Fashion shopping in North America
-
A
Space FB
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.
reviewed
-
B
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.
reviewed
-
C
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.
reviewed
-
D
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.
reviewed
-
E
Sirens & Sailors
This smurf-sized bungalow of fashion just off Sunset Blvd (look for the purple house with yellow trim) may be small, but its collection of stylish, one-of-a-kind threads will keep you browsing longer than you’d expect. Look for men’s and women’s clothing by up-and-coming LA designers plus vintage items and a shelf or two of unique gifts.
reviewed
-
F
TI
A few fashion-conscious gift shops and boutiques carry Calvin Klein apparel, Cirque du Soleil merchandise, brand-name eyewear from Scene, sultry swimwear by 100 Degrees, and scanty clothing and lingerie from the Siren’s Cove Shoppe – the last is a perfect stop if your lover was titillated by the Sirens of TI show.
reviewed
-
G
Topshop
The genius of Topshop is that the clothes always find that sweet spot between trendy and wearable. Everything's up-to-the-minute but still flattering and practical for the average person. Three floors for women, one dedicated to men, and all at fairly reasonable prices. Sales can get hectic: be prepared to dig for bargains.
reviewed
-
H
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.
reviewed
-
I
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.
reviewed
-
J
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.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
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.
reviewed
-
L
Prada
The new Prada ‘epicenter’ on Rodeo is as much about ogling as shopping. The 24,000ft showroom, designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhouse, yawns directly onto the sidewalk like the world’s haughtiest garage. Inside, faceless fembots, all fabulously frocked, pretend they have something better to do.
reviewed
-
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.
reviewed
-
M
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.
reviewed
-
N
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.
reviewed
-
O
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.
reviewed
-
P
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.
reviewed
-
Q
Weekends
Manhattan fashion is hard to find in Boulder, but Weekends has a better-than-decent selection of Cole Haan leather jackets, Citizens of Humanity denim and some lovely lesser-known styles, including some rather soft fitted tees, alluring beauty products and terrific handbags.
reviewed
-
R
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!
reviewed
-
S
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.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
T
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.
reviewed
-
U
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.
reviewed
-
V
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.
reviewed
-
W
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.
reviewed
-
X
Century 21
Designer duds at gasp-inducing prices keep the crowds pouring into Century 21. It gets crowded and competitive, so keep your elbows out, and if you see something you like, get hold of it fast. Not everything is a knockout or a bargain, but persistence pays off.
reviewed
