Where Do Canadians Buy Clothes?

On my bucket list is visiting Canada, starting with Montreal or Quebec (so two trips) to familiarize myself with retailers where Canadians like to shop for clothes. I'm open to both luxury and affordable markets. It's fun to explore shopping districts away from home, and you never know where you'll find inspiration or a steal.

Below is a roundup of where a few Canadian women say they buy their clothes. Some explained why they favor them. The recommendations are 100% theirs. Perhaps one day I'll step foot in the following --

25 Popular Canadian Apparel Shops: 

Aritzia - Expensive but I have to say that they really hit the sweet spot of the modern trendy look. I would say Wilfred and Babaton are the house brands that make more sense for a 30-something - Talulah and TNA are more sporty, and casual, which reads younger. Also, check out the Sunday Best line.

Frank and Oak For basics - Women's clothes are online only but pretty well made. I avoid most of their poly stuff, but anything cotton, silk, merino, etc. is very nice and they have decent sales every other month or so.

Oak and Fort - For more unique and architectural looks. Their fabrics aren't great and are very rarely natural but they do some really neat outside-of-the-box clothes.

Simons - I mostly shop here for the access to other brands and their frequent sales. I'm not a huge fan of their house lines (Twik, Iconé, and Contemporaine). Pretty good loyalty program and easy shipping.

Gap - I buy here for the neverending sales on basics and the occasional really great deal. Also in the USA.

eBay - Especially doing searches and limiting it to Canada to avoid high shipping fees and duties. I like searching for pre-owned Aritzia brands, Theory, Eileen Fisher, Joie, Isabel Marant, Dusen Dusen, Nic and Zoe, and vintage.

Silver and Gold

Silver and Gold Boutique - Trendy and casual style.

Street and Saddle - Quality and fitted garments.

Seek Shelter - Clothes made to improve with wear.

Jeska Grue - Silk and linen fabrics.

Beaton Linen - Linen dresses, jumpers, and fabrics too.

Korinne Vader - Linen dresses, bottoms.

Nordstrom Rack - Also in the USA.

Winners - In the USA known as T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods.

Marshalls - Also in the USA. The sister company of T.J. Maxx or T.K. Maxx in UK countries. Canadians named it separately. Don't count the retailers and tell me there are 26 because I didn't count Marshalls twice. It's counted under the Winners corporation. :)

Holt Renfrew - Known for its exclusive designer collaborations and high-end fashion brands.

RW & Co - Classical Canadian clothing.

Reitmans - Good for work clothes.

Ricki's - Trendy and casual clothes

Cleo - Linen pants, blazers, and dresses.

Uniqlo - Also in the USA. Good quality basics and layering pieces that look expensive. 

Dynamite - A mix of dresses, tops, and jeans.

Laura's - Slightly pricy, but for clothes that will last for years. Classic Canadian clothing.

Mark's - Great bargains.

Hudson Bay

Hudson's Bay - Tons of options on their website. My note: The Bay and Hudson's Bay operate under the HBC portfolio. HBC is North America's oldest company, founded in 1670. HBC also acquired Saks Fifth Avenue in 2013. The Bay is like Macy's or Saks in the USA.

Blondie Boutique - Online shopping only except in Calgary, Canada.

Wow, most of these merchants have no stores in the US, so are new to me. How about you?

Click the links of the Canadian retailers to check them out!🇨🇦

You may also enjoy:

My Window Shopping Spree

The Sample Sales Of New York City

Macy's Herald Square We Love You As You Are

Leather Biker Jackets: Let's Discuss Business Models

Temu Got Me to Buy A Mini Washer/Spinner

In a previous blog, I admitted this foldable mini washer/spinner was a temptation to buy. Temu, a popular and legitimate Chinese online megastore that sells a myriad of practical and inexpensive products, ran a Facebook promotion offering it for $5 in exchange for downloading its app and so like Adam and Eve, I bite the apple ordering it.🍎🍏

I'm impressed by how fast it arrived (in 7 days) and by Temu's vigilant communication, texting me with status updates and a package tracking number. The 4 items I ordered (you need to spend $10 for an order to ship, and it ships free) were also securely packed, and I liked the minimal waste, yet sufficient wrapping to protect the items

Not only am I impressed by Temu's good customer service, but I'm impressed by how well the mini washer/spinner works. It's got a fair amount of features: 1) 3 control buttons to wash for 5 or 10 minutes and a 2-minute spin cycle; 2) a substantial handle to carry it; 3) 4 suction cup "feet" on the bottom to lessen sliding; 4) a water drain valve; and 5) a spinner that snaps on and off.

Last night I tested the washer/spinner with two 5-minute cycles of mini washes (as opposed to standard washer loads). It works very well on a few lightly soiled pieces, such as three shirts or a dress you wear a couple of times and wish to freshen up. Also great for delicates.

