CHEAP & CHIC SHOPPING DIRECTORY

CHEAP & CHIC STORE DIRECTORY
The top boutiques across Canada for cheap and chic finds

Vancouver

Twigg & Hottie

Twigg & Hottie
3671 Main St.
604.879.8595
With over 50 Canadian labels, this vibrant boutique offers an eclectic mix of eco-friendly brands as well as independent designers. The owners are keen on sourcing sweatshop free garments and sustainable fabrics. Price tags detail eco information in a 5-point checklist: sustainable fibre, locally made, recycled material, Canadian, and one of a kind. Be sure to check out pieces by Grace & Cello, Devil May Wear and Myco Anna. The owners Glencora Twigg, Christine Hotton and Jessica Vaira also design three in-house labels: Twigg & Hottie, Michael Clothing and Clementine Clothing, respectively.

Smoking Lily

Store front

Smoking Lily
3634 Main St., South Main
This tiny Vancouver shop is the sister to the flagship originally founded by Trish Tacoma and Julie Higginson in Victoria. With all of its designs sewn and silk-screened in-house by talented local women, the pieces are unique and the prices are affordable. The shop at a whopping 200 ft ensures that the girls are constantly adding new product. You are bound to come across one-of-a-kind finds inspired by nature and made from high quality fabrics. The accessories start at just $16.00 and the women’s line ranges from $36.00 for sheer cap sleeve tees to $102.00 for screen-printed dresses.

Plenty

Photo by Anh-Minh Le

Plenty
1107 Robson Street, 604.736.4484
2803 W. Broadway, 604.736.4484
Richmond Center, 604.276.9664
Metropolis at Metrotown, 604.430.4484
This lower mainland mini-chain carries a great mix of local labels and international brands. With its successful expansion, Plenty has stayed true to its boutique quality, remaining as the destination for upcoming talent and independent fashion. Racks are brimming with the likes of Canadian lines Dace, Gentlefawn, Allison Wonderland and in-house labels Propaganda and Thirty3. Alongside these you’ll find bold names such as Miss Sixty, Nudie and Free People and a solid denim selection stocked with Citizens of Humanity, Joe Jeans and Seven. Fabulous finds include trenches by Propaganda for $88.00 and stylish tanks and tunics starting at $17.00.

Tenth & Proper

Tenth & Proper
4483 West 10th Avenue
604.222.1115
Just this year, Leanne Dunic, owner of Miss Coquette combined her two boutiques under the roof of Tenth & Proper. Located in the lovely Point Grey shopping district, the minimalist shop carries stylish basics for women and men. The in-house line ProperTy emphasizes beautiful texture and quality at affordable price points and is produced in France by the same manufacturers of Prada and Jil Sander basics. Find Canadian labels like Iris, Evan & Dean and Pink Tartan, as well as internationals lines by James Perse, Sunja Link, and Filippa K.

Eugene Choo

Eugene Choo
3683 Main St.
604.873.8874
Sister and brother team, Fiona and Kildare Curtis use their hip Mount Pleasant shop to showcase emerging Canadian labels like Dust, Carapace, Picnic, Comrags and Arthur Mendonça alongside well-known international brands like A.P.C. If you want to stay ahead of trends, the young designers featured in this boutique are always creating cutting-edge and affordable collections that you can mix and match with popular labels. Tailored suits, sweaters and dresses fill the racks while carefully selected books, accessories and houseware line the tables. To add to the shop’s edgy aesthetic, the walls double as a gallery for local artists.

The Block

The Block
350 W. Cordova St
604.685.8885
Situated in Vancouver’s tiny Gastown, The Block features pieces by Mono, Built by Wendy, Jenny Hellström and house label Isabelle Dunlop. Owner Jennifer Mackay, who originally opened the shop with Isabelle Dunlop in 1999, ensures the store carries an affordable selection of quality basics and unique pieces that stay clear of the mass-produced.

