By Ava Green

There’s a truth we all learn over time: good quality makes a big difference. Not buying more, buying smarter.

But how do you hold on to great pieces and make them look fresh and current? Start by getting yourself the perfect pair of jeans for the season. Great jeans work wonders to update your look. The right cut, the right wash, the right fit. It’s the closest thing to a style superpower you can own.  

To show you what we mean, we picked a pair of white Lois jeans from Sassyfras, and created four completely different looks.

Crisp Black and White

There is something timeless about a black-and-white outfit. Timeless made current with a new jean style. The printed scarf ties it all together and adds just enough personality to keep it from feeling too minimal.

Tie the scarf loosely around your neck, or loop it through the handle of your bag to pull the colours together. White-on-white (sweater and jeans) works beautifully, and varying the textures (knit vs. denim) keeps it interesting.

Sun-Kissed Orange

Orange and white is one of summer’s most joyful combinations. This outfit shows that beautifully. Playful, casual, and sunny. Tying a sweater around your waist or resting on your shoulders adds a relaxed, effortless layer that’s handy when you need a little extra warmth. 

Classic Blue and White

This is the most polished of the four looks. A white blouse paired with a fine-striped blue jacket feels relaxed and also put together. This is the kind of outfit that works equally well for a casual lunch or an afternoon of errands. The multi-coloured scarf, which introduces a bit of pink and orange, pulls all the elements together beautifully and adds a little bit of playfulness.  A blue bag grounds the colour palette.

The Colourful One

This look is so much fun. A multi-coloured sweater or blouse in bright, happy shades paired with white jeans is bold without trying too hard. White keeps it cohesive while the top gets to be the star. The woven macrame handbag adds texture and an artisan quality that feels intentional and individual. This outfit says: I’m having fun. The baseball cap is the punctuation mark! Vibrant, creative and completely at ease.

The Key to Making it Easy

Styled with intention and a little creativity, a single great piece, like our Lois jeans, can carry you through every mood and occasion. Wearing what brings you joy is always the right answer, and we have an inspiring selection at Sassyfras to make choosing easy. Stop by the boutique and see for yourself! 

Sassyfras Boutique is located inside Eising Greenhouses and Garden Centre.

Christmas Gift Buying Made Easy

By Ava Green

The Eising Holiday Gift Guide has become a popular tradition, and this year, I asked staff members to share their favourite gifts. We have some great picks to brighten anyone’s holidays: family, friends, teachers, hosts/hostesses, the cat sitter, the dog sitter - anyone you would like to wish a Merry Christmas to!

Everlasting Decorations

What looks good every year? Everlasting decorations! Kirsten’s favourites are natural wreaths with just a bit of an embellishment. Elegant, timeless and oh-so-festive!

An ornament from our Giving Tree is Arlene’s choice because she can gift the beautiful glass cardinal, and the proceeds go to the local toy drive. Now that’s a gift that keeps on giving!

We also have lots of beautiful everlasting garlands, and Lindsey’s favourites: holiday-themed decorative containers to choose from. These festive plant pots transform any houseplant into a Christmasy gift or are perfect for holding other treasures if you’re creating a gift basket. 

Fresh Greenery

There’s an entire team of decorators, no…creators, no….elves, no…very talented staff members who spend the holiday season making the most beautiful urns, planters, and fresh greenery centrepieces. Donna and I are holding two of our favourites. Mary stopped making festive urns just long enough for this photo to be taken! She really pours her heart into it.

Tropicals, Holiday Plants, and Bulbs

As always, Courtney has a phenomenal selection of tropical plants to choose from. Do not ask her which one is her favourite. Trust me. Too many to count.

Ely is hoping for some gardening tools under the tree this year, and what gardener couldn’t use an array of trowels?!

Lori is ready for a party with her favourite hostess gifts - Amaryllis bulbs. Apparently, the Grinch likes plants, too. Who knew? Cindy Lou Who, possibly, and Lori.

Sassy Fashion

Donna is wearing and holding some of her favourite clothes, jewelry, accessories, and products from Sassyfras Boutique inside Eising Greenhouse. Yes, she has many favourites. In her defence, who can pick just one thing from Sassyfras?! Not us.

For Your Favourite People!

