Express yourself is the theme of this year’s Harvest Noir, a vintage-inspired, chic picnic and dance party. If a recent flash mob to promote the event is any indication, it’s time to start planning what you’re going to wear now.

Fashion enthusiasts turned up dressed in fancy black attire, whimsical fascinators and sky-high heels last weekend on Chaudière Island to generate buzz for the picnic extravaganza on Sept. 27. Now in its fourth year, Harvest Noir features guests dolled up in their best black ensemble for a picnic and sparkler-lighting celebration, an audience-participation fashion show and DJ dance party.

Bring friends or meet new ones at a secret urban location to celebrate the harvest, local food and drink. The venue remains hush-hush until guests who have purchased tickets get an email informing them where the action will take place. Proceeds from the evening go to promote BioRegional, a non-profit environmental group.

Derrick Fage of Rogers Daytime will be hosting Harvest Noir this year, including the fashion show. Esmerine, a modern chamber music group, and The Visit will play during the picnic. The Stan Clark Orchestra will perform swing, ragtime and classics at one dance floor; DJ Eric Latulippe will command a second dance floor. Last year’s event took place at the Canadian War Museum ­— first outside on the front lawn for the meal and then inside for a night of dancing in the main foyer and theatre.

To find out more, visit harvestnoir.com. The rain date is Sept. 28.

Crystal Beshara of The Studio Cafe strikes a dramatic pose.

A recent Harvest Noir fashion flash mob at Chaudiere Island was a spooky, sexy affair to promote the upcoming picnic and dance party on Sept. 27.

Everyone is welcome to the pop-up picnic on Sept. 27.

This is the fourth annual picnic and harvest celebration. Party guests discover by email on the day of the event where they will be dining that night.

Crystal Beshara is sure to be the belle of the ball at the mischevious end-of-summer Harvest Noir gala.

Harvest Noir ringmaster Greg Searle is commander and chief.

Many party-goers walk or cycle to the Harvest Noir celebration.

Harvest Noir fashion flash mob at Chaudiere Island to promote the upcoming picnic and dance party on Sept. 27.

Fashion enthusiasts turned up in fancy black attire to generate buzz for Harvest Noir. Grab your friends and get dolled up on Sept. 27.

Reveal Calvin Klein offers a touch of the unexpected

Calvin Klein is bringing sexy back with a sensual new scent called Reveal and a provocative ad campaign. Signature notes include raw salt, pink, white and black pepper, orris and sandalwood producing an Oriental musk that lingers on the skin. The steamy print campaign was inspired by concepts of voyeurism and exhibitionism and features Dutch model Doutzen Kroes and British actor Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) intertwined in an embrace near the window of a modern skyscraper. As the sun sets, the city’s skyline is reflected in the glass, hinting at perhaps a seductive game of desire. The glass and metal bottle’s design is a square-edged silhouette with strong masculine edges and feminine curves. A perfume launch at Hudson’s Bay in Toronto features male and female dancers dressed in Calvin Klein lingerie performing in the store’s window on Queen Street in August. The five-piece collection features a rollerball (10mL, $25), shower gel, (200mL, $45), body lotion (200mL, $49) and eau de parfum spray (50mL, $85; 100mL $110). It is available at Hudson’s Bay, Sears, Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale and Jean Coutu. Reveal Men Calvin Klein will debut in February.

REVEAL Calvin Klein, $85 (50ml) and $110 (100ml). Available across Canada at Hudson’s Bay, Sears, Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart and Murale.

Etsy’s Made in Canada pop-up event Sept. 27

Etsy, a global marketplace where online shoppers can browse for millions of creative items at Etsy.com, is holding a national pop-up Sept. 27 called Made in Canada. Ottawa is hosting one of the largest of the 23 one-day-only markets. Currently, 155 area Etsy sellers will be on hand at the Bell Sensplex Fieldhouse (1565 Maple Grove Rd.), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will sell everything from cutting boards and birdhouses to eclectic fashion accessories and beauty products. There is a $6 entry fee and children are free. For those unable to visit the pop-up marketplace close to them, people can shop online as of Sept. 18, at Etsy.com/madeincanada. Emily Arbour of the Handmade Harvest team says Ottawa has a thriving community of Etsy sellers.

TOMS for Target

Mark your calendar: Target and TOMS shoes are teaming up on a limited-edition collection, which features more than 50 items, each under $50, and will be available at all Target stores in Canada on Nov. 16. The line will include TOMS’ slip-ons, home goods and apparel and accessories for women, men and kids. Every TOMS for Target purchase results in the donation of a blanket through the Canadian Red Cross, or one week of meals through Food Banks Canada. And for every TOMS for Target pair of shoes sold, a pair will go to a child in need.

TOMS is teaming up with Target on a limited-edition collection.

Think cool, damp mornings, soft wisps of fog and glam evenings out.

Styling by Justyna Baraniecki; Photography by Joel Bedford

Where to buy

Lord & Taylor, The Hudson’s Bay
True Bijoux, 206 Sparks St. Truebijoux.ca
Stunning! Fashion Accessories & Then Some, 6 York St., Stunningottawa.com
Alex Bittar, Magpie (available at all locations), Magpiejewellery.com

About the shoot

Hair and makeup: Noah Venkatarangam
Manicure by: Natalie Nelson
Models: Emily Sprague (Angie’s Models & Talent International), Sam Perron (Models International Management)

Think cool, damp mornings, soft wisps of fog and glam evenings out.

Styling by Justyna Baraniecki;  Photography by Joel Bedford

Where to buy

Lord & Taylor, The Hudson’s Bay
True Bijoux, 206 Sparks St. Truebijoux.ca
Stunning! Fashion Accessories & Then Some, 6 York St., Stunningottawa.com
Alex Bittar, Magpie (available at all locations), Magpiejewellery.com

About the shoot

Hair and makeup: Noah Venkatarangam
Manicure by: Natalie Nelson
Models: Emily Sprague (Angie’s Models & Talent International), Sam Perron (Models International Management)

Be a standout in this True Bijoux necklace, $175. Earrings, $70, and metal bracelet, $85, from Stunning! Fashion Accessories & Then Some. The thin bracelet, $65, is by Alexis Bittar.

The fall forecast calls for glam evenings out. Earrings, $60, and necklace, $150, from Stunning Fashion Accessories & Then Some.

Make an entrance in this Lord & Taylor blazer, $159; True Bijoux earrings, $275.

Be bold and daring this season in a Halston Heritage dress, $595 and True Bijoux earrings, $75

Go big or stay home. Inspire yourself this autumn with a Judith & Charles dress, $395; earrings, $60, necklaces, $85, $210, from Stunning Fashion Accessories and Then Some.

