Only a mighty few rock a signature look for a lifetime. Introducing, from our inaugural Stylebook, 13 entries into Toronto Life’s best-dressed hall of fame
By Caroline Aksich

It’s loud and fearless and showy. We like it
Photography by Liam Mogan | Styling by Meaghan Binstock and Daniel Onori/Plutino Group

2012 is shaping up to be a preposterously fun year. Spring showed up early. Bryan Adams is touring again (woot woot!). And the city’s tastemakers are all wearing super-bright colours. It’s a trend inspired by nostalgia for the sporty vibe of the ’80s and ’90s: neon is back, and while there aren’t any jumpsuits, casual is the thing (sorry, Mad Men). But this time around, it’s more sophisticated.

Here, a few of his favourite things

1| My ride
It’s a 12-year-old Audi A6 Turbo. I like driving, and I’ve always had a thing for European sport sedans. When they put a stick shift in a hybrid or a Chevy Volt, I’ll buy one.

2| My hockey cards
I have thousands of vintage hockey cards. My most prized are a set of ’61–’62 Maple Leafs, which I remember from when I was a kid. They’re as close as I’m going to get to seeing the Leafs win the Cup again.

3| My anti-cottage
I love going to the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve south of Algonquin Park. A German guy bought it from a paper mill in the ’60s, and now his son leases plots for $3,000 a year. I’ve rented one on Lazure Lake for eight years. There are no motor boats, no power—just an empty campsite.

4| My water guide
A friend gave me HTO, a book about water in Toronto, in 2009, and I refer to it all the time. People don’t realize how many waterways there are in the city because most are hidden under infrastructure.

5| My neighbourhood café
I go to the Rooster on Broadview for my morning cappuccino. It has a great vibe and great coffee. I love how Jay, one of the baristas, makes latte art. He can paint a swan with steamed milk!

6| My workout
I’ve been going to Riverdale Pilates once a week for a few years. I have really bad sciatica, and even sitting can be painful. At one point I had to use a wheelchair to get off an airplane. Pilates has helped.

7| My inspiration
I drink a lot of red wine when I’m writing. I went through a case or two while I was writing my new book. My favourite right now is Osoyoos Larose, which comes from the Okanagan.

8| Salmon fishing
Every year I go salmon fishing in B.C. Last year, I went with my son Jack to Princess Royal Island, a rainforest. I thought: better go now before it’s too late. Sure enough, the Northern Gateway Pipeline is expected to run straight through the area.

9| My Trek bike
When I quit CIBC, a buddy and I decided to explore the city by bike. Eventually we biked the whole Humber River and, later, parts of the Waterfront Trail, which goes halfway around Lake Ontario. We still do it. Almost every weekend in the summer we’ll cover 50 or 60 kilometres.

10| My radio station
I love jazz, especially Miles Davis and John Coltrane. I listen to Jazz FM all the time. I miss Ralph Benmergui, who used to host the morning show, but I still like the station.

(Image: Steele by Liam Mogan)

Toronto is a hard-working city, but skyscrapers and cubicles aren’t for everybody

By Alex Bozikovic | Photography by Michael Graydon

The former Degrassi actress is enjoying a breakout role on MuchMusic’s The L.A. Complex. Here, a few of her favourite things

1| My diary
I started writing a journal when I was in grade school, and I’ve filled about 40 since then. I love to write—whether it’s songs or poems or dishing on people who bug me. It’s nice to have something that’s so physical and present. It’s not like working on a computer.

2| My favourite store
I do a lot of shopping at ­Jacflash. My style has a girly edge. I wear lots of lace and dress it up with goth jewellery and heavy makeup. Sometimes I look scary when I go out.

3| My SpiritHood
It’s faux fur from a company in California. Some of the proceeds go toward protecting the real animal the faux fur is mimicking. Mine is a grey wolf. I got my mom a polar bear and my sister a leopard.

4| My new skin colour
I don’t like going to tanning beds, and most spray tanners stink. But my favourite brand, Body Drench, actually smells amazing. It’s nice to have a little glow once in a while, especially on your legs in the winter.

5| My knife
I discovered Global knives while working a summer job at The Grilled Cheese in Kensington. One of my colleagues had cooked at Origin, and he brought one in. It made such a difference for slicing. They’re now a staple in my kitchen.

6| My parrot
Her name is Bella and she’s three years old. I always wanted a parrot. She sits on my shoulder and she’ll talk and groom my hair. Though she also rips apart my clothes, which I don’t love.

7| My platforms
I’m five foot two, but I like tall men. I once signed up for a dating site for tall people, but I got kicked off for being too short. My Substitute Club Spike platforms make me almost model height.

