Spring. It's happening. Finally. With it comes the bad and the good. The thaw that reveals months of urban decay and a huge apartment clean up isn't so great... but! Once you've cleaned out those closets you can hit one of these lovely local shops and fill up on summer goodness... which is tres hot.
Victoire, Ossington Ave
This beautiful boutique, which has one location in Toronto, one in Ottawa and online shopping is so sweet. It's front room is full of delightful dresses and it's back room has some more clothes and fun extras. They carry a long list of local designers as well as great smaller brands like In God We Trust... because everyone needs a heart necklace with something funny inscribed on it.
Trove, Palmerston Village
This place truly is a treasure trove filled with clothes, accessories and shoes. Oh the shoes, boots and heels! Bonus points for their location, you don't even have to hit a shopping strip to pop into this one-stop-shop for a fetch new look.
Lavish & Squalor, Queen West
This place is all lavish and zero squalor and is perfect for you and the ladies and gentlemen in your life. Excellently curated, high quality clothes in an exposed brick and large beam hardwoods keep it low key, when you're finding those perfect spring pieces for work or play.
Girl Friday, Queen West
Also located on Queen West is Girl Friday. Think of it as your BFFs slightly cooler closest, only with a monetary exchange. Going to a wedding this summer and need a dress? Looking for a surprisingly versatile spring jacket? She's your gal.
Tom's Place, Kensington Market
Dude, you need a suit. Or, your dude needs a suit. You know it's wedding season and one of these things is true. Tom's Place in Kensington has all of your suit needs, from ties to hems at incredibly discount prices. Use the money you save by coming here at a nearby dive bar like Ronnie's afterwards to make the experience as painless as possible.
Cabaret Vintage, Queen West
If after your big Spring clean you're after something a little less expensive, why not go the vintage route? Cabaret Vintage has it all, from sparkles to simple all for the price of something so nice it's been owned twice. Beyond their usual gently loved threads, they also have a massive selection of stunning second hand wedding dresses, so if you're a bride and not a bridesmaid this summer, pop on by.
Made You Look, Parkdale
Jonesing for jewels? Treat yo'self. Every kind of stone, sparkle and style exists under this Parkdale roof. The list of trendy Toronto designers that create for this locale is almost endless, and they do custom jewerly as well as repairs, too. They will make you look brilliantly blingin'.
Feel Good Soap Company, Queen West
Why should your closet and jewelry box be the only thing getting a little refresh this spring? What about your scent? Your Feel Good Soap Company is sure to make you feel great with their customized scents. If your house needs a spruce up, too, why not try one of their candles, again, also customized or our personal pre-made fave PB&J. Delish.
This article was compiled by Evelyn Wiseman Akerman / @yelptoronto