Black & White Ball – Styling by Aldona B
Decidedly Jazz Danceworks – Black & White Ball Style Inspiration
When DJD asked me to style and photograph some style inspiration for their upcoming Black & White Fundraiser Ball, I knew that I wanted to not only showcase some of my favourite local boutiques and designers, but to also show items that are versatile and pieces you’ll be able to wear again. I also wanted to include some amazing consignment and vintage pieces to make these black and white looks more interesting, and of course, affordable.
As a stylist I love playing with textures, patterns, layers and jewelry, especially when I have a specific theme to work with, in this case, black and white.
I wanted to showcase looks that are fun and that you’ll be able to wear again – and hopefully, ones that will inspire you to find something interesting for your night out on March 17th. I appreciate that for this event you can take your style wherever your heart desires, so here we go…
LOOK ONE
LADIES
This first look I pulled primarily from Velour Clothing Exchange – when I spotted the black and white striped pencil skirt, I went right for it and couldn’t wait to showcase it. I love the fit of it and the fact that a piece like this is so versatile – you’ll be able to wear it many times over and in really cool combinations (and it’s great for all seasons!)
I love to add lace details when I can, and I took a sequinned tube top and turned it into a neck piece instead of choosing a necklace. I think fashion and style should be fun and doing things that aren’t conventional are really exciting for me – so look beyond the obvious while shopping and putting your looks together!
A classic red lipstick is always a yes in my books!
https://velourclothingexchange.com
Velour Clothing Exchange, founded by Myra Miller, is Calgary’s first dedicated buy/sell/trade clothing store. Formerly The Front Porch, Velour builds on its reputation for carrying a thoughtfully curated, hand-picked collection of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. The store specializes in wearable 60s – 90s vintage and on-trend clothing.
MENS
I’ve been a long time customer of Salvedge Boutique and I love that their 17th Avenue location carries menswear. This is where I found this incredible velvet Dolce & Gabbana Blazer jacket, which I knew would be the anchor in my first menswear look for the Black & White ball.
I added a black and white patterned shirt to add some interest and depth, and of course snuck in a touch of colour in this beautiful Beyond Scarf bow tie and pocket square – it’s also fun to play with pattern and put things together in an interesting way. A nice touch is always a cool accessory, and I couldn’t resist topping this look with the black fedora.
http://www.salvedgefashion.com
Whether you’re starting from scratch, reinventing yourself, or need some select pieces to add to your already awesome wardrobe, SalvEdge Boutique consignors are local fashionistas ready to pass on pre-loved trend-setting items. From high end luxury accessories and clothing, to on-trend, unique finds and locally designed one-of-a-kind pieces. Business, casual, special event and active leisure wear!
https://www.beyondscarf.ca
Selling luxury scarves, bow ties, pocket squares and women’s accessories online and on 17th Avenue in Calgary, Beyond Scarf looks to bring high-end fashion that’s functional to the streets of Calgary’s ever changing weather. Beyond Scarf looks to provide unique pieces of wearable art: scarves designed from artists in France, Italy, Korea, Spain, and the U.S, bringing distinct pieces of high fashion to Calgary, Canada and beyond.
LOOK TWO
One of my favourite Calgarian designers is Kate Hewko – her pieces are unique and so much fun and when I go visit her store at The Devinish on 17th Avenue, I have a hard time not purchasing one of everything.
For this shoot, I really wanted to utilize her vegan leather skirt. This piece is wonderful to incorporate into your existing wardrobe and can be worn in so many different variations. Of course a little sparkle was needed, so I added this fun sweater and some bold statement jewelry that Hewko’s brand is known and loved for.
And of course, no black and white outfit would be complete without a statement faux fur jacket! The look is completed with a funky vintage clutch from Velour.
Vegan Leather Skirt –https://www.katehewko.com/collections/bottoms/products/leather-skirt
Faux Fur Jacket – https://www.katehewko.com/collections/faux-fur
Kate Hewko is Calgary based designer and entrepreneur recognized internationally for her jewelry, faux fur and clothing collections that are always ahead of the trends. Her work is so fierce and groundbreaking she has been featured in magazines such as Vogue Korea, Refinery 29, Fashion Magazine and Flare, and been seen on notable celebrities Miley Cyrus, Adina Menzel and Cyndi Lauper. Kate Hewko’s collections are undoubtedly an outlet for self expression, defying age and the status quo.
https://velourclothingexchange.com
LOOK THREE
A great way to make your black and white look more interesting is by adding some metallics – in this case, I went with gold! I think accessories are the best way to add interest to your outfit and to really change the feel of any given ensemble.
I also love layering, so instead of just going with the dress as it was, I topped it off with a faux leather top and created shape by belting it with a really unique vintage belt.
https://velourclothingexchange.com
LOOK FOUR
LADIES
This high/low Theory dress has great movement and shape, perfect for this event. The fit is super flattering as well. I added some silver bling accessories this time, with a black faux fur bolero jacket to add some interest to the dress. Once again, I wanted to add an accessory in a less conventional way, so I took this beautiful silk scarf from Beyond Scarf and tied it around the wrist instead. You could also play around with it further and use it as a head band or as a belt.
http://www.salvedgefashion.com
MENS
For something slightly more casual, for the second menswear look I dropped the pattern and accessories, and instead just went with a white button up and black high neck sweater to showcase that you don’t need to wear a three piece tuxedo to a more formal function. We draped the same Dolce & Gabbana jacket in this look as well because I’m so obsessed with this luxe and beautiful piece.
These pieces are also from Salvedge Boutique.
http://www.salvedgefashion.com
Thanks to my beautiful models, Sabrina and Rodney. All photos were captured at DJD’s stunning space.
Make sure you check out Aldona B Creative and our A La Carte Services that include photography and styling at aldonab.com. And make sure you follow our fashion and other adventures on Instagram @aldonabcreative.
About Aldona B
www.aldonab.com
Photography and Styling by Aldona B Creative (@aldonabcreative)
Perhaps best known individually as the Street Style Huntress, Aldona B established herself as a mainstay in the fashion world by regularly photographing stylish people of Calgary for various publications.
Aldona was a freelance writer and photographer before becoming a full-time publicist with Alberta Theatre Projects in 2009.
She expanded her skills in marketing and design – costume, graphic and web –during her career, and now works with publications such as Avenue Magazine and appears regularly on Global, CTV and Breakfast Television in Calgary.
She is also a publicist with various local theatre companies, and helps businesses brand and market their companies.