8| My crüe
The Dirt, Mötley Crüe’s autobiography, is one of my favourite books. I’ve read it so many times I feel like I know the band. I used to be in love with them. They were my teen crushes. I still want to date Tommy Lee.

9| My camera
I got this Fuji­film Instax Mini as a Christmas present. It’s like an old Polaroid, so you can take a picture and give the print to someone right there. You don’t have to do that thing where you email digital pictures and then nobody ever does anything
with them.

10| My munchies
The nachos at Sneaky Dee’s are the city’s best. The ones from Old York at Niagara and Wellington are also pretty great, but they don’t have guacamole. One time I tried bringing my own, and I got caught. I was so embarrassed I haven’t gone there since.

(Image: Steele by Liam Mogan)

Trying to combat the rain—or the cold half-snow that passes for April rain—with a flimsy corner store umbrella is a futile endeavour. Which is why we’re happy to report that traditional full-size umbrellas are making a comeback. The best of them is the English-made Swaine Adeney Brigg, carried by both Prince Charles and that dude from The Avengers. Note its hand-carved oak handle (also available in chestnut, bamboo and Malacca), adorned with a gold collar; its high-tensile steel ribs, strong enough to carry a full-grown woman from rooftop to rooftop; and its ample canopy of durable nylon that promises to keep you Sahara dry. $579. Betty Hemmings Leathergoods, 162 Cumberland St., 416-921-4321.

(Image: Liam Mogan)

By Alex Bozikovic | Photography by Michael Graydon

For almost a decade, Karen and Richard Pilosof lived the expat high life in London. Richard’s career as a trader was thriving, their three young kids—Jordan, Kit and Eli—were enjoying school, and the family loved their Arts and Crafts house in the tony Hampstead Heath area. When ­Jordan was recruited to board at an elite tennis academy in Florida, however, Karen and Richard balked at the prospect of transatlantic parenting and opted to return to their native Toronto. They listed their London house (it sold to the captain of Arsenal FC), packed their bags and, after summering in the south of France, landed in Forest Hill.

Once in Toronto, Richard started his own investment firm, and Karen, an accomplished artist, redesigned the new house. The place was built about 10 years ago by the previous owner, who had commissioned Toronto architect Dee Dee ­Taylor Eustace to design the structure and HGTV host Sarah Richardson to decorate the interior. “It felt like a boutique hotel,” says Karen. “It was absolutely beautiful, but the owners probably had no children. It was too serious. I had to make it more family-oriented and more playful.” She added a mixture of repurposed vintage pieces, hockey memorabilia (Eli has a shrine to Alex Ovechkin in his bedroom) and show-stopping art pieces—many of which came from the Pilosofs’ extensive personal collection. It took a few years, but Toronto is finally starting to feel like home again.

The two vintage chairs made the transatlantic journey with the Pilosofs. They’re from a design shop on Marylebone High Street in London.

The black and white photograph, called “Grave Top,” is by the Cuban-American artist Anthony Goicolea.

The Pilosofs bought the large cut metal Moroccan chandelier on a trip to Marrakech.

Karen and Richard bought this painting by René Marcil, a Canadian artist, in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France. “Marcil said those railway tracks were leading him to Canada,” says Karen. “It felt right for us, as we were about to make that journey.”

The Up5 chair and Up6 ottoman (attached to each other by rope) are from B&B Italia.

The prints above the dining room sideboard are by the U.K. artist Annette Rolston.

The art on the sideboard includes wood sculptures from Rec on Queen West, German and English vases and pieces by the potter Gordon Hutchins of Denman Island, B.C., where Karen’s mother operates a B&B.

Good food comes at a price. For dedicated kitchen design geeks, that price is $18,000, which is what it costs to own Aga’s newest cooker, a 970-pound cast-iron behemoth dubbed Total Control. It operates like a traditional Aga—using stored, radiant heat to produce constant cooking temperatures and therefore tastier, juicier food—with a high-tech twist. This one can be switched on and off in a matter of minutes or programmed to turn on automatically at a certain time. And if that doesn’t make your mouth water, this will: an iPhone app for long-distance preheating is in the works. The Aga Shop @ Grange Toronto, 150–154 King St. E., 416-943-0242.

(Image: Liam Mogan)

McAnuff’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar hits Broadway this month. Here, a few of his favourite things

1| My Litespeed racing bike
It’s the same kind of bike Robbie McEwen used to win his first green jersey at the Tour de France. The bike is a work of art, and I’m completely unworthy of it.

2| My Fender Telecaster
I bought my guitar in the summer of ’86 when I was playing in a rockabilly band in California. Since then, I’ve used it to play with Pete Townshend when we were doing Tommy, and I still sometimes play with the Jersey Boys band.

