This interview is with Lydia who hails from Canada. She also recently was chosen as one of the winners of Chictopia 10 and will be crossing the border to visit NYC in a little while! Lydia is an adorable fashion force in flirty dresses and colorful accessories. Read the interview to hear her talk kooky to preppy fashion choices.
How would you describe Canadian style? Is there a distinct vibe/look?
I’m not sure about all Canadian style, but British Columbians (I’m from BC) definitely have laid back style. Jeans, hoodies, tees, that sort of thing. Fashion isn’t that huge, but I think in metropolitan places like Toronto there are more “fashionable” people.
Would you say your style is typically Canadian, or do you go your own way?
I would say I definitely go my own way. I don’t really know many people who dress like I do.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by many, many sources. I’m largely influenced by bloggers, including all the lovely people on Chictopia. I also love magazines like Russh, Lula, Teen Vogue and Elle. Another source of influence is my best friend, Katie. She’s an art student and pulls together amazing outfits and makes cool accessories too. We’ve definitely had item swaps!
When did you first become interested in fashion?
I would say I was interested in clothes since my parents allowed me to dress myself (I’m not sure what age that was, but pretty young!). I started getting really into fashion again about a year and a half ago, when I discovered the online phenomenon of posting your outfits. I’ve been hooked ever since!
Has your fashion sense changed over the years?
It most definitely has. I went through a really kooky phase from Grade 9 to about Grade 11. I loved going to Value Village and buying crazy articles of clothing and wearing them to school. I’m sure I’d cringe at some of my outfits now, but I admire that I was brave enough to wear every color of the rainbow at once. When I was in Grade 12 I started working at American Eagle, so my style turned pretty preppy. I changed jobs about a year ago, and my style had already started changing before I left.
What does style mean to you?
Style to me means putting forward the best visual representation of who you are to the world. It’s taking the things that inspire you and making it reality.
Who are your style icons?
Bloggers like Karla of Karla’s Closet, Erin of CaliVintag, The Cherry Blossom Girl, Betty of Le Blog de Betty, Louise of Pandora, Taghrid of Lookbook and of course Rebecca of ClothesHorse, all have style that I admire and which inspires me.
I also love Alexa Chung, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Rachel Bilson. My biggest style icon has to be Chloe Sevigny. Her style is both eclectic and visually arresting, I love it!
What do you feel best wearing?
I feel the best in an flirty dress and heels. I am very girly, and frills and heels make me happy!
What do you like about Chictopia?
I love that Chictopia is “bringing democracy to fashion.” It’s a fresh idea, and it’s so lovely to have a place where stylish people of all backgrounds and sizes can be appreciated and communicate with each other.
Any fashion advice?
You’ve probably heard it before, but be yourself! You will always present yourself more confidently when you are representing who you truly feel you are. Also, don’t be afraid to break the rules (original, I know :P). Stripes can look great with florals, plus size can do body conscious, tall can do heels, petite can do flats. Proportions are key, but almost anyone can do almost any trend with the right adjustments!
Okay, rapid fire:
Heels or flats?
Heels! I used to love the comfort of flats, but now I am in love with the lengthening effect of heels. I’m 5’2.5, so every inch counts!
Pants or skirts?
Skirts! I very rarely wear pants. I’m tempted to say never (with the exception of the gym, of course!).
Vintage or designer?
Vintage designer? Is that cheating? If I had to choose, probably quality vintage. I love that old clothes have a story.
Winter or summer?
Summer weather, winter layers. I love warmth, but I love being able to wear more articles of clothing during the winter!
Big bag or mini bag?
Big bag. I’m one of the girls with too many things in their purse….who knows when I’ll need insert trivial item here.
Plaid or stripes?
Stripes, but narrowly. I love plaid, but stripes are timeless.
For more of Lydia visit her on Chictopia here or her personal blog, Style is Style.
~The Clothes Horse
