When it comes to buying designer, it’s not always as easy as simply just purchasing it. You want a great deal and if you choose to buy it online, you’re often taxed with high shipping fees that make your once great deal seem like a sham. Many consumers have simply gone the direct route by crossing the border to get their hands on designer items.
While E-commerce gives us the convenience of a quick click purchase, Canadians often purchase through sites that are located elsewhere. A new E-commerce website “The September” has now arrived (based out of Toronto) that promises to offer you the same great styles in designer shoes without the cross border high shipping prices. It may not be a novel concept to introduce E-commerce as a manner of offering convenient shopping for consumers but creators Aynsley Wintrip Harris and Christine Carlton were kin on bringing in designer styles that are based within a Canadian platform.
Prior to starting their E-commerce business, Christine worked as the Vice President for leading designer retailer Holt Renfrew’s accessories division. Aynsley also brought forth 10 years of experience working in communications for brands such as the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Their chic new site has made it to our list of shoe shopping destination with plenty of eye candy for all.
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We took the opportunity to ask Aynsley and Christine some questions after their stop over in Vancouver to launch the brand and here’s what they came up with.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you decided to create this site.
A: Christine and I have been friends for more than 20 years. We were roommates at university and we've always shared a love of fashion. We decided to create The September because we recognized a void in the Canadian market for an online shopping experience at the luxury level. As busy mothers and professionals, we personally didn't have the time we wanted to get out and shop and we knew there were other women like us who would appreciate the convenience of shopping from home, or the office, or on the go. Online shopping is a way of life in other parts of the world. We wanted to make it more accessible to women who love designer shoes, in Canada. Shopping U.S.-based and international sites can be a challenge, considering the additional duty and shipping charges, not to mention the complicated business of returns across the border. We eliminate all of those issues for our customers in Canada with free shipping and free returns. It's a worry-free experience.
Q: Why "The September"? How did you come up with the name?
A: We spent a lot of time coming up with our brand name. We landed on The September because we felt that it had a connection to the world of fashion, with fashion weeks happening in different parts of the world and fashion magazines putting out their inches-thick issues. September is also a time that people love to shop, so we like to say that The September allows you to experience the thrill of fall shopping 12 months of the year.
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Q: Who are some of your style muses?
A: In terms of celebrity, we both tend to be drawn to Gwyneth Paltrow, but quite honestly, we are inspired by people around us….friends, family, acquaintances In fact, if you visit our Facebook page, you will see how our mothers have been a big source of style inspiration for both of us. We created our monthly Style Profiles with the idea that best style inspiration comes from regular Canadian women…people you see walking down the street, at a restaurant, or the grocery store, who have incredible style. We've tried to capture that and hope to inspire others with the people that we profile.
Q: Which would you pick: Cara Delevinge or Kate Moss?
A: Cara Delevingne
Q: Which pair of shoes from your website do you have a shoe crush on?
A: Aynsley’s pick – Aquazzura Beverly Hills Snake Skin Lace up Sandal
Christine’s pick – Tabitha Simmons Clara Peruvian Silk Peep Toe Wedge
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Q: Do you have any tips on shopping smart online?
A: If you're in doubt about a purchase, don't sweat it on your own, be sure to communicate with customer service for assistance. Use live chat, or email or phone to get the information, answers or advice you need in order to make a purchase. You can learn a lot about a business by the way they interact with their customers. At The September, we thrive on communicating with our customers. We love to give them style advice and suggestions on how to wear our shoes. We can also put them at ease about any issues they may have around sizing or fit. We want our customers to feel good about their purchases and their experience using our site, so communication with them is vital.
Amy Yew is a contributing columnist at Vancouver Courier and a fashion and style writer. She is also a Lucky Magazine community contributor. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to [email protected]. You can also tweet your thoughts @AmyYew.
