New fashion boutique on Preston

I was walking along Preston the other day during Tulip Fest and really noticed that there was a lack of boutiques. Whether it's clothes, kitsch, home decore or give shop... All that surrounds us on Preston our pubs, restaurants and bars! Great at night quiet during the day.

Except… I discovered a little shop called Vincent. I did my thing being curious and all and walked in to see what it was all about. I can usually tell right away what it stores all about but observing a few items, checking the prices and observing the Decor. Me Gusta!

Vincent is just the type of boutique shopping Ottawa needs. On trend fashion, new designers and refreshing looks. I'm just getting pretty tired of the same old brands.

The lesson here is if you see something that intrigues you explore it. Talk to the owners, ask them questions, get out of your comfort zone and just be yourself. Small-business owners are always friendly and are more than happy to talk about their new business. They want to succeed and need loyal customers.

Check them out on Facebook, visit their website and blog.

Antiquing Weekend at Fieldhouse- Oct 19-21

Hello my O'Valleyers!

Just a quick heads up that the bi-annual Antique show is on next weekend! Here is the message from Catherine Knoll, show manager. Please contact her to be added to the email list.

Hope to see you there. Let me know what you end up getting in the comments section below.

Antiquing at The Fieldhouse is coming on October 19-21, 2013

Print this page only (or simply show the ticket taker on your smartphone).

Hello Everyone:

It's a lot! Country pine, Deco, Manhattan glass, reclaimed antique lumber furniture, gorgeous art, designer handbags (typically including Gucci, Fendi & Ferragamo), fun fleas, vintage watches, Persian carpets, haute couture, Maritime carvings, cottage quilts, fine furniture, book & paper conservation, silver accents, vintage clothing, fashion jewellery and fabulous fine jewellery (typically including Tiffany, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels), plus more (much more)! Retro. Vintage. Antique.

The Fall Ottawa Antiques Show has everything from decorator finds to one-of-a-kinds, from designer stock to just plain fun. For you, your home, condo, or cottage- 40,000 square feet of fabulous awaits you!

Hope to see you there.

Catherine Knoll
Show Manager

Antiquing at The Fieldhouse

Carleton University, Bronson Ave. & Sunnyside Ave., Ottawa K1S 5B6

Friday October 19, 5pm-9pm Saturday October 20, 10am-5pm, Sunday October 21, 10am-4pm

Regular admission $10 Free re-admission Under 18 free (613) 521-1970

Lots of parking available, but no longer free. Please check directly with the venue for rates.

Old Ottawa South Porch Sale- Sept 8 2012

If you are like me and love digging in people's junk, the Old Ottawa South Porch Sale is where it's at!

Similar to it's sister "Glebe Garage Sale", I personally enjoy this event a whole lot more. In the spirit of making lists - here's why:

1. September 8th is cooler weather than May 28th, so you can go farther and longer!
2. Less people around, less crowded so you can take your time a look
3. Less people means you can bargain more ;)
4. Less people means you have access to parking
5. Access to parking means you can bring your car around with you and buy huge things like furniture
6. Less garage sales per capita means you increase the number of garage sales attended (sorry this is my science brain talking! hahaha)
7. The demographic is...older. Which means you have better items for sale (if you like antiques and more interesting things)

So, as much as I want to support this event and invite people to come, I may be shooting myself in the foot by increasing attendance! Just kidding, it's for a great cause! Sellers are asked to donate a portion of their proceeds to OSCA (the guideline is 10%) to help cover costs of various community initiatives.

Don't forget to take advantage of the street sale on Bank street too! Last year Taylor's was serving delicious take-out pulled pork sandwiches for $5! Wonder what they will be serving this year!

Hope you can make it!
Here are some treasures I found last year.

Jumbo mason jar! Great for punches or lemonade.

Copper pots worth big buck$!! Paid $5 for both! Great for even cooking (like making sauce and melting chocolate)

Cute antique storage box for beauty products.

It's Antique Show time again!

People always ask me where I get my antiques and why I didn't tell them about it! I want to ask them why they don't read my blog!!

