Calgary
June 24th, 2010
Mother Superior
We're definitely not a smother mother, but neither are we a slummy mummy.
Perhaps that's why we're drawn again and again to the gorgeous wares at Nonchalant Mom. We can attest personally to the loveliness of the pillows and delicate angel wings of Atsuko et Akiko and are lusting for their new sparkly masks and dressups.
We also love the Fleamarket section for its vintage toddler spoons and forks.
Which we will so nonchalantly integrate into our carefully curated collection of original Beatrix Potter bowls and Birks silver cups… not that we care, or anything.
April 27th, 2010
Take Two
The coolest phrase a fashionista can mutter is, "It's vintage."
Used House of Vintage's ultra hip staff will help you put together an outfit from head-to-toe or show you how to wear that sequined cape, leather sweater or 1950s dress. A sister store to Vancouver’s Granville Street location, the boutique brings in retro fashions from the 1920s to the 1990s. The store also has an impressive accessories collection including true vintage, vintage-inspired and modern pieces to complete the look.
Used House of Vintage, 738A 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-228-5407.
April 6th, 2010
Viva Vintage
The thrill of the hunt just got more exciting with the reopening of Cat's Eye Vintage.
A favourite among stylists, the treasure trove of vintage clothing, retro costumes, accessories and furniture has been resurrected in the old Alberta Boot Company space. The 5,000-square-foot room is packed to the rafters with garments, so be prepared to search. After a thorough rummage, we came across a Wayne Clark dress and a vintage Halston, and couldn’t resist a leather cropped jacket and a 1940s hat. Cats may have nine lives, but vintage never dies.
Cat’s Eye Vintage, 614 10th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-640-4090
March 9th, 2010
Dresser Up
Sometimes you want something old and sometimes, something new. And when it comes to your home, who said you can’t have both?
The collection of dressers (from $550) by Just Raquel Boho Vintage Furniture lets you pay homage to bygone eras while still maintaining a modern esthetic. Antique dressers are hand-sanded, refurbished and painted in bold hues. Each drawer is lined with damask wallpaper and adorned with funky new knobs. So if you love grandma’s dresser but it just doesn’t work in your home, get it redone in a fire engine red and voila, it’s the perfect entryway piece that’s still part of the family.
At Poor David’s, 312 First St. W., Cochrane, 403-851-2070.
October 29th, 2009
Toon In
The City of Bridges, or Toon Town as it’s affectionately called by locals, Saskatoon is enjoying a rebirth of cool with an invasion of young entrepreneurs who are making their hometown hip again.
stay
Take in a slice of Saskatoon history at Hotel Senator, the downtown haunt built in1908, rich with charm from bygone eras. Location is key as the hotel is only minutes away from the river and plenty of restaurants, pubs and lounges. From $100, Hotel Senator, 243 21st St. E, Saskatoon, 306-244-6141, www.hotelsenator.cashop
Head downtown to Dekan Clothing where it’s a mix of local designers and vintage, including tartan Vivienne Westwood blazers, loose Valentino frocks and bright tanks by Oscar de la Renta. Dekan Clothing, 214 First St. South, Saskatoon, 306-979-0299.do
The new Scratch Nightclub is creating quite the buzz with weekend line-ups down the street and a packed house filled with pretty young things showing their dance moves to the sounds of local and guest DJs including Calgary’s Smalltown DJs, Saskatoon’s The Gaff and Charly Hustle. Scratch, 215 Second Ave. S, Saskatoon, 306-477-3070.eat
Famous for its delectable ready-to-go meals for busy Saskatonians, Sous Chef’s new second location downtown serves daily hot lunches like chicken parmigiana and beef brisket. 2-157 Second Ave. North, 306-664-3434, www.souschef.caApril 17th, 2009
Vintage Picks
When it comes to wine shopping, we’ve all found ourselves aimlessly circling the Californian, Italian and Chilean aisles, not sure where to touch down.
The newly launched Wine Collective hopes to alleviate some of that decision making with its monthly delivery service.The process is easy: Sign up online, choose from four different packages (starting at $42.50 per month for the Jacques Cartier two-bottle up to $295 per month for the Oenophile four-bottle package), and sit back while you anxiously await the delivery of the good stuff.
Each package comes with an in-depth review of the wine including its history, food pairing options and suggestions on how to experience the bottle. You’ll have to relinquish all control—the monthly deliveries are chosen by the experts without any input on your part.
Now your toughest decision is whether to open that second bottle (we say yes!).
January 13th, 2009
vintage vixens
When it comes to vintage shopping, if you’re more about ends than means, the on-line auction house Fox Sparrow Vintage Boutique is your perfect fit. Launched by fashionable Calgarians Lindsay Sutton and Heather Saitz, it brings you quality, handpicked vintage items, ensuring each piece’s excellent condition and modern appeal.
Be prepared to outbid other vintage vixens, but rest assured: stock is replenished regularly and starting bids are as low as $9.99 for steals like a high-waisted wool, pleated skirt, 1970s' ruffle denim jacket and brown leather lace-up booties.Sounds like an outfit to us!
Fox Sparrow Vintage Boutique, http://stores.ebay.ca/Fox-Sparrow-Vintage



