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Best of the City 2011: Toronto’s best clothing—from basics to bespoke

(Image: Maja Hajduk)

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The Goods

Good Stuff Cheap

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.

The Goods

Good Stuff Cheap

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.

The Goods

Good Stuff Cheap

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.

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.

The Goods

The Find

November 3, 2010 | 4:13 pm

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We’re coveting these skinny cargo pants

It’s probably obvious by now that we’re fans of military details on clothing. The cargo pant, which we saw in the late ’90s, spilling into the early 2000s, has resurfaced once again, but as a new take on the trend. This season, women are still rolling them up and wearing them with heels, but unlike the baggy pants of the J-Lo era, these cargos are slim and sexy. J Brand’s Houlihans (named after Mash’s Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan) have proven exceptionally popular, warranting an entire article in the New York Times. We also like this pair from Fidelity ($220), which is less bulky than the original style, with pockets that don’t add extra volume to the hip area. They come in a camo print, muddy brown, black and, our favourite, olive green.

Available at Over the Rainbow, 101 Yorkville Ave, 416-967-7448.

The Goods

The Style File

October 8, 2010 | 10:22 am

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Jeanne Beker’s favourite 100 stores in Toronto

Few would argue that Jeanne Beker isn’t the high priestess of fashion in Canada—the woman is a legend. We’re more familiar with watching Jeanne explore the runways of Paris than the streets of Toronto, so when Post City Magazines published Jeanne’s picks for the top 100 stores in Toronto, we set about dissecting it. We were able to suss out where her daughter’s bought their prom dresses (Betsey Johnson), the store that makes her drool (The Room), where she goes to find out what the cool kids are up to (Propaganda) and her neighbourhood standby (Gee Beauty). Check out the full list here.

• Retail Guide 2010 [Post City]

The Goods

Good Stuff Cheap

August 26, 2010 | 11:52 am

Get free stuff at Over the Rainbow’s 35th anniversary bash this weekend

To celebrate 35 years of upgrading Toronto’s jean selection beyond acid-wash Levi’s, Over the Rainbow is hosting a weekend giveaway festival for its faithful designer denim clientele. Head to the Yorkville boutique tomorrow and Saturday for lots of free stuff: cosmetics from Clean Start and DaLish, pizza, barbecue, candy apples, popcorn and a chance to win jeans from Paige.

Aug. 27, noon–5; Aug. 28, 11–5. 101 Yorkville Ave., 416-967-7448, rainbowjeans.com.

The Goods

Good Stuff Cheap

July 6, 2010 | 10:58 am

Sales roundup: summer promotions at Holt Renfrew, Roots, Design Within Reach, Quasi Modo Modern

FASHION AND BEAUTY

BEAN SPROUT
All clothing at this kiddie outfitter is now 30 per cent off, and clearance items can now be had for up to 60 per cent off. 565 Mount Pleasant Rd., 416-932-3727, beansprout.ca.

ELEVEN
Spring and summer collections from such Canadian designers as Lucian Matis, Pink Tartan and Joeffer Caoc are now between 30 and 50 per cent off. Accessories are up to 70 per cent off. 116 Cumberland St., 416-966-3935, shop-eleven.ca.

HOLT RENFREW
Summer clothing and accessories for men and women are now up to 60 per cent off. Until July 24. 50 Bloor St. W., 416-960-2909, holtrenfrew.com, plus two other GTA locations.

The Goods

Good Stuff Cheap

January 12, 2010 | 11:00 am

Sales roundup: 60 per cent off at Jacflash, Canopy Blue, Holt Renfrew, Fluevog, Robber and more

FASHION

CANOPY BLUE
All fall-winter sale items at this midtown boutique have been reduced by 50 and 60 per cent. 2582 Yonge St., 416-483-2583, canopyblue.ca.

HOLT RENFREW
All fall and winter clothing left over after Boxing Day madness is now up to 60 per cent off. Until Jan. 30. 50 Bloor St. W., 416-922-2333, holtrenfrew.com.

HUSH COUTURE
Toronto’s designer dress rental house (look for frocks from Halston, Dolce and Gabbana and Valentino) is offering 15 per cent off each rental. Until Jan. 15. Hushcouture.ca.

JACFLASH
Many of the boutique’s pieces are marked down by up to 60 per cent, and when shoppers buy three or more items, they’ll receive an extra 25 per cent off. 1036 Queen St. W., 416-516-8766, jacflash.net.

The Goods

Good Stuff Cheap

January 5, 2010 | 1:48 pm

Sales roundup: 60 per cent off at Holt Renfrew, Restoration Hardware bathroom sale, bridal shows and discounts

FASHION

HOLT RENFREW
All fall and winter clothing left over after Boxing Day madness is now up to 60 per cent off. Until Jan. 30. 50 Bloor St. W., 416-922-2333, holtrenfrew.com.

HUSH COUTURE
Toronto’s designer dress rental house (look for frocks from Halston, Dolce and Gabbana and Valentino) is offering 15 per cent off each rental. Until Jan. 15. Hushcouture.ca.

JOHN FLUEVOG
A large selection of shoes and boots are on sale for up to 60 per cent off. Great finds include the Finch ankle boots ($199, down from $349) and navy brogues ($229, down from $375). 242 Queen St. W., 416-581-1420, fluevog.com.