Add a touch of drama to your ensemble with these fantastic earrings, $70, and necklaces from Stunning! Fashion Accessories & Then Some, $150, and Alexis Bittar ring, $65.

By Sarah Niman

Next time you’re packing your child’s lunchbox for school with their favourite fruits and veggies, why not dab a little on your face or hair, too? It turns out healthy staples can also double as effective, natural beauty treatments.

Ottawa nutrition and beauty experts Madelaine Garcia and Catherine Sugrue use simple lunch ingredients as at-home beauty treatments. Slices of avocado mashed and spread on a sandwich are a healthy lunch option and, a powerful hair moisturizer — talk about taking multitasking to a new level.

Garcia, a certified health, beauty and nutrition coach, said using food as a homemade spa treatment can have a ripple effect that benefits the whole family.

“Taking an extra few minutes to make sure you feel good translates into sharing that feeling with those around you,” says Garcia, of Fitbeauties.ca.

Holistic nutritionist Sugrue, of Catherinescabinet.com, says our skin has its own immune system, and natural treatments help it defend against airborne toxins.

With that in mind, a group of moms decided to experiment with Garcia and Sugrue’s lunch-turned-spa treatments. We all agreed that the five recipes were a cinch to follow and liked the fact that the ingredients were all things we had on hand at home. We enjoyed our sweet, strawberry-smelling skin, soft hands and the comical spread of green goop in my hair.

The treatments were simple enough that we committed most to memory, vowing to make more time for self-care over the altar of our children’s lunchboxes.

Food: Avocado

Sarah Niman gives herself an avocado hair mask.

Madelaine Garcia says avocados are high in healthy fats and vitamin B, adding moisture and supporting hair growth.

Use: Spread it on a sandwich, then mix the leftovers with honey and massage into your hair.

Why: Garcia said avocados are high in healthy fats and B vitamins, adding moisture and supporting hair growth. Combined with honey, avocado attracts moisture to the hair follicle, making this a great treatment for those with dry hair, or psoriasis of the scalp.

How: Mash one very ripe avocado with 1 teaspoon honey. Apply to damp hair and leave on for up to 40 minutes. Wash out by using your regular shampoo and conditioner.

Food: Coffee

Danielle Gavan seems to be enjoying the coffee scrub. The busy mom of three said the aroma of coffee mixed with coconut was a pleasing one and rubbing rough grinds into her dry skin helped to turn them smooth and soft.

The many uses of coffee.

Use: Whether you sip a cup while preparing lunchboxes in the morning, or enjoy a mid-morning jolt with your own packed lunch at work, save the coffee grinds and get them working for you as a body or hand scrub.

Why: Caffeine is high in natural antioxidants. It helps brighten and tighten skin, and lessen the appearance of dimples.

How: Garcia suggests mixing it with equal parts room temperature coconut oil to create a paste. About 1:1 ratio. Standing over a drop cloth, or in the shower, smooth the paste all over your body or just on hands. Spend about two minutes vigorously massaging the mixture in circular motions. Rinse off with warm water followed by cool water (as cold as you can handle).

Food: Strawberries

Strawberries are good to eat — and put on your face.

Alyssa Delle Palme, who has an 18-month-old son, raved about the sweet-smelling strawberry mask that reminded her of berry lip gloss similar to what she wore as a teenager.

Use: Slice a few strawberries, pop them in the lunchbox and use those leftover mushy ones to brighten your face.

Why: Strawberries contain AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) making it one of Garcia’s go-to exfoliants. Combining it with honey, which is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, packs a punch in minimizing blemishes.

How: Mash three ripe strawberries in a small glass bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and mix thoroughly. Gently massage the strawberry mixture onto your face in small circular motions. Leave on for about 30 seconds and then rinse off using cool water. Follow with your favourite moisturizer.

Food: Yogurt

Ashley Corcoran, who has a five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter, experienced a yogurt facial mask.

Use: Pack plain yogurt with a spoon for a healthy snack, then set some aside to use as a face mask.

Why: Sugrue said yogurt contains lactic acid, a natural antibody that fights acne. It can also aid in boosting collagen and elastin production, helping prevent signs of aging and minimize wrinkles.

How: Rub plain yogurt into clean skin, just thick enough to set without falling off in clumps. Let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

Food: Cucumbers

Cucumbers have a cooling property, which may help reduce puffiness around the eyes.

Use: Cucumbers with ranch dressing makes for a delicious snack at lunch. Save two slices for your eyes at the end of a long day.

Why: Cucumbers are hydrating and cooling and are credited with reducing puffiness around the eye area.

How: Slice, lie back, and rest with cucumbers over your eyes for five to 10 minutes.

Clothes by Muriel Dombret

What: Clothing by fashion designer Muriel Dombret.
Address: 1258 Wellington St., West Wellington
Contact: murieldombret.com; 613-798-0167

When two out-of-town clients pulled up in separate taxis to shop in her boutique before heading to the airport, Muriel Dombret was elated. After 20 years in business, she felt this was further proof of the success of her brand and reputation as a fashion designer.

“I’m so proud of the trust that I’ve received from clients. Comfort is the main thing. My motto is to keep it simple. Customers know my style, the exceptional draping, and that I use top quality, classic, easy care, washable fabrics designed for women on the go.”

Dombret produces her Clothes by Muriel Dombret fashion label on her premises in a standalone boutique in the trendy neighbourhood of West Wellington. When she first started out a few blocks east in Hintonburg on Armstrong Street, the now vibrant area was considered off the beaten track. She creates two collections a year with a run of two sizes per design and complements her pieces with those of mostly other Canadian designers, including Mélissa Nepton.

Her current fall/winter offerings include smart cropped jackets, wool coats, cardigans, tunics, pencil skirts, pretty blouses and a range of leggings and pants in varying lengths in a colour palette of plum, black, grey and cream. Many of her designs feature asymmetrical details and sophisticated necklines. Every article of clothing is named for a friend or simply because she likes the sound of it. She also sells an array of accessories including jewelry from Anne-Marie Chagnon, Rachel F and Two A, as well as scarves and belts.

Gearing up for fall. Muriel Dombret, right, recently launched her fall collection, which includes colour combinations of plum, grey and black, at her clothing store Clothes by Muriel Dombret on Wellington Street.

“Every two weeks we change the store window. If we feature, for example, a blue or plum outfit, then customers will find co-ordinating pieces inside,” says Dombret, who lives in the woods in the Lanark Highlands, an hour’s drive away.

