One of the wonderful things about living in Canada is the plethora of fashion choices at our disposal.
Trendy or contemporary! Classic or fad! Comfortable or club wear! Business casual or haute couture! The options – and available retailers – are seemingly endless. And so, when I tell you that Chico’s has made their way north of the border, you may ask: “What’s so special about Chico’s? What sets them apart?”
I suppose the simple answer is that Chico’s offers everything I look for in my day-to-day wardrobe: chic prints, one-of-a-kind details, quality staples and just enough “oomph” to stay on-trend without being too “15 minutes of fad”.
I was recently invited to attend the Grand Opening of Chico’s first Canadian store, which just happened to be at one of my favourite malls, Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga! Within moments of arriving at the brand new store, located on the upper level outside Hudson’s Bay, I could tell Chico’s had found its home in Canada. A stunning, dark modern façade decorated the exterior, while inside, a chic and elegant shopping experience awaited.
(Above, Chico’s donates $10,000 to Stand Up To Cancer, one of their chief philanthropic partners. This season, they’ve also collaborated with the charity and Harper’s BAZAAR, with a portion of the sales ($10.00) from this luxuriously soft and silky scarf to be donated to Stand Up To Cancer from August 18, through October 31, 2014.)
So, Chico’s – how much do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
1. Chic Comfort
My entire life requires a day-to-night look, because I’m always on the go. Often, I sacrifice comfort for style – and then berate myself later, knowing that there’s nothing more attractive than conducting yourself with confidence. So, when in doubt, wear something you love, feel comfortable in and can dress up or dress down throughout the day. This fall, I’m all about the fringe cardigan; the effortlessly chic piece can be teamed up with slim pants and heels for day, or leggings and riding boots for night. Love the addition of this oversized animal printed scarf.
2. Timeless Trends
Although it may sound like an oxymoron, wearing a “timeless trend” involves finding an accessory or article of clothing that will never go out of style; rather, its popularity will wax and wane through the years without ever fully leaving the fashion scene. Think leather, animal prints, boyfriend cardigans and skinny jeans. Chico’s pays homage to timeless trends with key pieces that will take you from one season to the next, including one of fall’s hottest colours – RED.
3. Unsurpassed Quality
With Black Label by Chico’s, Chico’s offers a well-edited, fabulously elevated collection of the best and the brightest. Pieces are designed in limited edition with the finest fabrics and the most exquisite, hand-applied details. And the best part? Black Label is an affordable luxury, with most key pieces priced under $140.
4. The Not-So-Basics
Take your standard long-sleeved tee and make it runway-ready with Chico’s. In addition to the basics, you’ll find slinky tees, layered tanks and fringed sweaters – lending a je ne sais quoi to staple wardrobe pieces. Pair your new not-so-basic Travelers Metallic Shimmer Tee with a sturdy, antiqued necklace, and you’ll never look at wardrobe staples the same again.
5. Finishing Touch
Statement necklaces, sparkly earrings and bangles by the stack. Chico’s Jewelry stands, artfully spread throughout the store, will lure you in with the same amount of temptation as a kid in a candy store. Spotted: lucite baubles, large and small; short pendant necklaces that are modern with texture, sparkle, and mixed metals, and drop pendant earrings swinging inside of hammered rings.
Welcome to Canada, Chico’s! In addition to the Square One location, Chico’s is now open at Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket and Mapleview Shopping Centre in Burlington.
Tell me: have you heard of Chico’s? Visit www.chicos.com, or pop by your local store, for your fashion fix.
No, I have never heard of Chico’s.
Happy to introduce you to the brand, Yuen!
I have never heard of the brand/store, but they have some pretty nice looking pieces from your photos… Not really my style, but I like them regardless! Welcome to Canada Chicos :)
I definitely think you should check them out, Soozle!
No I have never heard of Chico’s before. Looks like they have some nice things, not sure it will be my type of store but another shopping choice is always great!
