Fawn – Fab, Feminine Fashion
June 9, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
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On September of 2007, owner, Kasha Bilobram opened this unassuming women’s boutique on the Queen West strip and has continued to astound her loyal following with edgy and inventive pieces ever since. Located just below the Chocolate Lofts, this “word of mouth” destination spot has gained traction due to its selective and no-holds-bar approach to combining vintage finds with stunning collections. Featured lines such as Rachel Comey (NY) , Complex Geometries (MTL), Mono (Van.) hold their ground in this industrial inspired domain. And, with upcoming S/S pieces from Dace (Van.) and Anzbind and Florence (LA) there is certainly no signs of slowing down. Prices range anywhere from $20 -$200 but, one thing is evidently clear, that to wear a piece from Fawn is to make a mark on all those who see you in it. Proof once agian that there is life after Trinity Bellwoods Park.
Fawn | 967 Queen St. W. | (647) 344-4703
Hours: Mon–Wed 12–7, Thurs–Fri 12–8, Sat 12–7, Sun 12–6
www.fawnboutique.com
Holt Renfrew – The definition of high end shopping
March 4, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
First and foremost let me start off by saying, that even I can’t believe that I have not written a specific post about Holt Renfrew, until right now. My apologies for my oversight. I guess in my efforts to enlighten the public about all our other amazing retail destinations, I had forgotten the most obvious of them all. Holts is what high end shopping is all about, that is assuming you have the budget to back that (at times) crippling bill you will inevitably receive upon your purchase. There is no end to the designer label cavalcade you’ll find in this institution of Canadian consumerism. You name it Holts has it; LV, Prada, D&G, Marc Jacobs just for starters and without breaking a single sweat. This is THE cutting edge retailer for our great city. Enough said.
Holt Renfrew | 50 Bloor St. W. | (416) 922-2333
Hours : Mon – Wed 10–6, Thurs – Fri 10–8, Sat 10-7, Sun 12-6
Sherway Gardens | 25 The West Mall | (416) 621-9900
Hours: Mon – Fri 10–9, Sat 9:30–6, Sun 11-5
Yorkdale | 3401 Dufferin Street | (416) 789-5377
Hours : Mon – Fri 10–9, Sat 9:30-9, Sun 11-6
Winners – A Shopaholic’s Hidden Gold Mine
January 14, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
For over a quarter century now (26 years to be exact) Torontonians have enjoyed the benefit of discount designer shopping thanks to the mega retailer Winners.
Winners originally opened its doors in our fair city in 1982. This bargain hub houses appealingly priced seasonal clothing & accessory items. If you have a keen eye and a little persistence, Winners can be a shopaholic’s gold mine. You can come out with some amazing current looks for much less (up to 60% less) than their normal retail prices.
I myself am a huge fan of this chain and have found everything from a Valentino Red wool blazer to a pair of Costume National sneakers, which I had purchased at a fraction of their original retail cost.
When shopping at Toronto Winners, note that not all stores are created equal. They don’t all carry the same stock and some just seem to carry more hidden gems than others. I actually find the less-frequently visited locations possess the greatest chances at finding designer gold.
Here are my Top 5 Winners locations within the Toronto area.
1. Winners | 57 Spadina Avenue at King | 416-585-2052
Those of you who live in the downtown core may be wondering why I’ve even bothered to bring up this location. Granted it is small and often looks like a band of looters have just paid it a visit. However, if you find yourself there, I recommend a trip to their men’s denim section and shoe department. You may be pleasantly surprised.
2. Winners | 4-3090 Bathurst Street at Lawrence | 416-782-4469
This particular location carries a lot of great items, the perk being that it is just outside the city core. This means that your fellow “townies” have not had the opportunity to pick through it. You’ve got to love those neighbourhood communities–sometimes they just don’t know the goldmine they’re sitting on!
3. Winners | 3-110 Bloor St. West | 416-920-0193
For all the hype surrounding the opening of this location two years ago, and seeing that it is smack in the heart of Bloor St. West’s fashion strip, this store can be very hit or miss. At times it seems plentiful; at other times just plain pitiful. But, if you are willing to pop your head in, on a more consistent basis, you will come across the odd unbelievable deal that will be worth your efforts.
