Cappuccinos, Vespas, and Drag Queens?! – Aviva Babins.

 

 

Cappuccinos, Vespas, and Drag Queens?!

 

 

 

Little Italy.  Walking along the streets of Toronto filled me with great pride.  Why is it that such a large city can have so many little neighborhoods, each with their own   thriving community and individual character?  Nestled up the road from Chinatown, nearby to the Indian Bazaar, and down the street from the University of Toronto area-The Annex, one stumbles upon Little Italy, a neighborhood you just cannot refuse…

 

 

 

 

Little Italy mirrors its’ motherland in the summer: the streets are filled with people casually perusing the lanes, you can hear laughter erupt from cafes where friends are catching up over cappuccinos, families are wiping gelato ice creams off the faces of toddlers…into the night the streets come alive: lovers are holding hands dining over candlelight, friends congregate to sip martinis in one of the many trendy lounges or clubs, drag queens strut their stuff down the catwalk…yes, drag queens- I could not imagine a better way to end a night than catching Salsa-Fever alongside a Kylie Minogue impersonator!

 

Store Report

 

There were not many fashion boutiques that caught my eye, nonetheless, the ones that did made a large impression:

 

1.  Lillyput:  Bright pink and black stripes attract shoppers’ attention to this millinery store, and inside the boutique is equally enticing.  Schiaperelli antique hatboxes line the perimeters of the walls adorned by glorious and innovative hats.  It is an Ascot woman’s dream.  Friendly staff approach onlookers, urging them to try on these magical wonders, stating that if there is a chapeau of their desire they can custom fit the colour and/or design.  Clearly, a cut above the rest.

 

 

 

 

2.  The Vespa Store: What could be better than cruising the streets of Toronto in the summertime on a Vespa? Perhaps cruising the streets of Toronto on a Vespa wearing Fred Perry?! Not only does this store sell Vespas, it has a clothing boutique as well. Labels such as Ben Sherman, Energie, and Miss Sixty are cleverly displayed alongside pictures of cool cats riding their Vespas in the 60’s. The buyer for the store, a lovely girl named Sarah, informed me of labels for the fall including Adidas Originals and Penguin, to name a few.  Look out for a future segment on fall fashions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Flavour Hall: This quirky store is tiny and adorable. It is comprised of one little showroom, enough to squeeze 4 people comfortably inside. It showcases original designs and accessories. The brightness of the store exterior shouts come take a peak!

 

 

Entertainment Report

 

Personally, I prefer a night out in Little Italy to the conventional clubbing district- John & Richmond.  The attitude of the neighborhood is more relaxed and charming than its’ downtown counterpart. It attracts a similar crowd, however, is more diverse due to funky lounges like Ciao Edie, The Orbit – a swingin’ jazz club, Mod Club – Brit Pop dancehall, and Paeez- a fabulous shisha lounge.

 

 

 

 

Restaurants

 

Little Italy has more to offer than just pizza pasta joints, other restaurants include Tempo – a pricey sushi spot, 65 Steakhouse – great ambience and service, Buttr, Xaccutti – popular with the stars (last time I was there I saw Michael Douglas), Lounge, Kalendar – great salads, Coco Lozzone, Bar Italia, Utopia, and many many more!

 

 

 

 

 

Ciao Bella!!

 

Aviva Babins (Toronto Fashion Advisor)

 

Little Italy is on College St. West, between Bathurst and Ossington.

If you would like to know more information, or if you have any comments please do not hesitate to email me at avivababins@gmail.com