Fashion & Style
Topshop in Toronto
Topshop has opened in Toronto, and like a dad reacting to an adjusted thermostat, girls freaked out. Go ahead, search Toronto and Topshop to see the endless retweeting of news that Jackie O' Brien (Jonathan + Olivia vendeuse) had acquired the global favourite.
O' Brien had the everywoman in mind when she decided to house the Topshop brand in her Ossington-situated boutique:
"I thought about the clothes I always wanted to wear when I was a teenage girl. Have you seen the denim cut off shorts with the hearts? I remember wanting something just like it when I was a girl and it was at that moment that I knew I had to have them for the store."
This discussion inspired thoughts of painting white out shapes on clothes, puff paint and bedazzled anything - it's the kind of nostalgia that sells fast fashion to adults, but remains fun enough to attract the tween market as well.
Fast Fashion
When you're talking fast fashion, trend pieces are the focus, so Topshop offers some essentials that you may have been hard-pressed to find in Toronto.
A pair of faded floral dungarees ($115) reminded me of Eldin Bernecky and although it isn't a solid, the muted pattern offers a subtle pop of colour that does not distract. If anything, it provokes a spectator to inspect more closely, to see what is giving your Murphy Brown-era paint job that little extra something.
Continuing with colour, a popular item that was attracting a lot of attention was a graphic, multi-coloured racer-back tank (viscose, $80). A small apron at the hem provides a flutter effect - coupled with the lightweight viscose, the airy quality of the garment indicated it was an essential summer staple.
Dig harem pants, but haven't been able to justify the high fashion price tag? Topshop has you covered with a pair for the cool price of $115 - paired with a seasonally on-trend crop top, the look is integral for your 80s/90s renaissance.
If you are into a tapered, skinny pair of denim, you can find a variety of washes for $89. The looks range from a faded grey to dark blue, so pick your poison (at such an affordable price, why stop at one?).
I was really into a pocketed khaki-tone vest, belted at the back to create some structure, but flowy and casual at the front for contrast ($115). It was the piece to have and hands were grabbing at it like candy, so make it a priority this Saturday, when Top Shop launches to the public at 9am.
Other pieces that will give you more fashion bang for your buck:
- mesh top with lace applique and bronze stud embellishment on the shoulder ($115)
- 100% cotton jacket/blazer with contrasting cream lining in the sleeve to offer a surprise detail when you're rolling. Even more sweet is the peep leopard & red bow lining on the inside back ($120)
- A basic, short-sleeve nylon slip is an essential basic for only $52 - this will sell out tomorrow, without question.
- Camel clogs with nail head accent ($155)
Size Matters
One key acknowledgment that Jackie O' Brien wanted to touch on when buying her Topshop stock was a counterpoint to the idea that there is a one-size-fits-best rule for fashion. Toronto's Topshop will carry full size breaks (UK 6-16/ US/CAN 2-12) to ensure that every woman is covered (or will be (quite literally) by Saturday).
The press has been incredible and since Jackie's expecting a rush, do not be discouraged if you do not find your must-have pieces in store come Monday. The Toronto location will be following the same shipping schedule as the Oxford Circus space in London (UK), which means - beginning this month - new stock will be rotated in weekly. After the rush and buzz, stock rotation will taper down to a bi-weekly schedule, but that is still pretty darn fast.
Official launch:
Saturday, June 19 (Today) at 9:00 am, Jonathan + Olivia (49 Ossington Ave)
Regular Hours, post-launch:
Monday to Friday 12-7
Saturday 11-6
Sunday 1-5
Discussion
85 Comments
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That leopard dress is fabulous...
Um, every woman? That size range doesn't even cover the *average* adult woman (size 14/16, according to US figures). 2-12 are "misses" sizes, not "womens" (i.e., plus) sizes.
Also, these fashion retailers are missing the money ship by catering only to an already oversaturated market. From Yesterday's NYT: "The plus-size market increased 1.4 percent while overall women’s apparel declined 0.8 percent in the 12 months leading up to April 2010 versus the same period a year earlier, the most recent figures available, according to NPD Group, a market research firm."
