Toronto's east end fashion stores tend to fall under the radar compared to those in the west. Admittedly, Dundas West and West Queen West seem to be the go-to spot of the masses when looking for new independent design, but the Queen streetcar does, indeed, run the other way! There are plenty of fashion destinations in Leslieville with their spring and summer styles already in bloom, as well as the odd Danforth shop where you can find a great skirt between spanakopita stops. If you're looking to replenish your spring/summer wardrobe, you might want to head to some of these boutiques over on the east side.

This Week in Fashion rounds up the week's style news, store openings and closings, pop-up shops, sales and upcoming fashion and design events in Toronto. Find it here every Wednesday morning.

NEWS

Canadian-born designers Calla Haynes and Thomas Tait were announced last week as nominees for the prestigious ANDAM Fashion Award. With a prize valued at 230,000 euros, the French award will be presented on July 5 by a 24-member jury made up of industry reps from Christian Dior, Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent Foundation, Colette, Opening Ceremony, and Style.com. Past winners have included Giles Deacon, Gareth Pugh and Jeremy Scott.

Quality basics in Toronto may not be everyone's cup of tea. For the most part, higher quality clothing items are at a higher price point, and basic clothing items in general are no fun to buy. I've had my fair share of foolish decisions to purchase unreasonably impractical garments over well-made staple pieces, so at the ripe age of 20 I believe I'm finally wise enough to properly balance the two. Since basic shirts, cardigans, tanks, t-shirts, etc. (the list goes on and on) are worn way more often than - for example - screen printed palazzo pants, they're worth a little splurging.

Here are some places to get quality basics in Toronto.

Fashion start-up brands in Toronto are multitudinous--so much so, that after my previous post went live, I decide to put together a second list with more local brands worthy of highlighting. It's a positive indicator of Toronto's thriving--and supportive--independent fashion community that many of the below are available at local retailers.

There's no doubt about it — King East still reigns as the undisputed champ when it comes to the latest in contemporary furnishings. But Liberty Village just might be the city's sleeping giant, ready to awaken with a fury of compact leather sectionals and teak stools galore. Casalife and West Elm have already planted their roots, with EQ3 working away to try to add its name to the area this summer. And with more than one thousand people expected to move into the community soon, who will be next to try to sell them extendable dining tables?

This Week in Fashion rounds up the week's style news, store openings and closings, pop-up shops, sales and upcoming fashion and design events in Toronto. Find it here every Wednesday morning.

NEWS

It's collaboration time! Last week, H&M announced they will be teaming up with Vogue Japan Fashion Director Anna Della Russo on a line of accessories coming to a store near you this fall. In the fast-fashion giant's first collaboration with a non-designer, Della Russo will be drawing on her popular fashion prowess to inspire a collection of clutches, sunglasses, chunky baubles and shoes in turquoise, rose gold and tangerine. The line will launch in 140 stores worldwide on October 4th. Check out her video discussing the collection here.