by Annette Quinet | Aug 9, 2016 | Family, Fashion, Fitness, Five Questions, Food & Drink, My Blog, Shopping, summer |
Most people in Ottawa eagerly await our summer season. It is relatively short and before you know it , it will be September with Fall just around the corner. So for the remainder of August, my 4 featured F-words will be:
Fitness, Food, Family and Focus
Fitness at the beginning of this summer was my nemesis. I injured my Achilles at the end of June and was unable to run for a month. Since I started running , over 20 years ago, I have been fortunate with only a few minor injuries. Running has been mentally therapeutic for me and it was frustrating when I was unable to run. After a month off, I have finally been able to get out there and pound the pavement but it has not been easy. After time off it almost feels like you are starting over, your cardio/stamina has diminished and breathing has been more difficult,…perhaps the hot humid temps have also been a factor. So as most people, I turn to the internet for tips, pointers, and motivators. This is a great article on shortness of breath while exercising. I also find running to music helps and use the Rock my Run app that I have on my phone which allows me ($) to download or stream music …nothing like running to an awesome playlist, it’s totally motivating. I also have my four legged friend, Oscar, that accompanies me and with this fabulous leash… our
runs have been so much more enjoyable (for runs, I wrap it around my waist=handsfree yippee) Isabelle also now joins us now that she has mastered riding her bike (thank you Pedalheads) This has been freeing and I really like that feeling. Here’s hoping I have run far enough away from any more injuries.
Food is synonymous with summer. We are fortunate to be able to purchase lots of local produce whether it be at one of the areas farmers market or at our local grocery store. It’s a great way to incorporate fresh produce into our meals while supporting local growers. Recently, our household has become “mostly” gluten free and I am continuously searching for websites that offer healthy,easy and fast recipes to try.
Here are 4 recipes that look tasty and worthy of trying this month:
Eating Bird Food -Almond Butter Chicken Salad
Detoxnista -Garden Vegetable Salad Rolls with “Peanut” dipping sauce (like those at Whole Foods)
Running with Spoons- Almond butter & jelly Banana Bread Bars
MBG – Vegan Banoffee Pie Cups (already made these last night-AWESOME!)
Family time is important and we have just planned a getaway to Mont Tremblant for a few days in hopes of some fun and R&R! Friends recommended a property that we are excited to try. It has the amenities that are important when travelling with kids (21 & 6) such as a swimming pool and internet I am so looking forward to sitting by the pool and being so much more relaxed now that Isabelle is swimming. Her fear of getting her head wet has totally dissipated thanks to a $4.49 swim mask and of course swimming lessons. Hiking, biking, exploring will also be on the agenda as will be a new summer read. I just finished my first summer read which no doubt will now be read by hubby. Nothing says summer like a good John Grisham novel.
Finally, with a focus or maybe just a glance towards fall, for now, I look forward to reading some of these fall Fashion magazines for inspiration. I also look forward to the day when I can wear what I consider a fabulous fashion find ,this pair of Mackage black leather stretch leggings . Another focus is writing more blog posts featuring five questions with Dr. Mamta Gautam, Catherine Ennis and Julie Nott, in addition to continuing regular blog posts with more F-words!
For now, I will be focusing on enjoying the remainder of summer and I hope you will too.
by Annette Quinet | Jul 29, 2016 | Fashion, Shopping, summer |
Fashion Finds – Focus on Ottawa
This weekend marks the midpoint of Summer 2016. In Ontario and 5 other provinces (AB, BC, SK, NB, NV) Monday, August 1st is a Civic Holiday which means a long weekend for many of us. Whether you are about to embark on a staycation or perhaps you are visiting the Nations Capital, the downtown core in Ottawa is a great destination for both residents and tourists alike. The Byward Market is a hub for restaurants , bars, galleries and of course a great place to shop. The CF Rideau Centre is a huge magnet for those who want to shop. Nordstroms, a big draw especially with their Anniversary sale, which offers brand new arrivals at sale prices. So popular is this sale it has it’s on hashtag #NSALE with over 60,000 tweets but venturing out of the mall is a must.To get a true sense of Ottawa’s character and flavor, shoppers & visitors will discover several independent boutiques that have flair, uniqueness, and personality which are worthy of a visit.
