Leone photo by KK Law
If the mention of Alexander McQueen and Prada sends your heart palpitating, make your way to Leone—celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Peruse the multi-level 2,320-sq-m (25,000-sq-ft) space on your own or book a personal shopping appointment. Upstairs, splurge on high-end fashions for the whole family, then head downstairs to the edgier L2 Leone for items from uber-popular Vince and Y-3 by Yohji Yamamoto.—Jennifer Patterson
Heritage-inspired silk scarves at The Bay
The Bay continues to delight both fashion fiends and collectors with the reimagined Hudson’s Bay Company Collection. An item sure to tempt history buffs is the historic-looking charter scarf (pictured, $125 each). Every one of these silk kerchiefs features an intricate sketch of Canadian history on an archive scroll—textbooks be damned—and comes in warm yellow, blue and red.—Jennifer Patterson
Tone and sculpt with The Bar Method
The holidays are over, but your expanded waistline—thanks to the extra slices of pumpkin pie—doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to disappear. Stick to your new year’s resolution and fight the fat with a class at The Bar Method. Each hour-long class uses techniques from yoga and Pilates, along with the ballet barre, for an all-around aerobic treat.—Jennifer Patterson
837 Beatty St., 604-681-6188, http://vancouver.barmethod.com
Photo courtesy of Grenier
Seductive Montreal-based lingerie company Grenier is sure to get any woman, and man for that matter, grinning from ear to ear. Their romantic line of corsets is the perfect little something to slip into to make even the most mundane of evenings special. The intricate lace detailing, detachable garters and front hooks make these bodices not only delightfully alluring, but practical as well. $116, available at Dawn’s Bra-tique.
Our winters are beautiful and blustery. Embrace style and comfort with a contemporary toque, beanie, cloche or cap from any one of these fine Winnipeg boutiques.
At Academy Road boutique Moulé (pictured), find a rich selection of fur, suede and leather ear-flap and aviator caps for both sexes by Winnipeg-based company Crowncap. Urban hipsters will relish a plaid ‘hunting’ hat or an on-trend hemp and wool knitted beanie by Coal. 443 Academy Rd, 204-488-1891.
Find stylish cloches and tams, fedoras, newsboy and bomber caps for men and women at The Haberdashery Guys and Girls. The Exchange District boutique stocks hats (and accessories) for any weather forecast. 84 Albert St, 204-256-3758.
At H’Attitude, more than 1,000 hats for men and women, including one-of-a-kinds and fascinators, line the walls. For an original, top up with a locally made Harris tweed hat. 2nd Floor, Portage Place, 204-943-4884.
Little-people-at-heart will go nuts for Knitwits, made-in-Canada cartoon-character toques (and matching mittens) at Global Connections. 2nd Floor, Johnston Terminal, Forks Market, 204-989-2173.
For state-of-the-art head warmers in the most technologically advanced fibres, check out Olympia Cycle and Ski. Thermal hats and back-country beanies by Salomon and Craft will withstand blasts of the frostiest winter winds. 1813 Portage Ave, 204-888-4586.
di erbe scrubs photo by Ian McCausland
Home of the Festival du Voyageur, St. Boniface is the historic hub of the Franco-Manitobain community. Today, it’s a thriving restaurant and commercial district where shoppers find unique products in neighbourhood boutiques. (more…)
Mika Lemm, owner of Young Janes, brings unique vintage looks to Ottawa.
Writer Melissa Schilz heads out to Dalhousie Street for an interview with Mika Lemm, the mastermind behind one of the city’s hot spots for second-hand shopping.
Searching for the perfect vintage shop can get tedious, especially if you’re new to the city. But look no more, the secret is out: Dalhousie Street is home to some of the most unique shops in Ottawa, including one special gem, Young Janes.
Owner Mika Lemm had her start in Manchester, U.K., back in 2006 when she opened her first shop, Chloe’s Closet (the psychology-student-turned-businesswoman says she worked in retail as a teenager and grew to love it). She then made her way to Ottawa and set up shop on Dalhousie in 2008. After a few years accumulating a whole lot of vintage stock in her small store — which became a haven for hipsters, vintage-lovers, girly-girls, and anyone who loves the hunt — she decided it was time for a change. She snagged the perfect space just a block away, closer to the epicenter of Dalhousie, which allowed the store to expand. It’s now garnering more traffic than ever. (more…)
Looking to indulge in a sweet treat that won’t add to your calorie count? Then unwrap Candy, the latest fragrance from luxury goods label Prada. The ever-so-appropriately named perfume mixes white musk top notes layered upon a sensual vanillic base, culminating in a warm crème caramel scent that is seductive and playful. The bottle is just as fun, with its pink detail reminiscent of Prada’s signature saffiano leather and Art Deco-like packaging, making this fragrance one of the most decadent shopping treasures you’ll find this winter. 50 ml and 100 ml. $96–$125, available at Sephora and Holt Renfrew.
Kitschy kitchen gear, hand-crafted, made-in-Winnipeg dolls and funky and fabulous stationery are just a few of the things that have made The Paper Gallery the go-to gift and greeting card store for 35 years. Personalized customer service keep shoppers coming back season after season. Owners Anne and Itzik Joudan (pictured)—who know many customers by name—are the heart of the business. The couple bought the store 15 years ago and moved it from its original Academy Road location to its current Corydon Avenue home five years ago. Today, the pair makes annual buying trips to gift shows in Toronto and New York where they shop with Winnipeggers in mind. “We buy fun but practical gifts,” Anne says. Indeed. From the oinking pig, chip-bag clip to the apron accessorized with a string of pearls, humour is present on every shelf. 1437 Corydon Ave, 204-488-2585, Map 2: D-3.
