Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Roots - How Canadian is THAT?

Roots is a true Canadian success story.

Roots_logo current

Founded in 1973, the store represents a key Canadian aesthetic.  Their website tells the story:

Roots began with a simple idea and a desire to make it happen. In 1973, Michael Budman and Don Green created Roots. They were inspired by their passion for Ontario’s Algonquin Park and everything it represented for them. From the outset, Roots was also based on a keen sense of aesthetics and certain values shared by Don and Michael.

Their goal was to translate their affinity for the Canadian wilderness and sports into a distinctive line of genuine leather products and authentic athletic wear. All this, while promoting a healthy, active lifestyle and respect for the environment. Starting in Toronto with footwear, Roots evolved to include quality leather bags, jackets, accessories, natural fiber clothing and home furnishings. The leather products have always been made in Canada at our own factory in Toronto.
When I attended University, the Roots sweatshirt was THE thing to own.  In the years since, I sort of moved away from the brand, since it is casual clothing and I was mainly buying clothing for my more "corporate" life.

However, this fall I have rediscovered Roots and wanted to share some gems (and yes, Roots ships worldwide!):

Oh - and the quality is TOP-KNOTCH - much better than similar items from J Crew...

The Aberdeen Shirt

Roots - Aberdeen Shirt

Perfect for the holiday season! $58 CDN!

The Cabin Sock Cardigan - this is HEAVY and cozy!
 
Roots - Cabin Sock Cardigan

When I saw the Cabin Skinny Sweatpants (which I think I am heading back for...) I thought immediately of our Tabitha:

Roots - Cabin Skinny Sweatpant

How about an animal water colour tee

Roots - Animal Water Colour Tee

Roots - Animal Water Colour Tee

Roots - Animal Water Colour Tee

 How about Roots' version of the fair isle leggings (at a much better price) and matching crewneck - perfect for lounging by the fire...

Roots - Fair Isle Legging

Roots - Fair Isle Bateaux Top

This tshirt pretty much captures Canada in winter:

Roots - Spirit Crewneck T-shirt

Dina - you can have your own Canada icon tee:

Roots - Canada Icon Tee

and this tunic is so soft and actually goes to my knees....

Roots - Bays Buffalo Tunic

Their bags are of the softest leather

Roots - Village Bag-lord

And how about this for a hippy vibe:

Roots - The Hippy Bag Italian Raw

And Roots knows how to make boots

Roots - W Roll Over Boot Tribe

and greats menswear as well:

Roots - Village Fair Isle Sweater

Roots - Princeton Jacket

I just bought this toque

Roots - Amy Sloppy Toque

and matching gloves

Roots - Womens Touchscreen Glove
for walking in the frigid fall mornings here...

But I would really like to buy these things for when it gets a little colder when I am out walking...

Roots - Cabin String Mitt

Roots - Chunky Cabin Infinity


 Roots - Cabin Infinity

Roots - Cabin Pom Pom Toque

Have you ever bought from Roots?  Anything on your wishlist????

Had a fabulous Thanksgiving!  Photos to come later in the week!

Have a happy Tuesday and stay safe out there!

30 comments:

  1. Roots, yeah! I buy lots of stuff at Roots for The Rascals. Their socks are the best, their sweats are the best, their tee shirts... also the best, you get the idea. Both of the girls immediately change into Roots sweats when they get home from school. Honestly I don't know why I don't have any, I should get some for doing Classical Distress. I did buy two linen sweaters at Roots this summer for hiking and they were wonderful.
    One of the Roots founders daughters goes to the Algonquin summer camp our little Rascal goes to, that place personifies their whole aesthetic. I can relate to their love of Algonquin for sure.
    LOVE the mittens with the string!

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    1. I love those mittens too! We got sweats and hoodies during their big anniversary sale - such good quality and so much cheaper than other brands!

