Style Vulture

Aritzia got its start in 1984 as a boutique inside family-owned and operated small-scale department store Hill’s in Vancouver. It quickly flourished – and voila! There are now 23 locations in Canada (with 2 more in the U.S.), each one serving up the latest trends and styles. 

As I walked into Aritzia on Bloor last week I was overjoyed at all the great colours.  The boutique looked like a candy store with bright pinks, yellows, limes, and the most beautiful shades of blue from sky to electric peaking out from displays and racks alike. 

A haven for skinny and wide leg jeans and trousers alike, Aritzia is in full bloom for spring/summer with artistically charged prints, sheer airy fabrics, and of course, the comfiest sweats imaginable courtesy of TNA (Talula National Athletics).  

Other brands exclusive to the store include TALULA, TALULA BABATON, and the slightly pricier WILFRED, which makes my loins quiver with excitement and the gotta-have-it-immediately shakes. 

It doesn’t end there. The boutique also carries an extensive assortment of denim – most popular being CITIZENS OF HUMANITY, 7 FOR ALL MANKIND, and CHEAP MONDAYS.  The best part – Aritzia’s got some of the best buyers in the business - so be prepared to fall in love with as-of-yet unfamiliar brands like NUMPH in addition to the usual suspects (KENZIEGIRL, BCBGIRLS, FREE PEOPLE and more!). 

But it’s not all about the clothes (for once!). Aritzia is a huge supporter of the arts, and features a new artist each season.  Equally impressive are the tracks blasted by in-store DJ.  Personal favourites include hits by Justice, Daft Punk, Kid Sister, and Bloc Party to name a few. 

Once you seal the deal, you can pick up a copy of Nylon magazine at the cash counter (how fantastic is that?) and be on your merry way with a colourful Aritzia shopping bag on your arm. What could be better? Absolutely nothing. 
 

by Olga Barsky

Having dreamt about her very own store since she was 17, owner Erin Swan must have been on cloud nine with the opening of Charlie in March.  Having cut her teeth as a buyer, Erin’s boutique houses a fantastic range of dresses, accessories, and pants (although they were all gone by the time I got there), a testament to Erin’s trained eye.  If she can sell out of pants, the woman can do anything! 

Unlike many other shops on the strip, Charlie offers fantastic price points.  There’s something here for everyone.  Erin further represents by making sure her shop is stocked with as many Canadian designers as possible. 

Lily + Jae, a line started in Vancouver by Judith Feller (who I had the pleasure of interviewing a couple months back) has a presence in the store.  Gotta love those oversized cardigans. 

Another exceptional label Anastasia Lomonova comes to us from Ryerson fashion grad of the same name who has set up shop in Montreal.  Her dresses are unique, girly, and fit like a dream. 

The Peel dresses are equally amazing. Made of organic cotton or jersey, they drape the body beautifully and have a very simple yet refined look.  Peel also scores some major points as their garments are exclusively manufactured in Canada.

BB Dakota caught my eye right away.  The inspiration behind the label – fabulous clothes of glamorous style icons. How can you go wrong with that as your mantra? The line offers some of the best price points for quality garments which are sexy, playful, and very wearable. 

Ultimately, the boutique reflects Erin’s personal style.  The girl likes to rock and even hopes to one day bring bands into the slick space.  Speaking of rock’n’roll, one of the coolest lines in Charlie is no doubt Worn Free – which reproduces tees worn by rockstars. The one I selected for the shoot was designed by John van Hamersveld, and was based on a Jimi Hendrix portrait.  It later went on to influence the Stones “tongue” logo. Put that in your pipe and smoke it! 

After visiting the boutique, I can honestly say it is a dream come true…and I think I may luv Charlie! 

809 Queen Street West

647.436.8452

iluvcharlie.com

by Olga Barsky
Most of you probably know West 49 as Canada’s biggest skateboard shop, but that’s not all.  West 49 also carries a fantastic assortment of cool casual fashion that’s well made and very reasonably priced. From Billabong to Roxy, DC, Hurley, C1RCA, and Element, the labels do not disappoint. 

