Welcome to Suede & Shade
Where style meets motherhood with a chic twist! I’m Sara Ballantyne a mom of two young kids from Ottawa. I have a passion for modern trendy fashion and a love for minimal home decor. I’m here to make every mom feel fabulous and confident, one stylish step at a time!
Sara Ballantyne - Founder & Fashion Stylist
Hey there! I'm Sara, the mama behind Suede and Shade. As a mother of two adorable kids, Theo and Stella, and a wife with Italian roots, my journey in the world of fashion has been anything but ordinary. My love for fashion is deeply rooted in my desire to empower moms to feel great in their outfits, blending functionality with style. I am tired of seeing the same outfits being pushed online. I want mothers to feel good in what they wear and embracing their unique style so they stand out with confidence.
My passion for home decor has blossomed over the years, transforming spaces into beautiful, kid-friendly, and functional homes. Helping friends and family pick the perfect decor pieces has been more than just a hobby; it's been a fulfilling journey of creating welcoming spaces. While I frequently seek advice from friends and enlist the expertise of professional designers, I'm not claiming to be a home decor expert myself. However, I bring a lot of value to the table with my genuine insights and honest opinions. So, if you're in search of someone who can offer a sincere perspective, you've found her—I'm your girl.
I’m also a children’s book author and the founder of Unstoppable Mama, a lifestyle blog and content creator sharing her daily finds. My life is a colourful canvas of curated photos, heartfelt stories about motherhood, and a blog where I share everything from toddler-friendly recipes to craft ideas. My approach is real, unfiltered, and always stylish. If you love to shop, you can check out my Amazon Store or follow me on Instagram @unstoppable.mama.
When summer rolls around, you can find me soaking up the sun and making memories at the cottage. It's all about living life in style, one fabulous outfit at a time!
Suede and Shade - Philosophy
I believe in affordable, curated, and chic living, where modern minimalism meets everyday motherhood. My goal is to help you style your home with a clean, kid-friendly aesthetic and feel confident and stylish in your everyday outfits. It's not just about the look; it's about the lifestyle.
About The Name!
At Suede and Shade, our name is not just a title, it's a reflection of ideas and style. 'Suede,' a soft leather for one, is a symbol of timeless beauty and versatility in fabric. Suede represents our commitment to guiding you towards embracing new trends and styles with confidence. Just as suede adds a touch of adaptability to fashion and decor, we aim to inspire you to explore and integrate fresh, chic elements into your lifestyle - we just might sway you to try new things!
'Shade,' on the other hand, is a nod to the diverse textures and hues that bring life and character to home furnishings and clothing. It embodies our dedication to offering a spectrum of styles that cater to your unique taste. Moreover, 'Shade' is a playful acknowledgment of our approach to authenticity. Here, we are not shy about sharing candid opinions on what works and what doesn't, ensuring you get real advice for real life.
Together, Suede and Shade symbolize our journey: a blend of softness and strength, elegance and honesty. We're here to guide you through the world of home decor and fashion, encouraging you to find your own style. Join us at Suede and Shade, where we add a touch of sass in every aspect of home and lifestyle.
Give Suede & Shade a follow on Instagram and say HELLO, I can’t wait to meet you!
Love, Sara!
