Christopher Massardo

Nestled away in Ottawa’s small and trendy new Edinburgh area and just a stones throw away from the riche Rockcliffe area is the fairytale worthy boutique of any fashionista or fashionisto’s dreams.  Clothes Encounters of a Second Time is a store like no other in Ottawa located in a house with the basement and main floor of the building is turned into a very lovely boutique experience. It gives the impression and feel you would expect from somewhere like Montreal or New York. With great finds such as Chanel clutches, LV luggage and Hermes bags – which in one instance the owner says “only lasted in the store for three days.”

Considering what people can find at the store, it’s no wonder faithful clients will often make appointments for the hands-on service provided by staff.  The boutique itself is also involved with Ottawa’s emerging fashion scene players.  Being a consiment store, they are constantly looking for new partners for items.

The store itself opened 15 years ago by three women, but seven years ago, they sold it to the current owner Monique Dugas, one of the original employees. Monique is a former MAC make-up artist who “loved the idea, the mixture of make-up and fashion” in her life and when the opportunity presented itself she “jumped on it” and really enjoys working with her clients.  What does she feel most lucky about? “I have amazing staff” she says passionately, “I am very lucky to have them.”  Like anything in fashion this store has some amazing stories attached to it. “A lady came in with a hat.  She wore it to Princess Diana’s wedding.”  Monique herself is a lover of fashion and admits she “loves Burberry” and “Prada, especially their sports wear”.  Monique admits for the future she does have dreams of what she would like to do next. “I would love to turn the top floor into a tea room” she says happily “and an area where you can get your nails and make-up done”.  With an over-all love for the aesthetic, I can’t wait to see what Monique adds to Ottawa’s fashion scene next.

Clothes Encounters is located at 67 Beechwood Avenue in Ottawa. 

Photography by Laura Berg