Element gets it right each season with fitted graphic tees embellished with super cool art work that follows motifs like trees and scribbles.  Billabong on the other hand, makes fantastic ultra girlie board shorts in a variety of lengths and patterns, along with fitted low-to-no fuss dresses, ideal for summer heat. Last but not least, Roxy wows with cute summer tops, short shorts, ands dresses.  I’ll let you in on a little secret SDTC, Roxy also makes THE best skinny jeans for under $50! 

http://www.west49.com/ 

Located on the competitive Queen West strip, Lavish & Squalor holds its own as one of the most unique shops housing both new and vintage garments and accessories.

The 19th century space is gorgeous – dimly lit, romantic, with lots of exposed wood and brick. In fact, the L&S gang got down and dirty themselves, and in the process discovered two hidden doors as well as some ultra-cool trinkets which make up the store’s old-world décor.

While there’s no actual ‘squalor’ to be found, the closest to it is an extensive collection of drool-worthy vintage finds from bins of patterned scarves to funky leather jackets, acid-coloured plastic jewelry, and boots-galore.

As for the ‘lavish’ portion – the selection of labels is incredible; many are exclusive to the store.  Amongst my top picks is the FARMER skinny in raw denim with hand-stitched detailing.  As I learned from L&S’s trendy buyer, you can tell the ‘grade’ of a jean by detailing inside the seam.  This pair of FARMER’S (#7) is surged on both sides…A++!

The shop also houses a charming little coffee bar featuring L&S’s very own signature blend, along with a selection of candy that takes you back to an era where you considered yourself a ‘badass’ for ditching school with your bff in favour of making friendship bracelets.

So whether you’re in search of some edgy yet office-appropriate duds, or looking for a fabulously eccentric outfit to WOW your crew at THE SOCIAL – you’ll find it here!

Lavish & Squalor
253 Queen Street West
416-599-4779

What I like most about Village is no two visits yield the same fruit.  All locations get restocked every morning, so there are always new bargains to be found, if you look hard enough.  Be it a pair of vintage size 6 CELINE pumps I found this week (and couldn’t cram my feet into no matter how hard I tried) or a sequined clutch (I have pledged to carry every Friday night for the rest of my life), Value Village is like a faintly-musky playground you just don’t want to leave.

On a less vain note, Value Village also implements a recycling program, and resells overstocked unsold merchandise, which would otherwise end up at landfills.  In fact, over the last year alone, 262 million pounds of unsold goods were recycled by the store.

So whether you ’re a student on a budget, or a fashionista in search of a unique find, Double-V is the place to be!

Over the last several years, Lacoste creative director Christophe Lemaire has kept himself busy revamping the croc-centric brand. He’s managed to update the classics, while at the same time, bring in new pieces that are smart, edgy, and even a little flashy (in a good way!). Most importantly, Lemaire has managed to preserve the integrity of the brand, while opening it up to the ‘average’ shopper who’d gladly trade in their gym membership in exchange for passes to a snazzy Holt’s party.

But how did LACOSTE come about? What to tennis, t-shirts, and a crocodile have in common? Rene Lacoste – famed French tennis player of course!

As the story goes, the label was conceived in two unrelated incidents. The first happened in 1923, when Rene Lacoste got a new nickname – “the alligator – after making a bet about an alligator-skin suitcase. When translated into French, his native tongue, Lacoste’s nickname became “le crocodile.”

A couple years later, at the U.S. Open Championship, Mr. Lacoste wore a short-sleeved shirt he made himself of a lightweight knit called “jersey petit pique.” He was dissatisfied with the quality of athletic garments, and pioneered his own material that drew sweat away from the body.

Rene Lacoste retired from professional tennis in 1933 and formed La Chemise Lacoste, which went on to become simply, LACOSTE. Interestingly, the LACOSTE classic polo – to this day – is one of the most sought after, recognized garments in the world!

