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Where do you shop for clothes in Canada?

likeitaloud

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I recently decided to check out ALL the stores in my town which really included the Bay, Levis, Gap, and Roots. Winners too I guess. This is rather pathetic given that I'm studying at the humble CAPITAL of BC. After looking on racks of Lauren by Ralph Lauren @ the bay for 70$ a shirt I had an enlightenment that there has to be a better way. I guess it's eBay/stylefoum b*s/rare trips to Vancouver for me now. I'm done overpaying for this crap.
 

Siwash

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I visit Victoria a fair bit, For modern clothes try Outlooks, for classic higher end try British Importers, for traditional english try WJ Wilson on Government, everything else sucks..come to Vancouver when Holt Renfrew and Harry Rosen have sales or stick around here and fine online sellers..I've bought alot from Sierra Trading Post..granted with the exchange,UPS fees and high duties on Italian imports it has to be deeply discounted to make sense..hope this helps!
 

Viktri

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Buy the stuff online (although I am not buying anything from American retailors due to USD:CDN exchange). Vancouver doesn't have much stuff.
 

likeitaloud

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Originally Posted by Siwash
I visit Victoria a fair bit, For modern clothes try Outlooks, for classic higher end try British Importers, for traditional english try WJ Wilson on Government, everything else sucks..come to Vancouver when Holt Renfrew and Harry Rosen have sales or stick around here and fine online sellers..I've bought alot from Sierra Trading Post..granted with the exchange,UPS fees and high duties on Italian imports it has to be deeply discounted to make sense..hope this helps!

I know of these stores but never really been in them. Are they also severely overpriced like everything else around here?
 

AR_Six

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Overpriced? Yes. Especially Holt's. And it's largely garbage anyway; you may find a few things you like (they carry Paul Smith shoes) but amidst a rabble of the horrendous. Harry's has a lot of nice stuff a lot of the time, the key is finding your size in what you want and not paying overmuch for it. What kind of clothes are you shopping for, exactly?
 

bluemagic

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My wealthier relatives who used to live in Vancouver wore Polo and Daks, I remember.
 

likeitaloud

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Originally Posted by JD_May
Overpriced? Yes. Especially Holt's. And it's largely garbage anyway; you may find a few things you like (they carry Paul Smith shoes) but amidst a rabble of the horrendous. Harry's has a lot of nice stuff a lot of the time, the key is finding your size in what you want and not paying overmuch for it. What kind of clothes are you shopping for, exactly?
Preppy/stylish/modern. I've grown too accustomed to designer brands recently due to some cheap finds online/thrifting. Now when I buy a 60$ sweater I feel violated that it's made by some old navy.
 

Matt B

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I found a couple of good consignment shops in Victoria when I was there. Can't remember their names. Try Google.

Otherwise, the Buy and Sell forum is your friend.

M
 

LegB4Wicket

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Likeitaloud,

As a fellow Victorian, I can attest to the lack of options in town.

For casual clothing and jeans, there are a number of smaller boutiques along lower Johnston and Pandora Streets, including a few tucked away in Market Square. I can't name the shops for the life of me, but its a fun way to burn an hour or two.

Outlooks has good service and the prices are reasonable once they have a sale. The owner, Dale, is a really good guy.

I've never really had a good vibe at British Importers. Maybe its the store layout, but they do have quality clothes (at high prices).

Kane Straith in St. Andrew's Square is a good bet. The store's a bit cramped but the service is good.

WJ Wilson's are currently offering 30 per cent off Coppley made-to-measure and I'm seriously thinking about pulling the trigger on a three piece for about $1,400 with tax.

The Winners' at Tillicum and in Langford are the pits. About three years ago, they use to have some Zegna products - now it's all cheap crap that you can get cheaper in department stores.

Speaking of, the Downtown Bay has an okay selection if you are on a budget and you wait for the sales and clearances the HBC offer on a frequent basis.

For me, I tend to wait until I visit Toronto to shop. Vancouver really isn't much better than Victoria. I blame the damn 'West Coast Lifestyle'.

At least we have some terrific microbrew pubs and breweries, especially Swans and the Canoe Club.
cheers.gif


Cheers,

LBW
 

Siwash

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Originally Posted by likeitaloud
I know of these stores but never really been in them. Are they also severely overpriced like everything else around here?
YES! I buy stuff on sale at least 50% off but usually 70%...what can I say it's the Scottish in me!
 

Smartalox

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I don't know about Vacnouver, but for stuff that is unique, stylish, ahead of the curve, and remarkable well-priced, Montreal is the place to go, places like Simons and Les Ailes.

Or at least it was 5 years ago before I moved to Vancouver. Now my wardrobe is wearing out, and I am starting to panic. I follow this thread with alacrity.
 

likeitaloud

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I actually got a really nice PRL sports coat in the huge thrift store downtown. Yes, it's overpriced, really irritating at times, and usually carries stuff that was crappy and overpriced from the beginning...But it has some good deals.
 

Histrion

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Originally Posted by Smartalox
I don't know about Vacnouver, but for stuff that is unique, stylish, ahead of the curve, and remarkable well-priced, Montreal is the place to go, places like Simons and Les Ailes.

Or at least it was 5 years ago before I moved to Vancouver. Now my wardrobe is wearing out, and I am starting to panic. I follow this thread with alacrity.


I am not sure how good Les Ailes ever was, but it certainly complete crap right now (think Kenneth Cole and Point Zero).
 

Nobody

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From Vancouver: either buy when you travel or buy online. The menswear carried at Holts is sub-par to say the least. They are opening a Brooks Brothers on Alberni street so at least there will be a traditional outlet. The Westcoast is at once more forward-thinking (read: fashionable/ edgy) and outdoorsy. Still, it's the best place to live!
 

MikeF

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Still, it's the best place to live!
rolleyes.gif


Says who, and why? Vancouver is a pretentious small town that thinks it's a big city. A big city with a lot of rain.
 

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