Whenever I meet someone whose personal style is a tad out-of-the-ordinary, I can’t help but take notice. When a person’s outfit subtly reveals a glimpse of their personality, it’s like a lure…and I’ll bite. To me, THAT is the art of dressing and precisely what personal style is all about. Our November Style Crush, Lorraine Kitsos, is a master at this. I met Lorraine a couple of weeks ago at a school fundraiser and was immediately drawn to her artistic flair and contagious smile. Read on and see if you don’t develop a style crush on her too.

Style Crush: Lorraine Kitsos

Occupation/Title: Co-Owner and Designer at Redfish Kids – Clothing for the Courageous

Age: 49

Mother to: Gabriel 14, Beatrice 12

Hometown: Seattle, although I have moved around a lot. Portland. Hong Kong. Vancouver. What does that even mean, “hometown”? I am pretty nomadic.

Currently resides in: East Van

 

Personality

Describe yourself in 3 words:

Creative, passionate, full-of-energy

Pet Peeve:

Laziness. It’s always worth it to put your best foot forward in everything you do. I love when people bring energy to something.

Personal Style

How would you describe your style and how did you choose it?

I am definitely oriented towards comfort. I like shoes that have good support. I’m a fan of cashmere and cotton. I like strong lines and clothes that fit well. Blending masculine and feminine, high and low. Eclectic. Vintage.

I enjoy “junking”, meaning finding the diamond in the rough. When something has a little “kink” or when something is “off” a bit, it grabs me. I like when clothing triggers curiosity, when it has a subtle quirk or when an outfit makes you think, “Oh! She got away with that.” <laughter>

What kind of clothes make you feel great?

Comfortable jeans, cashmere sweaters and anything by Dries Van Noten. I appreciate clothes with uniqueness. It’s not about fashion; it’s about art.

Favourite stores to shop:

Vintage stores, second-hand shops and consignment stores, but I also like to browse Bacci’s and Misch on South Granville.

What is your favourite thing to wear on weekends?

Vintage slips and old sweaters.

What is your favourite thing to wear for date night?

Dries Van Noten. Heels. Something special. It would be unusual, but with something a little sexy. I don’t like to be predictable. If I wore overalls, my husband would not be surprised. He would just say, “Uh, that’s interesting.”

What’s the one thing you never the house without wearing?

LIPSTICK!

Hobbies, Passions and Quirks

What’s your superpower? 

I am a bit clairvoyant.*

(*A few weird coincidences have occurred since I met Lorraine. Just sayin’.)

What are you currently reading?

Focus: The Secret, Sexy and Sometimes Sordid World of Fashion Photographers by Michael Gross.

It’s so timely to learn what went on, back in the day, with top photographers like Terry Richardson and now with the whole Harvey Weinstein scandal and allegations of sexual harassment popping up everywhere. I find it interesting how stuff in Hollywood is shifting. It’s on my mind a lot now.

What’s one thing you can’t get enough of? My family. I could play card games with them for 8 hours! I can’t get enough time with the people I love.

Where is your favourite place to hang out in Vancouver? Easy. Marche St. George. It’s in my hood and easy to lose track of time. It’s a strange island to me.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? 

Sleep on it. You’ll see things more clearly in the morning.

What is your life motto?

Live life with passion and courage.

Speaking of passion, do you have a passion project?

YES! Canuck Place. Now THAT is a place of courage! The kids, the families, the staff. They are all courageous.

We love what they’re doing so much that on Saturday, Nov 18 we are holding a fundraiser in the shop with 100% of the proceeds going to Canuck Place.

We’ve collected a decade of vintage Redfish pieces, many one-of-a-kinds, for this unique sale.

On top of that, Glory Juice Co. is joining us to provide our guests with organic juices and healthy snacks while they shop.

Helping others to be courageous and to shine keeps me driven.

 

 

Visit Redfish Kids at 851 Hornby St. in downtown Vancouver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS Do you know someone we should feature as our next Style Crush? Drop us a line and tell us about them.