I’m sure we have all heard the saying “One persons trash is another person treasure”. And whilst the thought of wearing a stranger’s old clothing may appal some, it seems to be spreading like wildfire among Toronto’s west end hipsters and thrifty fashionistas looking for a steal. So, where might you begin to look for a deal on a designer handbag or 60s inspired frock? Here’s a list of 5 of Toronto’s best vintage hotspots to get you started.
1. Fashionably Yours
632 Queen St. W Toronto
http://fashionablyyours.ca
Fashionably Yours claims to be the first ever boutique of its kind in Toronto. Specializing in designer apparel, the store frequents brands like Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Marni and Miu Miu, to name a few. With the motto, “Buy it, Wear it, Sell it!” They are continually offering new products which are showcased on their blog. Fashionably Yours takes things a step beyond the average retailer by offering services including, full image makeovers, wardrobe consolation, personal shopping and a closet overhaul- where style consultants will visit you at home and help you “purge” your closet.
2. LAB Consignment/Silver Falls Vintage
15 Ossington Ave.
http://www.labconsignment.com/
http://silverfallsvintage.blogspot.com/
Located in the west end on the corner of Queen W and Ossington, LAB Consignment is a brand new vintage store, strategically attached to Silver Falls Vintage. While Silver Falls is a more moderately priced and widely accessible, carrying items such as Calvin Klein denim jackets and 50s feather head pieces, LAB could be considered its upscale counterpart, offering higher end, designer merchandise as well as an online shopping option.
3. Revival Couture
363 Eglinton Ave. W
http://www.revivalcouture.com/
Vintage clothing is also a great way to promote an environmentally friendly way of living. Revival Couture, whose mission is “To help protect the earth by re-thinking, re-vamping and re-discovering salvaged items and reviving them to stylish couture for like minded individuals.” They know that shopping vintage has some eco friendly perks. And they don’t stop at clothing either, carrying a wide array of home furnishings Revival makes it easy to incorporate vintage into many aspects of your life.
4. Black Market Vintage Clothing
255a Queen St. W
http://www.blackmarkettoronto.com/home/home.php
While you’re not apt to find Gucci or Hermes at Black Market, you may luck out on some silk screened vintage t-shirts, which make up a large part of their inventory. A trip down into the basement of Black Markets Mega Warehouse hold not only T’s but a variety of merchandise including totes, hoodies, buttons and patches, (not to mention I once found a rack of “Christmas sweaters”). Whatever your looking for your bound to find some rockin’ deals.
5. 69 Vintage Clothing Company
1100 Queen St. W
http://www.69vintage.com/
69 Vintage offers a moderate price point, affordable for most, but still carries a lot of great and unique merchandise. Not to mention that if you don’t find what you’re looking for downstairs (though highly unlikely) you can make your way upstairs where the remnants of an old house, complete with kitchen and bedroom, have been renovated into independent vintage retailers, each with their own style of merchandise. The store was also featured in Much Music’s show, “My Date With...” where two Ke$ha fans accompanied her to 69, claiming it was one of her favourite places to shop in Toronto.
Next time you decide to hit the mall try checking out some of Toronto vintage stores that seem to be flourishing all over the city. You just may find a diamond in the ruff.
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