Hard to believe that we’re into November and just around the corner from Christmas…where did the time go?
The first phase of the Bernard Avenue facelift (Richter to west of St. Paul) is rolling along nicely, with work right on schedule so far.
The road paving is almost finished, light posts and some trees are in, and the curbs have been laid so you can see how lovely and wide the sidewalks are going to be.
The work in this area is scheduled to be finished by Dec. 7. Watch for a Big December Event to celebrate the completion of Phase 1. I will have more news on that in next month’s column.
A new ladies’ fashion shop has recently opened at 1296 Ellis St. Justin Paul Fashions features business and casual modern styles for day into evening.
The shop, which sports an upscale urban look, is owned by Stan Sommerville and managed by Karen Voisin.
They feature fashions under their own label, which are designed in Kelowna and made in Vancouver.
Some of their other top clothing lines are Nor from Denmark and Ca Va de Soi, a cashmere knitwear line from Montreal.
You’ll find jewelry, belts and handbags, as well as some amazing boots and shoes from lines like Bed/Stu and Tsubo Shoes. Better check this one out ladies, a new bright spot on the downtown fashion scene.
Two great downtown stores have recently amalgamated into one perfect place to shop for your home. You can find artwork, framing, silk flowers and home decor all under one roof at Picture Perfect/ Perpetual Blooms (339 Bernard) and Woodcreek Cottage (347 Bernard).
The shops were neighbours, just around the corner from each other. Owners Sandy Hyatt and Diane Scott (Woodcreek) and Linda Winnick (Picture Perfect) decided it would be a harmonious mix if they joined together under one roof. What a great idea.
Now you can browse for beautiful home decor, choose a unique piece of art by a local artist, have a treasure framed or fill a vase with elegant silk flowers—all in one spot.
Some things you won’t want to miss—fun art cards and magnets featuring sassy women by Kathy Meaney at Picture Perfect; specialty tiles handmade in B.C. by Sid Dickens at Woodcreek Cottage. You’ve simply got to see this wonderful amalgamation.
Tigerlily Fashions is throwing a 25th anniversary bash this month. That’s right, 25 years downtown. On Thursday, Nov. 22, from 4 to 8 p.m., Tigerlily will host an anniversary party to both celebrate this milestone and also to debut the arrival of their cruisewear section for the season. The evening will feature live music by the honey-voiced Anna Jacyszyn, along with appetizers and refreshments. It promises to be a night of fun, prizes, entertainment and special discounts, not to be missed.
Coming up quickly is the annual Downtown Light Up on Saturday, Dec. 1. It’s going to be an incredible day of activities all over downtown, highlighted by Santa lighting the giant Christmas tree at 6 p.m.
From lantern-making at the Kelowna Art Gallery to street hockey hosted by the Kelowna Rockets in the Prospera Place parking lot to hot air balloon rides in Kerry Park, it’s going to be non-stop fun.
Live entertainment will be featured at Kerry Park, Jim Stuart Park and the Towne Centre Mall (a balloon artist, face painting, live piano and Sugar the Clown).
The Paramount Theatre will be showing holiday movies and, weather permitting, the ice rink at Jim Stuart Park will be open.
Check out the Downtown Kelowna Association’s website or Facebook page for details, and don’t miss out on this fun-filled Christmas celebration.
I can’t finish without a reminder that on-street parking is once again free on Saturdays in December, a Merry Christmas to shoppers from the city.
Jan Johnson has co-owned Tigerlily Fashions downtown for 25 years . If you have any news about downtown shop openings and/or events, please email them to her at tigerlilyfashion@shaw.ca.