Take a peel Judy, I’m sure you’ll find something that you love!
No, I’ve never heard of Chico’s before but from what I see on your post, it looks like an awesome store to shop. They have a great selection of clothing and jewellery which is very trendy! Can’t wait to check out Chico’s. Thanks Lena!
You’re welcome Marissa! Let me know what you think if you stop by!
never heard of them, but looks like beautiful clothing!
I think you’d really like their clothing, Nicky!
I’ve never heard of Chico’s either! The clothes look gorgeous though! Welcome to Canada!
Check it out Anne!
I’m in love with Chico’s jewelry and also some of their fabulous tees – just in time for fall! The store has a very classy look overall.
Couldn’t agree more!
First time I have heard of Chico’s – I applaud their Stand Up To Cancer campaign and the leopard print scarf for the cause is beautiful !
Hopefully they will open more locations in Canada (and one will be nearer to me ;) )
For sure Flora! In the meantime, check them out online!
I have never heard of Chico’s but it looks like it offers great quality materials.
The quality is quite amazing!
Haven’t heard of Chico’s before. Seems like lots of brands are setting up shop here. Can’t wait for Muji next
Love all the new stores coming to Canada!
It’s nice to have some new choices in Canada :)
I agree Athena!
Never heard of them before, loved the scarf in the picture though.
Check them out Jaime!
awesome stuff , welcome to Canada Chicos … thanks for sharing :)
You’re welcome Treen!
another store with great work wear! i’ll have to check it out
Fabulous work wear! You’ll love it Angie!
I’ve never heard of Chico’s before but I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out!
Please do Victoria!
I have heard of Chico’s but have never shopped there before. Looks like they have some lovely pieces.
Time to check them out Melinda!
I haven’t heard of them before…
Pop online and tell me what you think, Darlene :)
I have shopped at Chico’s in Oregon and Boston, Mass. and really like their clothes. I am SO glad that they have come to Canada – long time coming.
That’s so awesome to hear, Jane!
I have shopped Chico’s in MICHIGAN AND SARASOTA FLORIDA, and it is my very best favourite shopping experience. I am sooo glad that they have come to CANADA. Thank You.
Sweet! Thanks for the feedback Barbara!
Best place to shop! I have gone to Chico’s for years every time I went to the US. Was so impressed with the quality, design and colours that I began to order online a few years ago and have been getting items shipped to Canada ever since. Am delighted they have finally arrived in Canada! Only problem is – they need to get a location in downtown Toronto
Coming soon I’m sure! And thank you so much for the feedback!
I haven’t heard of Chico’s before but I just went to their website and they deliver…I am in BC so that is a good thing! I have fallen in love with the Ingrid Knee Boot!!
Thanks for checking it out, Teresa!
So Chico’s opened a little while ago and I am very excited to visit one of their stores. They seem to cater to my style and I like that! So, want to go shopping? :)
That’s great to hear, Alayne! Have fun shopping!
do they have plus sizes.
I’m pretty sure they do, Chandra.
I have never heard of Chicos until you mentioned the name now I am seeing their commercial on quite often. They do carry lovely pieces.
Yes, of course Tricha, Chico’s carries trendy, awesome pieces. You’ll love them!
Wow! What a store!! I am really looking forward to visiting Chico’s one of these days!! Thanks for the invite :)
Please do so Alayne and you’re very welcome!
I haven’t heard of this store before. I must say, I like what I see!
Thank you, Stephanie!
This is great news. Now I can shop in Canada when we visit.
Thanks Rita! I couldn’t agree more.
I am impressed with Chicos.
That’s so good to hear, Janet!
no, have not heard of them before. I took a look at their site. I love looking at dresses. Very reasonably priced too.
I’m glad you checked out their site, Emilia and found Chico’s reasonably priced.
I’ve heard of Chico’s and I know that a lot of women I know shop there when they travel across the border. Looks like nice stuff!