Oakridge Style

Juno nominee Kreesha Turner is coming to Oakridge Centre this Sunday! Be sure to pick up her debut album Passion featuring the single “Don’t Call Me Baby”. We had the privilege to speak with her today about her undeniable fashion sense, her favourite summer looks – and the reason she admires Dita Von Teese. Check out the full interview below:

You have travelled across the country on your promotional tour now. What city in Canada has the best fashion sense? Why?

“Montreal! They take it to a whole other level. But I do have to say that Vancouver and Toronto are very up there. I think the Asian population in Vancouver brings so much interesting fashion from the Asian countries where as Montreal and Toronto gather it from Paris and other cities. Yes, Vancouver definitely is up there.”

Oakridge is featuring incredible styles for the summer: jumpsuits, tailored jeans, flowing blouses etc. What will you be wearing in the months ahead?

“I am the biggest fan of jumpsuits! I just purchased – from Vancouver’s very own Carly Wong – a couple of her jumpsuits to last me the summer so I was excited to get those. Especially for my shape – I have more of a pear shape. I have hips and a small waist so jumpsuits fit my body type and they make me feel very stylish. It’s like putting on a dress. That’s the best thing about the summer: you throw on a dress, a pair of heels and look fabulous! You’re good to go. You don’t have to coordinate jeans and shirts and jackets. That’s one thing that so much fun about summer fashion is that it’s about things you can just throw on.”

You told canada.com: “If I don’t feel good in it, I’m not walking out the door in it.” What do you feel most comfortable wearing?

“That’s true. If I don’t feel comfortable in it, I definitely will not walk out the door in it. But I do try! I’m not going to be a stickler and say, ‘Oh, I’m not wearing that.’ The stylists that I work with bring some amazing fashions to the table that I may have never thought of. But I do like the basic jeans and a t-shirt – something very comfortable for me. I like high-waisted jeans and a top and heels. You look well-put-together but it’s still very casual and very comfortable.”

How much attention do you pay to trends in fashion? Are they important or do you prefer to stick with the styles you are familiar with?

“I stay with what I like but, because I love fashion so much, I’m always watching FashionTelevision and doing research and learning about trends. I will always pick the trends I like but I’m definitely always looking to see what’s coming out and then trying it out and then combining that with my traditional, classic pieces.

The single “Don’t Call Me Baby” speaks to young women who are secure and proud of themselves. What is the one thing that you think makes people most secure in themselves?

“Their love for themselves. It’s easier said than done but once you love yourself you’re going to take that time to make yourself look good – and then that’s going to create more self-confidence.”

Do you think it takes money to look good?

“I don’t think so at all. I think you just need time. You need to take that time to figure out what looks good on you. I think – for women – we have it much easier than guys. It’s definitely dedicating that time to finding something good. There are so many amazing options out there.”

The music industry has long been full of stylish, strong women: Madonna, Tina Turner, Patti La Belle. Which stylish stars do you idolize?

“I really admire Gwen Stefani’s fashion-forward approach – from her No Doubt days right through to her latest couple of albums. I love classic shapes too. I would go for the Audrey Hepburn [look] or Dita Von Teese, who’s very much emulating the classic Hollywood style – with the cinched waits. I’m very into that.”

If you had one tip for those still searching for their own sense of style, what would it be?

“Experiment! You’re not going to find your favourite flavour of ice cream unless you try them all, right? (laughs) That is what the fun is – going out and shopping! You don’t have to buy it all – but at least going to stores and being a risk-taker and trying it on and walking around in the store and feeling it out. It’s all about experimenting. And then once you know what fits right and what you feel the most fabulous in, that’s how you’re going to find your own comfort and your own style.”

All eyes were on the Westin Bay Shore Hotel in downtown Vancouver as the who’s who in the city gather together to recognize and celebrate BC’s film and television industry for the Leo Awards 2009.

I was fortunate and excited to attend the high-profile event but, I was more concerned about what I was going to wear then anything else! With nothing but jeans and t-shirts in my closet, I put my Oakridge Centre gift card that I received as a Style Agent to good use and purchased a crisp new white button down dress shirt with pin-tuck pleating detail at Hugo Boss. The guys in the shop were extremely friendly and knowledgeable and since I was on such a tight schedule, they were swift and efficient for service.

With my new purchase, I paired it with a classic tailored blazer, skinny cotton trousers and a skinny silk tie, which were all in black and from my closet. So, with my outfit ready and my leather beatle boots polished and shined, I was definitely ready for my close up.

With the red carpet rolled out and camera flashes snapping left and right, I couldn’t help myself but act completely poised and definitely posed as I entered the venue into the award show. Swanky dressed men and modelesque women with 4 inch heels filled the tall room as pink coloured sparkling wine was served throughout to all attending guests.

I couldn’t help but stop and complement the many fashionably and well dressed people in the room with the sympathetic exception of a few, who unfortunately did not get the memo that it was a black-tie formal event. An ‘A’ for effort and for still being fierce, even in a t-shirt and jeans.