The boutique opens to a spacious, bright showroom with Dombret’s clothing on the left and a change area to the right. Tucked behind the cash area and up a few steps, one encounters a hub of activity and three giggling seamstresses, who take a break from their sewing machines to pose for photos. They gush about their boss and then get back to their task at hand. The basement boasts numerous bolts of colourful fabric under a long workstation, while dozens of Dombret’s dress patterns hang from metal clothing racks. She recently launched a fall lookbook, which was photographed at the Experimental Farm by staff member Sacha Hebbert and features another assistant Barbara Wassenaar draped in dreamy outfits fit for cooler temperatures.

Seamstress Bich Ly works on a design for Clothes by Muriel Dombret.

Originally from Antwerp, Belgium, Dombret started sewing at a young age alongside her grandmother, who was a seamstress. When a friend launched his own label in the 1980s, she pitched in and began soaking up every aspect of the design world. When she moved to Canada for love in 1991, Dombret, a mother to an eight-year-old son, began buying vintage clothing and repurposing it. Today, she prides herself on her customer service, attention to detail and helpful staff.

“People can go into the big malls and find nice things. We make clothes that fit. We know women’s shapes and offer personalized service. We stand out because we offer a different concept.”

Clothes by Muriel Dombret is situated in West Wellington by Holland Avenue.

It was like a scene from a Charles Dickens’ novel: men dressed in sleek tailored black coats, waistcoats and top hats and ladies in seductive masks, eye-catching corsets, fancy hats and saucy circus and gypsy couture.

The magic began under clear blue skies and glorious sunshine on Saturday just after 4 p.m. when hundreds of people carrying wicker baskets laden with food, and dressed from head to toe in black, gathered on the lawn at Rideau Falls Park at 50 Sussex Dr., next to the French Embassy, overlooking the Ottawa River.

Guests at the fourth annual Harvest Noir, a pop-up picnic and dance party in celebration of the fall harvest, were informed by email of the secret outdoor venue only a few hours before the event.

About 800 guests at Harvest Noir enjoyed homemade meals by candlelight at a pop-up picnic at Rideau Falls Park on Sussex Drive.

There was a sense of camaraderie as about 800 picnic-goers found their seats amid the long rows of wooden tables. Some came in large groups, while others joined in the fun meeting new friends as they set about decorating their space with crisp white tablecloths and whimsical centrepieces.

Harvest Noir is the brainchild of Samantha Biron and Greg Searle, whose strong social mission centres on sustainability. It is a night to express yourself without judgment and to share in a sense of community.

Edward Scissorhands brought along a few gal pals at Harvest Noir, a celebration of fashion, food and culture.

The dreamy evening got under way as guests waved their napkins in the air and sat down to enjoy and share their homemade meals. Musical entertainment included Esmerine, The Visit and Evan Van Roon, while TV personality and emcee Derick Fage doled out prizes for the biggest group and best-dressed tables. U.S. Ambassador Bruce Heyman and his wife, Vicki, made themselves right at home sharing platters of vegetables and meats served on embassy china and remarked to their seatmates on their affection for their adopted home.

U.S. Ambassador Bruce Heyman counted himself a lucky man at Harvest Noir Saturday night surrounded by a bevy of ladies in black, including wife, Vicki, to his right. Other picnic-goers included from left back row, Claire Greenberg, Citizen fashion editor Janet Wilson, dressed by Ottawa’s Elena Hinke, and Jennifer Nicol. Julie Nott, seated on left, passes dinner to Lorna Sierolawski.

When the sun set, table captains were given sky lanterns, mini hot air balloons, which were lit and released en masse into the night sky. For a few seconds, guests held their breath as one got lodged briefly in a nearby maple tree. Sparklers were handed out and waved in unison while stilt-walkers draped in long white clothing wearing masks added a fantastical touch. The after-party and participatory fashion show was held at the Hilton Lac-Leamy where about another 200 more guests joined in the fun jiving to the sounds of the Stan Clark Orchestra and, in another room, grooving to the beats of DJ Eric Latulippe.

Biron got the idea for Harvest Noir after seeing a similar event – Diner en Blanc – an all-white party held in a Montreal park, several years ago. She wasn’t sure if Ottawa was quite ready for something so adventurous. Clearly we are.

Sid Cratzbarg is nobody’s pushover. With his penchant for fedoras, oversized spectacles and watches, it’s hard not to miss this flamboyant character and man about town.

When Ottawa Fashion Week was cancelled this past spring, he quickly jumped on the bandwagon to host his own fall gala in its place. Sizzle With Sid, a fundraising fashion event in support of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, takes place Oct. 17 at the Centurion Conference & Event Centre.

“Sid is on the scene,” chuckles Cratzbarg, a fragrance specialist and TV personality. “I’ve always loved fashion and will be showcasing mature women of all shapes and sizes in the show.  It will be a sizzling night.”

Guests can expect food stations, cocktails, vendors and a silent auction. Ottawa-based tenor Dustin Hiles, who has performed around the world, will entertain the crowd, while 29 models wearing 36 outfits will take part in a runway show with fashions from Three Wild Women, Vernini Uomo Men’s Clothing and Cantas, which are shown here to give a taste for what the evening will hold.

Sid Cratzbarg is behind Sizzle With Sid, a fundraising gala and fashion show on Oct. 17.

About the shoot:
Hair by Jet Black Hair & Studio, makeup by Pür Minerals.
Styling by Antonia Stieda-Sanne and Thierry Kasende of Pride & Ego. Shot on location at The Savoy Brasserie

Sizzle With Sid

What: Sid Cratzbarg and Sizzle With Decor host a fundraiser for Ottawa Cancer Foundation

When & when: 7 p.m., Oct. 17, Centurion Conference & Event Centre

What: Cocktails, food stations, runway show (8:15 p.m), dessert bar. Silent auction and raffle.

Tickets: $75 at www.sizzlewithsid.com

Angela Sutcliffe wears a stylish ensemble from Westboro’s Three Wild Women, including an Originals by Andrea druzy and Italian leather necklace, Mary Frances purse, Sympli tank top and Lee Andersen jacket.

Roland Stieda looks dashing in a classic double-vented, pin-striped suit by Bielaby for Vernini, $1,450, polka dot Tino Cosma tie, $145, Vernini pocket square, $35, and Versace shoes, $395. Find this ensemble at Vernini Uomo Men’s Clothing.

Diane Ashby wears an elegant navy sequin dress with champagne undertones from Cantas boutique on Sussex Drive, which is available for $495.

It’s worn everywhere from the Senegal to the Ivory Coast and Ghana to Cameroon, but now the wildly colourful, highly patterned West African fabric known as waxprint will be hitting the runway in Ottawa Saturday night.

Considered as much a way of communicating about the wearer as a fundamental dress form in Africa, waxprint, a form of batik, will be the centrepiece of Safara, an African-themed fashion show organized by Ottawa-based designer, Gwen Madiba. Safara is a Senegalese word that means fire.

