Dress extra, don't spend extra.

Are you looking for a Valentine's Day outfit AND don't feel like showing up in the same thing as everyone else? Sick of this season's mass production? Dreading the thought of trudging through the Eaton's centre? Samesies. Time to explore other options and venture out into the great unknown that lies far from the confines of our local shopping centre; the City's West end. Don't get me wrong, Winners-style digging is not for everyone, you have to be in the mood and have a good eye for pieces with potential (i.e.; garments that are far from hanger ready). But the reward far out weighs the risk and in my experience, some of the best things I've ever purchased have come from thrift sifts. I'm going to make the hunt a little easier for you and showcase some of my favourite understated Toronto fashion vendors where you can find limited quantity items and incredible one offs for whatever you end up doing this Valentine's Day..or anti-Valentine's Day depending on your single status/sense of humour.

*Side note; all of these places are within walking distance of Vacation in Toronto's featured executive suites.

One. Second Cousin Vintage

Found:

www.secondcousinvintage.com

@secondcousinv

Make an appointment to shop the private showroom in Toronto's west end

What: Women's wear

Curated by a lovely lady by the name of Elise, Second Cousin Vintage is a beautiful collection of vintage designer pieces found all over the city of Toronto. You can view the goods online via both the website (www.secondcousinvintage.com) and Instagram (@secondcousinv) where Elise models the outfits; pairing pieces from the rack and her personal closet to create looks that give even the dressiest articles versatility, while the most casual pieces look like they just came off a runway. Long story short, this feed makes Pinterest look like trash by comparison. (No offence, just trying to paint a picture if you have yet to hit the follow button.)

Everything is stored in a private showroom in the west end of Toronto for your one on one shopping convenience with Elise, by appointment only. The furthest from a high pressure sales situation, Elise welcomes you with open arms and a snack, making you feel comfortable enough to peruse, de-robe and try on anything you like. My only complaint was that I had to limit myself to a few things in an attempt to be financially responsible (my food and rent priorities come first and second to my love of fashion unfortunately) because I could have walked away with much more if my budget was unlimited. That being said, the price point is outstanding and for these types of finds you are really getting a great deal for the quality and timelessness.

Two. Fashionably Yours Consignment

Found: 709 Queen Street West Toronto, Ontario M6J 1E4

Www.fashionablyyours.com

@shopfy

What: Unisex

Mentioned in @vacationintoronto 's Instagram post this past Sunday, Fashionably yours is a designer consignment store located on Queen West. I have been shopping and consigning here for as long as they have been open with no issue besides BMF (blowing money fast). They have an excellent authentication program in place so you can rest assured that you are never getting cat fished with fake merchandise. As far as selling your own stuff through them, they offer reasonable consignment splits upon appraisal and the staff is friendly and diligent in making sure you are getting the best value for what you are bringing in. Overall a great place to find gently used (or even brand new) designer clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, etc.. at a very reasonable price. Go check them out and buy my Chanel sunglasses, before someone else does!

Three. ZUMEL & CO

Found: 863 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G4

Www.zumelandco.com

@zumelandco

What: Women's wear

Another little known Queen West favourite of mine, ZUMEL & CO, carries a wide selection of both "going out" outfits and staple pieces. What I love about them is that they only carry a few of each item in each size (S,M,L), far from Aritzia's style of 'everything in every colour and cut, for everyone, always' (not hating, just saying! I shop there too..time and place!) Another great thing is that they are always getting new stuff in waves. What I mean is you can be there one day, come back a week later and it's like a whole new store and whatever you may have passed on prior is now on sale, if they still have it. Quick turn over keeps things fresh, and sales keep you looking fresh..and without a dicey credit card statement. I bought my birthday outfit from them in November and I can't even count how many people died over it and have asked me "where did you get that?" and I low key relish in the fact that I can tell them but there is no chance of them buying it because guess what, it's long gone.

Four. Ace/Five

Found: 988 Queen street West Toronto, Ontario M6J1H1

Www.acefiveshop.com

@acefiveshop

What: Men's wear, but unisex because dressing androgynously is so hot right now.

I wasn't going to forget about the boys in case you were wondering. Ace/five carries a very refined selection of men's wear that is as unique as it is trendy. I personally think finding something that's both casual yet versatile for men is quite a feat, but this place makes it look so easy. Their Instagram feed is unlike any look book I've ever come across, using both female and male models to showcase their most current stock. I love men's clothes, I love dressing androgynously, if anything..I don't do it enough. Ace/Five is in full support of this and for that, I thank them. Also, my brother is a fan and he's way more fashionable than me so you know it's good.

Five. The Siista'r

Found: 919 Queen Street West Toronto, Ontario M6J 1G5

@shopthesiistar

What: Women's wear

I'm still not 100% on how the name is pronounced but in my mind it's like saying 'sister' with an accent. Anyways, The Siista'r is a small boutique across from Trinity Bellwoods Park. A friend of mine kept showing up in these incredible rompers and two pieces to work but she also did not know how to pronounce the name either (thought she was just holding out on me for a second there) so I finally found it while walking by the park one fine Summer's day. There was a ridiculous line for charcoal ice cream right out front which is what originally drew my attention, but I digress.. I bought a really cool 70's style matching two piece pant and top set and it was under $100. They have a lot of sets and stripes so if you're into that, it's definitely the place to go.

Images courtesy: @secondcousinv @shopfy @acefiveshop @zumelandco @shopthesiistar