| IN THE MEDIA
Living Sky Magazine - "Tummy Tuck Jeans" -- The Star Phoenix - "Spring Fashion Week" Special Section -- The Partnership -
"Check Out Downtown Saskatoon!" --- Kim Stranden's goal is to carry trendy plus-size fashions at her new store, Ravishing Clothing For Women. "I got frustrated with the selection that's out there for clothing," said Stranden, who stocks sizes 14 to 30 at her shop. "The market really lacks options for plus-sized clothing, so that's sort of how I decided to start it." Stranden, 26, set up shop on Third Avenue North at the end of September. She likes her store and the shop's location in downtown Saskatoon. "I've got two levels in the location, so I'm able to renovate the upstairs to have more retail. I really like the store. Out of all the locations I looked at, I think this was the best one," she said. "I like downtown. I think downtown's growing, and it's sort of exciting to be a part of that." Stranden has about 980 square feet of space on her main floor and 750 square feet upstairs. She renovated the space herself, and describes the shop's decor as "very funky," with red walls and metallic and hardwood floors. "I'm really trying to appeal to the younger audience, but still have clothing for all ages." Stranden is bringing a variety of denim brands into Ravishing, as well as wide-calf leather boots, purses and jewelry that expands up to 24 inches. Her clothing comes from cities throughout Canada and the U.S. "I have a couple Canadian designers -- one out of Vancouver and one out of Toronto -- and then my clothes come from New York and California," she said. Stranden's name may be familiar to political watchers in Saskatoon. Before opening Ravishing, Stranden studied political science and women's and gender studies at the University of Saskatchewan, where she served as vice-president of student issues with the University of Saskatchewan Students' Union. When she was 23, she ran for city council during the 2003 civic election. Opening Ravishing marked Stranden's first foray into the entrepreneurial world. "It feels great," Stranden said of owning her store. Stranden said customers are responding positively to her shop, and are finding it new, refreshing and different. "They really, really like the clothes," she said. |