“In my personal collections, I try to explore African prints and I saw that all over the world at fashion weeks lately, several designers have worked with African prints and celebrities have worn it on the runway,” says Madiba, whose House of Dare label will also present a collection featuring geometric patterns made of waxprint. “Waxprint is really a way of life in Africa, so I wanted to bring designers from Canada and abroad to celebrate that fabric and showcase their collections.”

Headlining the show, being held at the University of Ottawa’s Tabaret Hall, will be the Belgian-born, Ivory Coast-raised, Paris-based celebrity designer, Elie Kuame. Renowned for pulling together ethnically diverse elements into his collections, such as waxprint, kente cloth from Ghana, feathers, bark and precious stones, his flowing exoticism covers the spread between Lebanese designer Elie Saab lavish glam gowns and the sleek esthetics of vintage Dior and Fath.

Also featured in the runway show will be a joyfully vibrant collection from Montreal’s Doris Dey, a men’s and women’s collection from Congolese newcomer, Jennifer Djamboleka, children’s clothing by Charifa Larabang, the modern work of Toronto’s Kilambi design and a collection of Me.Tu handbags by Mahlet Seifu. The catwalk will also see the winners from a Richard Robinson School of Fashion Design Academy competition involving waxprint. Young Canadian tennis player, Francoise Abanda, who trained with Serena and Venus Williams, will model fashions from various designers.

“It’s very interesting to see how, with one fabric, the designs are completely different,” notes Madiba, who is originally from Gabon in central Africa and says part of the proceeds will go to a Nelson Mandela Legacy pilot project to involve disadvantaged children in baseball. “African cultures are very welcoming and open to others. And that’s what we’re trying to express with this fashion show.”

Local and international designers will showcase their collections, many featuring West African waxprint batik, such as that seen in the work of designer Elie Kuame, on Oct. 4 at Safara, an event to be held at the University of Ottawa.

Safara Fashion Show

When: Saturday, Oct. 4. VIP cocktails, 6 p.m.; fashion show 7 p.m.

Where: Tabaret Hall ballroom, University of Ottawa,

Tickets: VIP $40; general admission, $25.

Info: Gwen Madiba at 613-620-7990 or Sid Abdul at 613-262-3610, www.darebygwenmadiba.com/safara

Gorgeous draping will be featured by French-Ivory Coast designer, Elie Kuame, on Oct. 4 at the first Safara African-inspired fashion show being held at the University of Ottawa’s Tabaret Hall ballroom.

At 18 and still in high school, Case Bakker boarded a plane for Guatemala on what would become the first of many global shopping trips for the Ottawa native.

As the son of Peggy and Dick Bakker, owners of the Third World Bazaar in Manotick Station, Case was no stranger to importing fair-trade goods from developing countries. But this solo buying trip for his parents would bring him face-to-face with the artisans, villagers and farmers who produce the handcrafted textiles, furniture, jewelry and art sold at the annual sale.

“Case has always been very mature and independent … and he has a really good business sense,” says his mom Peggy, who took over the bazaar from her brother Paul Gervan in 2003 and moved it from Seeley’s Bay near Kingston to a restored barn outside the village of Manotick.

At only 12, Case and his younger sister Anneka started working at the bazaar and accompanied their parents on buying trips to Mexico, Indonesia, Cuba, Thailand and Vietnam. “It’s been in his genes for a long, long time,” Peggy says.

Now 27, Case describes himself as a “born and bred entrepreneur” so it comes as no surprise that he would follow in his parents’ footsteps. Last year, he and his girlfriend Jessie Lyons started Poco Loco Imports,  a wholesale company that imports Alpaca wool sweaters, vibrant scarves and blankets, hand-cut leather bracelets, wallets and purses, from South America. Like his folks, Bakker and Lyons, both fluent in Spanish, buy directly from the producers, many of whom they have met in person and developed “close, respectful relationships,” Case says.

Alpaca shawls, scarves and blankets from Ecuador are available at Third World Bazaar. These popular shawls are a popular product for Poco Loco.

“A business combined with social justice: It was a good fit for me,” says Lyons, 26, whose first international business venture was a bicycle rental company in a small village in Nicaragua that she started in 2012 with funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

From her bachelor apartment in Hintonburg, the petite blond now handles the development side of Poco Loco (it means a little crazy in Spanish). A year ago, the couple had five Canadian retailers selling their products. They now have more than 50, primarily in Ontario and the Maritimes. They hope to expand into Quebec and Western Canada soon.

Between travelling to source products for Poco Loco and performing at last month’s Ottawa Folk Fest with his rock band The Wicked Mercy, Bakker has been busy unloading his first container shipment, which was recently delivered to his parents’ barn. Another four, he says, are expected before the holiday season.

The Third World Bazaar, which opens Oct. 3 and runs for seven weekends until Nov. 16, is the largest outlet for Poco Loco’s imported fashions and accessories, but they’re also available at several stores across the city, including Three Wild Women in Westboro, Frou Frou in the ByWard Market and Pom-Pom in the Glebe. Prices range from $25 for the popular Alpaca scarves to $400 for hand-knit wool cardigans.

“We’re growing the business step by step,” says Lyons, an accomplished violinist and vocalist, who worked as a merchandise manager for this year’s Toronto International Jazz Festival. “We’re taking it slow — one new retailer at a time.”

If you go

What: Third World Bazaar, an indoor marketplace of handcrafted clothing, textiles, jewelry and furniture from around the world

Where: In a converted barn at 3110 Mitch Owens Dr., Manotick Station

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for seven weekends starting Oct. 3 until Nov. 16

Info: ThirdWorldBazaar.ca

White Shakira handknit sweater from Ecuador, $100, from Poco Loco Imports.

Bat wings handknit wool sweater from Peru, $180, from Poco Loco Imports. The Third World Bazaar runs till Nov. 16 on weekends only.

Located in a former farmer’s field, Tanger Outlets Ottawa, which sits across from Canadian Tire Centre, will open with a bang Oct. 17 with a Disney musical show and capped off by fireworks.

The opening festivities will stretch out over the weekend where shoppers can explore their inner diva inside a fashion photo booth, climb a rock wall, lace up skates at the outdoor rink, and have the chance to meet Canada’s sweetheart figure skaters Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.

Eric Topolnisky, general manger of the Tanger Outlets on Campeau Drive, says the time was ripe in Ottawa for such a range of stores as the capital has been underserved in retail for so long.

“There’s opportunity to build and we see that with this outlet mall, and with the other malls expanding in Ottawa, too,” Topolnisky says.

Related

• Tanger Outlets: By the Numbers

So what can you expect from the 75-store complex? What you won’t see is castoffs from other stores.

