Jun 16

Street Style Huntress: Chic Insights

I’m a firm believer in destiny and new friends coming into your life at the precise moment that they are meant to. I was on my way to New York Fashion Week and while waiting for my flight I spotted Shalene Yaskowich - and it was apparent from the second that I spotted her that she needed to eventually land in front of my camera as a street style subject, and hopefully to also be my fashionable new friend. I’m happy to report that it all came together, and these photos are just some of the proof.

Not only is Yaskowich very stylish, she also has some great fashion advise - so keep reading and let us all take some of her wisdom and follow it! She’s recently launched her company Chic Insights, and is adding a lot of colour and print to YYC’s fashion scene - thank goodness for that!

How would you describe your personal style?

“Nerdy girl meets gallery owner, who goes boho when on holiday.” My friends joke that the more “whack-a-doodle” or unconventional an item is that more apt I am to love it. e.g. anything Gucci or Tibi or Celine. I may not buy it, but I will definitely try it on.

What are some of your influences when it comes to fashion?

Influencers of notable fame and notoriety: Miraslava Duma, Anna Dello Russo, Kate Foley, Kate Young, Iris Apfel, Olivier Zahn.

Locally: Lisa Freno from Primative, Cornelia Weibe from Leo Boutique and Jeff Howe from Holt Renfrew.

What are some of your favourite stores and shopping destinations in Downtown Calgary?

Leo Boutique, Holt Renfrew, H&M, Primative (I miss it!), Kate Hewko, Bamboo Ballroom… and Oak&Fort continues to surprise me - it is my Zara.

What are some of your favourite Downtown YYC spots?

Working Out: One Cycle, Lagree YYC, Barre Belle, Hot Yoga on 17th, YYC Cycle, Undrcard Boxing (yes, there is a trend).

Coffee/Dining: Caffe Trieste, Hys, the Met, Deville, Our Daily Brett, Phil & Sebastian, Bocce and Earls on 4th because it is just so familiar and handy.

Beauty: Esme Beauty, Hello Gorgeous.

What are some of your favourite trends right now?

Mules and slides (oh gawd, I need to slow down), maxi dresses, long kimonos, over size and off the shoulder shirts a la Jacquemus and Tibi, wide wide wide leg jeans - trying to track them down via Free People right now (ugh!).

And trying desperately to get away from the white sneaker thing.

What fashion advice would you give to others?

Be fearless. Wear colour. Dress up!!! This is going to get me into so much trouble: I feel we have over-rotated and don’t even try anymore or want to present ourselves appropriately at semi-formal events…or at the airport…or at birthdays…or at a special brunch with our pals…or at meetings…this athleisure thing has gone too far…

There is so much choice, at every price point… there is no excuse for not trying. To me it is a form of modern manners.

Tell us more about the projects and work that you’re involved with.

Started my own firm Chic Insights, which combines digital marketing with data analytics. Pretty exciting as it melds my IT background with my love of fashion and the Fashion/Retail business.

What are some of your future aspirations?

To establish Calgary as an underground fashion/tech hub. Shhh..

How does your work influence your personal style?

I have more latitude in my sartorial choices now. I no longer need to be as “corporate” and able to incorporate more trends. The best part: my dry cleaning bills are much lower.

Anything you’d like to add or tell us about?

I attended the Olds College Year End Fashion Gala this year and was astounded by the talent and vision of some of the first year students. I sat directly across from Paul Hardy, and watched his evaluation of the show, and was struck by the fact that fashion is everywhere, and that talent and potential can be come from even the most random of places - like Calgary.

Anything and everything is possible.

And I was so happy to (officially) meet you on my way to New York fashion week. It was a highlight of my trip! Glad that I made such a fabulous fashion friend.