address: 829 Dundas St. West
phone number: 416.532.4231
hours of operation: Tues-Sun 1-6pm
payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Interac (everything but Amex)
directions: 3 blocks west of Bathurst on Dundas, corner of Euclid Ave. and Dundas St.
handicap accessible: Not really, 3 steps up.

Stepping into this relatively new Dundas location, it might not be immediately apparent why Melanie’s Closet is unique to Toronto’s vintage market. The current spot, nestled on the south side of Dundas at Euclid, was once a tailoring shop and still retains its red and white signage above the front window as a reminder of its former life. This is very much in keeping with Melanie, the owner’s philosophy: She’s not just a retailer, but also a caretaker of each item’s history. Many of the pieces, she states, are chosen as much for their story as for their brands, lines, or cut.

The store, whose eccentric beginning was in private showings of Melanie’s own studio/living space, will soon be relocating to a new location at Gladstone and Dundas. The new building (opening in the Fall of 2008) will feature a café and the jewelry and fine threads currently available at Melanie’s closet, as well as Melanie’s leatherworking studio for her own label, ‘clothes horse’. Until then, the Euclid location is a hidden gem – and Dundas is no longer out of the way if you’re looking for great shopping and stores filled with design by local up-and-comings.

Typical Melanie’s Closet shoppers might be creative folks in their twenties and thirties, who are looking for special vintage pieces that can be worn everyday. Prices range from $5-500; Melanie tries to keep it accessible. The shop is a good source for period pieces, hats, boots, clutches and funky retro or reworked jewelry. As an added bonus, it’s one of the few places I’ve managed to find vintage cufflinks in the city. Go for the conversation as much as for the clothes.

I can’t wait for the coffee…

Amanda DeLong