Real Style with Sarrah of show&tell Fashion

October 20, 2014

Blazer: Baily 44 – Jeans: Black Orchid – Tee: CHRLDR – Shoes: Zara

Before moving to Montreal, I had no clue what a strong fashion industry the city had. From talented local designers to some killer shopping destinations, the city is also home to some of the premier distribution agencies in Canada. I was recently introduced to one of these agencies and the talented woman behind it. Sarrah is not only super sweet but she also has a killer eye. This has made for a serious roster of clients that she reps through her agency, show&tell. I also admire Sarrah, she’s built a successful business while balancing a happy home-life with her husband and two adorable little boys.

This past week I visited Sarrah at the show&tell showroom where I had a chance to hunt through the racks of not only FW14 clothing but also SS15 goodies as well. In between playing dress up, Sarrah and I chatted all things fashionable and she even offered up some great tips for succeeding in a difficult but fabulous industry.

Jacket: gypsy 05 – Bag: Celine – Boots: Chanel

Tell us a bit about show&tell:

S&T is a bi-coastal fashion distribution company (1 office in MTL + 1 in Vancouver) that brings some of the most sought after clothing, accessory and shoe labels from the USA, Europe and Australia to Canada. My business partner Bret, who runs our west coast office, and I founded the company in late 2008 and we have been building our brand ever since. The company is basically like my third child.

After working for many years for other distribution companies, I wanted more. I was always a hard worker and treated everywhere I worked on like it was my own BUT I had a passion and drive to start my own company. I wanted to work closer with my customers and the brands I distributed, treat them like partners and grow brands strategically over time. That is my main goal at S&T, it’s something that my team and I are constantly trying to do to set ourselves apart from the rest.

Shirt: Bella Dahl

Who is the S&T customer:

We sell to stores from Halifax to Vancouver Island. We also sell to everyone from major retailers like Holt Renfrew, the Bay, Simons, and now Nordstroms to all the key contemporary clothing and shoes stores across the country. Our end customer is female, fashion conscious, and anywhere from 18-50 but it really depends on the store and the location. I love that I can help women of all ages look and feel good everyday.

What are some of your favorite trends for winter:

I love LOVE fall clothes and accessories like big sweaters, cozy cashmere scarves, and boots. This fall I am feeling edgy athletic meets girly OR sporty Girl Chic — pairing unconventionally; a skirt with a pair of vintage kicks, a bomber jacket with a ladylike bag. I’m also loving the menswear inspired trends; a great pair of fitted pants or distressed jeans, moto boots and a feminine blazer, or classic buttoned up shirt.

You have 48 hours in Montreal, how do you spend it:

I would definitely want to get in some workouts, I love Pilates and Cadence cycle. A few dinners with Greg, my husband, we are often seen eating at Liverpool House, one of our favorites. I would want to go to the markets and hang out with my kids, see girlfriends, family… I am usually pretty laid back.

Necklace: Maya Bremner (the three letters are for my three boys, my husband and two sons) – Gold Rings: A mix of Shopbop, Bettyray, and Right Hand Gal

What is the best piece of advice you received when starting your own business:

The best advise I got was from my dad and husband, they both had encouraged me to start my our company for years but advised me that timing is everything. They motivated me to find a well suited partner, someone who complimented me and vice versa. Once I knew the time was right, it was game on.