3| My scent
It’s very metro of me to admit this, but I’ve always liked cologne. My scent is Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford. I get lots of compliments on it, which is nice, and it’s the closest I’ll ever get to smoking again.

4| Fast cars
I’ve been a fan of Formula 1 since I was 10 years old. I still follow it religiously—I’ve been known to get up at 4 a.m. to watch races in Europe. My hero is Gilles Villeneuve, the fastest man ever to drive a Ferrari. I’m also a fan of his son, Jacques.

6| My VibroGym
It’s a vibrating plate you can exercise on, developed for astronauts to prevent their muscles from becoming flaccid in space. I discovered it at a hotel gym in Abu Dhabi, of all places. I use it almost every day. My partner, Bryna, has even become a certified instructor.

7| A good Brunello
I’m not terribly know­ledgeable about wine, so drinking it is a constant education. I’m fond of Italian Brunellos. Bryna and I went to Italy recently and fell in love with a boutique winery in the Brunello region called San Filippo.

8| The Bard
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare edited by Henry Hudson is my favourite edition. Christopher Plummer gave me a copy after I directed him in The Tempest. If I had to pick just one thing to do for the rest of my career, it would be Shakespeare. I’ve directed roughly a third of his plays now, so there’s still a long way to go.

9| My favourite painting
Eric Aldwinckle is my uncle. I fell in love with one of his pieces, Maelstrom, when I first saw it as a kid. To my amazement, he gave it to me when I turned 20. It’s been in every apartment I’ve had since then.

10| My spice fix
I didn’t discover Indian cooking until I was in my 30s. It was a ­complete revelation—I couldn’t believe there were so many wondrous tastes in a single cuisine. Raja, an Indian ­restaurant in Stratford, is terrific. I’m probably there three times a week in the off-season.

(Image: McAnuff by Naomi Harris)

By Bert Archer

The Buyer: Jeff Reed, the 40-year-old owner of the real estate investment firm Priority Management.

The Story: Reed is no stranger to the real estate market— he makes his living renovating and renting houses, and he’s taken on four such projects in the past 18 months alone. He likes the east end because there are still plenty of affordable pockets in rapidly gentrifying neighbourhoods. The housing stock is old, so his business concentrates on major overhauls, which can scare off most amateurs. For project number five, he was looking for something he could really sink his tools into: a place with a low basement to excavate, a bungalow to pop a second storey onto or a badly configured space in need of gutting. He set his purchase budget at $500,000, planning to spend about $200,000 on renovations. The idea was to make a great home for somebody else—and a tidy profit for himself and his investors.

(Image: Reed by John Cullen)

By Nicole Baute | Photography by Michael Graydon

In the 1990s, Joe Gonda and Christine Turner lived in a 6,000-square-foot Rosedale home with five children—four from Turner’s first marriage, one from Gonda’s. When the kids headed off to university, the couple downsized to a 3,500-square-foot house nearby. But that soon felt too big as well. “There were empty bedrooms, and we never went to the third floor other than to look for the cat,” Turner says.

In 2004 they moved again, to a brand-new 1,700-square-foot condo in Summerhill. The 10th-floor space is just big enough for the two of them, who often work from home (he’s a York University philosophy professor, and she’s an executive coach). They hired Barbara Munn and David Neff of Yorkville Design Centre to turn it into a funky pad, giving the partners free rein except for one major thing: colour. Gonda and Turner were adamant that there be lots of it. Sunny yellow walls with elegant crown mouldings, saffron curtains and a high-gloss coral kitchen—all are a dramatic change from their previous houses. The couple started buying vibrant paintings and prints 20 years ago, but the muted earth tones of their Rosedale home didn’t do the art justice. Over the years, their tastes became bolder and brighter, until their unreserved style exploded here. “We always wanted to amp up the visual decibels,” Gonda says. “Now we finally have.”

The couches and chairs were purchased at Ridpath’s in the ’80s. They used to be off-white and pale blue, but they got a radical makeover for Gonda and Turner’s new home.

The couple bought this still life in the Place des Vosges during their first trip to Paris together, in 1991. It’s signed “Tondu,” but they’re doubtful that it’s a genuine work by the famed French artist.

The ceramic rain boots are from Quint­essence Designs on Yonge Street. Gonda and Turner bought the larger pair because it matched the room’s colour palette. The smaller pair was a gift from Gonda’s son.

The ceilings are light pink instead of white, a subtle trick to highlight the way the sun catches the yellow walls.

