FASHION Magazine

Boxing Day: It strikes fear in the hearts of retail workers, and trumps Christmas celebrations for all bargain addicts. For the rest of us, it’s an opportunity to pick up what our well-meaning significant others didn’t end up buying us for the holidays. If you are willing to brave the cold, the lineups (like the one pictured above at Toronto’s Eaton Centre), and the inevitable Christmas hangover, here are some shops that you should check out.

I love spying runway-inspired pieces for less, and this tailored Ellis jacket by BB Dakota ($160) fits the bill. With its sleek silhouette and chic black leather collar (very Hermès), this polished staple is sure to add sass to your sugar-plum holiday dress. Available at the Bamboo Ballroom (8206 104 St. NW, Edmonton, 780-439-1363, bambooballroom.ca).

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Can’t think of anything better than dancing the night away with the Yeti from that 1964 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer TV special? Neither can we. Well, that’s exactly what happened last Saturday night at what’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful new buildings in Canada, the Art Gallery of Alberta. A ticket to what might be the hottest party in Edmonton, the AGA Refinery late-night art party is in its eighth run since the new building, designed by Los Angeles-based architect Randall Stout, opened two years ago.

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Edmonton rolled out its red carpet last week for the city’s biggest fashion event of the year—also one of the largest fashion fundraisers in Canada—the 15^th Annual Fashion with Compassion breast cancer fundraiser. Over 700 guests wined, dined, and bid on auction items, while models and breast cancer survivors from the Compassion House walked the glowing white runway. The show featured clothing and accessories from local retailers, and closed with stunning couture gowns from New York’s Michael Kaye.

After launching a website that merged art and fashion, Oak + Fort (10416-82 Ave. Edmonton, 780-758-9199, oakandfort.com) decided to spread its wings, opening a second boutique (the original flagship is located in Vancouver) this past spring. With an emphasis on modern pieces that boast clean lines, the store’s well-edited selection calls for a fashion-forward customer. We like the chiffon capelet blouse ($120); its stand-up collar and exaggerated side panels are perfect for shaking up a tried-and-true suit.

Need more proof that Alberta has hit its shopping stride? As of this month, Amsterdam-based label Scotch & Soda has opened not one but two stores in the Wild West (West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170 St., Edmonton, 780-666-1072; Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary, 403-770-7942; scotch-soda.com). This eclectic brand’s specialty is original, fashion-forward garb. Known for its classic silhouettes and pared-down colour palette, Scotch & Soda’s must-have fall looks include harem-style wool trousers, photo-print tees and puff-shoulder cropped blazers.

An ad campaign that an Edmonton salon released last year is under fire after a New York blogger accused its creators of promoting domestic violence only a few days ago. Soon to be known locally as the cause of the Fluid Hair Fiasco for weeks to come (at least), the image in question shows a gorgeous albeit battered woman with a black eye sitting below her presumed lover with a highly stylized coif, beside the tagline, “Look good in all you do…”

It looks a little Mad Men–ish, perhaps a commentary on the way things were. The only problem is that domestic violence is still, unfortunately, the way things are: the Canadian Women’s Foundation states that on any given day in Canada, more than 3,000 women, along with their 2,500 children, are living in an emergency shelter to escape domestic violence. A massive online backlash from those who believe the ad sends a horrific message (like, you may be getting beaten, but at least you have good hair), has been prodding Fluid Hair owner Sarah Cameron and campaign producer Tiffany Jackson for answers.

Red rocked the fall runways—from Michael Kors’ long, lean jumpsuits to Victoria Beckham’s tailored coats. Fire up your autumn wardrobe with a dashing red topper, like this military-inspired jacket by Old Navy ($120, oldnavy.com). The double-breasted chill-chaser is an affordable way to tap into two key fall trends: the colour red and the statement coat. And should you want something a little more understated, it also comes in a rich camel colour.

Jumping on the Canadian fashion bandwagon has never been easier, thanks to the opening of Meese’s second location, Meese on 124 (10240 124th St., Unit 006, Edmonton, 780-418-1388, meeseclothing.com). Dedicated exclusively to Canadian and local talent, co-owner Tressa Heckbert has stocked the store with bold frocks by Frank Lyman Design, vintage-inspired designs by Cinder + Smoke, separates by Preloved and, of course, Heckbert’s own label, Sessa Wearables, a collection that caters to the urban professional.

Remember those friendship bracelets you made as a kid at summer camp? Meet a new grown-up version from Shashi. These hand-woven silk cords (available in a variety of colours and styles decorated with crystals or gold nuggets) look cool paired with your favourite watch or piled on in multiples. A symbol of love, luck and everlasting friendship, FASHION’s cover girl Katy Perry is also a fan. From $19 at Shades of Grey Boutique (10116 124th St., Edmonton, 780-756-5199, shopshadesofgrey.com).

As a true shoe devotee, I was ready to kick up my heels when I heard that hot new footwear label D.Co Copenhagen (dicocopenhagen.dk) was coming to town.

The striped nautical top is a versatile classic. Teamed with trousers and a pair of chunky-heeled peep toes, this striped stretchy-cotton sailor tee by Joe Fresh style ($16, at Real Canadian Superstore, joe.ca) is ideal for achieving a weekend-cool or workday-chic look.