JUMA in T.O.

Find JUMA 2009 Spring/Summer collection in stores! The collection is modern, clean, sporty and can be dressed casually or formally depending on how you accessorize it.

Womens Stocklist:
Pho Pa (Toronto), Oak (New York), Victoire (Ottawa), James Boutique (Montreal), Turtle (Boston), Pink Sugar (Calgary), Tenth & Proper (Vancouver) and others

Mens Stocklist:
UPC (Toronto), Oak (New York), Boutik (Calgary), Two of a Few (Vancouver), U&I (Montreal) and others

Lightweight Converse for Ladies

Converse for women at Get Outside - downtown 437 Queen Street West and uptown 3456 Yonge Street or even shop online!

9 Spring Shoes (2009)

One of the greatest things about Spring and longer sunny days is the burst of color indoors and out! And shoe stores this Spring 2009 are no exception.

In a twist of trends, shoes for sale are every color of the rainbow, in patterns and stripes; animal skins and suedes. There are fringes, gaudy beads and baubles and tons of decorative details. Of course the gladiator sandal and strappy heels reign for the masses this year, but now black is boring as sandals are multi-colored. A new look for Toronto is the 'bootie shoe', which was HUGE in Europe last year and likely your best investment this year as it'll work next as well!


Aldo (in most malls - outlet on Yonge Street)
$75 gladiators | $100 orange | $90 Lacau


Browns (locations in HBC stores and most malls)
$150 suede purple | $120 reptile | $130 bootie shoe (all the rage in Europe last year)


Another chain store by leading Canadian shoe retailer, The Aldo Group - Little Burgendy has three Toronto locations, offering name brand (youth styles) footwear.
Shown $100 wedge | $50 sandal | $189 (my splurge) cork pumps

Dresses under $150 in Toronto

If you're still on the PROM dress hunt (or you likely have an upcoming wedding or shower), you can find an amazing, original-looking dress at a vintage shop in Toronto for under $150. If you insist on new, you may have to head to the mall (but risk the chance of wearing the same dress as someone else).

However, the surefire places to find a dress for under $150 (Canadian companies in the mall):
(Biggest malls: Eaton Centre, Yorkdale, Scarborough Town Centre, Fairview Mall)

Le Chateau
Although they've bumped up their prices in the past five years or so (so, cheap clothes that cost more), you can still find some really stylish items from shoes to earrings, to hats to coats. Canadian company Le Chateau is worth the visit and have a great selection of prom dresses - and while you're there you can find shoes, tights and accessories too.


Fairweather
I don't shop here - anymore (not even to buy cheapy tank tops), but if it's an inexpensive dress you're after, you should stop in. Prices are super affordable.

Winners
I love Winners, but sometimes you have to search through racks and racks and multiple stores to find what you're looking for. The selection varies from great priced designer finds to mass produced youth labels - all previous seasons' overstock. There are Winners locations throughout the city - and for the most part, they are all different. Happy hunting!


Sears
Yes, it's true. Sears is a great option if it's inexpensive dresses you're after. I found these three ideal dresses among many online - perfect shells to accessorize around!

PROM: Dresses (list in progress)

Fashion Crimes
http://fashioncrimes.ca/
Perhaps one of the most coveted dress boutiques in the city, Fashion Crimes has the potential to hook you up, if you're willing to spend a few bucks. Designer and owner Pam Chorley has been in her Queen Street West store for 25 years and has since racked up tons of great press and her dresses have been in numerous magazines. For a beautiful dress or at least a lot of inspiration, stop in here. 322 Queen Street West (east of Spadina).

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Build Your Own Dress @ Peach Berserk (ready in 2 weeks or less)
www.peachberserk.com

With its "Dress Design' software, you can go to the Peach Berserk website and click and drag to build an offbeat printed dress of your dreams. There are over 200 Peach Berserk prints to choose from, from fabulously funky to delightfully demure. $395

- 15 different bodices
- 9 different skirts (each in 3 lengths)
- 6 different sleeve types
- 45 different silk fabric colours
- and a whole bunch of cute accessories such as flounce, crinoline, rosettes, buttons and bows.

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The Little Black Dress Shop Online
http://littleblackdressshop.com/catalog/
Mostly classic styles, black or 'light' black, designer and Canadian designer.

