Two levels beneath the stage at Varsity Theater, Haley Blais had almost recovered from food poisoning. She thinks it happened eating an impossible burger that could have been possible. After playing through a couple nights of it and feasting on apples and LaCroix, Haley had recouped and was ready to open for her Vancouver friends, Peach Pit.
Haley has been DIY-ing it since 2014, recording her defiant bedroom pop anthems well, in her bedroom. Her debut studio album Below the Salt deals with a coming of age when there’s no big real defining moment of that transition. Rather that our coming of age are filled with hundreds of instances that we can recognize and learn from. In those moments those lessons become part of us, layered on and carried throughout life. Ironically, our discussion about fashion tie back to growing up and finding that hazy identity becoming clearer.
Haley grew up outside of Vancouver, Canada. She shares that the fashion in the city is very obvious, even joking that being on this tour and looking at the demographic of Peach Pit fans align entirely with her style.
“It’s like young adults that all look they’re from my neighborhood. People who wear cuff jeans. It’s very specific in Vancouver, but it’s weirdly following us wherever we go. I’m being haunted by the hip youth of East Vancouver.”
She remembers as a kid really liking Avril Lavigne, which meant wearing basketball shorts and tank tops all the time. Then when she turned 12, it was more about blending in and wearing whatever was safely normal so she wouldn’t noticed. Growing up with an older brother that was very tall and a mother that was 5’2”, she didn’t get hand me down clothes. Instead she went to her dad’s closet to get big oversized t-shirts. The theme of baggy, comfortable clothes has stuck with Haley. As with any coming of age, there was then a shift that emerged where Haley tried to stand out more.
“So I started wearing really weird eclectic things, collecting them from the thrift store. I was getting different things with people’s names on it. I loved shirts that said like ‘Simon’ and necklaces that said ‘Carol.’ That was me trying to figure out who I was through these other people, I guess.”
We’ve been able to witness Haley go through many of these coming of age situations on YouTube. She’s posted for the past 8 years videos of her vegan lifestyle, thrift hauls, how to do bangs, skin routine products, and musical collaborations, all the while to a faithful group of 169k followers.
Her latest post, released just before the start of the tour signifies another stage in her life, new music. A video for “Coolest f*cking b*tch in town” deals with going through changes and needing affirmation, slowly bubbling up into a chant of self-confidence. All of this between sips out of a flask and peeking at an iPhone.
Now sitting in front of the famous jean jacket from that video, which she stole from her boyfriend for the tour, Haley hints it’s a staple for the new upcoming album.
Her red Converse high tops purchased two weeks into the pandemic, wide legged jeans, and sleeveless black lettuce collared tee shirt round out the look.
Her grandma gave her a small gold heart ring when she was a baby. Haley’s worn it on for almost 20 years as its outgrown every other finger. The pinky being the last finger it fits on. The tinted Aviators complete the look, another piece from the music video.
On having fashion icons:
“My fashion sense definitely leans more androgynous or masculine. I really like blazers and suits and denim and white t-shirt and jeans. So maybe like Brad Pitt in the 80’s. I don't know if I ever thought of having a fashion icon. I just kinda like see something as someones passing by and I'm like, ‘Ooh I gotta try that.’”
Haley shares that she’s definitely a thrifter and visits Value Village a lot. Everyone she knows try to be sustainable queens and stray away from fast fashion in big box stores. Labeling her style as thrift store couture chic, Haley reveals some insider tips at shopping. The women’s section is very limiting for her and she has found much better quality in the men’s section. When you’re shopping used clothing, you have to forget about the size on the tag as clothes shrink over the years. Shift your thinking into what fits you best and don’t worry about a number.
Another perk of thrifting is the ability to constantly rotate your closet. Affordability means you can drop off a bag to donate, park, and go in to shop for replacements. This swiveling door of outfits means you can try things out, layer differently, and not feel stuck on an item you spent a ton of money on.
The style of the tour also has some influential connections. As a huge fan of David Byrne, Haley didn’t realize in packing a wide big blazer that she was most likely channeling him. She didn’t want the band to be too uniform, focusing more on an overall vibe. She wanted everyone to be comfortable on stage and wear what makes them feel good. The vibe being sexy office hours where it’s Friday and you’re ready to cut loose.
Hours later seeing Haley perform, her denim coat came off before launching into her new single. Coincidentally the one button on the front reading ‘Lee’ now strewn on stage. It was just another small moment of becoming closer to who she is.
Check out the links below for ways to follow Haley Blais and all the things we mentioned above.
Haley Blais Website- Instagram - YouTube - Below the Salt - Value Village
