Worn Journal display at Word on the Street, Queen’s Park Circle, September 21, 2014
I may be a blogger, but I also love print media. Fashion magazines have been an ongoing source of style fascination and education since I was a pre-teen. It began with ‘Teen and Seventeen, moved onto Sassy and Jane, then grew into InStyle, Elle, and Vogue. However, I’ve found myself growing distinterested in the hyper-marketing and narrow definitions of beauty that plague the pages of these magazines, especially the American ones. Luckily, Canadian publications have made a noticeable effort to find their own voice and content. One publication that has made a name for itself away from the pack is WORN Fashion Journal. An independent publication run by a group of Toronto volunteers, WORN takes a more critical, historical and academic look at fashion. Continue reading →
I spy with my little eye … TC Vintage Addiction, Yonge and Charles, August 13, 2014
Basic rule of life: when you see a vintage shop painted pink with white polka-dots, you go in, even if you, like me, are not a girly girl. Especially if said shop is located above a store selling bongs and payday loans, because then you know its got character!
TC Vintage Addiction is new to the Toronto second-hand scene and sells “vintage with a modern flare.” Located on Yonge street just north of Charles, this brand new shop is fully stocked with vintage and contemporary finds. Store owners Terry and Christine have amassed an impressive collection of clothing and accessories from every possible decade. There’s everything from a 19th century beaver top hat to a 1950s wiggle dress to a ’90s pouffy prom dress. It’s clearly a labour of love for Terry and Christine, as they pull out favourites and speak fondly of where they found it and who owned it before. The formerly white rope handles on a Louis Vuitton bag had turned a pale sand colour because the previous owner had used it as her beach bag! Terry kept the brooch on an early 20th century coat that had been added by a wearer as he liked the look of it, even though it wasn’t originally part of the garment.
1950s wiggle dress styled by Christine
Terry and Christine have put a ton of work into this new location (their first is around the Danforth and specializes in furniture) and it shows! Chandeliers glint from the ceiling and old-school art, vintage lamps, and throwback photographs can be found throughout the store. The dressing rooms were my favourite feature, with plush Chanel logo carpets and purple brocade curtains. The aforementioned polka-dot exterior paint job was their doing; apparently the landlord wasn’t too fond of it but had given them carte blanche. It’s definitely eye-catching and injects that stretch of Yonge (which includes an odd mix of Spring Rolls, the Brass Rail and Kitchen Stuff Plus) with some much needed fashionable flair.
Inside TC Vintage Addiction. You know you want to shop here!
Their selection is amazing and the best thing is what you don’t notice; the shop is refreshingly free of the musky smells usually associated with second-hand shops. Every piece is cleaned before it comes out on the floor. They take pride in keeping a beautiful and tidy store.
My TC Vintage Addiction picks? The long 1910s wool coat would be perfect with dresses for fall (or even now, with this cold weather!), the Vince Camuto graphic print heels are fun, and the green leather skirt would be a great addition to any closet. And I may have to return for the Betsey Johnson bulldog key chain, an uncharacteristic girlie touch for me.
My shoe crush: Vince Camuto graphic print heels
Put TC Vintage Addiction on your must-shop list. I know I’ll be back for a few lovely treasures. One visit and I’m sure you’ll be hooked too!
I spy with my little eye …
pink polka-dotted prettiness
even the stairs have charming details
you definitely want to visit
front end of the shop
mannequins in sequins
Bennett’s London beaver top hat with original box
maker’s mark on Bennett’s hat
Sex Pistols arm patch
pink and red houndstooth mini skirt
Betsy Johnson bulldog key ring
1910s long coat
brooch on 1910s coat
lace collar on a 1980s dress
textures and prints
black and white polka dot dress
1960s Stacy Ames coat
1990’s polka dot prom dress
gathering on 90s dress
skirts!
gorgeous green leather skirt
1970s maxi skirt
a sea of jewelry
a sea of belts
hello Louboutins!
Jimmy Choo and Marc Jacobs side by side
my shoe crush: Vince Camuto heels
sexy Gucci ad
lovely setting for a shop
1950s outfit styled by Christine
50s hat and fox fur
bow belt on 50s dress
1961 Judy torso
south view of store (hello bag and hat lovers!)
hats, bags and a book reader
Louis Vuitton bags
LV bag aka rich lady beach bag
gorgeous heels
lovely little hat snuggle
hats!
bonjour Chanel!
fun vintage art and photographs
this 1960s gown weighed at least 10 pounds!
handmade detailing
fur or feather trim, darling?
gorgeous dressing room
nicest. dressing. room. EVER
there are great little vignettes to be found
sequins stand out!
details and sequins
fun fur and feather vest
lady needs something to wear
of course you want to shop here
TC Vintage Addiction is located at 685 Yonge Street on the 2nd floor, north of Charles street. Please note that at the time this post was published, their site was not updated with their new location.
Display of shoes for sale at the Leslieville Flea, Harbourfront Centre, August 3, 2014
Sunday was my first ever visit to the Leslieville Flea. The Flea runs twice a month throughout the summer and early fall, alternating between two sites. This one was at Harbourfront Centre, right in front of Power Plant. It’s a fun place to browse vintage, salvaged, up-cycled goods, furniture, antiques, collectibles and, of course, fashion!
There were many treasures to discover! Here are a few of my picks, in no particular order.
Paracita: Paracita is a collaboration between two artists who make gorgeous clothing using a Japanese tie-dying technique called shibori. I especially loved the shape of the trapeze tops with the rounded open backs. I would wear their stuff in a snap. They are officially on my radar and wish list!
Paracita shibori tops
Casa Lovina: Angelique of Casa Lovina had the globe-trotting bohemian look down with her selection of clothing and accessories. I was eyeing a teal hamsa print top and a white slit back trapeze top. Also, check out the Aztec Bib necklace!
Aztec Bib Necklace at Casa Lovina
snkrbox: I’m no sneakerhead (although I love my Converse!) but the colourful kicks of snkrbox caught my eye. Jason Burke is the Trend Director of snkrbox which is an online shop and blog. His blog is worth a browse. The man’s got style!
Bright sneakers at snkrbox
Revolucion Jewelry: If you like your jewelry big, bright, and bold, Revolucion Jewelry is right up your alley! Abby Eugenio has got a great eye for picking pieces and displayed her wares beautifully, with an inspiration board display and mexican skulls. One of her biggest inspirations is Frida Kahlo.
Revolucion Jewelry’s inspiration/display board
PRINTVINTAGE: A popular vintage clothing shop on College and Ossington, PRINTVINTAGE brought two racks of gorgeous clothes to the Flea and shared a space with snrkbox. They also have a great Etsy shop. I’m digging their LOVE ring based on Robert Indiana’s famous image and sculpture.
Cute dress at PRINTVINTAGE
Muizee: And finally, Muizee offers some adorable and affordable jewelry from different designers. Being a fan of bold jewelry, I zeroed in on the colourful geometric triangle necklace. For those who prefer more delicate pieces, there was no lack of dainty charms in the shape of wishbones, origami cranes, and storm clouds.
Silver necklaces at Muizee
The next Leslieville Flea is on Sunday, August 17 at the Ashbridge Estate. Check out more photos below from this Flea one and get inspired for your next fashion treasure hunt!
entrance to the Leslieville Flea, Harbourfront Centre, August 3, 2014
jewelry stand
vintage and up-cycled jewelry
up-cycled necklaces
display of vintage goods at Lulu & Lolie
vintage clothes at Lulu & Lolie
coffee totes
Paracita
Paracita shibori tops
one of the Paracita designers models their yellow trapeze top
