Toronto’s Top Shops

Nicole Stewart

Shopping in Toronto can be a lot of fun, but only if you know where to go! So here are five top shops for the style maven’s fashion fix this Fall.

1. Come on, take a Risque
Risque might actually be one of the best-kept secrets in Toronto. If you are looking for something unique, that no one else has, this is the place to go. Located at 404 Bloor Street West, this trendy women’s boutique is stocked with great finds, most of which are Canadian pieces.

2. Where’s your little black dress?
Well, obviously it’s at the Little Black Dress Shop at 135 Tecumseth Street. Inspired by London’s White Shirt Shop, the store carries entirely black dresses. And if a flash of boredom just came over you, think again. There are great cuts and styles by designers like Betsey Johnson, Lux & Luster, Narcissist, Passenger Pigeon, Comrags, and Wonderlust. Visit www.littleblackdressshop.com for more details.

3. Be Still, Distill Stole My Heart!
Head down into the up-and-coming Distillery District and check out the Distill Gallery located at 55 Mill Street. It’s the ultimate revolt against consumerism providing innovative products from Canadian artists, designers and craftspeople. You will find pieces by Amie Scott, Gillian Batcher, Tara Campbell, Dagg and Stacey, and Jack and Marjorie. This is one little shop you will definitely want to add to your shopping list. More details are available at www.distillgallery.com .

4. It’s Girl Friday
Girl Friday is a great store. It’s fun to ravage the racks full of former Le Chateau designer Rebecca Nixon’s label Girl Friday, which is all about day-to-night dressing. Who doesn’t love that kind of versatility? Better yet, the boutique carries a limited supply of all of the essentials – great handbags, Canadian clothes, beauty products, shoes, and more! The Girl Friday boutiques are located at 740 Queen Street West and 776 College Street. Visit www.girlfridayclothing.com for more details.

5. Trou Love
It is true love at Boutique Le Trou located at 940 Queen Street West. The store has a gallery-like feel and focuses mainly on more fashion-forward, high-end Canadian pieces. Boutique Le Trou carries labels like Juma, Jason Matlo, Zoran Dobric, Obakki, Philip Sparks, and Yuki Accessories. Visit www.boutiqueletrou.com .