HOLIDAY HAUNTS
Top Five Places to Shop in Toronto during the Holidays
A2Zane
Zane Aburaneh launched his online accessories shop A2Zane.com earlier this year, and now the former Holt Renfrew handbag specialist has a shop to call his own on Queen Street West in Toronto. Carrying labels such as Jenny Bird, Matt & Nat, and an exclusive label from Paris called Velvetine, Aburaneh will be bringing in Rebecca Minkoff for the holiday season, making it a perfect place to send your beau when he asks what to get you for Christmas!
1040 Queen Street West, (416) 803-7754.
Drake General Store
With three locations in Toronto, the Drake General Store, full of one-of-a-kind wares, spreads its reach throughout the downtown core. Sourced from antique shops around the world, the General Store is always chalk full of neat and nifty gift ideas, including candle holders, salt and pepper shakers, pillows and other items you won’t find anywhere else, alongside soft Shared t-shirts, Wool and the Gang knitting kits, Malin + Goetz beauty products, Levi’s denim, and so much more.
1144 Queen Street West, (416) 531-5042, ext. 101. 1011 Yonge Street, (416) 966-0553. 82A Bathurst Street, (416) 703-6518.
Vocado
In need of easy to pair accessories and clothes, without completely breaking the bank? Then head to Vocado in Liberty Village (or their new outpost in Oakville!) for Canadian labels such as Dace, Mackage, Guido & Mary and Lily+Jae, alongside other fashionista favourites like J Brand, Hunter and BB Dakota. And the super stylish team also takes personal shopping and styling appointments!
171 East Liberty Street, Unit 121, (647) 347-7153. 312 Lakeshore Rd. E. Oakville, ON, (905) 582-8822.
Gee Beauty/6 by Gee Beauty
We may be 5 years late to the Gee Beauty bandwagon (we’re not sure what’s wrong with us!), but as they say, better late than never. And naturally we’re now obsessed. Both Rosedale haute spots are chalk full of luscious beauty products, and accessories for home and for you. Think: Nude (an eco friendly beauty brand created by Bono’s wife, Ali Hewson), La Labo (we’re currently wearing Vetiver from the line), Bliss, as well as books by Assouline, clutches and cuffs by Jenny Bird, and statement sunglasses and watches from Micheal Kors. Not to mention the amazing array of body treatments, perfect for a holiday indulgence of your own, or for a very dear friend.
Gee Beauty, 2 Roxborough Street West, (416) 486-0080. 6 by Gee Beauty, 6 Roxborough Street West, (416) 960-8080.
Holt Renfrew
Canada’s luxury department store is bustling this time of year and for very good reason. We may not be able to afford Prada, Gucci and Chanel duds, but Holt Renfrew’s amazing array of chic holiday finds will add a touch of glam to anyone’s Christmas list. Think: English chocolatier Charbonnel et Walker divine strawberry and champagne truffles, Hanky Panky gift boxes, a Ralph Lauren designed holiday bear and a collaboration with Canada Goose on a limited edition toque, with proceeds going to the Polar Bears International fund. Make sure to get there early though, as most limited edition items sell out fast, including the Marc by Marc Jacobs laptop case we are now on a waiting list for!
Downtown: 50 Bloor West, (416) 922-2333. Sherway Gardens: 25 The West Mall, (416) 621-9900. Yorkdale Mall: 3401 Dufferin Street, (416) 789-5377.
