Toronto: Shopping & the City

Shopping in Toronto comes in all sizes, from tiny boutiques, vintage shops to large malls. That`s one of the many reasons people visit Toronto…to shop!

Vintage shopping

Following shops were recommended to me by Wendy Woods (image consultant) and Betty Ann Jordan.

 

The Cat`s Meow: Vintage Couture ~ Modern Designer Wear

Think of yourself as walking into Sarah Jessica Parker`s wardrobe during Sex and the City. I wandered around in astonishment of all the beautiful clothes they had in this store. My favorite: a Vera Wang wedding dress. This is definitely the place to be if you`re looking for a dress for a special occasion. (Prices are high-end)
Address: 180 Avenue Road
Web: www.thecatsmeowcouture.com

 

A great neighborhood for vintage shopping is West Queen West, it`s a funky and trendsetting place.

 

Cabaret: High Fashion Vintage Clothing & Couture Dress Boutique
When entering this shop a girl was trying on a prom dress, but you can also look out for a wedding dress or an outfit for a party.
Address: 672 Queen Street West
Web: www.cabaretvintage.com

 

Preloved
Reconfigured dresses, skirts, sweaters, collaged together from bits and pieces of vintage clothing.
Address: 881 Queen Street West
Web: www.preloved.ca

Green Shag

 Guys don`t have to feel left out here. At this store you can have shirts tailor-made, collar, sleeves, fabric, you can pick and choose. Fun Fact: check out their “cheat-sheet” shirts with best pick-up lines, hockey championships, silk screened inside French cuffs.
Address: 670 Queen Street West
Web: www.greenshag.com

Drake Hotel General Store
Here you can find collectibles and nice gifts, it`s located next to the Drake Hotel, a boutique hotel with live music and a lovely patio.
Address: 1144 Queen Street West
Web: www.drakegeneralstore.ca

 

Three addresses to check out, not for vintage shopping, but for other reasons, the first one being Tealish, because it`s like stepping into tea heaven when you`re a tea fan:

Tealish

Address: 728 Queen Street West
Web: www.tealish.com

Dlish cupcakes
The name already says it, delicious cupcakes in different flavors. The frosting matched the cake completely, just delightful!
Address: 833 Queen Street West
Web: www.dlishcupcakes.com

Nadège

Every color and flavor you can think of, Nadège has it. I was there when it was St Patrick`s Day and yes, they had green macaroons with Guinness filling!
Address: 780 Queen Street West
Web: http://www.nadege-patisserie.com/

 

More vintage shopping can be done at Kensington Market

The best thing to do here is just to wander around the charming neighborhood and try to find your bargain in one of the many little shops. They all present it so nicely that you feel like you`re walking around at a street market.

One of the addresses to put on your list is “Courage My Love” (14 Kensington Ave), a neighborhood institution as it`s been there for more than 30 years. Vintage gowns, summer dresses, clutch bags, hats, … you can find it all. Don`t forget to check out the jewelry and button collection, you might find a treasure during your scavenge.

Looking for a souvenir? Have a peak into Blue Banana Market at 250 Augusta Ave.

 

Vintage is not your thing, you`re more a lover of luxury, then head towards Yorkville, where you can find brands like Chanel and Tiffany & Co. Yorkville`s bustling streets and cobbled lanes with house designer boutiques, luxury hotels, galleries and fine dining sweep you of your feet in no time (probably your budget too!).
One of the stores to pop into is Pink Tartan, a Canadian designer, which I had the privilege to see during a fashion show.
For dinner, Ciao Wine Bar, is located in this neighborhood.

 

If you have still haven`t had enough of all the Toronto shopping, there is The Eaton Centre, located downtown, stretched over two city blocks and houses more than 230 shops. (Web: www.torontoeatoncentre.com)

 

Thanks to Toronto Tourism for inviting me. The opinions in this post are my own.