Thats 'affordable' these days?
At this time, TOP MAN does not have a scheduled launch in Toronto.
After speaking with the owner, it does seem like we can expect Top Man as the brand gains some momentum.
"I want to walk before I run," said Jackie O' Brien.
Re: SIZE ISSUE
Full size breaks for TOP SHOP: http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaticPageDisplay?storeId=12556&;catalogId=19551&identifier=ts1%20size%20guide%20and%20washcare
I take back my "every woman" comment, since I was attempting to highlight the fact that Jackie O' Brien did not want to edit the collection by size.
When Beth Ditto was approached by TOP SHOP to create a line, she declined. Why? Because the same company (Arcadia) that owns TOP SHOP, owns www.evans.co.uk/, a plus size change. This was a Top Shop launch, not Evans.
"She has managed to cover every woman that TOP SHOP caters to (or will, quite literally, this Saturday)."
This is so not true.
Also, these prices are way not affordable. Top Shop in new york is cheaper...
For hammer pants? I've found them muuuch cheaper, and I think they were even cheaper at the Topshop in NYC if I remember correctly. I think I would have remembered such an outrageous price for such an ugly item of clothing. Is it so pricy because we now have J+O as another middleman involved in the process?
Look, I have quite a bit of clothes in my wardrobe that cost $100 plus, but a) they're of a decent quality that I know they won't fall apart before I get bored of them and b) I don't go blowing smoke up my ass by pretending that it's a reasonable price. Especially when we're talking about dungarees and khaki vests.
Anyways, I can't believe people are getting offended at this - you can't expect a store to try to satisfy everyone's needs, that's why other stores, malls, and department stores exist.
Also, everytime there is an article like this, why is there always someone who complains about what is "affordable" and what isn't?
I think it's the taxes and tariffs companies have to go through.
And why should how 'healthy' a person feels have ANYTHING to do with her ability to purchase attractive or trendy clothing? If clothing were a reward for attaining some abstract state of health, advertisements and magazines wouldn't feature models with eating disorders, and people with cancer would all be made to go about naked. The extremely limited options for larger women are all about cultural fatphobia, not 'health'.
Look at that leopard print top with the red bow ties - UGLY!
If you are looking for unusual and CHEAP, look no further than the great little shops in Chinatown on the west side of Spadina just north of Queen. You will LOVE the stuff in there and it's extremely stylish and interesting. Yes, it's made in China like TopShop stuff; but instead of $89 for a tank, it's probably about $20.
And having seen some of the selection available, I have to agree that it's not anything completely unique or out of the box. Even Aritzia's cheaper! And that's saying something. Word of advice: go to the closest H&M/Forever21 - it's easily half the price and pretty much the same thing (maybe even nicer).
If I was a designer I would open a cool shop catering just to you lovely curvy gals! But alas, I have never sewn a stitch in my life. I believe that you can be fashionable at any size or shape. Hopefully more options open up for you lovely ladies.
Although, that's not why I'm posting!
I think the bigger news here isn't that topshop has opened up on Ossington - but rather, they have actually started shipping direct to Canada on their website. Anything that a guy or girl could want can be packed, sealed, and delivered right to your door. Huzzah!
And for Bee, not every woman who wears a plus size is overweight or obese. At my very skinniest I was a size 8. I have wide hips and a large bust, nothing I can do will change my bone structure or make my breasts smaller (some what to my dismay, on the latter). I currently wear a 10 or 12, so I am not in the plus size range but that isn't the point. The point of this story is that some women are naturally larger than others, some of us just have larger or wider bone structures. Plus sized people are not, strictly, obese.
If you HAVE TO complain about their size range or pricing, YOU ARE NOT their market.
Businesses do not open to please all of us, just a percentage (big or small)
Move on, and instead of wasting energy complaining look for another store/chain that caters your needs.
And if you don't find it... Then, you've found a niche. Take it an open a business, see if you can make EVERYONE happy.
