Fashion Stores
Lustre
Life's too short for boring shoes, I say, and, apparently, Lustre owner Glynis Dupuis feels the same way. After getting rave reviews for the small selection of shoes she was slinging at her West Queen West boutique Response, she decided to open a second shop on the Danforth dedicated to dazzling footwear--oh, and bags, too.
And what bags! Most of Lustre's bags are from the Tano line, and feature a whole wall's worth of sturdy matte and shiny leathers in shades of mustard, brown, ochre, olive, coral, cream, and navy ($115 to $425). There's a bag here for everyone, whether it be satchel, messenger bag, tote, or purse.
But back to the shoes. The footwear carried here is definitely colourful, said Dupuis--and never boring. There's plenty of flash, and fun detailing that comes across as quirky, interesting, or tres girly, but (well, almost) never tacky. (I didn't care for Nina's gina-tastic gold mesh pumps or some of the styles from Bobbi Blu and Cindy Says.)
The tendency is toward height: there's a small assortment of flats and low-heeled boots, sure, but the majority of the footwear here is not for the heels-challenged. (Dupuis says, however, that she tries on each shoe before she buys it for the store, and that comfort is a top priority. For the faint of heart, there are some mega-chunky Chie Mihara offerings and Modern Vintage boots that are pretty solid.)
Brands that caught my eye were Seychelles (including a chunky gray open-toed bootie with a teal stacked heel, $165), Kensie (and their open-toed black wedges with the bronze back), and the many outrageous pieces from Hale Bob that just tickled me pink. Try on a pair of black stilettos with a black-and-white striped bow adorned with gold mermaids or a bejeweled crown ($125).
Maybe my headline should've said: "If you like gold-mermaid-studded stillettos, this is the store for you." See also: the pair of red patent stilettos garnished with a puff of green, orange, and cream chiffon ($120). Sounds hideous? Yes. Looks strangely amazing? Yes. Maybe not for everyone? Definitely.
So if it's flash and fashion you're after, rather than frump or function, I definitely recommend the shop.
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they have awesome sales!