Finn in Yorkville
September 2, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Founded by long time fashion lover and devotee Amalie Bruun. Finn Boutique offers its female clientele both exclusivity and elegance. This Yorkville located gem carries an array of independent, local and international designers which include – Jaime Galindo, Burfitt, Flawnt, Tankus, Park Vogel. Its modest antique infused setting lends itself to an intimate shopping experience. And, as those who have been in can attest to – a world of contemporary discovery. Take my word and see for yourself what is going on at Finn.
Finn Boutique | 1 Yorkville Ave. | (416) 961-0101
Hours: Mon – Fri 11-7, Sat 11-6, Sun 12-5
The “Diesel” Has Landed
July 28, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Diesel has finally opened up its very own flagship store right here in downtown Toronto. The 30 year old luxury denim house has found itself a new home in a gorgeous 7,700 square foot, two-storey paradise located in the ultra fabulous Yorkville district. The store offers the latest cuts and collections for man, woman and child. And, is sure to meet the fashion needs of all in our great city.
Diesel Store Toronto | 92 Yorkville Ave | (416) 968-3335
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-8, Sat 10-7, Sun 12-6
Christian Dior – “J’Adore Dior!”
July 21, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Born in Granville, Normandy on January 12, 1920. Christian Dior started his life in the fashion business in 1942, after completing his WWII service in the French Army. It was at this time that he joined the house of Lucien LeLong where he became one of its primary designers. It wouldn’t be until 1947 that Mr. Dior would establish his first collection Corolle (“Petal”). In which he was praised by Harper’s Bizarre’s Caramel Snow for constructing the “new look”, that consisted of more voluptuous and boxy shapes. This look would help to revolutionize the feminine silhouette and re-established France as a fore-runner in the fashion world. The house adopted the name of its founder many years later. And, is presently recognized globally for its ingenuity and overall prominence in the field of couturier.
Holt Renfrew | 50 Bloor St. W. | (416) 922-2333
Hours: Mon – Wed 10-6, Thurs – Fri 10-8, Sat 10-7, Sun 12-6
Branded Boutique
June 25, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Branded Boutique offers its customers designer men’s and women’s fashion at a considerable savings (a 40 – 85% savings to be exact). Lines such as; Rock & Republics, Ed Hardy, Seven, True Religion and more can all be found within this urban outlet’s quarters. Conveniently located in downtown Toronto’s Fashion District, this is a great place for those fashionistas on a budget.
Branded Boutique | 161 Spadina Ave. | (647) 436-7135
Hours: Mon – Fri 11-7, Sun 12-5
Bayview Village Fashion Outlet
June 25, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Bargain hunters will love the Bayview Village Fashion Outlet. This North York designer clearance store offers its customers 60 – 80% below retail, on a large variety of trendy feminine fashion ranging in sizes from 0 to 22. With new merchandise arriving weekly from Canada, The U.S, France, Italy and worldwide. This broad selection of designer fashion and accessories can not be beat.
Bayview Village Fashion Outlet | 326 Sheppard Ave. E. Unit 100 | (416) 226-4232
Hours: Mon – Fri 10-8, Sat 10-6, Sun Closed
Fawn – Fab, Feminine Fashion
June 9, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
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
Chanel – A taste of Paris on Bloor St.
March 24, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Recognized for being the world’s greatest fashion empire, Chanel has served as a template for classic feminine luxury and design decadence. Founded by the late great Parisian av ante-garde, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in 1909. The house has inspired and spawned some the globes most innovative and important designers (including Mr. Karl Lagerfeld, of course). Creating some of the most sensational examples of garment and accessory craftsmanship, Chanel maintains its pertinence in the ever changing, “cut-throat” fashion world. With their simple yet effective black and white trademark pallet, this line has achieved what many brands have struggled to obtain. A continuous production of highly desired merchandise, without any drastic deviation form the labels original vision, season after season after season. And, it is for this reason it will forever be the most fabulous of them all.
Chanel | 131 Bloor St. W. | (416) 925 2577
Hours: Mon – Sat 10-6
Other Chanel Related Posts You May Like:
Racked: Is This Chanel’s Idea of an April Fool’s Joke? – Racked : New York City Shopping, Stores, and Retail Scene.
Cameron Diaz Loads Up with Chanel – Purses, Designer Handbags and … – Handbags and Purses: The Purse Page is the largest source for handbag reviews, designer purses and fashion discussion on the web.
Chanel the Only Major European Resort Show Left Standing — The … – Karl Lagerfeld’s show for Chanel is scheduled to go on as planned in Venice on May 14 at the Excelsior Resort’s Lido Beach, making it the only full-scale runway show for cruise by a big European house this season. …
Chanel | iPhone Application – New Update For 09/10 A/W RTW … – TrashBagAesthetics.com gives readers information on the latest iPhone application available – courtesy of Chanel. READ ON!
Holt Renfrew’s Last Call – Discount designer shopping
March 19, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
What more can be said about Holt Renfrew’s Last Call besides – don’t walk, run and check it out. Any shopper that seeks amazing deals by even more amazing labels, will find themselves overwhelmed at the outlets new location inside the mammoth Vaughan Mills Mall. You name the label Last Call probably has it, that’s assuming you don’t mind buying off season, from Boss to Cavalli it is all there awaiting your discovery. Dolce and Gabbana and Fendi priced at a fraction of its original suggested retail price, the list goes on and on. I couldn’t think of a better excuse to escape to the Burbs.
Vaughan Mills Mall | 1 Bass Pro Mills. Dr. | (905) 886-74444
Hours: Mon – Sat 10–9, Sun 11-7
Marc Jacobs – Finding Marc in the heart of the city
March 19, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Hailed as being one of New York city’s favorite sons, Marc Jacobs 25 year career as a designer has influenced the way the world views glamour and practicality. Jacob accredited as the man who single handily brought “grunge” to the runway during his tenure as the Head Designer for Perry Ellis. Can also add being Americas youngest designer to ever be recognized and awarded by the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 1987. His self titled line as well as its ready to wear offspring Marc by Marc Jacobs, have flourished and has quickly become one of the most sought after and co vetted designs in the global market. So desired in fact that many imitations and knock-off have spawned worldwide. His work with the legendary house Louis Vuitton, have surpassed any and all expectations. And, generated record breaking sales for the power house label.
As “in demand” as Marc’s clothing are unfortunately, Toronto has limited locations in which the designers work are available. I don’t think we will see a Marc Jacobs boutiques anytime soon but, here are a list of some retailers that carry the line. If you seek, you will find.
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 Mall | 3401 Dufferin Street | 416-789-5377
Hours: Mon – Fri 10 – 9, Sat 9:30- 9, Sun 11 – 6
Corbo Boutique | 119 Yorkville Ave. | 416-928-9898
Hours: Mon. – Wed. 10–6, Thurs. 10–8, Fri. – Sat. 10–6, Sun. 1–5
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.
Need to Shop Now! Try eBay!
[AffomaticEbay]Louis Vuitton[/AffomaticEbay]
Translator
By N2H