Tiff's Clothing Show Fav 5

by Tiff Ing

If there’s one event that Toronto shopping addicts look forward to, it’s the bi-annual Clothing Show. There’s always an opportunity to score deals and discounts, and to meet and chat up the (mostly local) faces behind the labels. Four years ago, when I first trekked down to the Exhibition grounds for the show, it opened my eyes to the wonderful creative talents of Toronto designers. Now, four years later, media pass in hand, I’ve compiled a list of my five favorite Toronto-centric booths through the years, in no particular order:


1. JOOL – Local designer Julie Phelps always has a beautifully set up booth with affordable, boldly printed reworked vintage blouses and lots of vintage shoes and trunks. Check out her wares in her Etsy shop.

2. I Miss You Vintage – Super mark downs on a well-edited, but abundant collection of vintage dresses and accessories--$15 dresses? $5 purses? I’m sold. Check out I Miss You’s shop at 63 Ossington Avenue or online.

3. Snoflake/Dagg & Stacey – Debbie Sutton, Stacey Paterson and Karen Dagg are a Clothing Show staple, with an extra large booth to sell samples and leftovers from past collections at discounted prices. Check out www.snoflakefashion.com and www.daggandstacey.com before the
show to find choice pieces, but be prepared to fight for your size!

4. Propaganda – Regina Shum likes to sell off pieces from past collections of Valerie Dumaine, Eve Gravel, and other Canadian designers at major discounts, and she’s totally open to bargaining with Clothing Show attendees for better prices. Check out her website at www.shopaganda.ca and her adorable 686 Yonge St shop for more fun stuff.

5. Model Citizen – For the boys, you just can’t beat Julian Finkel’s Model Citizen prints. Their Clothing Show booth usually has some serious deals—my boyfriend scored a devil’s pitchfork printed collared shirt for a mere 5 bucks this year! For more printed awesomeness, check out Model Citizen’s Kensington store at 279 Augusta.

Moda 1 Year Anniversary

It's another mammoth, international clothing company that offers stylish clothing at great prices. And like most European clothing chains, we love the selection. And love that we can afford it!

Toronto's MODA carries a large selection of the two contemporary Danish brands, “Vero Moda” and “Selected Homme” (stemming from Vero Moda, a Dutch company with over 700 stores around the world) and recently celebrated its 1st year anniversary on Toronto's Queen Street West with local media, bloggers and shoppers.

We got to take a closer look at 'Vero Moda' - the womens line that offers $30 blouses and $80 coats; and 'Selected Homme' - mens clothes with $55 waist coats and $270 winter wool coats.

Frankly, I'm a little surprised that more people don't flock to this store. Its much smaller that the typical H&M or Zara but that adds to the 'boutique' experience and makes it all the more easy find great items including top trends like velvet leggings, lacy accessories and chic clutches.

Moda, 632 Queen St. W.

Jacflash for Men

Jacflash, another super hip Queen St. West designer store adds a new men's line to its already jam-packed roster of exclusive labels for well-dressed men and women.

jac by jacflash, designed with NY designer Ryan Turner, features classic pieces with slim silhouettes and impeccable fit, taking its cues from style icons like James Dean and Marlon Brando. Slim jeans ($230) are made with denim sourced from the oldest denim mill in the US and feature aged brass trimmings. Gabardine sateen suits with cashmere blend ($525) and cowhide leather motorcycle jackets ($735) are sure to tranform any working man with cash into a rebel.

ALSO for women: new lines exclusive to jacflash include: Ideeen, Cloak and Dagger, Le Mont Saint Michel, Madè, and Sea. Also stocked include Alice + Olivia, Operations, Transit, EVER, Susana Monaco, Won Hundred, Lorick, CP SHADES, A-Lawless, Religion, Corpus, MYNK and Christopher Deane.

jacflash, 1036 Queen Street West

FOX in Canada

FOX Clothing is the latest clothing company making its way through the world. FOX is to Israel what Zara is to Spain or the Gap to America. All companies produce mass quantities of clothing and are available around the world.

In the past few years, FOXs colorful, trendy and youthful clothing has become available in numerous countries including Italy, Romania, China, Singapore and most recently Canada.

