by Annette Quinet | Apr 11, 2016 | Shopping |
The BCBG Store is closing on April 24th and relocating to a new store in the mall. Today’s Flash Sale was take an additional 50% off everything! Included all garments, shoes, accessories and handbags. The store carries the BCBGeneration line in addition to BCBGMAXAZRIA.
“BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP offers high-quality, on-trend clothing at contemporary price points.Founded in 1989, BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP is the lifetime vision of one man: Founder, Designer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Max Azria. After years of success designing women’s wear in Paris and Los Angeles, Azria decided to pursue his dream of launching a design house that spoke to the modern woman, and BCBGMAXAZRIA was born.”
What you will find instore are gowns …perfectly priced for Proms, Galas and formals. Merchandised in price points $39, $49, $59,$69, $99 etc today they were 50% of the last marked price. (I picked up a knit navy/tan striped high/low dress for $20.00) Leather and faux leather jackets in varying price points. I saw a gorgeous cream leather motto jacket with the discount it was under $200.00…..lots of on trend faux leather pants/leggings, skirts and a huge assortment of tops, blouses, blazers, sweaters, leggings in a variety of fabrics,styles & sizes. Depending on your size , variety of footwear, including some over the knee black leather boots! A newer garment collection consisted of sophisticated denim (totally appropriate for the office) including a great denim jacket with black leather sleeves. If you are in the vicinity definelty worth a visit. The staff were unable to share what the Monday promotion would be so if you want to ensure the trip is worthwhile call 819.243.5177 Happy Shopping!
by Annette Quinet | Apr 9, 2016 | Profile |
Fashionable Thinking
Eileen Fisher, NYC fashion designer spoke to a small group of people via a Meet up hosted by Fashionista (source for the latest fashion news) at Space 530 in NYC with spring in the air. I was happy to attend this intimate evening to listen to Eileen speak about her journey from the beginning to where she and her label are now and where they are going in the future.
Spring 2016 NYC
First impressions when Eileen was quietly ushered into the room by Fashionista’s Dhani Mau, moderator for the evening, were positive yet surprising. Eileen Fisher, 65,was elegantly dressed in classic Eileen Fisher style, she exuded quiet confidence and warmness with an underlying shyness…hence the surprise. My expectation of a very successful veteran fashion designer would be that she carries “shtick” or some protective armor but her casualness and warmth permeated throughout the room. Eileen seemed genuinely touched that there was so much interest in her and her brand but was also curious to know who was her audience. The attendees were comprised of fashion students and people who work in the fashion industry many with a keen interest in sustainability and the role it plays in fashion. …this evident during the Q&A portion of the evening. Also noted, many attendees were young which was surprising since the Eileen Fisher brand demographic is predominately the more mature woman…. of which only a few were in attendance…yes I was one of those.
Fashionable words
The scene inside Space 530 NYC
NYC Fashionista’s asking more questions
This NYC Meet up was a perfect opportunity to re-invigorate and gain a new and fresh perspective of NYC fashion, Eileen Fisher and her brand, in addition to hearing inspiring viewpoints regarding sustainability and the relationship it plays in the fashion world. I am a long time supporter of this label, of which I have a few pieces and recommend to my clients. The premise is EF garments are simple pieces made from good quality fabrics. The EF brand allows women to dress easily, comfortably in style lines that compliment and project elegance in sophisticated uncomplicated silhouettes. The EF garments are investment pieces …you pay a higher price initially but the benefit is the garments last season to season and become integral “go to pieces” in your wardrobe, which provide a low cost per wearing reinforcing the purchase a good investment.
Spring 2016 offers a selection of beautiful garments made in organic linens and cottons in addition to other pieces made in silk and rayon. My particular favorite from the “System Collection” Icon Silk Duster in Bark (CA$ 557.00) teamed with washable stretch crepe pant (CA$235.00) also in Bark. Worn together (or separately) they provide you with a classic, elegant and flattering silhouette that can be worn year round. Elevate this look by adding a scarf or a statement piece of jewelry.
EF Icon Silk Duster in Bark from the System Collection
EF Washable Stretch Crepe Pant in Bark
The Eileen Fisher line can be purchased locally at Shepherd’s Fashions, Nordstrom’s and online most pieces are available in petite, regular and plus sizes.
Eileen Fisher spoke eloquently; listening to her you want to be her friend and to support her brand as well as her sustainability vision. What was intriguing about the talk and for me paradoxical was that in order to achieve sustainability we need to consume less which means consumers buying less ….I would say that is Fashionable thinking.
There is a great deal of buzz about sustainability in the fashion world; it cannot be ignored, so please check back for future blog posts on this topic. You can also find a link to the recent Fashionista article “Where Eileen Fisher Is Taking Her Fashion Career Next” on AQ On Your Mark Images FB page. My hope is that there is sustainability for Eileen Fisher, the brand and their fashionable thinking.
by Annette Quinet | Mar 31, 2016 | Shopping |
Footwear…. DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) comes to Ottawa Trainyards
Women have been having a love affair with shoes forever. Proof is the numbers of pairs most of us have in our closets and/ or under beds, on shelves, in spare closets and even in shoeboxes awaiting that inaugural walk outside. The great thing about shoes is how they can make us feel. Shoes can complete an outfit, elevate our look from ok to outstanding, slim us down, make us taller, and change our body language. And on those days when despite feeling bloated or having put on a few pounds they always fit!