“A lot of the retailers actually manufacture a separate product line for their outlets,” Topolnisky says. “It’s not like last year’s Gap clothing that didn’t sell well, it’s not all the ugly stuff that nobody wants to wear. It’s a separate manufactured clothing line.”

Topolnisky says shoppers will save up to 50 per cent on newly-manufactured goods because the mall has less overhead compared to bigger shopping malls. This translates into lower rents and ultimately savings for the consumer.

“We have no elevators or escalators or big roof to maintain, so the overall cost to operate the shopping centre is lower.”

Here are a variety of fashion finds you can expect at Tanger Outlets Ottawa.

Make a lasting impression in the Elsiee knee-high boots from Madden Girl, $79.99, from Famous Footwear. The American retailer, which offers footwear for every member in the household, is opening a 5,500-square-foot store at the Tanger Outlet. It offers more than 100 brands, including Nike, Vans, Converse, Sperry, Skechers, Naturalizer, Steve Madden, madden girl, Franco Sarto, adidas, New Balance and more.

Opening activities:

FRIDAY, OCT. 17
9:30 a.m.: Stores open to the public

10 a.m.: Official ribbon cutting ceremony
An outdoor ice rink and climbing wall opens as well as a “Selfie” fashion photo booth, face-painting and more.

8 p.m.: Fireworks and musical show featuring Disney tunes and characters during the family evening.

SATURDAY, OCT. 18
Noon to 2 p.m.: Performance and meet & greet with Olympic gold medallists Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Meet Ice Queen and Princess, Elsa & Anna, will make an appearance for an exclusive photo & autograph session for young shoppers.

7 p.m.: Fire Show. Enjoy the Fire Weavers with an amazing blend of dance and fire artistry.

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir are to attend the opening of Tanger Outlets Ottawa on Oct. 18, noon to 2 p.m.

Nike Free TR Fit, one of Nike’s most popular footwear lines, which ranges in price from $105-$140, can be found at Tanger’s Nike Factory Store.

Tanger Outlets

BY THE NUMBERS

75

Designer stores

293,000

Square footage of outlet mall

1,000

Full and part-time employees in retail management and sales positions

4

Restaurant and snack areas, including Teriyaki Experience, Subway, Nestlé Toll House Café and Godiva

120 million

The investment required to complete the mall

5

Men and women’s restrooms

45

Total of Tanger Factory Outlet Centres in Canada and the U.S.

185 million

Shoppers who visit the outlets annually

2

Ottawa stores: Shepherds Fashion Boutique and the Ottawa Senators store

13,000

Square footage of the Old Navy store, one of the biggest at the mall

2,000

On-site parking spaces

600

Workers required to complete the project that began in May 2013

Love — retro-style — is in the air at the Ottawa Wedding Show this weekend. The buzz word this season is vintage chic with vendors offering advice and services on whimsical decor, romantic dresses and eclectic catering options. There is a Cake Walk area for tastings, Get Gorgeous Beautique for pampering and beauty and style advice and a Gentlemen’s Lounge for grooms to sample whiskey and local craft beer.

This is the 10th anniversary of the event, which is being held at EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., on Oct. 18 and Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests can expect themed exhibit areas and fashion presentations featuring gowns from designer to consignment as well as David’s Bridal, Tip top and Moore’s. Surmesur, a new Ottawa men’s store that offers tailor-made clothing, will be there as will Acquatopia, a new wedding destination venue in Carp, which boasts a water-garden conservatory. Dominique Levesque Bridal’s Pop-up Boutique will have 300 gowns available for purchase as well as clothing for every member of the bridal party.

“Fall is such a romantic time to plan a wedding,” says show manager Dawn Collings. “We want couples to truly enjoy the planning process by getting hands-on with the show experience.”

For more info, visit ottawaweddingshow.com.

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The Ottawa Wedding Show takes place Oct. 18-19, 11 a.m. To 5 p.m., at EY Centre.

It’s time to put your best foot forward thanks to a line of stylish leggings from Reitmans that will take ladies from work to play.

Style expert Erica Wark has teamed up with the Canadian apparel company to help customers rethink the way they look at leggings.

“It is thick enough so it is more like a pant, but fits like a legging,” says Ottawa’s Wark, who is a featured fashion expert on CTV’s The Social. “We used to wear them with just tunics and dresses, but had to make sure your bum was covered as the fabric was thinner much like a tight.”

The leggings, priced from $42 to $50, come in a range of colours, including onyx grey, cherry chutney, earthy brown and black, chic designs (leather faux panels) and sizes from 3 to 17.

“I think a lot of women assume the curvier you are, you can’t wear fitted pants,” says Wark. “But it’s really great to show off and highlight your curves and accentuate them.”

Wark is on a “Reitmans Roadshow” hosting a series of in-store shop ’n’ style parties across Ontario. She was at Bayshore Shopping Centre on Oct. 16 where she met with customers to discuss leggings.

Erica Wark’s Guide to Breaking The Rules: The Leggings Edition

1. Touch & Feel: Not all leggings are created equal and it all starts with the fabric. The Reitmans leggings are made with thicker ponte fabrics, which means they can be worn as pants. The haute grunge of the ’90s is back: embrace it.
2. Lay on the Layers: Don’t be scared to toss a skirt — or even a dress — over your leggings.
3. Stop, Drop & Roll: The almighty roll is not just for denim. These leggings are meant to be cuffed so toss on a bootie and adjust that hem for a more casual day look.
4. Rock the Crop: Sporting a legging doesn’t mean long tees are required. Change it up and try a chunky sweater or blouse for a sleeker style.
5. Let the Shoes Shine: From flats and boots to pumps and mules — the art of the legging is its ability to go with a range of footwear. Bonus? Pack a second (sexier) pair to take a look from day to night.

Erica’s five tips are currently being shown in a series of online videos on the Reitmans Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages.

Erica Wark’s tip: Let the Shoes Shine: From flats and boots to pumps and mules — the art of the legging is its ability to go with a range of footwear. Bonus? Pack a second (sexier) pair to take a look from day to night.

Erica Wark: Lay on Layers: Don’t be afraid to toss a skirt — or even a dress — over your leggings.

Erica Wark’s tip: Touch and Feel: It’s all about the fabric. Reitmans leggings are made with thicker fabrics, which means they can be worn as pants. The haute grunge of the ’90s is back: embrace it.

Stop, Drop and Roll: The almighty roll is not just for denim. These leggings are meant to be cuffed so toss on a bootie and adjust that hem for a more casual day look, Erica Wark says.

Erica Wark: Rock the Crop: Sporting a legging doesn’t mean long tees are required. Change it up and try a chunky sweater or blouse for a sleeker style.

The sky is always blue in Jason Guo’s world, and that’s because he designed it that way.

