Although shopping from designer brands is far from a necessity, we can’t deny the appeal. Whether it be for the exceptional craftsmanship, the design itself, or even for the logo – buying a designer item, say from somewhere like Prada, feels extra exciting and special (if you’re into that sort of thing). That being said, it’s no secret how expensive luxury shopping is -especially lately! Designer prices continue to be on the rise, going up every year without fail. But if you still simply can’t resist getting a taste of something luxury, we get it.
Prada is one of the top designer brands in the game. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t recognize that little Prada triangle! If you’re looking to break into the world of designer labels or invest in something new, Prada is a reputable brand that will continue to hold its value (at a price). With a budget of $500, you may not be able to buy a brand-new Prada bag, but you do still have some options that will scratch the itch!
All of these Prada items are under $500!
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All products featured in this article were independently selected by our team. By shopping through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
When shopping for activewear, quality is everything! The clothing pieces you exercise in, or even just run around town in, should be pieces that are built to perform and last. Which sometimes requires a bit of a splurge. There’s nothing worse than activewear that’s uncomfortable or even doesn’t pass the test of time. Plus, there are just certain standards that activewear clothing should provide! Sure, there’s definitely affordable activewear on the market that will do the job just fine. But for those of you who haven’t been able to find activewear that doesn’t meet up to your expectations, there are tons of amazing high-end activewear shops out there serving comfort, function, and style! From boutiques carrying the best-trusted brands to the brand’s shops themselves.
We’ve highlighted some of our favourite places to find luxury activewear!
Relevé Clothing
If you’re paying the luxury prices, you might as well get the luxury experience too, right? Based in the Leaside neighbourhood in Toronto is Relevé! Named after a french ballet move, Relevé is your one-stop shop for all things luxury activewear and loungewear! Its stunning boutique is the home of various coveted high-end brands including; Beyond Yoga, alo, and The Upside, just to name a few. Not only does it offer a carefully curated collection of beautiful pieces, but the shop itself is equally as stunning and luxurious as the clothing it carries. The boutique is definitely worth a visit in person, but just in case, you can always visit its online shop!
Lululemon
For those of you who are fans of the classics, you can never go wrong shopping for activewear at Lululemon! The prices are known to be on the high-end of the spectrum, but their quality matches up. Its clothing is made to perform and last! Our favourite part? Its complementary hemming service which ensures your bottoms are always just the right fit.
Reformation
Who says activewear has to be boring? Reformation’s collection of activewear is so fashion-forward, that you can wear the pieces day-to-day with no questions asked. We love clothing pieces that are multi-functional, like its Amy Ecostretch Active Dress!
Alo
A brand dominating the luxury activewear market is Alo, and we can totally see why! The brand has even been seen on celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Gigi Hadid. Although the clothing is perfectly designed to be worn on the yoga mat moving with you through every pose, they are definitely stylish enough to be taken to the streets.
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective is an activewear brand that we can totally get behind! Not only are its pieces functionally and beautifully designed, but its sustainability efforts throughout its creations set this brand apart from other activewear brands on the market! Its clothing is made from recycled materials like water bottles and fishing nets retrieved from the seas. How amazing!?
P.E Nation
P.E Nation is where activewear meets streetwear. You can expect to find trendy and stylish silhouettes made from high-performance fabrics – the best of both worlds when it comes to workout clothing! From leggings and sports bras to jackets and beanies, P.E Nation has you covered.
Revolve
Revolve’s Activewear category on its website is full of reputable high-end activewear brands, with over a thousand pieces to choose from! Its curated selection of elevated activewear basics will make sure you always show up to the gym – or alternatively to the grocery store, in style. Instead of shopping for individual pieces from different brands, you can shop for all of your favourite brands in one place.
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Yorkdale Shopping Centre’s luxury wing is expanding! Ganni will enter Canada with the physical store for the first time this year and is headed for the Toronto mall.
