As a frequent second-hand shopper, it’s easy to go in and out of vintage stores and find that someone has already grabbed the good stuff. As much as I love vintage-saturated areas to shop in, it’s makes it difficult to find something really great. Common Sort, a thrift store full of fantastic “hand-picked recycled fashions” (at a good price point) is just out of reach of densely-populated shopping areas, making it worthy of a visit.
If you’re the type of shopper who wants the vintage experience but doesn’t want to over-pay for second hand clothing or hunt through one hundred racks for a great find, Common Sort is the perfect shop for you. They hand pick their clothing according to their customer and will “trade” in your old clothing for money or credit within their store. Even though my shoes were rejected, (no hard feelings, it’s nice to see that they’re picky) they accepted the rest of my old favourites and paid me on the spot (yesssss). While rummaging through my clothing, they gave me the chance to browse around (nice tactic, it’s impossible to leave with nothing!) and I found this lovely navy suede clutch-bag originating from Brown’s. I’ve been obsessed with large clutches, so this was a great find! Together with cafes, pubs and restaurants, shopping at Common Sort completes the perfect day down Queen East so take a friend or go on a date in this area- you will have tons of fun!
Now with their new location in Parkdale, whether you decide, “Queen East? or West? Common Sort will find you.
Happy Thrifting!
(8 votes, average: 3.75 out of 5)
Loading ...Categories: Blog, Toronto Vintage
Altering clothing is always a bit tricky. There’s a 50/50 chance your final result can end up looking like a five-year-old got scissor happy, or with some little planning and a little luck, end up with something you will actually wear, like my floral dress. When I found this dress/wrap/thing at Value Village I loved the body of the dress but the sleeves and shoulder pads made me look voluminous so they had to go. After wrestling with the idea of alteration and visualizing my ideal end result, I decided to go for it. Hopefully I could resurrect this weird/cool garment with a few minor changes.
I took off the sleeves with a stitch ripper at the seams, and used a zig-zag stitch on the edge to prevent the woven fabric from fraying. I then turned the edge of the armhole under and sewed a 1/4 seam allowance. This is the end result and I’m really happy with it! The weather just needs to cooperate so I can take this dress/wrap/thing out into daylight.
Before
After
Thanks Mom and Dad for the Value Village gift certificates! They’re the perfect birthday gift… even though I know you secretly think I’m weird for requesting them.
I would love to hear what you think or if you would’ve altered it differently. Let’s hear your thoughts!
(7 votes, average: 4.29 out of 5) Loading ...Categories: Blog, Do It Yourself, Toronto Vintage
I hate backpacks. I always (somehow) offend people when I say this but it’s how I feel. I think they are ugly, bulky and make people look like turtles. My bitterness for backpacks comes from being squished by the accessory on the subway. Why do you have so many things on you? Do you really need all those textbooks? This is very poor commuting etiquette.
The problem? I need one. I bike a lot when the weather permits and as lovely as it looks to wear a purse it’s not very practical and dangerous if it slips off. So when I found this lovely and weird vintage-y option I scooped it right up. If I’m going to wear this weird contraption it may as well have majestic animals on it.
Found at: Value Village, $5
(5 votes, average: 4.20 out of 5) Loading ...Categories: Blog, Toronto Vintage
Shopping is the only way I’m going to get out on a day like this so I thought I would share this map to let you know about this great area for vintage clothing. The amazing map was made by artist Keith Jones and can be found at any of the locations. (Thanks Silver Falls for the artist info!) It’s a great way to show the vintage shops in the area as I’m sure some of them get missed (like Penny Arcade – had no idea it was there, and it’s definitely worth visiting!) I rediscovered this map again in my messy room and wanted to scan it in for you guys. Just click each picture to make it bigger.
A tidbit about each store:
(2 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5) Loading ...Categories: Toronto Vintage
Vintage Shopping!
If you want to spend an entire day sifting through great vintage clothing at great prices, 69 Vintage Collective is the place to go. Gloria, blogger for Urbanebloc, and I stepped into this seemingly small shop to find that the vintage never ended! Along with the main floor and back room, 69 Vintage collective has three vintage boutiques upstairs! Lost & Found, Stacked, and Rozaneh are located in what were bedrooms full of great clothing, shoes, and friendly employees playing oldies on their laptops. Bring a friend, snacks and many reusable bags (you’ll need them!).
69 Vintage Main Floor
Merchandised into categories, the sequin addict, fur fanatic, and fisherman sweater lover (this is a type of person right?) can find their section easily and well-stocked. The back room is Buy The Pound where 1lb of items costs $15. With the cute dresses, scarves and huge collection of shoes, you’ll find yourself recruiting your strongest friends to help carry all your finds. January 21st is the official launch of 69 Vintage Collective so make sure to attend!
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...Categories: Blog, Toronto Vintage
Double Take is a thrift store I visit often and encourage you to!
It’s downtown, students receive a 50% off discount, and it is
one the cleanest thrift stores in Toronto. Unlike regular second-
hand shops, Double Take occasionally has sales, so you can walk in and skirts are 30% and jackets could be 50% the next week. This is also my go-to place for belts which are $1, unless behind the counter like the few featured, but as you can see the prices are not much higher.
The store supports Yonge Street Mission, founded in 1896, whose “…diverse programs make a positive difference in the lives of families, seniors, socially isolated adults, homeless street youth, and the many children growing up in our low-income community.” So go shopping! It’s for a good cause.
Location: 310 Gerrard St. E (Gerrard and Parliament)
Keep on Reading to see items I’ve purchased from Double Take!
(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...Categories: Blog, Toronto Vintage
Shopping at I Miss You vintage is like sneaking into a party at fashion week, brushing shoulders with the Carine Roitfeld and and stealing dieting tips from Daria Werbowy. I had a heart attack when I saw YSL and Missoni, then again when I saw Chloe and McQueen, and I finally died when I discovered Chanel.
(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...Categories: Blog, Toronto Vintage
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