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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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Where to Get Good Stuff Cheap
The recession might be over. The dollar is flying high. But we’re still feeling conflicted about money. Spend conspicuously and you’re either a heroic economy booster or a reckless squanderer. Admit it: your lingering frugality is fighting your inner lust for stuff. The solution? Think like Rob Ford (just the tightwad part) but live it up like a robber baron. Our annual guide to the city’s best bargains offers 200 ways to do it.
Good Stuff Cheap: six designer sample sales that make lining up seem entirely sane
(Images: Jeremy Laing by Thomas Kletecka/Collective Edit; high heel courtesy of Alexander McQueen; bow tie courtesy of Band of Outsiders; jeans courtesy of Nudie Jeans Co.; zip-up courtesy of Puma; kids’ boot courtesy of Geox; )
For Straight-from-SoHo Fashion
Crowds huddled in Ossington’s doorways are a familiar sight, but nothing compares to the sidewalk jams that form when Jonathan and Olivia owner Jackie O’Brien holds her biannual sales (starting on Boxing Day and again in June or July). Cool kids, designers, ad execs and artsy-leaning scions flock here for deconstructed hipster wear from Manhattan, Sweden and the U.K., by the likes of Alexander Wang, Rag and Bone, Band of Outsiders, Engineered Garments, and Wings and Horns. All up to 50 per cent off. E-mail info@jonathanandolivia.com to get on the list.
FOR Big European Labels Read the rest of this entry »
Toronto retail veteran Elsa Reia was hosting sample sales long before they were in vogue, which explains her all-star roster of designer brands: apparel, accessories and footwear from Alexander McQueen, Rick Owens, Dries Van Noten, Miu Miu, Martin Margiela, Lanvin, Isabel Marant and more. The blowout runs over two days in April and October. Expect a variety of sizes and inventory, from recent and past seasons, marked down by 70 per cent or more. E-mail info@reiastudio.com to sign up.
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 Read the rest of this entry »
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.
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 Read the rest of this entry »
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.
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 Read the rest of this entry »
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.
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 Read the rest of this entry »
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.
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 Read the rest of this entry »
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.
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 Read the rest of this entry »
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.
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 Read the rest of this entry »
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.
Sales roundup: trunk show at Holts, no tax at Due West, 20 per cent off Blu Dot and more
FASHION AND BEAUTY
DUE WEST
The Queen West purveyor of denim and outerwear doesn’t often mark down its Canada Goose merchandise, but shoppers looking for a puffy parka in which to wait out winter should head to the store this week, when there’s no tax on any purchase. Oct. 21 to 24. 431 Queen St. W., 416-593-6267.
JESSICA JENSEN
The Toronto designer is offering an extra 20 per cent off previously marked down leather clutches, wallets and handbags (one tote is now $552, down from $998) for on-line shoppers. Enter code EXTRA20SS at checkout. Until Oct. 26. shopjessicajensen.com.
LINEA INTIMA Read the rest of this entry »
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.
Sales roundup: designer sample sale, half off at Design Within Reach, Oscar de la Renta bridal trunk show
FASHION AND BEAUTY
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. (plus four other locations), 416-780-1726, lineaintima.com.
MIDNIGHT MADNESS SAMPLE SALE
Men’s and women’s clothing (brands include Nudie Jeans, Gucci, Versace, Dior, and more) are marked down by 40 to 80 per cent. Oct. 20–22. 10 a.m.–midnight. Le Parc Banquette Hall, 8432 Leslie St., Thornhill, 416-399-9959, torontosamplesales.com.
NATALIE-ROZE AND CO.
It’s the Leslieville boutique’s fourth annual autumn shopping night, which means deals on everything in the store. Save between 10 and 20 per cent on this season’s pieces and up to 75 per cent off on past seasons. Oct. 14. 5 p.m.–9 p.m. 1015 Queen St. E., 416-792-1699, nathalie-roze.com.
WHITE Read the rest of this entry »
The bridal shop is hosting an Oscar de la Renta trunk show, featuring gowns from the designer’s fall 2011 collection. By appointment only. Oct. 22 and 23. 19 Hazelton Ave., 416-849-9196, whitetoronto.com.
Sales roundup: Puma warehouse sale, bridal sample sale and more
FASHION AND BEAUTY
PUMA
This is the only official warehouse sale of Puma goods in the country, with clothing, athletic goods and footwear on offer. Oct. 8 to 11. The International Centre, Hall 4, 6900 Airport Rd., styledemocracy.com/?p=829.
WHITE Read the rest of this entry »
There are major deals to be had at Toronto’s poshest bridal salon—up to 70 per cent off more than 80 designer gowns, to be precise. Look for numbers by Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. By appointment only. Oct. 8 and 9. 19 Hazelton Ave., 416-849-9196, whitetoronto.com.
Sales roundup: North Face sample sale, Knoll sale, children’s trunk show
FASHION AND BEAUTY
JULES POWER
It’s time to scoop up Jules Power’s grey knit track pants; the Toronto womenswear designer is hosting an evening shopping party and trunk show with 15 per cent off the fall line. Power has also made T-shirts for Rethink Breast Cancer, sales of which will benefit the charity. Sept. 29. 6–9. 345 Sorauren Ave.
NORTH FACE SAMPLE SALE
We don’t want to think about winter, either, but it’s coming, and North Face’s puffy jackets, hats and gloves—sold here at wholesale prices—are renowned for their warmth. Backpacks, footwear and sportswear are also on offer. Cash only. Sept. 30, noon–8; Oct. 1, 10–8; Oct. 2, 10–6; Oct. 3, 10–5. 21 Vaughan Rd.
WHITE Read the rest of this entry »
This week’s bridal trunk show at White is Jenny Packham’s spring 2011 collection. Packham’s gowns maintain modernity while being totally feminine; many have details not seen on run-of-the-mill bridal dresses. By appointment only. Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. 19 Hazelton Ave., 416-849-9196, whitetoronto.com.
Sales roundup: Jules Power trunk show, Carolina Herrera bridal trunk show, North Face sample sale, 15 per cent off Knoll
FASHION AND BEAUTY
JULES POWER
It’s time to scoop up Jules Power’s grey knit track pants; the Toronto womenswear designer is hosting an evening shopping party and trunk show with 15 per cent off the fall line. Power has also made T-shirts for Rethink Breast Cancer, sales of which will benefit the charity. Sept. 29. 6–9. 345 Sorauren Ave.
NORTH FACE SAMPLE SALE
We don’t want to think about winter either, but it’s coming, and North Face’s puffy jackets, hats and gloves—sold here at wholesale prices—are renowned for their warmth. Backpacks, footwear and sportswear are also on offer. Cash only. Sept. 30, noon–8; Oct. 1, 10–8; Oct. 2, 10–6; Oct. 3, 10–5. 21 Vaughan Rd.
SLAVIN AGENCY SAMPLE SALE Read the rest of this entry »
Clothing from J Brand, Bench, Mexx, Ted Baker and more are up to 80 per cent off at this sale. Sept. 25 and 26. Noon–4. 80 Wingold Ave.
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