From big brands opening in Calgary to small niche designers who deserve to be noticed this is your monthly Hot 5:

1. Dreamboat Lucy (dreamboatlucy.com) a sister team originally from P.E.I. has relocated to Calgary to expand its business. There is something very cool about these girls reminiscent of other edgy fashion designer sister duos like Rodarte The Row and Twenty8Twelve. Their Spring/Summer collection includes custom prints in cute separates. I have also previewed their Autumn/Winter line which has a western vibe with a little of their signature boho too. I want to own all of their coverups which can be thrown over a cami and jeans to instantly create a pulled-together look. Their jewelry line has a beaten-up rock aesthetic using lots of semi-precious stones and sea glass. Buy this line while it is still small — every single item is handmade to a high standard by the designers themselves.

2. Nordstrom (nordstrom.ca) celebrates its Calgary launch at Chinook Centre on Friday September 19 by hosting a Big Beauty Bash. You need to be an early bird because it’s from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. but don’t worry they are situated very close to a Phil & Sebastian. The first customers will receive a cute tote (while stocks last) and there will be complimentary consultations demos and surprises too.

3. For a little rustic charm take a closer look at Cinder & Sage jewelry (cinderandsage.com) which uses an array of vintage recycled rare and new materials throughout the collection such as vintage maps hand enamel and lots of copper and brass. The necklaces look cute layered over denim shirts and casual tees and tanks and their hair combs create interest and detail within braids. Cinder & Sage is at Market Collective so follow their facebook page to see where they are appearing next or shop online. They were also happy to customize the length of a necklace I purchased to make it fit perfectly — I love that level of service.

4. A great British institution has launched its first Canadian store in Calgary. Neal’s Yard Remedies (nealsyardremedies.ca) — the natural organic award-winning range founded by Romy Fraser in 1981 in Covent Garden London — is now open on Fourth Street S.W. in Mission. I grew up around the corner from the original shop and have fond memories of going there with my mother to buy herbal teas from huge jars behind the counter. The company expanded (a lot) but stayed true to its animal and eco-friendly roots and was Britain’s first carbon neutral retailer. Try their classic Frankincense cream and their delicious smelling Wild Rose Beauty Balm.

5. Silkscreened apparel by Whiteout Workshop (whiteoutworkshop.com) started in 2009 by Calgarian Natasha Paterson is functional and beautiful. Easy to wear these tees tanks hoodies simple dresses and sweatshirts feature prints such as paper planes bicycles fir trees birds and feathers in muted natural colours. Super layerable affordable and with an arty aesthetic they make a great addition to any wardrobe.

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