YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring.

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 26 May 2026 02:31:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring/page/2#post-1640717 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 11:41:23 +0000 Anonymous 1640717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel your pain, Lisa and other overseas shoppers. I remember having the same frustration over the years when the dollar weakened at times and I couldn't afford my favourite UK brands (Jaeger closed its US stores in one of these downturns as they couldn't compete). I agree with Jenanded about the quality of high-end items right now. I have bought Vince and Vince Camuto over the years and find that the quality of the lower-priced brand has been consistently *higher* than the Vince brand, at least in the items I purchased. Maybe we need a YLF meetup where Diane, Firecracker, Ginger and our other fab dressmakers teach us the fine arts of fitting and sewing. Bijou on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring/page/2#post-1640706 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 10:42:19 +0000 Bijou 1640706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes I have noticed this too in Australia.  This has impacted me most in relation to the price of shoes. My problem is that I am quite hard on shoes and I like them to look pristine. I may just have to get into the RATE look this year! retailgirl on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring/page/2#post-1640691 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 09:19:44 +0000 retailgirl 1640691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm a spender, but prices are scaring me, too! I used to buy a Lafayette 148 jacket here or there, under $500, sometimes I had Nordstrom notes to put towards it. But now they're $600 and up and I can't justify that. So I guess I'll take very good care of the things I have and sit on the sidelines unless something is a must have. heather.enhui on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring/page/2#post-1640655 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 03:30:13 +0000 heather.enhui 1640655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can definitely relate. I'm an American, but have lived abroad for the last 16 years, including 3 years in Toronto (when the exchange rate was not favorable for Canadians at all). I live in China now and although pretty much everything is made here, we have to pay significantly more for clothes in international brand shops. Higher end and luxury items can be up to 100% more expensive. My Chinese friends save like fiends and go crazy buying in Tokyo, Hong Kong, etc. whenever they have a chance (or a friend or relative is traveling), maybe you've heard some stories about Chinese shoppers abroad? In the last few years I was unable to travel due to serious illness, but this year I will be in the US twice. I am devoting a large part of my budget to shopping for new clothes at the stores I love and miss like crazy, like JCrew and Nordstroms (excited my trip will coincide with NAS!) To compensate for lack of affordable and available high quality items I started sewing again (not an option for all), and I spend a lot of time on a website called Taobao (Chinese shopping site with small retailers selling pretty much everything ever made) looking for higher quality clothes and shoes. It's exhausting! One bright side? Uniqlo is cheaper here than in the US. Mac on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640647 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 02:47:07 +0000 Mac 1640647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, the increase in income taxes on the Canadian "top tier" (those earning over approx $145k US/ year) were supposed to offset the massive increase in government spending but we're seeing that's simply not the case. So, economist friends of mine tell me to expect a sales tax increase in the next couple of years. JAileen on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640636 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 02:24:45 +0000 JAileen 1640636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I sympathize. Several years ago the exchange rate was reversed and we were shocked how expensive everything was in Vancouver. No vacation souvenirs for us! Anonymous on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640629 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 02:19:10 +0000 Anonymous 1640629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Elizabeth - I agree . Nordstrom is a take it or leave it option depending on price . I'm not great with knowing my size anymore so am frankly scared to order online and have to return , which is where it gets $$. Need to check The Rack though. Anonymous on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640627 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 02:16:44 +0000 Anonymous 1640627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A - I hear you , and agree to a great degree . I can't afford to retire yet , but I'm certainly losing my enthusiasm for the sales grind . I would happily buy in stores like Rickis and Reitmans if they had styles, colours and fabrics I like , but they don't . I'm thinking I'm going to have to polish up my Winner 's /Marshall's shopping skills or become better friends with H & M . Lol. Elizabeth P on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640623 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 02:11:34 +0000 Elizabeth P 1640623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, I've ordered from the Rack, and found them to be excellent. Reasonable shipping, and quick. I have not had to return to them yet, so no comment there. The $$ hasn't turned me off Nordies yet. The fact that I can see things in canadian dollars means I decide if it's in my budget without ever thinking about conversion rates. Of course the duties can still turn them into big no's, but they aren't always bad. Anonymous on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640614 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 01:46:48 +0000 Anonymous 1640614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maybe I shouldn't be saying this on a fashion blog, but I'm kind of tired of spending that much money on clothes. A very bad few months at work makes me want to save more money and get out as soon as I can, to travel and do things, not spend on things. I spent 12 hrs in the office today with 2 hr commute so maybe I am just crabby bit I find Canadian retailers like Reitmans, Rickis, Banana Republic Canafa are working fine. I have a low fashion threshold anyway Style Fan on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640605 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 01:20:43 +0000 Style Fan 1640605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel your pain Lisa.  