Pipler Accessories works with four guiding principles: local, handmade, charitable and sustainable. These four categories are what make up the core products in the Cabbagetown shop that has quickly become a darling in the neighbourhood since it opened.

Run by Léonie Lilla (formerly a chef at Farmer's Daughter ) and her wife Alice Clarkson, the shop was conceived during a trip to Switzerland, where the idea of an accessory store that carried charitable items was widespread. They wanted that for Toronto, and in an unusual case, opened a business that ran fairly smoothly from conception to launch.

Clarkson admits she feels very lucky in how quickly their idea transformed into a reality. "Everything happened so naturally and organically," she says. "It felt like one day we had the idea. Then 72 hours later a business plan, and eight days later the keys to a new place."

It's easy to understand why the small shop is lovable. Every item sold in the store has a story behind it. They're different, distinct and come from longtime mom-and-pop businesses, or handcrafted with attention to every detail.

The fair-trade, charity-driven products are chosen by Lilla and Clarkson and have to fit into one of the four categories. "You don't need to look like a hippy; you can still have something timeless and trendy," says Lilla.

Most of the furniture in the store is reclaimed, like an old map drawer which now showcases wooden cellphone cases from Etobicoke company, Keyway Designs ($30-$45). The cash desk is an old steam table with the motor taken out.

The focus for Clarkson and Lilla are the hats and bags, which are also the bestselling items, like the popular Thank You Toronto snapback hats which retail for $40. Each hat purchased gives one meal to a homeless person in Toronto.

Bailey Hats, family-owned hatmakers since 1922, are also hit. They sell fedoras in a variety of colours and styles.

Pipler sells patterned Yellow108 Infinity Scarves ($38), Tense watches, Undercover pouches and Sunpocket sunglasses. Lilla and Clarkson believe sustainable fashion should always be affordable. So, what you get is a fashion general store, at an affordable price range.

Lillia and Clarkson are good buyers, because they've always been into and admired good quality accessories. Lillia is a bow-tie collector, and Clarkson comes from a fashion background having worked for Holt Renfrew. They brought their vision into an area of town that's not widely accessed for fashion.

Photos by Hector Vasquez