The Best Vintage and Designer Handbags in Toronto

The best vintage and designer handbags in Toronto can foster some absolutely terrible spending habits. If you're anything like me, you simply can't resist the lure of a finely formed vegetable-tanned leather handbag, though said purchased bag never seems to make it into the everyday rotation (why risk the rain!?). And so, the handbag collection continues to grow (while storage space shrinks), with these Toronto accessories shops only complicating attempts at handbag abstinence--but I'm sure we'd all agree that we wouldn't have it any other way.

Here is the list of the best vintage and designer handbags in Toronto.

See also:

The best shoe stores in Toronto
The best new fashion stores in Toronto, 2011
The best vintage clothing stores in Toronto

Holt Renfew

Leave it to this old faithful to always deliver. Try as they might, most of Toronto’s handbag boutiques just can't compete with Holts when it comes to unique high-end designer bags. The selection, style, and quality is simply unparalleled. And there's just that feeling you get when enter Holt’s handbag department; a mix of sheer bliss and “Oh crap, there goes my rent for the month.” More »

Emporium by I Miss You

Browsing at Emporium by I Miss You is like exploring your extremely fashionable, always-dressed-to-the-nines grandmother’s closet. The handbags you’ll find here are truly one of a kind, with alligator and python bags from the 1940’s, vintage (and a couple vintage-looking) leather clutches, and so much more. Blame owner Julie Yoo’s impeccable eye for antique handbag design. More »

A2Zane

From the handbag department at Holts, to his own pop-up shop, to a bona-fide, permanent handbag destination, Zane Aburaneh’s discerning taste is the key to this West Queen West accessories shop's success. Find selections by Rebecca Minkoff, Matt & Natt, Vlieger and Vandam, and Qwestion, among others, plus Juma scarves, Daniel Wellington watches, and Gorjana jewellery to round out your outfit. More »

Jonathan + Olivia

Sleek and sophisticated with the odd organic sac. Jonathan + Olivia’s handbags mostly tote (excuse the pun) the chic and effortless line of smart bags and clutches by Alexander Wang, bright Jerome Dreyfuss shoulder bags, and an organic line of totes by J+O Family (with proceeds donated to the Hospital for Sick Children). And then there are Jonathan + Olivia’s Fjallraven backpacks, which offer a stylish edge over your old ObusForme sac. More »

Haute Classics

This is consignment only to those who read the sign. The handbags here are in such pristine condition that if you didn’t know better, you’d probably think they were brand new (and some are). Haute Classics has all your big handbag names including Prada, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, with a few Roberto Cavalli, Miu Miu, and Dolce & Gabbana bags thrown in for good measure. Expect to pay below regular retail cost, but if you’re keen on that Lady Dior quilted bag, just know that you’re still going to fork over a few bills. More »

m0851

If you love leather, this is your dream shop. Nevermind just handbags, m0851 has leather iPad cases (with straps, à la shoulder bag), classic clutches, postman bags, half-moon slouchy bags, weekend travel bags and more. Most designs are available in either black or brown leather (some chestnut, too), with clutches starting at about $100, and other bags going up in price from there. More »

Hoi Bo

Hoi Bo’s bags are all handmade right here in Toronto. The brainchild of designer Sarra Tang, an average Hoi Bo bag is clean, modern, and most of all, pragmatic. Offered now from its very own retail location in the Distillery, this shop holds handbag delights in the forms of pleated canvas satchels, waxed leather messenger bags, and beeswax-coated carrier bags. More »

Heel Boy

Known foremost for its shoes, Heel Boy’s handbag selection certainly should not be overlooked. With a honed collection that often boasts a good selection of Matt & Natt, Heel Boy tends to offer the sophisticated and on-trend, with clutches by Rudsak, Hobo leather totes, and Jeanne Lottie in all shapes, colours, and forms. In short, lots of options to match those new shoes. More »

Hide

Owned and operated by sisters Susana and Sandra Erazo, Hide specializes in handmade leather handbags made by Susana right at the back of the shop. The feel is definitely rustic and structured, with natural cowhide purses and vegetable-tanned leather clutches evoking that right-off-the-farm feel. Or is that a bit too literal? The shop also makes (and stocks) handcut leather belts and other accessories to complement its bags. More »