Finally, this is THE most flexible item in the guide, our Eisings gift card. It can also be the perfect solution for the person who has everything already and is hard to buy for. Why is this Lucas’s favourite?  Eising gift cards can be used for plants, landscaping, trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, seeds, tropicals, decor, pots, garden tools, and any other items sold in the greenhouse. And that’s not all! Gift cards can also be used for anything in Sassyfras Boutique. So many options!

Good Tidings To All!

During this season of abundance, Henry and all of us at Eisings hope you get all of your favourite things, but mostly we wish you a safe and happy holiday season! ✨

How to Stay Warm and Stylish

By Ava Green

Colder temperatures are around the corner, and some of us are not looking forward to it! Whether you love winter or not, Sassyfras Boutique inside Eising Greenhouse and Garden Centre has the cozy, stylish clothes you need to look your best and stay warm all season long. 

Begin with Layers

Fall, winter, and spring can all bring unpredictable weather to our corner of southern Ontario, so layering is key. Winter is an especially good time to follow the 3-layer rule:

• A base layer keeps you dry
• A mid-layer adds warmth
• An outer layer protects from the elements

Build Your Cold-Weather Capsule Wardrobe

Creating a winter capsule wardrobe makes dressing warm and stylish easy and stress-free. Here are a few ideas to get started:

Base Layer: 

Start with a basic tee, a long-sleeve mock neck, or a long-sleeve crew neck top. Choose natural fabrics that wick moisture and keep you dry. 

Tights or leggings make a great foundation under dresses or pants for added warmth. 

Mid Layer:

For warmth, add a sweatshirt, a crewneck sweater, a v-neck sweater, or a turtleneck. 

If you’re stopping at two layers, choose a chunky knit or oversized sweater for a cozy statement look.

On top of your tights or leggings, try a faux-suede skirt, faux-leather pants, wide-leg trousers, jeans, or a dress, maybe even a comfy sweater dress. 

Outer Layer:

Top it all off with an eye-catching outer layer! Try a bomber jacket, blazer, faux-fur jacket, puffer vest or jacket, or a trendy coatigan for warmth and style.

Accessorize to Elevate Your Look

What makes an outfit really stand out? The accessories! At Sassyfras, you’ll find everything you need to complete your winter look.

From belts (perfect for cinching a blazer or dress) to trendy handbags, classic tote bags, sunglasses, and a wide selection of everyday jewellery, including locally made, one-of-a-kind pieces. You’ll find the perfect finishing touches that reflect your personal style.

Mix, Match and Stay Cozy

Once you’ve built your base, mid, and outer layers, the fun begins! Mix and match your pieces to create new combinations that make winter dressing simple, cozy, and chic. 

With just a few well-chosen items from Sassyfras, you’ll be ready to step out in style, no matter how cold it gets! ❄️

Most of us want to easily pull together everyday outfits without overthinking it or overspending. In reality, putting stylish clothing combos together can feel harder than it should. If you stare into the closet and can’t find anything to wear, you’re not alone! Many of us struggle to assemble outfits that feel stylish and put together.

Your friends at Sassyfras Boutique in Eising Garden Centre are here to help with 4 go-to outfit tricks that always work!

These are simple style tricks you can rely on, and they're built around versatile essentials you may already own, plus just-right combinations and accessories that pull everything together. You’ll also find new ways to assemble simple pieces to create countless outfits.

These tricks come from years of helping people in our shop to build their wardrobes. Ready to get started? Let’s make getting dressed and looking great one of the easiest parts of your day!

4 Easy Outfit Tricks

1. Get a Great Jacket

In every season, a great top layer pulls an outfit together. Invest in a jacket, blazer and coat for cool or cold weather. Wearing a linen shirt/shirt jacket, sweater, shacket, or cardigan works well for summer, spring and fall. Or you can simply drape it over your shoulders just in case temperatures dip a bit while you’re out or the A/C is a little too drafty.  

The top, jacket, and pants are from B. Young, found in Sassyfras at Eising's Garden Centre.

2. Start with a Matching Base Layer

Begin with a neutral, matching base. Easy peasy. Once you have a neutral base, add any jacket colour and accessories! One of the great jackets you’ve invested in will enhance a neutral outfit and create multiple great looks. The key is to start with a dress, or a top and pants/skirt that are similar shades. Some examples of a neutral base are: blue/faded blue, cream/beige, grey/grey, white/white, or black/black. From there, add on any colour jacket or sweater and a similar or complementary shade of bag/purse/earrings/shoes.  

