Lyndi Barrett
Fashion publicist; founder of StyleCalling.com; PR & Fashion Show production instructor at Blanche Macdonald.
Where are you from? Cape Town, South Africa.
Where do you get your style inspiration? From runway shows to street style, I’m constantly looking at fashion content.
What’s in your purse at this very moment? I usually carry my Michael Kors Hamilton purse — it’s tan coloured and ostrich print, and contains my iPhone, sunglasses, wallet, keys, notebook, pen and a Chanel lipstick.
Proudest accomplishments?
• Being able to make a living doing something that I’m passionate about.
• Launching StyleCalling.com.
• Being Framework Magazine’s September cover girl.
• Becoming a Canadian citizen.
Describe your personal power outfit? A dress that fits perfectly with stiletto high heels. The BCBGMAXAZRIA dress that I’m wearing in the photo is one of my favourites. I always feel my best when I have my hair blown out and my nails manicured. My go-to nail colour is OPI’s Big Apple Red.
Most sentimental wardrobe item?
Probably that Michael Kors purse. My good friend and my boyfriend surprised me with it for Christmas a few years ago. It was quite the elaborate plan, and a very happy moment.
Favourite:
• Drink: Champagne.
• Food dish: Vegetarian pasta at UVA.
• Perfume: Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde.
• Blog/magazine: Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily, Style.com & WhoWhatWear.
• Local charity: Dress for Success.
• Spot to people watch: Thierry’s patio on Alberni Street.
• Local hidden gem: The Vancouver Art Gallery patio.
Where do you shop for everyday wardrobe staples? The Hudson’s Bay, Club Monaco, Zara and H&M.
Where do you look for that after-hours 'wow' outfit? BCBGMAXAZRIA.
Dream splurge item: An Hermes Birkin Bag.
Three clothing stores that would know you by name: Michael Kors, BCBGMAXAZRIA and Secret Location.
What's your typical "work" outfit? I'm usually in a dress, or teeshirt and skirt, with heels and a leather jacket.
What fashion event do you look forward to most each year? The Deighton Cup Weekend at the Races that takes place every August. I’ve worked on the PR team for this event for the past few years. I love seeing everyone dressed up for the occasion.
What are the key tenets a fashion blogger/icon should live by? Be original, authentic and know your audience.
Which new designers are you particularly excited about right now? Style Calling covered designer Georgine's first runway show during NY Fashion Week — it was one of my favourite collections. Locally, I love what my friend, designer Jason Matlo is doing with his bridal collection. Ladies, if you're engaged, this is who you should call about your dream wedding dress!
What are some clothing labels that you stalk? DKNY, Chanel, DVF and Alexander Wang.
Best international style city? Paris.
What was your first trophy as a kid? I sang at many competitions growing up. I won ‘Most Promising Talent for the Western Cape’ when I was 10.
Something that surprises people about you? I'm a homebody. My work life can be full of excitement, so I very much appreciate my down time at home.
What's your style/beauty life saver ? I take off my make up every night with Olay make up remover wipes, before I use my various La Biosthetique skin care products. They are a client of mine from Paris. Their moisturizers are my absolute favourite.
People tell you that you look like... Amy Adams.
Advice for young fashion lovers? Get involved, volunteer, and be kind to everyone you meet. The fashion industry is small — your reputation is so important.
If you could have coffee with a fashion icon, past or present, who and why? Diana Vreeland - she was an incredible force in the industry and changed the way everyone viewed fashion.
I highly recommend watching the documentary on her life ' Diana Vreeland - The Eye has to Travel'.
What's coming up for you personally/professionally: Professionally, we just wrapped up an amazing fashion month with my team attending shows in New York and London. Next, Style Calling will be covering Toronto Fashion Week. I'm also in the process of rebranding my PR company. We have some really exciting projects and collaborations coming up that I can't wait to share with everyone.
Personally, I hope to make a trip back to Maui later this year. It truly is a slice of heaven on earth.