DSW, part of Town Shoes Ltd opens today at the Ottawa Trainyards. This is the first store in the Ottawa region and the company website states that “DSW is all about the thrill of finding the perfect shoe at the perfect price”. Last evening, we attended the cocktail celebration hosted by Blackbook Lifestyle, an Ottawa based event-planning company, to welcome and celebrate the opening of DSW.
The large warehouse store has thousands of shoes for men and women, as well as handbags and accessories. The aisles are wide and the merchandise is displayed well with easy access to boxes containing different sizes. The shoes are merchandised in groupings, heels, flats, athletics, sandals etc. therefore easy to navigate. Replacing bulky shopping carts that can impede the shopping process, are heavy-duty shopping bags, dispersed throughout the store, which comfortably carry several boxes of shoes. Also available throughout the store are “sockets” for those that did not wear socks yet want to try on shoes. Ottoman seating is conveniently located within the aisles to try on shoes and there are several mirrors available to see how they look! Can’t find your size…there are shoe associates who carry tablets and can check inventory or another location for availability.
The Clearance section, located at the back of the store, was in frenzy last night with many shoppers looking for the deal of deals. This is an area where further reductions are offered on limited quantities of shoes. Substantial discounts can be found, some pairs boasting 80% off original prices. Some noteworthy labels at varying discounts could be found amidst these racks organized by size. Such as Birkenstock, Sorel, Ted Baker, Dolce Vita, Cole Haan and the hugely popular comfort and funky shoes by Bernie Mev.
Leaving the store last night carrying an “I am a Shoe Lover“ bag, inside 2 pairs of fabulous shoes purchased at great prices, I now enthusiastically await their upcoming inaugural walk. Last night there was shoe success at DSW.
[
by Annette Quinet | Mar 30, 2016 | Shopping
Ottawa’s Fashion Footprint
With the recent opening of Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th in the Tanger outlets , fashionistas and those looking for designer wear at off the rack prices have a new option. Winners and Marshall’s have been the dominant player in this discount designer niche for many years and by the sheer volume of these stores in the National Capital region (14 stores) it appears that Ottawa folk like their discounted designer garb. By all appearances this past weekend the Sak’s Off 5th was were designer bargain hunters lined up and sorted through the racks. For those who are not familiar with Sak’s Off 5th it is a discount designer retailer with ties to Saks Fifth Avenue one of the leading premier destinations for anything designer. The idea is that when previous season items do not sell they go to the less swanky ie no bells , whistles and no service sister store which are offered at discounted prices. With the 2013 HBC purchase of Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Canadians now have the ability to shop in these stores, on our own turf and the merchandise is priced in Canadian dollars. It appears that HBC is a taking on a competitive role in trying to change the Canadian retail footprint with the introduction of Saks 5th Avenue (presently only in Toronto) and the Saks Off 5th in Ottawa (new store to open fall 2016 in Rideau Centre)….the retail landscape is changing.
I visited Sak’s Off 5th at Tanger outlets this past Easter weekend. I had mixed feelings, usually I love this store when I am traveling in the US however I found there to be some differences . The store is smaller therefore not as many offerings and labels to choose from, hence fewer sizes and colours . The premier labels , think Armani, Akris, Jill Saunder etc occupied 5 rolling racks and ironically most of these pieces still had sku’s from The Room (which is the upscale department of the Bay) obviously previous seasons garments that were overstock and/or simply did not sell…browsing through you kind of get why! The children’s section was underwhelming only offering a few pieces in each size category as was the accessories area, once again limited selection. The shoe department which occupies a large amount of space was the place to be …lots of designer shoes in many current styles, however very limited area to try anything on……Handbags also had the usual offerings Rebecca Minkooff, Valentino, Tory Burch etc.
All in all I am happy that Saks albeit a Saks Off Fifth now has a presence here. An eagerly awaited opening weekend with no doubt a great deal of merchandise been picked through and purchased . I will go back but most probably will wait for the Rideau Centre location to open.
With that being said shopping online at Saks.com and Saks Off 5th is open 24/7 sans the line-ups. These websites offer a fabulous selection, a great filter to help you shop your specific needs/wants in Canadian currency. After returning from the Tanger outlets and Saks Off 5th I went online to browse and in the clearance section found some great deals on cashmere, coats…have a look at the Jane Post Gramercy Mixed-Media Coat was $450.00 now $112.00 75%off, (perfect for April showers) ….I also ordered some over the knee black leather boots for my daughter who adores this style at a steal “ Gentle Souls Edgefield Leather Buckle Boots for $97.24 original price $575.00 ( 76% off) … if you have the time and patience to surf the site there are lots of bargains available. Sak’s Off 5th uses Borderfree which calculates taxes, duty and shipping at checkout but be sure to visit the correct site for Canadians.
The Ottawa Department store retail landscape is changing. Holt Renfrew is gone but now there is Nordstroms , Saks Off 5th, , Sportinglife and La Maison Simons in the National Capital region joining existing fashion department stores The Bay, Winners and Marshall’s providing options for everyone and every budget. It appears that Ottawa people really like their Designer brands and with this current retail footprint it seems most prefer to purchase at discounted prices! Welcome Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th to Ottawa.
by Annette Quinet | Mar 30, 2016 | Media |
Check out “Living In Style” with AQ On Your Mark Images in Ottawa Home Magazine!
