Aritzia Fall 2015

Welcome back one of my favorite Canadian clothing chain Aritzia who have rolled South to Soho. Their fall 2015 line-up was preppy and cozy. There were a lot of classic autumn colors like maroon, charcoal, gold and midnight. However, there were muted pastels and creams added as well. 

Aritzia had a lot of traditional wool blends and corduroy that makes their collection practical for work and play. To add more flavor to the mix, were lots of furry textures and novelty knits. 

Short A-line skirts and cropped pants were meant to ease the transition from summer to fall to winter. (Canada's weather is very unpredictable). Warm coats and sweaters were key.

I really like their handbag collection. The structured, faceted silhouettes of their leather handbags always stand out in the store. They updated their purses with trendy colors this season.  Their over-sized scarves and shawls are a favorite of mine. They had more of an ethnic attitude with their rich dyes and patterns. I recently wore one for my (teeny background) role on Netflix's new television show.

Aritzia's fall 2015 collection is not stuffy or formal. Like most Canadians I know, the boutique represents a comfortable but put together esthetic that works for the office, but stylish or relaxed enough for the weekend, even at home. Maybe that's why I like visiting this store. It feels like a trip to see my hometown peeps.

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Aritizia Spring 2015

The day after Christmas in Canada is for Boxing Day Sales. I was at a mall today before the start of a movie and watched one of Canada’s best clothing chain exports being pillaged for its discounts. Thankfully, my position as a blogger of fashion allowed me to preview the upcoming Artizia spring 2015 collection in a civilized manner in their Soho New York location.

The reasonably priced, chic sportswear chain offered up classic trench coat variations in their outerwear. A classic tan, cream and navy color palette dominated their office-friendly fashion looks. While I love popping into this store to grab some basics with a twist, the most exciting thing about this presentation was the handbag collections.

There were the sophisticated leather pieces in over-sized clutch shapes or huge carryall leather totes. The more contemporary collection had brighter colors with styling details that reminded me of emojis.

Like many big clothing brands, Aritzia has launched a fashion forward lounge/athletic wear collection to accompany their main line. This group also mixed in some denim in easy, sporty silhouettes that set them apart from the other brands. The looks also had more of a 1950s vibe to them with short, flirty skirts and pastel colors mixed in with the traditional palette.

Like Club Monaco and Joe Fresh before it, I have watched many Canadian chains cross the border and make a big splash. Aritzia so far has dipped their toes into the water and now waiting for other fashion fans to make the plunge.

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Aritizia Holiday 2014

What are you wearing to work this winter?  Aritizia's Soho Boutique hosted a preview of their winter and holiday collection last week.  While this clothing chain is new to many of my fashion friends, they have been a go-to destination for Canadian peeps for years.

They are not selling revolutionary new styles, but are trend driven and sophisticated at a great price point.  This was the store that you graduated to after you left behind the fast fashion and high street stuff of placed like H&M to be taken seriously with the proper wardrobe of an adult.

I love that their designer look sportswear is price accessible to almost everyone. The super soft jersey and silk tunics I just purchased I have already spent days lounging around in, ($45-$75).  Their new fall dresses run mostly from $50-$165.

While I know their clothing pretty well, I am quite excited about their new handbag collections.  They are launching full grain leather bags in chic structured silhouettes in a price range between $200-500.  I have to say, most contemporary leather handbags with high end details like hand-painted edge coating and custom hardware are positioned in a much higher price point.

I don't know how Canadians manage to do it.  Like Joe Fresh, they seem to be able to produce stylish, budget-friendly fashion at prices that Americans just scoff at.  This is coming from me, who has worked on the development side of sportswear and leather.

Hello Aritzia, nice to see another ex-pat in town.

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