Pants by B. Young. Top by Culture. Bag by LaVolta.

3. Match Your Top and Jacket

Here’s a trick you can probably achieve with the clothes that you already have! Instead of matching your top and bottom pieces, match your top and jacket or sweater. Once you put together similar neutral shades on top, you can add almost any skirt or pants and look stylish.

Jacket by Tribal. Pants by B. Young.

4. Camel Adds Class

So you’ve put your outfit together using a neutral shade for your top and bottom, or matched your top and jacket…now do you want to make your ensemble look even better? Add a touch of tan or camel, maybe even a bit of gold.  Camel colour bags and shoes go with everything and are staples for easy, classic outfits. Add some gold earrings and a pair of sunglasses, and you’re set!

Top and skirt by B. Young. Hat by Kooriginal. Bag by La Volta.

Help!

We’re here to help you put it all together. Come into Sassyfras wearing your neutral base, and we can help you find that great jacket or cardigan, handbag and accessories to go with it. Or, start from scratch and find a neutral base you can build on. And for heaven's sake, let’s make it easy to look good!

A lot of attention has been focused on buying local and shopping for Canadian-made products recently. At Sassyfras Boutique inside Eising’s Garden Centre we’ve always been proud to offer high quality Canadian fashion brands and locally made products. In a world of fast fashion, having choices that benefit our community and the environment is important to us.

There are many reasons to choose Canadian, and your choices do matter:

• Contributes towards building a thriving local fashion industry
• Keeps our economy healthy by keeping our money in the country
• Workers within Canada receive fair wages and work in safe conditions
• Garments that are designed to last, using superior materials and workmanship

Canadiana in Store

Here’s a sneak preview of a few Canadian manufacturers you’ll find in Sassyfras!

Dévia

This women’s clothing collection is made in Montreal, Québec and is eclectic and inspiring. Tops, t-shirts, blouses, cardigans, pants, and shorts are all included in their wide range of fashions.

Terrera

Ethically made with natural, earth-friendly fabrics like bamboo and organic cotton, Terrera clothing is soft, comfortable and long-lasting. Their undergarments, leggings and tops will quickly become your favourites.

La Volta Accessories 

La Volta’s handbags are fashionable and designed in Canada. Their high quality bags have plenty of personality and each unique style is named after a woman. 

Merx Jewelry

With a new collection each season, Merx has become known for staying ahead of trends, but they also manufacture classic and timeless designs. Using pure materials that are lead-free and nickel-free, their jewelry is also attractive to anyone with sensitive skin.

Proud To Be Local - Artisans and Products

Crystal McMaster

Local jewelry designer, Crystal McMaster has been creating beautiful pieces with love and care since 2005.

Jennie’s Jewelry

Local and sustainable, Jennie’s Jewelry transforms silverware into unique earrings, necklaces and bracelets. She also makes custom pieces as well!

Springknoll Farms

Made by a farming family in Haldimand County, their luxurious whipped tallow lotion is a must try.

Please drop by soon to see all the fashions and products made by talented fellow Canadians. Thank you for supporting our local business, and for choosing Canadian!

Sunny, fresh fashion trends are brightening the 2024 wardrobe landscape right now, and it is inspiring! Dreamy colours and bold florals are blooming inside Sassyfras Boutique at Eising Garden Centre. Take a look at what’s new for May and June 2024!

Bloom Boom

While there are plenty of natural colours and fabulous flowers in the greenhouses, the bold flower and foliage patterns in intense shades in Sassyfras are blooming gorgeous. Sassy floral patterns and colours are hot, hot, hot!

Flattering Frocks

Looking for a dress that you’ll want to wear all summer long? Let’s face it, nothing is cooler or more carefree on a hot day than a great dress. Check out the cheerful patterns, and a range of fabrics and fits for every occasion.

Harmonious Hues

If you've been wearing monochromatic outfits in black-on-black, try switching to pastels or the very popular primary blues available now. Pick a tone or two you love and wear it from head to toe.

