Cara McLeay, 28
Assistant buyer and communications coordinator at Secret Location; creator of the popular A Fashion Love Affair blog and overall winner of the 2012 Harpers Bazaar and Estée Lauder Fabulous At Every Age competition.
Where are you from: I was born in Alberta and grew up in Kelowna.
Where do you get your style inspiration: I find inspiration in my fellow bloggers, in magazines, and of course, on the street! I also often look to Pinterest for inspiration it is the perfect resource to both find and organize all of your favourite looks.
Describe your style: I would define my personal style as laidback chic. I love classic, feminine silhouettes mixed with an effortless West Coast feel. A girly dress paired with a military jacket, for example, or a classic pair of pointed toe pumps styled with distressed boyfriend jeans.
Proudest accomplishments: Creating A Fashion Love Affair and winning Harpers Bazaars Fabulous at Every Age Contest (see FABULOUS).
Whats in your purse at this very moment: I always carry lipgloss, keys, wallet, sunglasses, Blackberry, and a pair of flats if I am wearing heels. I change my purse regularly, but right now I most often carry my Foley + Corinna Mid City Fuschia tote.
Describe your personal power outfit: Hair down in beachy waves, a fitted dress, a statement necklace, a blazer, pointed toe pumps and a fabulous bag.
What is your most sentimental wardrobe item: My Diane Von Furstenberg Wrap Dress (my first DVF and a gift from my sister).
Where do you shop for everyday staples: Zara, American Eagle, James Perse, Aritzia, J.Crew
Where do you look for that after-hours wow outfit: Zara, Online (The Outnet, ASOS, Shopbop, Otte)
Dream splurge item: Celine Luggage Tote.
What fashion event do you look for to the most each year: Fashion Week in New York/Milan/Paris/London
Fashion pet peeve: Lululemon pants being worn anytime other than while working out.
Favourite:
Drink: Coffee
Food dish: Pasta
Store/designer: Zara/Katie Ermilio
Perfume: Comptoir Sud Pacific Vanille Coco
Blog/magazine: Atlantic-Pacific and Harpers Bazaar
Vancouver street: Beach Ave
Local charity: Beauty Night
Spot to people watch: Denman
Best international style city: London
What was your first trophy as a kid: Hmmm, I was not a huge sports player so didnt win many trophies.... I was a dancer so I won awards during ballet and jazz competitions.
What do you do for fun: Walk my dog, read, paddleboard, travel.
Something that surprises people about you: I have my bachelors degree in Women Studies.
How do you unwind: Green tea, PJs and a great show (Game of Thrones, Sherlock, Newsroom, The Good Wife to name a few favourites).
Whats your style/beauty life saver: Mascara + lip gloss + Moroccan Oil.
Finish this sentence: Even on my blah-est day, I wont leave the house without ... lip gloss.
Women look their best when: They are comfortable in their clothes.
If you could have coffee with a fashion icon, past or present, who and why:
I would love to sit and chat with Jenna Lyons I am in awe of what she has done for J.Crew. I would also love the chance to meet Miroslava Duma (past editor for Harpers Bazaar Russia). She has the most amazing style, and has done so much already and is only 25 definitely an inspiration. Then of course there is Anna Wintour and Coco Chanel....
