Devour Local Designers

Nourish your need for all things local by supporting independent Canadian designers and retailers

So we’ve stocked our kitchens and stuffed our bellies with local goods, but now what about our closets? As more and more Torontonians adopt the locavore lifestyle by eating only locally grown or produced food, the demand for other locally derived goods is growing. The movement that encourages us to reduce our carbon footprint is starting a new trend, one that moves beyond food and into fashion. Green is becoming the new black so to speak. So why buy local, especially when there is a shiny new H&M around every corner? When you buy local you are not only keeping your environmental impact to a minimum but you are supporting emerging designers as well as other local industries. If that hasn’t got you loco for local consider the accessibility to unique, one-of-a-kind pieces – you won’t be seeing this stuff twice on the streets of Toronto (unlike that mass produced piece of costume jewelry you own.) Make room in your wardrobe because Toronto is full of independent designers and retailers. Here’s where to get started:

Shopgirls

Located in the trendy Parkdale neighbourhood, Shopgirls’ gallery-like boutique showcases and sells over 50 undiscovered local and Canadian artists. Its eclectic and charming storefront (which also doubles as an event studio after hours) displays an assortment of unique pieces that include jewelry, accessories and fashion, even home décor items such as furniture and art. Both the fashion savvy as well as supporters of the indie scene will be impressed by this designer collective’s collection of finds. Be sure to check out their covetable selection of Yoga Jeans by Second Denim. Retailing for around $110, Yoga Jeans are noted as being the comfiest jeans on the market and have been seen on the likes of Halle Berry and Jessica Simpson.
(Check Shopgirls out at 1342 Queen Street West, shopgirls.ca)

Freedom Clothing Collective

Tucked in along Bloor, west of Ossington, Freedom Clothing Collective offers an eclectic assortment of arts and crafts, clothing and jewelry and a fine tuned selection of reworked vintage. The store, which is run by a group of local artists and designers, focuses on selling local and sustainable goods that possess a huge amount of creative flair. With ecologically and economically friendly creations by over 60 designers from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver and items constructed only from recycled and renewable fabrics and materials, Locavores have made this their favourite fashion spot for over five years. Functioning as an event space, design studio and sales floor the small boutique also hosts monthly art shows and clothing swaps. Stay tuned, as design workshops in silk-screening, knitting, life drawing and other creative mediums will soon be offered.
(Shop eco at 939 Bloor Street West, freedomclothingcollective.com)

Pho Pa

Another west end gem, Pho Pa proves to be anything but (a faux pas that is). Here, the fashion forward and the sustainable savvy can mingle and shop harmoniously. The modern, nature-inspired décor is reflective of the fashion forward Canadian designed pieces that are hung and folded on suspended wood and metal fixtures. The space, lined with a northern chic ambiance, is chalked full with fabulous Canadian made goods like clothing, handbags, jewelry and belts. Canadian labels such as Dinh Bá, House of Spy, Juma, Dagg and Stacey and over a dozen local designers sell at reasonable prices. Young professionals won’t have to break the bank in order to purchase a new outfit, nor will students who choose to pick up a few splurge worthy pieces. Just remember that a sustainable splurge is guilt-free! If you aren’t sold on local designers yet, a trip to Pho Pa will surely change your mind.
(Dress in designer at 698 Queen Street West, phopa.ca)

Also Check Out

• Fresh fashions from Fresh Collective at 692 Queen Street West, freshcollective.com
• And its sister store in Kensington, Fresh Baked Goods at 274 Augusta Avenue, freshbakedgoods.com
• Rock-n-roll inspired designs from Damzels in this Dress at 1122 Queen Street East, damzelsinthisdress.com
• Custom jewelry from Made You Look at 1338 or 1273 Queen Street West, madeyoulook.ca
• Finely styled smart-casual pieces from Comrags at 654 Queen Street West, comrags.com
• FashionCan provides local shopping at your fingertips, visit fashioncan.com

Out with the old, and in with the vintage

Toronto’s finest in vintage clothing and accessories

Foxy Lady

Foxy Boutique is Toronto’s best kept secret for the woman who loves a sexy and cheap pair of heels and unique quality wear. To this season’s hottest trend, the thigh high boot to your everyday pumps. Foxy’s inventory is stocked with surprises which are worth picking through. Classy and elegant, Foxy’s price range is more affordable than those if the Queen West vintage shops, bartering is also very common. The racks are always packed with fashionable finds and the owner Michelle Bickle, who is very knowledgeable, can always help you pick out that perfect addition to your wardrobe. For the her regulars, Bickle will even set aside pieces that she thinks will suit your needs.