There will be lots to see and buy at the Ottawa's Antiquing Event. Bring your cash and your imagination! This three day event come twice a year and will definately keep you coming back for more. Make sure you book October 21, 22, 23 2011!

Loads of parking (No Longer Free, sorry!!) available at the Carleton University Fieldhouse.
Print this coupon to save on your admission fee.

Contact Catherine Knoll (show manager) to be added to their email list.

21 in Ottawa... FOREVER!

Here ye, here ye!

It is with great excitement that I announce to you all that a "Forever 21" is coming to a Rideau Centre near you!

Basically they are closing down the small food court (Timy's, Burger King and some Shawarma place). The F21 will replace the BK and have its own entrance on Rideau Street! How exciting!

Here is a more detailed blog post about the entire story!

This amazing store has clothing for men, women, young girls, maternity and even a plus size women! This is great for just about anyone! I really hope the Ottawa store carries all of these selections.

They not only sell affordable and trendy clothing, but shoes, purses and loads of costume jewellery and accessories!

There truly is something for everyone.

I will do my best to keep you all in the loop!

shopping in the o'

I was in the Market resently and discovered that maybe the shopping scene is getting a bit better. I mean, it's nothing comaparable to Montreal or Toronto, but I think with time, we will be pleasantly surprised. Here is a list of my top favorite stores and boutiques. This post was inspired by a one page flyer that I took from a store that I just discovered (Roadtrip... younger sister to
Trustfund, which I am familiar with) Lots of cities have these types of maps that are available to tourists (heck, or even locals!) to help them find like-minded business :)

1. Trustfund- trendy clothes with higher end labels ... "it's more for investment peices..."
2. Roadtrip- Trustfund's younger sister. Great labels, but way more affordable.
3. Schad- very expensive wishful shopping
4. Urban Outfitters! Finally open.
5. Frou Frou- for the wilder/unique side of your look
6. Milk (this blog needs some work)
7. Workshop- hand crafted clothing by local designers, very orginal stuff
8. Victoire- very cute trendy stuff
9. Zara
10. Aritzia

Please feel free to share your experiences or let me know if there are any stores that I have missed in the market!

Ottawa Fashion Week!

Hello my O'valleyers,

I know you are all busy this weekend between Halloween parties, trick-or-treating and just plain old looking forward to dressing up at work... but it's OTTAWA FASHION WEEK starting on Friday October 29 2010 to Sunday October 31 2010!

Check the site for more details of the schedules and locations.

Hope to see you there!

Urban Outfittawa

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls... I am proud to announce that Ottawa will be getting it's very own URBAN OUTFITTERS!

Let me tell you... it's about time!

Not only did they get here before H&M, but they are starting a new revolution, risking everything they have. They are the pioneers of RIDEAU STREET!!!

How daring of them. They will start the clean up of the much anticipated shopping strip which Ottawa is in dire need of.

I can't wait to see when H&M and maybe Forever 21 follow. I just can't wait to be able to buy something nice without traveling to Toronto, Montreal or NYC!

Here are some pics that I got of the store being built. Looks like they are hiring too :)

I just can't wait for the housewares stuff... maybe they will open an Anthropologie too, Urban's chique big sister??....

Let's not get ahead of ourselves :S

out with the old, in with the used

What if I told you that there are stores that sell great stuff at sale prices, ALL THE TIME. What if I told you that this same place allows you to get rid of unwanted stuff and get some money for it!

You guessed it my prittis, CONSIGNMENT shops... and what an art this has become!

Here are some of the more popular consignment shops that are in Ottawa. I haven't had a chance to visit them all, but here is my to do list:

1. The Clothes Secret (I buy/sell from this store regularly because it's close to my work!)
2. Hush
3. Heathers
4. Consignment World
5. Clothes Tree
6. Your Choice
7. Pret-a-reporter
8. Clothes encounters

When I get a chance to visit these stores, I will make sure to give you a brief review! Help me make my list complete, let me know if there are any stores that I missed!

Happy hunting!

SALE ALLERT:

Clothes Secret
Now until October 2nd 2010- 10% off for all students. Specializing in job interview outfits or simply getting ready for the fall. Free personal styling advice is always available to put it all together for you!