| Clothing – General, Vancouver |
| Catherine Regehr |
| Vancouver designer Catherine Regehr has a reputation for dressing beautiful women, from Bianca Jagger to Kim Basinger. Sales of sample evening and bridal gowns (some of which are priced at a staggeringly low $100 or less) occur in February, May, September and November. Call to join the mailing list. |
| 604-734-9339 |
| 111-1529 W. Sixth Ave. |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Boutique Jeannine Julien |
| Known among full-figure shoppers as “the German import store,” this no-nonsense boutique brings over classy separates by Doris Streisch, Rabe, Delmod and Erica Rössler. Check out the leisure line from Montreal’s Alepin label, and the store’s exclusive selection from Femme Avant Tout. Note: This where to get the famous luxury bras by Prima Donna in Belgium, which provide uncommon sizes like 32FF. Don’t overlook the bathing suits and lingerie. Closed Sundays and Mondays |
| 514-277-2779 |
| 1330 Beaubien St. E. |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Boutique Marie-Lou Plus |
| Each spring, an entire line of denim separates arrives—shorts, skirts, jackets, tops and pants—and loyal South Shore shoppers snap them up. Local clients have been visiting Marie-Lou Plus for over 10 years for her casual separates and streetwear from Quebec labels, like Brooke Chapman, Option II and Nadier. Closed evenings and Sundays |
| 450-672-1559 |
| 420 Victoria Ave., St-Lambert |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Boutique YsoL |
| Make the trip upstairs to this atelier-boutique, where Yvette Sol and her daughter Guylaine make long and flowing separates. New colours for spring are indigo and beige—in cotton, linen and rayon blends. Those searching for bold tunics and skirts in pinks and oranges will be sated, as will clients with maternity needs. |
| 514-849-8779 |
| 4375 St. Denis St. |
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| www.boutiqueysol.com |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Boutique Claudia |
| Just a few doors down from Boutique Claire France in the Complexe Desjardins is a discrete little shop that has been fitting “full-figure petites” for 25 years. Claudia also carries regular petites and plus-sizes in local labels like Conrad C., Krystal by Dan Valy and Moda Petite. Look out for the hot new line of spring raincoats from Chatcarel |
| 514-282-0476 |
| Complexe Desjardins 150 Ste. Catherine St. W. |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Boutique Enfants Deslongchamps |
| No, it’s not just for baby clothes. Upstairs, there’s a fabulous selection of maternity clothes, like its store-brand jeans and blouses. For classy business suits, see the lime, yellow and navy pieces from Ran Ghoman and Duet from Toronto. Their new line this spring is Cocoli, from Quebec. Don’t miss the accessories, like tights, hose and the Grenier bras |
| 514-274-2442 |
| 1007 Laurier Ave., W. Outremont |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Boutique Grand\’heur |
| If you’re over 5’8”, this designer boutique is a godsend. Hélène Genest, the store owner and designer, makes everything from bathrobes and low-waisted jeans to pleather and pinstriped Al Capone pants. There is no need to worry, the legs will be long enough. Genest has elegant suits for the office, including equestrian jackets, and sassy capri pants for the weekend. Teens appreciate her selection of jeans, from boot-cuts with contrast stitching to classic Levi’s. If you need a dress for a fancy function, Genest does custom work on-site with her pattern maker. Closed Mondays |
| 514-284-5747 |
| 4131 St. Denis St. |
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| www.grandheur.com |
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| Clothing – General, Vancouver |
| Bodacious Consignment |
| A locally owned and operated consignment store near Main on Broadway where the clothes are as hip as the location. Vancouver-based plus-size lines include Mitzylaneous Debris’ funky casualwear and Lilla Haute Couture’s history-specific 1840s corsets. It also carries a wide selection of consignment apparel for sizes 14+ and vintage jewellery that fits everyone. |
| 604-874-2811 |
| 225 E. Broadway |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Boutique Bessie |
| This store focuses on sizes 14 to 18, for women stuck between regular and full-figure categories. Boutique Bessie has an abundance of navy this April, with lots of flattering pinstripes. She orders the fabulous spring coats from Hilary Radley, in beige and turquoise, plus pieces from Eileen Fisher, Jones New York, Mr. Jax and Hucke from Germany. |
| 514-344-0047 |
| 5200B De La Savane St. |
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| Clothing – General, Montreal |
| Boutique Claire France |
| Ahoy! The nautical look is big this spring, with red, white and blue making a bold statement. The store label, Juste Pour Moi, has flattering sundresses |
