Because who wants to deal with duties anyway?
Is there anything better than coming home to a pile of freshly ordered packages waiting at your doorstep? Instead of hopping from store to store laden with bags, pull up a chair and take your time scrolling through our list of the homegrown e-shops that are sure to satisfy your inner shopaholic and show your Canadian pride.
The September
The September, established in 2013 as a response to the lack of Canadian-based luxury websites, offers a curated selection of high-end footwear and accessories from labels like Charlotte Olympia and Lanvin. Plus, the Toronto-based site gives you the benefit of browsing through beautifully-selected items without worrying about the burden of additional shipping fees and surprise duties. Once you’ve taken the plunge and bought yourself a smart pair of heels, the company also makes sure the process remains elevated down to the last detail (think personalized thank-you notes and delightfully gift-wrapped packages).
Alexandre Birman Clarita Block Heel Sandal, $695 at theseptember.com.
Jonathan + Olivia
Offering a mix of established fashion brands and edgy collections from emerging designers for both men and women, Jonathan + Olivia has become a beloved shopping destination for trendsetters across Canada over the past 10 years. Though they recently announced they’ll be moving their brick-and-mortar storefront from Toronto to Whistler, the online boutique remains accessible to all, providing fashion-forward options for anyone looking to boost their style, one athleisure statement piece at a time.
Lauren Klassen Padlock Necklace, $565 at jonathanandolivia.com.
Garmentory
For an acutely chic shopping experience, scroll through Vancouver-based platform Garmentory’s vast reservoir of more than 3,000 emerging designers and boutiques, brimming with stylish, eclectic garments from around the globe. You can choose to shop from boutiques worldwide, or limit your search to retailers located in Canada. In addition, anytime you see a “make offer” label on an item you’re interested in, Garmentory gives you the option to negotiate directly with the boutique owner, and perhaps score an extra-sweet deal.
Ciao Lucia Valentina Souvenir, $335 at garmentory.com.
New Classics
Launched in 2014 in Edmonton, Alberta, New Classics is an e-commerce shop that prides itself on taking part in the slow fashion movement. Being a company that supports fair trade, artisans, smaller businesses and locally-made clothing, all of the sophisticated and trendy brands featured on the website are made with environmental and social well-being in mind. Gorgeous pieces by contemporary labels like Paloma Wool and By Far are available for purchase, and would truly make an excellent addition to any summer wardrobe.
Shaina Mote Gia Dress, $498 at newclassics.ca.
Nrml
Sneaker heads and streetwear fanatics are especially welcome at Nrml, which puts all its energy into maintaining stock of the most authentic and exclusive products. With a three-storey shop in Ottawa’s Byward Market, it is one of the biggest streetwear retailers in the world. Obey and Stussy are just a couple of the many urban labels sold on their website at shockingly affordable prices, making it a must-see if you’re looking to incorporate more relaxed, street-inspired pieces into your closet.
Obey Ollie Pant, $80 at nrml.ca.
Victoire
Founded by longtime friends Katie Frappier and Régine Paquette, Victoire has a flagship store in downtown Ottawa, with a second location on Ossington Avenue in Toronto. Many of the 80-plus brands on their e-commerce site were founded by Canadian women, like Alynne Lavigne and Betina Lou. And, as an added benefit, if you can’t find one of the items posted to their social media accounts on their website, the founders might be able to help you hunt it down if you simply send them an email.
Erin Templeton BCLB Bag, $375 at victoireboutique.com.
Shopgirls
Priding themselves on selling only Canadian-made clothing for women that is built to fit and enhance any and every shape, Shopgirls is widely known for carrying a unique brand of denim called Yoga Jeans. The functional pants are created with “Shape Memory,” allowing them to stretch with your body without altering the structure of the garment. These and other flattering pieces are sold at Shopgirls’ Queen Street West location and on their website, conveniently organized by body shape to make browsing for your body type as easy as can be.
