Fashion Stores
Any Direct Flight
Contributed by Natalie Taylor
No need to hop a plane but a streetcar will suffice to arrive at the destination of this charming boutique in the far east corner of Leslieville. Owner Margo Allin enthuses of moving her digs from West Queen West to Queen East (but not quite the Beach) a year ago, stating "Queen Street East is what Queen Street West used to be years ago," and that there is a new "energy" within this burgeoning neighborhood.
Allin translates this energy into the 12 years she has been designing for the professional woman. Suits ($230) are her specialty, inspired by the curvy and buxom shape of women in the 1940s but structured for the "real" women of today. The 1940s further inspires her separates, wool pants ($140 and up) to streamlined blazers and jackets ($195-450), all being classic pieces.
On the flip side, Allin counters her professional collection with funky separates and casual classics. One designer she retails is SDG by Parhar Parris who creates a variety of sari dresses and wraps (if in season); Lilikoi, from Nelson B.C., retails organic cotton T-Shirts with silk screens using natural dyes ($68-79); sweaters and sweater wraps($195) are in a variety of fabrics from wool to Egyptian cotton.
And if clothes isn't your thing, there's a variety of jewellery on display: Myka ($45-64) and Bloodline ($35-120) carry some great semi precious stones and silver if you're in the mood.
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I stock up on blouses and trousers for work (they fit beautifully and have a classic style), occasionally a jacket, and some lovely egyptian cotton sweaters. My once or twice a year pilgrimages form the backbone of my work wardrobe. With stand out pieces like this, I can fill in with t-shirts and sweaters from Banana republic and the like and still have a unique, very personal style.
I wear basically everything I buy here for years until it finally wears out, so the amortized price is pennies per wear. It can be a bit spendy, but when I consider the use value, I get more out of the things I buy here than I do out of almost everything else I buy. I recommend this store to every woman I meet who's going to Toronto and wants a finished, stylish look without looking like she's trying too hard.
Margot and Des are fabulous!