This season’s jewel tones, animal prints, maxi lengths, shapely frocks and glittering golds are all reinterpretations of decades of fashion classics. And where better to source the originals than at Toronto’s abundant vintage boutiques?
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From Kensington Market to Ossington, Leslieville to Roncie, we have our pick of every retro-clothing era. But calling these duds “retro” (or “duds” for that matter) suggests we don’t hold our second-hand buys in as high esteem as the designer bag a label lover purchases on Bloor.
The women in this spread, including I Miss You’s Julie Yoo, Harlow Black’s Ashlene Roberts, 69 Vintage Collective’s Emma Doll, Chosen’s Melissa Ball and Magwood’s Sarah Magwood, literally live for this stuff, and from it.
They’re not alone. Check out our vintage shopping guide on page 48 and spend an autumn weekend being inspired by the way they mix eras on their racks and dress for a day behind the boutique counter. And shop, of course. Vintage is the new black.
MELISSA BALL, CHOSEN
Printed spandex smock ($35, Chosen), black boots ($50, Penny Arcade Vintage), gold necklace ($25, I Miss You), gold cuff ($35) and animal-print bracelet ($15, both Magwood).
EMMA DOLL, 69 VINTAGE COLLECTIVE
Yellow macramé fringe shawl ($45, Rozaneh at 69 Vintage Collective), silk pants ($75) and gold earrings ($22, both 69 Vintage), snake bracelet ($30, Tomorrow Never Knows at 69 Vintage Collective) and belt ($20).
SARAH MAGWOOD, MAGWOOD
1940s lace dress ($165), faux fur and wool hat ($30) and suede ankle-strap heels ($40, all Magwood).
JULIE YOO, I MISS YOU
Jean Paul Gaultier Femme orange corset jacket ($299), Moschino leopard-print pencil skirt ($125), gold flower choker ($45) and Charles David taupe heels ($28, all I Miss You).
ASHLENE ROBERTS, HARLOW BLACK
Red silk chiffon dress ($125), black suede pumps ($50) and rhinestone-and-faux-pearl necklace ($25, all Harlow Black).
Brocade dress ($120), Dior necklace ($225, both Harlow Black).
1950s pin cord jacket ($149), 1940s netted headband ($65, both I Miss You), rhinestone earrings ($22, Magwood).
Silk blouse ($25), deadstock heavy metal necklaces ($22 each), black silk bustier ($18, all Chosen).
1960s brocade jacket ($85, Magwood), leopard print hat ($170, Lilliput).
Blue fedora ($185, Lilliput), purple blouse ($5, 69 Vintage Collective/Buy the Pound), vintage coat ($55, Rozaneh at 69 Vintage Collective), gold necklace ($35, 69 Vintage).
Photo by Kathryn Gaitens
Hair and Makeup by MIA at Maximum Exposure
Photographed at SMASH (2880 Dundas West)
