Welcome to “In the Closet”, an intimate look into the wardrobes of stylish Vancouverites. You’re probably tired of hearing how I am in love with each of my subjects as the preface to the post. Well too bad, because Allie Sheldan is no exception! Not only does she have a sick sense of style, but she’s also a picker at Vancouver’s favourite consignment store Front & Company and a very talented musician, dividing her time between three awesome bands. And while she’s running between work and gigs, she manages to put together unique outfits that force you to do a double take and ask yourself 1) “Oh my God, where did she get that!?” and 2) “I could never pull that off, so why am I even asking?” Miss Allie Sheldan pulls it off and puts together one of a kind outfits she hilariously describes as “Almost only ever one piece away from wearing a costume.”

Tell us a little about yourself…

Hi! My name is Allie and I’m a musician (whatever that means) and consignment picker at Front & Company. I’ve been playing and writing music since I was a little dorky pre-teen and have been playing in bands since I was 14 (so since I was slightly larger but still dorky). I’ve worked in fashion for years and will admit to having a serious shopping problem that generally centers on ankle boots. I’m always really really busy but have the worst time management e.v.e.r. so I’m not usually given sympathy from my boyfriend when I’m curled up in a ball stressing about life/what to wear out of the house.

How would you describe your style? 

I asked some people closest to me to help field this question:

My mom: “You’re a conjurer. A Janis-meets-Keith elegant love child.”

My best friend and Torontonian babe Aleks: “What happens when you get dressed in 10 minutes in the half dark and then look in the mirror and think ‘this is so crazy its awesome’. Except that it takes Allie forever to get ready”

My producer Jarett: “Like the abandoned love child of Django Reinhardt and Coco Chanel, on a steady diet of sleazy New York Rock & Roll.”

Bandmate, bestie and jewelry maker supreme Marie: “Effortless rock-n-roll gypsy vagabond”

My boyfriend, Michael: “A ’67 American Jaguar, dirty with sophisticated overtones.” I’m 100% sure he doesn’t mean dirty in a sexy way, haha.

Me: Almost only ever one piece away from wearing a costume.

Best places to shop in Vancouver? 

Front & Company & Used.

What item from your wardrobe would you save if your house was on fire? 

I would probably be trying to save everything…

What’s the most sentimental piece you own? 

Haha umm, I could probably create a strong bond with a rock so I’d have to say I’m fairly attached to all of my things…. But if I had to choose one I’d go with my grey leather boots from San Francisco, purchased on a really special trip a few years ago. (I actually did create strong bonds with rocks when I was like 7… somewhere deep in the recesses off my parent’s attic is the incriminating evidence…).

Is there an outfit in your wardrobe that you think is hideous but you just can’t part with?

I have a bit of a love/hate with these gold David Bowie platform boots of mine. But you know me… I’ll have them forever.

In case you missed the links in the post, check out Allie’s three rad bands Legs, Dead Voices, and Victories. Thanks to Allie again for letting me into her home and raiding her closet!