Ambassador Spotlight Series
with Jen
Jen is one of the Ambassadors in our new program, the Worn Well Collective. We are so thrilled and honored to be working with Jen and so many other talented creators in the slow and ethical fashion niche. Shop Jen's looks and enjoy her story!
Intro: Hey, there! I’m Jen and I live in Toronto with my partner and three-year-old daughter. I work in mental healthcare by day and use my love of colour and fashion to tap into my creativity and self-expression. It’s a form of wind-down and self-care for me! I’m passionate about making connections with smaller brands, supporting ethical fashion practices, and creating space for plus-size people in the slow fashion world. I seek to facilitate an online space that promotes body acceptance and self-compassion, as well as the joy in playing with vibrant colour! I’m in my happy place when I’m eating pizza, doing yoga, exploring the city, or laughing with my daughter.
City: Toronto, Canada
IG Handle: @vibrantvvbeauty
How would you describe your personal style?
Eclectic. Vibrant. Feminine, and a touch edgy. Comfortable and playful. I find so much joy in experimenting with colour, print, and texture in fashion, but I’m equally myself in slim jeans and a striped tee. I’m constantly influenced by ‘60s and ‘70s fashion and love mixing retro and modern elements. Now that I’m a mom, ease and comfort is key and it’s a worthy challenge to find clothing that is kid-friendly, but also feels authentic to my personality. I’d say Tradlands makes that fairly easy!
How would you describe your personal style?
Eclectic. Vibrant. Feminine, and a touch edgy. Comfortable and playful. I find so much joy in experimenting with colour, print, and texture in fashion, but I’m equally myself in slim jeans and a striped tee. I’m constantly influenced by ‘60s and ‘70s fashion and love mixing retro and modern elements. Now that I’m a mom, ease and comfort is key and it’s a worthy challenge to find clothing that is kid-friendly, but also feels authentic to my personality. I’d say Tradlands makes that fairly easy!
What got you started in the slow, sustainable, and ethical fashion niche?
I had recognized the numerous problematic elements of fast fashion for some time, but felt that the slow fashion realm presented few options for my size 18 body. It’s been over the past two years or so that more and more brands in the ethical fashion niche have begun to offer plus sizes. It’s been an adventure delving into fashion that fits my body and promotes the ethics that are important to me.
I was so pleased when Tradlands took further steps to expand their size range this year. It means a lot and I can tell they’re putting the care and attention into this expansion that plus size customers deserve. It’s also been a huge bonus to be able to make more personal connections with independent fashion brands- there is so much space for community and collaboration in this space!
What is your favorite Tradlands piece and why?
I’m deeply in love with the Shelter Cardigan - I have it in Flame. It’s everything I want in a piece- bold colour, soft and cozy, ultra versatile. It can be worn on its own with skinny jeans for a sexy look or layered over nearly anything in my closet when I need added warmth in a pinch (and so many options in between). The new Box T-Shirt in Emerald Stripe has also become a firm favourite. It’s the perfect amount of oversized, is ultra soft, and I’m always a sucker for a good stripe. The emerald hue is also very up my alley. An unexpected pop of colour!
What are your fashion/style/lifestyle influences or inspirations?
Social media can be tricky in so many ways, but I also find it to be a rich source of inspiration. I am constantly energized and excited by the style of plus-sized influencers in the slow fashion world (some faves include @styleisstyle and @marielleelizabeth). It is endlessly refreshing to see fat bodies looking stylish and joyful! I am also inspired by the work of activists who strive to make the world more accessible and free (in fashion and beyond) for people in fat and otherwise marginalized bodies. Beyond the present day, and strictly sartorially speaking, I will forever be influenced by the likes of Patti Smith, Debbie Harry, Diana Ross, David Bowie, and Mama Cass.
What is your favorite Tradlands piece and why?
I’m deeply in love with the Shelter Cardigan - I have it in Flame. It’s everything I want in a piece- bold colour, soft and cozy, ultra versatile. It can be worn on its own with skinny jeans for a sexy look or layered over nearly anything in my closet when I need added warmth in a pinch (and so many options in between).
The new Box T-Shirt in Emerald Stripe has also become a firm favourite. It’s the perfect amount of oversized, is ultra soft, and I’m always a sucker for a good stripe. The emerald hue is also very up my alley. An unexpected pop of colour!
What are your fashion/style/lifestyle influences or inspirations?
Social media can be tricky in so many ways, but I also find it to be a rich source of inspiration. I am constantly energized and excited by the style of plus-sized influencers in the slow fashion world (some faves include @styleisstyle and @marielleelizabeth). It is endlessly refreshing to see fat bodies looking stylish and joyful! I am also inspired by the work of activists who strive to make the world more accessible and free (in fashion and beyond) for people in fat and otherwise marginalized bodies. Beyond the present day, and strictly sartorially speaking, I will forever be influenced by the likes of Patti Smith, Debbie Harry, Diana Ross, David Bowie, and Mama Cass.
What advice would you give to someone looking to join or learn more about the slow/ethical/responsible fashion niche as motivation or reassurance?
I’d say “come on in, we’re very friendly” ;)
I’d also say to take baby steps! I’m personally a bit of a maximalist, but my constant advice is to start by wearing what’s already in your closet. You can support the slow fashion movement without needing to spend money! Experiment with your current wardrobe, wear your favourite pieces again and again, start to define your individual aesthetic. And when you’re ready to begin investing in ethical fashion items, pay attention to specific holes in your wardrobe, find a brand or two that really channels your style, and choose pieces that you know will be well-worn and loved. There are also some fantastic online second-hand shops (like my fave @selltradeplus!) where you can snag some amazing slow fashion treasures at a discount.
Thank you so much, Jen!
Check out more of her style and ethical fashion interviews on Instagram. Also feel free to support Jen by using her link for 15% off your first purchase:
VIBRANTBEAUTY15
Stay tuned for our next interview coming up soon. In the meantime, shop Jen's style!
Shop Jen's Looks
Jude Pullover
Cobalt
Shelter Cotton
Cardigan Flame
102 Box T-Shirt
Emerald Stripe