CTY Blog

Foundation, Foundation, Foundation!

Posted on June 17 2021

Every great event, fab outfit, special top, even your jeans and tee shirt deserve it! What are we talking about...?

You guessed it, we’re talking about bras today…

It’s so important to give yourself the treat of a well-fitted, up-lifting, feel-good bra. Whether it’s an underwire bra, a sewn and stitched marvel, one without underwire, a bit of a lining, a bit of a push-up…the options are endless, and the decision and choices are always yours, but it is definitely time to “make time” to invest in yourself and “get fitted”! [...]

Hot Weather, Cool Clothes!

Posted on June 10 2021

If you’re like me, although I just love it, I don’t handle it too well.

But I know, we all can’t wait for it to arrive. We’re sick of the grey and we don’t want more rain, but please, please, don’t let it get too hot!

I’m a sissy in hot, sticky weather. Can you relate?

I was saying to Gil that maybe we should get air conditioning… or a heat pump…a bit of an oxymoron I know - heat pump and air conditioning - but you know what I mean. 😊

So with hot weather in mind, we have some great selections and fabrics to show you! [...]

It's Sandal Weather!

Posted on May 20 2021

We get lots of questions at the shop about when and where to wear sandals, what style should I be wearing, and even what size should I look for?

First, let’s start with size. It isn’t that unusual to go up a size in your sandal… Remember that an enclosed shoe holds your foot into your shoe, where a sandal lets your foot ‘spread’ out a little. I always laugh a little in September when we are all out looking for new shoes and it seems like our feet have grown. “Hey, I didn’t know my feet have gotten bigger!” Actually, it’s more because we have been wearing unrestrictive sandals and they haven't been in the usual, enclosed design. Our feet have a little more freedom in sandals so embrace it! 😉 [...]

The Weather Says Otherwise, but We Say Bring On Spring!

Posted on February 15 2021

Hello to everyone! Well, here I am again, and we are here for you, albeit new and different times! Spring is around the corner, although here in British Columbia, on sunny Vancouver Island, it’s not so sunny today. Snow flakes are flying and the temperature has dipped to an unusual minus 4. [...]

A Note From Sandy

Posted on October 27 2020

Life is sure different right now! As the owner of this fabulous business I thought I’d take the time to answer some of your questions here and let you know how we are doing. I get asked these questions every day. Questions like... Are you OK? How are you doing? Are people coming into the store? And usually followed up with… We’re so glad you are open! [...]

Beach Time in Oceanside

Posted on August 12 2020

It’s beach time in Oceanside. Time for swimming, water sports, tanning, relaxing and people watching. Even when we have a late summer, it’s usually followed by a beautiful fall. Mother Nature does not disappoint on Vancouver Island. [...]

Frank Lyman Denim!

Posted on August 05 2020

Super cute video of Frank Lyman denim coming soon to Close To You!

Summer Has Arrived!

Posted on July 23 2020

Our craving for warmth and sunshine is finally being fulfilled. A little later than usual but it never disappoints. It’s time for wearing sun dresses with large brim hats and versatile totes.

This ‘Tango Mango’ dress is shown with a blue ‘Memories’ sun hat and ‘Frank Lyman’ tote.

The ‘Tango Mango’ brand has been a popular choice for sun dresses because the rippled material design will virtually make all women look great. It shows off the curves without showing any bulges. They are so versatile, [...]

VARIETY is the Spice of Life!

Posted on June 26 2020

Variety in our wardrobe will give us a daily new outlook as we venture into summer after months of staying home. We will become busier than ever, anxious to get out of the house while we continue to maintain our social distancing. It will be a summer of Staycations – Destination BC.

Think of it this way – ample variety in our wardrobe will give us a brand new ‘go to’ or ‘anything goes’. Take a closer look at these ‘Soft Works’ tops in cheerful colors of Candy, Aqua, Lime and Blue. We all have basic black and white pants and capris; just pick your favourite colors, get two or three tops and you’ll be good to go [...]

PATTERNS Will Cheer You Up!

Posted on May 16 2020

The good news in spring fashions is that patterned tops, pants, dusters and dresses are in like never before, just in time for raising our spirits to feel alive again. The new vivid colors are like a ray of sunshine, guaranteed to make us smile.

We’ve all had our moments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of us have coped reasonably well but our lives have not been normal lately. We need a few things to cheer us up a little.

The best news I’ve heard lately is that Close to You is reopening soon! [...]