BETSEY JOHNSON
The 69-year-old American designer is known for doing cartwheels on the runway, and that exuberance is evident in each of her party-girl frocks. Her Yorkville boutique doesn’t carry an exclusive line of bridesmaid gear, but it is still popular with free-spirited brides who want to adorn their best friends in sequins, lace, taffeta, ruffles and hot pink ribbon. A-line dresses, supported by layers of crinoline, can spice up the otherwise earnest walk down the aisle, and flit effortlessly into a night of dancing. Orders typically take one week. Most garments are priced between $300 and $500; no alterations in store. 102 Yorkville Ave. (at Hazelton Ave.), 416-922-8164.

CABARET
Cabaret is the city’s best spot for mid-century modern formalwear. The house line includes 20 glamorous cocktail-style dresses, many of which can be adapted into wedding gowns, with such frothy names as The Bijou and The Soiree. The frocks are custom fitted with impeccably pleated bustiers and voluminous structured skirts ($475–$995) that skim the knees like a swinging bell. For brides who don’t mind a mismatched party, there are restored vintage dresses from the ’20s to the ’70s, with dainty beaded purses and gold cigarette cases—the stuff your grandma kept for special occasions. 672 Queen St. W. (at Euclid Ave.), 416-504-7126.

CHAMPAGNE AND CUPCAKES
As the bubbly and butter frosting name suggests, this Queen West boutique caters to women whose tastes tend toward the super-sweet and girly. Owner and designer Caroline Yoon, who can often be found sewing dainty cocktail dresses at her machine in the back of the store, launched her White Label line of bridesmaid dresses ($189–$300) in 2009. The feel of the collection is youthful, flirty and simple—sweetheart necklines, A-line silhouettes, bubble hems—with soft satins and silks in solid colours (no prints) from across the spectrum. Given four to six weeks, Yoon can tailor a sample to your specifications, or she can work from pencil and pad to sketch out an original creation ($375 and up). Closed Monday. 1114 Queen St. W. (at Dovercourt Rd.), 416-533-2253.

ELEVEN
This chic Yorkville shop may be synonymous with Lundström (this is the brand’s flagship store), but Eleven also hosts a healthy stable of other Canadian designers, including David Dixon, Basch and Joeffer Caoc. Bridal offerings tend to be the cocktail length. While Lundström frocks veer toward classic cuts with minimal embellishments, the Dixon dresses redefine the bridesmaid look: a sheer black number with a sequined waistband and faux-feather skirt might be too Black Swan for some, but for those who are weary of the demure sidekick look, it’s perfect. Order six weeks in advance. 116 Cumberland St. (at Bellair St.), 416-966-3935.

JACFLASH
The bridesmaid options at this fashionable West Queen West boutique are more Avril Lavigne than Anne Hathaway. A thigh-high cobalt-blue Naven dress ($445) with a modified sweetheart neckline is appropriately rock ’n’ roll, while an understated cream Grecian number by Factory ($265) won’t overshadow the bride. Jacflash isn’t a bridal salon, so multiple sizes can’t always be ordered, but all the dresses will have a post-nuptial life. 1036 Queen St. W. (at Ossington Ave.), 416-516-8766.

LABL STYLELAB
Elizabeth Oliveira has been a custom clothier for over a decade, focusing largely on bridal alterations and tailoring vintage finds, while also designing jewellery and Debut, her own line of bridesmaid dresses. Jewel-toned, short and strapless, the Debut dresses start at $475, while wedding dresses start at $900. Vintage is a strength. Closed Sunday. 677 Queen St. W. (at Markham St.), 416-504-1504.

(Images: Emma McIntyre)

BIRKS
If the household basics are already covered, registering at Birks ensures brides and grooms will get a slew of special-occasion pieces. The venerable retailer, best known for its luxe baubles, also carries a decadent home decor collection. Although couples and guests can view the registry’s status online, the store also keeps an itemized checklist as a fail-safe paper trail. Stemware is always popular, but couples should think beyond glasses, like crystal votives (from $50). 55 Bloor St. W. (at Bay), 416-922-2266; plus six other GTA locations.

LEE VALLEY
With marriage comes household chores, so a gift registry at Lee Valley makes a lot of sense. Specializing in woodworking and gardening tools for the last 33 years, the company’s online catalogue features a wish list that soon-to-be marrieds can use to sign up for everything from block planes to bevel-edged chisels. But handyman toys aren’t the only items for sale. Organized by section, such as kitchenware or gardening tools, Lee Valley has unique gifts that cater to many tastes. Look for sleek kitchen knives made of Japanese 301 stainless steel, croquet sets and steel countertop compost pots for green-conscious newlyweds. Closed Sunday. 590 King St. W. (at Portland St.), 416-366-5959, plus two other GTA locations.

