Fashion on Raglan Street in Renfrew Ontario
By Sophia, Miss Teenage Eastern Ontario 2017
Take one historical street in small town Eastern Ontario, add a selection of unique boutiques offering a variety of fashion choices, compliment it with a selection of wonderful women from various generations and you have a snapshot of Fashion in the Valley!
Raglan Street in Renfrew, Ontario will provide you with just that mix! The street itself has been in existence since the early 1800s and although obviously transformed over the decades it remains the hub for exceptional fashion in the Valley. The architectural structures can date back to the late 1800s and today’s merchants have enhanced the historical features and have captured the essence of yesteryear in their store facades. Strolling down Raglan Street (main street Renfrew) is a lovely way to spend an afternoon and certainly personifies STREET CHIC in the fashions that can be found in this hidden Valley gem!
Chanto & Co. started out as a business providing intricate seamstress services and has transformed into a beautiful storefront offering a wide selection of gowns; wedding, prom and special occasion in addition to the seamstress services.
Abby is a student at Algonquin College in Ottawa and often shops on Raglan Street in Renfrew. Abby is wearing a gorgeous teal embellished Ellie Wilde gown which retails for $498.00.
I couldn’t let the opportunity go by without modelling one of these amazing gowns as well. I found a memorable blue floral MORILEE gown that I fell in love with. The gown retails for $498.00 and would be a show-stopper at prom or gracing a pageant runway.
Venturing down Raglan Street I came upon one of the oldest family owned businesses in existence in Renfrew; Scott’s Shoe Store.
Scott’s Shoe Store has been serving people for over 123 years! The store has transformed over the years from focusing just on footwear to include a full line of active wear and offers all of the main line sports designers.
I put together a complete head to toe outfit featuring Adidas leggings, Columbia shirt, matching orange Birkenstocks and topped off with a must-have Columbia cap. The complete outfit would retail for $189.65. I am ready for the Golf Course!
Then it was into Keeping Company & Ella’s fashions; a lovely shop featuring beautiful gifts, jewelry and a complete array of high end fashion pieces featuring Joseph Ribkoff dresses.
I found Gladys in the store looking for a dress for an upcoming wedding. Gladys is a retired school teacher and an avid volunteer in the community. At 78 years of age she looks youthful and absolutely styling in her newly acquired black Josef Ribkoff dress with tiger stripe highlights. The dress retails for $98.89.
The next stop on my Raglan Street fashion discovery tour was a gorgeous boutique called DASH of FAB! The store is aptly named! It features a variety of fashion lines from LA and New York, wonderful accessories and a lovely selection of handbags and wallets. Guess who I found at Dash of Fab? My friend and cancer survivor Paige.
Paige was trying on a fun and comfortable fuchsia pink dress with a bright coloured shawl-like off the shoulder neckline. Absolutely adorable! Meeting Paige outside the store and accompanying Paige in the photo in their full uniform (their compulsory fashion attire) are two of the area’s Police officers. A true “street shot!”
I talked Paige into joining me for the remainder of my tour to be my fashion consultant! We had a great time visiting PICK IT FENCE, a lovely store that features a selection of fashions and gift items.
Mary was in Pick It Fence looking for a fun and comfortable everyday outfit so we helped her choose this eye-catching outfit; a pair of brightly printed leggings, a classic white tee with shoulder cutouts and topped it off with the large stone necklace. The entire outfit came in at just under $56.00!
Then it was off to The Shoe Lounge, a quaint and classy shop featuring fashion forward footwear and accessories.
I had to model these unique MAEL boots hand made in Quebec, individually painted and shellacked. They are a MUST HAVE for me!
Paige is modelling her favourite; Steve Madden Softies; fun, comfy and oh so cute!
I just couldn’t get enough of the shoes and had to have a photo taken in their fun shoe chair that is out on the street in the summer months for promotional purposes.
Check how my Simon Cheng bag, my KISS/KISS boots and my Eye to Eye sunglasses all match perfectly with the chair! Takes Street Chic to a whole new level.
Our last stop on the Raglan Street tour was Heartsong Yoga. What an incredibly special store. The shop features fashions and accessories from all over the world, all handcrafted and organic.
I chose this fun and funky handmade dress and scarf from India. I love the way the material feels and the colours are so vibrant. You can’t help but to feel happy in this dress! A true find at $64.99!
Venturing into small town Valley shops is a definite must for fashion adventurers. I guarantee you will find incredible deals, high fashion designers, locally made items and some very unique fashion choices. Visit Raglan Street in Renfrew and you will also get to meet some of the nicest people in the retail industry.