advertisement indicator

Articles Tagged ‘Westboro’

SUPER SHOPPER: Kids are wild for orange this season

Optimistic and fun. This fall it’s all about shades of brown and gold

SHOP TALK: Wall Space Gallery

This sleek gallery is abuzz with activity during the month of September. As host for the vernissage of the West End Studio Tour (W.E.S.T.), Wall Space gives visitors a chance to see works by all 20 participating artists under one roof. Visit the gallery on Sept. 16 to meet the artists, pick up maps, and plan your course. (Now in its 15th year, W.E.S.T. takes place Sept. 18 – 19 and 25 – 26 at various studios in the west end of the city.)  Just two days later, on Sept. 18, an exhibit of paintings by Katherine Jeans reveals the fleeting beauty of the natural world. Jeans, an accomplished filmmaker with Sound Venture Productions in Ottawa, launches her book A Desire to Paint What is Beautiful on Sept. 19 at the gallery. All events take place at the Westboro location.

Photography by Angela Gordon

The look: contemporary Canadian.

The labels: represented artists include Alexandra Chowaniec, Andrew King, Lori Richards, and Marjolyn Van Der Hart.

Perfect for: an uplifting art break; keeping up-to-date with up-and-coming artists; top notch custom framing.

USP: sophisticated gallery atmosphere paired with expert framing services inspires art collectors.

358 Richmond Rd., www.wallspacegallery.ca

Shop Talk: Bra Chic

Let’s face it: bra shopping is no fun. From the wretched trips with mother to the chaos of sorting through (mis) labeled boxes, it seems most women find this aspect of their wardrobe the least enjoyable. Luckily, shops like Bra Chic are around to save the day, with a wide range of sizes and expert staff on hand. And this summer, there’s a new reason to stop in the pretty boutique: Thigh Society underwear. This new product replaces underwear and Spanx, and is made with a soft, breathable blend of rayon (from bamboo and cotton) and spandex to ease “inner thigh rub” — you know, that nasty condition brought on by chafing and sweat!

(Photography: Angela Gordon)

The look: Rich colours and pretty pieces.

The labels: Marlies Dekkers, Prima Donna, Fauve, Empreinte, and Lise Charmel.

Perfect for: Completing an outfit to perfection. Be it a wedding dress or a vintage sweater, the right bra counts.

USP: Attentive service and specialized products. (Not to mention that sex-kitten feeling you get when shopping at a real lingerie shop.)

433 Richmond Rd., www.brachic.ca.

Shop Talk: Brio Bodywear

(Photography: Angela Gordon)

It’s bathing suit season again and if you cringe at the thought of shopping for swimwear, or just avoid it altogether, you should know about Brio. The staff is dedicated to understanding what different women need to look good in a bathing suit — and with all the elegant one-piece styles in fashion this year, there’s no excuse for missing another pool party.

The look: Upscale (imagine lounging on a deck chair and calling for a cabana boy)

The labels: Haverhill, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, DKNY, Nautica

Perfect for: long afternoons by the pool, cottage weekends

USP: Since the entire store is dedicated to swimwear, bras, and dancewear, you won’t be asked to fit into ridiculous S/M/L sizes.

911 Bank St., 613-567-9291; 380 Richmond Rd., 613-721-1585

Shop Talk: Mountain Equipment Co-op

(Photograph: Angela Gordon)

The people who introduced gearheads to cooperative ownership are at it again, this time drumming up enthusiasm for cycling in the city. On Sunday, June 20, Mountain Equipment Co-op will host its first Bikefest at Lebreton Flats. Scheduled events include demos and clinics, plus there’s bound to be plenty of gossip among local cycling groups about the new bike lanes coming to Ottawa streets.

The look: Pretty and practical

The labels: MEC, Patagonia, Prana

Perfect for: weekend warriors, city dwellers who bike to work, and camping enthusiasts looking for a cute campfire ensemble

USP: Mandatory $5 (lifetime) membership to buy or rent

366 Richmond Rd., www.mec.ca

Andrea Tomkins shares her top Mother’s Day gifts

Westboro-area freelance writer and mommy blogger Andrea Tomkins picks out Mother’s Day gifts she covets.

See a slideshow of her top 7 items »

Andrea Tomkins’ blog can be found at www.quietfish.com/notebook

advertisement indicator