| 514-287-9951 |
| Complexe Desjardins, 150 St. Catherine St. W. and six other Montreal-area locations |
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| Clothing – General, Vancouver |
| Bacci\’s |
| The annual one-day Loft Sale in February is so named because the loft in the store’s backroom is where the discounted goods are stored through the year. People start lining up three hours before the doors open—and who wouldn’t, for discounts of up to 90 per cent on such esteemed labels as Chloé, Alexander McQueen and Dries Van Noten. Call to be added to the Loft Sale address book. |
| 604-733-4933 |
| 2788 Granville St. |
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| Clothing – General, Vancouver |
| BCBG |
| Tucked away in the moribund International Village shopping centre, a BCBG outlet sells blissful and brightly coloured party clothes marked down by 50 to 70 per cent. |
| 604-915-9140 |
| International Village, 88 W. Pender St. |
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| Clothing – General, Canada |
| Betterhalf.com |
| Choose from over 350 plus-size fashions on this web site. Evening, career and cruise wear also in petite and regular. |
| 1-800-292-7834 |
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| www.betterhalf.com |
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| Clothing – General, Canada |
| Americanfit.com |
| Here is the place to get all your basic bottoms, no matter what size you may be. You choose the cut, fabric and colour of the pants, shorts or skirt you desire. Enter your precise body measurements (using the handy measuring guide provided), pay, and in two to three weeks the custom-made garment will arrive in your mailbox, with your initials embroidered on the label. Don’t miss the “copy cat” feature which enables duplication of your favourite custom clothing article. |
| 1-212-379-8377 |
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| [email protected] |
| www.americanfit.com |
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| Clothing – General, Vancouver |
| Aritzia |
| The warehouse sales that take place in a Kitsilano armoury at the end of February and August have been known to clear out surrounding high schools. Thousands of bargain hunters brave the organized chaos to get to more than 100 rolling racks of trend-driven, high-quality clothes. At these prices, take your chances on fit and avoid the massive communal changing room. Info at aritzia.com |
| 604 684-3251 |
| 1110 Robson St. |
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| www.aritzia.com |
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| Clothing – General, Vancouver |
| Army & Navy |
| In much the same way that England’s Marks & Spencer has enlisted the help of top designers for its moderately priced clothes, savvy socialite owner Jacqui Cohen has recruited her designer friend Feizal Virani for the discount department store’s high-quality house line. Named Karen Elise after Cohen’s late sister, the collection includes work wear (jackets are $99 to $149) in fabrics like ultra-suede and wool crepe with manufacturing quality on par with Virani’s own ready-to-wear collections. |
| 604-682-6644 |
| 27 W. Hastings St. |
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| Clothing – General, Toronto |
| A.F Vandervorst |
| The husband-and-wife designers are Arickx (last name) Filip (first name) and An Vandervorst. This season is said to have been inspired by honey bees. Gwyneth Paltrow just happens to love their clothes. At I-cii. |
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| Clothing – General, Canada |
| alectra.com |
| Experience the plus-size glory of the Lola garter belt set or the racy peignoirs and thongs |
| 888-755-9449 |
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| [email protected] |
| www.alectra.com |
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| Clothing – General, Vancouver |
| Alison Enterprises |
| Don’t be deterred by the lack of signage over the door and the varying hours of operation (the owner closes while she’s on buying trips). Buzz for access to good deals on well-made career clothing and eveningwear from labels such as Donna Karan, Easel and Lida Baday. |
| 604-736-6262 |
| 1628 W. Fourth Ave. |
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| Clothing – Made to Measure, Vancouver |
| Catherine Regehr |
| After seeing spring’s strapless draped gown in jacquard brocade and luxurious satins, you’ll be ecstatic that this esteemed, high-end Vancouver couturier will make anything from her collection to suit your exact measurements. By appointment. |
| 604-734-9339 |
| 111-1529 W. Sixth Ave. |
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| Clothing – Made to Measure, Vancouver |
| Manuel Mendoza |
