This store is like Disneyland for people who love beading! The selection is beyond amazing here…read more You definitely need time to explore the store. Do not come here if you are in a rush and have a limited amount of time. I came here specifically to check out the beads made of semi precious stones. I had some ideas of what I wanted to buy before coming to the store. However, I left with more items than I initially planned. I found the products were clearly labelled with the type of beads, size of beads and prices. The store was well organized. I didn't have any difficulty finding what I was looking for. However, I did go around the store a few times to make sure I saw most things at least once. This store is jam packed! They have all the supplies you need to make beaded jewellery. For example, they sell different kinds of string, glue, jewellery findings and tools for jewellery making. They also have a random selection of costume jewellery, socks, purses, wallets, embroidery, sage, essential oils, books and so much more! This store had larger selection of beads than what you would find at a big box craft store. I found the prices pretty reasonable. I will definitely be back here when I need more supplies!

Making bead necklaces was a huge hobby for me years ago. Lately, I have been wanting to get back…read moreinto it. However, it can be difficult - and expensive - to find beads, charms, pendants, and all of the findings (the parts needed to put everything together, like clasps). Then I discovered Bead World. Beadmaking is not just for hippies anymore. This store is huge on the inside and features several rooms of charms, strings of beads made from different materials like glass or stone, ribbons and strings with clasps already attached (just add charms), and even a small selection of wallets, purses, and pre-made jewelry. The charms and pendants are incredible. There is a huge selection of religious ones for Christians and Buddhists, ones for sports, ones made from fimo clay, and even ones from Swarovski crystal. Many are from the Shag Wear designer line. I bemoaned the lack of Stars of David, but otherwise had to exert a great deal of self control. I got one horizontal fimo charm, a string of beads that look different than anything I own, and a bag of jump loops (used to connect pendants to a necklace). The prices are much lower than any other bead store I have visited and the selection is better. I am inspired and will be back.

How often do you find a store inside of a mall that isn't a major chain? I think it might be one of…read morethe only ones in Southgate Mall. Sure, there's something to be said for consistency across the malls of Canada (where can't I find a Spring or an Aldo?), but it's such an awesome surprise to find something like this in a mall like that. The clothes here are gorgeous, with unique details and careful construction. The price is right, too. Even if I'm not in the market for a new garment, I can usually find a gorgeous new bag or jewelry piece. Dainty necklaces, feather earrings, you know the type. Lots of Matt and Nat stocked in here, too. Last time I was in, they were having a sale - bonus! Sales clerk was super friendly and explained the price reductions to me. Definitely coming back soon (esp. if there's another sale)!

I can't believe it's taken me so long to review Groove Stone! This is by far my favourite store in…read moreEdmonton. There honestly isn't anything that they sell that I wouldn't gladly wear. I honestly make trips to Southgate just to go to Groove Stone. I love that a local business like this is able to make it in a commercially saturated mall. It's so refreshing to see such a unique place here. First off, I'm a sucker for anything Matt & Nat and Groove Stone has an unbeatable selection. It can be tough to find high quality vegan accessories, but at least now I know where to look. I also love how they support Canadian artists and designers. On my last visit I snagged some amazing earrings from Flight Path designs and some really unique pieces that my friends and family are going to love to receive this Christmas. Not only is the merchandise amazing, the staff are all incredibly helpful and friendly. They're always quick to offer suggestions and go out of their way to search for untouched pieces in the backroom so you don't have to buy the floor model. My only complaint with Groove Stone is that they keep taking my money from me! It's impossible for me to walk out empty-handed.

If you are WEM-phoebic, there's plenty of fantastic clothes shopping outside of our big, bad…read moremega-mall! I love how the 124 St. district is shaping up into a coffee, art, boutique and restaurant mini-mecca. Shades of grey is located just around the Jasper/124 St. bend, near Matahari, Yo Mamma and a handful of other trendy shops and eateries. If you like to wear more unique brands, this store carries lines from New York and L.A., including Line & Dot, Anlo and Yumi Kim. The quality is fantastic - luscious, cozy, elegant fabrics and designs - sexy & sophisticated, inspired by more than a hint of Paris, and most of the pricing is reasonable, although there are a few higher-end price tags about the store. The next time I need a little retail therapy, I'm there - no shades of grey about it.