MJÖLK
For fans of the simple, naturalistic styles of Scandinavian and Japanese designers, Mjölk is the place to register for high-end cookware, glassware and the sort of furniture that takes a kitchen from meek to mycket bra. Recently married owners Juli Daoust and John Baker provide in-store consultations to make sure you find the perfect pieces for your marital home. Packages come wrapped in custom-made boxes with baker’s twine and waxing paper. Special orders welcome. Closed Monday. 2959 Dundas St. W. (at Pacific Ave.), 416-551-9853.

MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT CO-OP
Canada is home to over 224,000 square kilometres of national parks, more than a lifetime’s worth of natural beauty to canoe on, climb up, camp in or cycle across. Mountain Equipment Co-op’s Wish List program is an adventure lover’s alternative to the conventional china-and-crystal registry. The registry can only be created, edited and viewed online, and gifts like cozy down sleeping bags ($86–$585), matching headlamps ($16–$85) and tents for two ($149–$349) can be purchased either online or in person from one of the 15 locations across Canada. 400 King St. W. (at Charlotte St.), 416-340-2667.

RESTORATION HARDWARE
This home furnishing and accessory retailer has luxurious, historically inspired displays that are influenced by different design trends and periods; it feels more like a well-curated museum than a shop. The Richards’ Trunk collection takes English steamer trunks and transforms them into breathtaking coffee tables, desks and bookcases ($1,695–$4,495). Purchasing items (such as the sumptuous faux fur throws for $79 or the 19th-century mercury glass table lamp for $225) from the gift registry can be done easily in person or online. 2434 Yonge St. (at Roselawn Ave.), 416-322-9422.

SHOP AGO
In addition to the paintings, sculptures and a brazen new facelift by Frank Gehry, the Art Gallery of Ontario houses a gift store for design-savvy couples seeking housewares with flair. This is where to find Il Caffè/Tè Alessi spoons and a Sagaform silicone bowl and trivet that looks like abstract art. Prices range from around $5 for a demitasse spoon from Sabre to $1,200 for a cerulean blue bowl by Canadian glass artist David Thai. Items can be selected in person or online. From sexy saucers to funky flatware, everything in the store is sure to appeal to newlyweds with unconventional tastes. For art lovers, there is an array of picture books on contemporary icons like Yves Gaucher. This is the registry for people who don’t like registries. Closed Monday. 317 Dundas St. W. (at McCaul St.), 416-979-6610.

WILLIAM ASHLEY
No store relishes registries quite like William Ashley. The city’s most renowned source of fine china, crystal and flatware—more than 8,000 patterns—has created a system that’s equal parts science and ceremony. (Couples receive an immediate celebratory gift of champagne flutes and Teuscher chocolates.) If working in-store with a consultant isn’t your preferred route, everything is accessible for viewing and purchasing online, with selections updated daily. There’s even an annual registry magazine featuring houseware must-haves—like the All-Clad stainless steel 10-piece set ($1,078)— as well as tutorials on table settings. 55 Bloor St. W. (at Bay), 416-964-2900.

(Images: Emma McIntyre)

CARTE BLANCHE DESIGN
Customized invitations allow the bride and groom to show off their personal style, but if clients haven’t got a clue what style they prefer, graphic designer M.J. Fontaine has prototypes on hand to get the creative juices flowing. Fontaine specializes in creating a specific look to be used throughout the special day. For an art deco wedding, she created a period monogram, a font and all the printed materials (including seating board and gift tags). She employs time-honoured styles, too, like thermal engraving. From $7 per custom invitation set. By appointment. 35 Collahie St. (at Gladstone Ave.), 416-885-5399.

CLASSIC ELEGANCE INVITATIONS
Owner and designer April Ware prides herself on her listening skills. “The clients really do have good ideas,” she says, and points to a recent client’s stroke of genius: for a beach wedding, the program was printed on long strips of stiff paper that folded out into a fan, so that overheating guests could whip up their own tropical breeze. Ware’s own aesthetic is a mix of modern and traditional (examples include new-wave paisleys and abstract flowers), and, for the self-proclaimed diva bride, there’s enough gold foiling and rhinestone embellishment for a paper (hold the bag) princess. Catalogue orders are available from $1.25 per invitation, and a custom design set, including invitations, self-addressed envelopes and RSVPs, runs $6 to $8. By appointment. 416-836-9882.

CRY IF I WANT TO
Sisters Rochelle and Allison Straker have been offering stylish alternatives to folding chairs and plastic tablecloths for three years. Their Leslieville storefront carries everything you need (or just really want to have) to throw a memorable and intimate wedding. Eco-chic stationery (printed on 100 per cent post-consumer waste paper and embedded with seeds, such as bird’s eye, clarkia, coreopsis, poppy, catchfly and snapdragon) is a specialty and comes in a range of colours and styles, including layered and photo invitations. Once the wedding ends, the invitation can be planted in a wildflower garden that will be a colourful tribute to the couple. An invitation with a reply card starts at $7. Closed Monday and Tuesday. 1175 Queen St. E. (at Jones Ave.), 416-466-2797.