But that’s not all. LACOSTE also makes exceptional footwear. The ’08 collection explores diverse themes from yoga to metallic, while maintaining the perfect balance of comfort and understated elegance from to heel to toe. This season’s collection celebrates colour and texture – be it a smooth as silk white leather flat, or nautical-style canvas wedge in crisp sky blue.

With V-Day a week away, its time to get that fabulous ass of yours in gear – be it S&M, schoolgirl, or Pioneer Village worthy smock and apron; there’s no accounting for tastes or fetishes!

I couldn’t think of a better shop to profile this week than SEDUCTION, which devotes its entire second floor to costumes, outfits, and kinky accessories (for the ladies and gents).

What could be more fun than putting on a sexy show for your lover while wearing a daring little outfit…complete with whip and paddle, or channeling Catwoman and crawling into bed latex-clad with mile-high f*ck-me pumps? NOTHING!

If you’ve never done sexy dress-up in the bedroom, don’t fret, Sheelagh who manages the clothing department (Mon – Fri, 10am – 5pm) is there to help. With years of experience under her belt and a charming personality, she’ll help you discover what’s right for you.

If you’re feeling pretty tame, feel free to take some cues from the outfit I’ve selected. However, if you’ve got the urge to try something more risqué – you’ll find it here also. As Sheelagh points out, customers who pick out nipple clamps are “FUN PEOPLE.” You’re fun aren’t you???

SEDUCTION LOVE BOUTIQUE is located at 577 Yonge Street
416.966.6969
www.seduction.ca

Best kept secret of Bloor West Village, TRIXIE first opened its doors in November of 2001. Husband and wife team, Joe De Paiva and Daniela De Paiva, are responsible for this hidden gem, which prides itself in catering to the multi-faceted woman about town. This includes a selection of casual pieces, smart business attire, and trendy-wear for a night on the town.

So what is co-owner Daniela most excited about this season - the return of a fitted silhouette! After years of maternity-chic and drinking tops galore the fashion world has finally come to its senses. Amen.

Jeans are second on Daniela’s list. She excitedly begins to list off cuts – fitted, skinny, wide leg, flared – this season anything goes. Jeans are ‘IT’ in all shapes and sizes, so whip out those salt-stained flares you discarded into the very back of your closet (wash salt off) and wear them proudly!

Third on her list - “COLOUR!” - Daniela’s eyes light up as she screams out the word. Not a fan of the stark funeral-wear trend of ‘06, Daniela couldn’t be more thrilled with this season’s must-have bright colours and prints.

Daniela’s charming, fashion-loving attitude is representative of the newly renovated space, which strikes the perfect balance of coziness and elegance.

“But what is it that sets TRIXIE apart from the sea of Toronto boutiques?” you ask. The fact that they carry between 8 – 10 Canadian labels each season, which is pretty freaking cool if you ask me! Here you’ll find meticulously constructed, unique garments that are not ‘made in china’ for a change.

The labels are super cool and playful, ranging from quirky tunics and dresses (YUMI) to an innovative Montreal line that specializes in patchwork called KOLLONTAI. The best part – these fashion-forward labels are completely wearable and reasonably priced.

Canada’s leading fashion line, KITCHEN ORANGE, has a strong presence on the shelves, which it shares with some equally groovy labels. Think RAFFIC, SOIA + KYO (maker of amazingly cut jackets), TRIXIE (their own private label), HOUSE OF SPY (another favourite of mine), and GENTLE FAWN (love love love their prints).

Jeans are another store favourite, with labels at every price point ranging from FIDELITY to DISH, and the as-of-yet undiscovered GUIDO + MARY.

Making it even harder to walk out empty handed, MATT + NATT bags occupy every corner of the boutique, while jewelry pieces by FOXY and CPACK are hidden away under glass, waiting to be snatched up on an impulse buy.

So from now on, I forbid you to think of Bloor West Village as just a ‘nice’ place to take grandma on the weekend or walk your dog. While TRIXIE may be a bit out of your way, you’ll be glad for the long-ish ride home as you reexamine all your purchases and mentally map out brand new outfits for the coming week.

