I was looking for some buttons for a knitting project I was working on and thought I remembered them having some. SO many options and the staff was so friendly, even giving me a bowl to put my items in. Wonderful gem for thrifts and doodads. read more

Courage My Love - Button wall! Drawers are full as well. - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I have been going here since I was a teenager. I've never been disappointed with all the eclectic selections of things. I always recommend this place if you are in Kensington Market read more

This place was like a market within a market. From the outside it looks like a small store like the other vintage stores on Kensington Market. The front is painted blue and has mannequins on the upper story, you can't miss this place. Inside it goes on and on, a long room with lots to see. It's separated as if in little stalls for jewelry, beads, incense, scarfs and more more more. It smells a bit weird but don't all thrift stores? The staff were really welcoming and fun to talk to. The experience of this place was so pleasant and I didn't even buy anything! If you like thrift store and find yourself in Toronto, go here. read more

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Probably the best thrift shop on the street - it has that stuffed, thrift store look without being cramped. It's actually really big for a thrift store, and just has piles upon piles of trinkets. They have a crazy selection of random things - drawers of stockings from the 50s, beads on beads on beads, and large buckets of just random clasps and charms. They have a large rack of ties and bow ties, and also buckets of scarves, not to mention a booth in the back that sells kohl and natural perfumes. Pretty awesome selection!! Some of their clothes are pretty overpriced, especially those that are made under the house brand themselves (50$ for a basic, unlined tunic dress isn't any cheaper than a regular retail store). They have a cashmere rack but the cashmere feels more like felt, and some of them have been "updated" by the store in a way that doesn't really improve them - sewing on a birdy floral tape and a collar to a sweater, and the like. But their SHOES are a great value - leather boots, wingtips, moccasins, all in pretty good condition. Last time we were there we found a pair of fleece lined Clarks that were basically new, and all of these shoes are ~20-25$, which is an amazing value. Also, they have awesome bone and wood earrings. If you're shopping in Kensington, absolutely spend an hour (or a few!) here!! read more

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I really enjoy browsing through this store and stop in whenever I can. It's a wonderful space filled with eclectic items both vintage and not so. There's always something interesting to be found there. The store is a good example to the spirit of Kensington Market. It's a little of this and a little of that and a bit of "je ne sais quoi" that's the hallmark of the Market. If I had to say something negative about it would be that it's a tad smallish. That's not the store's fault but the fact space in the core of Toronto is always at a premium. But, that's what we love and hate about city life being crammed in together and finding ways to cohabit in crowded places. If you like vintage, or the not your usual fare, this is a good place to shop in. Drop in, you might find something you like, and then buy it. read more

Courage has been an anchor in the market for decades and continues to pack in customers with its ecclectic and affordable clothing and jewelry. Stores like this with passionate owners are what help make Kensington world famous for unique items presented in a cool and fashionable way. There are three buyers involved in the store, and all three love what they do imparting an aura that you can almost taste. Walk in the place and your senses will be overcome with delight as your eyes scan the shelves. Stuck for a unique gift for someone who values items that don't come from a chain store? Go here! Highly recommended. read more

Amazing place, great selection, friendly staff and an they had nice music playing. I bought a few accessories.. I Bought 2 ascot for $30... $15 each. Compared to pricing outside I saved $90 It was great day shopping here! read more

Courage My Love - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

A staple in Kensington Mkt. Very subjective, this may appeal to you differently at 45 than it did at 20... They have a stocked shop, bit on pricey side. Very well organized. read more

Courage, My Love? Courage My Love? Courage My, Love? We stood facing the storefront trying to decide how to best pronounce the store's name, whether an added comma or other punctuation mark would make it more or less appealing. The bright, sky blue exterior, flanked by naked mannequins had already swayed me but my friend required more convincing. So, we settled on Courage My, Love and entered. As it turns out, very little courage was required! This place is a gem. The store has an astounding selection of dresses, jewelry, and accoutrement, all at smart prices. We got to act out Madonna's Like a Virgin video by trying on vintagey prom dresses and lace gloves and rolling around in only a vaguely inappropriate manner. Love it! Although it is fairly dust free, we couldn't dally long as the patchouli incense (sorry - hippie stank) was tickling my nose and the hint of cat dander bothering my friend's eyes. However, I left victorious having snagged some swank hair barrettes. I would have picked up a pair of adorable, delicate earrings in addition if my own metal allergies didn't make me wary of jewelry of unknown origins. I will be back again to peruse and purchase, if perhaps only for brief intervals. For although no courage is required to shop here, the customer does leave fortified by both courage and love (as well as goodies). read more

