WOMAN.ca's Favourite Concept Boutique in Toronto

Nicole Bitove - tall, blonde, svelte and gorgeous - is Toronto's most glamorous svengali and the fashion insider every new designer wants to dress. She is the director of Canopy Blue, a retail concept that provides a customized, nurturing environment for women to get their fashion forward fix. If you want to know what the most fashion-forward, best dressed celebrities are wearing, this is your #1 source.

Bitove's taste is razor sharp, and many of the designers she has recently championed have broken through into the mainstream. One thing is for sure, Bitove takes style seriously. Bitove, middle right, is pictured here at Canopy Blue with Co-Owner Lisa Gnat and Symthe's Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe.

Together with Co-Owner Lisa Gnat, an Buyer Jenna Naumovich, Bitove runs a team that if they believe a designer is worth it will repeatedly send texts and emails until the hip crowd and industry finally pay attention. In fact, most trends particularly those fast-exploding micro-fads, which blow up seemingly from nowhere can be traced back to Canopy Blue "lobbyists". They promote classic sensual chic with Graham and Spencer, while just as passionately showcasing urban rock frocks with Chelsea Flower.

If you dont want to be seen in the same clothes as everyone else, ditch Bloor Street's predictable Mink Mile and head to Toronto's coolest independent boutique, Canopy Blue. In fact, the personal shoppers at this style mecca keep tabs on who bought what dress for what red carpet event - ensuring no double outings for a single dress.

Since opening its doors in August of 2008, Canopy Blue has become a mecca of celebrity-inspired style. It offers fashion savvy customers, a curated selection of top contemporary brands and emerging collections. A bit like shopping in a deliciously designed eye-candy cloud, you will find everything from tees and denim to cocktail and black tie attire. In her buying approach, Naumovich mixes casual sophistication with cutting edge style.

It's no surprise that one of Biitove's favorite reads is Hug Your Customer by By Jack Mitchell. Providing exceptional customer service in their intimate and inspiring space, the team at Canopy Blue is all about encouraging women to look and feel fabulous everyday. They've even set up a chic complimentary candy bar for clients, as well as offering homemade cookies! Does the retail experience get any better than this? We don't think so.

Canopy Blue was an early supporter Jenny Bird, Alice+Olivia and Tracey Reese. They creatively merchandised J Brand denim in the middle of their space, and the jeans were an instant sellout - one of 2009's shortcuts to looking cool.

The other great thing about Canopy Blue... being invited to cool shopping events with visiting designers like Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe of Symthe! Simply amazing. Gabbing with friends, sampling summer strawberries, sipping champagne... the fashion pilgrimage to great style never felt better. Imagine getting "fresh from the dressing room" jacket advice from Christie herself! That's shopping, Canopy Blue style.

Canopy Blue

2582 Yonge Street

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

416 483 2583

By Si Si Penaloza, Editorial Director, WOMAN.ca

Si Si Penaloza
		About the author:
		Si Si has cultivated strong ties with editors, producers and publishers at all major Canadian media outlets. She is a seasoned print, radio and broadcast specialist. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Bowdoin College in Maine, Si Si moved to Manhattan to study Film at New York University. Her strengths lie in contextualizing relevant content for a broad audience. She's driven to stay competitive and at the top of the market - commissioning exclusive features and launching bold initiatives.
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