location: 4429 Blvd. St. Laurent
phone number: 514.288.7661
hours: Mon - Weds 10am-6pm; Thurs & Fri 10am-9pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12pm-5pm
payment methods: cash, interac, Visa, MasterCard
directions:

This modest boutique on the main of St. Laurent boulevard - though easily overshadowed by the contrasting glitz of large designer furniture stores - is a warm promise of nostalgic sensibility. The white molded walls exude a soft ambiance of gentler times that cannot help but evoke images of sundaes, drive-in movies and fast times at Riverdale High. But, despite the vintage atmosphere, this boutique only carries new clothes and accessories locally produced by entrepreneur/designers Yasmine Wasfy and Christie Dyball, and their friends. The casual feel of the boutique is immediate as it’s not uncommon to see someone working on a new piece in plain view while you browse (the machines muted by some softer Beatles in the background).

The pieces tend to be conservative in styling; items range from blouses to dresses and generally feature patterned fabrics, floral prints, and delicate motifs. Be sure to explore beyond the racks as many of the hand-bags and accessories are interestingly littered throughout the store in a “my-best-friend’s-bedroom” like fashion.

The prices are modest considering that every piece is handmade and can be personally tailored to suit. A very decent skirt can be found in the $40-70 range, with many of the jewellery and accessories priced at less than $20. In addition to the ready-to-wear collection, both Yasmine and Christie are willing to take on commissioned pieces if you’re the type of girl who has something distinctly unique in mind. Fun, friendly, and always casual like popcorn and strawberry sundaes; Lustre produces a pastel atmosphere that invites conversation along with a feel-good purchase on any given afternoon.
Jon Yu