Shopping in Edmonton

When Jennifer Emond thought about bra shopping, it filled her with dread—there were just too many styles and sizes to sift through. Rather than see more women settle for subpar support just to avoid the hassle of finding that perfect fit, Jennifer opened I Am Woman in 2005, where she and her knowledgeable team conduct personalized fittings while helping customers find flattering hues among a variety of colours. She stocks shelves with bra lines from top manufacturers, including Chantelle, Empriente, and Marlies Dekkers. Along with the comprehensive collection of bras with 28–44 bands and A–I cups, I Am Woman's inventory also includes cup-sized swimwear in D to GG cups. Jennifer also stocks lingerie, pajamas, and shapewear designed to enhance curves regardless of shape, size, or geometric ratio.

Though they're aided by modern saponification science, Wild Prairie Soap Company's skilled artisans hearken to centuries-old techniques as they handcraft batches of natural soap within their in-store soaperie. They hand-cut and cure each bar before nestling it onto a clean white table or chic antique armoire. The high-end soaps share the spotlight with towers of body polishes and lotions infused with shea butter for silky-smooth secret handshakes.

The soap-makers infuse their blends with 50 per cent olive oil and pure essential oils to gently condition and clean every type of skin without unwanted fillers or animal byproducts. Dozens of varieties range from rosehip and grapefruit to man-centric brew bars, which are blended with dark irish stout and organic hops to elicit a subtle scent, thick lather, and even thicker five o'clock shadow.

Seven-feet wide, 30-feet deep. Those were the pocket-sized dimensions of the original Wee Book Inn–and the reason for its name. Established on Whyte Avenue in 1971 by Edmonton native Darwin Luxford, that first shop spawned four additional locations during the 1980s, making space for an ever-growing selection of books and media.

In December 1990, disastrous fires destroyed two Wee Book Inns, including the flagship shop on Whyte Avenue. Within two years, however, both locations were rebuilt, restocked, and back in business. Today, Wee Book's roster of shops continues to do what it's done for more than four decades: buy and sell lightly used books and media, adjusting always to keep pace with the times. Inside, visitors may run into Wee Book's cats, as well, each of who bares the name of a former professional hockey player.

Amedeo Exclusive keeps gentlemen looking dapper with an assortment of formalwear and business togs crafted from luxurious materials including silk, cashmere, and expertly milled cotton. Neckties adorn collars with over 110 brilliant colours with matching stainless steel tie clips and cufflinks, allowing customers to create meticulously coordinated outfits or proud displays of their old kindergarten's school colours. Elegant French cuffs ring the sleeves of tonal-stitched dress shirts, and skinny ties infuse ensembles with a youthful, contemporary flair. Bowties and pocket squares of Italian silk accent formal costumes with old-school class, as accessories such as bronze business-card holders cherry-top business outfits with an extra note of sophistication.

Each day after work, Cloud Nine Pajamas owner Robyn Zechel delights in changing out of her work wear and into her comfortable pajamas. She aims to inspire similar daily rituals with her collection of cozy and practical threads that have been featured in the Edmonton Journal. The sleep apparel spans the spectrum, from light, breezy robes and pajamas made with bamboo and wicking materials to cozy styles ideal for midnight raids on walk-in freezers. Additionally, Cloud Nine Pajamas helps you work toward more restful slumber with accessories such as heated stuffed animals and soothing body lotions.

Featured in Fashion magazine, Black & Bold stocks its shelves with an assortment of designer apparel and accessories. Navigate arms through the sleeves of a new T-shirt ($12), or disguise laser pupils with a pair of sunglasses ($15). Meanwhile, designer hats ($28) outfit mop tops, and a pair of shorts ($48) encourages calves to openly salsa dance. Customers can keep up with the latest fashion trends and button-sewing conspiracies on Black & Bold's blog.