Far Away Eyes, which has been open for just three weeks, is owner Katelyn Joliat's long-time dream come true. During my visit, she tells me she's been aiming to open a retail store for the past five years, but it's a recent trip to New York that inspired and ultimately drove her to making it a reality.

The Corktown boutique is long and narrow, but the white walls and light tile make it feel a lot less claustrophobic than it sounds. The entire space is beautifully decorated with antique furnishings and knickknacks such as goblets and watering cans. Ominous-looking (in a good way) illustrations in thick black frames complement the white graphic tees hung near the front of the store.

"I wear these oversized and tucked into the front of my pants," Katelyn says about the unbelievably soft Adieu t-shirts with printed hand-drawn collages ($95). Beside them are similarly designed white tees by No Lost Witches ($25) and basic mid-to-high-rise jeans by Courtshop ($120), both brands of the Big Apple.

But it's the eclectic collection of jewellery and home accessories that make Far Away Eyes different. I try one of the handmade, all-natural lotions by Toronto's own brand Ella's Botanicals ($9 - $18) and am utterly impressed by how much it actually smells like lemon meringue.

A glass cabinet and shelf near the cash are littered with more New York finds, like welded cuffs by Flotsam & Jetsam ($140) and vegan-friendly wax candles by Modern Alchemy ($25-$35).

Aside from being the owner, buyer, and face of her shop, Katelyn also designs jewellery under the label k8 . Girly bow-shaped pendants and moon rings reflect her style, and are never priced over $150.

Once Far Away Eyes is well settled into its slowly-but-surely growing neighbourhood, expect more magical finds to come in - including Moleskine notebooks and stocking stuffers. Until then, I'm more than happy to peruse Katelyn's fulfilled dream, which has been five years in the making.

Photos by Jesse Milns