COVER IMAGE BY JOHN CAMERON

PLUS FAVOURITE ITEMS FROM LOCAL BOUTIQUES THAT LOOK TIMELESS

Strangely, but I remember only two major colours my grandmother would wear: blush pink and baby blue. Of course, if I dig deeper into my memory, I remember her closets, both one in the hallway and another one in the bedroom, filled with leather goods, embroidered blouses, and fur coats. However, growing up and building that image of her in my mind, two mentioned colours prevailed. She had never been an unstoppable shopper (as much as a lady in the ’60s and ’70s could be in Soviet Russia), yet she was what we call now a “fashionista.” Perhaps, a partial dose of fashionable influence I’ve been watching myself revealing came from my grandmother’s taste and ability to look lady-like despite circumstances, and financial or political instabilities. Thus, after such a sentimental throwback, I get closer to the main topic I wish to meditate on in this article, and that would be a forgotten, mindful approach to clothing shopping that our grandmothers used to have. 

Admittedly, I cannot speak for every generation, every experience, and frankly, every woman has her own unique approach to her style. However, observing women, at first as I was growing up back in Russia, and later in Canada, women who were born around '50s have that special fleur of graceful, hasteless manners, that also expressed through the way they shopped and dressed. There is a resonating scene in “Woman in Gold” film that shows an elderly lady in her clothing boutique. She stands in that shop she owns that carries Chanel-like suits, talks to customers, and we watch a place where one comes and expectations to be greeted with kindness, and served with attention, are met. Perhaps one can argue that such places where a salesperson knows names, details of the latest events of each client, no longer exist. The world, they may say, is now a place of a constant rush. And, at some point, I agree. However, if the same person takes a stroll down Whyte Ave and visits a few bookshops and some clothing boutiques that have been in the neighbourhood for decades, one will find a completely different service. 

Now, back to the mindset from the past that can become part of our present. As I mentioned at the beginning, my grandmother had never been a shopaholic. On the contrary, her method of buying another item for the coming spring was a series of thoughtful steps. At first, she would evaluate what already existed on the hangers in her wardrobe. Secondly, she would think of what, based on the current fashion flow, she would want or need. Thirdly she would continue to either her tailor or to a tiny boutique in her neighbourhood. Again, I understand that such an approach might seem a bit too scrupulous now when a need for a new pair of jeans can be satisfied within a few clicks. Yet, I want to proclaim the beauty and positive impact of such methods. If you put aside the ability to get that one item immediately and focus on re-evaluating, researching and, yes, perhaps spending a bit more, you can be sure to be rewarded with an item that will certainly fit into your life, wardrobe, and a one that will last. Thus, such a precise manner of shopping, such pace of taking it a bit slower, can, in the end, have a positive impact not only on the environment but your mind. After all, don't we all want that old-fashioned, movie-like experience once in a while? Don’t you agree that there is something touchingly exceptional in a way of organizing, making a list and then proceeding to a local boutique to buy that desired wool blazer? I say, there is more to it; you will treasure and wear that item with more pleasure than if a purchase would be made in haste. 

Let us know your thoughts, maybe heart-warming memories of your grandmother’s style, maybe your personal idea of a perfect slow shopping experience.

And, given the coming holidays, check out the list with timeless pieces, some gift ideas that could be purchased at local shops:

A classic camel coat: 

Wide leg plaid trousers:

A comfortable lounge set:

Oversized denim jacket:

Eco-wash laundry bag:

A little black wrap dress:

*Please note some items have been removed from this list due to availability.