Have you noticed how downtown has become the “go to” place for fashion, footwear and accessories in the past few years?
If you’re looking for unique styles that aren’t mass-produced, and owners and staff who will take the time to chat with you, downtown Kelowna is definitely the place you want to check out.
With more than 40 stores available to find a gorgeous dress, sexy new shoes or funky jewelry—plus stunning lake views everywhere—it’s better than any mall.
And the fashion just keeps blooming, with several new stores popping up recently.
I’m so happy that Brice MacDermott has opened MacD’s Lakeside, at 219 Bernard Ave., near The Sails. It’s the perfect spot for an upscale clothing store geared to the casual but dressy lifestyle. With its red brick facade and built-in shelf units, crisp white walls and summery feel, entering MacD’s feels like an instant vacation.
Owner Brice MacDermott, whose parents own MacDermott’s a few blocks up Bernard, was a golf pro for many years before venturing into the fashion scene.
He’s done a great job of setting up a store that appeals to locals and tourists alike.
Farther up Bernard, the Town Centre Mall has recently welcomed Mavazi Apparel. I spoke with owner Amanda Zais and store manager Sara Boake to get the scoop on this new spot. It turns out Amanda used to be an accountant, and she started Mavazi as an online shop for a hobby a few years ago. She built up a good group of suppliers and decided to open a streetfront store. She carries a wide range of styles—from casual to dressy—with new arrivals coming in every week.
Her styles appeal to all ages. Amanda tells me that she had an eight-year-old who bought a dress there, but they also have customers in their 1960’s and ‘70s. The fashions change constantly and everything is under $50.
When I was there, I spotted some Cielo jeans at $39.99—a great deal!
Ten Fashions Bridal Boutique has also opened in the store’s new location at the front of the Towne Centre Mall. The elegant, airy spot features blonde wood floors, large windows on Bernard and several change room areas.
The Towne Centre Mall is so excited about their new fashion shops that they’re hosting a Fashion Show on Saturday, June 9, from noon to 2 p.m., with 10 to 50 per cent discounts in shopping centre fashion shops for one day only.
Irish singing sensation Julie Feeney will also perform that day, so don’t miss the fun and festivities!
This Saturday will also mark the opening of a new store in the rear of Tigerlily Fashions, at 575 Bernard Ave. Alleycat Fashion Outlet will be a fun place to find amazing deals on women’s fashions.
Alleycat will feature fabulous finds, samples, overstocks and even designer labels – all at deep discount prices.
It promises to be a pleasant surprise every time you visit!
I hope reading this column has intrigued and inspired you to check out the downtown fashion panorama.
Jan Johnson has co-owned Tigerlily Fashions downtown for 25 years. If you have any information to share with her, please email her at tigerlilyfashion@shaw.ca.
