Almost Too Cool For School

Back to school and back to the mall—is there any better time to spruce up your wardrobe, dust off your dresser, and score some sweet new gadgets?

No matter what your current situation is—work or school, online or in-person—a few simple closet staples can have you looking and feeling your best this fall, even if it’s only for a Zoom meeting or FaceTime call.

It might be hard to imagine putting on real pants lately, but a flattering, comfortable, well-fitting pair of jeans is a wardrobe essential and worthwhile investment. Dress your jeans up with a blazer, down with a hoodie, and match them with anything in between. And if donning denim sounds depressing, try a coloured pair to keep things soft and cozy, distressing to look chic and edgy, and of course, spandex for stretch and comfort, all available at American Eagle Outfitters.

Say it with us: sweater weather! Soft, warm, and stylish, what’s not to love? Sweaters are a great, easy and fast way to stay warm and look more polished than a hoodie or sweatshirt, especially when they’re from H&M. Throw it on before you answer your next virtual meeting, and you’ll be sure to impress.

Kids growing like (very cute) weeds? Save time, and money, with multi-pack buys on wardrobe staples like leggings and tees from The Children’s Place or H&M. When you find what you like, why not buy it in every colour? Or, invest in outfit sets that take the guesswork out of mixing and matching and make getting up and ready for school a breeze.

We’re all spending a little more time online lately, so now is a great time to look at upgrading your internet service, smartphone plan, and getting a device you love that will meet your needs. Talk to an expert in-store at The Source or Freedom Mobile and compare models and plans to find just what you need—and a cute case to protect your investment.

Happy shopping, happy learning, and happy September!

Best In Beauty

Since their opening in 1998, the team at Merle Norman Cosmetics has always made sure they make their guests feel like family. The family-owned and operated business specializes in not only makeup and skincare services but offers best-in-class spa treatments such as eyebrow waxing, Inverness ear piercing and more!

NOT JUST SKINCARE

Eyebrow waxing and shaping is now their signature service. They welcome walk-ins as well as appointments. Their chairs are rarely empty! With master certified aestheticians on-board, they are happy to be of service to you!

BROW POWER

Not only do their certified aestheticians do a fantastic job at making you look beautiful, but they also offer makeup lessons for you to learn more! Merle Norman is also offering Henna Brow services at $59 for a limited time only!

Be sure to visit them in-store to take advantage of their fantastic promotions and get pampered the way you deserve.

Just Keep Swimming…In Cute Swimwear

How do you get a bikini body? Easy—put a bikini on your body! With the last few days of sunshine in the forecast over the coming weeks, who doesn’t want to be poolside or lounging by the lake in your favourite swimwear? So we’ve compiled some tips to keep you and your swimsuit looking the very best.

RINSE

A quick rinse when you take your swimsuit off will not only remove harsh pool chemicals like chlorine, or salt from the ocean but will also get rid of any sunscreen or tanning oils you have applied that can cause your bright bold prints to fade faster. Pssst…these swimsuits are from Boathouse and Swimco!

HAND WASH

Avoid the temptation to throw your bathing suit in the washing machine. Even a delicate cycle is too harsh for your cute suit and laundry detergent is a no-go. Wash your stuff by hand in the sink with mild hand soap or invest in a swimwear wash to keep your pieces clean, bright, and fitting right. And we mentioned a good rinse, right? Try something like this swimwear cleaner from Swimco.

ROTATE

You heard us! One of the best ways to keep your suits looking their best is to have a collection you can rotate through. Swimwear is commonly made from spandex and needs time to return to its original shape after wear. If you’re heading out for a weekend on the water, change suits daily to keep them all in tip-top shape—and to show off more of your wardrobe. Be sure to check out Swimco, H&M, and Boathouse to add to your collection!

ACCESSORIZE

Don’t forget a cute coverup! Coverups are a light, quick, and easy way to help protect yourself from the sun, but remember—they do not replace sunblock. Complete your ensemble with chic shades from Aldo or Sunglass Hut to protect your eyes and a cute tote for your essentials.

Take care of your body, and your bikini, and get ready to make a splash.

Take A Hike

There’s a reason they call it beautiful British Columbia—because it is. With an abundance of natural beauty including lakes, rivers, coastline, islands, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean, it’s a great time to take a hike, literally!

