Athletic wear isn’t just reserved for the gym, at least not the kind of comfortable and stylish clothing that Miranda Bryden and Reva Quam, owners of Ardith, keep stocked on the racks. Long-time friends Miranda and Reva partnered to bring the athleisure trend to Roncesvalles. They were inspired by their own athletic lifestyle and Miranda's 91-year-old grandmother Ardith, who the store is named after and who has an equal zest for staying active.
At Ardith, women who love incorporating activity into their everyday routines will find pieces that work at every moment of their schedules. “The store’s not necessarily about sportswear and gear for the gym,” says Miranda, “but pieces that are versatile and designed well, and can transition you from the gym or studio to the rest of the day.”
The boutique’s mantra, and what the owners look for when they’re shopping for products, is movement, versatility and design. Miranda and Reva are especially excited when a piece of clothing or a lifestyle item can be used in a variety of ways. Miranda can demonstrate how a tunic by Toronto-based designer Hoi Bo can be worn over a workout outfit, tucked into a pencil skirt for work or paired with leggings and heels for a night out.
“I think that’s the trend of where fashion is going,” she explains. “We don’t have time to go home and change or we don’t want to always bring another outfit in our bag.”
