https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 08:26:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-665869 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:41:10 +0000 Anonymous 665869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another site I have just come across -- haven't ordered from here, but I am interested to see if they live up to the promise.</p> <p><a href="http://www.shoeme.ca/" rel="nofollow">http://www.shoeme.ca/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-665861 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:24:39 +0000 Anonymous 665861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another site I just checked on a whim - <a href="http://www.Nygard.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.Nygard.com</a> -- they've really improved their site and selection since I last looked (a couple years ago), and it looks like Canadian orders have free shipping to home over $75, or free shipping to store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-665180 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:16:18 +0000 Gaylene 665180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, VC, for the eluxe.ca site; it's going on my list. If someone uses any of these sites, it would be interesting to hear about how it turns out, especially if items need to be returned.</p> <p>I think the Canadian online shopping still has much to learn from its US counterpart but I can live with a shorter return period (especially if the timeline starts at the delivery, not shipping, date) if it means avoiding those import and shipping costs. I'm happier spending my fashion dollars supporting a Canadian designer than an import/shipping company.</p> <p>Lynn, that dress is beautiful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-665092 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:36:38 +0000 Aziraphale 665092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, thank you so much for this! I live in Vancouver, so as you say my shopping troubles are fewer, but still, there are lots of things that are harder come by here. It's great to have some designers to add to the arsenal. And I've ranted plenty about online shopping, but a lot of my problems with it are the duty and shipping/return shipping costs. If I lived in the US perhaps I'd be more open to online shopping. (Although perhaps not. I only shopped online for kids' clothes when I lived in California, but then I lived in a major urban center there too, so shopping brick&amp;mortar stores was easy). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-665073 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:43:28 +0000 velvetychocolate 665073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's kind of expensive, but that is a gorgeous dress lyn*!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-665070 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:33:34 +0000 lyn* 665070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>velvetychocolate - I think most people are pretty happy with their Danier stuff; that being said, I have been to that store SO MANY times and have never found anything I like! I hope you find something, though! There is also a Danier Outlet on eBay; but I don't think they have a very good return policy!</p> <p>ETA: I love this dress! WHY ARE YOU SO EXPENSIVE? <a href="http://www.eluxe.ca/en/pink-tartan-sleeveless-ballet-dress-black.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.eluxe.ca/en/pink-ta.....black.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-665065 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:11:38 +0000 velvetychocolate 665065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I couldn't help but look at the Danier site yesterday when Shannon and Sveta were talking about leather jackets. I was pleased to see that one can order from the US by phone. </p> <p>If you click on the "buy now" icon on any product, a pop up window includes the following:</p> <p>BY PHONE<br /> Call 1-877-932-6437<br /> We Ship to any Location within Canada and the U.S. </p> <p>That said, I do notice their return policy is quite short - 14 days I think it is. There are lots of Danier stores in Canada where one could order from their site by calling the 800-number, and return in-store if need be, but I'd be afraid to order from the US knowing there's only 14 days to return something if it didn't work out. </p> <p>In the meantime - this is a great thread! Thank you for starting it Gaylene </p> <p>PS - Sveta - I know what you mean about lack of 'online' options, but I once had to order something by phone at Talbot's last year when their site went all wonky - and it was easy and pleasant. It might be that you have to phone and order stuff from a lot of Canadian sites for now, but at least you can see their products online. </p> <p>HEY....I just looked up the Pink Tartan site, and under 'store locations' it listed something called eLUXE - a Canadian site:</p> <p><a href="http://www.eluxe.ca/" rel="nofollow">http://www.eluxe.ca/</a></p> <p>Flat rate shipping is $12 anywhere in Canada. When I clicked on 'clothes' I see they are currently offering free shipping and free returns in Canada for orders over $25. </p> <p>This looks like a GREAT site. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-665000 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:51:16 +0000 krishnidoux 665000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much for this post and the links!!! Most appreciated. You are touching a crucial point in the Canadian experience of clothes shopping. This will help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-664799 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 01:11:08 +0000 Sveta 664799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Gaylene. It is definitely time to find out more about Canadian designers.<br /> I was randomly clicking through sites on this Flare site and you know what bugs me? A lot of these websites do not offer online shopping at all. I have looked at Pink Tartan site for example. They list 3rd party shopping sites which carry their stuff - and you know what? All of them are in US: Nordstrom, Lord@Taylor, Bloomingdale, Saks... you cannot order online from a Canadian site! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-664793 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:38:55 +0000 Gaylene 664793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna, I love shopping at Holt Renfrew when I'm in Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal. But it is just a B&amp;M store so it's hard to shop the sales when you don't live in one of these cities. It would be wonderful if Holt's had online shopping like Nordies, but that does not seem to be in the works. </p> <p>As a matter of fact, all of the above Canadian cities have great shopping, but the problem for many of us is the extremely limited shopping in many of the smaller Canadian cities and towns. Even chain stores like Banana Republic are a rarity.</p> <p>Online shopping is a great equalizer, but the costs incurred by cross-border shopping are horrendous. That is why I was so delighted to find that many Canadian designers have chosen to present their clothing via the web. I can shop designer fashion without spending more than I would shopping on a mass market US fashion site. