Recently Toronto was blessed with a temporary new vintage store called “Jack Lux Vintage” a Toronto pop-up (536 Queen St. West) that is only here for a short 3 months or so (started July 23rd, 2014).
About the Store:
The store has one of the largest vintage collections in Canada much of which was acquired from Centre National du Costume (2005) which was a costuming trust established by the Quebec Government to curate and identify a wide-ranging (1920’s – 1990’s) and diverse vintage collection to be used by all the filmmakers and production houses that were shooting in the province of Quebec. When the government’s changed — the organization was dismantled and JackLux was able to acquire the vast collection — which at last count included more than 200, 000 items of men, women and children’s apparel and accessories.
They have now brought those vintage pieces to Toronto and are selling them at low low prices of $20, $30, $40 and some a bit higher (with new pieces coming in all the time). Many of the vintage clothes need a bit of love to make them look new again and some just need to find the right buyer who is okay with some wear and tear that is unfix-able. But honestly who is going to complain with a $30, 1940s dress in their hands??? NOT ME!
Inside the store
The store has gotten the vintage community here in Toronto very excited and I know many of my friends have already made several purchases since it first opened. I personally have already been to the store multiple times and have walked away with several wonderful 1940’s and 50’s dresses (which you will see below). Also if you are not a fan of the 40s and 50s like me, there are plenty of clothes from the 1960’s up to the 1990’s to fit anyones vintage shopping needs. And Guys…they have a whole section for you of coats, suit jackets, shirts, pants and shoes so you too need to stop by too. Looking for a Halloween costume? How about some adorable vintage clothes for your little kids? Jack Lux has got you covered. The back room of the store has a section for kids and a section of costumes like a medieval dress..or 2. Oh! there is also plus sizes! I have found several dresses for the beautiful plus size figure.
Now without further adieu lets take a look at my recent visit to the store and the vintage dresses I have now added to my collection.
Clothes all the way to ceiling!Tie’s and racks and racks of clothing
Pretty Skirts with pretty prices 🙂So many hats from the 40s all the way up to the 90s (large number are late 50’s and early 60s)I really like the yellow hat with the bow in the middle of these hatsLots of Men’s Jackets and even some dinner jacketsAdorable Children’s Vintage Clothes
So many shoes and right into large sizesThey also have Capes. Sherlock Holmes look anyone?1950s dresses with marvelous prints and buttonsBeautiful 1940s dresses with amazing detailsMen’s shirts with totally cool patterns
Now what I have gotten at Jack Lux (I’m not a model so excuse the bad photos lol):
My First Dress: Super pretty 1940s swing dress. Can’t WAIT to take this out onto the dance floor1940s Dress-The Green is much more vivid in real life and there is a bit of fading but still beautifulSuper Serious me IN My FAVORITE dress! 1940s dress with very little flaws (minor).1950’s Vintage Shirt Waist Dress. Will be so great for Fall
And there is what I bought my friends.
REMINDER! Jack Lux is only here a short time and they are bringing in new pieces all the time so make sure you hit up the store as many times as you can to stock up your vintage collection because before you know it..it will be gone and so will those amazing prices!
Happy Shopping! If you have gone shopping there, would love to know what you bought. Let me know!
P.S. In around August 29th, the Vintage Inn will have 2 Mannequins on display in the front window with outfits I picked from the store, stop on by and check them out.
It’s that time of year again and just in case you need a reminder of what that is I’m talking about it’s…..CHRISTMAS!! I love Christmas always have and always will and I’m just counting the seconds till I can put up my tree and holiday decor in my husbands and I’s tiny apartment built for 1 🙂 In the mean time while I wait for Dec 1st I’m busy thinking about my Christmas shopping that has to be done and holiday outfits to be worn (or purchased). So where does a vintage lover like me shop in the big city of Toronto for Vintage themed gifts or a Vintage Holiday Outfit? Here are some of my fav picks.
The store is located in the heart of Roncesvalles (121 Ronscevalles) and is teeming with furnishings large and small, old books, vintage jewellery, 1950’s dishes, beautiful vintage clothing (1950s-80s) and shoes plus much much more. I have purchased many items for myself and for friends from here and the prices are really good for being in a popular shopping part of town.
