KIMBERLY
Occupation: Public relations practitioner, blogger
White shirt: My dad’s
Green shirt: Gap
Jeans: J Brand, from Aritzia
Shoes: Zara
Purse: Coach
Bangle: H&M
Earrings: My Aunt Elsa’s. They’re from Africa. She used to live there.
Pendant: Vintage – my mother’s
Why is fashion/personal style important to you?
Fashion/personal style is an exterior representation of yourself to the world – people see the physical you first, and first impressions are very important. It is also a sign of how much you cherish and take care of yourself.
How would you describe your personal style?
I have a variety of styles and dress. I would use the words eclectic, simple/classic, and funky.
What are your style influences/inspirations?
My Aunt Elsa – she always challenged traditional ideals of style and knows how to express her individualism without compromise. She was a model in Jamaica who was one of the first women to wear a two-piece swimsuit (very scandalous in the late 1950s/early 1960s). Also, the women on my maternal side of the family have an innate sense of style – it’s in our genes.
Favourite designers?
I have many but among my favourites are Valentino, Karl Lagerfeld and Jean Paul Gauthier. From Canada they are: Andy The-Anh, Lucian Matis, and Sunny Fong.
Favourite brands?
Brands I can buy or aspire to buy? (Laughing) I like Chanel, H&M, and Zara.
Where do you like to shop?
H&M and Zara. If in the U.S., I go to Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, and when I was living in Tokyo, Japan I shopped a lot in Marui Co. and La Foret Harajuku.
Whose style do you admire?
My Aunt Elsa, Coco Chanel, and Chanel Iman.
Is there anything you would never wear?
No, not yet. I think you must not limit yourself when it comes to fashion and clothing.
What was the last cool thing you bought?
A book called The Fashion Questionnaire, published by Assouline. It gives an inside look at the designer icons who influence fashion and contemporary culture. The designers answer a series of questions (similar to Style Invasion) about style and inspiration in their own handwriting.
What is your next must-have purchase?
Lagerfeld Confidential (DVD).
What are your favourite cities?
Tokyo, London, and Toronto.
What can’t you live without?
My cell phone, computer, iPod, and high heel shoes!
What are your interests and hobbies?
Blogging, books, fashion, social media, shopping, and yoga.
What’s your idea of a good time?
Going shopping when there is barely anyone in a store, or spending time with friends and family.
What’s your current obsession?
Writing about fashion and the retail industry on my blog, Thesoulsofmyshoes.com.
How did you decide to start a fashion blog?
I’ve always been a lover of fashion. I’ve always felt very passionate about it. I felt this was the time to take it to the next level and show how much knowledge I have – use it as a hobby to express myself intelligently and creatively, and also give myself something to add to my portfolio and body of work.
Last good movie you saw?
Coco Chanel, 2008 television movie.
What music are you listening to lately?
R&B, jazz, and reggae.
What would you like to do in the future?
To work for Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH) or PPR.