No matter where you decide to venture, you’re going to need a good, comfortable pair of shoes. The right shoes and socks can make all the difference between an enjoyable walk basking in nature, and desperately wanting to go back to the car, or asking “how much further?”

Treat your feet well. Get shoes that fit your feet properly and offer the right type of support for the level of outdoor activity you plan to do and opt for a pair that can handle getting wet (this is the Pacific Northwest, after all). The team at Blackwell Supply Co. will be happy to help you find the right hiking shoes (pssst…the Blundstones are great!). And while you’re at it, look into getting a nice backpack to carry your hiking gear, like the one below!

Layer up! While it can be tempting to throw on shorts and a tank and hit the trails, especially when it’s bright and sunny out, make sure you’re prepared for the weather to change. Depending on the length of your hike and your final destination you may want to bring a light sweater or long-sleeved shirt with you to stay warm—plus this can protect you from sunburns and bug bites. And don’t forget a hat and sunglasses, while you’re at it.

Bring the right equipment. Pack light snacks, a cute water bottle, charge your cell phone completely, and always let someone know where you’re headed and when you’ll be back. Ready to up your hiking game? Consider a walking pole. Believe it or not, walking with poles offers numerous benefits like better balance and stability on trails, and can also improve posture and even strengthen your muscles when used correctly. Plus, collapsible poles make it easy to pack and store them when not in use. Walking poles and other hiking gear is available at your one-stop-hiking-shop, Mountain Warehouse!

Get a pass. Some provincial parks require you to have a pass for use. Save yourself the time and potential disappointment and check out the BC Parks website before you head out.

Don’t forget your camera! No matter where you’re headed, there’s so much gorgeous scenery and breathtaking landscapes that you’re sure to want to snap a few pics. If you’re already a shutterbug consider getting a new lens or equipment that will help you up your outdoor photo game and a case that can stand up to it all. Or go for binoculars and get a good look, from a safe distance, at the local critters that call BC home. The great thing is…you can get all your tech gadgets at Kerrisdale Cameras!

Wherever you go, and whenever you do, dress right, plan ahead and remember the cardinal rule of spending time outdoors: take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time. Happy hiking!

Canada United x Willowbrook

We are proud to introduce our community to Canada United, a movement that brings Canadians together to show their support for local businesses.

We all know that local businesses are essential to our economy and communities. These businesses need our help, now more than ever, so we hope you’ll join by participating in the movement, buying local, and spreading the word!

Give local businesses your business today, or join us on August 28, 29 and 30 and be a part of a nationwide Canada United Shopping Weekend.

Support local businesses and win! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for your chance to win a $250 gift card to Willowbrook Shopping Centre for each day of the Canada United Shopping Weekend. Contest opens on August 27!

Want to do more? Watch and like to make an impact!

The great thing is, every time you do so, RBC will contribute 5¢ to the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund – find details at the Canada United website.

Custom Craftsmanship At Its Finest

Family-owned and operated, the Willowbrook Art Gallery has called the shopping centre it’s home since 1994. Offering amazing paintings and prints by both local and world-renowned artists such as Robert Bateman, Carl Brenders, Bev Doolittle, Pino, Kinkade and Sam Park, the gallery also provides professional custom framing, tailored to every individual client’s needs.

Bringing over two decades worth of craftsmanship and experience, the Willowbrook Art Gallery team uses state of the art framing tools and computerized mat cutters to ensure your piece is perfect and your satisfaction is guaranteed. Work is done on-site so it’s completed quickly, and you don’t have to wait to display your prints and paintings. Have an idea? Come chat with the team, or use the online custom framing tool to mock-up the design and calculate the approximate cost. 

MORE THAN JUST AN ART GALLERY

Aside from limited edition prints, the Art Gallery also has a few original pieces of artwork and carry an extensive selection of posters too! Not only that, you can also find McIntosh Fine Bone China and The Bradford exchange (Disney) pieces in-store! From prints to canvases and sports jerseys to comic books, their experienced, professional framers can create picture frames even the most complex arrangement of items.

They also feature various local artists crafts with a variety of fine collectables for all occasions. Also, don’t forget to check out their new Edge Sculpture collection sculpted in England by Matt Buckley at his studios in Shropshire. The beautiful Edge Sculptures are influenced by style rather than subject.

