September 17, 2020
By: Emilie Lapointe
For me, a new season means it’s time to refresh my wardrobe by donating some items I no longer need and adding some new pieces. Now that masks are part of our daily lives, it only makes sense to get a few different options and incorporate them into our outfits. It’s a whole new way of self-expression and there are designs and unique patterns for everyone.
I don’t want to limit myself to the disposable blue masks that reminded me of getting my teeth scraped at the dentist, so I decided to get creative while supporting local businesses and artisans.
Check out my list below of where to buy fun face masks in Oakville – I’ve included both brick and mortar stores as well as locals running businesses online!
EcoFillosophy – 100 Bronte Rd #10
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFCgg9wBlhV/
EcoFillosophy is a beautiful zero-waste store right next to Bronte Harbour. Upon entering, you’ll be confronted with some intoxicating smells reminiscent of a day at the spa (you can smell them even with a mask on!) They encourage a waste-free lifestyle as much as possible, which means the use of reusable washable masks rather than disposable ones. They have several varieties when it comes to sizes, styles and patterns. There’s the 3D mask (perfect for glasses wearers), adjustable cup masks (one version comes in a washing bag as a set of five) and regular cup masks with no wire. All masks are cotton and come in sizes for teens, men and women. Check out their website and social pages for more!
Price range: $20-$25
Store Hours: Monday: closed; Tuesday-Sunday open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: www.ecofillosophy.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ecofillosophy
Lakeside Livin’ – 100 Bronte Rd #2
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFCCa3vFn-y/
While taking in the harbour views in Bronte Village, make a point to stumble into what feels like an extension of the waterfront beauty at Lakeside Livin’. Owner Rose is so friendly and helpful that your visit will feel just as cozy as the unique cottage, hostess and nautical products that the store offers. Lakeside Livin’ sells cotton kids masks with various cute animal patterns. The store also sells official and authentic NHL collections with designs from every team in the NHL. These masks are breathable, offered in adult sizes and in the cup style. What better stocking stuffer for 2020 is there than an NHL mask? Masks can be purchased in-store or online and are shipped across Canada.
Bonus: All royalties made from the sales from the NHL collection before December 31, 2020, will be donated to the Canadian Food Bank!
Price Range: $9.95 for children’s mask and $39.95 for a set of three NHL masks
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday and Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: lakesidelivin.com
Phone: (905) 469-9990
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lakesidelivinhomedecor
Lana’s Boutique – 100 Bronte Rd #5
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEzYNddn5Te/
Lana’s Boutique is a women’s wear store in Bronte Village that hosts a line of women’s masks (men’s styles coming soon) for anyone who isn’t satisfied with a design that will blend in! Lana’s has sold over 400 masks to date, and they come highly recommended from many locals. Lana’s designs feature adjustable straps, cup styles with and without wires, embellishments, sequins and delicate lace. There truly is something for everyone. Materials vary from cotton and neoprene to Dupioni silk.
Lana’s also features a unique mask embellishment: chains! These chains come in various colours like gold and silver, and help keep your mask around your neck while looking stylish.
Price Range: Various prices with many, many styles – pop in and take a peek!
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday and Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: lanasbronte.com
Phone: (905) 847-8148
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanasbronte
Lemonwood Cashmere – 182 Lakeshore Rd E
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDqw-uonKjd/
Lemonwood Cashmere is a gorgeously curated Downtown Oakville clothing store that sells stylish and sleek 100% silk masks. These masks are perfect for day-to-day, but especially for date night! They have two breathable styles – pleated and “the ninja”. The ninja is smooth and incredibly sleek. Both styles boast adjustable straps and a variety of patterns and colours. For this season, they have many fall patterns including deep burgundy and rich blues. Shop local with these masks and you’ll be giving back to the community, as $2 from each mask purchase gets donated to the Oakville Trafalgar Hospital COVID-19 Response Fund. If your budget is higher and you’re looking for something very unique, the store has also repurposed several designer scarves, from Chanel to Prada, into masks!
