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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Stolen Riches – The gem of Queen St. West
by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Housing some of the rarest editions and models, Stolen Riches has thrown down its gauntlet in Toronto’s on-going Sneaker War. With its range of classic and dead stock kicks by the likes of ; Reebok, Nike, Air Jordan, Vans as well as harder to come by brands like Hellz Bellz, Kidrobot (to scratch the surface). This boutique-style shoe store has certainly made its footprint in our city’s retail playground.
Stolen Riches | 734 Queen St. W. | (647) 428-7497
Hours : Mon – Sat 11–7, Sun 12–6
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Klaxon Howl – A time capsule of vintage military and motorcycle apparel
by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
From the mind of Matt Robinson (one half of the dynamite duo that brought us, Delphic) comes a time capsule of vintage military and motorcycle apparel better known as, Klaxon Howl. Once again Matt’s keen eye for style lends itself to some unbelievable pieces dating back to World Wars I & II, Korean and Vietnam. Along with some super rare Belstaff waxed cotton treasures and vintage Japanese denim (just for starters). This boutique is definitely for that desirous collector and novel seeker. I love this store!
Klaxon Howl | 694 Queen St. W. | (647) 436-6628
Hours : Tues – Wed 12–7, Thurs – Fri 12–8, Sat 12–7, Sun 12–5
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69 Reasons to Buy Vintage
by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Hand picked vintage gold by owner Kealan Sullivan, could be one way of describing what one may expect to find upon entering Queen West’s 69 Vintage. This store hosts a large selection of very reasonably priced clothing for both genders, everything from some fierce women’s shoes to amazing men’s leather jackets and all stops in between. Also some spectacular re-tooled items that give the best of both the modern and retro perspective of style with accessories to boot. Who says that all your vintage fun, needs to be exclusive to Kensington Market?
69 Vintage | 1100 Queen St. W. | (416) 516-0669
Hours: Mon–Sat 12-7, Sun 12–5
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Spectacular Eye Wear
by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
With an array of rare, vintage and ultra-trendy frames including Chrome Hearts, Oliver Goldsmith, Chanel and many others, it is no surprise that Spectacles has established itself as one of Toronto’s favourite hot spots for all things eye wear. Offering more than 1,300 styles in its three store locations, it’s safe to say that if you are on the hunt for new glasses, you need look no further.
Spectacles| 752 Queen St. W. | (416) 603-0123
Hours: Mon–Sat 11–7, Sun 12–6
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A New Must “Shop” Boutique on Queen West
by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Are You A Hunter or Gatherer?
When my dear friend (and sometime domino adversary) Daniela Bosco told me that she was finally committed to opening her own store, I felt an air of distinction waft over our city’s retail landscape.
Daniela is a 10-year industry veteran and self-proclaimed “style junkie.” She has maneuvered throughout the vast spectrum of our city’s fashion environment as a wardrobe stylist, line agent, retail manager and all round fierce individual. It was no mystery why she felt compelled to explore the adventurous next step of becoming an entrepreneur and visionary.
Ladies and gentlemen, allow let me introduce to one and all, Toronto’s own “Private Hunting Ground”– Chasse Gardée.
Finally a boutique for those who have a very clear idea of their own personal sense of style. Chasse Gardée is found in the Queen St. West & Dovercourt area, one of Toronto’s up-and-coming trendy neighbourhoods.
This boutique’s aesthetic could be described as a textural backdrop with a rustic sensibility. The inviting and unpretentious setting blends both modern and minimal sensibilities with classic poise. Daniela explained to me that it was important for her that the store’s interior complimented the spirit of its Queen St. West location.
I would have to agree that its atmosphere certainly reflects the creative verve of the area, while perfectly showcasing Daniela’s superb eye for merchandise. You will be amazed at the selection of shoes, handbags and accessories.
Chasse Gardée hosts such hard-to-come-by labels as Slow and Steady Wins the Race, Finsk and Grey Ant, to just name a few. As well, be on the lookout for the arrival of Swedish Hasbeens, Belstaff, Tiger of Sweden, Tashkent by Cheyanne among others.
This is definitely the boutique for those who seek out unique designer brands typically exclusive to a Yorkville-esque locale but now conveniently available on trendy Queen St. West. Currently Chasse Gardée only carries lines for women, but Daneila has assured me that her “spring/summer” collection will also have lines for Toronto’s cutting-edge men. It can’t be ALL about the ladies, right? 
A “must shop” spot when it comes to Toronto shopping!