Instagram/@ganni St. Honore Store
According to Retail Insider, there will probably be a lot more Ganni shops in the near future since the brand has established partnerships with Hudson’s Bay and Holt Renfrew before the pandemic. You may have even noticed the assortment of the brand’s pieces while scrolling on the HBC site where you can shop Ganni without paying duties!
The Copenhagen brand offers beautiful womenswear which includes ready-to-wear clothing, bags, accessories, and even footwear.
Ganni currently operates 27 stores across Europe and the USA and is available through wholesalers across the globe.
Back in 2020, we saw Louis Vuitton open a massive storefront in the Yorkdale luxury wing, and then Golden Goose followed shortly after in early 2021.
As of right now, we don’t have an exact date for the Toronto Ganni store, so stay tuned!
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The popular Italian luxury brand, Golden Goose, has officially announced that it will be opening its first Canadian shop in Toronto this year.
Golden Goose was founded in Venice in 2000, and has become famous for its sneaker styles, as well as its apparel and accessories for both men and women.
Originally the new Canadian store was set to open in December 2020, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the launch date has now been pushed to this year.
The luxury brand operates around 100 stores around the world, with a majority of them being outside of North America at the moment.
Although, it is carried at retail stores like Hudson’s Bay and Holt Renfrew.
The new shop will be located in Yorkdale Mall. This comes as no surprise, as the mall has become very well known for its luxury brand selection.
There’s no set date yet for the grand opening, so keep an eye out for more info.
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For years, the luxury apparel market has run on a model of exclusivity, and inaccessibility, but times are changing as millennials shape consumer demand. To be exact, generations Y and Z fuelled 85% of the luxury market growth states Forbes, but ironically have disproportionately lower salaries, plus more debt than prior generations.
It’s this paradox that has undoubtedly sparked a whole revolution of “affordable luxury.”
So what is affordable luxury? Traditionally, luxury was defined by the price point, but is now being redefined as a particular set of values. We’ve seen a boom of millennial driven startups like MVMT, Mejuri, and Casper, who sell a certain lifestyle ethos, rather than astronomically priced garments exclusive to the who’s who.
They’ve completely encapsulated the trend towards owning a perceived lifestyle that, for the most part, people in our age bracket can’t afford.
Instagram/@candidlyangie
Don’t pretend you’re an exception! We’ve all laughed at memes asking how our friends afford their lifestyle or looking fabulous while my bank account is $5. It’s this mass attitude towards spending, as well as Instagram metrics, that feed into millennials’ obsession with luxury-deemed products.
But similar to many things on Instagram, it’s all about perception, not something tangible like money or actually having a lot of wealth.
While you may be wondering whether affordable luxury will replace high-end, it’s not likely as the two have seemingly branched off into different sub-categories. According to Forbes, labels formed before the consumer shift and that still tout a lot of weight with their name can be called “absolute luxury.”
There will always be buyers of extreme wealth, not to mention countries where luxury is a way of life and owning designer is still very much a status symbol.
View this post on Instagram
On the flip side, “affordable luxury” are brands that are made and meant to be more accessible to the masses, yet still carry an air of value. The best way to look at it is on a relative scale. Affordable luxury, while much cheaper than high-end designer, still falls into a price point that is at the top of its category.
This means that people like you and I (somewhere in the middle of the market) can afford it without having to save up for it.
Essentially, when we look at it in those terms, for a millennial who has bills and debt to pay, the brand still has enough value that we feel exclusive in having it, but it won’t break the bank.
Not to mention, these brands almost solely do their advertising on Instagram; probably the best way to sell a lifestyle. Because of this key difference, absolute and affordable categories seem to be able to coincide with each other. Just take a look to the streets or your Instagram feed and you’ll see what I mean.
More and more high-end labels are looking towards street style to stay relevant, meanwhile influencers are pairing expensive with cheap.
It goes with the long standing trickle down theory in retail that is now also the trickle up, and trickle across. Basically it’s trickling everywhere as brands high or low look to each other or the same sources for inspiration.
View this post on Instagram
So while there will always be a market for absolute luxury goods, more of the masses are opting to go to the affordable route.