ELEGANT INVITATIONS
Co-owner Marla Kamin has been assisting brides and society doyennes in selecting the perfect party parchment for 15 years. Good news for those “we’re getting married in a month” daredevils: Kamin and her partner, Renee Brill, can ship invites within a week to 10 days, though a month’s lead time is recommended. They’ll take care of the whole wedding, from save-the-date cards to thank you notes. Kamin sources from a well-curated selection of Canadian stationers, handling every type of affair, from a black tie dinner at the Park Hyatt to a Muskoka barbecue. She also provides a personal touch, addressing invites by hand in smart calligraphy. From $100 per 100-invitation set. By appointment. 128 Invermay Ave. (at Faywood Blvd.), 416-631-0366.

GREET
If the invitation is to the wedding as the trailer is to the movie, a Greet invitation tells guests to expect Shrek rather than Father of the Bride. Owner Ali Hand is of the opinion that a wedding should be laid-back and, above all, fun. From the first invitation she made for friends four years ago—a graphic repetition of the couple’s names stamped across a white background—to a gingham-fringed assemblage (including jam jar labels) for a country wedding this summer, Hand has shown an eye for kinetic yet clean designs. Her contemporary style extends to the consultation process, which can all be done by email. Casual, however, doesn’t mean tossed-off: couples should still contact Hand 10 to 12 weeks in advance and should expect to pay between $7 and $11 per invitation set. By appointment. 416-839-2496.

HIP INK
Sarah Spano’s work reflects a range of inspiration: one captures the rocky shores of the Muskoka Lakes, while another references Frank Lloyd Wright’s stained glass. Busy brides will appreciate her full-service option, which includes assembling, stuffing, stamping and mailing (starting at $150 for 100 invitations, plus the cost of postage). Custom invitations with reply cards and matching envelopes start at $500 for 100 invitations. By appointment. 2209 Bluegrass Lane, Burlington, 905-541-7573.

INVITATION HOUSE
Presiding over one of Toronto’s oldest upscale stationery outfits, owner and designer Terry Kirshenbaum ensures quality is high, using cotton, linen and brocade paper, and paying close attention to detail. Special touches include deckle-edged paper, foil stamping, copperplate engraving, offset printing, calligraphy, custom die-cutting and blind embossing. Computer printing is verboten; Kirshenbaum is faithful to the tactile charm of letterpress. You can expect creativity amid the splendour: Kirshenbaum once fashioned an engagement party invitation from a cocktail napkin. Order three to four weeks ahead, allowing additional time for custom jobs. A set of 100 invitations starts at $800. By appointment. 453 Eglinton Ave. W. (at Duncannon Dr.), 416-593-0519.

KEEMIKA DESIGN
Letterpress, movie passes and comic books are just a few sources of inspiration for Keemika’s clever and inventive invites. The small team set up shop in 2008, and works closely with each couple to create highly personalized invitation packages. Guests at destination beach weddings have received 10-page passport invitations, complete with the couple’s proposal story, wedding party biographies and details about the venue. Average price for a package of 100 invitations is $2,000. By appointment. 28 Sommerset Way (at Doris Ave.), 416-557-7424.

KID ICARUS
Owners Bianca Bickmore and Michael Viglione have been designing and silkscreening wedding invitations since 2007 in their tiny workshop and retail space in the heart of Kensington Market. Their work is handmade, whimsical and deeply cool. Offering a plethora of papers, inks and envelopes to choose from, the two encourage couples to add their own design inspiration. From $4 for a postcard invitation and RSVP card. Closed Monday. 75 Nassau St. (at Augusta Ave.), 416-977-7236.

LAURA K DESIGN
Keep it simple—that’s the mantra of owner and designer Laura K Beauparlant, who specializes in clean, contemporary invitations with bold colour schemes. That said, Beauparlant is flexible, styling stationery to suit clients’ personalities, the venue and the occasion. For a wedding held at the Eglinton Grand, she created an art deco invitation; for a spring wedding, cherry blossoms were the inspiration. From $700 for a set of 100 invitations; custom invitations from $1,225 per set of 100. Order four to six months ahead; minimum two weeks’ notice for rush orders. By appointment. 45 Winnifred Ave. (at Queen), 416-461-2309.