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-664758 Mon, 09 Jul 2012 23:52:14 +0000 annagybe 664758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never see the Canadians mention Holt Renfrew. Yes, they're pricey but they have good sales. Whenever I go to Vancouver I visit there.<br /> In fact when I was in Monreal in the summer ( I think it was June), I was looking a Burberry hats. The sales lady pulled out of the cardbroad shipping box a new wool Burberry newsboy hat in my size. I was so thrilled with the service. I still wear that hat 6 years later. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-664699 Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:25:25 +0000 merwoman 664699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for posting and sharing this info Gaylene, it's really appreciated! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-664652 Mon, 09 Jul 2012 20:40:11 +0000 Gaylene 664652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for maisondemoi.com link, Celt. Love those dresses--and some with sleeves! I hadn't heard of them before, but I'm adding them to my list of shopping sites. I've also been checking out <a href="http://www.chiccane.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.chiccane.com</a> Pricey, but they do have sales and offer free shipping--but only within Canada How's that for a change...</p> <p>Lynn, I was also surprised to see some of the Canadian designers on the list that I've associated with US sites. For example, I've seen Ron White shoes on Nordies website. Crazy to think we Canadian shoppers pay import and shipping costs to have Canadian merchandise delivered to us via US stores. *shaking my head in disbelief*</p> <p>Zapotee, I, too, think that Canadian designers can offer something different than what is found in the States. Many of their designs seem to have a European or Asian influence. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-664615 Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:32:48 +0000 lyn* 664615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks! I had no idea that BB Dakota was Canadian! I guess I should stop ordering my BB Dakota from the states, eh? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-664582 Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:11:35 +0000 Anonymous 664582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for this post. I'm actually venturing abroad. I am rather bored at the moment with the US selections... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-664538 Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:34:34 +0000 Transcona Shannon 664538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love that outfit you posted Gaylene and I'm flattered that you would think of me. I'm definitely going to check out her designs.</p> <p>Thanks again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-664511 Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:13:06 +0000 Jem 664511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Gayle! It is frustrating shopping in Canada. Even though I have access to US shopping with both a PO Box across the border and I go there quite a bit (I'm American) it just isn't the same as living in the US where you can get things shipped and returned within days. I appreciate the list you posted, I will check it out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-664502 Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:09:15 +0000 Anonymous 664502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Gaylene!</p> <p>I have been patiently picking through looking for Canadian online shopping also, because I hate the thought of not being able to return clothes, or having my hard saved money eaten up by import fees and exchange rates.</p> <p>One I didn't see on there is <a href="http://www.maisondemoi.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.maisondemoi.com/</a> (It looks like they are upgrading their online shopping, but they often have great sales). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-664499 Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:07:48 +0000 Gaylene 664499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, my sister loves some of Diane Kennedy designs. She buys in Edmonton, but Kennedy's clothes are available in stores across Canada (including Winnipeg). I could totally see you in this outfit </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-664490 Mon, 09 Jul 2012 17:57:16 +0000 HelenInCanada 664490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Gayle. I worship FLARE - it's a must for Canadian style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-664476 Mon, 09 Jul 2012 17:40:58 +0000 Transcona Shannon 664476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene - I cannot thank you enough for this post! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-formerly-frustrated-canadians-guide-to-shopping#post-664462 Mon, 09 Jul 2012 17:26:11 +0000 Gaylene 664462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon's recent threads on NAS shopping and her frustration with the hassles of cross-border shopping really struck a chord with me. In Canada, unless you live in a major centre like Toronto or Vancouver, shopping can be discouraging when you are limited to whatever is available in the local mall, since most of the shops tend to focus on the teenage market. Online shopping would seem to be the answer, but with shipping costs, duties, and costly returns, shopping at US sites often means doubling (or even tripling) the online price.</p> <p>My solution has been to do a bit of digging around to see what was available online from Canadian sites. And, wow, was I surprised. Because the Canadian market is much smaller, most of our Canadian designers don't get the publicity that comes from being associated with larger stores or companies. But the sheer variety of the designs, sizes, and price points amazed me. My dollar goes further and I avoid the shipping hassles of cross-border shopping, but the best part is the boost to my style quotient!</p> <p>Shopping Canadian does take a bit more effort, because we can't depend on Angie's picks to aim us in the right direction, but the time and effort are totally worth it. Most designers have websites that offer online shopping with prices in Canadian dollars. And almost every site has a sale area where you can get great deals, like a Matt and Nat handbag for $15 (I was a leather snob until I brought home one of their vegan bags!) </p> <p>I found this website handy when I first started looking around:<br /> <a href="http://www.flare.com/fashion/directory" rel="nofollow">http://www.flare.com/fashion/directory</a></p> <p>Typing "Canadian designer" in Google after whatever I'm looking for also has helped me come up with new leads. </p> <p>And for all those non-Canadian YLFers who start lusting after some of the stuff, many of the designers will ship outside of Canada but you may have to endure some of those cross-border hassles. Sorry about that. </p>