Shopping
The Best Indie Boutiques to Shop in Canada
Our local picks for the best places to shop for curated, thoughtfully designed fashion and accessories—online and IRL.
by : Erica Ngao- Jun 6th, 2018
NEW CLASSICS
Based: Edmonton
Speciality: Slow and sustainable fashion
Shipping: Free shipping over $150 in North America
New Classics Studio was launched in 2014 by Alyssa Lau in response to the environmental and social implications of fast fashion. She’s curated sustainable and fair trade labels from around the world, and even ships using environmentally-friendly packaging materials and recycled cards.
What’s in our basket: Sonya Lee Half Maya Bag ($382)
STILL LIFE
Based: Victoria and Vancouver
Speciality: Smaller, international labels
Shipping: Free shipping over $150 in North America
Run by wife and husband duo, Kim and Matt, Still Life carries labels from around the world with a focus on high-quality, modern brands.
What’s in our basket: Paloma Wool Gabrielle Dress in Ecru ($230)
ZANE
Based: Toronto
Speciality: Designer handbags and accessories
Shipping: Free expedited shipping over $50 in Canada
From bags to watches, hats to sunglasses, this retailer carries all the accessories needed to complete an outfit. Originally a pop-up store, Zane established it’s flagship store on Queen Street West and carries both local and international brands, from Mackage to Le Specs.
What’s in our basket: Wolf Circus Gold Matisse Ring ($140)
VICTOIRE
Based: Ottawa and Toronto
Speciality: Labels from Canadian female designers
Shipping: Free shipping over $100 in Canada
High school pals Katie Frappier and Régine Paquette pooled their savings after graduating from university to open the first outpost in 2006. In the beginning, they found designers through local craft sales and Etsy. Today, the boutique carries over 80 designers, the majority being Canadian women.
What’s in our basket: Dagg & Stacey Ira Pant ($160)
WHITE ELEPHANT
Based: Hamilton, Ontario
Speciality: Canadian-made clothing and accessories
Shipping: Free shipping over $150 in Canada
Independent and female-run, White Elephant began with a focus on handmade and small-batch jewelry and accessories in 2008. Since then, owners Hollie and Jane have expanded to include clothing and a second retail location.
What’s in our basket: Amanda Moss Promenade Skirt ($245)
8TH & MAIN
Based: Locations in Victoria, Vancouver and Toronto
Speciality: Trending styles
Shipping: Free shipping over $75 in North America
About: 8th & Main boosts a wide selection of brands like Jacqueline de Yong, Everly and Sadie & Sage, that could supply an entire wardrobe at price points that won’t break your budget.
What’s in our basket: Only Didem High-Waist Satin Shorts ($39.99)
ONE OF A FEW
Based: Vancouver
Speciality: Capsule pieces with a vintage feel
Shipping: Free shipping over $250 in North America
About: One of a Few lives up to its namesake by thoughtfully curating clothing, footwear and accessories from designers around the world including Rachel Comey, Creatures of Comfort and Baserange.
What’s in our basket: Ganni Julliard Mohair Sweater ($399)
WORKSHOP BOUTIQUE
Based: Ottawa
Speciality: Made-in-Canada sustainable fashion, accessories and houseware
Shipping: Free shipping over $150 in Canada
Owners Bridget and Christina wanted a place to sell their own creations as designers and a place where they could buy local, handmade pieces. Workshop carries over 150 independent Canadian designers and makers in the shop, which is also home to their design studio.
What’s in our basket: Jennifer Glasgow Timoneer Dress ($199)
27 BOUTIQUE
Based: Calgary
Speciality: Boho-chic
Shipping: Free shipping over $150 in Canada
About: From casual denim cutoffs to breezy maxi dresses, this prairie boutique carries everything from swimwear to bath and body products online.
What’s in our basket: Gigi Pip Dahlia Stiff Wide Brim Hat ($98)
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