Big-box thrift shop if you must, but the best retro style buys – always a great sustainable option – are at our abundant independent vintage boutiques.
Kathryn Gaitens
69 Vintage 1100 Queen West, 416-516-0669, 69vintage.com
This Queen West staple has dressed hipsters in cowboy boots, Cosby sweaters and boho dresses since 2004 and has expanded its second Buy the Pound store (1207 Bloor West, 416-516-1234) to include a collective of other retro retailers.
APT 909 909 Dundas West, 647-346-1386, apt909.blogspot.com
Shop this Dundas West gem for Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake, Dior, Ferragamo and all their designer label friends.
Kathryn Gaitens
Badlands Vintage 104 Ossington, 416-588-1130
Your splurge-free quick fix for late 80s wants and early 90s needs.
Black Market Vintage Clothing 256a Queen West, 416-599-5858, blackmarkettoronto.com
Black Market is still the gateway store for shoppers entering the vintage game.
Bungalow 273 Augusta, 416-598-0204, bungalow.to
Mad Men office furniture mixes with new and vintage clothing scores.
Cabaret 672 Queen West, 416-504-7126, cabaretvintage.com
Vintage is never more polished than on Cabaret’s racks.
The Cat’s Meow 180 Avenue Rd, 647-435-5875
High-end couture labels for uptown vintage types.
Courage My Love 14 Kensington, 416-979-1992
A Kensington Market fixture with a well-travelled flair.
Divine Decadence Originals 128 Cumberland, 416-324-9759
Let owner Carmelita Blondet guide you through her decadent duds.
Exile 60 Kensington, 416-595-7199
Cheap and cheerful denim and plaid as far as your eyes can see.
FlashBack 2 25 Kensington, 647-343-5569
Don’t miss the accessories!
Foxy Boutique 251 Gerrard East, 416-925-3252
Cabbagetown’s best-kept secret for the best of the 70s and 80s.
Franny Vintage 1394 Queen West, 416-531-8892, frannyvintage.com
A wee little shop of quirky vintage and women’s shoes size 10 and up.
Gadabout 1300 Queen East, 416-463-1254, gadaboutvintage.com
A Leslieville emporium of rockabilly and other 50s looks.
HAUS 1265 Bloor West, 416-551-1635, hausstore.com
This Bloordale Village boutique opening March 1 mashes up vintage clothing and housewares.
House of Vintage 1239 Queen West, 416-535-2142
Now in Parkdale, H of V won’t let you leave until you find that perfect piece.
Kathryn Gaitens
I Miss You 63 Ossington, 416-916-7021
Finds from Fendi to no-name summer frocks.
Paperbag Princess 287 Davenport, 416-925-2603, thepaperbagprincess.com
No paper bags here, but plenty of break-the-bank Pucci, Armani and Valentino.
Penny Arcade 1177 Dundas West, 647-346-1386
Great vintage meets great service.
Public Butter 1290 Queen West, 416-535-4343, thepublicbutter.com
Always something for under $20.
Silver Falls 15 Ossington, 416-588-3500, theironchic.blogspot.com
A shoebox of a shop with its finger on the pulse of runway styles.
Stella Luna 1627 Queen West, 416-536-7300
A Queen-and-Roncie landmark with merch colour-blocked like a Mondrian.
Thrill of the Find 1172 Queen East, 416-461-9313, thrillofthefind.com
Lucky customers get to snoop through new arrivals in the back.
Vintage Mix 1 186 Ossington, 416-534-7767
Weekly additions make for a heavy vintage rotation…
Did we miss your favourite vintage spot? Go online to nowtoronto.com to add it to this list.