Last month, the company graciously hosted a media/launch event at the pricey Spoke Club where Daniel got a sneak peak of the Fall/Winter line that will be available at a mall near you:

by Daniel Wilson
Recently I arrived at the gorgeous Spoke Club where TFI blogger and part-time PR gal Carolyn Rohaly played the consummate and elegant hostess for the launch of Fox in Canada. The Israeli based basics line has finally tapped into the Canadian market for Fall 08.

Fox Canada’s three new locations in Fairview Mall, Brampton and Vaughan are sure to be a one stop shopping destination for the 905 guys and galls getting ready for a night out in the entertainment district. The preppy-yet-funky easy wearing classics such as hoodies, shirt dresses, polos and blazers are simple, affordable and will look great in the clubs.

Fox put on a playful fashion show with their brand ambassadors who were mostly sexy and stylish with the exception of one squinting, oddly booted boy who seemed to need the spotlight shined on him to physically sustain himself through osmosis. The other models, however, danced and cavorted across the stage popping their collars and mock stripping each other in a convincing display of stylish irreverence.

Fox Canada now has stores open in Vaughan Mills, Bramalea City Center and Fairview Mall. Their collection includes clothing for guys, galls, kids and babies.

Statement Necklace T.O.

Made You Look designers include Buttercup Days, Monikque, MIMO, Moonrox and Susie Love

By now, all our favorite fashion magazines have let us know that the 'Statement Necklace' is HUGE this season. Every high-profile designer adorned runway models in chunky, artful accessories using gaudy costume jewellery, multi-chains, bra/bib necklaces and outstanding mixtures of color.

While the majority of us can't afford the lates Dries Van Noten bangle necklace or Alexander McQueen's Indian treasures - we can put our pennies together for our very own locally crafted, one-of-a-kind show stopper.

Made You Look, the two-location mecca for hand-made accessories from over 100 Toronto jewellery designers is the perfect destination shop for necklaces, rings, bracelets and brooches. Prices range from low to high; and accessories can be found for minimalist, contemporary and over-the-top types!

On our recent trip down to Parkdale, we only visited the "funky exciting" south-side shop - the north-side is dedicated to more serious jewellery. Finds are awesome and definitely worth the price - most importantly, nothing is mass produced or generic! Heading to Made You Look - let us know what you bought!

Made You Look, 1273 Queen Street West

Preloved Fall 2008

by Daniel Wilson


Picks available @ Preloved include Amelia vest (made from vintage trousers) | Butterfield skirt $139 (made from 3 vintage trousers) | Miss Vale sweater $149 (made from 5 vintage sweaters)
Norrell sweater dress-$129 (made from 3 vintage sweaters)

Earlier this month, Toronto's mecca of well-made re-worked clothing, Preloved celebrated its phoenix from the ashes with its new store opening. A relaxed crowd drank Steamwhistle and crunched nachos in the gorgeous new space. Though roughly the same square footage, this new store feels vast compared to their flagship that was lost in the February Queen Street fire. Exposed brick walls and warm woods frame huge windows looking out at Trinity Bellwoods and a garden in the back of the store. Preloved’s loyal fans would follow them anywhere, but they are sure to be thrilled with the new digs.

Preloved, 881 Queen Street West

Trove @ Over the Rainbow

The fall 2008 line-up at Over The Rainbow pushes eternal summer style into the cooler months. Not to be missed: distinctive LA influences among new brands in stock and enough graphic tee's to keep even the trendiest Torontonians on par with the West Coast.

Keepin' it Local
Always on the hunt for the hottest new finds, Over the Rainbow picked up Toronto-based Trove Clothing. Founders Jesse Burnett and Carly Mandelbaum are gaining popularity with their casual, cottag-y tees, hoodies and sweats made of 100% organic cotton. (reminds me of Cotton Ginny in the 80s). Made in Canada.

Over the Rainbow
101 Yorkville Avenue

Andrew Buckler in Toronto

Menswear Rockstar Outfitter Opening in T.O.
By Daniel Wilson

Photos from the Buckler Fall 2008 show

It is only with hopeless inadequacy that I can describe one of the finger foods and the Andrew Buckler store opening bash as potato skins. Tiny fresh new potatoes were cooked to perfection and scooped out to be stuffed with velvety caviar (and quite possibly small pieces of angels) and served to cigarette panted fashionistas screaming niceties at each other of the sounds of electrified rockers Holy Fuck.