Schad…is described as a Fashion Haven by many local fashionistas. The store carries many coveted designer clothing lines for both men and women. Presently they are having their summer sale where you can find some great garments at awesome price points. You will also find new fall arrivals from such popular designers as Smythe, a line which has been worn by Kate Middleton and Kate Hudson…..another favorite is The Kooples and of course, local designer Krista Norris whose scarves were gifted to the Obama girls by the Trudeau’s on a recent visit. Men can find John Varvatos, Denham and much more. Also in store, WOLF & Zed, shoe counterpart to Schad, carrying several eclectic and trendy lines such as Camper (men and women) Coclico, Cole Haan (men).
STUNNING ! is another fabulous destination. This truly eclectic boutique carries many one of a kind accessory pieces that owner, Mandy, personally selects on buying trips in addition to sourcing out local talent and designing some of her own signature pieces. The store’s Instagram is true eye candy, highlighting many of these unique pieces but act fast as there usually is just one! When you visit you will find an enthusiastic style maven who is passionate about her boutique and her commitment to supporting local. Bonus , Stunning is also having its summer sale!
Amanda May Lingerie is an upscale lingerie store locally owned by Amanda Beaubien, carrying a wide assortment of lingerie pieces from such lines as Stella McCartney, Hanky Panky & Claudette, customers will find the emphasis is on customer service ensuring a great shopping experience . As Dolce and Gabbana said “Lingerie is the maximum expression of a woman’s feminity” and women will truly tune into their feminity wearing some of these pieces.
There are many other unique finds in the Byward Market to satisfy all tastes and budgets. With a fabulous weather forecast in- store do take advantage and venture to the Byward Market and take in all that if has to offer. Let me know what your favorites are. Wishing you a Safe and Happy long weekend.
More independent stores in the Byward Market to visit:
Trustfund
Roadtrip
Poised Boutique
Envied
Justine’s
For a more enhanced list of stores and restaurants click here Byward Market
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 | 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 | Shopping |
In Canada , most provinces observe Good Friday as a statutory holiday except for Quebec. In Ottawa basically everything was closed however across the river in Quebec , Les Promenades Gatineau was open. It has been recently renovated and with the opening of Simons in September 2015 it was worth the traffic congestion and crowds of shoppers from both Ontario and Quebec.
I love Simons and prior to the store opening in the National Capital Region , I would frequently visit the downtown Montreal store. Simons has been in business for 175 years starting in Quebec City as a dry goods store and now as described by Peter Simon, CEO and president of La Maison Simons a “uniquely different and inspiring fashion retailer” consisting of 12 stores.
After dealing with the traffic gridlock and finding a parking space I sauntered into this beautiful contemporary store and immediately was happy. The displays, the merchandising and the garments were eye catching. Simons carries an assortment of home accessories, clothing, shoes, accessories for men and women. They also offer 3 exclusive labels and which are merchandised beautifully with the other lines they carry. For a customer you can mix and match and personalize your look and style by incorporating pieces from the Contemporaine or Icone lines and for the younger demographic with the Twik line.
As a Image consultant I talk a great deal about wardrobe modules. Simply stated a wardrobe module consists of 9 pieces of clothing that all mix and match. Putting together these modules is a great way for people to save money and time and they work brilliantly for work and travel!
While sashaying through all the racks and displays on the women’s side it was abundantly clear that there were some fabulous pieces to create an entire wardrobe module or purchase a few pieces to incorporate into an existing wardrobe. What caught my attention immediately were the pieces in the Contemporaine line, which Simons describes as elegant, professional and dynamic. The colour story was done in heather grey and classic black ; however there were several other colours available (solids and prints) and style options from other lines and departments.
What I particularly loved was the Contemporaine grouping in Heather grey. Dresses , skirts, blazers, pants and vest options mixed with the basic yet classic black dresses, pants, skirts, blazers etc you have a polished classic and stylish wardrobe to work with. The style lines had updated silhouettes which would be complimentary to many different body types. The sizes range form 2-14 and the fabric has a stretch weave ensuring a great fit. All Contemporaine pieces were priced below $150.00 with most in the $80 range, there were even a few pieces on sale. Despite having an online store my suggestion is to go into the store as there are many more options available plus you can try them on. From my experience, personalized service is hard to find ,yet the staff tend to be pleasant at the fitting rooms and when making a purchase. I am looking forward to Simons opening in the Rideau Centre this August!
