Eco-friendly leather, funky furniture for kids, and where to buy Stampede accessories
By Laura Pellerine
Shae Barry Couture
LOCAL COUTURE
At the new 3,000-square-foot Shae Barry Couture, get custom-made wedding dresses, evening wear, and men’s and women’s suits, as well as tips on personal styling and makeup consultations. Though they can create almost any garment, don’t expect a copy of your favourite runway designer—they can make something similar, but will infuse their own style. 200, 924 – 17 Ave SW.
STAMPEDE ACCENTS
Upscale line Thomas Sabo has crafted southwestern influenced jewellery pieces for Stampede with sterling silver charms (starting at $29), necklaces (up to $590), and watches ($449).
Find the line at Suzie Q Beads and The Willows Casual Home.
Fiveleft
EDITOR’S PICK: NATURALLY SLEEK
Fiveleft is an eco-conscious accessories line from B.C. designer Lincoln Heller. Using only cowhide soaked in vegetable matter “soup” (minimizing toxic chemicals) and recycled objects like bicycle spokes and bolts that get hammered by hand into the leather to create unique looks. Each product is also designed in a shape that maximizes hide use, thus limiting waste. The result? Über-stylish bags, wallets and belts for men and women, that look at once rugged and contemporary. Pick one up at Riva’s – The Eco Store.
FURNITURE 4 KIDS
After taking up residence in Inglewood for nearly nine years, Cherry Four, a boutique focusing on designer bedroom outfitting for children, has moved to Kensington. The intimate space is filled fun items like custom bedding, elegant cribs, and colourful “peel and stick” wall decals. They also carry specialty toys like stuffed dolls that turn into cupcakes, and the award-winning wooden car line Automoblox. Hot right now, owner Fev Hunter says, is anything to do with the ‘80s Muppets spin-off show Fraggle Rock.
WESTERN WEAR
Alberta Boot Company has cornered the market for custom cowboy boots for more than 30 years. You can choose from their extensive in-stock selection, or design your own: simply choose the style and hide, which range from common cowhide to exotic skins such as alligator, ostrich, lizard and python. This family owned and run business provided the Official Western Boots of the 1988 Winter Olympics, and continues to outfit dignitaries and celebrities, especially during the annual Calgary Stampede.
Stay, Dine, Do
