I feel like the vintage stores on Kensington Avenue are like a good group of friends: each is great at a few things, while the rest pick up the slack. That being said, my first stop on any Kensington vintage crawl is Courage My Love.

From a guy's perspective, Courage My Love's offerings are initially deceptive. I remember my first encounter with the heavily bejewelled entrance: Swarms of girls buzzing around the shiny display cases almost made me turn back... almost.

Tucked away on the left toward the rear, a veritable gentlemen's arsenal lies in wait for those willing to take the plunge. The two-tier rotating tie rack is my personal favourite, with all sorts of fantastic and sometimes-vulgar ties ranging from real-skinny to Highway 401 ultra-wide. Tie prices are staggered at $5, $10, and $15. I got lucky once and found a great tie that was labelled FREE, and they let me walk out with it.

Other gentlemen's assortments include brand-new top hats and bowler hats for $75, suspenders and cummerbunds starting at $10, and many well-loved suits and blazers. Another time, I put together a sharp suit and tie combo to attend a wedding for less than $100.

Courage My Love is the perfect place to find good-quality used clothing for both sexes. I thank my nose and my wallet every time I visit, because the clothes don't stink and neither do the prices.

I'll post other stores under the Vintage Kensington title as I visit them.

Courage My Love
14 Kensington Ave.
M5T 2J8
416-979-1992

Hours:
11:30-6:00 Mon.-Fri.
11:00-6:00 Sat.
2:00-5:00 Sun.