Malwina Gudowska weighs in on this month’s best shopping and shades.
By Malwina Gudowska
Four eyes only
After a glance through Eye Candy Optical Boutique (1301 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-245-1525), I just might give up my contact lenses. The gallery-style purveyor of eyeglasses is a fresh take on an optician’s lair, and given its long list of designer labels—including Dior, Miu Miu, D&G, Ralph Lauren (shown, $295) and Ferragamo—I’m inclined to make the call: Laser surgery is so 2007.
Paperbag princess
Kathie Armstrong’s resumé reads like every wannabe designer’s dream: a degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in L.A., a stint consulting for Holt Renfrew Private Brand, product development with Lululemon, and working with Paul Hardy. Now the Calgary designer has gone solo with Paperbag (paperbagclothing.com). Her first collection includes this season’s full skirts, a flirty one-shouldered capri jumpsuit (left, $150), and bold graphic T-shirts that are both chic and street. At Shisomiso (100 Seventh Ave. SW, Suite 105, Calgary, 403-266-4211, shisomiso.com).
Second coming
Smyth & Kang is opening a second location, next door to the historic Grand Theatre (610 First St. SW, Calgary, 403-699-9872, smythandkang.com), so it seems fitting that the boutique’s decor will be more art gallery than retail space. As in its other location, you’ll find lines such as New York’s Whistle and Flute, Nice Collective from San Francisco, and denim by Radcliffe. And a lesson in pronunciation: It’s “Smithe,” not “Smith.”
Photography by Colin Way