Big-box stores be damned
If your New Year’s resolution is to shop local and sustainable, you’re in luck! The Leslieville Flea Market moves indoors to the Distillery District’s Fermenting Cellar (28 Distillery) on Sunday (January 19) from 10 am to 5 pm, and also operates February 23, March 16 and April 20. Peruse unique vintage finds from over 70 local collectors and makers. Vendors include She’s Crafty, Cast and Crown and Son of a Woodcutter. leslievilleflea.com
Brides, brides, brides
It’s that time of year again. You’re either getting married or really fucking sick of your newly engaged friends’ Facebook statuses. If you’re in the former camp, check out over 350 wedding retailers and service providers at the Total Wedding Show Friday through Sunday (January 17-19) at the International Centre (6900 Airport). Tickets are $15 at totalweddingshow.com.
The swaggiest swag bag
Local beauty brand Elizabeth Grant Skin Care and its charitable division, EG Cares, host The Big Give fundraiser on January 23 at Ripley’s Aquarium (288 Bremner). Eat, drink and leave with a can’t-live-without swag bag valued at over $500. (Last year each bag weighed over 4.5 kilos!) Tickets are $70 at dothebiggive.com and 100 per cent of proceeds benefit Look Good Feel Better, which addresses the appearance-related effects of all cancers impacting women.
Bye-bye, see you later
Fashion Crimes (322½ Queen West, 416-592-9001, fashioncrimes.ca), a downtown fixture for 30 years and a prom favourite, will soon close its doors. Until then, score some unbelievable deals. Take 50 per cent off already reduced sale items and grab earrings for $5, necklaces for $10 and bracelets for $5 and $10. The store pops up again in early spring, with a new location near Trinity Bellwoods and a renewed focus on bespoke designs.
