In this month’s Style Spotlight, we catch up with Vancouver shopper Laura Sandstrom! Laura’s love for supporting local businesses led her to The Difference & she so enjoys shopping somewhere that the staff is familiar with her & she is familiar with them!
Describe a day in your lovely life! I have volunteered at a local high school as a business mentor and judge for DECA students. DECA is an “organization preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for college and careers”. It’s a wonderful way for young people to learn, explore and experience different paths for the future.
I spend time (when the weather is nice) golfing with friends and belong to a women’s golfing group.
My greatest pleasure is planning and taking trips with my college granddaughters. Last summer my youngest graduated from high school. We decided to go to New Mexico while her sister spent the summer studying abroad in Japan. In Albuquerque and Santa Fe we visited as many museums as we could fit in, spent time at a cat cafe, and went for a sunrise balloon ride (didn’t know that was on my bucket list!). Later that summer we attended a family reunion (baking zucchini bread together). During Thanksgiving we took my oldest granddaughter on a tour of Lewis & Clark Law School. She is interested in their Animal Law Program.
Both of these girls keep me active and looking forward. It has been a privilege to be able to spend more time with them and watch them grow.
How has your personal style changed since retirement? As a professional who spent a good share of my time on airplanes and with clients, my work wardrobe was business suits. I would change up the look with blouses (especially the perfect off-white blouse). I particularly liked blazers that were unique and spent my off-time in different cities shopping. HA! I had some difficulty when I realized not only was I not wearing any of those wonderful work clothes but they no longer fit me (that was actually really good news). Now I’m much more relaxed in my style, adding more color, accessories and leaning into the quirky/playful side of me.
What impact does style have on your daily routine? I have always enjoyed fashion, even making some of my own clothes in high school. I like to find things that I feel comfortable in. When I’m comfortable I feel confident, enjoy myself more and hopefully smile and laugh more often.
What do you enjoy about shopping with The Difference? I have always supported small businesses and that is how I found The Difference. I enjoy shopping when I am familiar with the staff and they are familiar with me. The Difference provides fashion that is unique and the staff is knowledgeable and super friendly. Daron can pick something off a rack that is just what I didn’t know I needed. Haha..🤣. I love hearing about the different fabrics and vendors. The special events are a fun opportunity to shop and meet new friends. I especially love owning/wearing something that no one else is wearing.