Online shoe shopping sweating pretty clean living and more in this month’s Hot 5.
1. Something I learned very quickly following my move to Canada from London is that when shopping online international extras can add up to a nearly 40 per cent increase on some essential items (like shoes). In steps The September (TheSeptember.com) brainchild of longtime college friends offering Canadians access to brands they want without the extra cost of ordering internationally. Plus they offer free shipping and returns which is something of a rarity in Canada. The September carries great brands including LK Bennett famed for comfy but stylish basics; Valentino for investment boots that are worth every penny; and Aquazzura for unspeakably chic shoes. To celebrate its first anniversary The September gave away designer shoes on the streets of Toronto. I have my fingers crossed for Calgary!
2. Michi is the answer to all studio-to-street fashion concerns effortlessly blending stylish sportswear with your everyday wardrobe while being more than just a wardrobe basic (MichiNY.com). Luxurious details like mesh inserts create a wearable but contemporary edge (and withstand a machine wash). A favourite with celebrities and stylish athletes like Tessa Virtue Michelle Rodriguez Rosie Huntington Whiteley and Tracy Anderson this brand is on the rise. Created by Calgary-born designer Michelle Watson Michi is committed to Canadian product and manufacturing and is stocked across Canada at Holt Renfrew as well as in Calgary at Nordstrom.
3. Clean living has become a media catchphrase but it is definitely something that resonates with many of us living urban lives on the edge of such perfect wilderness. Riva’s Eco Store in Inglewood (rivasecostore.com) stocks some great green brands to help reduce our heavy footprint such as John Masters Organics for natural hair care and Intelligent Nutrients Lip Gloss (a must considering that if you apply lip products every day you consume a tube a year). Riva’s baby products are beautifully collated — at no other time are we more aware of what we surround ourselves with than when we are putting it on new skin. The Pendleton Crib Blankets are adorable and thoughtful gifts for baby showers and new mums.
4. Good luggage makes me feel organized and prepared just like new stationary on the first day of school. I am an advocate of investing in quality luggage designed for a specific purpose and one of my favourite brands is Tumi (tumi.com) which has a store in Chinook Centre. Tumi’s wheeled briefcase is my in-flight bag of choice which I can happily march into a meeting with. On my wish list is the Dror expandable suitcase which is small enough to carry on you outbound flight but doubles in size to accommodate all those items picked up at you destination.
5. Sometimes we all need our nails fixed fast in a no-fuss low-cost environment. For times like these I head to Sunsational Nails (sunsationalnails.ca) in Avenida. The technicians will give you a perfect manicure / shellac in under 30 minutes and carry a wide choice of colours and brands. Parking is right outside and drop-ins are always welcome. Add them to your emergency beauty list.