Everything here always smells like incense, but the selection is lovely so I just get over the sneezing. They have actual top hats and tails. And saris. And wing tips. And 'coon skin caps. And even gold lame dresses! If you can dream it, they most likely have it. I bought a pair of blue and yellow rollerskates here in 1998 that look like the ones Tootie on Facts of Life had. I love them still - even though they betrayed me one summer in 2005 and made me fall in the middle of Yonge St causing permanent injury to my pride. Now I only wear them at night in laneways in Leslieville after I've been drinking. I refuse to admit if I wear my hair in pig tails while doing it. read more

4.5 STARS How can you not LOVE Courage My Love?! This place has been a mainstay of the Kensington and Toronto vintage scene for over 30 years. VIBE Vintage. Well, those mannequins on top of the bright blue roof give it away non? I love the racks outside with cool leather jackets and old suitcases. THE GOODS They have tons of beads here so you can make your own jewelry. I have found some fabulous purses here as well. In addition to some wicked vintage clothes, there's a plethora of other cool stuff: incense, fascinators (yes, we're still using this word even though Kate married Wills last year), pretty frocks and shoes. OBLIGATORY I love it so much I heart it. Definitely worth a visit. read more

This place is just PACKED with fun finds. I shopped Kensington this past weekend for Hallowe'en and found my costume here. They have a couple of racks of costume ideas in which they have put together items from around the store, a big help for those of us who lack time or inspiration! I'm definitely coming back to check out the heaps of unique jewellery, buttons, and non-costume attire. read more

Courage My Love is an incense-scented vintage wonderland. Buttons, jewelry, earrings, sweaters... you name it, they've got it. You can buy beads in any colour, shape, or size. There are ever-changing baskets of fun trinkets such as miniature plastic mouths for 25 cents. You can kill hours in this store just browsing through everything they have to offer. You're going to find something you love, if you don't already start loving everything the moment you walk through the door. There is no other store that can measure up to this. But where is this cat you all speak of? read more

I love this place! You will find so many funky things in this store. Some of the things in here are pretty expensive, but it's because most of the things in here are hand-made. When I was there recently, I bought a bottle cap necklace that had an image transfer of a fancy skull in the middle of the back and the edge was painted. A big plus is that all of their earrings are sterling silver. It's hard to find fashionable sterling silver earrings, but Courage My Love is an excellent option. Courage My Love is a store you absolutely must visit if you're in the Kensington Market area. read more

The best vintage/thrift store in Kensington Market. The store overflows onto the patio in the summer. LOVE this place

This is one of the better consignment shops in Kensington market. Not to be rude, but there are some in the area that are total duds -- filled with goods from China that are sort of cheap looking and not at all vintage or stylish in the least. I also don't like the ones that only sell tie-dyed items or shapeless dresses and harem pants. I am not into that kind of style, and I am looking for rare things that are vintage, retro.. but classic enough to stand the test of time. I want to wear this stuff when I am well into my 80s. So for other reasons, I LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. this store. CASHMERE SWEATERS FOR CHEAP. OMG. $35 for a cashmere sweater! I only wish they stocked smalls or extra-smalls, because the mediums were swimming on my Size 4 figure. I also wish they had cashmere WRAP cardigans, not just the button up, turtleneck or pullover kinds. Alas.. cannot be choosy in such an amazing store that sells REAL CASHMERE for $35. Look for the 2-ply cashmere, it's the most luxurious. They also sell some jewellery and other cute things, but I am not a fan of beaded jewellery that looks too hippy if you know what I mean. The other amazing thing about the store is their selection of obi belts. They run anywhere from $60 - $100, but are SO worth it. Beautiful, beautiful pieces. I think I want to buy 2-3 more just to hang them on my wall. They also sell lovely kimonos and other such beautiful gems, and I purchased the most beautiful kimono there for quite a steal of a price (around $250, it was the most expensive one, as they had cheaper ones as well, but not as pretty in my opinion). Must. Visit. Oh and did I mention just how awesome the owner is? Love her. read more

I was there today. An older woman with short blondish hair was sitting in the back area on a personal call. I looked around for a bit, then decided on two pairs of earrings $75 bucks. The woman comes to the counter where im being served by a younger girl and continuing her conversation on the phone. The sales person informs me that she can't process my debit purchase because the phone line is being used. I waited and waited ...the girl remained on the phone staring me down the sales girl informed her that we need the line. I withdrew my debit card and walked out. Sooo rude !! read more

Great little shop that has been around for ages, but you can find some really great trinkets, kitschy things, random pieces and jewelery. It's not cheap cheap, but it's decent, although the prices keep rising along with its popularity. What an enormous and awesome selection of beads and buttons!! For those who like to make jewelery this is a definite must, and for those who prefer the 'ready-made' it's worth checking out too. There are some real gems to be found here but you often have to look. A lot of cool vintagey stuff although the staff isn't incredibly friendly in my experience over the...10 or so years that I've been a customer. However it's definitely worth not being smiled at or being spoken to in a bit of a rude tone to find that clutch that matches perfectly with your vintage dress....cool beans, read more

