eing of the male persuasion, I was excluded from all the girlhood adventures that Brownies and Girl Guides provided. I missed out on the (hideous) chocolate brown uniforms, collecting activity badges for my sash through a variety of humiliating endeavours, and most importantly, being a member of the Pixies group. Women were also entitled to the cute Pixie haircut, which instantly propelled their character to muse status for sporting locks chopped off above the ears. Now grown Brownies (would they now be called Chocolate Cakes?) can get another shot at the Pixie lifestyle with the latest boutique to hit Calgary’s fashion scene.

Whether this city needs it or not, the fashion gods have seen it fit to sprinkle some of that magical dust over our collective wardrobes. In my humble opinion, it couldn’t have come any sooner. If I see another pair of those rubber clogs, or someone wearing their pajamas (lacy lingerie would be ok, but flannel is a problem) outdoors in public, I’ll have to phone the fashion police (a fashion S.W.A.T. Team would not be overkill). Better yet, if they’re of the female persuasion, I’ll give them the address to this quaint, dainty little boutique Pixie Dust.

As much as the interior designers at Old Navy may argue with me on this point, the look of a store does count (no one likes to buy clothes from a place that resembles the innards of Home Depot). It doesn’t need to be a lot – a colour scheme here, a little lounge music there – but atmosphere is very integral to a successful shopping experience. Pixie Dust doesn’t exactly ooze style (Calgary’s not ready for full blown extravagance just yet), but a few little hints help it get off on the right foot such as the Marilyn Monroe classic playing on the LCD screen, or the pink sheer curtains that greet you as you enter. I don’t necessarily like buying my gear in a cold, impersonal factory-styled store where the 15-year-old associate can’t wait to get their lunch break so they can text message their best friend about the cute guy who works at Yogen Fruz (I’m onto you). Calgary’s newest consignment boutique makes an effort in all of the above departments. It’s still got that chic boutique vibe, but the staff is friendly enough so that it doesn’t come off as the slightest bit pretentious.

The mall choices are represented here with items from all the familiar names – Levi’s, Banana Republic, Baby Phat and whatever else is popular with the kids these days. Bonus: though they’re used the items are in great condition and offered at a fraction of the price that you get across the street at the Chinook Centre. Where this fashion fairy differs from the mainstream is in the unique items that the owners bring in from the Far East and around the world. Exclusive empire waist summer dresses and other extraordinary pieces in true pixie style are the real reason to pay this joint a visit. You’ll hope the dust never settles. - H.J.

146 150 58th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB
403-454-0980
Hours: Mon. to Wed.: 10:00am-6:00pm; Thur.: 11:00am-7:00pm; Fri.: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sat.: 11:00am-4:00pm