Add the "wow" factor to your wardrobe with From A to Zebra, Vancouver Island's unique clothing boutiques, where fun is in fashion. At From A to Zebra, smiles are in style as you browse an eclectic selection of sophisticated designer fashions spiced with unexpected accessories and unusual gifts.

Shop here and your friends will ask: "Wow! Where did you find that?"

At From A to Zebra, you will find:

• Fun, funky or sophisticated big city boutique fashion - but only one in each size so your look will be unique to you
• Quality designer styles by Linda Lundstrom, Simon Chang, Spanner, Mexx, Crea, Sara Pacini, Sandwich, Neon Buddha, Signal, Guess?, Pure, and more
• New collections every month, in sizes ranging from 4 to 24, with special orders available
• Unforgettable yet affordable accessories: one-of-a-kind purses and shoes, jewellry, belts, scarves, shawls, hats and more
• Unexpected touches in every corner, including whimsical cards and unusual gifts
• Guaranteed smiles and unmatched service that earned the store the 2007 Sterling Award for customer service.

"We create a unique shopping experience that is fun," says co-owner Carolyn Lloyd-Smith. "At some point, when you're looking around the stores, there should be a smile on your face."

From A to Zebra has two outlets on Vancouver Island, one in downtown Nanaimo at 212 Commercial Street and one in Parksville at 155 East Jensen Avenue.

Smile-generators at From A to Zebra include the shimmering Gecko puppet perched among the hats, a multi-hued shag wool vest, opulant rhinestone-laden jewellry, irridescent throws as soft as an Angora kitten's fur, or candy-toned lace-up gumboots. There are giggle gifts: the one-size-fits-most, comfortable Hanky Panky thong panties, the Porn for Women books, with photos of men doing housework, and the

When selecting the clothes for their stores, Carolyn and co-owner Debbie Robinson look for leading edge fashion that gives you quality, value, and the ineffable style that makes your look unique. Whether in casual wear, work wear, or party wear, they choose clothes with a sophisticated, big city edge that still match your relaxed island lifestyle.

"When we buy fashion for you, we choose lines with a city edge and sophistication. We stay on the edge of what is happening in Europe and choose from the best North American lines. Our goal is casual sophistication and elegance - the look that our clients want they can find close to home in our Nanaimo and Parksville stores. They don't need to go to the big city," Carolyn said.

At From A to Zebra, all of the clothes are distinctive. There is European styling, unexpected detailing, unusual fabrics or rich colours. Recent acquisitions are Linda Lundstrom's Dupioni silk collection, soft and supple Indian shawls richly embellished with embroidery, applique and beadwork; and sumptious one-of-a-kind, handcrafted Italian leather boots by Nicole St. Louis.

In addition to name designers from around the world, From A to Zebra also stocks some locally made items, including bangle key-keeper bracelets crafted in Ladysmith and Loop Scarves made in Nanaimo.

"We are always evolving, always bringing in something new and enticing. Our name - From A to Zebra - allows us to bring in everything from A to Z. Whatever we think will delight our clients shows up on our shelves - but only in limited numbers so what you buy will be unique to you.

"We are an ever-changing emporium of exotic delights from around the world. Come and see for yourself."