F Fall & Winter ashion Trends

with Trina Moscato FROM

By Jill Tham

Stepping into the perfect outfit can have a profound effect on the individual wearing it. In his November 2020 interview with Vogue, Harry Styles stated, “Clothes are there to have fun with and experiment with and play with. I think if you get something that you feel amazing in, it’s like a superhero outfit.” Styles Fonthill, named after Harry Styles, is a haven for women aged 35-75.

When she lost her retail job during covid, Trina Moscato set her sights on something different. “I decided to have my own store and bring clothes to Niagara that I know aren’t here and that women need,” says Moscato who is also a make up artist and hairdresser and with 40 years of experience selling women’s clothing has earned the title “Style Expert.”

Moscato decided to open a store front in Fonthill instead of in a shopping mall to ease the pressure on shoppers. “The nice thing about a boutique is that you can pop in and grab something. The shopping mall is a huge store and can be overwhelming: a small boutique takes that away,” says Moscato. Moscato employs a small team of experienced staff to assist shoppers. “We have honest women here to help find the best choice for you,” says Moscato who strives to take the stress out of shopping. “We are in the age group, and we can relate to each other and know what is best for your body type.”

Ninety-five percent of the items in the store are imported from Europe. “I bring quality clothes that will last in their wardrobe for years to come,” says Moscato. “Everybody has a budget and are watching their pennies as everything is so expensive now. I want to make sure I bring good clothes to these women.”

The team at Styles Fonthill is always on the forefront of fashion trends and women’s needs. “Fashion is all over the map. You can wear whatever you want,” says Moscato. “After covid all the designers thought it would pan out like the roaring twenties and being in their track pants for so long women would want to get dressed up in heels and sparkles and go out,” says Moscato. “Women are looking for nice clothes that are comfortable.” Moscato says comfort is still the number one priority for shoppers. “The dress down vibe is still happening. They want to be comfortable and look great,” says Moscato.

“Denim is still going strong,” says Moscato who suggests wearing a white button-down shirt and blazer with your jeans. “Blazers can be oversized or structured and big shoulder pads are still in.” A pair of cargo paints and maxi skirts are also big trends for the fall along with a cozy sweater. “Bold colours are still going strong for the fall as well as pastels and neutrals. Black and white is having a huge comeback,” says Moscato.

For a night out Moscato recommends the following, “There are a lot of options right now. Nice fitting jeans paired with a beautiful satin ruffled blouse or a cool white cotton blouse or a blazer. A pair of vegan leather pants with a nice sweater or a sweater dress with boots,” says Moscato. Moscato gives this advice to individuals about to embark on a closet clean out. “What is in the closet from last year is still good. I don’t recommend wearing something for one season then throwing it out. Never get rid of those investment pieces because the quality is always there, they will come back in style. Even if it is not the latest trend you can always update it,” says Moscato who suggests updating a pencil skirt and button-down shirt with a new pair of shoes. Styles Fonthill has an environmentally friendly policy when it comes to business. “We order from responsible companies that are environmentally conscious. They are not cutting lots of the same print that will end up in a landfill somewhere,” says Moscato. “Especially right now with what is going on in the world.”

Moscato also sells a small lot of simple classic jewellery. “Everything is hand picked by me and made by local artists.

They are unique pieces you will not find in any other boutique,” says Moscato.

After a successful year in business, Moscato is pleased with the progress she has made. “I have been really blessed. We sold out of our first season and our fall and winter seasons,” says Moscato adding that she is almost sold out of her summer stock.

First impressions mean everything to Moscato as the store is decorated with a wall of inspirational fashion icons. “I have Coco Chanel, Rhianna, Cher, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Sarah Jessica Parker, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Hilary Clinton, Michelle Obama, and of course Harry Styles, who the store is named after,” says Moscato. “My daughter is a huge fan and Harry is a style icon.”

What’s next for Styles Fonthill? “We are working on a website where customers can shop online and I am hoping to have it launched by October,” says Moscato who is already shipping items across Canada through the success of the store’s Instagram page.

Moscato enjoys seeing the satisfaction that her clothing brings to women. “It doesn’t matter if a woman is a size two or 14, women are never happy with their bodies,” says Moscato. “The term retail therapy is for real. Women come in here to feel good, and we have a good time in the store. I look at them as they are my friends coming into my closet.”

10 Highway 20, Fonthill, Ontario t: (905) 414-4784 • e: stylesfonthill@gmail.com

“We