Step back in time at Armed, a new jewellery boutique on Dundas West

Perched at the northernmost tip of Trinity Bellwoods Park, Armed is an itty-bitty jewellery boutique that’s the handiwork of Desiree Girlato. Having opened the shop in mid-August, Girlato is one busy gal, building each piece from scratch and managing the store all the while. To top it all off, she’s working towards a bachelor’s in biz from Humber’s fashion management program, though she likens running the store to “the best school project.” 

Staying true to the name, Girlato aims to create empowering, statement-making pieces, hoping to move her jewellery further into the realm of apparel, as exemplified by Girlato herself during our visit. Each piece is a one-off, with elements being sourced from locations as distant as New Orleans; come the new year, Girlato plans on visiting the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, known for its incredible finds. The carefully-curated space is filled with fanciful details such as shelves fashioned from an old fence and a large version of a pocket watch: “I want it to feel like you’ve walked back in time into someone’s closet,” Girlato says. A vintage component has recently been added, with close school friend Amanda Phuong showing off her complementary picks.

Most of the jewellery sits at a price-point of under $100, while the vintage pieces go for even less. Girlato’s most beloved pieces include a necklace that merges leather, bolts and crystals ($70), and a miniature gun necklace ($85) which she says helped push her in a new, bolder direction in terms of design. The warrior necklace she wore was fashioned from leather and chains, along with crystals plucked from her grandmother’s chandelier. Meanwhile, Phuong, who sourced much of her stuff at Ontario estate sales, points out a tiny fur jacket discovered in Kitchener ($35) and a cozy sweater with a huge wolf on the back ($25). “I’m really into wolves,” she laughs.

Armed, 1024 Dundas St. W., 647-988-9462

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