An influx of indie boutiques and upscale shops is quickly remaking this area—formerly more big box than fashion forward—into a stylish shopping hub befitting its young, condo-dwelling population. Here, nine of our favourite stores on the strip.
Eko opened its midtown outpost in late 2008 (Photo by Carolyn C)
Sporting Life
Sprawling into two locations, this Yonge and Eg fixture is a gigantic ode to athletic pursuits. And it’s as notable for its upmarket athletic clothing (Stella McCartney’s line for Adidas and Lacoste’s preppy golf styles) as its serious sporting equipment (skis, racquets, in-line skates). 2665 Yonge St., 416-485-1611; Sporting Life Bikes and Boards, 2454 Yonge St., 416-485-4440.
Hatley
This family-friendly shop is crammed with strollers on Saturdays. Matching pyjamas for moms and tots feature skiing moose; other kitschy Canadiana is perfect for a cozy weekend at the chalet. Matching wellies and umbrellas keep little ones singing (and stylin’) in the rain. 2648 Yonge St., 416-486-4141.
Eko
North Torontonians with a fetish for ultra-contemporary jewellery design don’t have to head south to the Queen West location anymore. Opened in 2008, the second whitewashed store treats each beautiful bauble like a wearable work of art. Favourites include Paris’s Tribu Rigaux and New York’s Alexis Bittar. 2611 Yonge St., 416-545-0776.
Degrees
This tiny spot is packed with top-notch kitchen tools and cookware. Emile Henry’s iconic scalloped dishes, Global knives and Japanese teapots are especially glam. And if all the culinary accoutrements haven’t sparked chefly ambitions, the cookbook selection surely will. 2588 Yonge St., 416-484-8222.
Doggie delights at Pistachio (Photo by Carolyn C)
The pet project of Indigo CEO Heather Reisman, this eco-themed mini-chain sells stationery, gifts and apothecary products that will ease enviro-guilty consciences: recycled-paper notebooks, beeswax crayons and sustainably produced, paraben-free skin care products. 2433 Yonge St., 416-322-9451.
Canopy Blue
Run by fashion-savvy partners Lisa Gnat and Nicole Bitove (the former owns two other stylish boutiques; the latter is a fashion model), this elegant store stocks a carefully chosen collection of trendsetting clothes, like Rich and Skinny jeans and Smythe jackets. Complimentary cupcakes and green tea create a welcoming mood and soothe indecisive shoppers. 2582 Yonge St., 416-483-2583.
Sandpipers Cruisewear, Sports and Funwear
Beach-bound babes show off their yoga-toned bods in one-pieces, itty-bitty bikinis and colourful sarongs. Thankfully, most of the suits are more French Riviera holiday than Fort Lauderdale spring break. The selection—including Shan, Miss Sixty, Eres and ABS—is vast. 2580 Yonge St., 416-544-1063.
Sabon
This luxe Israeli apothecary draws in sensitive-skinnned beauty queens with its exquisitely bottled, all-natural beauty products. Brown sugar and lemon-mint body scrubs smell good enough to eat and are free to try at the marble-topped sink in the back. 2552 Yonge St., 416-485-0303.
Secrets From Your Sister
This bra boutique (a recently opened sibling to the beloved Annex location) offers a fantastic fitting service. With scientific exactitude, expert staff members seek out the perfect size and styles. Though the bras can be pricey (upwards of $100), such quality brands as Freya, Fantasie, Prima Donna and Empriente are worth the investment. 2501 Yonge St., 416-482-8007.
hip hop clothing
August 23, 2009 at 1:17 am | by Hip Hop