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Toronto Life - The Goods

Up-to-the-minute coverage of store openings and fashion gossip. Plus, daily finds for deal seekers

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November 8, 2011 | 3:06 pm

Line Knitwear launches diffusion label John and Jenn for, we assume, children

John and Jenn spring/summer 2012 (Image: Supplied)

Line, one of Canada’s favourite knitwear design houses (headed by John Muscat and Jennifer Wells), presented their diffusion collection John and Jenn last week and, for the most part, the collection seemed a little junior compared to the elegant-yet-cozy offerings we’ve seen from Line in the past. John and Jenn is decidedly youthful with its array of colour-blocked brights, stripes, polka dots, tie-dye, seahorse-embellished tanks and hoodies. Even the models were styled younger than their at-least 17-year-old-selves, with high ponytails, visible makeup and slumber party dance moves (they also sucked on lollipops, but it wasn’t a nod to Lolita, we assure you). That said, we still saw some value in this relatively inexpensive collection. Check out what we saw of the spring/summer 2012 collection after the jump.

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June 29, 2011 | 12:30 pm

Parkdale Vendors Market brings good stuff cheap—including, yes, grilled cheese—to the street

Sarah Hamel’s Parkdale parade (Image: supplied)

With the exception of St. Lawrence Market and the here-today-gone-tomorrow craft fairs that fill up old churches, it seems there aren’t a lot of—at least, not a lot of good—community vendor markets, also known by their generic name: places to get random stuff from people cheaply. Most people are keen to stumble upon a great yard or estate sale, but the ones with the best cheap antiques are tricky to get to when they’re on a Sunday and two hours from home—so when we heard about Parkdale’s outdoor flea market, we were curious, if not a bit skeptical.

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May 25, 2011 | 4:08 pm

Rent a dress, send it back: how to be frugal without having to keep the tags on

These women used to eat peanut butter sandwiches for dinner. (Image: Rent Frock Repeat)

Dropping a couple of mortgage payments on a dress that may be worn only once was not always such a gauche sign of indulgence (insert buzz word: recession). Now, like a DVD at a failing Blockbuster Video, we can rent a dress for a fraction of the price at the newly launched online dress-rental service Rent Frock Repeat, and then, well, send it back when we’re bored of it .

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April 28, 2011 | 2:32 pm

Once again, Vaughan Mills Centre provides free transit to and from shopping trips

It seems no one wants to be at the Vaughan Mills Centre at night (above), but by day it is a tourist hotbed (Image: Vaughan Mills)

For those who live in downtown Toronto, the Vaughan Mills Centre may seem like a world away (it’s near Highway 400 and Rutherford Road, which isn’t exactly BIXI-accessible), but from May 1 through Sept. 30, the shopping mall will be shipping tourists and car-less Torontonians to Vaughan Mills via a relaunched gratis shuttle service from Union Station.

Bracelets for the service can be obtained on a first-come, first-served basis at the City Tours and Attractions desk inside Union Station. The shuttle departs at 10 a.m. and returns at 3 p.m. or departs at 1 p.m. and returns at 6 p.m. (we’ve done the math and that’s four hours of shopping, which is pretty much hitting the limit). We suggest checking out Holt Renfrew Last Call and the newly opened Betsey Johnson, or waiting for the standalone Joe Fresh location scheduled to open in mid- to late May.

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March 21, 2011 | 2:17 pm

Sales and events roundup: Canadian Spa Week deals, 60 per cent off Fred Perry, Mykita trunk show

FASHION AND BEAUTY

GOTSTYLE
Save $50–$100 on a modern suit after trading in one of your never-worn boxy numbers. Proceeds from sales will go to dressyourbest.ca. March 15–April 10. 62 Bathurst St., 416-260-9696.

GOTSTYLE
Gotstyle has listed all of their straggling pieces at 70 per cent off their original price for their end-of-season sale, but quantities are limited. March 15–27. 62 Bathurst St., 416-260-9696.

JESSICA JENSEN
Handbags are always an expense, but Jessica Jensen’s upcoming sample sale lists up to 80 per cent off on all items (final sale). March 24–26, Thurs 12–8 p.m., Fri and Sat 12–6 p.m.. 639 Queen St W, Suite 404.

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January 31, 2011 | 4:19 pm

Luxury supersaver Web shopping trend finally comes to Canada

Canadians who drool over foreign sample sale sites like Gilt Groupe, Rue La La and Vente-Privee should be happy to hear that Stylehopper—a Canadian version of the concept that launched at the end of last year—is growing in popularity. Much like real life sample sales, Stylehopper offers discounted designer bonanzas that attract crowds of ruthless, trend-conscious bargain hunters. The bonus here is that shoppers don’t need to wait in line with said bargain hunters to get to the racks or to the cashiers.

