Fashion shopping in Canada
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Local sportswear designer Francois Beauregard’s eponymous line of casual mix-and-match separates is a stylish and authentic alternative to American Apparel, and Montréal scenesters wear the stuff in spades. With sexy-sporty T-shirts and hoodies sharing racks with tailored jackets and slacks, the shop’s clean design suits the simple silhouettes of its wares.
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Betsey Johnson
Yes, the iconic New York designer has oodles of fans across the border, and her dresses are a smashing hit with the Montréal set. Browse through layers of feminine bliss, ruffles and perfectly fitted silhouettes in satin and lace. While frocks can run upwards of $3000, they’ll last a lifetime and the half-old sale rack is always crammed with pretty bargains.
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Schreter
This Jewish-run store has been going strong since 1928 thanks to its inexpensive brand-name clothing in all sizes: winter coats and boots, socks, underwear, jeans, sportswear. Parents remember how their parents brought them here to stock up on the equivalent of Nike, Reebok and Adidas at great savings. It’s still the place to get your basics.
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Atomic Model
If having the kind of fashion-forward jeans and tops that are currently being paraded along the catwalks and high-end streets of New York or Tokyo appeals, then it’s hard to beat this popular designer haunt where the beautiful young people of Yaletown come to spend their allowances. Watch out for the yappy lapdogs of fellow shoppers.
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F/X
The tornado of girliness that hits you upon entering F/X makes it worth just a visit, even if tutus, Hello Kitty paraphernalia, colored wigs and rhinestone jewelry aren't your scene. The store carries its own line of nail polish in every shade of the rainbow, and, on the 2nd floor, gowns to befit every manner of princess.
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General 54
The hats! The bags! The community consciousness! Mile End artists have created almost everything stocked at this great little boutique. Goods are sold on consignment with creators getting proceeds from the store. You’ll find stuff you won’t find anywhere else, including funky T-shirts and leather handbags.
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Heavens Playground
Nestled in a new ministrip of urban fashion boutiques including Puma, Adidas and American Apparel, this is the first North American outlet for this ultra-cool Dutch chain that kits out people who want to look hip without looking like they’re trying. The hot item here is the Gsus and the Seven Deadly Sins T-shirt.
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Lola & Emily
Less is more at this whimsically girly shop designed like your dream vintage apartment. Carefully selected clothes by brands like Swedish designer Filippa K, Denmark’s Designers Remix, Belgium’s Essential and Canada’s Ca Va de Soi are displayed in antique Indian furniture, which is also for sale.
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Holt Renfrew Last Call
A discount haven for budget-savvy fashionistas, Last Call carries last year's fashions from Bloor-Yorkville's exclusive Holt Renfrew (416-922-2333; 50 Bloor St W; 10am-6pm Mon-Wed, 10am-8pm Thu & Fri, 10am-6pm Sat, noon-6pm Sun; Bloor-Yonge) at up to 60% off. There are monthly promotions, too.
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Trove
Those who won't suffer to be 'beautiful' will find an oasis from pinching skyscraper heels at Trove. This mother-daughter owned boutique prides itself on a large selection of fashion-forward but comfortable shoes, as well as vintage sunglasses, Canadian-designed jewelry, and leather and vegetarian handbags.
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Scandale
The magnificent Marie-Josée Gagnon has been running this boutique since 1977, bringing in exotic Parisian imports and more recently showing off the creations of Georges Lévesque, one of Québec’s most exciting designers known for cutting-and-pasting shapes and fabrics.
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Revenge
This renowned showcase store for Québécois designers displays subtle designs for professional women who want to balance chic with audacious. The men’s ready-to-wear garments have a less challenging task, stressing confidence and masculinity in direct, commanding lines.
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Mimi & Coco
The third boutique of this elegant T-shirt brand sells the Mimi & Coco line, plus dresses and knits, and chic sportswear for men, women and children. m0851 leather goods can also be found here, and Mandy’s on-site salad bar serves yummy snacks and lunchtime treats.
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Betty’s Bazaar
This innovative boutique is an ideal hunting ground to find fashions by rising Montréal design stars, whose unique and stylish gear isn’t yet available on department store racks. Girly and feminine, the space also stocks nonlocal brands. A true shopping treat!
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Preloved
Recycling takes on a whole new meaning at this adorable old-made-new boutique, which deconstructs used clothing, then transforms the old fabrics into brand-new cuts and designs. Bedsheets become sundresses, jeans are transformed into purses, and skirts into T-shirts.
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U&I
Local designers like YSO, Morales and Denis Gagnon are in the spotlight at this award-winning boutique, peppered with offerings from Paris and other fashion meccas. Brands include Vivienne Westwood, Fred Perry, Marlboro Classics and Comme des Garcons accessories.
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Fleurtje
Expect the unexpected at Fleurtje – including funky kids clothes and made-to-order vegetarian bags designed by the owner. True to its motto ('Come in and see what Canadians can do'), all featured designers are from Toronto, Montréal and the Maritimes.
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Andy the-Anh
The flagship boutique of this Montréal design star is bursting at the seams with the daring geometrical silhouettes that have made him a hit in Kuwait, Greece and Asia. Stylish professionals and glamorous girls with money to spend, this is the shop for you.
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C-Pub
Search through the new imports from Hong Kong and Japan here and you might stumble across a pair of jeans or a handbag you'd find on Queen West with a far smaller price tag. Though prices are low, watch for quality – some bargains are too good to be true.
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Billie
Carefully selected Brazilian shoes, imported dresses, designer jeans, jewelry and luxurious cashmere sweaters make this treasure-filled boutique a must-see on the fashion circuit. Prices aren’t cheap but the fits and high fashion are worth the cost.
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Nadya Toto
Defined by a unique recipe of spandex and wool in asymmetric cuts, Nadya’s garments offer a wonderful mixture of flexibility, comfort and warmth. Not to mention that just about every woman looks great in these gems that cost only about $150 each.
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Exile
Exile's endless maze of vintage gear is much older than it looks…but after you get lost amid the disco balls and yellow walls holding leather jackets, cowboy boots, furs and costume rentals, you might start to forget what year you're in, too.
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Show Room
Five thousand pairs of jeans are housed on both levels of this lofty space, many of which can be seen on the finely toned rears of LA and European hipsters. Show Room's fitting rooms are bar none and pretty much any cut or size of denim is on site.
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Touched by an Angel
This shop's array of colors and textures of yarn is so fantastic, you'll want to take up knitting (if you haven't already). Refreshingly affordable hats, handbags, scarves, footwear and jewelry await you as well, mostly designed by the owner.
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Rooney
Jeans, jeans and more jeans are the highlight of this high-end streetwear headquarters. Coveted international brands in stock include True Religion, Rock & Republic and Seven. Rooney also sells other fashion items.
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