Local Looks, Freshly Picked: A Spring Style Q&A With Willowbrook’s Alyssa Short

Spring is in full swing—and so is your wardrobe refresh. To help Metro Vancouver shoppers navigate the season in style, Willowbrook Shopping Centre has launched a curated Spring Style Guide led by in-house style expert Alyssa Short. With over a decade of experience in the fashion world, Alyssa brings her approachable, real-life lens to the latest looks from brands like Uniqlo, Winners, and Boathouse. In this Q&A, we chat with Alyssa about seasonal trends, her favourite picks, and how to build easy, elevated outfits that go from market strolls to mimosas. —Noa Nichol

What was your main inspiration behind curating the 2025 Spring Style Guide for Willowbrook, and what vibe were you hoping to capture?

Our main inspiration for the 2025 Spring Style Guide was to create a snapshot of trends that master the art of self-expression in a way that resonates with the day-to-day life of our guests and clients. We drew inspo from the spring/summer runway collections and looked to incorporate high level trends that caught our eye: sport-luxe, leopard print, wallpaper florals – all the good stuff.

With so many retailers to choose from, how did you go about selecting the standout pieces featured this season?

It really was a “boots on the ground” exercise of popping into our retailers, chatting with sales associates to get the scoop on what was new and amazing and ultimately placing ourselves in the shoes of our guests – their lifestyles – imaging which pieces could elevate their style this season.

Which current spring trends do you think are the easiest for shoppers to incorporate into their everyday wardrobes?

1. Colour. From this Spring’s butter yellows to the re-introduction of the primary colour palette, taking a step away from the safety of neutrals is the easiest way to make your mark this Spring.
2. Pattern. Maybe it’s all the prints spotted in White Lotus, but Spring is the BEST time to play with pattern, from floral to stripes, you can’t go wrong.

You’ve worked in fashion for over a decade—how do you think personal style in Metro Vancouver has evolved over the years?

Style is ever evolving. What I see now that I love, is that there are less rules. Sneakers replace heels, athleisure can be paired with luxury items. I see a playfulness that is so refreshing. It really allows personal style to be an expression that mixes function with the “art” of fashion.

Many shoppers are looking for versatile pieces right now. What’s your favourite example from the guide that can be easily dressed up or down?

Versatility is important. The leather jacket from Aldila gets top marks for it. Its soft leather gives that “lived-in” vibe that adds such cool factor. Paired with a form fitting dress & heals or with joggers, a tank & sneakers, it’s a style staple.

How does local lifestyle influence the pieces you picked, especially when it comes to dressing for spring weather in Langley?

It’s an exciting time for Langley; we are experiencing growth at breakneck speed. From new restaurants to new developments to new families moving here. Our community works hard, plays hard and – hopefully – rests well too. In the Spring Style Guide, we aimed to highlight pieces that cover off all aspects of that dynamic lifestyle. And, yes, our weather is unpredictable…. I always recommend layers for Spring on the West Coast!

Can you share a styling tip that you think instantly elevates a simple spring outfit?

Brand new (or well cared-for) footwear. You can tell a lot about someone from their shoes… let’s just say I’m not mad about the fact that Willowbrook has 9 shoes stores and is also welcoming DSW later this year!

What role do accessories play in the looks you styled, and what’s one accessory trend you’re loving for spring?

We had a lot of fun pulling the accessories for the guide. Handbags and clutches can make great statements and are an easy way to update your existing looks. We are leaning into the gold trend, you’ll see elements of it peppered throughout the guide, to add pre-summer warmth to any outfit.

Willowbrook has such a diverse mix of brands—how does that variety shape the shopping experience you envision for customers?

Willowbrook has become the centre of retail in Langley and it’s very cool to see the diversity that comes with that. We love that families can shop here and literally find something for everyone.

Last but not least, which look or piece from the guide is your personal favourite, and how would you style it for a spring brunch date

I am obsessed with the Prada sunglasses from LensCrafters. A solid pair of sunnies can elevate any look. (And just make you feel cool!) For brunch I would style them with a flowy skirt and a bomber. I’ll be the one with the mimosa in THE COURTYARD patio!