Published at 1:18 am. Updated at 7:30 a.m.
We are on the 10th floor of a building on Boulevard Saint-Laurent in the Chabanel district. We enter a beautiful glazed and bright room. “Welcome to our Avec Style Boutique,” say Louise Labrecque and Gabrielle Labrosse enthusiastically. “This is our room!” And this is where we recommend women build a chic wardrobe. The idea is to get a limited number of clothes that you can put together later. “Feeling comfortable in your clothes, regardless of your shape, is the DNA of our company,” explains stylist Louise Labrecque, author of Your Clothes Speak.
“We focus on comfort and timeless style. In the boutique we welcome women, we accompany them, we help them understand their appearance and choose pieces, trousers, jackets, dresses, shirts that go together and make them stand out,” explains Gabrielle Labrosse.
“It’s an investment, but it’s designed to last. We tell each other that it’s sorted, I have all the essentials in my wardrobe and I’m confident,” adds Louise Labrecque.
According to the latter, we should not underestimate the power of clothing.
PHOTO PHIMO PHOTO, PROVIDED BY THE SHOP WITH STYLE
Louise Labrecque and her daughter Gabrielle Labrosse wear festive outfits for the Christmas season.
We are increasingly aware of the message that clothing sends. We may say that we shouldn't trust first impressions, but they have never been more important, especially in the age of social networks where image is ubiquitous.
Louise Labrecque
Their customer base is diverse and consists of professionals of all ages – lawyers, psychologists, doctors, professors and businesswomen. “You are good for us,” the women tell them. “We take very good care of our customers and they trust us. We sometimes say: “No, don’t buy that!” It doesn’t suit you!” said Louise Labrecque.
“Clothing advice has a psychological side. We want women to feel good and beautiful,” she notes. I also think that the studio has a warm and family side, the fact that we are mother and daughter, that plays a role in the atmosphere. »
The “Thursday Noon Fashion” meeting
The mother-daughter duo are making a big splash on social media, where they can be seen live at their weekly Thursday Noon Fashion meetup on their Facebook and Instagram accounts. In front of the camera, the two women deal with a new topic every week and answer questions. It's all about style, trends, choosing the right trousers to suit your own appearance, discreet luxury, smart purchases or the bold departure from black. In short, we are offered a very nice and spontaneous little fashion lesson with concrete examples.
“During the pandemic, I started talking to women via Facebook Live,” explains Louise Labrecque. It was about style, colors, and then I stopped because I told myself that we are witnessing a global drama and that it is not time to talk about fashion. But the women wanted me to continue, it was good for them to talk about something else! Then my daughter Gabrielle came to my company and everyone adopted her! »
Our duo reminds me of Claudette and Marie-Josée Taillefer in a fashionable version! We are very transparent and spontaneous.
Louise Labrecque
Suggestions for the holiday season
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Blue Sequin Jacket, Part Two, $299
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Sofie Schnoor pumps, $352
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Sequin Pants, Part Two, $219
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Sequin dress, Heartloom, $253
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Sequin Dress, Part Two, $239
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Is style passed on from mother to daughter? “Gabrielle is the oldest of my three daughters. When she was little she followed me everywhere and always loved clothes,” replies the mother. For Gabrielle Labrosse, a career in fashion was out of the question. She worked in business development/marketing startups in San Francisco for a few years, and when she returned to Montreal she decided to help her mother. “I come from a family with two entrepreneurial parents, I wanted to work for myself and not for another company. I saw that we worked well together, my mother and I, we complement each other well, I am the operational side of the company and Louise is the artistic side,” she explains.
The duo has just released their first collection, Avec Style Studio, which consists of four timeless pieces: black trousers and jacket, a white jacket and a white t-shirt. “We are all looking for the perfect black pants!” We did it! The cut is flawless! By interacting with women of all ages and shapes, we know what they are looking for,” says Gabrielle Labrosse. Both stylists also work with brands such as InWear, Smythe, Frame, Part Two, Heartloom and Rails. “Quality brands with pieces that you buy and that last,” she adds.
And for the holidays? What advice do they give for a look that's worth the price?
PHOTO PHIMO PHOTO, PROVIDED BY THE SHOP WITH STYLE
Louise Labrecque and her daughter Gabrielle Labrosse
The idea for the holidays is to just do a little more! Instead of serving an aperitif, serve champagne! The same goes for clothes: they need to sparkle, so it's time to bring out the sparkle!
Louise Labrecque
She thinks it makes sense to invest in a jacket, top, scarf, bag, skirt or pants because sequins never go out of style. “It can also be a little fuchsia pink! It looks good and is easy to carry. And above all: make-up, hairstyle and a nice lipstick should never be neglected, that makes all the difference,” she suggests.