THE ULTIMATE GIRLS DAY AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE CALGARY

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Happy sunny Monday, beautiful people! If it seemed a little quiet around here during the beginning of April, I was working on a few exciting projects BTS — this one included. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world being treated to The Ultimate Girls Day at SAKS Fifth Avenue with Tourism Calgary — and today I’m thrilled to share my experience with you!

After what has quite possibly been the longest winter in Calgary’s history, I’m sure we’re all in need of a little pampering — am I right ladies and gents? If you’re anything like me, spring evokes the desire to refresh your wardrobe, beauty routine and skin in preparation for the balmier weather that lies ahead. Last month, I had the opportunity to indulge in the ultimate girls day at the newly opened, 115 000 square foot SAKS Fifth Avenue located in Calgary’s CF Chinook Centre — the first location in Western Canada. And today you can come along as I share each luxurious experience and thoughtful detail — including a beautiful champagne lunch, my own private shopping suite complete with personal styling services, a diverse selection of the hottest designer labels, exclusive cosmetic, skincare and fragrance brands and an ultra pampering facial in SAKS‘ spa-like treatment rooms!

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THE ULTIMATE GIRLS DAY AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE WITH TOURISM CALGARY

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What does your ultimate girls day consist of? A nourishing lunch, a leisurely afternoon of shopping with friends, rejuvenating spa time and a glass of bubbly is just my speed. At SAKS Fifth Avenue Calgary, the girls day of your dreams awaits under one roof, thanks to an array of unique in-store experiences designed to make luxury accessible.

From a beautiful champagne lunch, to your own private shopping suite complete with personal styling services, to a diverse selection of the hottest designer labels, to exclusive cosmetic, skincare and fragrance brands, to a spa-like retreat nestled away in the heart of Chinook Centre — there’s something for everyone at SAKS Fifth Avenue Calgary. We have a jam packed itinerary this afternoon, so let’s pop over to our first appointment, shall we?

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Private Shopping Suites & Personal Styling Services

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If you’re into interior design or architecture, SAKS Fifth Avenue Calgary is worth a trip in its own right. Although I attended the Media Gala in February when SAKS first opened, the space is even more stunning than I remembered — luxe finishes, sleek furnishings and contemporary decor combine to create an inviting, upscale atmosphere.

I arrived through Valet parking available at SAKS’ west entrance and made my way to the Private Shopping Suite lounge area where I was greeted with a chilled glass of prosecco. Before my Personal Styling Services began, I was presented with the option of a light lunch or snack from SAKS’ in-house Italian restaurant, Buffo (who makes a killer charcuterie board, by the way!).

SAKS Style Advisors work with you to create a variety of outfits based on your lifestyle or event — their Personal Styling Services are available to everyone and a fantastic option for many different scenarios! Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe for a new season, searching for a special occasion outfit, embarking on a new career, wanting to feel confident as a new Mom, or simply could use some general styling assistance, SAKS Style Advisors have you covered. It was such a refreshing change of pace to be styled by an expert!

My Style Advisor, Alexandra, accompanied me to my Private Shopping Suite — which was adorned with spring-inspired pieces from the SAKS It List, Alice & Olivia (one of my favourite designers!), endless accessory options, a shoe wardrobe to die for and a beautiful assortment of patterns, materials, colours and textures.

Although I loved all the pieces Alexandra selected for me, I was instantly drawn to a stunning silk floral dress from across the room! With an onslaught of spring / summer weddings and events in the calendar this year, I was looking for a versatile, on-trend statement dress that would carry me through the season in style. As someone with fairly eclectic taste, my wardrobe truly runs the gamut — I mix high, low, mid range, vintage, new and just about everything in between! That said, Parker was a designer I wasn’t familiar with. I love discovering smaller designers and felt the Fillipa Floral Hi-lo Dress in Sangria Ivory Floral aligned with my personal style beautifully!

Because I was looking for a special occasion outfit, we teamed the dress up with a pair of Nicolas Kirkwood sandals to integrate seasonal colour trends (red and pink are huge this spring!) and completed the look with the See by Chloé Kriss Small Grained Leather & Suede Crossbody Bag to infuse a bohemian sensibility.

