Lisa Powell

Personal Fashion Consultant. Vancouver, British Columbia

Lisa takes the nerdy, shy, style-deprived men of western Canada and turns them into well-dressed, confident men. Lisa started Evolving Fashion, Inc., a men's image and makeover consultant company to style and prepare men for whatever life throws at them. Her irreverent wit and quirky nature provided us with some off-beat and insightful suggestions for guys.

BBG:  How did you get into your current line of work?

LP:  I met this guy who was a totally geek, and had no clue how to dress. He finally persuaded me to go out with him, and after months of avoiding letting him meet my friends, I decided something had to be done. I started helping him pick more appropriate clothing, than bang, all of a sudden he was smoking. As it turns out, I have a knack for making men hot!

BBG: It sounds like you enjoy your work.

LP:  My life is consumed by shopping and consulting with men on how to dress. I can honestly say I am living the dream. Not only do I get to spend other people’s money, but I get to witness an unforgettable transformation in my clients: from shy, insecure, and timid, to confident, secure, and solid. Not all progress the same way, but throughout all of my clients, I have seen them have more success, make more meaningful connections, and get laid a hell of a lot more!

BBG:  What things or people inspire your personal style?

LP:  I am inspired by sexy, edgy fashion. I like things that push the envelope a bit, but maintain class and elegance. David Beckham  (ya, I know, who doesn’t love this guy) and Ashton Kutcher, I feel, are terrific male icons (even though they are probably dressed by their women -- shocking!!)

BBG:  What or who introduced you to style? What prompted to you seek it out?

LP:  I have been into fashion since I came out of the womb. When they wrapped me in the pink blanket I was like, “ummm, excuse me, I don’t like pastels!”. Like most 80’s children, I loved Madonna (before she become so angry) and the Bangles. Through the 90’s, I was heavily influenced by “hot blonds” in Hollywood, (Le Femme Nikita? ya, she’s smokin’).  At an early age, I began to design and make my own clothing. Embarrassingly enough, it was because I couldn’t find anything revealing or sexy enough for my flat, 13-year old body. Ever since I wore my first tube dress, I was hooked. I remember the horrified looks of my parents as I strutted around, the “she is such a diva” stares plastered across their faces.

BBG:  Is how people look important to you? Why?

I think it’s very important to project a positive image. You don’t make friends being bitchy and negative; you want to be surrounded by fun and positive people. I guess I like to be seen in the same light that I like to see others.  I feel there is nothing wrong with wanting to look good. I’ve come across people who don’t feel like they deserve to look good. Holy jumping man, everyone deserves to look great (and experience the fun that comes with it)!  So yes, how people look is important to me because I make the effort so should they.

BBG:  Do clothes make the man or do manners make the man?

Both. Without manners, you are good only for the bedroom (even still, if you can’t let her “go first” you may not even get second chance). Clothes are really important, too. It’s the beauty of a flower that initially attracts us, but the intoxicating scent that keeps up coming back. Looking good helps bring people in to experience what a wonderful personality you have.

BBG:  What sort of behavior do you see too much of and what would say to young men about it?

I see a lot of arrogance towards other humans, and disrespect for the natural environment. I saw I guy litter the other day, so I strode up to him and told him off. Unbelievably, he told me to “shut the @%*# up” and walked away. Ok, so maybe I didn’t handle it right, but what gives him the right to dispose of his garbage as if the public street is his own personal trash bin? I can honestly say that littering makes me violent! I think we all need to recognize that as the global population increases, our personal space decreases. If we can’t get along here, then how the hell are we ever going to be able to accomplish any sort of world peace? Stay tuned for my Miss America acceptance speech. . . .

BBG:  What unique tip(s) can you offer to help make for a Better Guy?

LP:  Take pride in yourself no matter what you look like, what you, do or what you have done. Dressing well is the fastest and easiest way to feel good about yourself right now. You are insane to think it won’t affect your day if you look good or not. And, don’t buy cheap suits, we can all tell that they are cheap, indicating that you have no clue. We're just too polite to say anything.

BBG: What you think is sexy in a guy?

LP:  Everything. Confidence, intelligence, being able to laugh (no, you don’t have to be funny, you just have to be able to laugh…I’ll be funny for both of us if I have to!). I won’t pretend that a hot body doesn’t hurt, but I used to be a personal trainer, so I am open to those willing to work out…..does this read like a personals ad?

BBG:  If you could do one thing, anywhere in the world without constraints, what would it be?.

LP:  You know those thingies that touch glass and shattered it instantly? I would run rampant downtown Vancouver shattering all the glass. Smashy, smahy! (HEY, you did say no constraints).

BBG: If you could have a conversation with one person, who would it be?

LP:  Garth Brooks. I’d ask him why the hell he wrote “In Another Eyes” then was surprised when he got busted cheating!! Also, I am in love with Matthew Perry. I’d just want him to know I would have loved him fat (in rehab) or skinny (addicted to pain killers). You wanted something more profound eh…sorry!

BBG:  What’s your favorite room in your place? Why?

Oooh, that’s a toughy! It’s a close call between the change room at my favorite store (a lot of beautiful things are found there) and my living room. I have the comfiest couch ever. Just ask my roommate, Greg.

BBG:  What do you do/where do you go for fun?

Fun, who needs to leave the house! I do all sorts of silly stuff. I do love to break things and throw things out the window (not out of the car of course that would be dangerous and bad for the environment). This one time I was housesitting for my dad for about 3 months, and I got into the habit of chucking my rotting fruit over the balcony.  When he returned, I got a ragging email about all the fruit carcasses rotting in his backyard….they were supposed to decompose…damn preservatives getting me in trouble!

BBG:  Who's your favorite band?

Band, isn’t it all electric these days? Kidding, I do love electronic music though. My old roommate used to rip on my saying I could sleep to house music….I can too. I love country music (hence the mention of good ole Garth above). The Tragically Hip have always made me want to party too (Oh Canada indeed).

BBG:  Monica Belluci or Gong Li?

I’d be lying if I said I cared for either, but I’ll go with Belluci because she seems like a total diva!