- Story and photography by Lia Crowe
After 36 years, Donna Anderson has passed the glowing torch that is to her daughter-in-law, Rebecca Burrows. When Rebecca first arrived in Victoria from Winnipeg at age 19, Donna was the first person to give her a job. As DonnaB次元官网网址檚 employee for 10 years and her daughter-in-law for 18, RebeccaB次元官网网址檚 professional life has taken her in different directions, but fashion has always been her passion and Hughes has remained very close to her heart.
As I meet Rebecca at Hughes to chat about life and style, IB次元官网网址檓 greeted with warmth and a glowing sense of humour. IB次元官网网址檓 not surprised to learn that she was a professional ballet dancer as she has that B次元官网网址渕ajor powerhouse in a petite packageB次元官网网址� energy.
Until last January, Rebecca owned the Bleue Coyote Bar & Grill in Brentwood Bay for 11 years. B次元官网网址淚 thought I would retire, but that lasted three weeks,B次元官网网址� Rebecca laughs. So the opportunity to purchase Hughes Clothing presented itself and all the pieces fell into place. Rebecca officially took over as owner this fall. Asked what has surprised her the most about being back at Hughes after 14 years, she says, B次元官网网址淚 was struck by how much I have changed since the last time I worked here. How much mellower I am, how much more comfortable I am in my skin. I have never been this happy and content in my life.B次元官网网址� Now 43, Rebecca is the mother of three children and two stepchildren, ranging in age from 7 to 13, so I ask her what is the most important life lesson sheB次元官网网址檚 learned since 40? B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 to keep my circle small. Back in my 20s and 30s it was about quantity. But in the last few years itB次元官网网址檚 been about keeping my circle small, quality over quantity with everything. With relationships and even clothing and shoes. Keep it small. Why would I need more? ItB次元官网网址檚 important to have a solid circle of people around you.B次元官网网址�
Asked how she sees the business moving forward, she says,B次元官网网址淚 have big shoes to fill, but my husband keeps reminding me that I donB次元官网网址檛 need to fill anyoneB次元官网网址檚 shoes, that I have different shoes. So IB次元官网网址檓 not looking to change Hughes, IB次元官网网址檓 just looking to pivot, put my feel on it. The store is Donna, it has been Donna for 36 years. IB次元官网网址檓 not looking to take Donna out of it, IB次元官网网址檓 just looking to inject Rebecca into it. Bring in a few classic lines that I know and love and that I think will fit well in whatB次元官网网址檚 here already.B次元官网网址�
FASHION & BEAUTY
All-time favourite piece: Black cocktail dress.
Currently coveting: .
Favourite pair of shoes: .
Favourite day-bag: B次元官网网址淢y classic black leather Prada bag; canB次元官网网址檛 go wrong.B次元官网网址�
Favourite work tool: B次元官网网址淢y heart. Everything I do in business comes from my heart.B次元官网网址�
Favourite jewellery piece or designer: B次元官网网址淭he three diamond intertwined circles on my necklace, symbolizing my kids and that bond I share with them. Next is a pair of TiffanyB次元官网网址檚 studs.B次元官网网址�
Fashion obsession: B次元官网网址淪weaters! I have so many and I cannot stop buying them!B次元官网网址�
Accessory you spend the most money on: B次元官网网址淪hoes and purses for sure! I remember saving up for my first Prada handbag.B次元官网网址�
Necessary indulgence for either fashion or beauty: B次元官网网址淪plurge! You only live once. IB次元官网网址檝e always loved fashion and when I wear that special piece that makes me feel on the outside how IB次元官网网址檓 feeling on the inside, I know it works.B次元官网网址�
Moisturizer: Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel by Beautycounter.
Scent: Eternity by Calvin Klein. B次元官网网址淭hat fragrance just works for me. My husband knows when I walk into a room before he even sees me.B次元官网网址�
Must-have hair product: B次元官网网址淢y hair blow dryer which is TiffanyB次元官网网址檚 blue! IB次元官网网址檓 a sucker for that colour.B次元官网网址�
Beauty secret: B次元官网网址淟ess is more. I donB次元官网网址檛 wear makeup. Putting makeup on for this shoot was work enough!B次元官网网址�
STYLE INSPIRATION/LIFE
Style icon: Audrey Hepburn.
Favourite artist: Degas.
Piece of art: Local, DebraK.
Favourite fashion designer or brand: B次元官网网址淭here are so many and very mood dependent! Right now, I would say , and .B次元官网网址�
Favourite Musician: B次元官网网址淭ough one! The Smiths.B次元官网网址�
Era that inspires your style: B次元官网网址�1960s, for sure.B次元官网网址�
Film that inspires your style: Breakfast at TiffanyB次元官网网址檚.
Favourite local restaurant: .
Favourite Cocktail/Wine: B次元官网网址� are simply the best.B次元官网网址�
Album on current rotation: Depeche Mode, Violator.
Favourite Flower: Tulips.
Favourite city to visit: Maui.
Favourite Hotel:
Favourite App: B次元官网网址淛eopardy B次元官网网址� nerd alert!B次元官网网址�
Favourite place in the whole world: B次元官网网址淎t home with my family.B次元官网网址�
READING MATERIAL
Fave Print magazine: Vanity Fair.
Fave style blog: Hello Fashion Blog.
Coffee table book/photography book: Dior: The Art of Color by Jerry Stafford, Marc Ascoli and Richard Bernard Burbridge.
Last great read: Becoming by Michelle Obama.
Book currently reading: Guess Who by Chris McGeorge.
Favourite book of all time: Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert.
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Story courtesy of , a Black Press Media publication
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