Tonronto Street Report

          

 

  Golden Vintage

 

Amidst Charlie and the Chocolate Factory mania, I have decided to pay tribute to the almighty Willy Wonka in describing an area of Toronto. Kensington Market.  Kensington market is a fresh and funky area in the middle of downtown Toronto that resembles Portobello market – without the familiar cry of 3 for a Fiver resonating in your ears as you walk down the street! For a vintage enthusiast, walking down Kensington Avenue resembles Charlie finding his golden ticket…there are so many shops to uncover until you find that one gem that you just know will be a staple within your wardrobe for years to come. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store Report

1. Exile: There are 2 Exile’s on Kensington; kind of confusing, I know, but well worth the double take. Exile combines both men and women’s’ vintage clothing and accessories, with a fantastic selection to accommodate cowboys to prom queens to drag queens.

 

 

 

The staff are incredibly friendly, and I love that they coined Dior’s phrase amidst the frock section: J’adore Vintage! In truth, J’adore Exile.

 

 

 

2. Courage my love: With a name that sounds like a Rod Stewart ballad it’s surprising to walk into the store and be blown away by mounds of jewelry and other vintage accessories lining the walls. Incense burns, sending soft aromas throughout the store. Courage has a very impressive selection of beads for all of those who like to make their own creations.  By far one of my top 10 stores that Toronto has to offer.

  

 

 

 

 

3.  Freshly Baked Goods: Baked with tender love and care, their clothing range takes inspiration from prints and knits in a 1940’s kitschy way.  The exterior of the store resonates with charm, luring new customers inside hoping to join their loyal following.

 

 

 

Good Eats & Evenings

 

Kensington is home to a wide variety of organic cafes and grocery stores – enough to please all of its’ urban hippy residents.  My personal favourite is Urban Herbivore – it’s scrumdiliumptious! At the corner of Oxford Street and Augusta (yes, Oxford Street – obviously the Canadian version is much toned down version from the conventional Oxford Circus, as ours is hippified!) Urban Herbivore prepares monstrous sandwiches, with your home-baked bread of choice, and the fillings are an organic aficionado’s fantasy. Onwards to nightlife. Kensington is buzzing with live music and cafes, however my favourite has got to be Supermarket– this place oozes with cool kids on any night. My advice is not to go on the weekends, as the joint becomes ram packed with descendents from Little Italy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

That’s all for now, here’s a little of taste of what to look forward to in weeks to come:

1.      Preloved – An interview with the Head Buyer, and one of my favourite stores that Toronto has to offer.

2.      Zen Mama – Toronto’s love affair with Lululemon.

 

If you would like to know any more about the Toronto fashion scene, please do not hesitate to email me at avivababins@gmail.com