It was good that the flat screen behind the bar showed the Buckler runway presentation on loop as the store was too packed to actually see any of the clothes on the racks. The models fit with the labels shank-sharp tattooed image and they oozed enough sex appeal to make me blush. Buckler somehow manages to make preppy staples like plaid button downs and sweater vests scream 'fuck you'! The makeup perfectly stated that either the models did nothing but lie in the sun in Speedos all day, or that they were in need of a good bath. Rather sexy either way.

The Buckler boutique is the first in Canada and is sure to become a destination for stylish boys with money that are bored of Got Style.

Andrew Buckler, 700 Queen Street West

Designer Skivvies on Queen West

Almost Naked is a new specialty shop in Toronto offering super hot designer underwear, luxe-loungewear and accessories from European lines Diesel, Energie and Miss Sixty; UK designers Fred & Ginger and Shultz; and even Canadian label Ginch Gonch. They also carry Ed Hardy boxers and briefs and boast the largest Canadian collection of provocative Marlies Dekkers (Netherlands) among others.

The new two-level boutique has an earthy feel with its poly-resin panels with real bamboo branches embedded in them, hardwood and concrete floors and a wooden trough of white stones lining the staircase. Two corner change rooms with mirrors inside offer a private haven for trying on intimates.

Almost Naked, 479 Queen Street West

Eyewear 2008

Eyewear experts from around the world gathered in Paris last October to preview the best in frames at SILMO 2008. Vintage, techno and luxury were at the forefront and Toronto's Josephson Opticians were there to capture the highlights. (click link for locations)

Vintage: thick and heavy plastics in dark finishes taking strong influences from the mid-late 80’s. Includes Oliver Peoples’ 20th anniversary collection, the Vintage Entourage of 7, Paul Smith, L.A. Eyeworks and the iconic vintage inspired label, Oliver Goldsmith.

Luxury reigns this season with decadent jewel pieces from Gold + Wood and frames adorned with gold and diamonds from Cartier’s Panthère de Cartier collection. Other notable collections are Chrome hearts, Kieselstein-Cord and Lindberg.

Techno Frames in all colors will captivate the modern professional with their sleek and industrial aesthetic. The best include IC Berlin and Mykita stainless steel frames.

Favourite and most notable eyewear designers Robert Marc taped into his dark side, taking influences from the Film Noir genre, while Alain Mikli returned to his bold and vibrant acetate roots.

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Toronto Designer Eyewear (short list)
www.torontolife.com/guide/fashion/eyewear for descriptions

Josephson Opticians, 60 Bloor St. W. (at Bay), plus five other locations. 416-964-7070
Rapp Optical - with a signature line designed and hand-made in Toronto, 788 College St. (at Ossington) 416-537-659
Karir Fashion Eyewear, 138 Cumberland St. plus two other locations, 416-975-0536
Specs & Specs, 311a Queen Street West, 416-979-3937
Optic Creations, 5025 Yonge Street, 424 Dundas St. West
Spectacle, 752 Queen St. W. plus two other locations, 416-603-0123

MADE - Contemporary Cdn

by Siya Chen

For all of you fashionable and design-minded individuals, MADE is open for longer hours for your last minute shopping this holiday season. Visit MADE and pick up a small or big piece of uniquely CANADIAN design. Be it the magnetic utensil holder, funky cushions, or crazy fun milk crate table. Knowing that all products at MADE are designed and made by fellow Toronto and Canadian designers, shopping at MADE is a truly rewarding shopping experience!


MADE, 867 Dundas St. West

Favorite Shop in Toronto: Lileo

Lileo is almost a spiritual destination in the city - for spendthrift shoppers, artsy metropolitans and aristocratic fashion fiends who can easily find love and belonging in aisles piled high of exclusive labels, coveted literary collectibles and the latest and greatest in stylish lifestyle finds for men, women and kids.

