Jessica Rose, a new addition to the Distillery District 's ever-growing troop of retail stores, is a cozy space with ultra high ceilings and exposed brick walls painted a rustic white. The tall windows, framed with forest green panes, let in plenty of sunshine for the plants by the entrance. But, it's not the picturesque decor that separates Jessica Rose from the rest - it's the collection of colourful clothes that line the boutique on silver hang bars and waterfall racks.

Jessica Rose's namesake label takes the basic staples of every woman's wardrobe and reimagines them into figure-flattering investment pieces. This season, she's featuring the double-layered dress: a simple, body-hugging tank dress ($119 - $139) meant to be worn with a flowy peplum top ($129 - $139), both of which are available in various lengths, colours, and cuts. At first glance her garments are nothing out of the ordinary, but after popping one on in the change room, I instantly realized the amount of time and thought behind each design.

Made from bamboo jersey and a hint of spandex, the fabrics are not only super soft but comfortable and breathable as well. They don't have any horizontal seams, so every vertical stitch has a specific function in downplaying or accentuating womanly curves. The finishes are as clean as they come, resulting in a high-quality clothing article meant to last many a Sunday brunch or night out on the town.

In addition to her carefully crafted garments, Jessica makes it a point to also carry accessories that speak to her philosophy - items that are aesthetically beautiful, flawlessly constructed, and all-around practical. Pare umbrellas ($75), made in Japan, are endearingly patterned and unlikely to flip inside out (and cause embarrassment/dampness). Cocorose London foldable flats ($75-$130) are full leather and come in 6 colours, making them the perfect shoe for ladies on the go.

Acanthus Jewellery is elegant and dainty; handmade in Portland from 14k gold, sterling silver, and semi-precious stones. My favourite is the hand painted locket dangling from a thin, understated chain ($100).

All in all, Jessica Rose's timeless fashions and outsourced brands make up quite the elegant (and useful) package. And, although everything from the setting to the aesthetic is simple, the last thing this shop's lacking is character.

Photos by Morris Lum