Many of us have been at the pandemic over a month now. Some longer, and I hope there isn’t many shorter. For any newbies, seriously, #stayhome. Also, mind the two metre gap by leashing your dogs and containing your small kids on community walks, okay?

As much as it hurts me to admit it, summer is half over. Cue wailing ugly cry. Before we know it the chilly nights will creep in and the leaves will do that nasty drop off of their golden trees. Let’s keep it real though: we’ve still got plenty of time left to enjoy the sun.

Simons – the Quebec-based department store - just opened in Calgary. Thoughts, fashion friends? Many clients and loved ones share with me how overwhelmed the get in a department store. It appears that anxiety is exasperated when it is a discount department store such as Saks Off 5th or Winners. “There’s too much clutter,” “Everything is jammed in there,” “It’s a pig sty,” are some of the common comments. All true.

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays and Boxing Day sales, the retail world gets quiet. Early January is my favourite time to shop. I no longer have to strategically park the car nose out for fear of not being able to back out. I no longer have to be at the mall ten minutes before the stores open. I no longer have to treat navigating through the crowds as my own slow-motion Super G ski race.