Style Talks with Fiona Forbes and Susie Wall
Style Talks with Fiona Forbes and Susie Wall
Media darling, community champion and longtime F.O.T. (that’s Friend of Turnabout) FIONA FORBES sits down with Susie Wall to talk personal style, sister bonds and the return of the scrunchie (hint: she did not see that one coming) …
Ok first of all, I don't think it's possible for you and I to hang out without being awkward or laughing directly at ourselves and each other. I want our readers to know that I have been appreciating your goofiness since 1998...
Let’s never let the goofiness stop! A ton of unbelievably dorky laughs are guaranteed when I’m with my Soozer!
You know what though, Fi? From the very first moment we met, I have always gotten a sister's vibe from you, and you can't teach that. The female bonds in your life clearly run deep and that shows in how you treat people.
That is a complement of the highest order! I credit my mom and my sis for always being there for me and showing me with the way since the day I was born. They are both still massive influences in my life and I couldn’t do what I do or be who I am without them.
Share with us what a typical day looks like for you.
As anyone who works in television knows, no day is typical and that’s what I love about it. I currently have two gigs in the TV biz and feel beyond fortunate for the opportunities. I recently joined the team at Global BC and am hosting a weekly segment airing Saturday mornings on Global News Weekend called Open House. We take viewers on an exclusive tour of Lower Mainland properties to feature the latest in home decor, architecture, real estate and design which is right up my alley. I also host a weekly national music series with Hubcast Media called Onstage that showcases world-class musicians who call Canada home. You can check that one out midnight Saturdays on JoyTV. So to answer your question, if I’m not busy filming, I’m prepping and producing to help make Open House and Onstage happen. When I’m not busy doing that, I’m walking my dog on the beach or hanging out with friends and my fam. Oh who am I kidding, I’m probably wasting time scrolling my Instagram!
Describe your approach to your wardrobe and image decisions.
I have two wardrobes at home - one for real life which is more casual and one that’s a little more dressy and upscale for TV. For my work on the tube, I gravitate towards dresses that have a clean, polished look. Bright colours work best for TV, so I usually try to step outside of my usual ‘all black everything’ real life uniform. Whether it’s at home or at work, I always try to punch things up a notch with shoes and accessories.
Can you relate when I say that I'm over worrying about wearing something and posting the same item or outfit on multiple occasions? If Kate Middleton can wear the same wedge heels a ga-jillion times I think I'll survive in my Ulla Johnson pink top for the second week in a row.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with repeating the same outfit when you love it and it makes you feel good. I think we should all be more like Kate and wear the same thing over and over again if we damn well feel like it. I panic about this far too much as well – (laughing) social media makes it worse times a thousand.
And on the topic of perceptions, isn't it rad that the luxury consignment space is exploding? I personally love it. (Laughs) not that I have ever waited for public approval but it really does make sense on every level...
As the staff at Turnabout can tell you, I’ve been a huge supporter of what they do forever. I’m not gonna lie, I LOVE CLOTHES, but I also hate waste and try to be as responsible as I can be with my consumption, consigning my own clothes and shopping pre-loved. It helps rid of some of my shopaholic guilt.
Just like Joy (Turnabout founder Joy Mauro), you have always been such a champion of community and I am inspired by you both because of it. Why is it important for you to give back and support so many local causes and initiatives?
It makes me feel good to give back. I know that sounds cliché, but I think if you’ve been given the opportunity to have a voice in your community, you should use it to try and make it a better place.
Absolutely. Who are your top 3 celeb style inspirations?
I know we were blowing smoke at Kate Middleton already, but she and Meghan Markle are definitely two of my style inspos. I love their sophisticated looks, but I especially love that Meghan supports so many Canadian designers. Since they’re both royals, we’ll count them as one, so my other two would be Victoria Beckham (I die for all her looks) and Mary Tyler Moore because I always wanted to be her.
Name the top workhorse items in your closet.
I have a few LBDs that are always on heavy rotation because that’s my comfort zone; Daria leggings from Aritzia because they make you look a little rock’n’roll; a sexy little pair of Janson Wu stiletto sandals and a vintage Chanel purse that I was lucky enough to get my grubby little paws on. And yes everything I just mentioned is black. I always try to get away from it but as my mom says, ‘black is classic, don’t fight it’.
I've met your Mom and she has boss style, so I get it. Favourite thing about shopping with us at Turnabout?
The staff - and of course the clothes. They really do know my style so well and I always leave with something I adore.
Worst thing you've ever worn...
Oh god…there are too many things to mention and you probably have some incriminating photos of me in them. I seem to remember feeling pretty snazzy in a full-length denim skirt and an ill-fitting tan sweater in the late 90s that ended up in one of your columns (Susie: ‘I REMEMBER THAT!’) But, pretty much anything trendy which is why in my wiser years, I try to stay to more classic looks. But fashion is supposed to be fun and frivolous so even looking back on the worst looks I had gives me a good laugh. I mean did we ever think scrunchies would be in again? I was chuckling at those a couple years ago and caught myself buying one the other day - BUT WILL I LOOK BACK AND REGRET IT?
On that note, thank you for leaving me laughing, Fi. I love you.
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL LOVE YOU TOO ONE-EYE!
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