When Diane Jensen and her husband made the move from Abbotsford to Naramata 11 years ago, her plan was to keep her home-based clothing business going. And maybe slow down a little.
“Now, every spring I look at the piles of stock and wonder if I’m out of my mind,” she laughs. “Then, in August, I’m scrambling to keep the racks filled.”
Such is the success story that is Shades of Living Clothing, a quaint retail shop in a tiny village that attracts streams of loyal customers.
With an eye for classic design and a taste for quality fibres, Jensen designs clothing that has a timeless look. Find the size you like and you can order on-line—in different colours and styles—knowing that you will consistently get a perfect fit. Under Jensen’s supervision, seamstresses in Naramata and Abbotsford turn her wine country designs into clothing that is both comfortable and stylish.
In addition to Jensen’s own line of linen clothing, she hand selects other lines from around the world, taking care to ensure she has exclusivity in the Okanagan.
“It is important to me that my customers know they are purchasing something unique and of high quality,” she says. “It’s the reason they keep coming back year after year!”
Of course every outfit needs accessories and Shades of Linen Clothing offers an array of jewellery, in addition to Israeli-made scarves and hats. It’s a place where customers can walk in off the beach and walk away dressed for any occasion.
~ Lorne Eckersley