Sandy Shades

For a more classic look, choose staples in neutral shades like sand, white, caramel and coffee. Layer similar colours for a polished and subdued palette that conjures images of the beach…and the coffee shop!

Keep Your Cool

Comfortable, casual and timeless, linen fabric is a popular choice for warm weather clothing. A natural fibre that’s derived from the flax plant, it’s been manufactured for thousands of years. Come in and check out the effortlessly chic brand new linen styles in store. These durable, breathable and lightweight linen creations will soon become your favourites on the hottest days of the summer.

There is something about a beautiful cozy sweater that makes cooler weather way more bearable! Layering a new sweater with clothing staples already in the closet can also breathe new life into your wardrobe, and elevate it for the changing season. It can make everything you’re wearing feel fresh again!

Year Round Sweaters

Sweaters are a great way to stay warm and fashionable all year round, especially when you invest in one made from the right stuff. At Sassyfras in Eising Garden Centre, we have Men’s and Women’s sweaters in natural fabrics like cotton, and bamboo which are great choices for several reasons:

• Natural fibres allow your skin to breathe and are less likely to cause overheating. If you’re part of the Hot Stuff club, aka menopausal, that kind of comfort is a definite plus!
• They can be warm without being too bulky.
• These materials tend to be more durable and long-lasting. They are biodegradable and more sustainable than synthetic alternatives.

Sweater Pairings

From a chunky knit to a lightweight turtleneck, there’s a sweater to go with every style and shape.

With flowy pants, a more fitted sweater that’s tucked in or cropped can balance out the silhouette of wide-leg trousers or palazzo pants.

Form-fitting slacks like leggings look great with chunky, or slightly oversized longer sweaters, tunics or cardigans.

For men, choose a casual sweater to wear with jeans or cotton pants. If you’re dressing up, try a fine-knit sweater with dress pants for a more formal outfit.

Overall, sweaters are a great way to add interest with some pattern or texture!

Layering Made Easy

If there’s a perfect outfit for days that start out cold and get warmer, or vice versa, it’s one that’s layered. While it’s easy to grab a coat and head out the door, taking a few minutes to consider the layers you’re using can make all the difference!

1. Start with a simple cotton or viscose top, a long-sleeved t-shirt, or a collared shirt. This provides some insulation and is great for moisture-wicking.
2. Add a beautiful sweater. A chunky knit, a cardigan, or a pullover. If it’s made from natural fibres, this will provide excellent warmth while still being breathable!
3. On cooler days, add a stylish outer layer like a puffy vest, a coat or a jacket. This layer can provide more warmth or water protection plus add an extra element to your outfit.

Accessories Bring It All Together

While you’re in Sassyfras doing your sweater shopping, it’s the perfect time to look for an accessory to bring your look together and make a statement! Here are some ideas to make the most of your outfit:

• For added warmth or a pop of colour or pattern, scarves make excellent accessories for sweaters.
• A stylish bag that matches the overall look and colours can bring together the theme of your sweater outfit.
• Adding a necklace can make a bold statement or instantly dress up a plain sweater.
• Earrings can add a touch of glamour, colour or fun to your sweater ensemble.
• Consider the often-forgotten hat! They can make your outfit more chic, and also keep you warm.
• Mittens or gloves can be both cozy and stylish.
• Colour-coordinated, patterned or contrasting tights are the perfect match with a sweater dress.
• Add a belt to a tunic, sweater dress or cardigan to change the silhouette or shape of your outfit.

Most importantly, experiment and try new things, have fun and find a look that is right for you!

As Summer winds down, you may find the plants that have been producing blooms for months are now slowing down, and it’s time to add a touch of fall to your gardens and décor.

Wondering where to begin?  We’re looking to nature for inspiration, and sharing our favourite ideas and tips to create your own cozy sanctuary, inside or outside.

4 Easy Steps for Fall Decorating

1) Switch It Up

Remove summer annuals and planters that are looking tired in the garden, and replace them with plants that will carry you through the fall, and cooler weather.  At Eising Garden Centre you’ll find ornamental peppers and kale, amaranth, and of course, chrysanthemums. Or, try out our very popular Porch Packages which will be available beginning September 9, 2023. Choose all the plants and pumpkins you love from the Porch Package list and create a fall mood anywhere in one swoop! Just pick it, drop it, and you’re done. How’s that for making decorating fun, fast, and easy?