In other words, things like expensive handbags will always be coveted. However, consumers now have other options like affordable luxury, or what I’m calling the price-removed revolution. What defines wealth may be becoming a more murky subject, but hey, I’m not mad about it.
Featured Image: Instagram/@mvmtforher
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Yorkdale just revealed another beautiful luxury store. Paris-based women’s luxury brand Chloé has just opened its first Canadian standalone store at Toronto’s premier shopping destination. According to our friends at Retail-Insider, the new Chloé boutique is the first in North America to feature the brand’s newest concept.
The new Chloé in Yorkdale is situated between Saint Laurent and Mr. and Mrs. Italy. Retail-Insider reports that the new store is around 2,200 square feet along with Chloé’s iconic powdery rose beige colour scheme. The new boutique is designated as Chloé’s Canadian flagship store and carries the brand’s full ready-to-wear line, leather goods, handbags, footwear and luxury accessories.
Canadians and have been exposed to the brand through the additions of the brand’s major carriers – Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue into the Canadian market over the past few years.
Chloé is owned by the Richemont Group who also owns and manages some of the world’s top luxury brands including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, IWC Schaffhausen, Montblanc, Vacheron Constantine and Piaget. Chloé was established in 1952 and operates stores globally.
If you’re planning an upcoming vacay and don’t want the typical hotel experience, Airbnb is a no-brainer; the website is full of drool-worthy properties that can be rented in some of Canada’s most beautiful communities, such as Ontario’s Prince Edward County or Muskoka. To help you set some new #vacationgoals for 2018, we’ve put together a list of some of the most luxurious Canadian properties currently available for rent. Not going to lie, we can’t really afford to stay at any of these …but one can dream right?
1. THE SANCTUARY – $1,300 PER NIGHT
Image: airbnb.ca
Between the gorgeous mountain views, tranquil flowing water and natural wildlife, this majestic property (located at the edge of B.C.’s Squamish River) is called “The Sanctuary” for a reason. The five-bedroom retreat also features a luxurious pool, hot tub, and outdoor fire pit on the river’s edge, making it a fun getaway spot to bring friends and family (if you’re willing to shell out $1,300 a night).
2. STONE HALL CASTLE’S PRINCESS SUITE – $1,495 PER NIGHT
Image: stonehallcastle.com
Located in heart of downtown Regina, Stone Hall Castle was built in 1926 by the wealthy Francis Nicholson Darke for his wife Annie. Legend has it that after their original home was destroyed during the devastating cyclone of 1912, Annie asked her husband to build her a fortress-style home where she could feel safe again. The historic building has since been decorated to look like a Medieval European Castle, and through Airbnb you can rent the “Princess Suite” for $1,495 a night.
3. THE PENTHOUSE AT THE ALDRED – $1,500 PER NIGHT
Image: airbnb.ca
Spread over the 21st, 22nd and 23rd floors of Montreal’s iconic Aldred Building, a stay at this penthouse will definitely make your next trip to the city a memorable one. While the rental features 3 large bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen and stunning living room, the pièce de résistance is the two enormous terraces complete with a wet bar, garden, private hot tub and 360-degree views of Old Montreal.
4. MUSKOKA’S PREMIER PRIVATE ISLAND – $1,800 PER NIGHT
Image: facebook.com/cherryisland
Ever dreamed of having an entire island all to yourself? Well, Airbnb has made it possible with this serene cottage situated atop a four-acre private island in the heart of Muskoka. Between the 6 bedroom estate and private beach with an assortment of water toys (including a luxury pontoon boat), this rental is sure to make all your cottaging dreams come true.
5. WATERFRONT ESTATE IN THE COUNTY – $1,800 PER NIGHT
Image: airbnb.ca
Escape the hustle-and-bustle of city life with this beautiful private estate in Prince Edward County, Ontario. Owned by chef Grant van Gameren (owner of Toronto’s hip restaurants Bar Isabel and Bar Raval), the luxury property is a great pick for those who are as passionate about food, wine, and some good R&R. For $1,800 a night, the rental’s perks include 500 feet of private waterfront, a vineyard, and the ability to staff a private chef from Toronto to look after your culinary needs.
