Hi my name is Marlene. I have a “Passion for Fashion”. This passion surfaced in me since the age of about 11. I would watch the Miss America Pageant every year and constantly look at magazines for the different styles of clothing.

I came from a poor family. Growing up, my loving mother would bring me with her on bus trips downtown Ottawa to visit fancy ladie’s stores such as Oglivy’s. We would go up in a manned elevator–in those years, there always was a man/woman who would announce or ask which floor you were going to–and would end up at the ladies “Intimate Apparel Department”. My mom, who didn’t have much money, would purchase a pair of nylons or a pair of gloves…

Being so poor, one has to be innovative and creative! That is how I came to be. I would go to the Thrift stores (Salvation Army, the Neighbourhood Services, etc.) I would choose and pick out several items of clothing and shoes to mimic what I would see that was fashionable at the time, or just plain something that looked nice together.

I always was the one who dressed “Uniquely” in high school and still do to this day. Some liked it and some didn’t. What was I to do? I couldn’t afford to buy Brand Name clothing or shoes, so I did the next best thing. Wouldn’t you?

I also thought, and still do today, that clothing found in retail stores are for people who all want to be and look the same. I want to STAND OUT! I choose to be different, unique, perhaps even strange to some. I get such looks at times–as if I am an alien or something–for being a little, or maybe a lot. different then most.

I want to HELP women, girls and even you guys, to be able to express yourselves through a “look” that you create for yourselves.

Something that makes YOU unique and different, but still be stylish.

So please follow “Passion for Fashion” each week and I will try my best to help YOU create or rediscover the NEW YOU in YOU!!!