Retail Profile - Ilkiz Boutique Unique clothing to bring out your personal Style If you don't look great in an outfit, Semiha Cantas, owner of Ilkiz Boutique won't let you buy it. "If somebody doesn't look good in what they're wearing, I tell them. I'm not like shopping mall. I'm noted for my honesty," says Semiha of Ilkiz Boutique located at 120 Clarence Street in the Ottawa Byward market. Ms. Cantas favours clothing in romantic silky materials, "because women like the way the fell in soft, flowing garments." She grew up in the fashion business in Istanbul, and flies to Turkey three times yearly to bring back unique clothing. "I like challenging Ottawa women," says the lively store owner. "Ottawa women tend to be conservative, and I like to adapt their style to bring out what they have in them." Ms. Cantas holds both Business Administration and Psychology degrees from Turkey, and she finds the psychology often comes in handy."I use that degree a lot to understand people. I try to understand them, and give them what they really want." Ilkiz Boutique has one-of-a-kind suits, formal evening gowns in exotic fabrics, business suits that transform from day to eveningwear, knit jackets with suede trim, dressy blouses, pants and skirts, costume jewelry and silk scarves. "Evening gowns are like art," she says. "They are for real women, not just models. Everybody has glamour in them. As long as they trust you, you can work to their best advantage." Soft classical music plays in the background while you make your selections. Prices range from $69 for tops to around $600 for formal hand-sequined and detailed formal evening gowns. Direct access to manufacturers and designers in Istanbul allows Ms. Cantas to omit the middleman and keep her prices low. Much of what she sells are "classic pieces that you can wear for years and years." Sizes range from 0 to 18 in evening wear, and up to size 14 in casual wear. This season, see wonderful examples of Ilkiz' fashionable clothing in the on-camera wardrobe of Janet eastman, host of Ottawa Citizen TV on Rogers 22 at 6:30 pm and 11:30 pm Monday to Friday. Formal or casual: Ilkiz fashion consultant Christine Lamoureax wears a one-of-kind evening pantsuit with cut material details, sequin sand beadwork, $650. Owner Semiha Cantas is wearing a dark chocolate brown ultra suede skirt $125 and an $89 soft, silky-touch top. Fashion style: This tailored suit, $450 is ideal for work or cocktails, depending on the accessories you choose. The coat, $1,100, is boiled wool, and comes with a detachable fox collar and cuffs. The gold animal print strapless evening gown, $475, has its own cup, and optional strap. |