I'm a Canadian in the UK and $80 for a tank top seems really steep. Surely it's only £25 here ($45 Canadian)!? And those dungarees? £45 here (about $65 canadian)
lame
That and the fat thing. I didn't expect Topshop to have any bigger sizes here than at any of their other stores - why would they? But don't brag about them making themselves "sure that every woman is covered," when that's just not the case. Why not just write that they'll have the full size range of every other store? Then you, the author, are not offending those who are bigger than a size 16 by implying that they don't count as a woman.
A retraction was already made about the comment, "every woman."
It seems that most of you have stopped at that point and ignored the clothing, which was what the post is about. It is a store, that MANY people wanted in Toronto and now that it is here, you complain about the high price point. Well, unfortunately, duty, shipping and various other expenses contribute to a price point that you consider high. 89 dollars for a pair of jeans? Since when is that a big expense. Think about how often you'll wear your jeans, now divide that by the price. Seems reasonable, no?
If you want a tank that will wear out in a week, you can continue purchasing your fast fashion basics from Old Navy and Bluenotes. Despite popular opinion in this post, not everything is made in China.
Clearly the majority of people commenting in this post do not meet the demo of Top Shop and that is fine. There are plenty of other options for you to choose from. A full size break means a range of sizes that a retailer carries. This is Top Shop's size break. If you can't deal with it, that doesn't mean that the author (me) is calling you fat or associating your body type with an "unhealthy lifestyle."
Perhaps you are not taking into consideration that whenever you shop in the UK or NY there are added costs to your experience, like hotel or plane tickets, currency exchange, and any duty you are supposed to pay when you come back, which are the same a retailer has to pay to import any items.
As for the author, I'm pretty sure he insists the items are affordable based on the average Jonathan + Olivia target customer.
Regarding the "fat thing" as you call it, not the author or myself... I think you are taking it way too far and just want to see an offense where there is only a choice of words different that the one you would've made.
plus there is a difference between CURVY and FAT!
if you look back into history there were no obese people! and don't tell me you can't loose weight....everything's possible if you're determined! stop eating chocolate and cupcakes
Also, no one answered whether petite sizes are available.
I was truthfully surprised at the average woman's size, and the fact that this huge market is not being catered to. It just seems so obvious to me to cater to the majority market, not minority. I love fashion, and if I could sew I would be hopping all over this great opportunity. To anyone else who I offended, please accept my apologies.
Blog TO comments section really is some of the best comedy out there!
it's not.
obesity is never healthy, never will be.
I managed a TopShop in the UK and their clothes do run small, they always have. At 5'9" and 135lbs I wore a 10/12 and long length for jeans... It was annoying. However Topshop staple basics and knickers are awesome but it looks like they'll just be carrying the 'fashion line' here.. Bummer.
First off, $89 dollars is 'affordable' in today's world when speaking about fashion. Often when looking through the best selling magazines; Vogue, Elle, Fashion, Flare, etc. you'll notice that the fashion spread usually includes high end clothing pieces/ accessories that are hundreds of dollars, or even thousands, to purchase. I'm not saying $89 is cheap or pennies, everyone is on a different level to what they can afford and what they can not, which is why 'affordable' isn't the best word to use in describing any clothing line.
I have shopped at Top Shop MANY TIMES, I have never once had a problem with their clothing, in fact- I've often told my friends how much I spent on the clothing pieces they've admired, and they've agreed how great the prices are. HAVING SAID THAT, I wouldn't go as far as saying EVERYTHING in the store is reasonably priced; a tank top for $80, no thank you, but a dress for $80, yes please.
Everyone has a different style, so Topshop will either compliment their fashion needs or do the opposite, but either way no need to go trash Topshop and say such things as "garbage"; someone could easily reply that your selection of clothing or accessories are 'garbage'. See what I mean? It's not necessary
As for the discussion regarding WEIGHT, what is the point? Unless you're their immediate family doctor discussing health issues, no need to put your input on whether a size 30 or size 16 is fat. No need to show 'fatphobia', it's hurtful to others.