Walk on the wild side

For the eclectic shopper, 69 vintage is a fun alternative to the run of the mill vintage shop. Open concept and spacious, this designer hub carries a wide selection if vintage goods that range from $50 to nothing over $150. 69 vintage also carries a variety of men’s goods from button downs to accented suit jackets. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable. Devoted to personal attention, they also provide onsite alterations and stunning rent only pieces. Located in the heart of the Queen West art and design district, 69 vintage is situated in prime real estate. 69’s assortment includes a vast variety of dresses as well heels and boots.

Top floor digs

This Dundas street haven is a staple for the intrepid fashionista who loves the designer wears. From Vivienne Westwood pieces to Ungaro, Apartment 909 is fully stocked with gorgeous pieces that are worth the extra buck. Owned by Japanese artist and designer Daijiro Hama, the store carries a variety of pieces from all over the globe that are carefully picked by Hama himself. With every piece a tag is attached with a knowledgeable description of the product. You really do feel like you are purchasing something one of a kind. Located at the ever expanding Dundas strip, 909 holds its own as the fore front of vintage fashion. Despite only being open for two years, Apt 909 has amassed a following among designers and clothing lovers alike.

What’s in your Bag!

Think back to the scene in Mary Poppins when Julie Andrews pulls everything from a lamp to a plant out of her bag, it impressed the children, and perked the interest of the viewers everywhere. Women will always put as much in their bags as they can. Whether it’s a clutch or a tote the bigger the bag, the more you will carry. So how do you keep yourself organized when your Mary Poppins tote is overloaded with items?

Categorize
When organizing your bag start by sorting out your must haves into groups. Make-up, whatever items you don’t leave the house without, this could be just a lip stick and mascara or it could include your entire make-up bag. Your essentials, everyone has items to keep themselves clean and healthy, tide-to-go, hand sanitizer, bandages, moisturizer, sunscreen, anything that you might need throughout the day. Your electronics, your camera, headphones, memory sticks, etc. Your hair items, brushes, clips, bobby pins and brush. Anything else you keep in your purse can go in their proper groups. If you have any items you use on a regular basis, Lip Gloss, gum, cell phone or iPod they can be put into their own group so you are not digging for them.

Organize
Once you have everything sorted make sure you are not carrying things you don’t need, and you have what you will require, if you are heading to work or school a day planner and pen are probably required, but if going out for a day of shopping with your friends you probably won’t need these items. You are allowed to change the items in your bag for different occasions. A good tip as well is to clean your bag out every few days; everywhere you go you pick up a new collection in your bag so throw out what you don’t need.

Compartmentalize
Once you are organized small travel bags are the perfect tool to keep things in order, using bags with different pockets helps too for smaller items. They come in an assortment of colours and designs and usually come in sets so everything in your bag can match. Try to keep the bags in different colours or shapes so you know them apart, it would be defeating the purpose to have to open 3 bags to find something. Know what you put in each bag, and try to keep them that way, your make-up bag will always carry make-up. Once all the small items are separated into bags you can add your bigger items, book, bottle or water, anything that might take up extra space.

Finalize
Organization is easy, stick to the basic rules and you can take it from your purse to every aspect of your life. The main idea is to keep similar items together, know what you need and use organizational tools. Keep it simple and it’s easier to stick too. Keeping yourself organized will help you in every aspect of your life, and your bag is the best place to start, it’s with you everywhere you go and needs to keep you ready for anything.

Why DIY?

Lucky though we are to be located in the Great White North during this current economic crisis, everyone can benefit from being a penny-pincher now and again. And with the access to fashion trends continually expanding along with advances in technology (read: online shopping for supplies of any kind via the internet), the question really is: why not DIY?

ACID WASH

Dov Charney's 80s inspired incarnations always keep us jonesing for the next perfectly executed throwback to (probably ill-advised) fun fashion moments from our childhood. And while scrunchies might be taking it a little too far, acid wash fits right in with fashion's current biker-chic aesthetic. Grab some household bleach, your garment of choice, and rubber gloves to protect your skin to DIY. Depending on what look you're going for, you also might want to pick up a squirt bottle for less liberal distribution of the bleach.

