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Retail Heaven is in the Hood!

By Patrisha Robertson

From 210 you are in the heart of Toronto's retail-land. To the West, the sugar-and-spice of Kensington Market; South, the fashion-vibe of Queen West; East, Eaton's Centre's bustle and buzz, and North, the luxury offerings of Bloor West. Where to start?

UMBRA CONCEPT STORE
165 John Street The Kohn-Shnier designed Umbra Concept Store on John Street beckons with a rosy glow. Umbra products are hosted by many décor stores, but here's a place dedicated to presenting its entire design philosophy. View the downstairs offerings – where the brand's signature bubble-gum plastic vies with natural bamboo in a range of picture frames, organizers, et al... But the wallpaper set won't miss the designer items on the second floor. It's here you'll find Karim Rashid's infamous Oh Chair and Natalie Kruch's Balloona Stool – 500 balloons tied up on a solid wooden stool. Both reveal Umbra's quirky take – and emphasis – on modern and sometimes irreverent design.
BLOOR STREET WEST (MINKMILE)
Between Yonge Street and Avenue Road The destination place where fashionistas meet stargazers, the high- and well-heeled find their Louboutins and the style-hound that latest Marc Jacobs: Bloor Street West... That singular city block, where even a stroll along the street can feel like a prowl along a catwalk. Prada, Chanel, Tiffany, Burberry are all represented here – as are our own brand-conscious Holt Renfrew and Harry Rosen. Thursday night is late night shopping, so while you may conclude with dinner in any of the surrounding restos, some would call the shopping (even if only window shopping) a feast in itself.
URBANE CYCLE
180 John Street Yes, there's a BIXI station around the corner, but the dedicated urban pedal pusher will need a bike. Your closest – and best – resource: Urbane Cycle. Located on John Street, this is where you find beauties like the Opus Cervin and Zermatt, the Dutch bike style Viva complete with leather bike rack, and some cycling classics – Brooks saddles and panniers! While Urbane has a broad range of clientele, couriers to racers to proud lefties, this is a connoisseur's haven. Walk there. Pedal home!
STACEY ZHANG
292 Queen Street West While Queen Street West between University and Spadina has become host to some of the world's top fashion names, along comes Stacey Zhang to remind us that Canada's indie designers soar. From Montreal, this designer brings Toronto the kind of detail missing en masse. The standout: clever details that are the Zhang design signature and the luxurious seasonal knits. Mix in some of the shop's carefully curated range of shoes and accessories, and here's where you find a Look!
MO851
23 St. Thomas Street Montreal-based MO851 owes its sense of style to the French. You know what we mean. That easy aplomb that comes with wearing the brand's own wares: simple, well-made leather shopping bags that would seem at home in the Marais; postman-style bags and satchels of various sizes that yawn open to accommodate your e-readers; sleek body-skimming leather bombers and the chic foulards that set them off. The design is generally lean and simple and though there are styles for men and women, there is a sense of unisex. A visit will situate you just across from the Windsor Arms. Celebrate your purchase with tea and scones.
SEVENTY SEVEN
77 Bellair Street In a shop opened by Kimberly Newport-Mimram, the designer behind the Canadian fashion label Pink Tartan you would expect good taste. And here it is – in the form of the lifestyle concept store Seventy-Seven. The critically acclaimed Pink Tartan collection is present, of course and it is paired with elements of supreme good form. Karen Walker Eyewear, Archie Grand notebooks with their hand sewn seams, Binchotan charcoal toothbrushes. Rather than miscellany, however, it is as if a critical net went out to some of the world's more notable and esoteric brands, and hauled them in here as a fresh and wonderful catch to benefit the senses – and good living.
AVEDA EXPERIENCE CENTRE
Eaton Centre Life is a rush: moving in, stressful: just a stroll east of 210 Simcoe, lies the reprieve. From essential oils, room scents, and shampoos made from natural ingredients, the Aveda Experience Center in the Eaton Centre invites you to inhale a world of aromatic pure flower and plant essences. Sip their Comforting Tea and enjoy a few minutes of bliss with any of their complimentary Rituals of Renewal.
For an Aveda retailer closer to home, check out Civello at 269 Queen Street West and get your hair styled while you're there!
BOOMER
309 Queen Street West Listen up gents, looking for a slick suit for that big corporate meeting, or a timeless ensemble for your next evening out? Get out of the department store and head just down the street from 210 Simcoe to Boomer. Independently owned and operated, Boomer offers high style and subtle sophistication. Here you'll find out why their modern suiting (they stock brands like Hugo Boss, J.Lindeberg and Belstaff) and an old-fashioned dedication to service have made Boomer an essential boutique for Toronto's best dressed men since the '80s.
LAVISH&SQUALOR
253 Queen Street West Hailed as Toronto's independent life and style shop, there's no question Lavish&Squalor is where the cool kids shop. Housed in an old fashion district garment factory built at the turn of the 20th century, and filled with brands like Levi's and Cheap Monday, this is where you'll find your weekend city wear. With men's and women's apparel, hand picked vintage finds (of note: the vintage leather Valentino and Coach bags) and "the Pantry" stocked with fancy olive oil and fair-trade Belgian chocolate bars, you won't need to shop anywhere else. You can even book the newly opened upper floor for your next 'see-and-be-seen' party, what's cooler than that? Our tip – go on a Friday after work and they'll pour you a cocktail while you shop during their cinq à sept hour.

Noteworthy

Kid Icarus
75 Nassau Street A shrine to hand printed/hand made paper goods – greeting cards, vintage map pins, 3D wrapping paper posters, wallets made from repurposed fabrics and more.
Bungalow
273 Augusta Avenue Where you go for that a 50's cocktail dress to go with that classic dry martini. How about a modern take on teak? From furnishings to fashion, mid-20th century design lives here.
Williams-Sonoma
100 Bloor Street West (and Eaton Centre) Your local shrine to the domestic arts; salt pigs, cookie cutters, and ultra-serious cookware.
John Fluevog
242 Queen Street West Park your Choo's at the door. This is footwear with a funkier – yet still fashionable–- edge. Men's and women's, all conveying Fluevog's visionary take on color, style and detail.
Baldwin Naturals Health Food Store
16 Baldwin Street When vitamins, free-range eggs, fresh organic greens and gluten-free are on the shopping list, grab your shopping bag, and stroll over here.