| Gather up ideas and pictures, identify your tastes, then let Manuel Mendoza custom-design a garment for you in luxe fabrics. Or, check this year’s small sample collection of eveningwear and have any garment you fancy made in your size. Women’s tailoring also available. |
| 604-683-7466 |
| 644 Seymour St. |
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| Clothing – Made to Measure, Vancouver |
| Reach the Beach |
| Since 1985, this Kitsilano company has custom-made swimsuits in almost any size or shape. While the bulk of the business is bikinis, 200 fabrics and some 60 top and bottom patterns make creating something new or recreating an old favourite rarely problematic. Most suits are $100 or less. By appointment. |
| 604-732-1160 |
| 1820 Fir St. |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Canada |
| Thyme Maternity |
| Thyme Maternity is here for the needs of women searching for casualwear, career wear, special-occasion fashions, lingerie, sleepwear and swimwear. Check out thymematernity.com to browse through the collection and learn about their upcoming promotions. |
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| Located across Canada |
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| www.thymematernity.com |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Canada |
| Old Navy |
| Old Navy Maternity hits the local market for the first time this spring. Now moms-to-be won’t have to wait nine months to wear cute cropped jeans and khaki capris again. The comfortable, affordable line will take you from the first trimester right through to that first trip to Old Navy’s baby department. |
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| www.oldnavy.com |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Toronto |
| Rhonda Maternity |
| This Yorkville establishment carries modern clothing covering every aspect of dressing: casual, career and cocktail in its own private label. |
| 416-921-3116 |
| 110 Cumberland St. |
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| www.rhondamaternity.com |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Toronto |
| The Bay Maternity |
| A good place to pick up comfortable and affordable maternity clothing, including swimwear and lingerie. |
| 416-861-9111 |
| At The Bay Queen Street and other select GTA locations |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Canada |
| momstobe.com |
| This web site offers great maternity fashions. Find loads of good brand names such as Belly Basics and Dax & Coe. |
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| www.momstobe.com |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Canada |
| momstobefactoryoutlet.com |
| Over 600 products are featured here, including maternity fashions and accessories. Prices in Canadian dollars. |
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| www.momstobefactoryoutlet.com |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Montreal |
| Neuf Lune Maternite |
| The hot colours? White, of course, with concrete, desert and denim blue. That’s the word this season at Neuf Lune Maternité, a manufacturer on Chabanel with a private label maternity brand for sale in the retail outlet. Try on Neuf Lune’s seven styles of denim pants or the two-piece business suits with long skirts. Stock up on maternity panties, which sell at a marvelously good price. |
| 514-382-1366 |
| 111 Chabanel St. W., Suite 701 |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Vancouver |
| Maternal Instinct |
| Find form-fitting cotton/Lycra or linen tops in yellow, rose and soft teal and boot-cut, low-rise, panel-free pants and skirts. |
| 604-738-8300 |
| 3673 W. Fourth Ave. |
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| www.maternal-instinct.com |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Canada |
| maternal-instinct.com |
| A good variety of simple pregnancy essentials. Click on the Canada section. |
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| www.maternal-instinct.com |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Vancouver |
| Maternity Apparel |
| Find the new nursing line from Bravado Designs, all the low-rise pants you’ll need from R.E.B.E.L. denim and almost famous hip Australian line Ripe. Sizes 4 to 16 with petite and tall in most pants and free parking at the back. |
| 604-255-0508 |
| 1409 Commercial Dr. |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Vancouver |
| Hazel & Co. |
| It’s stretch with style this season from Vancouver-based Hazel & Co. Find low-rise stretch linen pants, capris, stretch denim and poplin blouses. The work-appropriate private label black pants are legendary. Attention pre-planners: Stock comes in early. |
| 604-730-8689 |
| 3190 Cambie St. |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Vancouver |
| Karma Active |
| Colourful pants, capris and shorts with elastic-free, rollover waists provide comfort and femininity for moms-to-be. This Vancouver company plans to pair with post-pregnancy stop Hip Baby to make the ultimate nursing bra. |
