The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Calgary Stampede in July 2011. Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage.
Looking for inspiration for a 2012 trip to Canada? Take a page from the whirlwind itinerary of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. (more…)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Calgary Stampede in July 2011. Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage.
Looking for inspiration for a 2012 trip to Canada? Take a page from the whirlwind itinerary of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. (more…)
Find Ottawa's Forever 21 downtown at the Rideau Centre.
In September, fashionistas’ wishes were granted when Forever 21 opened its first store in Ottawa (and a two-storey one at that!). Known for carrying runway-inspired fashions, it’s a favourite amongst hipsters, bargain hunters, and girly girls. With a price range that spans $1 to $65, you can try out trendy pieces without breaking the bank, so you don’t have to worry if they only last a season. With plenty of ruffles, animal prints, and vibrant colours in their arsenal, this is just the place to pick up your New Year’s Eve outfit. Rideau Centre, 50 Rideau St., 613-233-0423.
Cute and colourful puffer jacket by Joe Fresh
Keep Cozy
All signs point to a cold West Coast winter—thanks, La Niña. Cut through the chill with a brightly coloured puffer jacket by Joe Fresh ($49, pictured). This down-filled coat comes with a matching bag to keep it packed away—sleeping-bag style—until the weather takes a turn for the worse. —Jennifer Patterson
More information:
JOE FRESH STORE 540 Granville St. 604-681-4200. www.joe.ca
Image courtesy of Noel Zinger
With over 600 eclectic, independent and alternative shops and services to explore, it’s little wonder Old Strathcona is regarded as the place to experience Edmonton’s finest live theatre and music, boutique shopping, dining and nightlife. Read on for some of our top spots in this historical district and then visit www.oldstrathcona.ca for even more. (more…)
Bright prints are a hallmark of Versace, which collaborates on a collection with H&M in November
Flamboyant Fashion
Swedish hot shop H&M takes us on a trip to Italy with its most recent designer collaboration: Versace. And this iconic fashion house isn’t playing it safe; it’s opened up the vault and brought back to life some signature outrageous prints (including the silk bustier and trousers, pictured). For men: fitted jackets with elaborate gold detailing and green leopard print, and studded leather pants. For women: silk and leather mini dresses, and two-tone leggings. Line up with the legion of devoted fans and collectors for the collection launch on Nov. 19.—Jennifer Patterson
More information:
H&M
Pacific Centre, 609 Granville St. 604-692-0308.
Coquitlam Centre, 2929 Barnet Hwy., Coquitlam. 604-945-2781.
Lougheed Town Centre, 9855 Austin Ave., Burnaby. 604-420-2470.
www.hm.com
The Room at The Bay
Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu, Roland Mouret, Charlotte Olympia and Azzedine Alaïa. If the mere mention of these five designer labels leaves you feeling faint, then The Room at The Bay is the place for you. This 2,100-sq-m (23,000-sq-ft) store-within-a-store carries covetable clothing, jewellery and footwear, all prominently displayed in a pristine, super-chic setting. Another reason to stop by: Erdem’s nine-piece collection, exclusive to The Bay—be still my beating heart.—Jennifer Patterson
More information:
THE BAY Canada’s oldest department store features fashions for the home and family, as well as Canadian gift items and everyday essentials. High-fashion area The Room features pieces by Armani, Erdem and others. The heritage department stocks the iconic point blankets, outerwear and collectibles. 674 Granville St. at Georgia. 604-681-6211. www.thebay.com
Ooh la la, a cashmere travel set from the HBC Collection.
Show off your Canadian pride (whether you’re Canadian or not) with the HBC Collection. This signature line from the Hudson’s Bay Company offers a range of high-end items that boast the multicoloured stripes synonymous with the brand (we love this cashmere travel set, $350). The collection also features collaborations with a variety of designers, such as Smythe, Steven Alan, Caroline Fur, and Harry Barker, for products that range from apparel to fur accessories to pet products. The Bay, Rideau Centre, 73 Rideau St., 613-241-7511, and St. Laurent Centre, 1200 St. Laurent Blvd., 613-748-6105.
Black and white suit by Nanette Lepore at Swank.
Unless you’re trying to revive Annie Hall, no woman wants to look like a man, even when she’s wearing a suit. Thankfully, today’s professional female can dress the part without forfeiting her femininity.
At Swank (pictured), the suit gets a flirty makeover with a Nanette Lepore retro-inspired pencil skirt complete with back-panel pleats in knobby black-and-white wool. Pair with a matching jacket with 3/4 length-sleeves. 1170 Taylor Ave, 475-1671.
Inside Danali, sharp shoulders, leather detailing at the collar, and cuffed, wide-legged pants by Robert Rodriguez mean business. Wear it with a bordeaux-hued blouse for another twist. 100-530 Kenaston Blvd, 489-0577.
An eclectic mix of Canadian designer wear populates the racks at Girl Candy Shop, where edgy separates make the working woman. Think cargo pants, leather skirts, and sweaters and tops embellished with beads, bows and a smattering of sequins. 918 Grosvenor Ave, 975-4605.
Every woman dreams about a Chanel suit. At Second Sensation those dreams come true at a fraction of the price. This upscale consignment store stocks designer office duds by Anne Klein, Armani and Nygard, among others. Pair with Prada or Coach shoes to complete the look. 725 Corydon Ave, 475-0457.
At Luxe Label, the “Jackie O” dress by Black Halo, with its figure-flattering front panels, skinny belt and asymmetrical collar, is the definition of office chic. 1693 Corydon Ave, 451-1415.
Marilou Moles is the founder and creative director of Twenty York Street, a local fashion and lifestyle blog. Here, we get her thoughts on Ottawa’s style scene.
Marilou Moles from Twenty York Street. Photo credit: Jose Perez-Alvarez.
What role does fashion have in shaping a city?
It inspires creativity and self-expression! Fashion is global; when you take home pieces from different parts of the world — whether through travels or local stores — it enhances that city’s identity, if only through the medium of fashion.
What are your favourite places to shop?
I’m a huge fan of Banana Republic and the Rideau Centre. I also love local brands Kania and Miikali, and accessories from frAsh by Isobel Walker!
What’s your favourite neighbourhood for shopping?
I love the ByWard Market. It has everything, including clothes, shoes, gourmet food, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and — when you get hungry after shopping — lots of cafés and restaurants to choose from. Though the Glebe also houses fantastic spas and stores like Thann.
What Ottawa store is a hidden gem?
Everyone is gushing about Roadtrip right now because it has a fantastic selection and most items are under $100!
How would you describe Ottawa’s style to someone who’s not from here?
Evolving. The city’s style is definitely a superb representation of its multicultural and multi-disciplinary citizens. Though the weather — especially in the winter — is a huge factor, Ottawa has its own unique style identity. You’ve got the classic dressers, preppy, sexy glam, hip-hop, eclectic street style, and the downright wacky!
Read more from Marilou at www.twentyyork.com.
Le Pliage handbag by Longchamp Paris
Master the art of French dressing with the Le Pliage handbag by Longchamp Paris. These foldable nylon carriers, available at Betty Hemmings Leathergoods, make perfect travel totes and come in several sizes. Dreary autumn days may be ahead, but the line’s rich fall colours, such as peacock and grape (pictured), will brighten the season. C’est parfait.—Kristina Urquhart
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