4. Winners | (College Park) 444 Yonge Street | 416-598-8800
This runner-up very rarely disappoints. Just the size of this location alone guarantees you a successful hunt. At times it can seem overwhelming but if you are willing to go through its countless racks, you’re bound to come out victorious.
5. Winners | 35 – 45 Front Street East | 416-362-0213
A lot of you out there may not even be aware that there’s a Front St. location. Well, there is one and it’s actually a great looking store with some spectacular finds. I have personally seen items from such lines as Prada, Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Costume National (to name a few) stocked in this location. I’ve hardly ever come out empty-handed.
Consider yourself “in-the-Winners-know” now. You’re welcome! 
Louis Vuitton Has Still Got it
November 16, 2008 by Logan Steele · 1 Comment
Louis Vuitton | 111 Bloor St. W. | (416) 968-3993
Hours: Mon–Wed 10–6, Thurs – Fri 10–8, Sat 10–6, Sun 12-5
Louis Vuitton was founded in 1854 in Paris, France. At this time it was primarily a trunk manufacturer, gaining such immediate recognition that it was forced to expand its operation and relocate its factory to Asnieres by 1860. Needless to say this was the beginning of what would later become one of the world’s first luxury and designer brand producers. International recognition wasn’t far behind and L.V. quickly became the luggage standard for royalty, diplomats and the elite. 1892 marked the demise of the company’s original founder and ushered in its takeover by his son, Georges. Georges is credited with developing the now iconic “L.V.” monogram after facing bouts with inferior imitators. This symbol would become one of the best known in marketing history as the company propelled itself to even greater heights.
What I love about this particular label is that it has never seemed to have lost its momentum and focus. Considering, it could be argued, that L.V. is the first luxury brand, that’s saying a lot. The label is so beloved in its hometown of Paris that a law was enacted ensuring that anyone seen selling or carrying an imitation will face immediate confiscation. How crazy is that? All you L.V. fake owners consider yourself warned! Even today there are limits placed on how much L.V. product a tourist can buy in the span of a visit, and it is not uncommon to be approached by other tourists who may ask you to buy bags for them because they have exceeded their limits. Believe me, it happened to my wife and me on our last visit to Paris. It was very dodgy: a couple had handed us a picture of the desired product and was proposed giving us the money to go and get it for them. If this isn’t an indication of a world gone Vuitton mad, I don’t know what is. My point is, L.V. hasn’t lost a single step and is just as relevant as ever.
1998 would be the beginning of the era of Marc Jacobs, who was brought on board by Georges son, Gasto-Louis. What can you say about the brilliance of this coupling? Marc Jacobs had just come from a very successful relationship as the Head Designer of the American brand, Perry Ellis, and was highly regarded as the man who brought “grunge” to the runway. It seemed like he had just the right amount of edge to modernize the veteran luxury label. And it worked. Since the partnership, L.V. has received record-breaking sales and is seen worn by everyone imaginable, from debutante to derelict. The luggage, tote, handbags and all accessories are unceasingly innovative. The clothing line is unbelievably progressive and continuously, season after season, reminds the world of how being fashionable can become an everyday occurrence. I love this line. And, if you are ever in Paris, do yourself a favour and check out the newly renovated flagship store on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. It is stunning and the ambiance reads more like a museum than a retailer. It is fully worth the fifteen minute line up that is often present at the store’s entrance way. What can I say? The Parisians know what they are doing where fashion is concerned.
This brings us to the Louis Vuitton store here in Toronto. I must say the atmosphere seemed very proper and reminded me more of a library than that of a designer boutique. I did find it a bit stuffy. Don’t get me wrong, the store’s interior is breathtaking and would no doubt please any die-hard L.V. connoisseur. The security staff make their presence known and make you feel slightly reluctant to touch or pick up any item, possibly in fear of the “you break, you buy” policy being swiftly enforced. But I must say they have a great selection of not only the expected L.V. bags, but also its clothing collection. This thrills me because I find this is often the component most noticeably missing from a lot of the other high-end stores in the city. The staff was surprisingly very helpful and was willing to take the time to show me around. I wasn’t expecting them to bend over backwards; however they did extend the courtesy of answering my questions. If you have been to some of the other boutiques on Bloor, you know exactly why I’m bringing up this point. Overall I enjoyed my experience at L.V. and would put it on a to-do list for Toronto destination shopping.
