as the cutting edge of fashion and then picture me, lost at the North Pole. Now that I'm  busy with my baby there's no quicker way to navigate the maze of fashion trends and tragedies then to look to the styling people around me. My friend Tami was kind enough to give me a snap shot of her personal style.

What is your background in fashion?

A. My mom tells me that when I was a baby and she took me shopping, she'd hold up two outfits and I would smile at the one I liked. I still get happy when I find a gem. But to answer your question, I went to FIDM in LA and majored in Visual Communication and knew that I wanted to be a stylist, decorator or merchandiser professionally. For a couple years after graduating I was a freelance stylist in LA, working small fashion shows. Working freelance is tough with bills to pay so I started working for Urban Outfitters and now I'm the District Merchandising Manager for the Pacific Northwest.

How would you define your personal style?

A. That's really hard. The best I can do is "eclectic."

Are there any trends you think have run their course?

A. That's a dangerous question. Fashion always seems to circle back around. If I tell you never to wear a knitted animal head hat or jelly shoes or even jersey gaucho pants (I would seriously mean that), but you never know, it could be the trend next season.

What is your favorite accessory? Piece of jewelry?

A. Accessories are my weakness. My favorite pieces are ones that my mom used to wear in the 70's. I have a coral and turquoise ring that I regularly wear that my mom got when she was traveling in Kansas. I recently bought an Australian-designed necklace from Little Dream in Gastown. It is is a long, dainty silver chain with a nice chunk of turquoise and some jangly pieces in a cluster, made of fork tines from vintage silverware. I just got a double ring (in three colors so I can wear it with anything) that is a thick, chunky cross.... it's a good conversation starter.

What kind of places do you like to shop?

A. I love to shop at thrift or vintage stores when I travel. I really like to go to the monthly Portabello West Market at the Rocky Mountaineer Station. I went there before Christmas and bought my baby niece such cute things!! They have great, local jewelry, art and clothing. I go to the Vancouver Flea Market on Terminal and you can find some little vintage jewels as well.

Do you have any websites or blogs that inspire you?

A. Yes!

http://tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com/
http://blog.freepeople.com/
http://designspongeonline.com/
http://etsy.com/storque/

Photos: Tami is wearing her flying to Portland outfit. Her vintage crested blazer is from her stepmom. The thrifted patchwork vest is made with Indian silk. Her necklace and Colonial Madness heels are from UrbanOutfitters. The double cross ring is her new favorite accessory and Tami has collected her  bangles over the years.