	CALGARY
Back to Main Page

Calgary

Shisomiso

Shisomiso Boutique & Gallery
#105 100 7th Avenue SW
Shisomiso is a little bit boutique and a little bit gallery and workspace. This innovative concept offers customers a unique experience with fashion and design. Owners Victoria Lee and Irene Rasetti search for young Canadian designers and offer them a space where they can design and showcase their work. Customers have a chance to see works in progress and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces while interacting with the designers in store. Expect to find lines like Broken Doll Clothing, Amber Leigh, Pretty Racoon, Paperbag and Nokomis.

Plum

Plum in Calgary
#250 – Stewart Green S.W.
Westhills Towne Centre
With its first boutique in Calgary, Plum takes a cue from European styles offering collections that are flattering for women of all ages. Over half of the product is designed in-house by Claudia Agusti and is manufactured in Vancouver. Three exclusive lines are featured in store: Plum, Tobias and Simone. Ranging from $25-$150 you’ll find quality pieces inspired by runway trends in textured fabrics and bold colours.

Purr

Purr
1220, Kensington Rd. NW # 101
$15-$275
The Purr location on Kensington has a different aesthetic than the established 17th Avenue store. With light wood floors and green walls, the shop has a light and airy ambience. Stocked with labels like Free People, Blue Cult, Gsus and Ben Sherman you’ll also find great accessories from Canadian designers Lily & Jae and Horns of Plenty. Prices range from $15.00 to $275.00.

Smyth & Kang

Smyth & Kang
1020, 17Th Ave. SW
403.541.1717
This hipster boutique, which opened in 2000, is a combination of high fashion and local shop mixing global brands with local labels. The hip décor uses tulle drapes to divide the store into sections based on brand and style. At various price points, from $18.00 to $389.00 the shop is accessible for all customers alike. You’ll find clothes that avoid trends and ensure longevity. Look for labels like Mike & Chris, Soïa & Kyo, Mackage and Nice Collective. Strut the catwalk by the fitting rooms and your Polaroid may just end up on their wall of fame.

Kismet

Kismet
105b Eighth Avenue SE
Bright and spacious with exposed brick walls—this modern shop carries a diverse selection of international designers, Canadian labels and Asian-inspired houseware. Owner Annabel Tully stocks her minimalist boutique with high quality fashion. Browse the likes of Mac & Jac, Nougat, Designer Remix and Kenzie on the main. You’ll find great bargains downstairs where the reduced items are. Look to spend between $25.00 to $275.00.

VANCOUVER	TORONTO
Back to Main Page

Toronto

Moda

Moda
632 Queen St. W.
Moda, the stunning Toronto boutique which opened just this past September, exclusively carries the Danish fashion labels Vero Moda for women and Selected for men. Known for its high quality and versatile selection this shop impresses customers by offering low-price points with maintaining its quality. Skirts from $45.00 and high-waisted pants from $55.00 will fulfill your need for stylish basics. Trend driven pieces like chiffon blouses start at just $30.00 while leather bombers range around $179.00. Moda guarantees timeless classics while adding a unique twist to their runway inspired designs.

Champagne & Cupcakes

Champagne & Cupcakes
1114 Queen St W.
416.737.5504
Caroline Lim’s new boutique near Queen & Dovercourt is the answer to affordable luxury. High quality dresses range from $79.00 to $200.00 and she will create custom designs starting at $250.00 in her studio downstairs. The styles are refreshed bi-weekly which means there is always something new to try on. This charming shop also carries lingerie, jewellery and fun bath products packaged like cupcakes from the Vancouver line Open Sundaes.

Nathalie-Roze & Co.

Nathalie-Roze & Co.
1015 Queen St. E.
416.792.1699
This hip Leslieville shop owned by designer and freelancer Nathalie-Roze Fisher carries a great selection of sustainable fashions. Both an indie designer boutique and DIY studio, you’ll find everything from clothing, accessories, beauty products and accessories made by over 80 local designers and crafters. Most of the merchandise is priced below $100.00 and many are under $20.00. Be sure to drop in for one of Fischer’s Afternoon Craft and Tea parties.

Carte Blanche

Carte Blanche
758 Queen St. W
416.532.0347
While the shop boasts simple décor, a black and white interior with high ceilings and traditional crown molding, you’ll find a well designed and uniquely detailed collection of clothing. Owner Daniel Augustino offers a mix of a high and low price points throughout the store so customers can blend styles at their choosing. The boutique is also home to its own studio and house like Pink Cobra, which starts at $70.00. Labels carried include Cheap Monday, Jeremy Scott, April77 and Linda Farrow Gallery. Carefully selected vintage accessories are for sale to compliment the chic meets street vibe. Expect to find graphic tees from $35.00 and knits from $50.00.

