5 Small Businesses for Your Black Friday Fashion Fix

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‘Tis the season for holiday shopping — a tradition that will look drastically different this year. Many small and independent businesses are suffering financially due to COVID-19, so it’s more important than ever to shop local this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone on your gifting list, clothes and jewelry are classic holiday purchases. With so many unique and beautiful items to choose from, and something for every aesthetic, the under-the-radar Canadian fashion retailers below are about to become your new go-to’s. There’s only one thing left to do: Get out your credit card and thank me later!

STRGRL

STRGRL Instagram feed

Calling all my ladies (and those buying for their fave ladies)! If you’re a fan of the effortlessly cool and casual looks popularized by the likes of Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, STRGRL will be your one-stop shop for perfectly-oversized sweatsuits and accessories that bring out your inner edge. Their Signature Sunglasses are a fall/winter must-have and these lightweight tie-dye sweatpants are made for chill weekends on the couch.

Black Friday deal: Save 30% off sitewide (excluding new arrivals and sale) and enjoy free shipping on all Canadian and US orders using code BLACKFRIDAY, starting at 8AM EST 11/27.

Lisa Gozlan

Lisa Gozlan Jewelry Instagram feed

Take it from me: Lisa Gozlan’s stunning jewelry will put a giant smile on anyone’s face — especially if it’s from the Instagram-famous Happy Face collection. For the minimalist in your life, check out Lisa’s beautiful yet understated essentials designed for daily wear.

Black Friday deal: Don’t miss out on 20% off sitewide and 30% off orders $500+.

Jenny Bird

Jenny Bird Instagram feed

You may recognize Jenny Bird’s eye-catching designs that have been sported by celeb fans like Lizzo and TikTok’ers Charli and Dixie D’Amelio. The Toronto-based jeweller offers fresh takes on trendy looks, from chokers to chains and hoop earrings. Since it will be difficult to resist picking up a piece for yourself, consider getting matching bracelets or necklaces with a friend or family member.

Black Friday deal: Score up to 50% off dozens of items all week long. Jenny Bird is also “giving back and paying it forward” this holiday season, donating $7,000 to YWCA Canada — that’s $1,000 a day for every day of the Black Friday Week sale. Incredible!

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9 Black-Owned Fashion Brands to Add to Your Closet

Collage of Black-Owned Fashion Brands

Calling all my fellow shopaholics! I recently shared 51 of my most-played songs by Black artists. Now, I’m happy to share my favourite Black-owned fashion brands stocked with new, eye-catching pieces. Get your credit card ready!

Atelier New Regime

atelier new regime
Happy fourth birthday, Atelier New Regime! (photo via Atelier New Regime on Instagram)

Let’s kick off this listing with a Canadian company! Created and headquartered in Montreal, Atelier New Regime focuses on contemporary fashion and streetwear, mixing luxe fabrics with cool cuts and prints. The best part: All proceeds from their new Can’t Stop Won’t Stop tee ($65) will be donated to a local foundation supporting youth mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Who says you can’t look good while doing good?!

Chen Burkett New York

Chen Burkett Instagram Feed
This outfit. I want this outfit! (photo via Chen Burkett New York on Instagram)

“To travel is to live,” says New York-based brand Chen Burkett (and I’d have to agree). Although travelling may be out of the picture for the next few months, you can start adding new “destination-inspired” pieces to your wardrobe. You’re guaranteed to find dresses, skirts and trousers that could go from the boardroom to boardwalk in the same day.

Hanifa

Hanifa Clothing Brand
If Hanifa’s product photoshoots don’t make you want to buy everything on the site, I don’t know what will! (photo via Hanifa on Instagram)

Say hello to Hanifa, your new one-stop shop for bold and sophisticated designs. Don’t just take my word for it: You may recognize their orange Miya Knit Cardigan Dress from LadyGang podcaster Jac Vanek’s Instagram feed. What I love most about Hanifa is that they are all about the “woman without limits.” Their latest Pink Label Congo line, filled with stunning earth-inspired dresses, sweaters and skirts, is the perfect embodiment of this.

TIER NYC

Winnie Harlow in TIER NYC
Lounge in style like model Winnie Harlow. (photo via TIER NYC on Instagram)

If you’re in the market for a new sweatsuit as you continue to work from home, take a page from model Winnie Harlow’s book and check out TIER‘s cozy french terry cotton sets.

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