Calgary's East Village is an up-and-coming neighborhood. It's development has been slowed down by…read morelower oil prices (the big industry in these parts), so who knows what this area will look like next year. In the meantime, there's enough construction here to imagine the possibilities. That includes the retail outposts like Liz & Lottie who have staked their success on their stylish taste and the promise of a lot more foot traffic past their shop. I wandered on a recent Friday afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed this version of retail therapy. Liz & Lottie is more geared perhaps to those who are "sugar and spice and everything nice", but for folks like me (e.g. snips and snails and puppy dog tails), there some interesting things, plus loads of gift opportunities. I also enjoyed their nice selection of local and Canadian items and their good taste in selecting and displaying their wares. Liz & Lottie was definitely worth the extra bit of East Village discovery exploration. Best wishes for your continued success.

You've gotta love a gift shop where you can go in and find beautiful things for everyone on your…read morelist (and a gift or two for yourself!) My super stylish and in the know sister in law has been finding awesome gifts at Liz & Lottie for everyone in the family since they've opened and I have been following them on Instagram to keep tabs on the new items coming into the shop. The two owners are super kind and helpful, I've messaged them on Instagram with shopping requests/items I am looking for and they have sent me back pictures of products they have in store that match the request -- how nice is that! I often visit on my lunch break as they are tucked into the East Village at the bottom of one of the high rises but it's easy to get there either from walking through the river walk, taking the train to the end of the free line then going for a short stroll or driving right up there. On this visit I walked away with gift for four upcoming events! A sassy and slightly inappropriate valentines card for my husband, a baby shower gift, a gender reveal party gift and a birthday party gift. Trust me I could have kept shopping! Great place to find all sorts of treasures including local and Canadian makers which is so great to see.

While I didn't end up purchasing anything there, I thought they had a pretty impressive selection…read moreto choose from- both for the beutral girlies and more colorful gals. I especially appreciated that when I asked if they had any cotton skirts, staff was able to immediately identify what matched my criteria. They were well versed in what was on the floor and able to pull a larger size from the back of an item I wanted to try. All well organized and tidy. Lots of super feminine looks, which is what I'm after. Absolutely worth a stop by for something not at every store. Prices were totally reasonable too. And not everything was polyester, which is so often the case these days.

Great spot for wedding accessories! It was in need of…read moresomething for my hair and a jacket or some other cover up for going to and from our venue. I didn't know exactly what I had in mind so instead of ordering online going to a store with a good selection seemed like the right call - super glad I came here! I got a very cute fake leather jacket for over my dress and they have a ton of hair pin/clip options - and were very patient while I looked through them all :) In fact, the staff were the perfect level of attentiveness (i.e., left my mum and I to browse and chat until we had questions, and then were very helpful and made sure we were happy with our final choices). The only downside to the store is that it's super small, and therefore can feel a bit cramped when there are more than a couple of shoppers in it. So I'd recommend trying to go on a weekday morning if you can!

Kent of Inglewood is a combination barber shop (complete with waxed mustaches on the stylists),…read moremen's grooming supplies shop, and a knife (including straight razor) shop. It's an uber macho/classy/cool place to walk around, my only regret being that it really was time for me to get a haircut. And an old-fashioned shave on top of that? Why Not? Instead, I gravitated to the knives and spent a lot of time looking through it all. That included a neat collection of shaving blades, including a Japanese model from Knifewear across the street. The person at the counter mentioned that Kent of Inglewood offered lessons. I wasn't quite sure about that opportunity. I eventually found a cool little Japanese fixed blade at a reasonable price, but still wondered what I left behind. I know that this was a great place because as I was leaving, I circled back 3 times to take another look. Let's hope I get another chance to find my way back to Calgary and end up here again. And with an open mind and gift list.

I want this entire store for Christmas. All of it dumped into my stocking, please. What's in store?…read moreIf it's macho and refined, rugged, brawny, and oh so freaking classy, there's a good chance you can get it at Kent of Inglewood. If those categories still seem a little abstract, here's some product categories out there to help makes sense of it all: Axes and hatchets Cocktails pocket knives Shaving and beard products If you were ever looking for a badass of "coming of age" gift that's going to last the person for their lifetime, this is where you get it. +Shaving You'll find everything you could ever need to tame your man-face into something magnificent. When it comes to facial hair, it doesn't matter whether you're into getting rid or all of it, or growing it big and bushy, they've got a way to help. When it comes to razors, they're stuck in the past in the best kind of way. Dating back to before the days of the Bic disposable razor, Kent Of Inglewood carries and astonishing selection of classic safety razors and (if you're badass enough) straight blades with solid stainless steel handles, polished chrome and even gold. I recently picked up some Castle Forbes shaving cream and it's freaking incredible, and well, for $57, I'd say it damn well should be! That said, you use so little of the stuff, at every 3rd day shave rate, they think it will last me over a year. $57 a year to have my razor glide effortlessly along my face, to actually look forward to a shave day, to turn velcro stubble into a magnet for lady-kisses. Hell yes. Take my money. +Cocktails Be right back, I need to make a Manhattan before writing about this. Shakers, mixers, strainers, whisky glasses. They've got it all, and it's all gorgeous. If you want a gold plated shaker and jigger you can have that. They tell me they make your Manhattans taste better. I believe them. As to the other categories, I'm sure I'll keep returning and updating this review as I go.