Step 1: Wet your garment. Ring some of the water out.
Step 2: Squirt or pour bleach on random areas, wherever you like, and then scrunch the t-shirt a bit to spread it around. Continue until you've achieved your desired look.
Step 3: Leave it alone and keep checking on it. When you are happy with the colour, rinse off the bleach and throw it in the washing machine for a cycle.

DISTRESSED DENIM

Distressed denim in various forms has been spotted on the likes of Katie, Reese, Rachel, and just about everyone else. And although we can find it at many different retail locations, sometimes it's nice for your wardrobe to have a more personal touch. Follow these simple steps and rip, tear, and rub your way to a new pair of perfectly on-trend jeans that won't look like anyone else's.

Step 1: Place a block of wood under the part of the denim you want to distress.
Step 2: Use a steak knife or cheese grater to create holes, tears, and simulate signs of typical wear-and-tear. Don't use scissors, as this will create a less realistic, unfrayed hole.
Step 3: Use sandpaper around pockets, knees, hemlines, or any other area that would naturally wear out faster than other areas.
Step 4: Use a sponge to lightly rub bleach around the outer edges of holes to create a faded look.
Step 5: Wash your garment.

STUDS AND EMBELLISHMENTS

We all collectively lost our minds when we first caught a glimpse of Balmain's incredible glam-rock inspired Spring 2009 collection, and the studded looks were carried right into the Fall/Winter 2009 collection, along with the collections of many other designers as well. And although we don't have access to the very softest lambskin leather or the skills of a professional atelier, we can still channel the toughness of an 80s rocker without the upwards-of-a-thousand-dollar price tag - with some basic sewing skills, a few craft accessories, and a quick stop at a couple of stores.

Step 1: Buy a basic leather (or fake leather) jacket at Forever 21, H&M, or find one second-hand.
Step 2: Select embellishments to affix to your garment. Sew, hammer, or snap studs on according to manufacturer's instructions.

Currently, the shoulders are a great location for studs, especially on blazers and leather jackets, and on jeans, be careful around the back pockets, so as to avoid looking like you were attacked by a rogue Bedazzler circa 1983. Take care in your application of studs on basic tees as well, as small or glittery pieces of any sort will look dated and cheap. Go big or go home - use larger, heavier studs, so that your garment will look like it gives you street cred rather than look like a home arts and crafts project. www.studsandspikes.com have a great selection of studs that look more hardcore than kitschy and a great selection of tools.

TIE DYE

Now that our coordination and creative abilities have evolved past the days of childhood tie-dye parties, perhaps it's time to give this one another whirl - who doesn't love having an article of clothing or accessory that you can claim full artistic responsibility for? Use dark dyes such as grey or black, or just stay monochromatic to make your piece more season-appropriate. Grab a t-shirt or similar item, rubber bands, tie dye powder, and soda ash to get started. Nowadays there are plenty of places to get tie-dye powder and soda ash, and even tie-dye kits that contain everything you need (at craft stores or online).

Step 1: Bunch your garment into a ball and bind with several elastics. Randomness is key; try not to be too specific about it. You're not trying to create the same rainbow rings of colour we did when we were kids; in order to modernize this look it has to have a more distressed, haphazard look to it.
Step 2: Soak your garment in soda ash dissolved in water for at least 20 minutes.
Step 3: While your garment is soaking, mix the dye and create the colours you intend to use.
Step 4: Do not rinse the soda ash off before applying the dye. Apply the dye to your soaked bundle in a random pattern, using spots, lines, or covering larger areas with colour.
Step 5: Place your bundle in a plastic bag for 24 hours.
Step 6: Unwrap and rinse the garment under warm running water until the water runs clear, and wash the garment right away, in the washer with warm water and liquid soap. After the first wash, your garment can be washed with other clothing items.

Walk that Shame Girl!

It’s the morning after a fabulous night of Toronto clubbing and you’ve awoken in the arms of the last night’s prizewinner. As you lie in bed reminiscing about the amazing time you had, a million thoughts run through your head.

Where am I? What time is it? Where is my cell phone? What was his name? He looks so good when he’s sleeping! --- And suddenly it hits you! Your doomed to walk the infamous ‘walk of shame’!

