address: 254 Mont-Royal Est
phone number: 514.844.9435
hours: mon, tues, wed 11-6/thurs, fri 11-9/sat 11-5/sun 12-5
payment methods: visa, mastercard, amex, interac
directions: 2 blocks west of Mont-Royal metro

The niche-market store is a tricky animal. Too narrow a focus will alienate most shoppers, while attempts to appeal more widely are usually uninspired and transparent. I must confess to having had some reservations about Scarlett on Mont-Royal, a store which clearly caters to the rockabilly set. Having passed the store many times, I had never imagined that anything inside would suit my own sensibilities, which tend to run along the preppy Jackie Kennedy - Kanye West axis. Nevertheless, I pride myself on an ability to find at least one item in every store that could be made to work in my wardrobe (someone recently pointed out to me that this is not a skill so much as an excuse to over-shop, but no matter). Scarlett, I am happy to report, was a satisfying surprise, one that opened my eyes to the possibilities of integrating a previously unexplored style into my own look.

The small boutique is commendable for its unified aesthetic; one is immediately struck by the rigidity of the palette, and this is not a bad thing. There’s much to be said for sticking almost exclusively to the classics - black, white, red, and navy, with a few hits of shocking pink. The cherry print, that sweet-sexy rockabilly staple, is also in abundance, covering everything from handbags (most are between $30 and $60), shoes, and jewellery to sundresses and bikinis (averaging about $65). Polka dot, anchor and skull patterns also pop up, of course, though in unexpectedly pretty ways. In particular, an all-over skull print skirt in a stretch fabric ($42) could easily be either the toughest part of your outfit, or the tamest.

A large part of the store’s collection is designed in-house by the owners, under the Scarlett label, and many other Montreal labels are represented as well, including Vilaine, les enfants sauvages, and Vanessa Moore. Prices are not jaw-droppingly cheap, nor prohibitively expensive, and one is clearly paying extra for the unique design points and solid, vintage-style construction, rather than for super high-quality fabrics. The clothes are cut very impressively, evidently by designers whose priority is a sexy, womanly fit. Tight pencil skirts ($50) are improved with detailing on the back seams, tank tops in leopard and polka dot prints ($69) are made magical with button fronts and bust-defining white seams and lapels. Every item I tried on immediately made me feel like a 50s femme fatale and made me reach for my red lipstick, which I think may be the whole point. It’s no surprise that the 50s-styled items are far and away the store’s best-sellers.

In all, Scarlett’s clothes made me ache for more opportunities to dress up. A rack full of prom dresses ( $100-$150), the hourglass cut print sundresses ($90), and the animal print hair combs with mini veils ($49) would make almost any girl itchy to throw a cocktail party. It’s easy to see why the store has enjoyed eight years of success, and why it should continue to convert shoppers like myself, those of us easily won over by anything classic and figure-flattering. There’s a lot to be learned from stepping out of our comfort zones, and judging clothes based on each piece’s merits, rather than an implied context. More importantly, I dare you to find me a woman who doesn’t look good in a tight top and full skirt. Impossible.

Oh, and I think they had some men’s clothes too, but I can’t pretend I paid attention.

profile by Laura Snelgrove

Address: 254 Elgin St., Ottawa, Ontario
Phone number: 613.233.9651
Hours of operation:Mon-Wed 7am-9pm/Thurs-Sat 7am-10pm/Sun 8am-9pm
Payment methods: Cash, debit, mastercard, Visa
Directions: A ten-minute walk from Parliament Hill and 5- minute walk from city hall or the #5 Billings Bridge, #7 Carleton or #14 Carlingwood stop right in front of the store

Magazine and smoke shop, Mags & Fags, is part of the daily routine for many downtown Ottawa residents. Breakfast, coffee, and a stop at the shop to get the daily paper is a common occurrence at the store. Co-owners, and sisters, Charlene and Krista Blaszczyk attribute a lot of their achievement to the overwhelming community support.

“There’s no leather chairs or lattes but this area of Ottawa is really committed to supporting locally run businesses and our success is a real testament to the community,” said Krista.

The sisters bought the store in November 2006 and although Mags & Fags was popular since its opening in 1981, the duo has taken the business to even greater heights. With over 6,000 magazine and newspaper titles from all over the world, everyone is sure to find something of interest. Magazines range from the conventional best sellers of politics and pop culture to some more unusual topics such as ferrets, divorce, mushrooms, and watches. Specialty industry-specific magazines are also available ranging anywhere from $100 to $200. Newspapers from Turkey, Switzerland, London, and New York are stocked daily, as are those in various languages such as Yiddish and Arabic.

The sisters also launched a gift section with unique items and unusual cards. Some available products include scented note cards, mugs, stationary, and magnets that are unlike those sold at chain stores.

“People come in on their lunch hour and are roaring with laughter at the cards because it is such different, off-beat humour,” said Charlene.”

The cards range from $3.25 to $6.95 and come from nearby regions such as Montreal and Chelsea, QC.

The ‘fags’ portion of the store consists of cigarettes and 15-20 different types of cigars. The new ban on visual displays of tobacco, enacted May 31, forces the smokes to be out of plain site but they are most definitely still available and are a thriving part of the business.

This store is by far one of the nicest magazine and smoke shops I have ever visited. It is very welcoming, well stocked, well laid-out and organized. Contrary to conventional shops of its kind, Mags & Fags has lots of natural light and provides a family-friendly atmosphere.

“One thing that makes it unique is you will have the little kid that comes in to browse the children’s section and then a 90-year-old man coming in to read war magazines,” Charlene said. “Every age and every demographic comes into the store.”

As per its tag line, Mags & Fags has the “best rack in town,” but the sisters don’t just want you to take their word for it.

“It’s beyond a newsstand, beyond a smoke shop,” Krista said. “Come in and see it for yourself and you’ll know that it is so much more.”

profile & photography by Amanda Silliker

Robby Reis took a couple beautiful photos getting ready for the photoshoot from issue 6. You can check out more of his stuff on the Dime a Dozen blog.
This one is of stylist and art director Pascale and model Kelly.

putting on the make-up…

I took a few too…
The nice man sipping tea is Rory, who, along […]

Though I don’t have much of a yard to speak of, I’m planning a yard sale. Prompted by the big move to Toronto, it’s time to refine the collection…our new place is smaller, and will also be housing the first official Worn head office, so there is precious space.
In preparation, I have been reading Seattle-based […]