Rubaiyat delivers an experience unparalleled to any other. Walking through the gallery will have…read moreyou discovering the quintessential in home decor and jewelry, unlike any you will find anywhere else. At the heart of Rubaiyat is passion, dedication, and a love that applies not just to the beautifully displayed and meticulously sourced products, but for the clientele who walk through the doors. Whether you're a local resident of Calgary or merely visiting, ensure you take the time to visit this family owned boutique.

When a jewellery maker friend of mine advised me that the best high quality jewellery you can buy…read morein Calgary is obviously Holt Renfrew and this one shop on 17th called Rubaiyat. Now I pass here all the time, never in my wildest dreams did I expect what I saw inside; we are talking first of all an incredibly large store that descends for eternity to the back and is just plain lovely!! My friend wasn't exaggerating, every showcase, every shelf; every glassed cabinet was chockfull of lovely designer jewellery in the most spectacular designs. Here they carry some of the same designers as they do in Holt Renfrew but for a lot cheaper prices. But it didn't stop at jewellery there were beautiful globes of blown glass, intricately carved chopping boards that I would have hung rather than use and then my favourite an ethnographic object showcase in the far back featuring ceremonial objects from around the world. Here you can find original African Masks, fertility symbols from many countries, Native American antique pieces and authentic temple Buddhas. These objects were definitely market prices, you can buy these pieces for 4 times more on EBay, and here they are quite reasonable in price. Some of them have documentation too, so you know what village or tribe you are buying that object from. The service is tremendous, the people here know their stuff, they understand the precious cargo they carry. They are extremely present in helping you to see a piece or two, in my case more than 10. I love this store, it is exquisite, some of the most unique items I have ever seen and jewellery with such spirit, you should check this store out.

The staff at The Costume Shoppe are top notch. The owner really is particular about customer…read moreservice based on who he chooses to represent his company and take care of his customers Maddie was amazing.! She helped me create a costume for my husband that was a 10/10. We will definitely be back!

If your a Pro Santa this is not the place to go unless your looking for a suit for that's…read moredisposable at a high price.

Printmix and bobo girlies, I have found your mini Mecca. Lots of Turkish cotton and other…read morebreathable fabrics. Lovely variety packed into a petite store. Owner (I believe) was so lovely and eager to help. Looking for something not everyone has, this is definitely a place to check out!

What a GREAT little find in Inglewood. The shop owner Sandy was so lovely and helpful! The clothes…read moreare unique and such good quality at a perfect price . Saw a dress, tried it on, bought it...and as I was walking out I really looked around and saw so much more!!! The perfect summer hat, with a beautiful scarf, tea towels and a shirt.....will be making this my first go to from now on! Thanks Sandy!!!

This place is perfect for a grandma with a big personality or I guess other ages as well. I think…read morethey should've called this "A Blingy Place," rather than its current name. It's rare to see this many crystal encrusted items in one place, so for that alone, it was worth the trip for me. They pack a pretty good variety of items into this petite shop. If I had to guess, the target market is cruise or Vegas bound 60+. But since nobody adheres to style rules anymore, that doesn't mean it's not worth a look. I bought a blingy wristlet for carrying my phone and a fab rhinestone belt. Staff was friendly and tried to be helpful. Some of the price points seemed high for the polyester stuff or some of the graphic oversized t's. Touches I loved: the gorgeous handmade cards, the little rhinestone on the business card, and learning they do weekly online fashion shows. You GO, girls!

All of the staff are genuinely kind and thoughtful. They will go out of their way to find the…read morecolours that you prefer. In my case, I came in with a shoulder I jury and I was helped to get things off and on!! The ladies are very kind! Of course it's easy to purchase clothing when everyone is do helpful! Brenda Hall

Went in to buy a metal fidget spinner with my grandson and was quoted $10 but was asked to comeback…read morein 20 minutes as they were waiting for them to be delivered. After waiting 25 minutes my grandson went to get one and was told they hadn't come yet. I went with him after another 10 minutes and was told they were in but they were $15. She then scanned the spinner and informed me that the spinner was $20 + GST. This store is a ripoff as they change their prices and don't stand behind their quotes!!!!! I will not be back!!

From the owner: The Mad Hatters Superstore prides itself on providing retail fashion products at up to 70%read more

Super friendly there! My sister and I aren't the easiest customers as we can be picky but they…read moresteered us into the right direction in terms of the silhouette and size. Great at keeping the price range in our set budget and always cheerful. They have a partnered seamstress for alterations which was great too. All in all I would go back and recommend anyone to go there.

The dress itself was high quality. Unfortunately the sleeves in the picture were much shorter than…read morewhat came with the dress. I never would have ordered the dress with the cap sleeves that were sent. I spoke with a man at the store regarding a different matter before the order was placed. At that time he told me I would get 60 % of my money back if I was not satisfied with the dress. After several calls I finally got an email saying they do not give any refunds. Even if the dress is not the same as in the picture!!! I am now out 500$. Horrible customer service!! Fraudulent.