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December 14, 2010 | 11:59 am

Sales roundup: Greta Constantine sample sale, Lela Rose trunk show, 25 per cent off at Robber

FASHION AND BEAUTY

BEAN SPROUT
All winter clothing and outerwear is 30 per cent off at this kids’ clothing shop. 565 Mount Pleasant Rd., 416-932-3727, beansprout.ca.

CABARET
The vintage shop is offering 50 per cent off dresses, men’s suits and jewellery. 672 Queen St. W., 416-504-7126.

DANDI MAESTRE
Accessory designer Dandi Maestre has a knack for bold, statement-making jewellery (antler necklace, anyone?). While she sells on-line, we’re heading to this pre-holiday pop-up shop to ogle the goods in person. From $40. Until Dec. 22. 386 Huron St., dandimaestre.com.

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December 7, 2010 | 10:09 am

Sales roundup: Jeremy Laing sample sale, Holt Renfrew designer sale, Reem Acra bridal trunk show

FASHION AND BEAUTY

BEAN SPROUT
All winter clothing and outerwear is 30 per cent off at this kid’s clothing shop. 565 Mount Pleasant Rd., 416-932-3727, beansprout.ca.

CARTE BLANCHE
Still one of the coolest boutiques on Queen West, Carte Blanche gets even better with this sale on pieces by Mark Fast, Pink Cobra and more. 758 Queen St. W., 416-532-0347, shopcarteblanche.ca.

DANDI MAESTRE
Accessory designer Dandi Maestre has a knack for bold, statement-making jewellery (antler necklace, anyone?). While she sells on-line, we’re heading to this pre-holiday pop-up shop to ogle the goods in person. From $40. Until Dec. 22. 386 Huron St., dandimaestre.com.

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November 30, 2010 | 12:51 pm

Sales roundup: $35 off at Over the Rainbow, 50 per cent off Ray Bans, Beckerman sample sale

FASHION AND BEAUTY

BECKERMAN AND ANDREA BRUECKNER SAMPLE SALE
We hear the Beckerman clothing at this sample will be going for less than wholesale prices. Also on offer are handbags from Andrea Brueckner. A kick-off party on December 3 is open to all. Dec. 3 4:30–10:30, Dec 4 12–6. 174 Spadina Ave., Unit 103, beckermans.com.

DANDI MAESTRE
Accessory designer Dandi Maestre has a knack for bold, statement-making jewellery (antler necklace, anyone?). While she sells on-line, we’re heading to this pre-holiday pop-up shop to ogle the goods in person. From $40. Until Dec. 22. 386 Huron St., dandimaestre.com.

JESSICA JENSEN
The handbag and leather goods designer is opening a temporary shop for the holiday season with up to 70 per cent off her accessories. Until Dec. 12. 972 Queen St. W., shopjessicajensen.com.

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November 26, 2010 | 2:51 pm

Black Friday madness: not just for Yanks anymore

With Black Friday here, American retailers are reinforcing their doors and trying to keep fatalities to a minimum. And because it looks like so much fun to run through a store like it’s a refugee camp in 28 Days Later, Canadian shoppers are apparently getting in on the action. Yankee shops near the border have been playing their Black Friday siren songs to Canadians for weeks, while some local retailers are offering discounts designed to keep consumers hereabouts.

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November 23, 2010 | 10:56 am

Sales roundup: Canadian designer sample sale, Photorama, Aquilano.Rimondi trunk show

FASHION AND BEAUTY

ASHLEY ROWE
The young Toronto designer is holding a trunk show this Saturday with pieces from her fall collection. Shoppers will get a free splatter-painted tee with their purchase. Nov. 27. 12–2. RAC Boutique, 124 Cumberland St., ashleyrowe.com.

BEAN SPROUT
Parents can stock up on winter boots, snowsuits and coats for the kids from such brands as Geox, Rip Zone and Kenneth Cole; everything is at least 20 per cent off. 565 Mount Pleasant Rd., 416-932-3727, beansprout.ca.

CANOPY BLUE
For one night, all merchandise in the womenswear boutique is 25 per cent off. Ten dollars from every purchase will go to Blessing in a Backpack, a local charity that provides in-school meals for children. Champagne and nibbles sweeten the deal. RSVP to 416-483-2583. Nov. 26. 2582 Yonge St.

