These shops ooze the cool factor for which this Queen West ’hood is known.
Cosy Canadian goods
North Standard Trading Post is a cosy shop that offers many products that are made in North America. The mainstays are Levi’s, HBC, Pendleton, Penfield, made-in-T.O. Muttonhead and Red Wing. But NSTP has recently added Herschel, Kelsi Dagger footwear and Bijoux Pepine Jewelry from Quebec. The camp socks ($12.50), from its own North Standard brand, have been a real hit and are made in Toronto. NSTP also creates its own pomade and beard oil ($18) using natural ingredients. A sibling NSTP home and cottage goods store is scheduled to debut in late August and will be rather handily located right across the street. North Standard Trading Post, 1662 Queen St. W.
From Korea with love
Owners Caroline Sylvester and Kyungjoo Shim have turned Parkdale’s Sylvie and Shimmy into a one-of-a-kind shop by importing clothing from independent Korean labels and private designers. The boutique’s selections of skirts, dresses and blouses will appeal to women of all style personalities. Top sellers are a pink sleeveless blouse with a large floral print ($75) and a white short-sleeved owl blouse ($49). Flared skirts ($75) have been flying off the racks, and their chiffon dresses are perfect for upcoming weddings. They also carry jewellery by Canadian designers such as Tily Doro, a designer from Montreal, and local designer Black Dahlia. Sylvie and Shimmy, 1640 Queen St. W.
Not your nana’s wardrobe
Kerry Butt and Meg Watson sell a well-curated collection of menswear and womenswear that appeal to the stylish at heart. The Future of Frances Watson (named after Watson’s and Butt’s grandmothers) is a reflection of a love of uniqueness and individualism. Among their many brands are eyewear by Le Specs and Karen Walker, denim by United Stock Dry Goods and 18Waits and accessories by Tanner Leathergoods. They also have items from Fortnight Lingerie, Eleven Thirty bags and Marine De Diesbach. Frances Watson has enough cool to go around the entire Parkdale neighbourhood. The Future of Frances Watson, 1390 Queen St. W.