Fashion Stores
Nue
Nue has opened up in the Annex, a place virtually barren of clothing stores, but thirty-somethings, cute moms, and those looking for nice work-wear now have a reason to visit.
Ever heard of "immediates"? They're the sort of cheap-and-cheerful, synthetic-fabric clothes that contemporary boutiques sometimes use as filler alongside their more fashion-forward lines and independent brands.
Owner James Oh, however, has stocked his entire store with these Korean and Los Angeles imports, meaning that there is little that is very exciting or particularly special (Local distributor Pink Martini is the most semi-recognizable brand).
It also means that virtually everything is under $100 and handy for when you need some inexpensive staples to add to your work wardrobe or something semi-stylish to throw on for that grocery run.
For basic tops, you can pick up a slinky gray Jolie sleeveless shell ($59), a thick cable-knit Pink Martini sweater ($72), a pale-pink and brown tie-dye sweater tunic by Ya ($69), or a chunky Carla Bruni sweater ($49).
(I'd steer clear of the pants here, since synthetic-blend pants are a big no-no.)
On the flashier side of things, there is an A Is For Audrey grey and black bandage dress ($78), a Collective Concepts pink and grey tie-dye shirt-dress ($98), and an Everley herringbone dress with an industrial zipper (ah, so it's filtered down this far!) and bandage waist ($98).
You're not buying local, but if you're going to go cheap-and-cheerful, there's plenty to choose from at Nue.
Photos by Jason Tavares
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cheers
I hate to see the Annex change but this place is most welcomed in my neighbourhood.
Lots of smaller stuff, accessories that I'll have to look at next time. Can't wait for their spring stuff!
On the other hand, check out Ewanika on Bathurst, just south of Dupont - beautiful, if a little formal.
Oh yeah, if anyone is listening, we need a kids' store on bloor - with so many children in the hood, i can't believe no one has opened up a kol kid, or kid on the hip-type place...
It can be a challenge to find these clothes, and, when you can't, we all turn to cheaper overseas-made garments (unless you're loaded, or have the time and skill to scour vintage stores for everything). My issue is just the ones that use cheap fabric or shoddy construction or boring design. It's an economic reality that many designers and companies are forced to import or simplify design to keep their prices low, and a reality that customers want these bargains.
I just tend to find the construction and design elements often a bit lacking, but strive to point out, even in the most budget-friendly stores, the pieces that look like they'll stand the test of time, quality-wise, and don't look cheap. I'd say, in the end, that I seek out quality, regardless of the price: whether it's a Canadian-made dress on sale (to bring down the made-local cost), a decently-designed and decent-quality import, or a more pricy investment piece that will last a while. You want something to look good and last, no matter the cost, high or low. I just try to point out the stores and pieces that fit this bill.
Here is a little insider secret...the local designers you rave about because they have design flair, actually copy designs from these overseas-made garments (and in the same factories). Its the people who are not knowledgeable who purchase their products and believe they are of superior quality b/c of the OVER-PRICED tag. Like I said, it takes someone who actually knows about the fashion world to actually know that. But I guess some sucker has to support these over-priced designers. Stick to it Briony! :)
If you continue to write editorials that are condescending, except to receive comments in response that are of the same nature. Your writing is extremely insulting to the shop owners and to people who cannot necessarily afford (or don't want to) purchase clothes from stores that have nothing UNDER $100!! There is a much manner in which to communicate your reviews. I really think BlogTO needs a new, more knowledgeable fashion editor, who has some respect for the majority of shoppers in Toronto and local businesses!
blogTO strives to cover both the budget-friendly stores and the pricier places; we can agree to disagree on the quality and design details at the various levels, but, as always, I feel that I stick to my mandate to discuss the good and the bad in each store, with an emphasis on the best pieces they have, and the audience who might love it (even if I don't).
As I've mentioned before, not everyone has my taste, and those who want straight profiles can turn to the fashion magazines for third-person write-ups sans my opinion.
I'd love to expand the fashion team, and am always recruiting for new writers so that the fashion section can have a wider set of taste than just mine! One of the best things about writing for a blog is the honesty you can employ, and I'd love to get more voices on here, chatting about Toronto's stores.
So, if you know someone who'd like to review stores for us (and especially the city's best new budget-friendly options!), do let me know!
You may strive to cover both budget friendly stores and pricier places, but the tone you use is obviously different for both! You mock the budget friendly stores, while you rave about the latter. Personal taste aside, using the type of language you use in some of your articles is insulting. Why would any business owner ask you to cover their store....unless of course they sell sweaters starting at $200 (that cost them only $15 :)) Its about time someone mocks your writing Briony.
I'd love to read your reviews of the so-called "overpriced" stores you seem to disdain so much. It's a challenge to review places that rankle you personally, so I look forward to seeing how you tackle it!
The clothes are stylish and affordable at a good quality.
I have been to this store 4 times and every time i have walked out of this store with at least two or three pieces that i love. This is my favorite store to shop at in Toronto. The girls who work there are also nice and friendly. They seem dedicated to their work and are not snobbish like other employees who either don't care or make you feel uncomfortable when you try things on and not buy it.
I bought a belt yesterday at Nue and approximately 4 hours later, it completely fell apart - ripped right it half. When I returned to the store explaining that I had just purchased it, I was accused of "ripping the belt on purpose". When I asked the woman why I would buy a belt and then proceed to rip it on purpose, she replied, "Well, I don't know you". It's one thing for a store employee to explain the store's refund policy (they don't refund their belts) and it's quite another to accuse one of your customers of being vindictive.
I will never shop here again and I urge others to keep walking!
promgirl629gb
Nue is caus