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Jac’s Flash
November 12, 2008 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Who could have guessed that a simple conversation on a beach in St. Bart’s would have given birth to one of Toronto’s hottest destination shopping spots? Father and daughter team Geoffery and Jaclyn Genovese opened Jacflash in late September of 2007, all spawning from their mutual love and fascination with fashion and its ever growing trends. This hot spot quickly began to gain a buzz and has already catered to the style needs of such celebrities as Jessica Alba, Jake Gyllenhall, Shanae Grimes, among others.
The store flourishes due to the amazing buying eye and tastes of its owners. Bringing such exciting labels as: Endovanera, Alice and Olivia, Transit, Jac by Jacflash and Operations (just to name a few) into the impeccably designed two thousand square foot space. Which also hosts a music lounge where you are welcome to listen and purchase the works of local and unsigned artists. This shop’s demographic is as varied as its selection. And, you’d be pretty hard pressed not find something there for all, from teen to adult. As one of the new kids on the block Jacflash has already proven itself as a force to be reckoned with.
I know that I sound a bit bias when I speak about Jacflash but, bear in mind that I did work there for ten months in its first year. Which in itself is odd because from a service industry back ground, I had swore never to work in a retail environment. No disrespect to all the sales associates out there. I got a lot of love for what you do and what you have to put up with, trust me. Where was I? Oh yeah, Jacflash. I often refer to it as a rock star’s closet. I remember before working there I had stumbled upon it while walking down Queen West, shortly after it had opened. I stopped at the window and thought to myself “When the hell did this get here?” and “What’s the name of this place?” I was in awe of the clothes and how stylish the mannequins were merchandised, both male and female. I remember saying something to my wife, along the lines of ; “I can see myself doing a lot of damage here”. Me being such a compulsive shopholic, she knew exactly what I was getting at.
Weeks down the road, a good friend of ours was offered the position of managing the store and had later proposed I come with. She said “they were looking for a male sales associate with a sense of both style and fashion to run the men’s section”. And, seeing that she played her words so nicely to my ego, how could I possibly have said “No”? After a quick interview with Jac and her father, I was in. To make a long story short; I learned a lot about the retail game and I did do a lot of damage. I don’t think I saved a penny while working there but, my wardrobe certainly didn’t suffer for it. Thanks Jac! If you are or even aren’t in the area, I would highly advise you drop by and see what all the hype is about.
Jacflash | 1036 Queen St. W. | (416) 516-8766
Hours: Mon – Sat 11 – 7, Sun 12 – 5
Gucci Schmoochi
November 12, 2008 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Founded by Guccio Gucci, the House of Gucci started in 1906 in Florence, Italy, as primarily a leather goods operation that catered to horsemen in the 1920’s. The house, as modern times progressed, began to make luxury luggage pieces as the world traded in their horses for horseless carriages. It was at this point that its founder opened up his first store in Rome on Via Condotti. By 1947 Gucci had become a buy-word amongst Europe’s upper echelon society. And, by the 1950’s had evolved the brand to also include handbags, shoes as well as ties. Unfortunately Guccio would pass away in 1953 leaving behind an empire for his family to maintain.
By the 1960’s the Gucci empire had adopted the “GG” logo and had branched out into the U.S, Hong Kong, Korean and Japanese markets. Gucci was now a status symbol and was widely seen on the arms of Hollywood’s A-listers and the affluent. However, its success would meet harder times as it journeyed into the late 1980’s market and would eventually be partially sold by Maurizio Gucci in 1993 to Investcorp in efforts to save the struggling house.
