Maybe this is a case of where this is old news to everyone except me, but my sister and I recently wandered into the new SIMONS store in West Edmonton mall. We were both totally amazed, not only at the store design (which has been lauded in the press) but also the selection--and, best of all, a website that offers free shipping and returns in Canada.
Apparently Simons is quite familar name in Quebec since La Maison Simons has been around since 1812, but has just expanded outside of Quebec by opening a store in Edmonton this past year.
The website is totally curated mix of mid-level designers (Vince Camuto, T Tahari, Michael Kors, etc.) along with the house brands Twik, Contemporaine, and Icone. In the actual stores you'll find designers like Celine, Judith and Charles, DVF, Lanvin, and that ilk. The house brands are relatively inexpensive but with interesting cuts and shapes; construction and fabrics also seem quite good for that price point; check out the link below:
http://www.simons.ca/eng/categories/women/lookbook
I bought a Contemporaine blazer and straight-legged pants, along with a pair of white wool Judith and Charles trousers (marked down to $55!) while I was in the store. The Contemporaine pieces were the same size that I usually take in J Crew and BR. I haven't yet ordered from the website, but with free shipping, delivery within 3-5 business days, and free returns (automatic before 40 days, contact a rep for a return after that), I've no doubt I'll remedy that quite quickly.
Apparently Simons is quite familar name in Quebec since La Maison Simons has been around since 1812, but has just expanded outside of Quebec by opening a store in Edmonton this past year.
The website is totally curated mix of mid-level designers (Vince Camuto, T Tahari, Michael Kors, etc.) along with the house brands Twik, Contemporaine, and Icone. In the actual stores you'll find designers like Celine, Judith and Charles, DVF, Lanvin, and that ilk. The house brands are relatively inexpensive but with interesting cuts and shapes; construction and fabrics also seem quite good for that price point; check out the link below:
http://www.simons.ca/eng/categories/women/lookbook
I bought a Contemporaine blazer and straight-legged pants, along with a pair of white wool Judith and Charles trousers (marked down to $55!) while I was in the store. The Contemporaine pieces were the same size that I usually take in J Crew and BR. I haven't yet ordered from the website, but with free shipping, delivery within 3-5 business days, and free returns (automatic before 40 days, contact a rep for a return after that), I've no doubt I'll remedy that quite quickly.