I manually filled the mini washer with hot water, 1 tablespoon of Oxi Tide, and cleaned (1) my senior mother's Old Navy t-shirt and another top; then (2) her cotton knit Athletic Works trousers with my Uniqlo bra-top. After two 5-minute cycles, I emptied the soapy water by pouring it into the sink and refilling the mini washer/dryer with fresh water for two 5-minute rinse cycles. Finally, I ran the spinner twice avoiding having to wring out the water by hand. That alone is priceless.

The mini washer replaces handwashing! Here it is cleaning my Old Navy swing dress stained by coffee became somebody came up behind me with a surprise hug at the exact same time I lifted up my coffee cup to take a sip. The coffee spilled on the side of my clean dress, so into the mini washer, it went.

The unit is compact enough to take on trips and it beats handwashing socks and light apparel in a hotel sink. This innovative, fun "toy" is quiet and ample enough to keep up with seniors and babies who tend to get spots of food on their freshly laundered clothes!

Ahh, look at our little cutie drying on my dish rack.😘

Up to 3 women's t-shirts or a pair of knit trousers do indeed boop up and down in a whirlpool of soapy or rinse water. At the end of the wash, they do smell and look clean. The mistake would be to overfill so the clothes can't twirl around. What's more, you don't want to overdo the amount of soap. You'll then have to work harder to rinse the suds out with fresh water.

The mini washer/spinner is so darn cute, I love it. If durable (time will tell), I'd definitely recommend it at its regular price. Walmart and Amazon are selling it at higher prices than Temu -- all 3 retailers are supplied by multiple vendors, and I bet all the mini washers/dryers come from the same factory in China.

You may also enjoy:

Let's Have A Pillow Talk

Gadgets For A Small Space

Homemade OxiClean Is Cheap

Dry Cleaning Mindfully Saves Time, Money And Clothing

A Relaxed Oversized Fit For 2023

Photo: Esquire magazine

If you wonder what's in store for Spring/Summer 2023 ... designers, runways, and magazine covers are embracing a relaxed oversized fit in fashion, and to be honest I'm not on board with it from head to toe. Hey with this trend's yard of extra fabric, you'll only get one outfit in a suitcase.😁

Uniqlo Spring/Summer Collection

Frankly, I dislike wearing a lot of layers, bulk, or weight. Not only do I like fitted tops, bottoms, and outerwear but I'm also a matchy, matchy gal. Not a tight fit, loose is not the same as oversized.

Right - Refinery 29, , middle - Gucci, left - Editorial List

That said, there's usually a way to adopt aspects of a trend into your wardrobe if you wish. For me, it will not be with an oversized pair of trousers, but a relaxed oversized shirt paired with slender jeans or leggings is super stylish. Baggy pants just aren't me. If I oversized both the top and bottom halves, I'd feel swallowed up by my clothes. When passing, people might yell out, hey is anybody in there!?! Or do you need a rescue? A rope to climb out of the suit that captured and is holding you hostage?!😂

Thankfully in our modern day, everybody doesn't have to adhere to one, inflexible standard, and people can embrace their own style. 

Baggy, um slouchy is coming our way! Do you like oversized clothes?

You may also enjoy:

Trend Alert: Ear Stacking

Chunky Is Autumn Trendy

The Diamond Cluster Trend 

Trendy Body Chains ... And An Everly Brothers Tribute

Sèzane: The French Way

Once again it's time to think about the holidays. Noël is upon us, so I'll feature a few places to pick up some lovely gifts and/or attire for holiday parties.

Sèzane is an clothing, shoes and accessories retailer designed with a French flair. Launched in 2013 by Morgane Sèzalory, many items are handmade using quality fabrics and leathers that are created to last over time. The merchant is committed to making quality pieces -- not exactly cheap, but affordable with margins below the industry standard for what you get. 

An e-company, Sèzane also has brick and mortar stores in 3 major cities: New York, Paris and London. The shops sponsor fun activities like group yoga, talk events and teas.   

Goods are made to be durable with eco-friendly materials and manufacturing. Giving back is important to the retailer and backed up with sustainability and philanthropy programs.

It's French style you don't have to jump through hoops to acquire  -- like spending years on waiting lists, or buying lesser items first before you move up on that list (a practice of Hermès). Just walk in the store (or go online) and walk out with your selections, as well as, a few bucks left in your wallet. Ooh la, la! 

Finally uncomplicated French fashion fit for a fashionista!

You may also enjoy:

The Pendleton Collection

5 Gifts For New York City Lovers

Should You Give Money As A Gift?    

A Savvy Shopper's Guide For Holiday Gifts

Your Fall Wardrobe: Shop For Value

Photo by Goop

The arrival of fall presents a good time to take stock of your wardrobe.  Put away your summer shorts and dresses and throw away what is shabby and can't be worn next year.  Now decide if there's anything you lack to get you through the colder seasons.  Perhaps you need a new wool suit, a pair of leather boots, rubber galoshes … or some stylish basics: long sleeve t-shirts, jeans, or new undergarments.  Here are five retailers to help you with your task:

Hirshleifer – This 100 year old family run store is expensive, but they have absolutely beautiful things from Rag and Bone wool blazers and Alaia flannel skirts to Yigal Azrouel zip jersey dresses and Laurence Dacade short suede booties.  This is the place to look when you want to find a few, expertly tailored, classic pieces you will wear for years to come.  Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan.  She has a big budget.  You may settle for one practical, exquisite piece, and what's wrong with that?