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  2. I have a pair of Roots skinny sweatpants that I got on sale for something ridiculous like $15. They are wonderful -- super comfortable and cozy and about as flattering as sweatpants possibly can be. My husband's favorite casual winter weekend jacket is also from Roots -- he is generally partial to Barbour and Jack Wolfskin but the Roots jacket just keeps reappearing!

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    1. I love their men's jackets - so cool! I am definitely going back for the skinny sweatpants this week as my j crew ones have fallen apart in the wash!

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  3. I have never heard of this brand. Any chance they have free shipping & free returns to the U.S.? I really like the looks of what you've shown here!

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    1. I believe the shipping is $6 (not bad considering J Crew charges canucks $9.95) and not sure about returns.

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    2. Roots does have a US website (http://usa.roots.com) and does have some US stores (I know they have one in Park City, for example). Looks like shipping is $6 or free for above $125 in merchandise.

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    3. Thanks monty & WMM! I will definitely take a look! That shipping isn't too bad.

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  4. I never heard of Roots but it looks wonderful, and comfy! I have to check out this international shipping situation! I'm looking for some cozy clothes to lounge in while I write :)

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  5. This brand is new to me too! Those scarves are so cute, and I love the fair isle crew neck.

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    1. Hi MW! I wondered how widely known Roots was in the US and the rest of the world. We are proud of the company and they have even done Olympic athlete uniforms for Canada.

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  6. I lived in my Roots boots through most of grad school!! I remember when Roots sweatshirts were hugely popular - I was in junior high at the time and I couldn't convince my parents to get me one (my father asked, "Why would you want to pay to have someone's logo on your chest?!"). For some reason, I fell out of the habit of shopping there and haven't been in years. I might go back now - I like the look of that chunky knit infinity scarf!

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    1. You were probably like me, Louise - it fell off your radar. But they really do have fabulous casual clothing, so I think I may be buying the odd piece there this fall and winter!

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  7. Thanks for sharing this Wendy and for allowing me to discover. I never heard of this brand and they seem to have great pieces. I love the cardi and the bags look good too... I will have to browse this site as from what you posted, you made me really curious!

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    1. They have kids stuff too that might work for your little one!

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  8. I wander through the Roots store here to see what I wish for and what I might be able to afford. I love their socks and pay any price for them. I bought a fall coat there last year that is waterproof on the outside and soft on the inside. I love it. I haven't yet been able to spring for one of their bags$$$$ but may yet.

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    1. the socks are awesome! I have a small purse from there which I love! apparently, they are having A black Friday event in November with some great prices!

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  9. I love Roots! A few years back (10, probably) they had Roots sweatshirts at, I think, Marshall Fields, or maybe it was Nordstrom, can't remember, in Detroit. Anyway, they had my hometown on the front, and sweatpants with it on the butt. I wish I could get more of those! The sweatshirt is still going strong. Very high quality. I am off to look at their current offerings!

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  10. Hi Wendy, I must admit I've only ever looked at Roots for the bags - my winter bag is from there. The sweatshirts never really appealed to me, but you've highlighted some nice items, especially the scarves and t-shirts, and those leggings too. I'll have to take another look!

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    1. patricia - I am not really a sweatshirt girl, but they do have some lovelies...

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  11. That sock sweater is TOO cute! I might have to go check it out...

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  12. I was just about to say 'love it" when I saw I was name checked!
    Cosy, comfy, stretchy - ah my happy place.

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    1. When I was in the store the other day all I could think was "Tabs would be in her sartorial happy place here!"

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  13. I agree, I also used to live in Roots sweats during university days. The little beaver was the cutest logo, I thought.

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  14. I have heard of the leather but not the clothes. Looks so cozy for winter! Is that a beaver logo? As long as it's not a ground hog...
    Maybe the winter won't be too long/cold /snowy this year? Best to be prepared, though, with some of those nice socks.

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  15. I heard of them quite a while back; I think they designed the US Olympic uniforms many years ago? But that's my only reference. I'm intrigued!

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