Toronto independent clothing boutiques for the rebel in you
Big box stores all seem to have one thing in common: Tons of mass-produced clothing that’s seen on too many people. When you’re ready to separate yourself from the herd with a unique, hand-picked wardrobe, give these independent clothing boutiques a chance to help you define your style.
Doll Factory By Damzels Inc
1122 Queen St E, Toronto ON M4M 1K8This Queen East store was started by, in their own words, “two babes out to kick some fashionable a**.” You can bet the clothes here will be distinctive and fun. These are threads with an edge; garments that loudly proclaim that you’re a strong woman. The designers featured here create clothes with a strong sense of femininity, as seen in their body-hugging lines, sensual curves and flattering cuts.
Lavish & Squalor
253 Queen St W, Toronto ON M5V 1Z4Warmly decorated with rustic wood floors, exposed brick walls, distressed shelving and antique pieces doubling as storage units, this Queen West store is a treasured neighbourhood gem. Clothing shoppers can expect to find a mash-up of western meets urban edge, with plenty of stylish garments for the independent-minded dresser. While perusing the clothes, sip on a Lavish & Squalor coffee or Red Bull, for sale in the store.
Canon Blanc
679 Queen St W, Toronto ON M6J 1E6If you’ve always wanted to dress Parisian chic but couldn’t afford the overseas plane ticket, this shop is the next best thing. It’s loaded with fashions you’d expect to see along the Champs-Élysées. They carry clothes ranging from kitschy fashion, such as Eiffel Tower t-shirts, to sophisticated clothes, including men’s skinny-cut chinos. To top it off, Canon Blanc has all the accessories you need to complete any look for both men and women.
Model Citizen
279 Augusta Ave, Toronto ON M5T 2M1Men in search of their own distinct sense of style should come here directly. The devil-may-care attitude about their clothing only heightens the shop’s cool factor. You do need a sense of daring to wear this shop’s clothing, as just about nothing here can be considered conservative in style (especially with its swallow logo printed on everything). Silkscreen printing classes are also available, offering the chance for you to create your own clothing and original design.
Second Nature Boutique
514 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto ON M4S 2M2If you’re on a budget but still motivated to build a wardrobe that’s distinctly your own, then you may find those rare and one-of-a-kind items here. This boutique prides itself on being one of the city’s first consignment stores, giving buyers and sellers a chance to recycle cherished but still useful goods. You’ll find clothes in all different styles and for any occasion.