As most of us have experienced, the walk home in last night’s sequins and smeared make-up can be most embarrassing (especially if that morning happens to be a busy weekday!). It’s not hard to stick out like a sore thumb in your high heels and short skirt when you’re stuck in an elevator full of businessmen in their suits. So how do you avoid this shame?

The answer to looking your hangover best is the motto “be prepared”. Who knew something that was instilled on you since your Brownie Girl Guide days would come in handy during your nightclub era? Before the drinks are even poured, make sure your clutch is packed with a few survival essentials.

You won’t want to layer up when the majority of your night will be spent on a sweaty dance floor, but bare legs in the morning during the middle of winter is plain ridiculous! You’re going to need to stuff this seasons brilliant thick, knit pantyhose into your clutch. These tights will draw attention away from your high heels and keep you warm during the walk home.

You’re going to need to grab some extra bobby pins. Luckily messy hair is in style so no brushing is necessary. All you have to do is smooth away any fly-a-ways and braid your bangs to the side with a pin.

For make-up you will only need 3 things: lip balm for those chapped lips to look fresh and plump again, eyeliner to replace what ever got smeared off, and concealer to camouflage your red alcohol induced cheeks. You don’t need to over do it and you skin will appreciate the light make up compared to last nights extravagance.

What about that shinny sequin dress that looked splendid on you late last night but now seems ominous and silly to wear in broad daylight? Not to fear! That handsome man sleeping beside you is bound to own an over-sized wool sweater or dress shirt that you can slip into. Add a belt to snitch in your waist (either from his closet or maybe from your outfit last night) and your look is complete!

Now you can work that ‘walk of shame’ with your head held high! Foreign stares from strangers will no longer be looks of disapproval. Instead they might wonder, “Where did she get that great outfit?” Most importantly, if you enjoyed the alluring company of a certain significant other, don’t forget to leave your number on the bedside table!

IT'S IN YOUR GENES

5 Reasons to Get Excited About Denim Again

Jeans have come a long way since the beginning of the century. Denim has gone from being a staple in the coal miner and cowboy’s wardrobe, to a staple in the modern day fashionista’s. Even though styles have changed over the years and seasons, denim can get a little…dull. Don’t wear yourself out (just your jeans!) by looking for ways to make things interesting; here are 5 trends that go beyond the basics and make denim the hottest thing on your bottoms this season.

ACID WASH
From skinheads, to punk, the acid wash jean is a throwback to the 80’s. The acid wash trend has been spotted on celebs such as Rihanna and Kate Bosworth, and doesn’t seem to be fading any time soon. If you missed the trend the first time around, rock it this time with a pair of super high heels and a boyfriend blazer, without the big 80s hair. Find the perfect pair at Over The Rainbow.

JEGGINGS
It seems that it’s time for trends to collide when leggings and jeans come together. Since leggings became a staple in your wardrobe, how could these two wonders not get along? These super stretchy skinnies seem to be catching on, and quick. Dress your pair of jeggings up with a pair of heels, or down with a pair of tattered converse. Either way, they give your tired skinnies a break. Pick up a pair at American Apparel.

DISTRESSED DENIM
Have you been hanging out in your beat up jeans lately? Well, you’re right on trend for this season. Nothing is more comfortable than a pair of worn and torn jeans, and stars such as Katie Holmes and Lindsay Lohan seem to agree. Pair your distressed denim with a feminine top, or even a plain v-neck tee, and give your outfit a liberated, not lazy, edge. Pick a pair off the rack at Urban Outfitters.

EMBELLISHED DENIM
Who said ornaments were just for Christmas trees? Though embellishments on jeans this season aren’t quite a big as a Christmas ornaments go, they are still prominent on a downtown edgy denim style. For a wearable look, studding around the pockets is the way to make a bold, but not over-the-top 70’s disco, statement. Check out Miss Sixty’s runway look.

CALVIN KLEIN
The best way to get excited about denim is from behind. Calvin Klein, and sexy spokeswoman Eva Mendes knows that the most important view when it comes to denim is from the back. These new wonders will be on the top of your favourite fit list in no time. What makes these jeans different is a curved back yoke and pockets designed for a perfectly contoured fit – can you say instant butt lift? These jeans are part of Calvin Klein’s new Body Collection, and sell for only $100.

What`s in Your Purse?