6. LUXURY TORONTO YACHT CHARTER – $3,680 PER NIGHT
Image: airbnb.ca
What better way to take advantage of Toronto’s gorgeous summer weather than sailing around Lake Ontario? This 50-foot Italian luxury yacht can accommodate up to 6 guests and costs $3,680 a night (captain included).
7. CHESTER OCEANFRONT ESTATE – $6,000 PER NIGHT
Image: airbnb.ca
For $6,000 a night (yes you read that right), you can rent this spectacular estate in Chester, Nova Scotia. Perched at the end of Chester’s Peninsula, it features 800 feet of waterfront and directly overlooks the Atlantic Ocean (just imagine all the gorgeous sunset pics you could get here). The nine-bedroom property also boasts a wine cellar, indoor steam room, billiards room, waterside decks and two guest houses.
If you could stay at just one of the properties listed above, which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Image: airbnb.ca
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Pretend you are a Kardashian for a few minutes and that money is no object: what would you buy? Although the obvious purchases probably come to mind — like a huge mansion and Birkin bag in every colour — it’s important to think on a smaller scale too. To help take your #lifegoals to a new level, we’ve put together a list of fancier versions of everyday items you can spend your cash on.
1. Theodent Toothpaste – $140
Image: Theodent.com
For $140 a tube, Theodent 300 toothpaste promises to strengthen your teeth’s protective enamel layer through its proprietary ingredient “Rennou” (which tastes like chocolate). Between that and the luxurious white-and-gold packaging, you’ll feel like Marie Antoinette as you brush your teeth.
2. Lorenzi Milano Toothpaste Squeezer – $233.19
Image: MrPorter.com
When your toothpaste costs over $100, who can afford to waste a drop? Well, you can, but it doesn’t mean you still don’t need this $233.19 toothpaste squeezer (which would look great on your bathroom counter btw).
3. Tiffany & Co. Razor – $610
Image: Tiffany.ca
Featuring a sleek, fluid design, this $610 silver razor from Tiffany’s is definitely a step up from the disposable ones you’ve been using forever.
4. Louis Vuitton Jump Rope – $630
Image: LouisVuitton.com
Between its calorie-burning abilities and hefty $630 price tag, this Louis Vuitton jump rope is sure to get your heart racing in no time.
5. Tiffany & Co. Alarm Clock – $680
Image: Tiffany.ca
To make early wake-up times more bearable, why not invest in a chic AF alarm clock? With its retro twin bells and watch-inspired dial, this $680 one from Tiffany’s is a no-brainer.
6. Alexander McQueen Umbrella – $1,122
Image: Farfetch.com
At first glance, this may just look like your run-of-the-mill black umbrella. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice smaller details like a fringe border and skull on the handle. Worth $1,122 right?
7. Louis Vuitton Eye Trunk for iPhone X – $1,450
Image: LouisVuitton.com
Sure this $1,450 Louis Vuitton iPhone case will cost you a pretty penny; but remember that your phone’s appearance is a reflection of you, and there’s no room for cracked screens or dingy cases once you’re a millionaire.
8. S’well Water Bottle – $1,470
Image: SaksFifthAvenue.com
Embellished with over 6,000 hand-applied Swarovski crystals, this $1,470 S’well water bottle is the epitome of a frivolous purchase. However, in buying it, you would actually be doing an act of good as 100% of the profits go to the Swarovski Waterschool (which helps provide clean drinking water to places in need).
9. Chanel Yoga Mat
Image: Chanel.com
Normally one would never dream of these two things coming in contact: sweat and Chanel. However as this luxe yoga mat proves, anything’s possible when you’ve got dough. Price on request via Chanel.
10. Dolce & Gabbana headphones – $10,615
Image: ModaOperandi.com
Headphones, earmuffs, or a bejewelled crown? Regardless of what you want to make of this unique headpiece, it can be yours for a cool $10,615.
