Fawn – Fab, Feminine Fashion
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
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Top 10 Boutiques for Men
by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Now, I know as a Man it may seem a bit more of a challenge to get out there to update your wardrobe, especially for the upcoming Spring / Summer season. The idea of going from store to store to find that updated fashion item, may seem equivalent to going out of your way for a colonic. It’s a pain in the ass and wipes you out. Well, fellas I am here to eliminate the hassle of shopping for yourself and provide you with a Top 10 list of some retailers that will cater to your on going quest to be both stylish and masculine. (And, many of them are located on Queen St. W., I don’t know how I could make this any more convenient?) And, men try to have some fun out there, shopping isn’t all bad, just ask your female counter part.
10. Lileo
Lileo | 55 Mill St. (at Parliament St.), Bldg. 35 | 416-413-1410
Hours : (Fall–Winter) Mon – Sat 10–7, Sun 10–6 (Spring–Summer)Mon – Wed 10–7, Thurs – Sat 10–9, Sun 10–6
9. Got Style
Got Style | 489 King St. W. | 416-260-9696
Hours : Mon –Wed 11–7, Thurs – Fri 11–9, Sat 11– 7, Sun 12-5
8. Jacflash
Jacflash | 1036 Queen St. W. | 416-516-8766
Hours : Mon – Sat 11–7, Sun 12–5
Jonathan + Olivia | 49 Ossington Ave. | 416-849-5956
Hours : Mon – Sat 12–7, Sun 12–5
Kamakazi Boutique | 781 Queen St. W. | 416-304-0887
Hours : Mon – Wed 11–7, Thurs – Fri 11–8, Sat 11–6, Sun 12-6
5. Sydney’s
Sydney’s | 795 Queen St. W. | 416-603-3369
Hours : Mon – Wed 12–7, Thurs – Fri 12–8, Sat 12 – 7, Sun 12 – 6
4. Buckler
Buckler | 700 Queen St. W. | (416) 551-8441
Hours : Mon – Fri 12–8, Sat 11–7, Sun 12–6
3. Nomad
Nomad | 431 Richmond St. W. (at Spadina) | 416-682-1107
Hours : Mon – Sat 12–7, Sun 12–6
Next Door | 433 Queen St. W. | 416-593-6267
Hours : Mon – Wed 11–7, Thurs – Fri 11–8, Sat 11–7, Sun 12–6
Due West | 431 Queen St. W. (at Spadina) | 416-593-6267
Hours : Mon –Wed 10–8, Thurs – Fri. 10–9, Sat 10–8, Sun 12–7
1. Boomer
Boomer | 309 Queen St. W. | 416-598-0013
Hours : Mon – Fri 10:30–7, Sat 10:30–6, Sun 1–5
Jonathan + Olivia Have Arrived!
by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
October of 2005, can be deemed the month that Canada’s boutique market just got a little cooler. Owner, Jackie O’Brien, had come from a strong retail background, as both a sales associate and fashion buyer of 10 years. She decided it was time for something a bit different and began the venture of placing her own mark on Vancouver’s retail landscape. Originally located in B.C’s Mount Pleasant on Main St., the unisex store baring the names of her niece and nephew, Jonathan and Olivia, was born. And, there it had quickly became a standard for the fashion forward shopper.
In August of 2008 the trail blazing retailer opened shop in Toronto and with it brought the same sensibility. Carrying such progressive designers as: Alexander Wang, Band of Outsiders, Surface 2 Air + Justice, Oliver Spencer, Helmut Lang and many others. It was finally proof that Vancouver and Toronto could play together nicely.
I was told about the store’s opening almost three months before its actual public unveiling, by a friend and fellow fashion addict. She had said to me, “Migs”, that’s what she calls me, “you are going to love this f****** store!” A woman of few words but, totally right.
I had the pleasure of visiting the very minimal designed but inviting new boutique this past month. And, must say I was very excited about the lines that where available for men. Being a man, of course . Not to say that the women’s section was at all lacking. My point, I fell in love with silhouettes they where introducing for the male figure. Very streamlined and modern takes on such staples as the trench coat or even something as basic as denim. It was a reminder that a man could look very runway yet, still masculine and practical.
The women’s side had embraced all the current and forward trends, and complimented the tone set in men’s section seemlessly. I was very happy to see that we had gotten another alternative to the over-done looks that we have grown accustom too within the city. I recommend the trek and I think you too will “f****** love it!”
Jonathan + Olivia | 49 Ossington Ave | 416-849-5956
Hours: Mon – Wed 12-7, Thurs – Fri 12-9, Sat 12-7, Sun 12-5
www.jonathanandolivia.com
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