The Little & Big Wonders That Should and Always Be In Your Bag

We’re on the move; always in a rush. Go to school, go to work, go out with friends; only come home to sleep and shower. So what things will you survive with for all of your outings and adventures? Every girls different but these are the basics of surviving a life with eight a.m to four p.m classes and work from five to ten. Here are a few things that a busy girl should always lug around with her no matter what.

Gum & Good Ol’ H2O. For those times when you work a long shift and have a date right after. This is for those times when you’re dying from dehydration because work won’t let you take a break. These are the only things that’ll keep you full when you’re starving of thirst and hunger. Unfortunately, it’s crazy how girls can haul around 2 litre bottles of water in their bags.

Lip gloss, Lipstick, or Vaseline. For those times when you don’t put anything on your face because you’re running late for class. This is for those times when your lips look chapped and brittle. This is for not being the girl with the dry lips. The Vaseline is good for removing makeup after looking like a raccoon and not being told for after a couple of hours.

Bobby pins, safety pin & a tweezer. For those times when you have a bad hair day and are constantly being looked at for what you don’t exactly know. This is for those times when you spill coffee on your shirt and try to hide the stains. This is for being the one who can fix your broken bracelet, even when you’re not a jewellery technician.

Deodorant, mist, body spray or perfume. For those times when you are on public transit and the person beside you smells viciously potent to what you cannot pin-point exactly what can smell like that. This is for those times when you’ve worked nine hours straight and have yet to take a break after sweating bullets from running around all day. This is for not being one of “those” people on public transit.

$$$, Plastic Cards, & a Phone. These essential things anyone nowadays cannot leave the house without. Maybe sometimes forgotten but who can honestly survive without one of these necessities? How are you going to eat? How are you going to pay for books? How are you going to meet up with your friends? How are you going to BBM?!

These items are pretty much what you’d find in many girls bags and purses. Now guys stop asking why we carry large bags. Not only does it hold our essentials but it can also be a weapon of mass destruction. Who said girls need to carry around pepper spray for protection?

Follow The Rainbow

“FOLLOW THE RAINBOW”
Which colors of the season will you fall into??


FALL 2010


Fall is here and it’s time to put away those blacks and greys and reach for a little spice in your shades that can brighten anyone’s day. Choose from falls trendy colors below and “follow the rainbow” for ways to enhance your wardrobe and recharge your color palette.


Saffron: This golden yellow hue can brighten any outfit. Pair a beaded cardigan with a little black dress or add a little color to a neutral outfit and go with a leather clutch and gold chain strap to add a punch to any outfit.

Pine: A ruffled top in this rich green will add instant style to your everyday look. Wear this outfit to work with a pencil skirt and switch to a pair of dark denim and brown heels for a night out on the town.

Pumpkin: Accent a soft khaki outfit with autumn orange accessories such as a chunky necklace or clutch or a blazer to add jolt to your basics. Tossing this color in the mix is feminine but also sophisticated and chic. ss

Wine: Add finishing touches to an outfit by wearing a strappy heel, a rhinestone pendant, or a pair of denim in this jewel tone hue to add a bit of edge to an outfit. Pair the strappy heels with a LBD, add the pendant to a simple top for a splash of color, or wear this burgundy inspired shade in denim with a black t-shirt for a more casual, but sexy look.

Run It? Own it!

The 3 Commandments to the Takeover of your night! Why be in that crowd watching them strut right through V.I.P.? Transform yourself into one of them! Run Your City!

I: The Attention Grabbing Attitude

Whether it is Caribbean Princess Rihanna or the Classy Goddess Beyonce, the attitude in which you have is the basis on the impact you will make on the rest of the world. The classy, businesswoman by day, and sexy, sultry, bad-girl seductress by night is the dominant look going for the IT-Girl look.

Influence

The attitude of Beyonce is defined as conservative and caring. She is one of the highest respected music idols within the last decade and, prides her career on making great music as well as keeping a low-profile relationship.

Rihanna had started her career being the Caribbean princess with an island-based music genre, pumping in the hottest clubs within all of North America. She evolved into one of the biggest household names to women, men, boy, and aspiring little girls.

Grasp The Feeling

The attitude in which to obtain ownership of your city and become one of those CEO’s of your major firm is to have confidence. Confidence itself will give you the power to control and influence those around you as well as advance your knowledge of life.

Try it. It really works.

II: The “Image”

Capture that feel of envy evaporating from the crowd’s bodies as you walk and they gawk.