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Fragrance Consultation & Hand Massage at Jo Malone

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I’m an avid fragrance collector and rotate my fragrance wardrobe seasonally — but prior to my experience at Jo Malone, I was only vaguely familiar with the London-based brand. My consultation began with my Fragrance Specialist, Marie, asking me a series of questions about my preferences, then suggesting which scents she thought would best suit my taste.

Although I’m generally pretty adventurous when it comes to fragrance, as we transition into spring I tend to gravitate towards light, fresh, fruity scents — and Jo Malone’s Nectarine Blossom and Honey delighted my senses! Like many of their signature scents, it’s also available in other Jo Malone products — including their Body Crème and Home Candle.

After selecting my signature springtime scent, a hand massage with Nectarine Blossom and Honey Hand Crème followed — and it was nothing short of heavenly. If the ongoing saga of wintery conditions here in Calgary has left your hands feeling parched, treat yourself to a hand massage at SAKS’ Jo Malone counter for a little pick-me-up. You may just find your next spring fragrance in the process!

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Facial with Sisley at the SAKS Treatment Rooms

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As someone who’s very passionate about skincare, I was excited to learn more about Sisley — a luxury Parisian brand exclusive to SAKS with a focus on plant-based products formulated for sensitive skin. My experience began with a skincare consultation in the Sisley ‘shop’ — which is more like a gorgeous boutique rather than a traditional department store counter! Nestled away in the back corner of SAKS adjacent to the treatment rooms where spa services are performed, I spoke privately with my Skincare Expert about my skin, the results I wished to achieve and which products would be right for me.

After my consultation, I was whisked away to SAKS’ tranquil, spa-like waiting area (a total a hidden gem!) where I was treated to sparkling water as I relaxed in a plush robe. I promptly settled onto a comfortable bed in my treatment room, dressed with crisp white linens and cozy blankets. As my facial began, my Skincare Expert removed my existing makeup (you have the option to keep your eye makeup on if you like!), cleansed and toned my face and massaged Sisley’s products into my skin to help stimulate blood flow — and I nearly fell asleep! By the time my facial had finished I was completely relaxed, fresh face and ready for my final SAKS experience.

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Makeup Application with By Terry

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I took comfort in knowing that SAKS expert Beauty Advisors are available for Makeup Application Services after your facial (they also specialize in makeovers!), so you can go about your day looking and feeling your best. My last stop of the afternoon was the By Terry counter — another SAKS exclusive brand that this beauty junkie had yet to explore!

I’ve blogged about beauty extensively over the past 3 years, and while it’s safe to say I’ve explored the vast majority of cosmetic brands, By Terry was always a difficult one to get my hands on here in Calgary as it hails from across the pond. Beauty lovers rejoice — we now have By Terry easily accessible at SAKS Fifth Avenue Calgary!

My Beauty Advisor, Annika, began by giving me a By Terry crash course — where I learned about the brand’s history, philosophy and bestselling products. After our consultation, she proceeded with a fresh makeup application so I could see and feel the products in action. Makeup always applies best over a fresh canvas, so I’m sure the results of my Sisley facial had something to do with it — but By Terry products are also enriched with anti-aging skin care benefits. As the makeup application took shape, I was surprised at how flawless my complexion looked!

Annika finished the look with one of By Terry’s bestselling Liquid Lipsticks, the Terrybly Velvet Rouge in Cappuccino Pulse — which she selected to compliment my skin tone and outfit. And with that, my makeup application was complete and I was ready for the rest of the evening — with a few bags of spring fashion, beauty and skincare goodies in tow!

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I hope you enjoyed coming along with me today to experience the ultimate girls day and a taste of the unparalleled luxury SAKS has to offer! As a shopping enthusiast, I’m elated to have SAKS here in Calgary and I can’t wait to plan another trip with family and friends. If this post inspired you to experience SAKS Fifth Avenue Calgary for yourself, you can book your ultimate girls day now — simply by calling (403) 440-2100.

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Disclaimer: It was a pleasure partnering with Tourism Calgary to create this content for VisitCalgary.com, where this article originally appeared. This post contains my genuine thoughts, ideas and recommendations. JustineCelina uses affiliate and referral links, which allow me to receive a small commission when you make a purchase through one of my links. Thank you for supporting the brands and businesses that support JustineCelina.com!