Penny Arcade is the perfect place to peruse picks from the past. The cozy shop has something for everyone, with pieces dating from the 40s to the 90s, it's easy to spend a good chunk of an afternoon sifting through clothing, shoes, accessories, and knickknacks.

Courage My Love is a Kensington Market landmark - it's the bright blue house with naked pink mannequins chilling on top. The selection is eclectic and fills the long and narrow space to the brim with truly one-of-a-kind treasures. I remember getting my first pair of multicoloured cowboy boots and a chainmail tank top here.

Parkdale's Public Butter is home to many cheap thrills; I've waltzed in on several occasions and left with a handful of unique, affordable clothes from both the men's and women's sections (including a leather-padded hunting jacket and metallic copper pants for a total of $35). In addition to its selection of (mostly) 80s and 90s gear, its sells furniture, houseware and bikes.

Black Market is a sprawling, 7,000 square foot basement specializing in vintage tees, plaid flannels, denim jackets and other quintessential punk rock stuff. With signs scattered throughout reading "EVERYTHING $10," it's hard to walk away with nothing.

With a stylish, diary-esque digital presence and a bricks-and-mortar that's essentially a creative assault to the senses, this Parkdale shop is feature an excellent melange of vintage and new brands. A flurry of colours, prints and textures awaits the curious visitor who generally won't spend more than $50 on any item.


With a carefully curated stock of menswear and womenswear, the need for tiresome rummaging is minimal. Find killer motorcycle jackets, elaborately decorated cowboy boots and wonderfully worn-in denim here.

This Leslieville haunt doesn't consider anything younger than the 1970s vintage. That said, its collection of clothes, fabric, trinkets and miscellaneous items never includes denim or tees (An Ode To Glamour) and dates as far back as the 1800s.


If you're into vintage designer womenswear, I Miss You on Ossington will blow your mind. The space is teeming with consignment treasures, including well-preserved Chanel handbags, Cartier jewellery and Yves Saint Laurent evening dresses. Plus, I Miss You MAN is just next door, for any designer menswear devotees.

Cheesy puns aside, In Vintage We Trust is a trusted name in vintage streetwear. Peddling menswear only, this Parkdale destination carries collectibles like deadstock jerseys, 80s sneakers, and Coogi sweaters. And the best part? Nothing's wildly overpriced!

Yet another Parkdale gem, 96 Tears carries a healthy balance of men's and women's clothing, both vintage and new. There are lots of cozy sweaters and broken-in jeans - but the stars of the show are their kookier pieces like leopard print mules and flashy kimonos.


Nested in Kensington Market, Sub Rosa peddles only the weirdest, most eccentric finds - my personal favourite (why buy vintage clothing if it's not completely obnoxious?). Mongolian fur coats, red patent clogs, and iridescent windbreakers are among the various pieces on sale.


Dundas West's Chosen Vintage could easily pass for a trendy womenswear boutique. But, upon closer inspection, the minimalistic slips, leather ankle boots, and overalls are actually one-offs from the 80s or 90s. This cozy space always has a good helping of ironically au courant vintage.