Home from work and headed right back out the door? Whip off the business suit and briefcase and slap on your ultra mini sequin dress and those Louboutins and head out for a night on the town. Achieve this look with throwing up your wind-blown hair into a low messy bun and a rich pink lip-gloss. This brings the real superstar out of you and Voila! You are ready for your big debut.

The key to match your face to your outfit and keep it looking as fresh as the day is to limit the eye makeup to a neutral, and apply just eyeliner and mascara. Doing this prevents clumps and heaviness to your face.

III: Let’s Get This Party Started

Passing the line, Straight to the V.I.P, and No One can Stop You? Prove it!

So, your night is almost complete with your attitude and slamming style. The only thing that could complete your night more than ever is beginning and ending your night at one of the hottest clubs in the city. Its either Go Big or Go Home. Order that booth to fit all 20 of your followers, followed by bottle service with nothing less than the best, and dance your night away. At the end of it all, you were the one they were looking at.

You get this shot once a week, so make it memorable EVERY SINGLE TIME.

How Will You Run Your City Tonight?

La Petite Coquette

Say goodbye to last year’s conservative recessionista approach to fashion; this season, designers revel in all things slinky, seductive, and just plain sexy! This ultra feminine look is all over the Spring 2010 runways, and we’re here to give you the low down on our favourite designers’ shows inspired by it-- and of course, how you can wear it too. Be it through lace, ruffles or silky, sheer fabrics, this look is a must for the warmer seasons ahead!

Lace Up!
Lace was seen at fashion weeks all over the world this season. Our favourite display of this however, was Dolce and Gabbana’s show (for obvious reasons), which included many a lacy, lingerie-inspired look. Lace blouses, skirts and even lacy bloomers were seen in abundance on the runway. D&G played with various ideas, from delicate, lady-like laces, to more gothic, fishnet lace, even going as far as mixing lace together with denim jackets. Almost all of the shoes used in the show were red, along with some red handbags, and the jewelry was kept relatively simple, in black and gold hues.
How You Can Pull this Off: When out for coffees and a bit of shopping with your girlfriends, slip on a lacey blouse with your favourite pair of jeans and some gold bracelets… oh, and don’t forget your red shoes!

Ruffled Feathers
Sticking to a more neutral palette of nudes and light greys, Valentino also uses quite a bit of lace, however more prominently on display is their flirty use of ruffles. Everything and anything was covered in them, from blouses and dresses, to jackets and skirts. With either a few large ruffles, or hundreds of them covering an entire dress, Valentino makes our favourites list for their ability to take such a sweet, girlie element, and make it grown up. Like Dolce and Gabbana, almost no jewelry or accessories were used in the line, allowing the clothes to speak for themselves, and the shoes to shine. The models strutted down the catwalk in feathery or ruffled heels, as well as a few pairs showing off the signature Valentino bow.
How You Can Pull this Off: Spice up your work suit by replacing your plain white oxford with a flirty ruffled blouse, or even a ruffled jacket. And if you’re feeling bold, why not go for a pair of feathery heels?

Sheer Drop
Sheer is in at Threeasfour this spring, from swimwear, to leggings, to dresses. Almost every outfit in the collection had some element of sheer to it. Like Dolce and Gabbana, Threeasfour stuck to black and white when it came down to colours. The collection was simple, chic, and ultra sexy, again focusing on the clothing, rather than using any accessories. Threeasfour make our favourites list because despite the fact that they are relatively new on the fashion scene, they have managed to effortlessly hit the target on one of the season’s biggest trends. Their collection seamlessly ranges from architecturally structured pieces, to sheer, flowing dresses, all paired with silver platform heels.
How You Can Pull this Off: Going out for cocktail hour? Pair a flowing black dress with cut out leggings. If you aren’t too comfortable with all that skin on display, wear a black slip underneath, so you can walk proudly in those killer metallic heels.

From Boring Basics to Bold Sensations

From Boring Basics to Bold Sensations – how to dress up your basic closet pieces to make them runway ready.

Everyone has those closet classics, consisting of everything from plain v-necks and that little black dress to the classic white tank. Every basic piece of clothing can be dressed up to appear fabulous; it just takes the right accessories.
How to make your classic v-neck into a closet classic? It’s all about your choice of accessories. Be sure to check out different kinds of vintage brooches. Brooches can truly dress up any basic by adding flare and drawing the eye to a certain area on the shirt. Drawing the eye to the accessory will make the shirt appear extra dressy. Another tip on how to dress up a classic tee is to add a scarf to your neckline. Adding a colourful scarf will give a dull v-neck a bolder and more refreshing look.