Co-founded by Syd Beder, a Toronto fashion veteran (most noted for bringing brands like Big Star, Indian Motorcycle and Lululemon to Toronto) and yoga enthusiast, who brought life to Lileo after experiencing his own personal spiritual discovery, this Lileo derives from Galileo (astronomer/scientist) and is fueled by similar notions of light and discovery.

Go to full review here >>

Studio 1686: Wardrobe from Films

Studio 1686, a new sleek and boxy apparel shop by Marya Duplaga, movie wardrobe stylist opened on the far west end of Toronto's Queen Street this past weekend. Studio 1686's unique selling point is clothing sourced from film studio wardrobe departments. Men's and women's designer fashions gently worn or not at all are on sale for a fraction of what you would pay anywhere else!

Designer snapshot:

Moschino jeans for $85 and Juicy Jeans for $45. A sleek selection of mainly black evening dresses. A stunning coat by L.A.M.B for $245. Trousers by Valentino, Versus, Marni and Issey Miyake. Think of any designer label and you will most likely find it here. Shoes and jewllery are also available.

The boutique also offers cosmetics by R.H. Studio, which feature natural minerals.

It is far out of the normal shopping district of Queen Street West, but worth the trip if you want to save money. The are also a few vintage shops and a great little cafe in the neighbourhood.

1686 Queen St West (east of Roncessvalles)

416.533-5400

Jacflash Indie Glam on Queen West

by Siya Chen






Father-Daughter Duo Jaclyn and Geoff Genovese opened up the much-needed Indie-glam boutique Jacflash on West Queen St. West.
The beautifully designed store is stocked up with unique and hard to find independent brands from New York, Europe, Australia and Hong Kong. While the black sequined top by Alice + Olivia worn by Jaclyn at the opening night is definitely one of our favorites, the TorontoStreetFashion gang is even more happy to realize that there is a listening booth for independent music at the store. Goodie bag to go for the opening party is the stylish white leather water bottle holder. Now we could finally be fashionable even for those dull exercise routines!

Jacflash, 1036-38 Queen West

A few Changes on Queen St. W...

TSF dropped by Queen St. W.'s newest addition Change to check out the popular Danish lingerie chain that has locations in Vancouver and Montreal already. Normally, chain stores don't hold much interest for us here at TSF, but I'll be honest with you - the promise of a free bra and fitting for attending the opening was too much for me to resist. So admittedly, I was already in a good mood after I had picked out my adorable red gingham 'Doris Day' model in a 'balconet' style.

But Change won my support (no pun intended) for two totally cool reasons:

One, they carry bra sizes that fit a range of real, modern bodytypes - upto a J cup that is, in both De Luxe and Basic styles. This might not seem like a big deal if you fit regular La Senza or H&M sizes, but try finding a J cup in Toronto for under a hundred dollars. It's next to impossible, which brings me to my second point.

Price. While annex favorites 'Secrets From Your Sister' does a great job in fitting and educating shoppers, many of their larger styles do cost more than smaller ones, usually around a hundred. Which doesn't even seem like much when you consider that in Yorkville at Avec Plaisir, the Swarovski-crystal-adorned model goes for $695! Change prices start at a reasonable $45~, which shouldn't seem high considering the health benefits of wearing a better fitting bra - including reduced back and shoulder strain, better posture and even fewer headaches.

"Lots of women walk in hunched over and leave standing up straight after they've found a properly fitting bra," Alycia Jenner tells me. "I've had women cry before when they see what a difference it makes."

Here are some bra fitting DON'Ts:
* the back rides up between your shoulders
* you're spilling out the top, sides or bottom
* the underwire presses or digs into you
* straps leave red welts or slip off

And DO make sure:
* try on bras on the loosest hook (you can tighten the bra as the fabric relaxes)
* wear a top that will 'cling' so you can tell if you will have 'double boob'
* get measured every time you buy a bra

Change Lingerie, 315 Queen Street West

Need your Freedom?

Toronto's underground designer hotspot underwent a major makeover this month, and it's definitely ready for a closeup! With a totally renovated space, bigger changerooms, more designers than ever, and a grand opening party just around the corner, there's no reason not to make the trip to Bloor West to check out the new digs! (Hint: Freedom is just on the way to Value Village at Bloor and Lansdowne. Hit up both for a double dose of eco-friendly shopping!)