I am in the Hamilton area this week and looked in some of my old haunts.  I came away empty handed.  There was nothing I wanted to buy but I need some things.  Now what do I do. rabbit on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640603 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 01:10:20 +0000 rabbit 1640603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't know about in Canada but  items by Vince and Paige appear to be on discount at Marshalls in the US (same company as Winners) a lot. Anonymous on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640600 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:58:05 +0000 Anonymous 1640600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shopping the sales is different from country to country, from what I understand.  Chain/mall stores like BR , Gap etc are perennially on sale, whereas CM still only does markdowns after a collection has been on the floor for quite awhile. I never see brands like Current E, Smythe, Vince, Paige, Bailey. Equipment etc on sale until the end of the season, and by then there might be one piece left of a particular style.  One just can't count on stocking a wardrobe that way.  I guess I've become so particular about what I like that I just don't find a comparable t-shirt (for example) anywhere that has the same cut, drape, feel and hand, design details like distressing or fading ...among those stocked at BR or Gap.  Every single Banana Republic t-shirt I have owned has twisted or shrunk in the wash to the point where they are no longer wearable. Gap isn't quite as bad.  My CE t's and tanks can be washed, dried, stepped on, napped in, sweated in, and still look brand new afterwards.   I don't buy as many pieces per season as most members do here on the forum - by choice, really, because I'd rather have 2 good t-shirts than 6 or 7 that just aren't perfect.  I know price doesn't guarantee quality , and that's not my point with this post. Interesting idea to check out The Rack and Last Call - fellow Canadians....have any of you tried ordering from them? How is the shipping and return process? Sal on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640578 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 23:38:40 +0000 Sal 1640578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting, expecially as many of these brands will be made in Mexico or China- I am not sure how the fashion industry is structured. We don't get a lot of US or Canadian or even UK retailers here - we can of course buy on line but US is not very appealing right now.  The main place I can think of with a retail presence here is Lululemon which is fiendishly expensive.   We do however have a lot of Australian brands, and the tags have NZD prices and AUD prices - NZD normally about $10 more expensive. My observations here are that tag prices are getting higher but the mass market/mall/chain shops are constantly in sale (25%, spend and save etc).  And in my provincial city the selection is getting poorer in the shop - it seems the pick is only available online.  I am definitely having more success with a local boutique with their own label, and who buy in other labels.  The range and quality is great.   My budget is squeezed again so I am prioritising new purchases.  Fashion is a hobby, and I want/need to look and feel good, but I am becoming a happy repeater.  And a frequent washer of clothes.   missvee on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640573 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 23:02:48 +0000 missvee 1640573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's definitely having an impact on my purchasing these days. I don't mind spending money on better labels but there has to be a sense of underlying value when I do, and that's what's been lost lately. My plan is to wait for the sales and in the meantime supplement with some less expensive basics. We have a Simons store now nearby and it's great for mid to lower priced tees, tops and sweaters. And my new favourite is Joe Fresh! Why not get a couple of tees along with the broccoli haha. Seriously though I just bought a great tee for $16. - asymmetrical and ruched neckline - and I like it way better than anything Kit and Ace has on offer. Putting things in a broader perspective though I'm seriously wondering how some of the independent boutiques will survive. Retail is tough at the best of times. Anonymous on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640572 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 22:54:43 +0000 Anonymous 1640572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ And - again, this is not just an issue for these mid-range brands: it's happening to anything imported from the US. It's just more notable on brands and lines one rebuys the same items from each season, perhaps. Anonymous on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640571 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 22:53:39 +0000 Anonymous 1640571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie - travel is brutal, almost unheard of now unless you have deep pockets.  And odd that you've found Smythe priced higher this spring. It's still the same here as it was last year - there is only one boutique in Wpg carrying it as they have an exclusive.  Anonymous on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640550 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 22:06:09 +0000 Anonymous 1640550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not really up to speed on higher end items, but I do know that Smythe Les Vestes are about $100 more expensive than last year. Despite the weak Canadian dollar (or strong American one?) I am buying from places like LastCall, where the sale prices are so insanely good, that it makes it worthwhile to spend in the US. What I find really affected by our weak dollar is travel. I love Vermont and New England, but it's so expensive now, so we'll likely do a Canadian trip this year. Suz on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640549 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 22:05:50 +0000 Suz 1640549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hahahahha orange is the new black, indeed.  