Welcome to Suede & Shade
Where style meets motherhood with a chic twist! We're Sara Ballantyne and Steph Pagliaro, identical twins from Ottawa with a shared vision of blending minimalist home decor and modern fashion into the lives of moms everywhere.
Sara Ballantyne - Co-Founder & Fashion Stylist
Hey there! I'm Sara, one-half of the unstoppable mamas duo 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.
I’m not just a fashion enthusiast; 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!
Steph Pagliaro - Co-Founder & Home Decor Expert
Hello! I'm Stephanie, the other half of this twin duo. Over the past decade, my passion for home decor has blossomed, transforming spaces into beautiful, kid-friendly, and functional homes. As a mom to two wonderful kids and a devoted wife, I understand the need for a home that’s chic, practical, and affordable - mostly!
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. When I'm not busy with decor plans, you can find me enjoying family time in our backyard pool, embracing the joys of motherhood and sunny days. My approach to home decor is all about making spaces speak your style while being utterly livable for those little feet running around.
Suede and Shade - Our Philosophy
As twins, we share many similarities, yet our passions in fashion and home decor set us apart, adding a unique flair to Suede and Shade. We believe in affordable, curated, and chic living, where modern minimalism meets everyday motherhood. Our goal is to help you decorate 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 Our Name!
At Suede and Shade, our name is not just a title, it's a reflection of our 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. We're not shy about sharing our 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 us a follow on Instagram and say HELLO, we can’t wait to meet you.
Love, Sara & Steph!