The newly renovated lululemon store in Westboro.
Yoga lovers, runners, and anyone who is looking to stick to their New Year’s resolutions should make a beeline for lululemon. This Canadian store made a name for itself with athletic apparel for men and women that is both fashionable and functional. Head over to the newly renovated Westboro location to stock up on hot products like the “Destined for Greatness Duffel,” the breezy “No Limits” tank, and other great gear for your sweaty pursuits. Two locations, 340 Richmond Rd., 613-761-1839, and Rideau Centre, 50 Rideau St., 613-230-6633.
Cashmere poncho by Eileen Fisher
Feminine Charm
The latest shop to join the boutique-filled neighbourhood of South Granville is Eileen Fisher. This opening marks the first Canadian store for the New York–based fashion company. The concept has always been the same: simple, high-quality women’s wear. For winter, look for holiday-ready dresses, structured coats and flattering sweaters (including the turtleneck poncho in merino cashmere, pictured).—Jennifer Patterson
More information:
EILEEN FISHER 2721 Granville St. 604-733-5225. www.eileenfisher.com
Cascade full-zip jacket by Icebreaker
Woolly Warmth
Brave the elements with a piece from Icebreaker, a New Zealand label that makes stylish and sustainable merino wool clothing. The store carries everything from tops and leggings to socks and outerwear in a range of wool weights. Clothes are breathable, fast-drying and machine-washable. New this season is the RealFleece collection of soft mid-layers (including the Cascade Full Zip, pictured).—Jessie Colgan
More information:
ICEBREAKER 2089 W. 4th Ave. 778-329-2710. www.icebreaker.com
Wool blankets by OLEANA, at Urbanity
When the weather outside is frightful, curl up with a super-soft blanket by Norwegian company OLEANA. These bright throws are made of merino wool (pictured) or alpaca and reference both Nordic culture and the Silk Road in their patterns. Stop by Urbanity to find OLEANA blankets, knitwear, silks and coats to perfect your Scandinavian style.—Kristina Urquhart
More information:
URBANITY 2412 Granville St. 604-801-6262. www.urbanity.ca
Ellerslie Gift & Garden is a holiday hotspot for finding that special something to slip under the tree. The shop is filled to the brim with whimsical gifts and home décor, like keepsake boxes, jewelry, glassware, weathervanes and so much more. For a timeless piece great for any season, pick up their Tree of Life decorative plate made with fired clay. The plate comes in a classic design and subtle colouring, offering a versatile accessory that will complement any household. $89.99, available at Ellerslie Gift & Garden.
Versace men's bag, at Leone
Fashionable Finds
Dior and Prada and Miu Miu, oh my! Find it all, plus runway-ready styles by labels such as Alexander McQueen and Roberto Cavalli, at Leone. The designer emporium stocks apparel and accessories for women, children and men, including this dapper Versace bag (pictured) for the stylish guy on your holiday gift list.—Kristina Urquhart
More information:
LEONE Sinclair Centre, 757 W. Hastings St. 604-683-1133. www.leone.ca
Graphic knits by Granted
Winter Wear
Cut the chill with an oh-so-cozy knit by Granted. This local, family-run label hand-knits each sweater with pure, new wool. Get decked out in woolly vests, zip-ups, ponchos and toques all adorned with charming prints such as deer, anchors, waves and whales. Don’t forget to grab a piece from the canine collection for your pooch, too. Shop online at www.grantedclothing.com or head to Gastown boutique Lynn Steven.—Jennifer Patterson
More information:
LYNN STEVEN 225 Carrall St. 604-899-0808. www.lynnsteven.com
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.
Image courtesy of sxc.hu
Looking for that perfect wine to pair with your holiday dinner? Or perhaps you’re in the market for a great drink to cosy up with next to the fire. Whatever you’re searching for, Bin 104 Fine Wine and Spirits offers a spectacular selection of premium wines and spirits ideal for the holiday season. Try the Glaetzer Wallace, an Aussie red that will entice you with an aroma of black cherries and winter fruits and offers a spicy yet savoury taste. If white wine is more your flavour, then enjoy the Kurt Hain Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese, which will leave your palate tingling with the taste of ripe peaches and a slatey minerality – the perfect complement for a dinner of turkey or ham. And what about a little whisky? The Arran Wood Finish whisky is finished in Port Wood and offers a rich colour and a black cherry overtone. Stop by Bin 104 Fine Wine and Spirits for more holiday drink options.
Get inspired by the decor at Livingspace
Urban Inspiration
The up-and-coming Armoury District, just west of Granville Island, is a go-to spot for hot home shops and even hotter coffee. Livingspace (pictured) thrills decor and design aficionados with its recently opened multi-level location. Mint Interiors stocks cool collectibles and eye-catching light fixtures. And next door’s Café Bica offers an inspired setting to sip frothy lattes and nosh on freshly baked pastries.—Jennifer Patterson
More information:
LIVINGSPACE INTERIORS 1706 W. 1st Ave. 604-683-1116. www.livingspace.com
MINT INTERIORS 1805 Fir Street. 604-568-3430. www.mintinteriors.ca
CAFE BICA $. B/L (M-Sa). 1809 Fir St. 604-733-8818. www.cafebica.com
Bird decorations from Homesense
Cheep Cheep Cheer
Even those who believe the holiday season is for the birds can’t resist adorable felt owls from Homesense ($4.99). Find more seasonal decorations that won’t break the budget at Sears and Christmas Street in The Bay.—Sheri Radford
More information:
HOMESENSE 493 Robson St. 604-683-4406. www.homesense.ca
SEARS Pacific Centre, 701 Granville St. 604-685-7112. www.sears.ca
THE BAY 674 Granville St. at Georgia. 604-681-6211. www.thebay.com
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