ESPRIT
At this warehouse sale, clothing and accessories for men and women are up to 80 per cent off regular price. View the sales flyer here. Nov. 24, 6–9 p.m.; Nov. 25 and 26, 9–9; Nov. 27 and 28, 9–6. Queen Elizabeth Building, 190 Princes Blvd.

FGI SAMPLE SALE
The Fashion Group International of Toronto is holding a sale with some of Toronto’s most well-known designers: David Dixon, Philip Sparks, Nada and more. Nov. 25 and 26. 10–7. 579 Richmond St. W., Ste. 200.

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November 16, 2010 | 11:15 am

Sales roundup: Marchesa trunk show, Virginia Johnson sample sale, Mark Lash holiday sale

FASHION AND BEAUTY

BEAN SPROUT
Parents can stock up on winter boots, snowsuits and coats for the kids from such brands as Geox, Rip Zone and Kenneth Cole; everything is at least 20 per cent off. 565 Mount Pleasant Rd., 416-932-3727, beansprout.ca.

CANOPY BLUE
For one night, all merchandise in the womenswear boutique is 25 per cent off. Ten dollars from every purchase will go to Blessing in a Backpack, a local charity that provides in-school meals for children. Champagne and nibbles sweeten the deal. RSVP to 416-483-2583. Nov. 26. 2582 Yonge St.

ESPRIT
At this warehouse sale, clothing and accessories for men and women are up to 80 per cent off regular price. View the sales flyer here. Nov. 24, 6–9 p.m.; Nov. 25 and 26, 9–9; Nov. 27 and 28, 9–6. Queen Elizabeth Building, 190 Princes Blvd.

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November 9, 2010 | 10:54 am

Sales roundup: friends and family sales at American Apparel and Restoration Hardware, plus a Lacoste warehouse sale

FASHION AND BEAUTY

AMERICAN APPAREL
Print out this flyer and get 20 per cent off your purchase. Until Nov. 14. Various GTA locations.

ESPRIT
At this warehouse sale, clothing and accessories for men and women are up to 80 per cent off regular price. View the sales flyer here. Nov. 24, 6–9 p.m.; Nov. 25 and 26, 9–9; Nov. 27 and 28, 9–6. Queen Elizabeth Building, 190 Princes Blvd.

JOSEPHSON OPTICIANS
The venerable Toronto eyewear chain is holding its annual sale, with up to 70 per cent off frames. Until Nov. 30. 60 Bloor St. W., 416-964-7070, plus five other GTA locations.

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November 2, 2010 | 10:58 am

Sales roundup: two designer sample sales, 25 per cent off at Au Lit, Baby Ben closing sale

FASHION AND BEAUTY

ALYSSA AGENCY SAMPLE SALE
Pieces from Fidelity Denim, Covet and Brave are at least half off at this three-day sale. Cash only. Nov. 3 and 4, 11–7; Nov. 5, 11–5. 2770 Dufferin St., Ste. 206, 416-782-4169, alyssaagency.ca.

BABY BEN
Baby Ben—a locally made line of baby clothing, bunting bags and quilts—is shutting down operations. A two-day clearance sale will be held at the St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club, with bunting bags for $65 (usually $144) and cowboy jackets for $45 (usually $85), along with tees, blanket bags, fabrics and more. Nov. 6 and 7. 843 Palmerston Ave., 2nd flr., 416-534-8461, babyben.ca.

JOSEPHSON OPTICIANS
The venerable Toronto eyewear chain is holding its annual sale, with up to 70 per cent off frames. Until Nov. 30. 60 Bloor St. W., 416-964-7070, plus five other GTA locations.

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October 26, 2010 | 12:05 pm

Sales roundup: Triluxe sample sale, 70 per cent off glasses, fabric sale at the Textile Museum

FASHION AND BEAUTY

BABY BEN
Baby Ben—a locally made line of baby clothing, bunting bags and quilts—is shutting down operations. A two-day clearance sale will be held at the St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club, with bunting bags for $65 (usually $144) and cowboy jackets for $45 (usually $85), along with tees, blanket bags, fabrics and more. Nov. 6 and 7. 843 Palmerston Ave., 2nd flr., 416-534-8461, babyben.ca.

JOSEPHSON OPTICIANS
The venerable Toronto eyewear chain is holding its annual sale, with up to 70 per cent off frames. Until Nov. 30. 60 Bloor St. W., 416-964-7070, plus five other GTA locations.

LINEA INTIMA
Bring in a clean, gently used bra (donations go to a local women’s shelter) and receive $5 off the purchase of a new one. Until Oct. 31. 1925 Avenue Rd., 416-780-1726, lineaintima.com, plus four other GTA locations.

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