Campy meets seriously swanky in this pair of oversized sunnies ($1,200) created exclusively for Rapp (788 College, 416-537-6590, rapplimited.com). They’re hand-set with hundreds of teensy Swarovski crystals and promise maximum sparkle in the Church Street sun. If you’re cruising for more practical (and, just guessing, affordable) shades, Rapp stocks those, too.
Martini-shaker size queens are guaranteed to be satisfied by the almost 2 litres of cosmo that comes pouring out of this giant version ($37.50, BYOB, 972 Queen West, 877-989-8980, byobto.com).
We like our balloons as tinfoil-shiny as Warhol’s factory, so we gravitate to helium-filled mylar rounds ($6 each, Balloon Corporate Events, 1158 Queen West, 416-531-0400, ballooncorporateevents.com) over the usual rubbers.
If a muscle boy in a Speedo squirting you with a Super Soaker from a float is your Pride pet peeve, just imagine how satisfying it will be to drench the guy back. Nerf’s Rattler set ($29.99, Canadian Tire, 65 Dundas West, 416-979-9056, and others, canadiantire.ca) comes with two water guns just in case you need backup.
Don’t hate on the retro rainbow – colour-blocking is so in this season, after all. Instead, embrace some multicoloured striping for your decor. Out On The Street (551 Church, 416-967-2759) stocks a full spectrum of party paraphernalia, from ubiquitous flags to candles and mini disco balls.
The Nudey Cuties collection of beer glasses ($14.95 each, Rolo, 24 Bellair, 416-920-0100, rolostore.com) features a foursome of pin-up illustrations that appear fully clothed on the outside of the glass but completely naked on the inside.
Who wears short shorts? On Pride weekend, a few more people than probably should. So why not make your fashion statement with an over-the-top print instead of too much thigh? Try on Juma‘s black-and-white silk walkers ($115, jumastudio.com). We suppose you could always roll them all the way up if you’re that irked by any semblance of an inseam.
If your guests are as rowdy as our invites, there won’t be any need to cork a half-finished bottle of anything at the end of the night. Still, this Cock Blocker cork stopper ($12, BYOB) makes a great host gift, perfect for when he or she is attempting to detox post-Pride.
Colour your candy bowls ($12 each) and pita platters by stocking up on La Mediterránea‘s recycled glass dishware, available at Ma Zone (63 Jarvis, 416-868-0330, ma-zone.com). Armin Martiros’s store is without question your best bet for bold and bright party gear.
Whether you spray tan, fake-and-bake or even decide to buck the Pride trend and keep your skin covered and healthy, sunscreen is a weekend essential. Pure + Simple‘s SPF30 ($21.21 on sale, 41 Avenue Road, 416-924-6555, and others, pureandsimple.ca) is all-natural, moisturizing and water-resistant.
This Happy Hour Kit ($15, Propaganda, 686 Yonge, 416-961-0555, shopaganda.ca) is a party in a box and comes packed with cocktail umbrellas, swizzle sticks and coasters.
All photos by David Hawe