Even as an experienced fashion editor, I can admit that shopping local is a serious commitment. You have to track down where things are sold, how the hell to get there (many designer outposts are on the outskirts of town) and then pray that what you want is actually in stock. Not everyone is down for this time-consuming, sometimes futile treasure hunt across Toronto.
To make the process easier, we’ve compiled a list of amazing e-commerce sites that sell locally designed wares. Some curate their stock from multiple brands some are owned and operated by our favourite creatives themselves. We promise you’ll find plenty to love… all without leaving your couch.
The site jenny-bird.com
The goods We can’t get enough of Toronto-based jewellery designer Jenny Bird’s edgy accessories for downtown cool girls. Standout enough to guarantee compliments but minimalist enough for everyday wear, Bird’s designs clock in at reasonable prices considering their high quality, and are worth every penny.
Our picks Celestial-inspired Nova Backdrop Earrings ($65) and the trendy layered Moonrise Collar ($295).
Artisanal honey ($12) from Illbury + Goose.
The site illburyandgoose.com
The goods Illbury + Goose is a local lifestyle start-up with an ever-growing fan base. Its artisanal apothecary products, including beard oil, organic bug spray and craft beer soap are stars of the show. Every item is completely manufactured in Canada, and the site offers free nationwide shipping on orders over $75.
Our picks Blackout Bingin swim shorties for men ($64), The Greatest Lake tanks ($40) and artisanal honey ($12) from the brand’s very own adopted beehive.
Quill & Tine touchscreen gloves ($145) from The Chic Canuck.
The site thechiccanuck.com
The goods We’ve covered this curated site full of Canadian goods before and can’t stop coming back. The Chic Canuck sells some of the best products our country’s creatives have to offer, from housewares and aromatherapy to jewellery.
Our picks Blackbird Jewelry Ritual bracelet ($78), Takeout plate by Said the King ($25) and Quill & Tine touchscreen gloves ($145).
Oak & Acorn Weekender bag by Jenna Rose ($110).
The site oneofakindonlineshop.com
The goods The über-popular One of a Kind Show now has an online shop where you can buy all your favourite artisan goods from the comfort of your home – no tickets or long TTC rides to Exhibition Place required. From toys and glassware to travel bags and baked goods, this is basically your one-stop shop for supporting made-in-Canada products.
Our picks Urbanwood Toronto laser wood map by N-Product ($150), Oak & Acorn Weekender bag by Jenna Rose ($110) and Film Lovers mini-pack of cookies from the Teeny Tiny Bakery ($10).
Strata running short ($98) from Michi.
The site michiny.com
The goods Michi is a made-in-Canada activewear brand that’s trendy enough to wear every day. Its designs are top-quality and fairly minimalist, made chic by edgy cutouts and mesh panels. You won’t see here those try-hard neon prints and splashy logos that other athletic brands are so fond of.
Our picks Strata running short ($98), Medusa jumpsuit ($395) and Avalon bra ($115).
Outclass plaid bomber jacket ($272 on sale) from Gotstyle.
The site gotstyle.ca
The goods Indie boutique Gotstyle celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Sure, there are now two locations on either side of town (62 Bathurst and 21 Trinity), but sometimes it’s just easier to shop online. Look for Canadian labels like wooden accessories maker Baffi and shoelace brand Stolen Riches among the international stock list.
Our picks Outclass plaid bomber jacket ($272 on sale), Baffi fusion floral wooden pocket square ($40).
Bloomin’ Brilliant Arkema necklace ($88) from Victoire Boutique.
The site victoireboutique.com
The goods Victoire Boutique offers up plenty of Canadian designs at price points that won’t make you miss rent. From cutesy to rebellious, this shop has something for every woman.
Our picks Minnow Bathers Alice floral one piece ($165), Bloomin’ Brilliant Arkema necklace ($88) and Crywolf pizza T ($28).
Jacquard floral denim short ($125 on sale) from Outclass.
The site outclass.ca
The goods This one’s for the guys. Outclass is a quality Toronto-based streetwear brand that makes cool clothes nice enough to wear to work. Their wool camp hats, athletic shorts and cardigans also make perfect weekend or cottage wear without looking sloppy.
Our picks Jacquard floral denim short ($125 on sale), hooded rain shirt ($181 on sale), Pima cotton cardigan ($94.50 on sale).
Stella French Fleece original sweats ($105) from Lazypants.
The site shoplazypants.com
The goods Calling all lazy cottage bums and camp kids! Lazypants designs and manufactures its cozy clothes in Toronto and actually manages to make sweatpants look good. We own the Niki Original ($90) in multiple colours.
Our picks Stella French Fleece original sweats ($105) and the baby onesie, which is actually for adults ($145).
Sword dress ($171.50 on sale) from Brazzul.
The site bazzul.com
The goods All of Bazzul’s dresses and bodysuits are proudly made in Canada, and their perfect, body-hugging fit certainly rivals that of international designer labels. Don’t be fooled, though, these dresses aren’t just for skinny girls. We’ve spotted some of our favourite plus-size bloggers rocking them this summer. We also love that many of designer Felicia Burke’s garments are reversible so you can get more wear out of them. Bonus: most of the materials she uses can be machine washed.
Our picks Sword dress ($171.50 on sale) and long Carroll dress ($150 on sale).
