Street Style Huntress: An Exercise in Opposites

Samantha Fodor is a woman with intention and it’s apparent in her personal style and how she carries herself - which is exactly why she is so deserving of this Street Style Huntress feature. I love all that she has to say about authenticity, style and life, so pay close attention. 

xo AldonaB, Street Style Huntress (@aldonabcreative)

How would you describe your personal style? 

An exercise in opposites and contradictions. High and low, tailored but casual, corporate with an edge. Most of what I wear is simple with no frills but I like layers, textures and details to add colour. Ultimately I wear what I feel like and I allow that to shift with interests, activities and mood but I certainly won’t wear just anything – it’s intentional.

I’ve always been a picky dresser (sorry mum). I hated pink, purple and frills so my mother took me to the boys department to shop as a child. I think that influenced me. I love dressing up and rocking the occasional ultra-feminine look but I recognize that for me it feels performative. It brings RuPaul to mind, “We’re all born naked and the rest is drag”.

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

I love anyone who does their own thing and who uses their style to tell a story about who they are – whatever that story might be. People whose style I admire take risks when it comes to styling clothes in their own or unexpected ways. It’s all about authenticity. Other people’s vulnerability gives me courage.

Some people that come to mind:

Sammi Jefcoate – @sammijefcoate

Linda Rodin – @lindaandwinks

Iris Apfel - @irisapfel

Accidental Icon – Lyn @iconaccidental

Jess Barabas – @jess_peachy

Amy Lynn Strilchuk – @hey_preppy

I would be remiss not to mention Carrie Bradshaw.

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

I shop a lot at consignment and boutiques but I find staples and pieces I love at Club Monaco, Aritzia, Top Shop at The Bay and of course, Winners.

What are some of your favourite Downtown YYC spots?

Wednesday Room for atmosphere and cocktails (I hear the food is dynamite), Plowshare anytime, Cucina for weekday breakfast or a perfect meal, Dirt Belly for a quick bite or take-out, David’s Tea for my new fave pistachio ice cream or my staple, cream of earl grey, The Guild for the to-die-for bread pudding.

What are some of your favourite trends right now? 

I hope they aren’t trends actually. Androgyny. Body positive. Slow clothing. I’m in love with following all things Balmain is doing right now. Structure. Textures. Unusual materials. Embellishments. It’s a treat to look at.

What fashion advice would you give to others? 

Do you. Open yourself up to possibilities and take risks to figure out what being authentic means for you. Tell a story and make sure that story is yours. A notion that has stuck with me – only mediocrity is sure of itself.

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

Much like my style, I am involved with many seemingly diverse projects right now. At the end of the day though, everything is related. In terms of both style, work and play - it’s all just very me. To me, everything relates back to design and connecting.

My consulting work is primarily in oil and gas focusing on developing creative and strategic solutions to managing safety and quality risk. My work is at the intersection of business strategy, technology/data, and leadership development. I absolutely love it and I’m excited to be part of what I feel is a shift in the industry toward a more intentional design-focused mindset.

I am also excited to be part of a group of spectacular women who are going to be the Artist in Residence at the Women’s Centre – we haven’t figured out the details but it’s all about the community that we have built through our art practice and collaboration with each other at local visual artist Paula Timm’s magical art studio at C-Space.

What are some of your future aspirations?  

I want to write books. I want to share ideas. I want to eat as much good food as I can. I want to experience new things. I want to listen to marginalized people and shape the world for the better. I want to identify when there is a design problem and be part of the fix.

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

Clothing, lifestyle, work, values, behaviours – operate with extreme intentionality and you are guaranteed to be a better version of you. Everyone should watch Queer Eye.

“If you don’t have an end-game of something delightful, you’re just moving chess pieces without taking the king.” – William McDonough

 

Tagged as: #FashionFriday, #streetstylehuntress, #yycstyle, downtown calgary, Street Style Huntress

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