Street Style Huntress: “Trunctional”

Written by Aldona Barutowicz

She calls her style “trunctional” and I just think she’s adorable, talented and amazing in all ways! I had the lovely pleasure of first meeting Lauren Thompson last holiday season as we both worked on Forte Musical Theatre Guild’s Naughty but Nice, and aside from her style, the other aspect about Lauren that I noticed right away is her amazing energy and enthusiasm for life and her work. We’ve since worked on another theatre production and are about to embark on the fourth instalment of Naughty but Nice, and I’m so thrilled!!!

But in-between theatre shows, I of course had to get her in front of my lens to capture her personal style - I love that each time I see her, she’s rocking out a different variation and side of who she is - from leather skirts, to comfortable stretchy clothes she can dance and move in, she’s always on point and ready to take on the world!

How would you describe your personal style? 

My personal style would be described as “Trunctional” - Trendy Functional. I love to find easy, trendy, fun pieces but still can fit into my every day! I run around from job to job, rehearsal to rehearsal all day every day, so pieces that are comfortable yet fashionable for when I’m in 3 places at once is key!

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

I think I find inspiration in a TON of places and from a lot of different people. I find myself constantly staring at people walking down Stephen Ave, getting inspiration from the most random person walking by! Working in the arts is also an industry where people have such unique styles. I love going to show openings or events, or even a coffee date with an artist in the city. Even if their style is so different than mine, there is always one piece, accessory or colour palate that I find inspiring.

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

I’m obsessed with Simons. It is a dangerous corner for me to pass by walking down Stephen Ave.

What are some of your favourite Downtown YYC spots? 

I think Downtown YYC is completely underrated. I’m so fortunate to live and work downtown and I’ve gotten to explore so many great areas! One of my favourite places to go lately is to Prince’s Island Park, grab a tea and just sit, sip and people watch. Maybe make my way down the river to East Village. It’s a pretty beautiful location when you stop and enjoy it.

What are some of your favourite trends right now? 

I’m so happy the athletic wear trend is still going strong. A good pair of joggers, Adidas Tee, and white runners are my go to when I’m off to teach. But I’m really digging anything in this gorgeous fall green right now, and I need to get my hands on a lambs wool jean jacket ASAP.

What fashion advice would you give to others? 

Sounds cliche but just be yourself. Don’t worry what other people are wearing or what you think is the “cool” thing to wear. If you feel comfortable, you will feel confident. Show up and werk it!

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

I am a dancer/performer/choreographer and I work full-time at Lunchbox Theatre as their Director of Marketing. I absolutely love being in the arts, constantly surrounded by talented and amazing people. I do some choreography with other theatre companies around the city like Storybook Theatre and Forte Musical Theatre Guild, and I also choreograph the elementary division with the Youth Singers of Calgary. We just closed “Touch Me: Songs for a Disconnected Age” at Theatre Calgary a few weeks back which was a BLAST, and now heading into the Christmas season I’ll be working on “Wizard of Oz” with Storybook Theatre as well as “Naughty But Nice” for the 4th year! Be sure to check them out 😉

What are some of your future aspirations?  

I’ve been extremely fortunate to be 28 years old and have the job, experiences, and opportunities that I’ve had. Calgary is such an incredible community and city that I feel so lucky to be a part of. I hope to continue to expand my choreography experience and work with more and more creative artists! I’ve always been curious about combining my interest in fashion with my choreography and maybe find a way into costuming for groups and theatre….Who knows! But really I just hope that I can continue to grow and expand my knowledge and relationships within our city whether that be in the arts or not! I’ve always wondered if I’d head down more of the choreography track or the marketing/business track and I’m always excited for the next adventure. . . so we’ll see where the winds take me!

How does your work influence your personal style? 

My day-to-day style is fun, because I do get to work at a theatre and not be restricted by a corporate dress code. I can dress down and wear casual, fun pieces, or I get to dress up and wear something bright and fun or sparkly! Then on evenings and weekends I LOVE my rehearsal attire. Joggers, Lulus, track pants, hoodies, toques, high tops you name it! It’s fun, comfy, and a totally different expression of who I am.

Tagged as: #FashionFriday, #streetstylehuntress, fashion, Lunchbox Theatre, Naughty but Nice, shopping, simons, Theatre Calgary