I rarely buy in this range and so haven't yet felt the sticker shock. But it's coming, I am sure. Oy. Not looking forward to it. I might get more determined at seeking out Canadian designers.  Elizabeth P on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640540 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 21:53:32 +0000 Elizabeth P 1640540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gaylene, I sense an idea for April 2017... Gaylene on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640464 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 20:09:18 +0000 Gaylene 1640464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, Angie, maybe you need to do a post on accessorizing orange jumpsuits? Or how to tailor boxy striped tops to make them modern? We'll need our FFBOs to keep stylish while we wait out our sentences. Anonymous on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640460 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 20:02:41 +0000 Anonymous 1640460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Whaaatt! 130 CDN for a tee... I am so out of touch. I've been making my own things for so long I have no idea what it would cost to clothe myself if I had to go out to shops to buy my stuff. I feel your pain Lisa. That's a heck of a hike up in cost...20  CDN in on go on one item alone. And Jenanded getting stuff from the UK to Australia...wow. catgirl on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640458 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 20:01:21 +0000 catgirl 1640458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yeeesh.  That's no fun.  The Rack carries Skull Cashmere items, if you can handle the shipping costs.  Janet on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640403 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 19:02:12 +0000 Janet 1640403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yikes. Even in the US, I hear you and have concerns around this stuff too. I'm scaling back my spending on style. I had a couple of years when I splurged on some high-ticket designer items, but our circumstances have changed and I feel like I had my fun. I still enjoy some of those items, but a couple I've sold. So I've learned that the label is not a good indicator of how much I will wear or love an item down the road.  I was secretly a little relieved when I tried these Clergerie sandals and the fit/comfort were not right. It was a ridiculous, weak moment to even try on $500 sandals. Even though they are SO COOL.  jenanded on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640400 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 19:01:29 +0000 jenanded 1640400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here in Oz we have the same issue. But what gets me more is the decreasing quality in what you get for $2-300 range. I find UK gear cheaper, cheaper postage for workwear at least. I suspect I pretend I don't know the brands. Underwear is much cheaper from the UK too. Truly I buy my kids socks from the other side of the world! Not sure this works for your style Lisa but I do this with neutral basic pieces and work pieces. Then the cost of makeup here for said brands is nuts. Don't get me started there too... Angie on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640377 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 18:30:55 +0000 Angie 1640377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Why don't we all rob a bank?  texstyle on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640372 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 18:23:20 +0000 texstyle 1640372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The U.S. may not be all that far behind in this type of cost increase. $15 an hour min. wage (as several cities have recently decided to impose)  is certainly not going to make prices stay where they are.  Supply seems to be another issue, many times what I *do* want to order is low on stock or backordered, sometimes cancelled later by the retailer. Gaylene on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640337 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 17:32:08 +0000 Gaylene 1640337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hear you, Lisa, because I've experienced the same price shock on labels I've come to rely on for my wardrobe. It's funny how we can get accustomed to $90-110 for a top, but add another $20 plus tax on to the bill and I'm "whoa--I'm NOT paying THAT for a T-shirt!" In my opinion, there are two ways to handle the situation: buy more or less the same number of items, but at lower price point; or buy fewer items at the new prices. I suspect I'll be doing a little of both in the next year as I remind myself while being adequately clothed is a necessity, FASHION is a hobby. And, like any hobby, the amount I spend on that particular activity has to reflect its priority in my life. Anonymous on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640317 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 16:52:15 +0000 Anonymous 1640317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a first world problem, for sure, and I don't mean to sound like a label snob.  I spend more on clothes than I should and have to remind myself fairly regularly that my income doesn't always justify that expense. I don't buy a ton of stuff at all, but when I do buy something, I gravitate toward the best I can manage .  That selective process is going to have to be even moreso.  I think I'm also frustrated that because my wardrobe is a bit on the small side at the moment, I'm wanting to replace things but can't find what I want at the price level I can afford.   Roxanna on "How the Cdn $ is affecting clothing prices this spring." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-the-cdn-is-affecting-clothing-prices-this-spring#post-1640291 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 16:10:50 +0000 Roxanna 1640291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I TOTALLY hear you and have been feeling the same frustration. I have been shopping more at chain stores for my spring wardrobe refresh because the economies of scale mean that the price difference is less drastic - but I prefer boutique brands for their uniqueness and quality, so I am sad about this change. It also means that I now can't justify ordering from US sites at all, which means Nordstrom, shopbop, the outnet etc are all out of my choice set now. I have to go more mainstream, which is depressing, but really the only option right now.