Her collection of vintage frocks and baubles attracts Toronto's top stylists and designers and her window displays are known to stop traffic. It’s no surprise then that The Cat's Meow Louise Cooper’s blog is an attention-grabber too.

With tips, trends and the latest additions to her store, this vintage portal is a fun place to escape to while dining al desko. Have a look at me wearing full-length vintage Valentino skirt in Cooper’s Out and About section.

We’re lusting after these ridiculously showy Chanel sunnies ($895, pictured) and who could say no to a fanny pack ($595) to match? —Athena Tsavliris

www.thecatsmeowcouture.com/blog

It's an easy, breezy, seventies-y summer. For the maxi to match, swing over to primo vintage e-boutique Shrimpton Couture.

Cherie, the beauty and brains behind Shrimpton, loves all things '70s best—and the best is all she stocks. There are Christian Dior caftans and op-art Lanvins and signature-printed Puccis. To spend less, seek out-of-print cult labels: a rose-and-porcelain John Kloss dress (intended as a slip, but whatever) is $350, while a gorgeous geisha-print Paganne is $425.

Just add wooden platforms and an overblown silk flower in your hair. —SNP

www.shrimptoncouture.com

If watching Mildred Pierce and The Kennedys has you dreaming of fashions from bygone eras, A Vintage Collective will satisfy all those pillbox hat and waist-hugging dress desires.

Specializing in vintage from the 1920s to the 1980s, the Fashion Central Shop is made up of three different vintage boutiques, Bonton Vintage, Vintage Bliss and Patina Designs that combine their accessories and wears for a one-stop shop. Outshine Katie Holmes in a Jackie O-inspired coat, channel Kate Winslet as Mildred in a fitted skirt suit, or, create your very own look in a vintage lace overlay dress paired with white gloves.

Just divine. —MG

A Vintage Collective, 801 First St. SW, Calgary, www.facebook.com/AVintageCollective

When it comes to family heirlooms, who said it had to be your own kin?

Stay with the old but start new at the Birks Vintage Jewellery Event. On until the end of the month at the downtown location, the traveling collection includes pieces from all over the world that are on consignment, estate jewellery and replicas of vintage items. Jewellery is verified for quality and worth and priced accordingly. If you’re in the market to sell rather than buy, the store also offers consignment appointments.

There’s just something special about the sparkle of bygone eras.

Birks, TD Square, 317 Seventh Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-260-8700, www.birks.com


We're definitely not a smother mother, but neither are we a slummy mummy.

Perhaps that's why we're drawn again and again to the gorgeous wares at Nonchalant Mom.

We can attest personally to the loveliness of the pillows and delicate angel wings of Atsuko et Akiko and are lusting for their new sparkly masks and dressups.

We also love the Fleamarket section for its vintage toddler spoons and forks.

Which we will so nonchalantly integrate into our carefully curated collection of original Beatrix Potter bowls and Birks silver cups… not that we care, or anything.

www.nonchalantmom.com

The coolest phrase a fashionista can mutter is, "It's vintage."

Used House of Vintage's ultra hip staff will help you put together an outfit from head-to-toe or show you how to wear that sequined cape, leather sweater or 1950s dress.

A sister store to Vancouver’s Granville Street location, the boutique brings in retro fashions from the 1920s to the 1990s. The store also has an impressive accessories collection including true vintage, vintage-inspired and modern pieces to complete the look.

Used House of Vintage, 738A 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-228-5407.

The thrill of the hunt just got more exciting with the reopening of Cat's Eye Vintage.

A favourite among stylists, the treasure trove of vintage clothing, retro costumes, accessories and furniture has been resurrected in the old Alberta Boot Company space. The 5,000-square-foot room is packed to the rafters with garments, so be prepared to search. After a thorough rummage, we came across a Wayne Clark dress and a vintage Halston, and couldn’t resist a leather cropped jacket and a 1940s hat.

Cats may have nine lives, but vintage never dies. 

Cat’s Eye Vintage, 614 10th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-640-4090

Sometimes you want something old and sometimes, something new. And when it comes to your home, who said you can’t have both? 

The collection of dressers (from $550) by Just Raquel Boho Vintage Furniture lets you pay homage to bygone eras while still maintaining a modern esthetic.

Antique dressers are hand-sanded, refurbished and painted in bold hues. Each drawer is lined with damask wallpaper and adorned with funky new knobs. So if you love grandma’s dresser but it just doesn’t work in your home, get it redone in a fire engine red and voila, it’s the perfect entryway piece that’s still part of the family.

At Poor David’s, 312 First St. W., Cochrane, 403-851-2070.

The City of Bridges, or Toon Town as it’s affectionately called by locals, Saskatoon is enjoying a rebirth of cool with an invasion of young entrepreneurs who are making their hometown hip again.

stay
Take in a slice of Saskatoon history at Hotel Senator, the downtown haunt built in1908, rich with charm from bygone eras. Location is key as the hotel is only minutes away from the river and plenty of restaurants, pubs and lounges. From $100, Hotel Senator, 243 21st St. E, Saskatoon, 306-244-6141, www.hotelsenator.ca

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Head downtown to Dekan Clothing where it’s a mix of local designers and vintage, including tartan Vivienne Westwood blazers, loose Valentino frocks and bright tanks by Oscar de la Renta. Dekan Clothing, 214 First St. South, Saskatoon, 306-979-0299.

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The new Scratch Nightclub is creating quite the buzz with weekend line-ups down the street and a packed house filled with pretty young things showing their dance moves to the sounds of local and guest DJs including Calgary’s Smalltown DJs, Saskatoon’s The Gaff and Charly Hustle. Scratch, 215 Second Ave. S, Saskatoon, 306-477-3070.

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Famous for its delectable ready-to-go meals for busy Saskatonians, Sous Chef’s new second location downtown serves daily hot lunches like chicken parmigiana and beef brisket. 2-157 Second Ave. North, 306-664-3434, www.souschef.ca

When it comes to wine shopping, we’ve all found ourselves aimlessly circling the Californian, Italian and Chilean aisles, not sure where to touch down.

The newly launched Wine Collective hopes to alleviate some of that decision making with its monthly delivery service.

The process is easy: Sign up online, choose from four different packages (starting at $42.50 per month for the Jacques Cartier two-bottle up to $295 per month for the Oenophile four-bottle package), and sit back while you anxiously await the delivery of the good stuff.

Each package comes with an in-depth review of the wine including its history, food pairing options and suggestions on how to experience the bottle. You’ll have to relinquish all control—the monthly deliveries are chosen by the experts without any input on your part.

Now your toughest decision is whether to open that second bottle (we say yes!).

www.winecollective.ca