Toronto independent clothing boutiques for the rebel in you

Big box stores all seem to have one thing in common: Tons of mass-produced clothing that’s seen on too many people. When you’re ready to separate yourself from the herd with a unique, hand-picked wardrobe, give these independent clothing boutiques a chance to help you define your style.

Doll Factory By Damzels Inc

1
1122 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K8

This Queen East store was started by, in their own words, “two babes out to kick some fashionable a**.” You can bet the clothes here will be distinctive and fun. These are threads with an edge; garments that loudly proclaim that you’re a strong woman. The designers featured here create clothes with a strong sense of femininity, as seen in their body-hugging lines, sensual curves and flattering cuts.

Lavish & Squalor

2
253 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z4

Warmly decorated with rustic wood floors, exposed brick walls, distressed shelving and antique pieces doubling as storage units, this Queen West store is a treasured neighbourhood gem. Clothing shoppers can expect to find a mash-up of western meets urban edge, with plenty of stylish garments for the independent-minded dresser. While perusing the clothes, sip on a Lavish & Squalor coffee or Red Bull, for sale in the store.

Canon Blanc

3
679 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1E6

If you’ve always wanted to dress Parisian chic but couldn’t afford the overseas plane ticket, this shop is the next best thing. It’s loaded with fashions you’d expect to see along the Champs-Élysées. They carry clothes ranging from kitschy fashion, such as Eiffel Tower t-shirts, to sophisticated clothes, including men’s skinny-cut chinos. To top it off, Canon Blanc has all the accessories you need to complete any look for both men and women.

Model Citizen

4
279 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2M1

Men in search of their own distinct sense of style should come here directly. The devil-may-care attitude about their clothing only heightens the shop’s cool factor. You do need a sense of daring to wear this shop’s clothing, as just about nothing here can be considered conservative in style (especially with its swallow logo printed on everything). Silkscreen printing classes are also available, offering the chance for you to create your own clothing and original design.

Second Nature Boutique

5
514 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S 2M2

If you’re on a budget but still motivated to build a wardrobe that’s distinctly your own, then you may find those rare and one-of-a-kind items here. This boutique prides itself on being one of the city’s first consignment stores, giving buyers and sellers a chance to recycle cherished but still useful goods. You’ll find clothes in all different styles and for any occasion.

Are you looking for Coconut Aminos? Trying to find raw, organic almonds in bulk? Want to buy organic cranberries or grass-fed beef? Look no further than these great stores.
From locally made fashion to custom jewellery, you’ll find what you’re looking for with a stroll down Ossington Avenue – and enough fab stores for a second trip. The strip is city-renowned for being one of the hottest streets for one-off fashion finds and accessories, international designers, and home décor bliss. [Image credit: iStock.com/ozgurcankaya]
Whether you’re a vintage-clothing lover looking to modernize a new treasure or a young professional seeking the perfect tapered trouser, one thing is for certain: you need a good tailor. With a slew of crafty clothiers across the city, all you have to do is take your ill-fitting piece in and let those nimble fingers work their magic. Here is our west end edition of Toronto’s top tailors. [Image credit: iStock.com/solidcolours]
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