The little black dress is an “anytime classic”, no matter what the occasion. Every woman should have a classic black dress in her closet. Even though, by definition, the little black dress is plain and basic, there is always room for improvement. To update your classic black dress, try adding a belt and see what happens. Instantly you have a defined waistline. Is this some sort of miracle? No, the belt helps define your waist and adds emphasis to that area of your body. I know what you’re thinking! If you are heavier and don’t want to draw attention that that specific area there is a simple solution for you. Add a chunky bold necklace instead. By adding a belt your eye is drawn to the waist but adding a necklace draws the eye upward and helps to frame your face.

The tank top is a classic piece that I am sure almost every woman owns. When I think of a tank top I instantly think summer; but it doesn’t necessarily have to be summery. A tank top is usually a piece of clothing that is worn under other garments. A classic tank is usually what’s hiding under that designer cashmere sweater you purchased last season. There are many ways to make a basic tank top a signature piece that will be vital to your wardrobe. As I said earlier, every basic piece can be dressed up to appear fabulous; it all depends on the accessories. To turn a boring tank into a bold showstopper, all you need is a length of colourful ribbon of your choice. Tie the ribbon into a bow on the strap of the tank; this instantly adds character. The second step to a fabulous tank is to add a long chain necklace giving the tank a rocker edge without taking away from the rest of your outfit. A decorated tank can be worn during the fall and winter seasons under a coloured solid cardigan. Remember, your tank top is no longer your basic it’s your vocal piece.

Now that the winter season is fast approaching, think before you blow your entire paycheck on new fast fashion pieces. Remember the style basics that are hanging up in your closet this very moment. Update them by accessorizing them and I guarantee that you will be the most fashionable chick in town!

Digging for a Diamond in the Rough

Torontonians peruse the city’s vintage havens looking for the greatest deals on time-honoured pieces of fashion history.

A large number of Toronto’s fashion crusaders have taken a liking to antique-like clothing and accessories, practically living by the phrase “what’s old is now new again”. Whether looking in classic vintage areas like Kensington Market, or trendy areas like Queen Street West, Fashionistas all over the city are sure to find precious gems in the great vintage shops that Toronto has been harbouring.

One of Toronto’s greatest vintage shops is located in none other than Kensington Market, a staple community for renewed classics. “Courage My Love”, located at 14 Kensington Avenue in the heart of the market, has been opened since 1975 and has accumulated great pieces from around the world, along with a great reputation. “Courage My Love” is famous for exotic beads and jewellery, along with classic gowns and vintage casual wear. The owners also construct their own felt and cashmere sweaters, showing a great collaboration of old and new pieces.

On the West end of the city, Torontonians swear by “Public Butter”, located at 1290 Queen Street West. This Parkdale shop is one of the newer vintage locations, recently created by the owners of “Black Market Vintage”. This store has an array of vintage merchandise ranging from retro clothing to rare pieces of furniture and its own collection of classic bicycles; displayed in front of the store. “Public Butter” even has silk screen custom printing, located in the back, giving customers an opportunity to create their own unique designs. Looking around the store there are paintings and photographs courtesy of local Toronto artists, allowing Toronto’s art scene to mesh perfectly with the vintage clothing craze.

Vintage brand names from well-known designers can all be found at “The Paper Bag Princess”, located at 287 Davenport Road. This vintage destination harbours the creations of high end designers such as Jimmy Choo, Prada and Chanel. Definitely the fanciest vintage in the city “The Paper Bag Princess” has a Parisian feel to it, allowing all customers to feel like they’ve hopped on a plane to Europe. The boutique also has a sister store in Beverly Hills which also carries out the Parisian feel, catering to everyday shoppers and celebrities alike. Both locations do appraisals and have private purchasing appointments available, setting them apart from quite a few vintage shops.

Whether looking for a vintage lunch box, an antique bicycle or even a designer gown, “Courage My Love”, “Public Butter” and “The Paper Bag Princess” should definitely be at the top of the public’s to-do lists during this vintage craze. Re-inventing classic items have really given these establishments their time to shine and to show the public that what is old can be made new all over again. Checking out all of the these stores will give anyone interested in classic clothing the perfect vintage shopping experience.