Material Archive

Mercy's GASPARD Opens

The store's fitting rooms are lined in Liberty prints

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While walking home from work yesterday, I came across a lovely new boutique called Gaspard. The moment I entered, I realized it belonged to my former Portrait clients, Richard and Jennifer from Mercy. Their signature use of Liberty prints tipped me off instantly and then I recalled bumping into Richard and chatting about their upcoming venture a few months ago.

After over 15 years as Mercy, the duo have finally expanded to offer their amazing line in their own store – complete with several other clothing, shoe and jewelry lines to compliment theirs. The result is a very tightly curated vision. So happy for them.

More Nathalie Lété

I love Nathalie Lété's owl illustration so much that I broke my own rule and bought two instead keeping my collection singular. Get them at Anthro.

J.Crew opens in Toronto: leaves all the interesting merch in the US

The recent pricing controversy didn't keep my curiosity at bay and so I went shopping with list in hand (after doing a pre-shop online) and ventured out to the burbs to see the new outpost of American retailer J.Crew at Yorkdale mall.

Someone must have sent Jenna a memo outlining Canadians' supposed predilection for boring basics because I wasn't able to find one thing on my list in stock. The most interesting shoes, blazers and dresses were left south of the border for their more "fashion forward" customers. Deep sigh.

Canadians love J.Crew because of it's sunny and distinctly American outlook. Having Canadian buyers curate the collection (the sales staff confirmed this) removes what makes the brand interesting to us to begin with. So thanks for your efforts Mr. Drexler but I'll stick to my online / catalog shopping for now.

Photo from the Grid

Today I bought: Ports 1961 Perf Suede Booties

Saw these in the window at Ports 1961 on Bloor Street and decided I had to give them a good home...

My Custom Wildhagen Hat

I was out shopping one day 2 weeks ago when I saw a girl wearing the most charming hat. Usually, when I approach another woman about an article of clothing she's wearing, she'll tell me she bought it in Paris two seasons ago or at an antique market – leaving me with no chance of finding one for myself. Luckily, this particular girl, named Jade, proudly told me that she had made the hat herself and directed me to Wildhagen.

Already familiar with the brand after buying several hats from the Canadian company over the years, I beelined over and ordered a custom "Miniçoise" from Cheri Wildhagen herself. I chose the hat material and grosgrain ribbon and presto, a week and a half later, I picked up a made-to-measure (for my larger than average melon) lovely chapeau! A fun experience that I would recommend to all.

Angeline Tetrault's Hidden Animal Teacup

This post it is for Jaime, who was taken with the new teacups I bought for @itbitme at the Drake General Store.

I'm on a never-ending mission to find teacups large enough to hold the massive amount of tea @itbitme likes to drink in one serving. These hold a lot and are charming to boot.

Visit to the Cheese Boutique

On Saturday, @itbitme and I were on a mission to buy the ingredients to make Spaghetti Amatriciana after having it at Campagnolo recently. Our very knowledgeable foodie friend @bloggerton suggested The Cheese Boutique as the place to buy guanciale – a not so easy-to-find Italian pork jowl bacon.

As a first time visitor to CB, I can say I liked it instantly. Not at all pretentious like Pusateri's, the staff were warm and friendly and the selection of fine foods was great and vast.

The most amazing part hands-down was the cheese vault that you can enter and explore. I stood in there for a few long minutes inhaling deeply... :)

 

Courage My Love

After going for dim sum at Rol San this aft, we strolled through Kensington Market to pick up some fresh fruit. Naturally I jumped at the chance to pop into Courage My Love – a store I have literally been going to for all manner of vintage baubles and beads since I was 11 years old. Above is today's loot – charming vintage brooches that I'll convert to pendants.

It's gorgeous outside today!

I live for big fat juicy peonies – they are the most perfect flower. Picked these up from Poppies while strolling home this morning from an early breakfast at Nadège.

Today I bought: Hoi Bo

I've been eyeing the larger grey version of this same waxed cotton bag for over a year now and today when I saw the khaki colour with gold hardware at Delphic, I didn't hesitate. Handmade in Toronto, in the Distillery District, Hoi Bo is fast becoming a personal favourite.

 

Must have: Trish Grey Sequin Sweater by IRO

 

Saw the cardigan version of this IRO sweater yesterday at Love of Mine Boutique – love the sequin peek-a-boo detailing.

* Update - found it and bought it at The Narwhal boutique in Rosedale. There's still one left if you want it ;-)

Cake Opera Co.

I can't decide what I like about Opera Cake Co. more – the fact that they are such gifted artists or that they live in my own city! Making a plan to visit next weekend...