| 604-685-2762 |
| 1146 Pacific Blvd. |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Toronto |
| Lilith |
| Located downtown, this funky boutique carries its own line—Yummy Mummy, which is designed by owner Maihyet Burton and Jill Stewart. The line is also made to fit plus-size figures, too. Making comfort a must, the store carries stretchy garments in sizes S, M and L in great colours and funky patterns. Also carries girls’ clothes for ages 1 to 4. |
| 416-504-5353 |
| 541 Queen St. W. |
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| www.yummymummy.net |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Toronto |
| Formes (Toronto) |
| Fashionable designs to help break out of the usual maternity mould. With separates that mix and match, it’s a breeze to create a variety of looks. Order a free catalogue or check out the virtual boutique at formes.com. |
| 416-972-0207 |
| 128 Cumberland St. |
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| www.formes.com |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Vancouver |
| Formes (Vancouver) |
| If you buy one amazing outfit during your pregancy, buy it from this Parisian chain. Designed around the latest fashion trends, spring’s sexy sundresses definitely warrant a look. Expensive, but worth every penny. Both the piped swimsuit with plunging back and hidden integrated support, and the draped suit with narrow straps, low neckline and an adjustable drawstring prove there is attractive maternity swimwear out there. |
| 604-733-2213 |
| 2985 Granville St. |
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| www.formes.com |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Montreal |
| Friperie Peek A Boo |
| Well-edited used clothes—some almost new—at both city locations. Expect the unexpected, like lovely pieces from mostly Formes and Thyme. It also carries occasional pieces by Gap, Duet and Ma Divine Clémentine. New Plateau residents from Europe sometimes bring in foreign labels from across the pond. Open seven days a week. |
| 514-890-1222 |
| 807 Rachel St. E. and one other location |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Montreal |
| Coccoli |
| Fashion entrepreneur Marian Vachon and her designers have no time for maternity frou-frou clothes that are a pain to clean. Her stylish maternity clothes are multi-functional, washable and competitively priced. Her Spring 2003 collection is boho chic with an Indian undercurrent. Treat yourself to a pastel chiffon dress or stretch denim capris. Her structured, spaghetti strap coral dress is a seasonal staple for this year. |
| Call 514-382-6501 for availability |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Toronto |
| Elegant Expectations |
| Affordable designer styles in casual, career, cruise and cocktail fashions, including Carla C. of Stockholm, Coccoli, Minnow, Yummy Mummy and Elegant Expectations’ Private Label. Updated quality fashions in natural fabrics. Many are designed for conversion to post-birth use. |
| 416-368-5581 |
| 2 Toronto St. |
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| www.elegant-expectations.com |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Toronto |
| For You Two Maternity |
| For You Two Maternity stocks a large selection of maternity wear, nursing wear and lingerie at great prices. Nursing bras are available in sizes up to H. Also sells and rents breast pumps. |
| 905-426-2088 |
| 109 Old Kingston Rd., Unit 4, Pickering Village Courtyard, Ajax |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Montreal |
| Boutique Enfants Des Longchamps |
| No, it’s not just for baby clothes: The new slogan is \”three stores, one address.\” Beside its new maternity trousseau boutique, there’s a fabulous selection of maternity clothes, like the store-brand jeans and blouses. For classy business suits, see the lime, yellow and navy pieces from Ran Ghoman and Duet from Toronto. The new line this spring is Coccoli from Quebec. Don’t miss the accessories, like tights, hose and the Grenier bras. |
| 514-274-2442 |
| 1007 Laurier Ave. W., Outremont |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Montreal |
| Boutique Formes |
| French designer Daniel Boudon’s store label, Formes, is the creative answer to maternity clothes. He makes fitted, not floppy, clothes—including classic jeans, suits, spring jackets, dresses and eveningwear. This season, fall for his black bikinis and sexy separates. Red persists as the big accent colour, while white steals the show as an essential colour story. Smocking on tops and paisley prints is back, along with flounces on skirts. |
| 514-843-6996 |
| 2185 Crescent St. |
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| www.formes.com |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Vancouver |
| Calamity Jane |
