Dearest Gentle Reader…
Forgive me as Lady Yosidown was deep in midterms, but I’m thrilled to be back with another edition of the Asper Scoop! Now that midterms are mostly behind us and Reading Week is here, we finally have a chance to recharge and tackle the rest of the semester with fresh energy. The weather’s still strangely warm, so I’ve been trying to soak up the sunshine while I can (without spiralling into worry about global warming and the looming climate crisis). So get outside and enjoy the warmth while it lasts!
Aside from stressing over climate change and the U.S. election results, I’ve been preparing a splendid read for you. In this month’s edition of The Scoop, we’re sharing our best tips for saving on expenses during interview season, along with some fun ideas to make the most of your Reading Week.
Without further ado, I present to you the November edition of the Asper Scoop: Look Good, Feel Good
Dress to Impress
As we reach the halfway mark of the fall semester, interviews, networking events, and case competitions all start to sneak up on you and before you know it you are trying to jam yourself into a suit you haven’t touched since high school graduation. As our knowledge and wisdom grow at Asper, so do our bodies, often forcing us to update our wardrobes. But buying new business attire every interview season isn’t always practical, so I’m here to offer some tips and resources to help you save money while still looking polished and ready to take on corporate Canada one Excel sheet at a time
The first suggestion is thrift stores. While thrift stores have increased in price in the past few years, it’s still a significantly cheaper and eco-friendly alternative to buying new. Thrift stores are full of matching suit sets for men and women, offering plenty of variety. The best part about shopping at a thrift store is that each piece is unique—chances are no one else will be rocking the same look. It’s a great opportunity to break away from the standard grey and navy suits, adding a bit of personality through texture, colour, or style.
Another way to minimize spending is to rent a suit. If you only need a suit for one event in the near future, investing in something you won’t need long-term might not make sense. For those not quite ready to commit to a purchase, renting allows you to look sharp and professional when needed. Once you land a job or have regular occasions to wear suits, it may be worth buying a suit set. Until then, why risk being stuck with a suit you don’t need when you can simply rent one?
Thrifting isn’t for everyone; some individuals prefer specific brands or higher quality. In such cases, renting a suit is an excellent alternative. Although renting isn’t the cheapest option, it remains one of the most cost-effective ways to attain a high-quality look that boosts your confidence.
If you are interested in renting a suit, start by visiting a rental location (Moores) or scheduling a fitting, where a specialist will take your measurements and help you choose a style that fits the occasion. Rental packages often include additional options like shirts, ties, and other accessories. You’ll pick up the suit a couple of days before your event to ensure the fit is just right, and after wearing it, simply return it. Most rental services handle the cleaning. Another thing to note is that rental orders take time to process so give yourself around a 6-week lead time if you plan on renting a suit for a specific occasion.
I recognize that many of my readers may not require full suits. There are plenty of stores across Winnipeg that offer affordable business professional attire in individual pieces. RW&Co provides a wide selection of professional clothing at competitive prices. Additionally, Topman at The Bay offers stylish professional attire and frequently runs sales throughout the year. For those seeking suit sets at accessible prices, Alain Dupetit is an online suit retailer with options starting at just $80. For women, local boutiques like Anne Mulaire and Style Bar offer individual pieces that are perfect for creating a polished look. Together, these stores provide a variety of options ensuring you’ll look sharp for any occasion.
Sometimes, all your clothes need is a little adjustment. When your garments fit perfectly, it boosts your confidence and it shows in your overall demeanour. Local tailors like Avenue Tailors, Sewing by the Yard, Alterations by Robert, Pinnacle Tailoring, Morris Tailors, and Rita’s Alterations offer quality alterations at reasonable prices. Whether you’re adjusting items you already own, new pieces, or even thrift store finds, a good tailor can help you achieve a flawless fit. With the right alterations, no one will ever guess that your outfit came from a thrift store!
Navigating your wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank or compromise your style. Whether you choose to explore thrift stores, rent a suit for a special occasion, or invest in individual pieces from local retailers, there are numerous ways to build a professional wardrobe that suits your needs. And don’t underestimate the power of tailoring; even small adjustments can make a significant difference in how you feel and present yourself. With these tips and resources, you’ll be ready to face any challenge your way, looking fierce and sharp.
5 Things To Do This Reading Week
The week we’ve all been counting down to is finally here. Every semester, we eagerly await this break, but by the time it rolls around, the midterms are (mostly) behind us, and we’re left thinking, “Now what?” Honestly, I could have used this break two weeks ago, but not as much now. But fear not dear reader, I’m here to help you make the most of your Reading Week with some ideas to keep you from falling into the trap of endless doom-scrolling, something I’ve perfected over the years.
Visit Winnipeg’s Museums
Reading Week is a great time to explore Winnipeg’s amazing museums! If you’re looking for something unique, check out the Manitoba Museum Planetarium. They’re running a live guided tour of Manitoba’s summer night sky throughout November, so you can sit back and let an expert take you on a journey through the stars and constellations. It’s an awesome way to escape for a bit and get lost in the beauty of space. Plus, Winnipeg’s museums have something for everyone. If you’re into art, stop by the Winnipeg Art Gallery, home to one of the largest Inuit art collections in the world, or visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights for thought-provoking exhibits and incredible architecture
Cheer on Winnipeg’s Teams
Looking for some serious hype this Reading Week? Winnipeg’s teams are on fire right now! The Jets are sitting at the top of the standings, and the Canada Life Centre is buzzing with excitement—there’s nothing like cheering them on with a crowd full of fans. Plus, the Blue Bombers are in the playoffs and pushing for another Grey Cup win on November 17! Whether you’re shouting for the Jets or rallying with Bomber fans, it’s the perfect way to soak up the city’s energy and feel that Winnipeg pride.
Support Local
Reading Week is the perfect excuse to check out some of Winnipeg’s awesome local shops! Head to Tiny Feast in the Exchange for beautiful stationery and unique home decor. If you love vintage treasures, Ragpickers are a must for cool, unique clothes and accessories. And for book lovers, check out Willow Press—a charming, independent bookstore with a thoughtfully curated selection of reads you’ll love browsing through. Supporting local businesses feels great, and you’ll discover some real gems along the way!
Try New Study Spots
If you’re getting a little tired of your usual study spot, why not switch it up this Reading Week and check out some of Winnipeg’s cozy coffee shops? Small Mercies in the Exchange is a hidden gem with great coffee and a laid-back vibe perfect for getting work done. Seven Café on Wall has a relaxed atmosphere, great for focusing while enjoying a delicious drink. Another great spot is Little Sister, offering a cozy ambiance and fantastic coffee. Exploring these local spots is a fun way to keep things fresh and productive!
Those are just a few of the many ways to spruce up your Reading Week. As much as we all want to just rot in bed for the next 7 days, I encourage you to challenge yourself and try something new this week. Winnipeg is full of art, history, and culture, and now you’ve got the time to explore it. Make the most of Reading Week before you’re back in the school grind, already wishing for another break just like this one!
See You Next Month <3
And with that, we wrap up our November edition of The Asper Scoop! To my lovely and loyal readers, Thank you!! I truly appreciate it, and stay tuned for next month’s edition!
Pookie Out ✌️