2) Mimic Nature's Colours

Take your cue from what’s in the garden now. Warming colours found in nature are a sure sign of Autumn and can warm an indoor space too. Try popular muted shades of orange, moss green, coffee, turmeric, and rust.  If your style is monochromatic, and you have a display of white flowers, try adding one bright orange chrysanthemum.

3) Layer Textures - Here's How

Is there anything more inviting than a chunky knit throw on a cool autumn day?  Adding throws that are knit, or made of rich fabrics is the first step in creating a cozy sanctuary.  If you’re heading to the backyard for a gathering, bring along a basket of throws for guests. Along with a throw, add some pillows in seasonal colours and prints, like a bold plaid.  If your sitting area is neutral, or muted shades, try adding a pop of colour with a pillow to brighten things up.

Last but not least - flowers and plants bring an indoor space to life! Buy a wreath or garland, or make one, using dried hydrangea, boxwood, cedar, or any garden material that looks good right now. Adding a vase or container with dried pampas grass, and dried hydrangea or fresh flowers will enhance the natural theme and layers that you’re creating.

Layering also works for fall fashion.  It’s practical, with daytime temperatures fluctuating, but layering is what creates a great fall look. Jeans and a cozy top, layered with a shacket is perfect for Fall weather.

4) Light and Scent

Two essential and often overlooked aspects when decorating are embellished lighting, and warm, inviting scents. Fairy lights, a glass lantern and votive candle, paper lanterns, a string of bulbs, and a really beautiful candle all go a long way to adding that final bit of magic to your sanctuary.  Stick with warming, woodsy scents in your dried arrangement by adding a drop of essential oil, or when using candles. 

Another great way to add beautiful scents is to make, or warm up a delicious baked treat!  Family and friends are sure to gather when the smell of an apple pie wafts from the kitchen.  Now that everything is looking so festive, why not have a party? Coming up soon, we’ll share some fun fall activities to enjoy in the backyard or the living room.

With school back in session and summer 2020 coming to an end, now is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe for fall. Picking out some sweet new threads always seems to bring an extra little burst of motivation and pep in your step. We scoured fashion mags and trend forecasts to find out what styles are on the horizon for fall, and then carefully curated an amazing collection for the Sassyfras Boutique. Start the season off right with some of these trend-savvy looks from our Ontario fall 2020 wardrobe collection.  

The Latest In Denim

Denim will always be a timeless staple for any fall wardrobe, but the key to rocking it is making sure your style is modern and fresh! This year, we’re all about the straight leg and skinny leg styles, and we’re ditching the bootcut and baggy jeans. Straight cut jeans make your gams look long and lean, which is always a bonus! Plus, they’re easy to dress up or down, depending on what kind of footwear you go for. Skinny jeans and ballet flats or heels are a surprisingly chic combo! We just got a brand new shipment from Jag Jeans, so if you want some great quality denim that lasts, hurry over and try some on before stock runs out!

We’ve got some fabulous denim coats in store as well, and lately we’ve been seeing a lot of dresses and skirts paired up with denim coats to dress them down a bit. Lately, with fewer events and fancy occasions to attend, we don’t have as many excuses to wear our fluttery dresses and skirts, but sometimes it’s kinda fun to wear them for everyday wear! By layering a denim jacket over top, you can keep things casual, but still a little flirty and fun. 

Jewel Toned Florals

It shouldn’t come as a shock that we’re all about the floral prints—we are attached to a garden centre, after all! While we usually associate florals with spring and summer, you can still totally rock them in the fall if you choose the right colour palette. Rich, deeper colours feel more of-the-season, so instead of the typical spring pastels and vibrant summer neons, transition to jewel-toned patterns. Our A-line midi skirt by Tribal has a stunning rose print with splashes of rich plum, amber, spruce, and burgundy, overlaid on charcoal chiffon, resulting in a super versatile piece that can easily transition from day to night. 

Breezy Printed Kimonos And Overcoats

Ditch the old hoodies and worn out cardigans and try something a little more daring! Statement kimonos and patterned overcoats with geometric prints are an easy way to add some attitude and artistic flair to an otherwise casual outfit. Put on a simple pair of jeans and a black tank top, layer on our new Tribal kimono, and you’ve got yourself an effortlessly cool outfit. They pair especially well with a long, dangly necklace and a couple of stacked bracelets.   

