Gifted | Shop Local : Ottawa Guide

It’s that time of year when everyone is playing catch up for their holiday shopping. Don’t worry, you still have lots of time. Especially if you choose to shop local. I often opt to shop local to avoid the hassle of overcrowded malls and the possible shipping delays (and fees) associated with shopping online. Further, I really like the idea of giving back to my local business owners through buying from their stores. Plus you can find unique gifts and products at some of these smaller boutiques and mom-and-pop shops.

Interac challenged me to support small businesses by shopping local for the holidays. I am always happy to support local shops. But did you also know that  paying with Interac Debit and Interac Flash saves the small businesses money? It has lower transaction costs for small businesses compared to other payments. It’s a Win-Win.

So up first: Ottawa.

Viens Avec Moi  1338 Wellington St W  Affordable contemporary womenswear shop with some great giftables. If you have a fashionista on your shopping list, stop inhere.

V.A.M. The perfect shop to find something for that special fashionista in your life.

La Bottegga Nicastro  64 George St  This Italian grocery has everything your heart (or stomach) could desire. Great cheese, olives and imported foods. Make sure you grab a sandwich.

La Bottegga Nicastro has the best sandwiches and I love their selection of olives.

Trust Fund  493 Sussex Drive  A great selection of fashion forward clothes for men and women – and you don’t need to have a trust fund to shop there. Affordable!

West of Main  2437 Kaladar Ave  This amazing design firm has now opened a shop with a great assortment of home accessories. This is my new go-to in Ottawa for great design elements/home accessories.

Grab a coffee and some great florals at Blumenstudio.

Blumenstudio  A charming floral shop with café. My favourite place to go pick up a great floral arrangement and a great coffee.Love that they offer workshops.


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Christian has been a cultural and style junkie since the age of 6; while most kids were swiping cookies, he was swiping his grandfathers' Patek Philippe. Raised to appreciate art, fashion,design and  literature (yeah, this one actually reads) by a single mother fondly called Jackie-O. Christian quickly went from childhood cultural capital thief to academia protégé. Referred to as the cat's meow by some, too clever by half by others, Christian eschewed the academic life and ran away to join the circus -the fashion circus. Several well-appointed positions later and a career on the rise would be most people's dream but it was time to say fuck off and start all over again.

This is Christian Dare Unedited.