ssense
Friday, July 20, 2012 at 8:11PM 
If you, like I, spend loads of precious time compulsively browsing sites like net-a-porter and mytheresa for the next best deal in fashion, chances are you've acquainted yourself with Canada's best online retailer, ssense. The Montreal based website, ssense.com, features a killer array of designers and edgy branding, serving fashionable frontrunners with looks from both Alexanders (McQueen and Wang) and other household names like YSL, Balmain, Chloe, Marni, Marc Jacobs, and Givenchy. Looking to try the trend of pronounced prints for the summer? Then check out their line-up from Suno, Matthew Williamson, DvF, and Thakoon. Prefer a more modern sensibility? Then look to their New York and Parisian brands like iro, Maison Martin Margiela, Opening Ceremony, and Rag and Bone.
Ahhhh, but the dilemma of online shopping. While many e-commerce convertees cite its convenience, I, as a working girl who will - without exception - miss all three UPS delivery attempts any time I order something online, find it worse to have to arrange to pick up my package at the nearest postal outlet, bring it home, and try on my newly purchased item with the risk of it looking horrible (and yes, this has happened). What if it was final sale? When am I going to find the time to send it back? All these questions race through my mind at dizzying speed and precludes me from clicking any "proceed to checkout" button, anywhere. Lucky for me, ssense has provided us locals with the perfect solution. As Montrealer's, we have the luxury of requesting any online item to be sent to their Old Montreal outpost, a space just on the corner of Rue St. Paul and St. Sulpice which houses a small selection of their online inventory. Brilliant!
The store, with women on the ground floor and mens below, is streamlined and slick, carrying an amazing selection of bright Proenza Schouler PS1 bags, Givenchy totes and t-shirts, and, my personal favourite, Lanvin. Ohhhh Lanvin. Just the other day I scored the most simple, elegant, featherweight, black cotton Lanvin dress here...on sale for an incredible price...which will serve me well through the sizzling temperatures we're currently spiking this summer. Alber Elbaz, you are a genius...Ah, but I digress! I have nothing more to say other than I highly recommend you visit, website first and store second, to see if there is anything you want to try to brighten up your wardrobe. Enjoy!
SSENSE | 90 Rue Saint Paul Ouest | Montréal, QC H2Y 3S5 |
(514) 289-1906