Originally from Ottawa, the fun-loving Guo and business partner McKenzie Thompson, are combining their art and design background and are turning heads with their eye-catching streetwear line boasting vibrant graphic prints on apparel for men and women.

Guo, 22, and Thompson, 27, met at the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago and launched their clothing line Maybe Sunday after graduating this past spring.

“The reason we decided to sell clothing is because both of us see a direct connection between clothing and the type of artwork that we’re doing,” Guo says.

The two transfer their digital photos onto Dri-Fit shirts ($50), scarves ($30) and hats ($35) using an Italian ink on Korean fabric. The playful images include idyllic white puffy clouds with blue skies, bright Jelly beans and lemons and even a T-shirt featuring cigarettes stubs called Last Night’s Party.

The idea of using colourful graphics is rooted in Chicago’s cold grey days and warm memories of his Ottawa childhood.

“(The prints) bring up the mood if you are under the weather,” says Guo, who sees his hometown as a safe, clean, relaxed city compared to Chicago, which is a “little bit on edge.”

Jason Guo, a former Canterbury graduate who is based in Chicago, wears My Childhood Friend Dri-Fit shirt, $50, featuring colourful gummy bears.

Thompson says the T-shirts are tailored with a slim fit to make them stylishly casual for men and attractive on a female figure.

“You can be the cutest girl at the party with your gummy bear shirt tucked into a high-waisted skirt, or throw on your marble tee and go be a yoga goddess. It’s like getting away with wearing your favourite T-shirt and catching everybody’s eye while you’re at it.”

The name Maybe Sunday boils down to a state of being.

“Sunday is a day for most people to relax, you’re not supposed to do anything on Sunday, it’s just laid back,” Guo says, adding their target market spans from “scum bags to millionaires.”

“It doesn’t matter what your situation is, this is an attitude we are selling for the really creative, driven and those always thinking outside the box, emphasis,” says Guo, who despite his young age has held numerous shows throughout the U.S.

Maybe Sunday co-creator McKenzie Thompson wears the Sugar Crush Scarf, $30. “At Maybe Sunday, we are inspired by today’s fashion girl that is confident, creative and does what’s best for her,” she says.

The duo recently opened a storefront location in Chicago’s budding Pilsen Art District, where they sell Maybe Sunday apparel and contemporary artworks, and host events and exhibitions for emerging artists. While they were able to produce their first pieces themselves, they have turned to Kickstarter in hopes of gaining financial support to jumpstart the next phase of production of their designs. They hope to raise $11,000 by Oct. 22. So far more than 55 backers have pledged more than $8,300. If they don’t meet the goal, they don’t get any of the funds. However, if they do receive funding, every donor will receive something for their support. For example, if they pledge $40, they’ll receive a T-shirt; $25 will get them a scarf.

Guo knew at an early age that he would follow a creative path — something his software designer and engineer parents were not so sure of at the beginning. But that changed when he graduated valedictorian from Canterbury High School in 2010, became the recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal, and also received first place in 2011 for a contest held by the National Gallery of Canada called So You Want to Be an Artist. Guo beat out 126 other teen artists from across the country for his self-portrait sketch of the artist with a nosebleed, a reflection of his quirky style.

He credits his arts studies for his fearless — and sometimes naughty — approach when creating artworks and designing clothes.

“Streetwear is more than just a look, it’s more of an attitude, it’s casual, it’s definitely not very uptight,” says Guo. “And it’s also designed to be comfortable for your everyday life.”

Contact Maybe Sunday at maybe-sunday-inc.myshopify.com.

Pucker up with a Lemon Party tee by Maybe Sunday apparel.

Keep your head in the clouds with a Liquid Sunshine hat, $35.

No need to feel blue. Maybe Sunday Liquid Sunshine Dri-Fit shirt will help keep the November blahs at bay.

On June, 3, 2011, Jason Guo was photographed after winning the National Gallery of Canada’s ‘So you want to be an Artist’ competition for teens fir his sketch My First Red.

Update: It’s gridlock on Highway 417 this morning as people rushed to be among the first to shop at the new Tanger outlet mall in Kanata.

The city’s traffic Twitter account said westbound traffic on the Queensway was heavy and slow from Moodie to Palladium. They advised drivers to avoid the area and use other routes.

The ribbon cutting for the 350,000-square-foot complex on Campeau Drive, across the highway from the Canadian Tire Centre, was to be at 10 a.m., but it was delayed.

According to reports, police were turning drivers away from the mall and directing them to the Canadian Tire Centre on the other side of the highway, where shuttles would pick them up and bring them to the mall.

Woman changes baby on highway, heading to Tanger opening in Ottawa.

Live updates: Tanger is open, and Life editor Janet Wilson has finally arrived.

Tanger outlet opening signals maturation of Ottawa’s retail scene

By Vito Pilieci

The mammoth Tanger Outlet mall in Kanata will act as a beacon for shoppers and attract more visitors to Ottawa, according to a local retail industry analyst.

The 350,000-square-foot shopping centre, on Campeau Drive across the Queensway from the Canadian Tire Centre, which cost more than $115 million to build and opens on Friday, introduces 80 new stores to the area. It will be the only large-scale outlet shopping centre between Montreal and Toronto.

It’s a sign that Ottawa’s retail scene is maturing and offering options that will actually draw shoppers into the region, said Barry Nabatian, director of market research for Shore-Tanner & Associates.

“The Tanger facility will significantly add to the choice of shopping for Ottawa and Gatineau. It is supposed to be a quality/brand name discount store, which is exactly what is needed,” said Nabatian. “It will be the only outlet mall between Montreal and Toronto and most likely it will attract shoppers from between these two large cities, and there will be some cross-shopping by them as a result.”

Tanger Outlets get ready for their opening in Ottawa, Oct. 16, 2014.

Nabatian said retailers have done an admirable job of reshaping the landscape in Ottawa over the past decade. The new Tanger Outlets will be flanked by another massive retail development spearheaded by Broccolini/Laurentide Holdings, which will include a Bass Pro Shop as its anchor tenant. However, new retail space at Lansdowne Park, the expansion of the Rideau Centre, the Ottawa Train Yards shopping centre and the expansions of the Bayshore Shopping Centre and the St. Laurent Centre have all provided Ottawa shoppers with more places to shop and more selection.

Nabatian believes that construction in retail will likely slow in the years ahead as many areas, including downtown, will now find that they have reached the maximum number of stores that can be supported by consumers. However, he said retailers will shift their focus to areas such as the city’s south end, where construction continues at a breakneck pace and consumers have very few choices about where to shop.

Tanger Outlets get ready for their opening in Ottawa, Oct. 16, 2014.