Now, when I personally think of Gucci my mind immediately references the 1990’s and the era of, my fashion hero, Mr.Tom Ford. Who had been recruited after an immense success as the Creative Director of Yves Saint Laurent (in which Gucci had bought in 1999). Tom Ford, then, Gucci’s Creative Director, was accredited as single handily bringing the brand back into the forefront of designer fashion and luxury goods. And, out of near bankruptcy. By reinventing and rejuvenating the then dying label, Mr. Ford established his legacy. His accomplishments, even to this very day, cannot be replicated. Tom Ford finally went into business for himself and developed the highly anticipated self-titled line. (You may even want to visit Tom Ford’s Fan Page)
Although the Gucci Store in Toronto is beautiful without any question. I personally found it overrun with handbags, belts, shoes and accessories. And, had only traces of collection and ready-to-wear pieces. I guess it may have been an attempt at maintaining the original vision as developed by its founder. Who knows? Although I had received a half hearted greeting, the staff was, to be kind, unaccommodating and seemingly reluctant to approach. That was, if they did not feel your encounter would generate and guarantee a sale. Commission is a bitch but, you would expect a sales associate that can potentially make as much as they do at Gucci, would be a bit more receptive to acquiring a potential new client.
Just as a side note; I’ve been to the flagship store in Paris and was attended to far more conscientiously than I was here. There is absolutely no comparing that gorgeous architecturally superior retail environment, to the measly three thousand square foot, box of a set up, that we house here in Toronto. And, yes they did carry Gucci’s full line, women’s and men’s. That being said, the product is still fantastically inventive and classic.
Don’t let my jaded review stop you from experiencing it for yourself.
Gucci Toronto | 130 Bloor St. W. | (416) 963-5127
Hours: Mon–Wed 10–6, Thurs –Fri 10–7 Sat 10 – 6 , Sun 12 –5
Toronto City’s Elite, Loves Corbo Boutique
October 31, 2008 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
When the name Yorkville is brought up as the topic of conversation, many stereo types come to mind. Elitists, Euro-delusional, aristocratic, snobbish and all things pretentious. Now, I’m not saying that these are necessarily completely off the mark, a bit harsh, but not thoroughly untrue. This Toronto area on to its self, has developed a bad rap over the years however; within in its jurisdiction, houses some of the most exciting and cutting edge boutiques in the city.
Which brings me to Corbo Boutique. Carrying such world renowned and highly recognizable designers as: Jimmy Choo, Yves Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney just as a start, certainly does not put you in my bad books, by any means. It is definitely for the woman who wants to be noticed and leave a lasting impression. Also, she must not mind dolling out the designer dollars. There just seems to be something a little different about this particular woman’s boutique, that separates it from all the others on this affluent strip. I’ll leave it to you, to judge for yourself.
Corbo Boutique | 119 Yorkville Ave. | (416)928-9898
Hours: Mon – Wed 10–6, Thurs 10–8, Fri – Sat 10–6, Sun 1–5
Boomer’s, Not Just for Boomers
October 30, 2008 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Who would have thought in 1985, when Boomer first opened its doors, that it would still be such a driving force in men’s fashion. Originally catering to the “baby boomer” generation, hence the name, this petite boutique has managed to continuously update its labels and reinvent itself. Making it one of Toronto’s oldest retailers on the Queen West strip.
Without any major promotion and a mainly “word of mouth” clientèle this business flourishes, bringing within its confines all types. From your Bay St. business men to the Queen St. industry elite, fashionable men in the know, seem to all be on the the same page on where to go, when they need just a little something more. Carrying such amazing men’s designers as: J. Lindeberg, Hugo Boss, Tiger of Sweden, Cinque and others, this store has not lost touch with what had gained it recognition in the beginning. I hope Boomer is around for another twenty three years.
I have to admit that I got on the Boomer band wagon much later in life, and had only started frequenting the store in the past four years. Please bare in mind that I am only thirty-two and probably could not have afforded much in the store at any earlier age. I was amazed to find out how long it had been in existence and, was baffled on why I hadn’t heard of it earlier.
I must say that although they do carry denim lines and edgier casual pieces, this is definitely a spot for your more professional and formal occasions. Their suit selection is second to none and all have immaculate cuts and fits for all styles. The shirts have a tailored sensibility about them and the tie rack seems endless. It makes you want to find an excuse to dawn a sport coat at every possible chance. This is how you want to dress, once you feel you’ve graduated from the jean and sneaker look. I’m almost there, almost.
Get in and see for yourself, what your dad already knew!
Boomer | 309 Queen St. W. | (416)598-0013
Hours: Mon – Fri 10:30–7, Sat 10:30–6, Sun 1–5
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