cover critical illness uk,Youth League Takes Winnipeg

While the circumstances of my last-minute trip to Winnipeg this week were very sad, I managed to sneak in some retail therapy to give my spirits a boost. Thanks to the fashion savvy of my hostess, I discovered Winnipeg's Exchange District, and I was suitably impressed.

Located in the city's core on McDermot Avenue (in and around Main Street), this area is abundant in the gritty charm I love so much about Winnipeg. Boutiques selling clothes, art, antiques, and records have taken up shop in old warehouses, making for light, airy spaces with original hardwood floors and exposed brick walls. 

This area is booming -- I've been told that three new stores opened in the last month alone -- so, while I didn't get a chance to see it all, I've decided to feature some of my faves.

First up is Hilary Druxman, an exquisite jewelry maker based in Winnipeg. Her pieces are sold at Magpie in Ottawa, and I've also seen them at The Artworks in Edmonton. Don't let the appearance of this store intimidate you from checking it out. It looks very swanky from the outside, but the prices are very reasonable, and the staff is lovely.


Across the street from Hilary Druxman, you'll find Cake, a boutique boasting rack upon rack of party dresses. While I didn't have much luck here (I can't stand clothes with built-in boob cups), this store is a good fit for ladies with small physiques and larger budgets.

I spent a lot of time at October during my visit. I first found my perfect party dress for SAW Gallery's Friday shaker there, but as I ended up extending my stay in Winnipeg, I missed the event and decided to return the dress. No easy feat, let me tell you.

I love this dress with all my heart, but I decided that it would be more cost-effective to use my $200 for clothes I could wear on a more regular basis.

Luckily, October has plenty of other options, and I ended up leaving with a sweater, cardigan and daytime dress instead. I'm still coveting these shoes, but seeing how spring is still a long ways away, I decided to hold off for now.

Next up was Hoopers, a store with a heck of a lot to offer. This is your one-stop destination for antiques from the '50s, '60s, and '70s; cute silk-screened t-shirts for the boys; and flirty dresses for the girls. If you still have some stamina after hitting up the first floor, head downstairs for the vintage clothes.



There's much more to see in the Exchange District than I've been able to cover here. If you're in the neighbourhood and you've got the time, give yourself a couple hours to stroll through the side streets and see what you can find.