 

REVISIT MEMORIES WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND ART

Relive some gran memories and take a glimpse at what Fraser Valley looked like in the 1900s and event he ’50s and ’60s. The amazing Brian Croft created these picturesque watercolour prints to provide us with a memory or two and instil the feeling of nostalgia. There are many more such prints available at Willowbrook Art Gallery…be sure to check them out!

 

ROBERT BATEMAN’S 2021 CALENDAR

Robert Bateman’s much-awaited 2021 calendar is now available at Willowbrook Art Gallery and you can get it for FREE with any Robert Bateman purchase!

Visit Willowbrook Art Gallery in-centre or online for shopping services & custom framing options and learn more!

Beautiful Styles Galore at Aldila Boutique

The Aldila Boutique experience starts when you walk in the door and the relationship continues for many years to come. Unique fashion and Canadian owned and operated: what more could you want in a store? 

Aldila, meaning beyond in Italian, is dedicated to helping every customer who walks in the store look and feel amazing and is committed to going above and beyond when it comes to customer service. Calling Willowbrook home for over 15 years, the store is an expert in women’s fashion and offers a selection of clothing, shoes, and chic accessories. Polish your look with some classy business staples or cut loose with weekend essentials. Whatever your personal style, you’ll find something that’s sure to speak to you with brands like Joseph Ribkoff, Dolcezza, Up Pants, Yest, Soya Concept, Sympli, and more. 

Aldila Boutique’s collections bring you quality at an affordable price and continue to showcase new designs and one-of-a-kind pieces, all while supporting fellow Canadian designers and manufacturers.

ALL THINGS MATCHY – MATCHY

Looking to coordinate your outfit with your mask? Aldila Boutique is answering all your prayers…literally! Get your hands on this one-of-a-kind washable and breathable face mask and protect yourself in full style while rocking a matching top and tote! Plus, proceeds from the sale of these face masks benefit Food Banks Canada directly! So far, the team at Aldila has raised over $1,200!

Pssst…there’s more face mask designs where this came from.

EARTHY AND LOVELY

Earthy tones are all we’re talking about and Aldila Boutique is your go-to store for the latest and greatest apparel. Keep your outfits simple by pairing them with a white pair of sneakers. Add a pair of white jeans to the floral top and you’re good to go!

COLOUR ME JOYFUL

Keep your look comfortable, stylish and edgy with this charming Yest dress. Sitting just above the ankle, this dress is perfect for pairing with heels or sandals. Plus, don’t be afraid to rock some colour this season with this beautiful Dolcezza blazer.

All this incredible fashion making you want to shop? For a limited time only, Aldila Boutique is offering an additional 25% OFF on their entire Summer Collection! Plus, pop in-store now to take a peek at Fall arrivals and snag extra savings on marked down merchandise.

Name That Corridor Contest

VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!

We are happy to share our final 3 contenders of the Name That Corridor contest! Now all you have to do is vote for your favourite here: https://forms.gle/bsALAuzr8VcwHnYg8

The name with the most votes wins! And if the chosen name was your suggestion,* you’re getting a $250 Willowbrook Gift card!

*contest rules & regulations apply.

 


 

As a vibrant, lifestyle-oriented retail destination with over 135 shops, Willowbrook offers everything its image-conscious and brand-savvy customers need to create a beautiful life. 

It’s official, Willowbrook is adding a whole new corridor of shopping at its North end! We couldn’t be more excited to add to our existing retail mix with the addition of both established and new-to-market brands in this bright and trendy new space.  

But, there’s only one problem. What do we call the corridor?  

That’s where YOU come in. SUBMIT a name suggestion for our new corridor, VOTE for your favourite and you could WIN

We will be accepting suggestions until August 20, so be sure to submit your idea(s) here: https://forms.gle/9sKGjAitNryBjBAaA 

On September 4, all suggestions will be reviewed, and the best name options will be presented back to you and the Willowbrook shopping community to vote! 

The suggestion with the most votes wins… and if it’s yours, you win $250*! Contest closes September 10, 2020.

Whether you’re shopping for a budding fashionista or your ultra-elegant grandma, you’ll find what you need at Willowbrook thanks to our fabulous and diverse boutiques.