Board Chair Boss Babe
(Calgary, Canada) Ayden Athwal, is the Board Chair and Director of Dress for Success Calgary, a 100% volunteer-run, non-profit that empowers women to achieve independence. The 28 year-old Calgarian is also a self-employed Chartered Accountant and her wardrobe is versatile, polished, but not too formal or stuffy. The key piece Ayden advises all women to own is confidence.
October is Dress for Success Calgary's "Giving Month”. Text DRESS to 20222, and you will donate $10.00 to the charity. As a 100% volunteer run organization, all the proceeds from this campaign will go directly into empowering women of Calgary.
What drives you?
“Knowing that I am utilizing my skills and expertise to have a positive impact on my community. I am very proud of what we do at Dress for Success. It is a truly empowering organization for women; we provide a network of support, professional attire, and developmental tools to help women thrive in work and in life."
What’s your style?
“I don't have a "typical week" as it is always changing, and that is the
most exciting for me - the variety. As a Chartered Accountant, I could be
meeting with clients to discuss their accounting work and business. On the same day I’m also attending events around the city to promote Dress for Success, or developing and nourishing new and existing relationships with community leaders in our city.”
Who has influenced your personal fashion style?
“My mother is my biggest style inspiration. As an artist and interior designer, the way she views the world and its beauty has had a tremendous impact on me. I would describe her style as European; effortlessly chic with trickles of edge and uniqueness. My mother always wears her signature Tom Ford red lipstick." (Photo credit: PMG Image)
“I remember being exposed to the world of fashion and aesthetics at a very young age - at age 10, spending hours with my mother and my sister at the Miu Miu boutique, or in Harrods when we took trips to London."
“I also have fond memories of falling asleep listening to the delicate sound of brush strokes as she was in the midst of creating a beautiful abstract art piece.”
What's your favourite look for an important meeting or work event?
“If you get to know me even just a little bit, you'll soon realize my colour preference for apparel is black. I love a little black dress, with a beautiful elegant timeless handbag, paired with some beautiful pearl earrings or a long Chanel necklace. Dress for Success Calgary taught me that it's the accessories that are the most important and can never be overlooked in completing a beautiful outfit.”
To shop looks (clockwise from left)
Club Monaco - Vancy Dress
Aritzia - Babaton Piero Blouse
The Row - Crewneck Sweater
Chanel - all necklaces only found in Chanel stores
Miu Miu - Sequined Cady And Chiffon Mini Dress
Max&Co. - Fluid Dress
Sandro - Embroidered Lace Top
Kate Spade - Baneera Heels
Ted Baker Embellished Collar Metallic Jumper
J.Crew Faux-Leather Pleated Midi Skirt
“One of my favourite Parisian labels is L’Art du Basic (below). They focus on designing and producing luxury basics. I have a double breasted black suit jacket that I purchased at the their boutique in Le Marais district (Paris) and am almost never without it if I have an important meeting to attend."
"Locally in Calgary I shop at Holt Renfrew, Club Monaco, Purr, and of course, a Canadian favourite - Aritzia As for designers, I'm drawn to Jean Paul Gautier, The Row, and the timeless elegance of Chanel."
To shop Chanel Fall/Winter 2017-2018 pieces above, including handbags, apparel, and jewelry all pieces are only sold at Chanel boutiques.
Workplace style tips?
“This is something the Board, volunteers and myself talk about at Dress for Success Calgary. Finding clothing that fits you well, compliments your body shape, and highlights your assets can do wonders for your confidence.”
“For women who are trying to trying to enter or re-enter the workforce, confidence is a major factor in determining their success. It's truly that confidence piece (that can be amplified by the way you dress and feel) that speaks volumes in an interview or workplace setting and I encourage women to try to develop that. Whether it is surrounding yourself with a network of support, purchasing a new outfit, or looking into the mirror and telling yourself you can achieve anything you put your mind into, that will translate into professional success.”
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Thank you Ayden for all you do to empower women across Calgary. xoxoBossBabe
#aydenathwa #bossbabestyle #bossbabe #dressforsucess #lartdubasic #chanelstyle