When I am in town with family, I go to yoga nearby and always stop in to buy something. Every time…read morenever fails, I find something wonderful.

This place is perfect if you wish to shop local. And the quality is outstanding! I first learned of…read moreSabrina Butterfly Designs at the Butterdome Craft Sale in the spring, and visited their grand opening at their new location in the Montrose area of Edmonton and was wowed at the quality of the merchandise! I bought a second dress with pockets (this time in red) to go with my personal favourite that I purchased in the spring (the favourite one is purple). I also got a top and a business jacket/sweater which I adore from the sales rack! The quality is awesome and the style of the garments is great too -- most are machine washable and many of the dresses have pockets. The shop also stocks other local art and jewelry. The space itself is gorgeous and well designed. It is a bit off of my beaten track but it's well worth a visit.

In the heart of highlands is a great little shop that puts its soul into supporting local…read moredesigners. The owner, whose first name, unsurprisingly, is Sabrina, and whose middle name is actually "Butterfly," has sewn most of the fashions on display. She's grown big enough that she sources out some of the manufacturing to home sewers, and she's got partnerships with other designers all over Canada. Sabrina stocks some of their jewelry and accessories. I'd describe the fashions as urban casual with a nostalgic homemade feel. If you've ever shopped at Nokomis, on Whyte Ave., the clothes remind me a bit of theirs. In fact, before she had her own shop she used to sell out of there. Her apparel is made of comfortable materials and aren't too tailored, so they are complimentary to all body shapes. She loves vibrant colours and pretty, classic cuts with a bit of an edge.

Okay Icing By Claire's is one store I'm really excited to talk about and share with all who read…read morethis. Like Claire's, this store sells jewelry at an affordable price. But unlike it's sister store, Icing By Claire's sells jewelry for us big girls. They have a really vast selection of cool, modern, popular accessories that can cater to any style that you have. I really love their headbands with the metal and beaded flowers; they can make you look extra pretty when you want to make an impression. They beaded ones reminds me of what the ladies from the 60's used to wear in their hair as an accessory. Really classy looks can be created. The popular thing these days seems to be the peacock feathered looking items. They have lots of these items to choose from; the earrings and headbands are the ones I really liked. They also have a really great collection of non-prescription glasses, or at least I think they are non-prescription. Anyways, they look great and we all like to look and feel smart once in a while. I'm sure you can find some frames that will suite you personal style. They have a lot of items like rings, wallets, earrings, necklaces, headbands, glasses, scarfs, purses, bags and anything I'm forgetting to mention. Oh they have some nice tights and leggings to choose from and they carry them in larger sizes, so that's nice. Because there is just so much to look at I suggest you take your time and look through everything so you can find all the great items first before anyone else does. I just really love this store. It's nice to dress up and not have to pay an arm and a leg for it. The items they have in their store are just really fun and fashionable. Everyone seems to be interested in these looks and this is the place to pick them up for a great price. The staff is nice but they really don't bother you too much, which I like since I just like to take my time and look through everything I want to look at. But when you get to the counter they are nice and friendly. The girl who rung me in, Amanda, was pretty nice and friendly.

Icing is a god place to go if you are looking for cheap jewelry - quality and price…read more If you need jewelry for a specific occasion, you could save money by shopping here, especially if you're only going to wear your stuff once. Also, if you're looking for the chunky 80s style of plastic jewelry, you can find a lot of that stuff here. You can find all kinds of jewelry, wallets, scarves, purses, knickknacks and other accessories here. I've never found the staff to be helpful there. They pretty much stay behind the counter and do their own thing until you head up there with a purchase.