FUN TIP: NOTHING GOES BETTER WITH A TRIXIE SHOPPING SPREE THAN A MOUTH-WATERING APRICOT PASTRY AND/OR CHOCOLATE ECLAIRE FROM LE PETIT PARIS BAKERY ACROSS THE STREET!

2313 Bloor Street West

416-762-0084

This week I decided to profile TNT or The New Trend. Perhaps you’ve seen TNT BLU while dashing through Hazelton Lanes, or even stepped into TNT WOMAN to take a closer look. Chances are you were confronted with some rather unfriendly price tags and got your H&M loving butt out of there soon after.

Let me tell you this She Does the City readers, I by no means advocate spending ones rent money on a high-end fad of the day like a sequined mini dress. At the same time, there are some pieces worth investing in. This isn’t always the case, but most of the time, designer means better fit, longevity, and superior quality.

TNT caters to a fashion forward, cutting-edge crowd. WOMAN is all about the couture, and carries an assortment of international and Canadian labels that are sure to make your heart skip a beat. BLU is younger and more laid back - think James Perse, Juicy, and Mischa Barton.

Here are five pieces that I found at TNT, which every woman should have in her walk-in closet. (Think big ladies!)

1. I just couldn’t you say no to this darling Pink Tartan trench! Designers have been working these on the runway for the last couple of years, and for good reason. A well-tailored trench coat can dress up the most boring of outfits, and looks as sophisticated as can be. In fact, who says you have to wear anything underneath at all? A little flashing in the bedroom can go along way!

2. Bold (not to be confused with obnoxious) comfortable shoes. These ballet slippers by style god Marc Jacobs are divine. I fell in love with these as soon as I saw them. They’re bright, perfect, and comfy – could there be a better statement piece? Bright accessories can do wonders for an outfit, be it a monochromatic work ensemble or a ‘weekend uniform’ consisting of jeans and a tee.

3. A pair of trousers you can wear to the office and sex up for a night on the town. These cigarette-leg Vince pants fit exceptionally well – managing to strike that perfect balance of stretch and fine tailoring. They seamlessly masquerade as work pants when paired with a nice boot and tunic or long cardi. For the nighttime – the options are endless. On the bottom, you can throw on some sexy stilettos (try wearing the stirrup strap over the shoe). And on top, something long and flowy with a big print, or sheer, tucked, and close to the body.

4. A creamy yellow tank may seem boring at first, but most ladies don’t pay nearly enough attention to the basics. Think of the skin-tight confidante tank you wear underneath all your layers for a week straight. Or the best-friend tank you’ve come to rely on for coverage underneath your skanky tops. The tanktop, rightfully so, is the unsung hero of every woman’s wardrobe, and must be treated accordingly. So next time you walk by a 2 for $10 bin of cheapass spaghetti-strapped tanks, ignore and opt for quality instead. A THEORY tank like this will cost you more than $5 but it’ll sure be worth it.

5. For those of you who don’t like crochet, think of this HELMUT LANG sweater as an example. No fashionista’s wardrobe is complete without that unique, one-of-a-kind clothing piece or accessory that brings out the envy in your otherwise good-natured friends. This should be an item that you can pair with at least 3 outfits in your existing wardrobe. Think of it as a ‘show-stopper’ on the shopping channel of your closet, something timeless, different, and figure flattering. If that’s the case, get ready to sign on the dotted line. Your credit card may take a bit of a beating, but if you do it right, you’ll be the talk of the town.
   

Hazelton Lanes 55 Avenue Road

TNT Blu: 416-972-1593

TNT Woman: 416-975-1810

TNT Man: 416-975-1960)

and

Eglinton Avenue West

TNT Blu: 392 Eglinton W. 416-544-8544

TNT Woman: 388 Eglinton W. 416-488-8210

TNT Clearance:368 Eglinton W. 416-544-0002