LOVE THE DESIGN
Christine Flynn is a design phenomenon, producing photography, furniture and stationery for celebrities like Juliette Lewis, Douglas Coupland, The Society co-founder Ashleigh Dempster, Cecily Eaton and George Stroumboulopoulos. Her invitation designs are bold, graphic and modern and can be printed using digital, letterpress or thermography, depending on the client’s budget. One of her most popular designs includes an illustration of the wedding venue with a vintage map of Toronto used as the envelope lining. Invitation sets run between $9 and $15 each. Custom design is an additional $600. Order four to six weeks in advance. 1362 Queen St. E. (at Greenwood Ave.), 416-408-1727.

PALETTERA
The name Palettera is a combination of palette, letter and era. These words define graphic designer Deborah Lau-Yu’s vision for creating her customized correspondence. Lau-Yu specializes in translating her clients’ love stories into beautiful art. A vintage letterpress from 1905 and hand-drawn designs make for one-of-a-kind invitations that come in myriad formats, including layered, pocket folds, Lucite box and cheque book. From $1,100 for 100 invitations. By appointment. Closed Sunday. 548 Carlton Rd., Unionville, 647-727-0220.

PANTRY PRESS INC.
Pantry Press’s creations have received multiple mentions in Martha Stewart Weddings, and it’s little wonder. Graphic designers Julie Gibb and Christian Morrison ensure that each item is a miniature work of art. From typeface to choice of paper stock, everything is customized. The paper is hand fed into a vintage letterpress; even the ink is mixed by hand and can be matched to any colour swatch. The finishing touch: completed orders (wait time is four to six weeks) are wrapped like Christmas gifts and adorned with ribbons from Mokuba and Masterstroke Canada. From $15 per invitation set with a minimum order of 100. Order three to four months ahead. By appointment. 148 Pearson Ave. (at Roncesvalles Ave.), 416-537-9977.

PAPER DAMSELS
In a multicultural city like Toronto, a traditional wedding doesn’t always mean cake and a white dress. Mississauga-based Michelle Sciberras, Paper Damsels’ designer and owner, has become adept at creating updated, stylish versions of the om symbol, as well as double-duty invitation cards with facing pages in English and Cantonese. Sciberras can also accommodate couples with less traditional tastes: a recent hockey-themed invitation set is surprisingly elegant; who knew the Detroit Red Wings logo could be so romantic? Sciberras also carries catalogue cards and offers a budget-friendly DIY assembly option: she does the design, your bridal buddies throw a glue-and-stuff party. A standard set, including invitation, RSVP, map and two envelopes, starts at $6. Order roughly eight months in advance. By appointment. 6155 Tomken Rd., Unit 19, Mississauga, 905-877-5970.

THE PAPER PLACE
You can’t beat DIY for charm, and this Queen West shop is a trove of versatile Japanese paper. Silkscreened and tissue-thin sheets are handmade from kozo, mitsumata and gampi (Japanese fibres known for their durability). The store also offers unique Nepalese varieties, handmade cotton rag paper from Quebec’s Saint-Armand paper mill and marbled Brazilian sheets. Staff will counsel on how to design and layer invitations; you can also draw ideas from a binder full of inspiration. Buy some embellishments or make your own with the help of a book on origami. Pick up crafting tools (cutters, punches and the like), pens, pencils and even brushes for traditional Japanese ink painting. Materials are roughly $2–$7 per invitation. 887 Queen St. W. (at Walnut Ave.), 416-703-0089.

PULP AND PEARL
Natalie Trudel’s gorgeous creations are as much tiny artistic offerings as they are parcels bearing invitations. Each small rectangular or square box (they come in various sizes) contains a wedding invite and RSVP paraphernalia wrapped in sumptuous ribbons and accented with flowers or a tiny rhinestone encrusted broach. Basic packages from $6.50 per set (including invitation box, addressee label, invitation, RSVP card and labelled envelope). By appointment. 416-356-2707.

SWEET PEONY PRESS
When Shelley Weir, an OCAD graduate and graphic designer, produced her own wedding invitations in 2004, she didn’t anticipate the consequences: overwhelming demand for her creations. A year later, equipped with a 1916 foot-treadle letterpress and a portfolio of elegant designs, Weir opened Sweet Peony. Reflecting the care and attention to detail required in letterpressing, her unique invitations incorporate vintage handiwork, like swooping calligraphy. She will produce custom creations for weddings, and offers couples complimentary consultations. From $10 per invitation set. By appointment. 647-292-3017.

A ROLLS CHOICE LIVERY
Specializing in high-end vehicles, Rolls Choice offers three vintage Rolls-Royce limos, a vintage Bentley and a Lincoln stretch. Chauffeurs are decked out in ’30s-style livery; champagne and red carpet are provided. From April to October, $550–$625 per hour with a four-hour minimum. $325–$395 per hour with a three-hour minimum for off-season weddings. 905-841-8476.