They accept all forms of currency, hours are posted on their website.
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Frou Frou Vintage: (1616 Queen St. West)
Mostly Clothing and accessories, this store has some pretty sweet mid-century clothing finds (not tons but they are there) and the owner is very knowledgeable in vintage clothing and the prices are pretty fair. Cash only so be prepared and hours are wonky so call ahead.
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Stella Luna: (1627 Queen St. West)
Another store with mostly clothing and accessories but the selection is good and the owner does carry some 1950’s and 60’s dresses/suits/skirts/hats etc. In the summer I purchased a cute early 60’s summer dress that I wear all the time and the price was $30 (taxes are included in the price).
What I love about this store, is that the owner has taken the time to colour coordinate all the racks. Looking for a red holiday dress…hit up the red rack and if it’s not there you are in and out in 5 mins. Cash only store, so come prepared and I believe they are open 7 days a week but always call ahead to be sure.
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Cabaret Vintage: High Fashion Vintage Boutique. UPDATE: Now only online
To start…Yes the store has pieces that are pricey BUT the clothes and accessories (men and women) are beautiful and in mint condition so you are getting your money’s worth. Also not everything is out of budget so don’t be afraid to browse thru the racks and just take in the beauty that is Vintage because you never know what you will find. Note: when they do sales they really do a sale so keep your eyes peeled for that.
The staff at Cabaret are FANTASTIC! I seriously can’t say that enough! Every time I walk into that store I am made to feel like I am family and I love it and that is why encourage friends and family to visit the store. The store accepts all form of currency and is open 7 days a week.
Flashback Vintage 1 & 2 are both located down the street from each other in the main vintage clothing area of Kensington Market. Both stores have 1940-1960’s men and women clothing and accessories and I tend to find the selection pretty good BUT…as much as I love shopping in these stores (and my closet has several dresses from them) you need to shop there with caution because some of the clothes on the racks might be a bit worn (they are old!). Just be aware and check out the outfit from top to bottom to ensure you are okay with it before purchasing and you will be fine. All that aside though, I have been very happy with everything I have purchased from their stores (see dress below).
Store accepts all forms of currency and I believe are open 7 days a week.
My most Recent Flashback Dress Purchase
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Courage My Love (14 Kensington Ave)
Cashmere Sweaters for $30. Vintage Lingerie for that special lady in your life , there are lots of lovely pieces to chose from. Love Bakelite Jewellery? They have a pretty impressive collection that will knock that special someones bobby socks right off when they open it for Christmas. In regards to clothing I also find that they tend to carry a nice selection of skirts from the 50’s and 60’s for really good prices. They accept all forms of currency and I believe are also open 7 days a week.
Lastly I will leave you with…
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East End
Gadabaout(1300 Queen St. East)
“Gadabout is an amazing repository for all that is vintage. Gadabout houses an extensive collection of vintage clothing, accessories, and fabrics including household textiles, blankets and rugs. In addition, the store carries ephemera, nostalgia and curios. Our Manly Man Corner is famous for its variety and oddities.
Clothing dates from the late 1800s through the 1970s (some 80s available but it’s not vintage yet) and is in impeccable condition. (We don’t carry any t-shirts or denim.) The store is a delight to the eye, a lift for the spirits and lots of fun. Visit often, new arrivals weekly.” (Gadabout “About Us”)
(Photo from Gadabout Website)
I LOVE this store and I left it till the last because it really is a store that you need a few hours to devout of your time to be able to see everything that is in every nook and cranny in the store (as you can see from the picture and that is only the first floor!). They truly have everything imaginable and you are guaranteed to find something for yourself or a loved one, whatever your taste is. Last time I was in I was trying on Bathing suits from the 1940’s and they were in the best condition! sigh…why did that blue bathing suit not fit me right?? 🙁 lol
They accept all forms of currency and store hours vary so visit their website or call before visiting.
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So there you have it, my favorite picks for some Toronto shopping for your Holiday outfit or for gifts for friends and family (or yourself..go on I won’t tell) and stay tuned for a post on “East end Toronto Vintage Shopping” coming soon.
So ladies and gents, where do you like to Vintage Shop in Toronto or maybe in your hometown for the holidays?