| Look ma, no panels! Jeanne Tolmie and Alison Schmelke are two Vancouver house moms sick of amorphous maternity wear. The funky and colourful label includes basic black, denims and standout pieces like this season’s halter dresses and cropped pants. Prices range from $35 to $85. By appointment only. |
| 604-739-6721 |
| 425-A W. Fifth Ave. |
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| www.calamityjane.ca |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Canada |
| annacris.com |
| Anna Cris Maternity Online Boutique carries fitness, lingerie, nursing and post-pregnancy fashions. A fitness centre, fashion tips, lingerie and lines for every season are featured on this maternity site. Prices in U.S. dollars. |
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| www.annacris.com |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Canada |
| apeainthepod.com |
| Go to maternitymall.com for links to great brands like A Pea in the Pod. |
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| www.apeainthepod.com |
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| Clothing – Maternity, Canada |
| bellybasics.com |
| Help is on the way from Belly Basics’ Pregnancy Survival Kit—a four-piece package of wardrobe essentials. |
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| www.bellybasics.com |
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| Clothing – Specialty Sizes, Canada |
| wardrobewagon.com |
| Traditional and adaptive clothing for seniors. Prices in U.S. dollars. |
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| www.wardrobewagon.com |
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| Clothing – Specialty Sizes, Canada |
| Winners |
| Winners has become a Canadian favourite. This is the place to go for a little bit of everything. Winners gets new stock in every week from top-name designers for a fraction of the cost. You can find some amazing deals. Look for the petite and full-figure sections. |
| 800-646-WINN |
| Located across Canada |
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| Clothing – Specialty Sizes, Vancouver |
| Yoshi |
| Petite and non-petite women score fantastic, cheap and trendy pieces at this gem of a boutique on the Asia West mall strip. Many shops in the Yaohan Centre have XS clothes and shoes in sizes 4 and 5. Know your measurements as few stores will let you try things on. |
| 604-278-1388 |
| Yaohan Centre, Richmond |
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| Clothing – Specialty Sizes, Canada |
| thebigpage.com |
| Dedicated to the bigger-than-average, it’s a comprehensive directory of plus-size sites. |
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| www.thebigpage.com |
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| Clothing – Specialty Sizes, Toronto |
| Toni Plus |
| Career and casual clothes in sizes 14 to 22. Selected styles from designers Brian Bailey, Ellen Tracy, Jones New York, Ralph Lauren, Eileen Fisher, Anne Klein, Simon Chang, Nygård and Toni Plus. |
| 416-789-7529 |
| Yorkdale Shopping Centre and three other Toronto locations, including an outlet in North York |
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| Clothing – Specialty Sizes, Toronto |
| Voluptuous |
| A junior plus-size store catering to a younger clientele who craves sexy, trendy clothes inspired by the international runways. Owner Angela Samuels imports new labels worldwide, including Revolt Jeans, Z. Cavaricci, Karl Kani, USA Polo and Fubu. |
| 416-248-5095 |
| North York Sheridan Mall and two other Toronto locations |
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| Clothing – Specialty Sizes, Canada |
| The Bay Petites |
| Fashions from Haggar Women’s Wear, Nygård Collection, Tan Jay Petites, Alia, Alia Sport, Alfred Dunner, Villager Signature, Liz Collection, Liz Sport, Liz Wear, Liz & Co., Jones New York Collection, Jones New York Sport, Bianca Nygård, Lauren Petites and The Bay’s private labels—Togo and Mantles—in sizes 6 to 16. |
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| Clothing – Specialty Sizes, Vancouver |
| The Dressing Room |
| Billed as \”clothes for real women,\” this Broadway shop carries as many XL garments and sizes up to 18 as its buyer can find in athletic wear, lingerie and business-casual. Sporty track suits with zippered jackets and piping let you leave weekend frumpiness, but not comfort, behind. |
| 604-873-6810 |
| 700 W. Broadway |
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| Clothing – Specialty Sizes, Toronto |
| The Petit Alternative |
| Sizes 2 to 14 in casual and career fashions. From special-occasion dresses to weekend denim—you’ll find a good range of clothing from private-collection pieces to brand name lines, including Kasper, Mac & Jac, Debbie Shuchat, AK Anne Klein and Margaret M. |
| 416-440-1444 |
| 463 Eglinton Ave. W. |
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