I'm a size 4 so I'm not defending 'plus size' women as though I'm one of them, but I can say this: the media projected in today's society is filled with skinny beautiful women, which has furthermore projected lots a pressure on young females, and some males, which has resulted into eating disorders. My point is this: doesn't matter whether you are skinny or larger, health issues are unfortunately among all, despite what size you are. If you are larger and unhealthy, please take care of yourself. Everyone can be beautiful in their own way, and it is truly upsetting that those that aren't as skinny or tall as models you see in magazines or on TV immediately think they aren't good looking. THIS IS NOT THE CASE.
Enough mushy talk, no need to be rude to others, Topshop is an amazing store, in my opinion (not for all). Leave it at that.
king henry the 8th would have a little something to say about that
granted he had diabetes and was a mess
but relax with the capslock kanye
Not TopShop, I do love it though I must admit that I do not own a single article of the line itself. If you cannot afford it, don't buy it. Isn't that how the world works? I hate to sound like a capitalist sympathizer or anything, and I'm NOT (quite...), but come on, that's just 'the way it is.' To criticize this one small boutique for branching out and bringing in foreign designers is very single-minded and ignorant. Shame on some of the blind criticism--criticism is great, hell its welcomed and NEEDED, but not when grounded in fiction. Stop believing the lie that you are telling yourselves; some seem to believe that they have not/do not contribute to nor take part in such consumer behaviours/trends. A 'them--everybody else is doing it, not ME' mentality. Wow, who knew that there were so many evolved, enlightened humans in this forum? Isn't that the easiest route to take, after all? But I digress, for fear that this rant may shatter many a carefully constructed, delusional, self-made facade. I'm not even going to touch the body image arguments made--many are so, so sadly misinformed. Ugghh.
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expensive tops for "made in china"- people, alex wang is made in china! as does LOTS of other designer wares. people in china are just like people in italy. they are human too and can sew just as well.
Simply look around what you are having right now, for anything, list how many of them are MADE IN CHINA, and how many of them really are POOR QUALITY. You will know what I mean.
I'm 6'4" woman and I have a pair of tall jeans ($40 on clearance, woot) and a top from Topshop. The jeans are good quality, the top not so much, but I take care of it to make it last longer.
What can you do? We live in a disposable world, and if you are trying to keep up with fashion then you really aren't concerned with money, anyway.
And the Made in China thing is a pretty moot point since the keyboard you're using to type on was probably made there.
bye!
Anyways, I hope ya'll realize that Jonathan + Olivia ONLY have selected items from topshop.
So, if you're really dying to see the other stuff they carry including mens... then board a plane to the U.K. or New York or hit up the topshop/topman website... and hopefully you're problems will be solved!
P.S. "expensive tops for "made in china"- people, alex wang is made in china!" < greatest comment EVER! lol
Anyways, I hope ya'll realize that Jonathan + Olivia ONLY have selected items from topshop.
So, if you're really dying to see the other stuff they carry (including mens)... then board a plane to the U.K. or New York or hit up the topshop/topman website... and hopefully you're problems will be solved!
P.S. "expensive tops for "made in china"- people, alex wang is made in china!" < greatest comment EVER! lol
ThAT BEING said, it would have to take some major swaying for me to purchase anything
at this TOP SHOP store, why pay way more when you can buy online. Yes you can say when your
going away your looking at airfare, hotel, food etc costs, but I'm realistically assuming noone in their right mine complaining about price points would do that, you go for the experience and if your lucky and your on a trip there you bag yourself some TOPSHOP.
sorry J&O, love what you are trying to do and your style but seriously I have to agree TOPSHOP was meant to be a brand that in the UK is on the same level as ZARA , F21
I think what bothers consumers is when you take a brand like that and distort it to fit
the target market of a youthful Ossington market with some cash to boot.
thank god for online shopping!!!
you people make me sick, and your sense of style is a joke.
Also, you need to get over your obvious body fascism and fataphobia.