by Parisima Baha
Shopping in Toronto can certainly be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to the top five neighbourhoods to shop in the 6. From splurging on designer fashion to finding furniture for your home to scoring stellar vintage finds, we’ve got you covered. [Image credit: iStock.com/oneinchpunch]
So you’ve just moved and are looking to fill your place to make it home. The best neighbourhood to hit is King East, known as the design district for its myriad of furniture shops. Every home deserves a comfy sofa, and for that, you can visit the luxury and eco-conscious Montauk Sofa. For patio furniture, there’s Andrew Richards Designs. Minimalists will love Poliform Toronto; they specialize in designing modern kitchens and wardrobes with furniture from their headquarters in Italy. For something different, check out the Mah Jang collection of upholstered low-seating lounge sofas at Roche Bobois. And if you’re just redecorating your space for the holidays, you can never go wrong with Urban Barn.
Live-up your Carrie Bradshaw fantasies by shopping for designer fashion – think: Tiffany’s, Chanel, D&G, Burberry and more – at the glamorous Mink Mile. Yorkville is also home to Canadian high-end designer Pink Tartan, feminine-yet-menswear-inspired Judith & Charles, and luxury retailer Holt Renfrew. Shop more local labels like Greta Constantine, Mackage, Sentaler and more at Andrews. For men’s designer apparel from Phillip Lim to Alexander Wang, visit Contraband. You’ll also find some of the most luxurious lingerie and swimwear in this neck of Toronto, from European boutiques like Avec Plaisir, Eres, Sandpipers and Shan.
If you’re seeking artsy, one-of-a-kind items for your wardrobe and home, look no further than Toronto’s art and design district, West Queen West. In this vibrant neighbourhood, you’ll find many homegrown fashion labels like the bold and colourful printed designs of Hayley Elsaesser and Untitled & Co., where the look is definitively digital print meets pop culture. There’s also Nuvango, an artistic fashion gallery, where an artist’s work appears on wearable clothes. For men looking to do some serious apparel shopping, Queen West is home to sleek menswear boutiques like designer label-carrying Nomad, suited-up Sydney’s, casually hip Park & Province, and the shop, café and barber in one, Frank + Oak.
Queen West also has some cute home and novelty shops. You can light up your home with Yummi Candles and get dream barware at BYOB Cocktail Emporium. There’s also the famous Drake General Store, which carries all sorts of lovely things like onesies for the whole family, mugs, ornaments, skincare and more.
Kensington is the place to score some major vintage finds. Courage My Love is a must-visit for all sorts of gems from the '50s to '80s. They’re also known for their Navajo vintage jewellery and antique beads. For more jewellery, head to Anice Jewel Boutique, where owner Brittany Hopkins has taken old pieces and turned them into something new. Another popular clothing spot is Sub Rosa, where you can find anything from vintage Levis to trendy pieces you can rock today. If vintage fashion isn’t your thing, maybe you’ll find something unique for your home at Jade The Vintage Shop, or vintage musical instruments at Paul’s Boutique.
This family-friendly neighbourhood is your best bet for gift shopping. Roncesvalles has the kind of boutiques that if you were to set foot in, you’ll find something to gift someone, just because. Visit Likely General for things like apothecary, Canadian novels and beautiful ceramics. For that friend who seems to have everything, head to Mrs. Huizenga to find a one-of-a-kind antique gift. You can even put together your own gift set of perfume, accessories and clothes at womenswear shop Frock or create a basket with a mug, soap, scarf and sweater from the unisex-offering Muttonhead.
