Ottawa like many great Canadian cities has its own gems to be shared to those for when they visit. Now when visiting a city what’s more important than where to eat and where to shop? Maybe where to sleep but that’s your problem (just joking). Here are some of the most fashion forward, vintage, unique and delicious places to check out if you happen to be in town.
Justine and Justina Boutique:
Situated on fabulous Sussex drive, Justine and Justina boutique is a high-end, Canadian designer carrying one stop shop for any woman’s fashion needs. With a focus on Canadian designer support the store carries 90% Canadian designers ranging from Vancouver based Obakki to Montreal’s Nadya Toto as well as wedding gown designer Justina McCaffery and many more! (Style tidbit: When Jay Manuel was making over an Ottawa resident for the show Style Her Famous, the boutique was transformed as the location for the show).(Check them out on Facebook!)
Aunt Olives Vintage Eatery:
In all honesty this location could just as easily be classified as food as it is for shopping but we won’t hold that against them. Aunt Olives gives a real warm atmosphere the moment you step in. With walls of vintage fashions, accessories and that’s not even the most unique part. After obtaining your vintage finds have a seat and order up a fresh bowl of soup or a wonderfully homemade wrap in the store. If you are lucky enough to be in town during their “brown bag sale” take advantage! The sale allows you to pay a set price to fill a provided brown bag (with shoes, accessories, clothes, whatever) until you can’t fit anymore. (Check them out Facebook!)
The Modern Shop:
Should you find yourself in town and in need of a little something extra for your home décor, but are looking for an item not cookie cutter, then modern shop is the stop. Opened in 2010 this unique store caters to the individual seeking something ultra-modern or something very vintage.
Located in the Byward Market square this cute little find is an ideal place to find a one of a kind piece. The store started out as a mere stand in the market and over time changed and transformed into the name and location it is in today. The owner of the store is the main designer and is among many also carrying and supporting unique Canadian talents.
Kania (as you’ve read before) is a great stop to find that unique, comfortable and luxurious casual piece.(Style note: Any jumper by Kania is amazing). The other fantastic fact about Kania is that they carry other local talent in the boutique, one great example is Hartby! Hartby is a leather handbag and accessory line based in Ottawa that really brings uniqueness to the table. With a focus on style each bag is greatly different from the last while still maintaining that sense of Hartby aesthetic.
Photo by G.Baranski, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