I walked into Jilly's and it smelled like Christmas! The…read moreentire front of the store was filled with Christmas stuff. I love Christmas! I was greeted by Wonder Woman (it was Halloween) and she was very friendly and helpful. She let me browse the store without pressure (which I really appreciate because some stores can put a lot of pressure on you to purchase). Other than Christmas decorations, Jilly's a bit of everything! There is clothing in the back (it's very expensive though - so expensive I almost choked on my gum). They also have numerous home decor items, candles, bath and soap products, they have a lot of stuff. The sale section towards the back of the store drew me in immediately (it had purses). I really liked Jilly's. I will be going back to shop soon!

The perfect place to shop for the perfect gift!!! With Mother's Day just around the corner, this…read morecould be your one stop shop. Jaillis Boutique is packed full of goodies from jewelry, to candles, to clothing, and so much more! There is even a little kids section. You can also find Kate Spade stationary accessories here. This place is seriously jam packed! I took pictures, and when I looked at them after, I saw things in the picture I didn't notice in the store! You can, and probably should, spend at least an hour here! I was in there for about 20 minutes which is seriously a long time for me. I can browse a store and be out in 5 minutes. But this place was like a candy store for me :) My favourite sections in the store were the Farmhouse Fresh skin care line (get the Whoopie Cream lotion), the gurgle pots, and the Volcano candles. Oh! And the scarves! Such a huge selection of scarves here! So many great spring patterns and colours. This boutique has something for every budget. You can pick up gifts from $20 and up. What a great place to come for hostess gifts! And in addition, the girl working at the shop was super friendly and I could tell she loved working there. For real, I think this is as good as it gets for a local boutique in SW Edmonton. 5 stars all around! *Applause*

I have only purchased online from here, not been to the actual shop, because their shipping is…read morestraightforward and reliable, and IMHO worth the money. This shop curates a wide variety of stuff that's ideal for gift giving. It's hard not to go overboard ordering just one more cute thing. I really like their needlework kits, greeting cards, and home decor items. Prices are not bargain basement so be warned that a shopping spree can add up fast! Still, shopping local has its own rewards and I am glad that this quirky little place has earned such a large following that it's still standing after all the economic challenges of the pandemic and beyond. Hard to explain, but the inventory just has an Edmonton feel to it -- check it out and see if you agree!

Seriously obsessed with this quirky store. Awesome gift ideas (for myself) in here. From bear…read moreshaped chopping boards, succulents in the cutest pots, to jewellery, mermaid bottle openers and so much more. The space is small but it has an upstairs mezzanine area with even more goodies and that's where you'll find the wall of patches. That's right, a wall of patches, my friend and I were debating buying a giant cat patch for a denim jacket. They are so cool. I want them all. The greetings cards are funny, shocking and perfect for any pal with a sense of humour. They sell light boxes, neon signs and trinket holders in weird shapes. What's not to love. Every single thing in this store is so damn cute, including the owner. She was funny, had great conversation and told us lots about the makers and various store items. Can't wait to go back and buy all the things!

Floc Boutique is the newest addition to the urban shopping district on 124 Street and Jasper…read moreAvenue. They cater to the style of the urban working woman, carrying items from professional business attire to formal evening wear. Everything is exquisite and beautiful, and it's also reflected in the price. If I were the average customer there though (i.e. a more mature woman with an established career), I suppose I would be able to afford it. They also carry jewelry, shoes, bags, and accessories like belts and hosiery. You'll be able to put together a whole outfit or two for work at one shop!

Floc is a great store for urban and stylish women. There is a fair bit of wear to work clothing as…read morewell as items for that cocktail after work. They also usually have cocktail and longer dresses as well as shoes, jackets and accessories. I love this shop, I just can't afford much in it! They do have some very reasonably priced jackets though and their shoes tend to be affordable. Everything in here is beautiful, very tailored and of the moment. I really love their jeans and found a really cool black pair of skinny jeans with black shiny accents of leather on the back pockets. Now I just have to save some pennies so I can go back and get them! Thankfully they are very good about putting items on hold.