Utility Jackets in Statement Colours

Tailored coats with an androgynous vibe are blowing up the runways right now, and we really love when those pieces feature rich, warm tones that complement your autumn wardrobe. It’ll be golden hour all day long in our new mustard jacket that practically glows in the sunlight. Though the colour is quite vibrant, it’s surprisingly versatile, and pairs well with plenty of other cute fall colours like burgundy, navy, plum, charcoal, and the two hottest colours of the season: cafe au lait and chocolate brown. 

There are so many more incredible styles coming into the store, so follow us on Instagram to catch updates on our latest looks. We’ve got fabulous designs from b.Young, Fransa, Dex Plus, Parsley & Sage, and LNBF—a comfy, casual collection featuring luxurious bamboo fabrics. Visit us in-store to see all our new stuff, plus some summer clearance items at incredible discounts! We look forward to helping you give your closet a much-deserved update.

Once summer hits and the sun is shining high, it's time to ditch the extra layers and keep our outfits simple, breezy and light—but of course, with some bright pops of colour and fun, summery prints! Now, a lot of us have been really stretching the limits of our pyjamas (er, I mean, "loungewear") lately, and while it can be nice to keep things cozy and casual, sometimes dressing up a bit can give you that extra boost to conquer the day. 

For our latest collection at Sassyfras, we wanted to curate pieces that combine the best of both worlds: comfy, easy pieces you can slip on without any fuss, but in bright colours and styles that bring a sense of energy and vibrance to your wardrobe. Here are some of our standout pieces for summer 2020!

Cotton Tank Dresses 

This piece is our secret wardrobe weapon for summer 2020! You'll never want to take it off. We love the simplicity of a cotton tank dress—these ones have subtle detailing to give them some flair, yet are still just as comfortable as a pair of sweats. On top of that, they're super versatile! Throw one on for a backyard barbecue, running errands in town, or overtop of a bathing suit for a beach day. 

Our nautical striped tank dress by tribalfemme, in a universally flattering shade of navy, has asymmetric button detailing and a not-too-tight, not-too-loose fit that flatters every figure. It lightly hugs your curves without looking too snug, for a cute and carefree look that won't feel restrictive!  

Leafy Motifs

Spring is all about the floral prints, and now that summer is approaching, we're switching it up with some fun, leafy motifs. Not everyone loves florals, so if they feel a bit too frou-frou for you, you'll love the style of palm leaf prints. They have a bit more attitude than florals, and they give off some cool tropical vibes.

Our coral palm leaf dress is perfect for hot summer nights on the patio. The material is light, and the skirt is super stretchy with some asymmetric side ruching—a super flattering feature that magically hides the tummy while still cinching the waist. Layer on some turquoise and gold jewelry for maximum impact!

Fashion For The 50+ Crowd

Navigating the summer clothing department can sometimes be tricky when you're over 50. We took extra time to pull some looks you'll love this season: modern, art-inspired pieces that are light enough for summer, so you can feel confident and comfortable without compromising your sense of style. 

For gals who are a bit wary of showing off their upper arms, we picked up some super lightweight, breathable blouses, like this fun pink tunic with wooden button details. If you prefer sleeveless, we have some gorgeous tops in colorful prints that perfectly complement a pair of solid-coloured shorts or capris. You can add your favourite accessories and pair with bright or neutral bottoms to dress the look up or down.

Bermuda shorts are always a must-have for the summer. Having a few go-to pairs in solid neutral colours like navy, black, camel and white will make it so much easier to pull outfits together because they can be paired easily with so many different printed tops. You can even dress them up to make them look semi-formal! We love the look of our cowl neck, sleeveless printed blouse over top of the slim-cut black shorts. The striking abstract art motif has kind of a 1960’s mod vibe, so if you pair it up with some silver hoops and a bit of black winged eyeliner, the look is very Twiggy-esque! 

If you're eager to get some new summer pieces to fill out your wardrobe, give us a call at the boutique! We're now open from 10–5 daily, but we’re also happy to offer private shopping appointments to ensure you the most comfortable shopping experience. We also have curbside pickup available, so if you'd like to place an order over the phone, we'd be happy to help.