The Goods

Good Stuff Cheap

December 22, 2009 | 11:02 am

Sales roundup: Boxing Week discounts at Eleven, Over the Rainbow and Palazzetti

FASHION AND BEAUTY

BEANSPROUT
Starting on Boxing Day, this storewide sale includes between 50 and 70 per cent off kids’ clothing from Blue, Geox and Deux par Deux. Dec. 26 to Jan. 31. 565 Mount Pleasant Rd., 416-932-3727, beansprout.ca.

CARTE BLANCHE
When shoppers make a purchase at Carte Blanche, 30 per cent of the total will be given back in gift certificates. For example, if you spend $100, you’ll get a $30 certificate to use at a later time. Until Dec. 24. 758 Queen St. W., 416-532-0347, shopcarteblanche.ca.

ELEVEN
The Yorkville shop’s Boxing Day sale includes 70 per cent off almost everything in the store, including coats from Lundström, Joeffer Caoc and Brandon R. Dwyer dresses, leather bags and jewellery. Dec. 26. 10–6. 116 Cumberland St., 416-966-3935.

The Goods

Good Stuff Cheap

December 15, 2009 | 12:31 pm

Sales roundup: denim sample sale, 65 per cent off at West Elm, Chip and Pepper pop-up shop

FASHION AND BEAUTY

BODY BLUE
Select shoes and boots are now 30 per cent off. 199 Danforth Ave., 416-778-7601; 724 Queen St. W., 416-703-7601, bodybluedenimlab.com.

CARTE BLANCHE
When shoppers make a purchase at Carte Blanche, 30 per cent of their total will be given back in gift certificates. For example, if you spend $100, you’ll get a $30 certificate to use at a later time. Until Dec. 24. 758 Queen St. W., 416-532-0347, shopcarteblanche.ca.

CHARLIE BOUTIQUE
It’s customer appreciation time at the trendy womenswear shop, which means 25 per cent off all regular-priced items. 809 Queen St. W., 647-436-8452, iluvcharlie.com.

CHASSE GARDÉE
At this one-night holiday shopping event, much of the merchandise is marked down, and shoppers can get 40 per cent off any one item. Dec. 16. 6–9. 1084 Queen St. W., 416-901-9613, chassegardee.com.

The Goods

Good Stuff Cheap

December 8, 2009 | 1:29 pm

2 Comments

Sales roundup: 50 per cent off at Holt Renfrew, designer denim sample sale, Umbra factory sale

FASHION AND BEAUTY

DENIM SAMPLE SALE
This Toronto Sample Sales event is all about premium denim, with 40 to 80 per cent off brands like True Religion, Hudson Jeans and J Brand. Dec. 17 to 19. Holiday Inn, 7095 Woodbine Ave., Markham, 416-399-9959, torontosamplesales.com.

GOTSTYLE
Women looking to do some early holiday shopping for the sartorially minded men in their lives should consider attending one of Gotstyle’s four Ladies Only evening events. There’ll be champagne, “hot male models,” gift-wrapping and discounts. Dec. 9 and 10. 6–9 p.m. 489 King St. W., 416-260-9696, gsmen.com.

HOLT RENFREW
Save up to 50 per cent on fall and winter clothing for men and women, plus accessories. Until Dec. 24. 50 Bloor St. W., 416-922-2333, holtrenfrew.com.

LAB CONSIGNMENT
This pop-up shop will exclusively stock womenswear, with a focus on glittery holiday party pieces. LAB owner Lauren Baker is opening a storefront in the spring, but this is an opportunity to preview her collection. Cash only. Dec. 13. The Red Light, 1185 Dundas St. W., labconsignment.com.

The Goods

Good Stuff Cheap

December 1, 2009 | 12:55 pm

Sales roundup: Holt Renfrew pop-up shop, $35 off at Over the Rainbow, designer denim sample sale, Cuisinart warehouse sale

FASHION AND BEAUTY

BURROUGHES HOLIDAY POP-UP
The original Burroughes showroom is open for four days as a temporary designer shop with home and fashion items, including pieces from Toronto menswear designer Philip Sparks, Canadian design store Made, DaLish Cosmetics and more. Dec. 3 to 6. 639 Queen St. W., burroughesstore.blogspot.com.

FIVE ON QUEEN WEST
This holiday sample sale (with lots of menswear) includes discounts on such brands as Rock and Republic, Buckler, Hugo Boss and True Religion. Dec. 3 to 6. 639 Queen St. W., 416-871-4431, shoppingaddicts.ca.

FRESH COLLECTIVE
Laura-Jean Bernhardson has been designing the geek-chic line Fresh Baked Goods for 15 years. In celebration of the anniversary, all regular-price items from the label—cute dresses and knit sweaters galore—are 15 to 50 per cent off. 692 Queen St. W., 416-594-1313.

GOTSTYLE
Women looking to do some early holiday shopping for the sartorially minded men in their lives should consider attending one of Gotstyle’s four evening Ladies Only events. There’ll be champagne, “hot male models,” gift wrapping and discounts. Dec. 9 and 10. 6–9. 489 King St. W., 416-260-9696, gsmen.com.

HOLIDAY POP-UP AT THE LOFT
Handbags, womenswear and accessories by four Canadian designers (Psalms 91:1, Brazen Hussy, 442 McAdam and Aime by Monica Mei) are on offer at this pop-up shop, alongside complimentary bubbly, cupcakes and mini-make-overs. Dec. 5 and 6. The Loft, 52 St. Lawrence St., Unit 324, 416-997-8608.