Sonya, our New York editor and lady who knows her vintage, has opened an Etsy shop to sell off some of her gems! The Commissar Vintage shop looks pretty nifty already, and I’m not too shy to say I took my first crack at graphic design and did her banner and avatar. Go forth and shop!
xoxo,
Serah-Marie
It was a terrible day. The only thing that didn’t suck was the weather (which just keeps getting nicer). I found myself walking home through downtown Toronto carrying the jacket and scarf and hat I had needed in the chilly morning. It was nice to think that soon I wouldn’t have anything but my purse and pockets. It put me in the mood for summer dresses…
I almost walked past CTS Vintage, but then I thought, what the hell?
I try not to recommend stores. I think we can all find enough crap to buy without outside encouragement. But I have to say, my last three experiences at CTS (394 Queen St W*) have been delightful.
Nestled into an unexpectedly large space at Queen and Spadina, it’s a shop with loads of thrift stock (at thrift prices) and a vintage section. Justus, the guy responsible for picking the vintage gold at their downtown location, has a stylist’s eye and sense of humour, and he’s not shy with his opinions or recommendations. It’s a nice break from the bored disengagement of most boutique staff (even if it does make it harder to leave without buying).
And that is how, in the middle of my lousy, beautiful afternoon, I found myself trying on an uncharacteristically biblical looking white dress (it didn’t fit the girl in the next change room over and Justus thought it might be just the thing for me) and falling in love. I took it home for 15 bucks.
It won’t save your life, but it might make your day.
- g.
*Check the CTS website for other locations in the GTA. I can’t guarantee the staff will be as awesome.
In 1980, nothing came between Brooke Shields and her Calvin Kleins.
Of course, she was only 15 at the time, so a few people thought that might be TMI.
Not too long ago I stopped in at Dennis’ House of Vintage (1239 Queen St. West). I was very pleased to find that they had a really decent selection of awesome late 70s and early 80s designer jeans – brands like Sergio Valente and Jordache. You know, high waisted and practically painted on. Think Kate Jackson, Blair in The Facts of Life or Debbie Harry. Since then, I’ve been searching them out everywhere. My latest find, a pair of Cote d’Azur brand, came from a tiny thrift store outside of London, Ontario. The genius of these jeans is threefold: they never ride down when you sit or bend, they make your legs look about a mile long, and if they’re slightly unflattering, it’s actually charming. Beat that.
But don’t forget! These were made in the days before Lycra. I wore my new favourite skintight Jordache to work yesterday; it was tricky, to say the least. First, thinking I could sit in those things was a HUGE MISTAKE. Second, I’m pretty sure they actually bruised me all around the waist and hips. Heh, heh. You have been warned.
At the same time I found my sexy Cote d’Azur, I also found what may be the greatest jeans since Fancy Ass – and though they didn’t fit me, I felt it was my duty to find them a good home. Inspired by The Gambler, I now have in my possession a pair of gen-u-ine Kenny Rogers’ Lady jeans… and they could be yours.
Our denim model is a size 31 (modern sizing) and these jeans are a shade big.
She is also, at 5’3”, wearing four inch platform heels… These are loooong.
Remember last year’s shoe giveaway? Well, the rules are basically the same. Write us a note in the comments section describing why you are the Lady Kenny himself would want representing his particular brand of class and sass. The winner will be announced on the website in one week, on April 21. See below for exact sizing and fine print…
JEANS SIZING
• Label sizing: 13/14 (but remember, that’s circa 1986 – probably closer to a 10 now)
• Waist: 29-30”
• Hip (at widest point): 38”
• Inseam: 33.5”
• Rise: 12” (holy crap!)
CONTEST FINE PRINT
• Contestants from the US and Canada are elligible to win not only these fine denim pants, but they will receive their booty’s booty with shipping costs included (up to a maximum of $10, sent by regular post). If a winner is chosen outside of North America, they will be responsible for mailing/shipping costs. Once those costs are determined, they can be paid directly to WORN through Paypal.
• WORN employees are welcome to enter. I would hate for any of you girls to be pantsless.
• Contest winner will be announced on the WORN website. It is up to the contestant to contact WORN with complete mailing details in order to redeem their prize at that time.
What happens when you combine a Toronto native (Hillary Wornette) and a Hamiltonian (Valentina Wornette) and give them a Saturday to do as they please? They swap, shop, and hide in every air-conditioned place possible. I’m from Hamilton, the haven of all blue collar mentalities, so of course I was more than a little excited to be walked around Toronto.
Vintage Parking Lot Party Sale, 24A Liberty Street
We ventured out into Liberty Village in search of two lovely ladies, Natasha Negovanlis and Lia Thomaidis, who were holding a vintage sale over there. I may be biased since I know them, but the girls have impeccable taste, which was reflected by the selection they were offering. Months of hard work shopping (hard, hard work, I know) displayed itself in the form of a wide selection of dresses, tops, jewelry and shoes. Valentina picked up an adorable linen button up, while I lusted over shoes that were all at least half a size too small. There were snacks and refreshments to enjoy, meaning between this sale and the clothing swap (which was catered by Cora’s Magic Kitchen), our shopping adventure had kept me well fed and hydrated. - Hillary
Swap Don’t Shop At 103 Bellvue Ave.
Clothes that we have long grown tired of are usually banished to the depths of garbage bags that find themselves at your local Value Village. Hillary and I met up at the church and waited in line while things we’re being set up. Once we got in, we swapped in our clothes and 8 dollars for a stamp and permission to dig for treasure. There were 4 or 5 rows of tables spilt into your typical clothing categories, like pants, shirts, and so on. For the first 30 minutes we looked around and we both found some pretty fruitful finds. My most prized find is a pair of wooden nude Aldo pumps* which I was quick to get to. After the 45 minute mark the swap became pretty busy and Hillary and I both decided to stop searching. Hillary went to listen to an alterations workshop while I used the make shift change room. The swap had raffles (all the prize packs included 2 issues of WORN) and 3 workshops. They had three workshops, one on alterations, another on styling, one on how to make your moth bag, and one on how to do shibori fabric dying. - Valentina
*which unfortunately don’t fit, but a cobbler can hopefully quickly fix that.
The Rage 2 Kensington Ave.
When I was fifteen, I got really excited after going to the Rage and told the owner, Sara I was going to make things to sell in her store. The years have gone by and well, I have yet to organize myself enough to make something in a large enough run to sell it. But this weekend, with crisp new copies of issue 8 in hand, I finally got the satisfaction of giving her something to sell. That’s right, you can now check out WORN at the Rage! And while you’re at it, get distracted by the fantastic stock consisting of over 70 local designers. I am totally lusting after the floral rompers she has right now, but I can’t decide if my chronically hairy legs will compliment it or not. - Hillary
Courage My Love 14 Kensington Ave
This store fits the mentality of a treasure hunter to a tee. You could walk around this store 5 times and on the 6th try you would still find another newly discovered drawer to open. They have beads, jewelery, hosiery, and small skulls made of something that is hopefully not human bone. I have a quite strong attraction to triangles and snatched up a beautiful black arrowhead that has gold wire wrapped around it. It was definitely a find any treasure hunter could boast about proudly at the lovely price of 4$. Out of all the stores I went to on that humid Saturday this is one that will definitely rest of the forefront of my memory. The owners of the store somehow manage to create a curious atmosphere - one where you’re encouraged to poke around and see what you can discover. It’s quite the enchanting place. - Valentina