"Fiercely workin’ the red carpet like pros is avid fashion design student Robynne McPherson and I."

As I continued to mingle through the crowd, bumping into friends and making new ones, I was quick to notice a constant trend and style throughout the night at the Leo Awards. Cute strapless mini’s, Roberto Cavalli-esque floral print long silk dresses and of course the extremely sexy body-conscious bandage dresses made popular by Herve Leger were all the rage of the night. Also of course, with such fine outfits come shoes equally as glamorous. Studded crystal sandals, the infamous ‘red-sole’ stilettos and gladiator inspired heels were a definite crowd pleasure, higher heeled the better!

So, as the night progressed and the Leo winners were announced and awarded, I wished that I had a few honourable awards to give out myself to a handful of gorgeous ladies who could barely eat nor drink anything just to be able to stay in those sexy body-conscious bandage dresses. Kuudos ladies!

Papparazzi and Red Carpet
The paparazzi at the 41st and Cambie entrance were just the beginning. Once Oakridge shoppers got past the flashing cameras, hollering ‘members of the press’ and red carpet, they got even more. Models dressed in clothes from 1959—the year the centre opened—strolled by, flanked by a concierge team member there to explain their fancy dress. More models, live mannequins really, stood super still on raised platforms, decked out in duds inspired by every decade the centre’s been open: 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Every piece was so now, so fresh, and so available at the top shops in the centre. And a grand main stage sat right beside the concierge desk, complete with flat-screen TVs and a speaker’s podium. And of course, a cake. It was, after all, in celebration of the centre’s big 5-0. Defining moments for 50 years.

Backstage Buzz
Backstage, in the auditorium, the newly-crowned Style Agents, all dressed up with somewhere to go, chattered with the judges who’d chosen them: FASHION Magazine’s Rebecca Tay, Kwantlen Fashion Design and Technology’s Sharon Greeno, and Oakridge’s marketing director Kimberly MacAulay. SAs Peter Hoang, Jessie Carlon, Valerie Tiu, and Ana Serrano talked New York black suits, the definition of laid-back style in Vancouver, and just how tiny VOGUE’s Anna Wintour really is. The convo wasn’t the focus, though. Everyone was waiting for the big moment: the grand unveiling of Oakridge’s, and Vancouver’s, new faces of fashion. The call came in: go time.

Main Stage Madness
The crowd gathered around the main stage was as diverse as it could possibly be. High style twenty-somethings mingled with grandparents, middle agers, and young couples with kids. Oakridge Centre general manager Kathy Barr thanked everyone for making Oakridge a key community hub and shopping destination; marketing director Kimberley MacAulay was excited about Oakridge’s emphasis on creating a legacy—the centre is committed to raising $50,000 for non-profit organization Dress for Success. And finally, the big moment came.

New Faces of Fashion: Style Agents
Down the escalator paraded the four Style Agents, all eyes on them as they showcased their personal, diverse, and totally beyond trendy style. The paparazzi came close behind, calling out their names, snapping shots, and taking notes. Each agent stepped up onto the stage, introduced by microphone maven Kuljeet Kaila of Virgin Radio. “We’re so excited!” they trilled.

When I found out that I was one of the three finalist’s who’s video was going to be posted on the website to be honest…I freaked out! I knew it was going to be a tough competition, but I also knew that I would have my friend’s and family support. Let me explain how the competition worked… The style agents were chosen from an application video sent to be viewed by an experienced panel of judges. Three of the style agents were chosen immediately, but there was a fourth and final spot available. This position was decided by posting the videos of the three finalists on the Virgin Radio website. The public voted, and guess what? I was chosen to fill the spot as the fourth style agent! It was one of the most intense weeks in all my life! It was such a tough competition, the two other girls chosen for voting had very good videos, but I fought the battle until I won with around 2800 votes! Over all there were over 5000 votes, it was an exciting and thrilling competition! I couldn’t felt happier when I finally got the call saying that I had won!

As the new style agent I had the pleasure to be part of a historic event for Oakridge Centre. It was a day for Oakridge to celebrate 50 years of inspiring defining moments for the Vancouver community. The celebration was May the 6th, and it consisted of a blend of different festivities. All of them were great and made Oakridge shine! But I want to tell you about the moment where we were introduced…

The celebration was an opportunity to introduce ourselves to the public. We came down the escalators and had paparazzi follow us all the way to the stage where we said our names and a little bit of information about ourselves. I was a little nervous but excited at the same time. Everything came out perfect and I know the four of us make great team! As style agents we will represent fashion and style through Oakridge’s significant 50th anniversary year.

Come join us tomorrow for Oakridge Centre’s 50th Anniversary celebration! There will be entertainment and models showcasing fashion throughout the decades. Virgin 95.3 radio will be onsite with giveaways from 2-6p, and four Oakridge Style Agents will be unveiled!