Your guide to the city’s retail scene.
SALES & DEALS
■ Coveting some Chie Mihara Rusmi ankle boots or a Kitsune cable-knit sweater? Shop the winter clearance sale at Gravitypope (1010 Queen St. W., 647-748-5155) for great deals, like an additional 30 per cent off merchandise already marked down by 50 per cent. A raglan shirt-dress from Boy by Band of Outsiders, regularly priced at $740, is $259, while Suede York pumps from Michael Kors (reg. $160) are now $91. The sale, both in-store and online at Gravitypope.com, runs from Feb. 8 to Feb. 22.
■ Menswear brand 18 Waits has applied final markdowns to its fall/winter 2012 collection on its website 18waits.com. The locally designed and Canadian-made brand boasts tees, shirts, trousers, jackets, and knits, along with an assortment of jewellery, caps, and winter mittens. Look for a military-inspired jacket called “The Lieutenant,” now priced at $325 (reg. $650), and the line’s long-sleeve tees on sale for $35 (reg. $85). Discounts start at 50 per cent and go up from there.
■ Drop by Fuzz (701 Queen St. W., 647-748-3899) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 9 to celebrate the wax bar’s first anniversary. Free hot chocolate will be on offer, as will a chance to win one of several raffles offering a year of free waxing. Starting Feb. 10, the shop will also give 20 per cent off any waxing service for clients heading on vacation, as well as off a selection of travel-sized aftercare products. To redeem, an airline confirmation or itinerary is required.
OPENINGS AND EVENTS
■ Stop by the launch party for the latest Miracle Thieves pop-up shop (249 Crawford St.). Created by MT’s co-founder, Tiffany Love, “Everyday is the 14th: A Celebration of Women, Love & Creation” showcases the work of 14 local female artists. Whether they were working with bonsai-inspired orchids, jewellery, handmade slippers, lingerie, prints, or essential oils, artists were asked to produce one design three to 10 times for the shop. Drinks, treats, and music will be provided. Open until Feb. 16 on weekdays (11 a.m.–7 p.m.) and weekends (12–6 p.m.).
■ A baker’s dozen of Canadian jewellery and accessories designers will be showcased at The Gardiner Museum Shop (111 Queen’s Park, 416-408-5066) for The Valentine’s Trunk Show & Sale beginning Feb. 12. Homegrown talents like Cheryl Gushue, Chloe Comme Parris, Biko, Sheldon Parks Vintage, and more will be on location for a meet-and-greet and offering up their one-of-a-kind designs. Attendance is free, and the event runs from 5–9 p.m.
■ Local fashion label Chinedesign is hosting a multimedia fashion presentation and masked party at the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St. E.) on Feb. 15. “Masquerade,” part of the “Then and Now” series sponsored by TD Canada Trust for Black History Month, is a ball that celebrates carnival and Afro-centric designs in fashion, photography, and art. Dress code is formal or African-traditional, and Venetian-style masks must be worn until midnight. The fashion show features designer Chinedu Ukabam’s creations, along with British milliner Keiron Vine’s collection of headpieces. For more information and tickets, visit Chinedesign.com/masquerade.
LAST-MINUTE VALENTINE IDEAS
■ Head west to the Woodlawn Shop (1491 Dundas St. W., 416-551-8000) to scope out two new jewellery lines brought in by owner Ainaz Maleko just in time for V-Day. Shop for pieces from the Emily Valentine collection, a design duo from Toronto, or support Portland-based talent Stone & Honey. All pieces are priced from $40–$120.
■ Until Feb. 12, shoppers can order a pillow sweetly embroidered with the name of their valentine at Comrags (812 Dundas St. W., 416-360-7249). The standard-sized cotton pillowcase is printed with a vintage heart—an image found in an antique store by in-house designer Joyce Gunhouse—and available for $45.
■ If home is where your heart is, check out Korhani’s Belle du Jour Collection. Creative director Kirsten Korhani, who has shown at recent Toronto Fashion Weeks, has created a series of four reasonably priced, boudoir-worthy rugs, mixing romantic pinks with seductive red, black, and lace with patterns. Available in a trio of sizes, the rugs are priced from $90–$195 and are available online at korhani.com.
Know of any new shops, pop-ups, or major deals? Email thedrop@thegridto.com.
