Fifth On Main, a new e-commerce boutique targeting the contemporary womenswear & accessories markets. Officially launches online November 1st.

Lord only knows how many times I passed by this store without the “hmm, maybe I should check this out” thought running through my head. After several  designer budget-saver recommendations and a bit of fashion evidence from some friends, I decided to set my ego aside and pay a little visit to the Loehmann’s Chelsea location. 

The first several visits left me unimpressed. The store was unorganized and crowded, wasting over 45 minutes of my life I was sure I’d never get back. Taking the wise advice of my mother, I gave the store a second chance, stopping in early on a Thursday (aka inventory day) just before February’s fashion week. Heading upstairs to “The Back Room,” the discounted designer label department, I was floored by how many great pieces there were by the fashion industry’s cream of the crop. $300 later, I walked out of Loehmann’s with over $2500 worth of  Robert Rodriguez, Vince, Mint and Helmut Lang clothes and accessories. Happy girl? You bet.

After probably a two month hiatus from the discount haven, I stopped by Loehmann’s this morning, Although I only purchased some jewelry (I got a Burberry-esque spike bracelet and a match necklace for $40. Beat that.) I was amazed to see dozens upon dozens of pieces from the Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2008 collection. The clothes might be two seasons old, but where else are you going to find a Marc Jacobs Americana romper marked down to just $70!? Other great buys included gorgeous Givenchy boot-heels, Comme des Garcons drop-crotch sweats (too bad they were a size 14…), a plethora of springy Philosophy dresses and tons of chunky Miu Miu, Carmen Marc Valvo and Badgely Misckha sunglasses. 

All in all, if you haven’t yet been to Loehmann’s, now is the time to check it out. But be forewarned, be there early on weekdays or be prepared to dig.

This spring, SSENSE is introducing designers Alexandre Herchcovitch, Maison Martin Margiela, Rick Owens Drkshdw, Twenty8Twelve, Milly, Current/Elliot and Kris Van Assche to their boutique, which already includes labels like Acne, Ksubi, Robert Rodriguez, Clu and Black Halo.  This, along with the re-launch of their flagship boutique, puts SSENSE in high demand.

Opening in April 2009, on the corner of famous St. Paul street in Montreal’s historic Old Port, the two-story boutique boasts over 80ft of window display space showcasing fashion’s most exclusive design labels. The store’s interior, dominated by black brushed metal and glass, is a modern update to the boutique’s antiquated facade.  On the main floor, luxury designers Alexander Herchcovitch, Maison Martin Margiela and Rick Owens will be paired with artistic, avant-garde brands.  A steel and marble staircase leads underground to the second floor, where labels like OAK, Current/Elliot and Acne can be found.

This addition to the already well-styled website, ssense.com, will add a bit of punch to its merchandising mix. A boutique that carries Herchcovitch, Margiela and Owens in the same space almost makes me wish I was Canadian, almost.