“Barrhaven in particular is now under-stored, and this shortage will be felt more with the additional traffic and exposure from Strandherd Bridge,” said Nabatian. “With an average population growth of about 11,000 per year in Ottawa, more retail space is continuously needed, especially in Barrhaven, Kanata, and Orléans.”

Nabatian said the creation of the Tanger Outlets, coupled with the Broccolini/Laurentide Holdings development and Canadian Tire Centre will create a destination for shopping and entertainment in the city’s west end that will likely attract further development.

The outdoor “big-box” mall concept, like the model Tanger has chosen, is popular in suburban areas where land is less expensive to acquire. Not only does the model provide more room for parking, but it’s less expensive to operate than traditional enclosed malls. In the outdoor model, each unit is responsible for its own utilities and they all share in snow clearing and landscaping expenses. In an indoor mall, stores share expenses for the upkeep and heating of the mall, almost like the fees paid by condominium owners.

Ottawa is of particular interest to retailers. The average household income is $98,000, and more than 40 per cent of households bring home more than $100,000 annually, making the capital one of the wealthiest cities in the country. Ottawa shoppers spend more than $15.3 billion on retail annually.

Tanger Outlets get ready for their opening in Ottawa, Oct. 16, 2014.

Ottawa shops collect, on average, $475 per square foot in retail sales annually. In other Canadian cities, shoppers spend between $250 and $350 per square foot annually.

Tanger chief executive Steve Tanger said the continued strength of the city’s economy made filling the outlet mall with high-end tenants an easy task.

Friday’s grand opening will commence with a ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. Celebrations will continue throughout the day with numerous special events, and fireworks will be set off after dusk.

Vpilieci@ottawacitizen.com

Twitter.com/vpilieci

Beautiful weather drew large crowds to the grand opening of Tanger Outlets Ottawa in Kanata. Shoppers from across the city braved bumper-to-bumper traffic to check out the new mall that boasts 75 stores, relaxation zones, and a children’s play area.

Shelley Dang, 22, at grand opening of Tanger Outlets in Kanata on Friday.

Shelley Dang, 22

I left with my friend around 9:15 a.m. and I just live down Terry Fox, it took us around five or 10 minutes to drive here, but the lineup (to get into the parking lot) was insane, the traffic was crazy. We were stuck in the parking lot for 30 or 40 minutes. It’s great that there’s an actual outlet in Ottawa because the other outlets, which are at College Square, are not really outlets. These were actually great deals. I got some good stuff. I got shoes from the Nike store, and I got a pair of moccasins for $25 which were originally $90 from Town Shoes. This is somewhere I would go for sure on a regular basis.

Harold Ngo, 31, at the grand opening of Tanger Outlets in Kanata on Friday.

Harold Ngo, 31

Traffic was horrendous coming from Orléans. I booked today off, I came here around 9 a.m., and it was unexpected how busy it was. We thought everyone else would be at work. It took us about two hours in traffic. So far it’s great. There’s a lot to see right now. There are a lot of stores. I just wish there were more American stores, like a Disney store and Crocs. We normally go to Toronto to shop at Vaughan Mills, but we will come back here. My favourite stores here so far are Michael Kors, Coach, Nike and Adidas.

Shawna Christie, 31, at the grand opening of Tanger Outlets in Kanata on Friday.

Shawna Christie, 31

It was chaotic coming out here. Traffic was insane. There was lots of honking. And when we got here, parking was insane also. It took us a little more than half an hour to park just to get a spot way out, but once we were in it was perfect. I am having a ball. I’ve done Old Navy, a lot of the kids’ stores. Now I’m heading to Michael Kors, which looks like it has a 45-minute lineup, but I think it’s worth it, so I’m going to stand in line anyways. I’ll probably buy a clutch or wallet. I don’t want to break the bank.

Mary MacDonell, 54, at the grand opening of Tanger Outlets in Kanata on Friday.

Mary MacDonell, 54

I left at about 8:30 a.m., I’m in the middle of the city and I was shocked how fast I got here. The outlet is great. I like the coupons and the availability of the stores we did not have here (before). And the prices so far have been pretty good, if the coupons keep on coming. I went online and signed up for them (tangeroutletcanada.com/ottawa) and I downloaded them. There was 30, 40, and 50 per cent off (deals) and then there were coupons where you could get (another) 20 per cent on those deals. I’m Christmas shopping right now.

Brian Webster, 55, at the grand opening of Tanger Outlets in Kanata on Friday.

Brian Webster, 55

I think the outlet centre is great, I love it. I love the stores and sales. I’m not a shopper; I don’t shop, I buy. I’ve been into most of the stores, but I like Haggar. I got $25 pants. Full price was $75. Everything is on sale. Unfortunately (the stores) are having a few problems with some cash registers, but it’s a great thing for Ottawa. It’s going to be amazing for the city, but mostly for the west end. But I think anyone from Orléans is going to get here and have a great experience.

Build it and they will come — and they did by the thousands.

Despite extreme traffic woes and overflowing washrooms, shoppers galore of every age — many of whom admitted to taking the day off work — came out Friday to get the first glimpse of Tanger Outlets in Kanata.

The city warned Ottawans of further “significant delays” in traffic for the area this weekend. Those heading to Saturday night’s hockey game at Canadian Tire Centre are being urged to take public transit, if possible.

“We heard the highway was really backed up,” chuckled Steve Tanger, president and CEO of Tanger, which is headquartered in North Carolina.

“We’re sorry but pleased that Ottawa is coming to visit us.”

Shoppers, many of whom waited for hours in traffic, took in the new Tanger Outlets in Kanata.

The opening of the mall, a 75-store complex featuring such designer brands as Coach, Michael Kors, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Under Armour, J.Crew Factory, Eddie Bauer and Guess, was not without its growing pains.

Steven Tanger, CEO and president of Tanger Outlets, was tickled pink by the sheer volume of shoppers at the outdoor mall in Kanata on Friday.

The westbound Queensway was backed up mid-morning for several hours with some shoppers from Orléans saying the commute was more than two hours. When the parking lot was full, traffic was re-routed to Canadian Tire Centre, where people hopped on shuttle buses or opted to walk. Overflowing toilets in one of the designated washroom areas caused a few nearby stores to close their doors temporarily due to foul odours and a seepage of sewage.

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• Tanger outlet opening signals maturation of Ottawa's retail scene

Sales staff stood outside the Ottawa Senators outlet store while maintenance workers attempted to repair the leak. They later tweeted that the store was open once again for business.

People line on opening day of the new Tanger Outlets in Kanata for Shopper Services.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson wasn’t impressed to be tied up in highway traffic while rushing to Friday’s opening ceremonies. He called the experience a frustrating one and added that his office had reached out to provincial Transport Minister Steven Del Duca to inquire about ongoing construction on the Queensway.