CALEDON HORSE AND CARRIAGE
Husband and wife Danielle and Louie Reale offer six types of carriages, but by far the most popular is the Cinderella, which comes with two white steeds and a pair of attendants in top hats and tails. One-hour rentals range from $850 for a carriage with one horse to $2,850 if you want a team of six. Extra hours cost between $175 and $525. For the growing Indian population, Caledon provides ghodis (horses) for any sized baraat (a bridegroom’s wedding procession). Caledon horses can be rented for events across southern Ontario. Special permits are not needed for the horses to access city streets. By appointment. 905-584-1333.

CHESSINGTON TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANTS
Chessington replenishes its fleet every three years to keep it in mint condition. Well-groomed chauffeurs are also well screened; many are former police officers and firefighters dressed in sharp business attire. $65–$130 per hour, $350–$750 for a three-hour wedding package. 905-624-8181.

EXCLUSIVE LIMOUSINE SERVICE
A division of Global Alliance Worldwide Chauffeured Services, this outfit has been going strong for more than 20 years. Corporate sedans and executive SUVs are the mainstay; the Lincoln Town Car, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and a limo bus are also available. $110–$250 per hour, wedding packages $700–$2,500. 416-255-5508.

EXOTIC CAR TOURS
The point of renting a fancy car is to get jealous stares as you proceed to the venue, and Exotic Car Tours does the job. Brides love rocking the all-white Audi R8 (from $900 to $1,500). Grooms lean toward the Ferrari 360 Spider (in Ferrari red, of course, also up to $1,500), the Porsche 911 (up to $1,000) and the Lamborghini Gallardo (up to $1,600). Exotic provides drop-off and pickup services. Drivers must be over 25, and a $5,000 security deposit is needed for most of the 15 exotic models the company rents. By appointment. 1058 South Service Rd. E., Oakville, 905-815-1300.

LIMO FOR YOU
For passengers who don’t want to use a stepladder to get into their ride, Limo for You has a good selection of stretches in black and white, in addition to the SUVs, Town Cars and a vintage Rolls-Royce. The company can also provide a coach bus that can seat 30 to 40 passengers. Customized tours of Toronto are also available for couples who want to show off their matrimonial bliss with a cruise around town. Closed Saturday and Sunday. First hour $100–$300; full wedding $490–$1,570. 264 Fairall St., Ajax, 416-250-0077.

ROSEDALE LIVERY
This large, professional company makes a whopping 400 trips a day in Lincoln Town Cars, limos, sedans, vans and SUVs. Distance isn’t an issue; they can arrange pickups anywhere. For eco-conscious newlyweds, hybrid vehicle options are a plus. $62–$150 for first hour; less for additional hours. 1-800-268-4967.

SUPERIOR LIMOUSINE
This fleet includes the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans, the obligatory Lincoln Town Car and stretch limo, the TIFF-worthy Cadillac Escalade ESV and the Ford Excursion SUV stretch limo for the young at heart. Couples with soon-to-be in-laws who are coming from far away can sign up for the company’s private tours of downtown Toronto, Niagara Falls, Vineland and more—all conducted by knowledgeable chauffeurs. Full wedding $300–$1,500. 416-620-5466.

TORONTO LIMO RENTALS
Super-sized SUV limos have been the specialty since the company’s founding in 2003, with the Hummer, Excursion and other models seating 16 to 24 people. All have fibre optic lights and a DVD player, natch (the Hummer also has a lit dance floor). Wedding packages include champagne, a red carpet and a uniformed chauffeur. $125–$300 per hour, full wedding $695–$2,095. 176 Main St. S., Brampton, 647-802-2526.

TORONTO LIMOUSINE SERVICES
This company offers 18 vehicles with such options as the stretch Hummer, with lasers and flat-screen TVs, and the 26-seat limo bus—perfect for the newly extended family. Vintage choices include the white 1958 Bentley Continental for a post-war theme, and the Bentley Azure convertible for the bride or groom raised in the ’90s. The wedding package includes a red carpet rolled out from the curb to the door. Prices upon request. 416-854-7900.

YORKVILLE LIMOUSINE
Yorkville maintains strict policies to ensure top service: all vehicles are replaced every two to four years and checked by city officials annually to ensure they comply with safety standards. In addition, all drivers go through yearly tests in order to keep their licences. The fleet includes sedans in standard Lincoln Town Car and Mercedes styles, as well as the sleek Bentley Continental. Stretches are also Lincolns or Cadillacs; SUVs round out the selection. Bells and whistles include decorations, red carpet, champagne and white-gloved chauffeur. Full wedding $300–$2,700. 416-835-5466.