939 Bloor St. W
www.freedomclothingcollective.com

Holt Renfrew Shoe Salons

Tiff Ing joined Toronto's glitziest celebs to celebrate the opening of Holt's Shoe Salons at the Bloor Street location. Special guests included famed shoe designers Stuart Weitzman and Giuseppe Zanotti, both of whom have shoes on display in the mens and womens sections. Following spring's metallic trend, you can now purchase crystal-encrusted evening sandals by Gina, seasonable Kate Spades, sparkly Manolo Blahniks and perfectly structured Christian Louboutins. This is surely the city's largest designer shoe collection! The men's salon features handsome loafers with smart detailing and colours.

Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor Street West

H&M goes organic

Don't we just love H&M?!

This spring, the giant Swedish retailer of cool clothes is offering a trend conscious and environmentally friendly line of organic cotton clothes for women and kids!

Pieces include A-line dresses; tunics and leggings; and t's and jeans ($50).

Organic cotton is cotton grown without the use of harmful pesticides and artificial fertilizers and represents less than one percent of all the cotton grown annually. In order to increase the demand for organic cotton and thereby encourage cotton growers to convert to organic cultivation, H&M began using organic cotton a few years ago.

In Toronto, you can find H&M at the Eaton Centre,13-15 Bloor street West, Dufferin Mall, Fairview Mall, Markville Shopping Centre, The Promenade, Vaughan Mills and Yorkdale Shopping Centre

New Queen W Hot Spot: Fieerce

by Tiff Ing

Amidst a backdrop of stream-lined sofas and black-and-white minimalist décor, the team of the new Fieerce boutique rushes around helping customers style and decide on pieces.

Louise Doan started Fieerce a year ago, and since then has sold her line at the Clothing Show, the Style Revolution Show and other Toronto shopping events.

Leading me around the space, Doan excitedly shows me a short-sleeved, khaki-green shimmery tunic dress($39) and points out that adjustable side ruching. My eye is caught on a violet, almost-see-through lycra-polyester dress with trim ($55) that would be a showstopper on any daring femme. A zebra print halter ($15) looks perfect for a night of dancing, and the price couldn't be beat. Doan says that it was her aim to keep things affordable, especially since she herself has been known to wear something only once before tossing it.

Fieerce
425 Queen St. West
Tel: 416-977-8778

Holt Renfrew Christmas Windows

Holiday Windows by www.mannequindisplay.com
See them here>>

New Queen West Hot Spot - kama kazi

Kama Kazi Style Boutique, 781 Queen Street West

Big hand clap for Kama Kazi cool-hunters Debra Antwi and partner Fred Antwi in delivering to Toronto a rare thing – exclusivity and authenticity. The X factor, as they bring the Euro and UK shopping esthetic to Queen St W with select, designer brands. Authentic, because the Antwi duo make a point of going to the source of their wears before importing.

Men, look out for UK import Sexy Bastard underpants, Christian Lacroix dress shirts and Ozwald Boateng exclusive tailored suits , for the most distinguished gentlemen.

For women, there's hot street-inspired seperates by STQ, Essential and Catch a Fire, alongside bags, shoes and accessories

The Rage: Anti-Fashion/Pro-Style

by Ashley Stellar

Toronto fashionistas are not afraid to push the edge, and Sarah Campbell is no exception! I sat down to talk to her about her about her fashion house! This fashion boutique owner and creative genius is bringing something new to the table.

The Rage, located on hip and funky Kensington Avenue, is bringing something fresh to the table. Anti-fashion, pro-style is the concept. Think fabulous reconstructed vintage and hand-made style pieces. Each item is made exclusively with love by upcoming Toronto fashion designers.


ASHLEY.STELLAR: Explain the vision of The Rage.

The Rage is a retail venue dedicated to promoting Toronto culture by providing local style girls with clothing and accessories. Every item is designed and made by young Toronto-based artists exclusively. The current designer roster includes students from Ryerson University and OCAD through to the self-taught.

The goal is to challenge existing norms in dress, the attitude is anti-establishment (much like the store’s Kensington Market location). The Rage agenda is pushing limits, discovering new directions in style and having fun by getting a little crazy.