“I’ve gone by Highway 417 a dozen times in the last month and I rarely see any work being done, yet that one lane is being blocked off,” Watson said. “I’m frustrated by it. I just want to find out directly from the minister why this project seems to be taking so long.”

A woman changes a baby on the backed-up highway heading towards the Tanger opening in Ottawa.

“Yes, we are experiencing some small growing pains,” admitted Eric Topolnisky, general manager of RioCan Management and Tanger Outlets Ottawa. “We’re still getting things up and running but we’re more than pleased with the turnout and volume of people walking around with shopping bags.”

Jennifer Fornelli, an avid outlet shopper who takes regular trips south of the border in search of bargains with her mother, Donna, shrugged off the long wait to get into the mall.

“It’s opening day; we’re typical Canadians: We line up to see what’s inside without complaining. A lot of the stores were experiencing technical difficulties with debit machine problems, too. But it’s great to see these stores in Ottawa.”

Well-dressed teenagers, moms pushing baby strollers and seniors walked around the pedestrian-friendly complex, which also featured relaxation areas with bright red wooden chairs and outdoor fireplaces and a small food court.

Crowds wait at the opening ceremony of the new Tanger Outlets in Kanata for Shopper Services.

A man takes happy snaps at the Grand opening of Tanger Outlets.

The opening festivities for the 293,000-square-foot centre were to include fireworks Friday and a skating performance by Canadian Olympic medallists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir at noon Saturday at a temporary artificial ice rink set up in the parking lot next to a climbing wall and several food trucks.

During the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, a $20,000 donation was made to the Ottawa Senators Foundation on behalf of Tanger and RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust.

Shoppers warm up at a fire pit, while hundreds lined up outside the Michael Kors store during the opening of Tanger Outlets in Kanata Oct 17.

Roz Staple on artificial ice surface at the Grand opening of Tanger Outlets.

Mary MacDonell, 54 at the Grand opening of Tanger Outlets in Kanata Oct 17.

Shelley Dang, 22, at grand opening of Tanger Outlets in Kanata on Friday.

Brian Webster, 55 at the Grand opening of Tanger Outlets in Kanata Oct 17.

People line on opening day of the new Tanger Outlets in Kanata.

Three Ottawa fashionistas are tickled pink about their new business — an e-markeplace site called Pink Tiger that sells chic Canadian fashions and accessories.

For months, mother and daughter Sue Norton and Jenn Wood and Terri Hoddinott have been laying the groundwork for their site, which went live Oct. 14, by reaching out to emerging and veteran designers across the country. More than 100 have signed on to promote and sell their creations through PinkTiger.com. The impressive site currently boasts exquisite pieces by 30 designers from Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa featuring men’s and women’s apparel, glitzy evening gowns, jewelry, scarves, bow ties and more. Secured partnerships include Karen McClintock, Narces, Zarucci, Turbine Design, Kania Couture and Beaucoup FH, among others.

This little black dress by Toronto-based Narces features a silk organza full-skirt dress over black lining, with a sheer top and bead and lace embellishments. It’s available at PinkTiger.com for $239.

The business is the brainchild of Norton, who has a lengthy IT background and is the co-owner of Alcea Technologies Inc. The longtime volunteer is passionate about fashion and philanthropy and was always keen to combine the two if the opportunity arose.

A portion of all sales from Pink Tiger will go toward a program called Random Acts of Kindness, which will see a ‘Tiger Team’ engaging in goodwill acts. Their first event took place Oct. 10 at Hope Living Kanata, a 99-bed supported living facility operated by the Shepherds of Good Hope, where they offered manicures, mini-makeovers and morning coffee to the women living there.

“Our entire team has decades of experience doing charity work, so it’s a natural fit for us to allocate a portion of profits to giving back to the community,” says Norton, who recently received a degree in Internet marketing from the University of San Francisco.

Designers pay a small monthly package fee to promote their products and Pink Tiger receives a five-per-cent commission on each item sold.

“Our website is a great platform for designers who aren’t always savvy when it comes to marketing. There is so much hidden talent in Canada,” says Norton, adding that they have plans to hire an online stylist and would like to sell pet and children’s clothing in the future.

The Pink Tigers, who all volunteer for Look Good Feel Better for cancer patients, will be on hand at the Big Fashion Sale by Quebec Designers Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 at the Hilton Lac Leamy. Founded in 1994 by Anne de Shalla, the sale, also known as Braderie, offers fashionistas the opportunity to shop for clothes at deeply discounted prices.

“We will have a presence at the sale and will also be able to network with designers,” says Hoddinott, a mother of three and tireless volunteer, who recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for SOS Children’s Villages.

“We want to be Canada’s go-to style site,” says Norton. “I’m spending about 13 hours a day on this but I love it and we’re here for the long haul.”

The Big Fashion Sale by Quebec Designers

What: Shopping event opened to the public for free featuring more than 50 designers

When & where: Hilton Lac Leamy, Gatineau, Oct. 31, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Info: braderiedemodequebecoise.com

This regal silk chiffon gown by Ottawa designer Nora Zabarah Pucci of Zarucci is $890 and can be found on PinkTiger.com.

It’s a wrap for Ottawa’s Kania Couture and designer Stacey Bafi-Yeboa, who is behind this sexy coat with infinity zipper and asymmetrical hem. Find it on PinkTiger.com for $179.

I am woman hear me roar could well be the theme of Manotick’s Women’s Day celebrations on Nov. 1

Sponsored by the Manotick BIA, the seventh annual event, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., draws ladies from all over the region for one-stop shopping and pampering in the quaint village.

“It’s an opportunity to show off Manotick and show the ladies all the things that we have to offer them,” says Donna Smith, executive director of the Manotick BIA. “It’s just a fun day for girls to get together and come out.”

Visitors will receive a special welcome by area firefighters who will don their arms with crystal bracelets and hand out passports to identify businesses that will offer freebies and deals that day.

“Businesses — whether it’s a financial institution or retail stores — will be offering refreshments, samplings, giveaways and education on products. Restaurants have special menus for the day,” says Smith, adding that about 2,000 ladies turned up for the event.

Mansfield’s Shoes will hold a draw for a new handbag; Ever Radiant Medical Cosmetic Laser Clinic will offer two-for-one coupons for facial treatments; and NIN Collection Boutique will be giving away gifts and serving refreshments. The Manotick RBC is accepting donations of gently used business attire for Dress For Success for young professionals entering the workforce.

Colourful balloons will mark the 50-plus participants around the village.

For more information, visit http://www.manotickvillage.com

Lasting Impressions Gift Boutique was hopping at last year’s event.