Chasse Gardée | 1084 Queen St. W. | 416-901-9613
Hours: Mon–Fri 11–7, Sat 11–6, Sun (Closed) – Winter hours
Mon–Wed 11–7, Fri–Sat 11–8, Sun 12–6 – Summer Hours (After March)
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And Next Door, There’s Due West
by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
I’ve always been a fan of one of Toronto’s longest standing Queen West storefronts, Due West. This shop began in the 1980s, believe it or not, as a Western retailer (hence the name) specializing in Cowboy hats, boots, leather goods and all things “Desperado.” The 1990s brought a different vision to this veteran retail space and spawned one of the city’s first cutting-edge boutiques aimed at the urban and industry based young adult market.
Due West was also one of the first stores in Toronto to introduce the then-new Italian denim line, Diesel, in the early 90s. Later, in the mid-90s, it was also one of only three stores in the city to carry the now widely sought-after Evisu line based out of Japan.
This store, needless to say, has been on the cutting edge of high-end street fashion for the past 18 years. With current lines such as Miss Sixty, Nudie, J. Lindeberg, Energie, Farmer Jeans and of course Diesel Industry (plus many others) this store shows no signs of letting up. And for that we should all be thankful!
May of 2007 began a new era when sister store Next Door opened, well, next door to Due West, to rave reviews. This sleekly designed, modestly sized boutique houses higher-end merchandise but still maintains the same street-savvy philosophy as its predecessor. This store carries some very cool stuff: lines such as Alexander McQueen’s McQ, Dsquared2, Buddhist Punk, Acne Jeans and more. This is definitely a fine addition to an already successful Queen St. fashion staple. And the moral of the story is: find your way over and discover yet another gem in our ever growing city.
Due West | 431 Queen St. W. | (416) 593-6267
Hours: Mon – Wed 10–8, Thurs – Fri 10–9, Sat 10–8, Sun 12–7
Next Door | 433 Queen St. W. | (416) 593-6267
Hours: Mon – Wed 11–7, Thurs – Fri 11–8, Sat 11–7, Sun 12–6
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Jac’s Flash
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
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Definitely Delphic – Street Wear Heaven!
by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
What can I say about this store that hasn’t already left the lips of all its loyal patrons? It is an absolute MUST, for street wear fashion. Delphic was founded by owners Lena Kim and Matthew Robinson ( also of Klaxon Howl), this modest size boutique has been a well kept secret, for those in the know, for over ten years now. Delphic has always been the go-to for all things up and coming in trend, mainly due to the incredible buying eye of its owners.
If I recall correctly, it was one of only three stores in Toronto to embrace the now highly popular Japanese denim line Evisu, back in the late 90’s. And, continues to be a visionary with current exciting and buzz driven designers as: Fillipa K, Acne Action Jeans, Rockers NYC, Rogan to mention many others. I just can’t say enough great things about this spot.
I was a bartender for many years, so I had a lot of free time on my hands. I used to frequent this store, at a time, nearly bi-weekly. I always found the staff so engaging and informative about the lines that they had available. It was almost like taking a class in style, every visit. I remember years ago going there, out of the blue, while out on one of my summery Queen St. walks.
They had just gotten in a shipment of vintage but, mint conditioned, sunglasses. I had fell in immediate love with a pair of grey, plastic framed, cascade tinted, Cazal’s, that I think I ended wearing them right out the store. Long story short. Weeks later, some spin less jerk lifted them from my bag while I was at work. I suspect whom ever had done so, was scoping them out when I had arrived for my shift and timed the moment to make their move. To say the least I was very upset. I calmly called the store in the desperate hope that they may have had another pair. But, seeing how well they are known for their unique and rare merchandise, I was out of luck.
However; Lena and Sandra were nice enough to inform me that they were expecting another shipment of glasses for the following week. And, that there was a pair of Porshe Carrera aviators that they thought I may be interested in and would be willing to put aside for me. I did end up buying those glasses. And, remember thinking how cool they both were about trying to find me a replacement, after telling them about what had happened to my last pair.
That is the type of place this is, very chill and accommodating for those who are willing to reciprocate a similar manner. And, for the jask-ass with my sunglasses I hope your enjoying them because my new ones are even crazier, Bee-atch!
Get yourself over to Delphic.
Delphic | 706 Queen St. W. | 416-603-3334
Hours: Mon – Wed 11–7, Thurs – Fri 11–8, Sat 11–7, Sun 12–6
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