Price: All masks $29 except for the designer scarf masks
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: lemonwood.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lemonwoodcashmere
Maker’s Mojo – 331 Lakeshore Rd E
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCXvyNxFABt/
Maker’s Mojo is a Downtown Oakville store that boasts exceptional products made by exceptional makers from across Canada! Their breathable masks, for example, are made by an artisan in Burlington. If you’re looking for simple well-made designs, these are worth checking out as they are sleek and will match with any outfit! They carry both pleated and cup styles (some with filters) for kids, teens, men and women. The store is beautifully curated, so I would suggest perusing before or after any mask purchase – it’s very easy to get wrapped up in here!
Price Range: $16-$18 or any five for $68
Hours: Monday closed; Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday-Sunday 11.a.m to 4 p.m.
Website: www.makersmojo.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/makers.mojo
Island View – 181 Lakeshore Rd E
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEMVVzjDVhW/
Get transported to the tropics when you step into Island View’s gorgeous saturated world. This Downtown Oakville store is filled with bright pieces from American designer Lilly Pulitzer, who is known for her floral resort wear garments. Not only is the store fun and bright, so are their masks. Masks come in packs of three with two visible designs and one mystery design in the middle. All the masks are 100% cotton and washable. The store will also be featuring cool-feel masks made of sweat-wicking athletic material come late September/early October. Perfect for all our fall Oakville hikes!
Price: $60 for a pack of three
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.to 5 p.m.
Website: islandviewlillypulitzer.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lillypulitzeroakville
Poop Café – 278 Kerr Street
If the name doesn’t entice you enough for a visit, the very affordable and fun masks will! This Kerr Village café has sizes and styles for both adults and kids, including prints from Disney to designer. Their masks are three layers and washable either by hand or in a cold water cycle!
Price: $5
Hours: Monday-Sunday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Website: www.poopcafe.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/poopcafe.ca
The Kind Matter Company – 282b Kerr St
This Kerr Village store is the perfect stop for anyone looking for affordable, sustainable, no-waste and low-waste products. It boasts sustainable living with style! They offer masks made from two layers of Bamboo cotton jersey for both adults and children in a variety of colours from burgundy to light blue, tie-dye and leopard. Purchases can be made in-store or through their website and products ship across Canada.
Price: $10
Hours: Sunday and Monday closed; Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: thekindmattercompany.com
Phone: (905) 338-2992
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thekindmattercompany
Although shops feel incredibly safe during this time, it’s still understandable that some people might not be totally comfortable shopping in-store. You can still support local by buying from local at-home artisans who sell through social media or Etsy!
I have found a couple who would love to share their work and there are many more to discover and help support during this time! Check out these locals below:
Melanie Sharma
Melanie is a lovely local stay-at-home-mom who enjoys being crafty. As a kid, she used to make her own clothes and has now broken out her trusty sewing machine to help keep locals safe with her handmade masks. She offers both pick-up and shipping. Her masks are 100% cotton, two-layers, adjustable and include a wire to help prevent fogging. Sizes are available for kids, teens and adults with fabrics that are always changing so there’s something for everyone.
Price: $12 (extra for shipping)
Email: melaniesharma@me.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/melanie.anctilsharma (can be reached via messenger for orders and she is very responsive!)
Honu by Isla
Honu by Isla is a local artisan who owns her own online business. All of her masks are made with extreme care and quality in mind. They are 100% cotton, 2-ply, machine sewn, washable and two-toned with lots of fabric to choose from! All orders can be made through a personal message via the contact information provided below or by visiting Honu by Isla’s website! Fun fact: Honu by Isla also sews doggy bandanas. Orders for matching bandanas and masks can be made so you can twin with your pup!
Price: $12.50 for pick-up or $14 shipped (using Canada Post regular mail service)
Email: honubyisla@gmail.com
Website: honubyisla.square.site
Facebook: www.facebook.com/honubyisla
Instagram: www.instagram.com/honubyisla