The Rage believes that style is individual and most progressive at street level, before the mainstream catches on. That’s why we support unknown artists. Their romantic idealism is unbounded. They’re motivated by pure creative and technical necessity, by true love of their art.

ASHLEY.STELLAR: When did The Rage open?

The Rage was born May 15, 2005.


ASHLEY.STELLAR: What do you see for the future of Toronto style?

It appears people are making use of various resources (vintage, reconstructed, locally produced fashion, big brand names……) to produce a look that’s their own. The look is casual, but there’s great character and attitude conveyed in the combination of items, colour, fabrics, fit, producing an overall striking effect. The look bounces between Vancouver laid-back and Montreal sheik. Toronto style is definitely fun, definitely positive. Much is carried off by a sense of humour.

In future Toronto will be internationally recognized for the fashion and style it engineers. Not as it compares to other metropolitan centres such as New York or London, but on its own terms.

ASHLEY.STELLAR: What’s in store for Rage Girls for the Spring/Summer Season?

We’re getting ready for spring/summer, so The Rage will be carrying the customary garments (T shirts, skirts, summer dresses) in rarely seen colour combinations, fabrics and prints. This season will mark the very beginning of the in-store brand with a small line of T shirts, reworked dress shirts and hand-painted purses.

Ratgirl Accessories by Krissy Ross will feature iconic 80s images such as rainbows and unicorns on earrings ($15), necklaces ($22) and charm bracelets ($25). Amie Scott is a new Rage personality, and I’ve already bought her sleeveless cotton top with a felt cutout of Joey Ramone on the front ($40).

Affordability is of great concern to The Rage, so all clothing is priced between $19 and $55. Accessories (including hand bags) start at $8 and run to $40.

ASHLEY.STELLAR: What’s unique about The Rage?

The Rage is unique in that it considers style as it pertains to popular culture. Style is a determining component in almost every discipline, be it artistic or not. Fashion does not exist on its own; it influences and is in turn influenced by its creative counterparts (music, film, etc).

A piece of original handmade clothing carries within it that which inspires and energizes its creator, all sounds and sights and textures. The article carries, and is itself, culture. This energy is transferred to the wearer. And so ideas travel.

The Rage is a venue for trading positive ideas, learning, socializing and networking for artists and related enthusiasts. We are a presence and are having an impact.

ASHLEY.STELLAR: What do you have planned for the future of The Rage?

Within the next 3 years The Rage will move to a much larger location, hopefully within Kensington Market. Increased space means a larger line of Rage brand clothing and accessories to live alongside the locally produced lines. My big dreams right now include getting into menswear and nurturing The Rage from simple retail venue to a veritable indoor circus attraction of style and fun, along the lines of Fashion Crimes and F/X.


ASHLEY.STELLAR: Your 1-Year Anniversary is approaching. Exciting! How can Toronto style girls celebrate?

Our first birthday party will be at the end of May, no venue as of yet. It will be an all ages event with a d.j. and a couple local bands (including my own, RAEDAY). Of course there will be cake and other treats and a small fashion show starring some of our very first regular customers. The Rage is a big supporter of Shameless magazine (www.shamelessmag.com), so I’m hoping they’ll have a table set up at the party.

Rocco P at george c

Last Thursday, George and Lisa Corbo graciously hosted an evening with famed shoe designer, Rocco P at their most coveted, Euro-atmospheric styled boutique in Yorkville.

If you have ever wanted fabulously expensive blue suede shoes or even a purple pair of boots exactly like Madonna's, George C is the spot in Toronto for die hard Rocco P enthusiasts to converge!

There are books as thick as Webster's dictionaries filled with optional textures, colors, leathers and suedes; high gloss, low gloss, snakeskin and metallics, all with the promise of a 6-8 week delivery!

Of course, this kind of customization doesn't come cheap ($800 and up) but we've heard plenty of testimonial from Rocco P followers that the investment is easily justified by the comfort, timelessness and wearability - they're so soft inside you don't even need socks and a pair of these classic styled shoes or boots are sure to last for ever!

George C, located at 21 Hazelton Lanes is the exclusive retailer of a few designer labels in Toronto including Costume Nationale, Project Alabama, La Silla footwear and J Brand denim.