Lands' End – Here quality meets unbeatable prices.  Shop for cashmere cardigans, snow boots, waterproof Squall jackets and goose down Chalet winter coats.  Plus, all of their goose down vests and coats can be machine washed and dried, which means no dry cleaning bills.

Uniqlo – They design sleek basics with Japanese technology.  Get premium cotton t-shirts, easy leggings, stretch jeans, feather-light jackets (that keep you warm), innovative Airism tops, undergarments and more.  So much more that I featured Uniqlo in an earlier post.  The Airism tops provide full support, as well as, wick perspiration away.  Perfect to wear for a workout, or under a dress.

FootSmart – A retailer offering comfortable shoes and boots with just right heels, as well as, hard to find sizes and widths, plus custom designed pain relieving tools to treat specific foot problems like hammer toes and plantar fascitis.

Target – It's where to go for sports bras and premium Champion active wear.  Sells for $10 - $17.  Why pay more, when you can get it for less?

With a bit of experience under my belt, I tend to be an under buyer.  But when I need something, I buy it. Always know your budget and stick to it.  Shop for value.  As you can see, value is available at every price point. Be open, resourceful and flexible to find it!

Photo by chuvaness.com of Uniqlo's Airism tops, which also come with sleeves

You may also enjoy:
Zac Posen Rules The Runways
Target Your Style
Oscar Looks For Less
Kate Middleton Has Something I Want ... Sleeves

The British Are Coming To Target

Floral cups $5, Melamine two-tiered dessert tray $15

Wow! Target seems to team up with the biggest names in the high fashion industry, including Jean Paul Gaultier, Anna Sui, and Zac Posen {plus others in 2010!!} to deliver the latest style at very affordable prices. Major fashion magazines like In Style and ElleUK are buzzing about its newest launch on March 14 with none other than ... Liberty of London.

Liberty, a 134 year old premier English brand, is Target's biggest collaboration to date. A touch of British panache will invade several departments throughout the store, and it's all good! Known for their bright colors and iconic floral and paisley prints, expect to see a whole array of fresh, modern and sophisticated designs.

The Liberty of London for Target Collection will consist of spring apparel and accessories for men, woman and children, while the home décor includes everything from stationary, cups, saucers and piggy banks to cheery storage boxes, linens, pillows and garden tools. A sleek table lamp with a signature patterned shade costs $38. More expensive items include bedding and a bicycle, but the majority is priced between $10 - $30. And along with making the collection available at Target, Liberty will sell some pieces at its exclusive London store. Recession chic at its finest.

Trench Coat $45

Sateen Bucket Hat $13

Ruffled and Halter Dresses $18 - $35

To see other offerings click 1} here, 2} here and 3} here.


You may also enjoy:
Welcome To The USA Joe Fresh
Zac Posen Designs For Target
10 Wardrobe Pieces Every Woman Should Own
10 Wardrobe Pieces Every Man Should Own

Moving Towards The Sun

Summer is here. It officially arrived on June 21, the summer solstice, a turning point in the earth's journey towards the sun. So unless you live Down Under {Hello Australia!!} let the longest days and warmest time of the year begin! I love the easy, breezy days of summer when the great outdoors can be enjoyed like no other time of the year. And isn't a summer wardrobe cheaper, easier … skimpier and more fun to put together? Even at swanky affairs you can get away with showing up in a no fuss dress, or light cotton slacks – looking comfortable, casual and smart. Leave your multi-layers and neutral beige at home. Whip out a spectrum of lively colors to go with the sunshine and adventures of the season. Now is the time to relax, kick back your heels and play.

This year the summer sales started early. Already retailers – with good price points all year around – are offering 20%-70% off on everything you need for the summer. They include:

Lands' End – Expect to find quality fabrics and well-made clothes, shoes and beachwear for men and women. Choose from a large inventory of 40% off. Prices range from $10-$35.

Newport News – They are known for their ultra low prices and cute styles. Sun-kissed tops, flirty skirts, pants and capris are listed from $8-$25.

Gap – They are offering 20%-50% reductions on summer clothes for men and women. For a limited time you can get jeans [in stores only] for $19.99. [Regularly: 49.50-69.50] Prices for most tanks and tees are $9.99.

Old Navy – They have weekly specials for men and women. You can get up to 50% off on tops, pants, shorts, dresses, swimwear and accessories. Prices range from a hard-to-beat $5-$30.

Victoria's Secret Catalogue – Their semi-annual sale is on. You'll find a big variety of tops, skirts, dresses, jeans, swimwear, shoes and accessories discounted 20%-60%. Prices start at $10 and go up.

All of the merchants offer weekly deals, so check their websites before you buy for up-to-the-minute savings, plus free shipping. Now go out and make the most of your summer.