We love the name of Sarah Parsons’ Vancouver fashion boutique so much that we tend to say it over-and-over again in our heads Wizard of Oz-style: Stylishmess, Stylishmess, Stylishmess! Aside from running one of the hippest shops on the West Coast – carrying brands like Current/Elliott, J Brand and 7 For All Mankind – Parsons is also a personal stylist and image consultant, helping clients refine a sense of style as opposed to just following trends. We caught up with the Stylishmess founder to find out what she loves most about Vancouver and what she couldn’t imagine living without.
Give us a snippet about you. What should people know?
I own a fashion boutique in Vancouver called Stylishmess. The name came to me as I thought about how people dress sometimes, investing in the fashion but not the style. I want to help people invest in the style also.
I love fashion as an expression, an easily changeable non-committal expression. I like to get an idea of someone’s personality through their style and I appreciate effort on any level. I’ve been involved, and still am, in many areas of design from interiors to graphics and web, photography, fashion styling and art. I love design in any form.
Finish this sentence: I love Vancouver because…
…I can visit the mountains and the ocean on the same day and because we have clear-cut seasons. Also, the city is very walkable.
What are three things you simply cannot live without?
Family/friends (including my dog), a sense of purpose/creativity, and the gym.
What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
Taste of Thai on Broadway and Alma. Insanely good, healthy and authentic Thai, and Simon the owner is very friendly. It’s small and quiet, not a place to be seen. It’s just a place to eat really good food.
What’s your favourite drink/cocktail and where do you go to get it?
I don’t actually drink drink, but I do love an extra hot, almost burns your mouth latte. It’s hard to pick just one place. We have some amazing coffee shops in Vancouver! Currently I’m liking Trees Organic, Bean Around The World in Point Grey Shopping Village, and 49th and Parallel in Kits.
Your choice karaoke song is…
“Ill Communication” by The Beastie Boys or anything by Prince.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with all your city-trotting?
You can follow me on Twitter at both @stylishmess and @svpstyle; Instagram at @stylishmess and @svgandy; and Facebook.