Pho Pa

Pho Pa
698 Queen St. W.
416.979.9444
Owner Alexa Lewis plays close attention to detail and it’s evident in her selection of small Canadian designers and house line. This boutique carries original pieces with distinctive twists. Shop here for unique finds from up-and-coming designers that you won’t find at other shops. Price points vary but you’ll find great value in the garments from their tailoring to their fabrics. Dress shirts start at $79.00. Silk printed tunics sell for $80.00 and beautiful detailed dresses start at $89.00. Look for labels like Dagg & Stacey, House of Spy and Chulo Pony.

CALGARY	MONTREAL
Back to Main Page

Montreal

Space FB

Space FB
François Beauregard designs basics that are minimalist and sophisticated. The brand is often cited as the Canadian answer to American Apparel and styles are named after the sales staff. You’ll find cozy basics like cotton-bamboo blend hoodies from $89.00 and well-cut tees from 20.00. There is also a trendy selection of loose fitting cardigans and high-waisted pencil skirts from $89.00.

Headquarters Galerie + Boutique

Photo by Christopher Lynch

Headquarters Galerie + Boutique
1649 Amherst
514.678.2923
Celebrating its second anniversary this June, Headquarters has become the space for indie designers, artists, writers and musicians to network. The boutique demands a close look. You’ll find hidden gems: clothing, accessories, shoes, books and houseware sourced from cities all over the world. The result is a cache of high quality original pieces at varied price points to accommodate all budgets. The store is divided in half, men’s on one side and ladies on the other. Downstairs is a gallery, which exhibits local artists and sells affordable originals starting at just $40.00.

Le Marche MTL

Photo by Christopher Lynch

Le Marche MTL
24 Des Pins Ave. E
514.907.2482
Committed to selling only new and small labels, the owners who are designers themselves realized the potential of their retail space. Their boutique is a friendly space to showcase new designers and standout vintage pieces. Silk-screened tees and tanks start at about $50.00 while unique dresses and silk-blend jumpers start at $100.00. A carefully edited vintage collection starts at around $50.00 and includes everything from clothes and shoes to leather handbags. Since most of the designs are one-of-a-kinds you’re pretty penny will be well spent on original and exclusive styles.

Boutique Lustre

Photo by Christopher Lynch

Boutique Lustre
4429 Blvd. St. Laurent
Despite the nostalgic atmosphere, this boutique only offers new clothing and accessory selections by designers Yasmine Wasfy and Christie Dyball. Each piece is handmade and can be tailored to your liking which is incredible considering prices are so modest. Expect to find skirts starting at $40.00 and many accessories priced at less than $20.00. Both designers will create commissioned pieces if you have a unique idea in mind.

Black Sheep Betty

Black Sheep Betty
4816 B Parc Ave.
Tucked away in the Plateau area is Amy Arnott’s gallery space that fuses art and fashion. You’ll find locally designed clothing and jewellery and investment worthy paintings. Often the designers and artists are found in the boutique working on new pieces. This creative space hosts 4 fashion shows a year as well as several art events. Drop in the gallery to scope out designs by ECOuture, Christina Ledang and jewellery by Janet Miller.

Lola & Emily

Source: Metro Pop

Lola & Emily
3475 St. Laurent Blvd.
514.288.7598
Pretty much everything is for sale in this cozy apartment style boutique from the clothes to the furniture. Owners Marny Blashnay and Sally Scott developed this concept store so customers would share the same comfortable experience as if you were rummaging through your friend’s closet. Avoiding the ultra high-end boutique prices, Lola & Emily offer a mix and match concept with merchandise at varied price points to make their showroom style boutique more accessible to customers. Various styles are reflected in the product lines: Lola represents trendier styles while Emily is more classic. Look for a mix of labels like Blue Cult, Free People, Pinkish Black, The Waiter and their own house label called lne.

TORONTO	MAIN
Back to Main Page