When Jason Sarais brother asked him to suggest something to wear, it wasnt go into my closet and pick out a shirt and pair of slacks for me. The busy Chicago doctor wanted Jason to do the fashion opposite of the full monty: go to the store, buy the clothes from head to toe and then lay out what goes with what.
What are brothers for?
A short time later on Facebook, Sarais friend posted a photo of actor Ryan Gosling in a scene from Crazy Stupid Love and tagged him saying, I want to dress like [Gosling.]
The fates were colliding and Sarai who has a degree in kinsiology from SFU, where he played on the varsity soccer team, taught fitness, worked as an investment advisor at RBC and recently became general manager of Catalyst Kinetics fitness division once again found himself on a new life path.
He turned his love and understanding of fashion into Style by Sarai.
Some of his clients are, like his brother, too busy to shop. Others are in a fashion rut, going to the same stores to buy more of the same style of clothes. Then there are those who want to break out of the black or grey stranglehold but arent confident about how and when to add colour.
Sarai meets with them to find out where they are now in their sartorial choices and where they want to be. He assesses what clothes suit their aspirations and body type and, knowing where he can find the best fit in both categories, goes to the store to scout out options. His suggested items will be waiting for the client who comes to the store to try them on and make decisions. (He says his clients buy 90 per cent of what hes chosen.)
Its not about spending a lot on clothes. Some high-end designers have a certain body type in mind, and not all mens bodies are the same. Its important to be familiar with the brands and how they fit.
Once the clothes are in the clients closet, Sarai will go and take photos of how to mix and match everything including whats already there to create various outfits right down to the socks.
He takes a photo inventory so if the client emails to say Ive been invited to the Luxury Supercar Weekend at VanDusen Garden, Sarai will email back with photos of an appropriate outfit from the clients wardrobe, or suggest another trip to the mens store.
Im simplifying their life, he says. And making it look a whole lot better.
Its one thing to buy fashion; style is different.
Style is in anything.
Fashion is like decorating your house. Its adding accessories, a touch of something.
Self-esteem increases when you look and feel good. It doesnt have to be expensive either.
Vancouver is growing in terms of being fashion conscious. So much is going on, people have to up their game.