11. Cartier Pen – $103,000
Image: Cartier.com
What better way to practice your penmanship than with a pen that costs more than a home down payment? For $103,000, this Cartier eagle pen is truly a work of art.
Would you purchase any of these items if money was no object? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Image: Instagram@louisvuitton
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If you’ve walked around Bloor Street, Yorkdale or Queen Street West in Toronto you may have noticed the influx of luxury stores and premium department stores. According to the CBC, nearly 40 per cent of the 50 new international retailers that entered Canada last year are considered to be luxury stores.
The reasons why Toronto is booming as a luxury hub are the facts that Toronto is a huge destination for tourism, has comparatively affordable rent and has favourable changing demographics.
According to CBC, there is a growing perception that Toronto and Canada are home to a more stable political landscape compared to our American neighbours. Due to this perception retailers are choosing Canadian cities over America ones. Last year, China was the second highest tourist source after the United States. Chinese consumers are considered the number one market for luxury brands as brands like LVMH saw an increase in market share due to a revival of Chinese demand.
Furthermore, luxury brands are choosing Toronto and Canadian cities due to affordability. As sales of luxury brands decline globally, retailers are becoming more strategic on where to open up new shops. Currently, the cost of prime luxury retail rent in Toronto is $318 USD per square feet, compared to $3,200 USD in New York, $700 USD in Los Angeles and $2,918 USD in London.
Lastly, certain analysts believe that wealthier Canadians are choosing to spend their money at home, rather than abroad. Furthermore, analysts believe that millennials in Canada are more likely to shop with retailers that focus on experience over everything. Currently, in the retail landscape, the brands that are topping the experience charts are luxury brands.
Source: CBC
A new study finds that when it comes to luxury brands, rude staff boost luxury retail sales. This conclusion was drawn from research done by the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, at a time when Canada’s luxury retail market is growing substantially.
The study titled “Should the Devil Sell Prada? Retail Rejection Increases Aspiring Consumers’ Desire for the Brand“, will appear in the October 2014 edition of the Journal of Consumer Research.
In the study, participants imagined or had real interactions with sales representatives in luxury environments. Some representatives were rude, while some were not. Participants rated their feelings about associated brands and their desire to own them. Interestingly, participants who expressed an aspiration to be associated with high-end brands also reported an increased desire to own the luxury products after being treated poorly.
It should be noted that this effect only held true if the salesperson appeared to be an ‘authentic representative’ of the brand. If they did not fit that description, the consumer was turned off. Further, researchers found that sales staff rudeness did not heighten impressions of mass-market brands.
“It appears that snobbiness might actually be a qualification worth considering for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton or Gucci,” says Sauder Marketing professor Darren Dahl. “Our research indicates they can end up having a similar effect to an ‘in-group’ in high school that others aspire to join. Our study shows you’ve got to be the right kind of snob in the right kind of store for the effect to work,” says Dahl.
The forthcoming Journal of Consumer Research study reveals that consumers who get the brush-off at a high-end retailer can become more willing to purchase and wear its expensive luxury goods.
Research showed, however, that the improved impressions gained by the rude treatment faded over time. Customers who expressed an increased desire to purchase the products reported significantly diminished desires two weeks later.
Based on the study’s findings, Dahl suggests that, if salespersons are acting rudely, it’s best for the consumer to leave the situation and return later, or avoid the interactions altogether by shopping online.
The study is timely, as Canada sees an unprecedented increase in the availability of luxury brands. Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom are opening Canadian stores, while Holt Renfrew and Harry Rosen spruce up to remain competitive. Several of the world’s top luxury brands have also opened or intend to open Canadian stores, with more on the way. We’re unlikely to see sales staff be intentionally rude at Saks, Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew and Harry Rosen, given that these stores are multi-brand environments with reputations based on exceptional customer service. Smaller mono-brand luxury boutiques, on the other hand, could use the study’s findings to their advantage.
The study was co-authored by Assistant Professor Morgan Ward of the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
Source: UBC News