A World of Sandals

Posted on April 24 2020

Sandy opened her new store on Corfield Street because she wanted a store large enough to accommodate a comprehensive shoe department. She was looking forward to stocking this new department with the best shoes, boots and sandals made in the world today and her goals have been realized, combining high fashion and comfort.

Our store needs to stay closed a little longer due to the COVID-19 crisis so that our staff and customers will stay safe, but we can certainly show you some pictures of the wonderful spring stock of sandals waiting for you. [...]

SMILE… It’s a Whole New World!

Posted on April 12 2020

What is it that makes us smile? What lifts our spirits when things are not quite right? It’s finding joy in seeing something we just love, discovering the perfect color we’ve been looking for and finally ‘the purchase’ to call it our own.

We’d like to show you some beautiful new Zsiska jewelry in our store, just waiting for you to be able to come in again, in-person, to see these with your own eyes. Hopefully, Sandy will be able to open the store again soon. I know she misses all of you. In the meantime, we are keeping you posted via Facebook, Instagram, online shopping and blogs on our website.

So – sit back and enjoy the show… [...]

A Spring Bouquet of Fashion

Posted on March 14 2020

Each piece of clothing has its own unique design and color, just like the flowers in your garden. When you mix the right flower combination, you have a beautiful bouquet. Try this concept when choosing your wardrobe.

Sandy is a master at putting different brands together as she demonstrates by choosing Crystal’s striking outfit: black and white print ‘Up!’ pant with a red top and black blazer by ‘Joseph Ribkoff’. [...]

Pastels Dominate the First Spring of a New Decade

Posted on February 24 2020

It was a chilly day when I stopped in at Close to You, but when I saw the pastel colors for this season, I immediately felt a wonderful sensation of warmth, sunshine and general well-being.

The yellow or citron color is making quite a fashion statement kicking off this spring. There are various shades ranging from lemon to mustard yellow. [...]

The 2020’s Fashion Decade Begins…

Posted on February 11 2020

Crisp white shirts by Foxcroft, with a Joseph Ribkoff striped blouse shown in the centre – don’t ever need ironing.

The research and new technology that’s come along in the past 20 years is paying big dividends to consumers starting off this decade. If you hate ironing as much as I do, you’ll appreciate the many wrinkle free fashions available.

New fabrics, environmentally friendly detergents, shorter gentle-washing cycles all contribute to saving cost and the environment. Dryers use only low heat and mother nature is drying our clothes when we ‘hang to dry’. This is all enhancing the effort to save our planet. [...]

Traveling to a Warmer Place…

Posted on January 27 2020

Dress smart for that plane trip, you’re not there yet and still need to wear some comfortable, warm clothes for traveling. It can be cool on the airplane and you may want to sleep a little.

Sympli, Frank Lyman and Joseph Ribkoff fill the bill on all three requests. These brands don’t wrinkle, are warm and breathable and the right style will feel like wearing pajamas, so you can have your nap comfortably.

After our snowstorms many people are planning a winter get-away. When we decide on last minute trips to hot spots, the next thought is where can I buy shorts, wraps and a new bathing suit this time of year?

That’s what I like about Close to You. They sell bathing suits year-round and all the accessories that come with it. [...]

Fling Yourself Into Some Bling…

Posted on December 31 2019

Bling is in! Do you want a little bling? Why not choose a glamorous jumpsuit? Or do you want to make a splash with this sparkling statement in seasonal red?

2020 is not only a new year, it’s a new decade. Reach out to a new beginning. Be the woman you’ve always wanted to be. Step out of your box and let yourself shine.

New Year’s Eve is the time for glitter. You don’t have to be going to a fancy restaurant to wear it either. I’ve been in places where I’ve seen the most amazing sequin dresses along side people wearing jeans. It’s OK! Anything goes on New Year’s Eve. [...]

Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas…

Posted on December 17 2019

To have a rhinestone watch like this one would make any woman feel very special!! (Give your man a hint.)

The clock is ticking….. Christmas is sneaking up on us far too quickly. The month of December just seems to run a marathon. First, we look forward to the various craft sales and Christmas markets, attend our favourite fund-raisers, take in special events where we are sure to see our friends and of course, the ‘one on one’ luncheons with a few of our best friends.

When does a person ever have time to shop and get the house ready for our own family and the company we’ve invited? I love going to Close to You, a store that offers many options or does the thinking for me. [...]

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