Six years ago, I landed my first 'real' communications internship at a bank. This was when the term business casual was a mere thread in a needle's eye. So unfortunately this meant adhereing to the corporate dress policy. However, the free spirit in me wasn't keen on the idea.

Enter Preloved.

While hunting for buttons for a circa-1980s hand-me-down suit on Queen West, Preloved's old school sign caught my eye. After that day, I've been rummaging through their racks ever since. (Ahh...the summer of 1999.)

What makes Preloved's clothing so unique is just that: its uniqueness.The retailer takes donated clothing and reinvents them in cutting-edge peices that literally stand the test of time (and garner many compliments). The store now features three different womenswear lines and two lines dedicated to men combining new and vintage fabric or designs that are handcut. Depending on the line, prices range from $29 to $149.

Typically, I rely on sporting their graphic, multi-coloured tees under a pinstripe blazer, but my favourite is an asymmetrical skirt refashioned from a trench coat.

In its 10th year, the Queen St.-and-Bathurst Ave. store and its almost three-year-old sister location in Montreal brag world-wide distribution and Hollywood favourites including Kate Hudson. The best part? Preloved unveils their Fall launch today from 10 am to 10 pm with 20 per cent off. Plus, there will be 60 to 70 per cent off their summer merchandise.

Preloved is located at 613 Queen St. W. just east of Bathurst. For more information, call (416) 504-8704 or visit www.preloved.ca

Photos courtesy of preloved.ca.