If you're in Toronto and really, really need an ascot this may be the place for you. It did the trick for me. read more

Courage My Love is a vintage store in Kensington Market that has a wee bit of everything for both ladies & gentlemen. Jewelry, ties, beads, belly-dance accoutrement, buttons, vintage gloves... It is a really fun store to browse if you're not quite sure what you're looking for as they sell items from practically every price range. Also, home to a cat that has a tendency to stay very still until you're standing right next to it - so be warned if you are deathly allergic. read more

You need to acquire one (or all) of the following: a) a prom dress b) silver barrettes c) a dress for your burlesque class d) a 100-yr old carpet from Samarkand e) beads f) lace gloves g) a ruffled 70s shirt, mauve I have some one-stop shopping for you, duckies. It's called Courage My Love. It smells of incense, it's in Kensington, and it is the Mother of them All. May I add that any (except one) of the above could be acquired for under $20, or even under $10, most of the time? I should also add that me and mine have bought all except one of those items at Courage - the ruffled shirt, if you're interested. My prom dress was a fiercely flattering handmade fire-red sheath which cost about $16. Go, my children, go. read more

Actual rating 4.5 YES!!! A must do in Kensington. I bought vintage pantyhose still in their original package in this crazy colour called "endive" for $1. And I was sorely tempted buy the $8 fancy ladies gloves, such colour selection! Jewelry? How about $1.50 for a wicked gold tie clip? Can't beat that! And then there's the playful selection of Day of the Dead figurines everywhere smiling their bony grimace at me while I check out a basket of pastel cummerbunds. Fantastic! YES!!! read more

Always visit when I'm in town! Great selection, always something new to see, captures the heart of Kensington

It's like a thrift store... but only the good stuff. But because someone else bought it before you did, it's way more. My favourite part is the "treasure chest" where you can browse through little trinkets for 15c/piece. read more

Such a lovely little place. It's more than just a vintage/thrift shop - they have buttons and beads! Some handmade items from around the world as well. It's a really fun place to look around. The prices are not too bad at all and it's very well organized. It's a must see in the market. I only wish their clothing section was a little easier to navigate sometimes, and maybe had better selection for women's clothing? Though the mens section seems far above average. Long live Courage My Love! read more

This place smells like vintage. Love it! Like others said - lots of beads, jewellery, stockings, gloves, hats. Also lots of ugly dress shirts and things I would never buy. Staff is friendly, never pushy. I've been visiting for 15 years. read more

DIs place used to b soooooooo good. I have no idea wut happened but it got super expenzive and da merch qualidy has lowered. Even my bestie Hao agrees. Thankz 4 notin Macklemore read more

I came here as a teenager in the 70's/80's. It was my favorite place to shop in Toronto. I moved to Kensington after college and just loved it! Courage just down the street, plantain tarts for breakfast... what could be better? I live in the states now and come up to visit family and never miss a trip here. I always find amazing unusual pieces, just like in my youth. I have been bringing my daughter here too! She loves it! It's nice to see her face light up when we walk in, and she always finds something unique to bring home with her. Will always love this wonderful store! read more

Have you ever wanted to time travel? What would it be like to actually step back in time for a few hours? Instead of asking these questions, you can answer them today with a quick trip to Courage My Love, which has remained frozen in time since the 1980s. Not the neon and mullet 1980s of Hot Tub Time Machine, but the real deal 1980s that I remember as clearly as a waking dream every time I cross the threshold into this store. It was cool back then, and it's still cool now. read more

Be still my beating heart.... I spent my teenage years right thru my twenties buying lovely treasures here. From my beloved vintage leather jacket to beads and baubles ...I love the selection... you can find everything here - and then some.... My heart longs for this store...I'm always in for a visit when I'm back in town... Still one of most beloved Toronto stores... read more

The price of shoes at Courage My Love is amazing. The shoes they have are great styles, good quality and clean. I love finding vintage shoes but they are always hard to find - CML does a great job in this area. They do a good job of sourcing cool vintage pieces. As as far as vintage stores go, their prices are quite reasonable. As I love Value Village, I always have to remind myself that vintage stores are different and will be more expensive...but I find similar stuff for so much cheaper at VV! With that said, CML is definitely on my must-frequent list. They always have great stuff to look at and inspire your wardrobe! read more

Hidden gem in the heart of Kensington Market - make sure you have time as there is so much to see and buy. The folks here are friendly and there's plenty of vintage items to look through, I'm a fan of their jewelry and have purchased a few rings for my partner. read more

Probably the best clothing shop in Kensington Market. Lots of vintage stuff but they also produce their own lines of many things. Eclectic and quality are the words. A must-visit for Kensington Market. read more

I am an assemblage artist and I ALWAYS find something that I need at Courage My Love. Last time I was there, I found tons of 1950s and 1960s dog tags. The time before that, I found a stash of little music box ballerinas with tulle skirts, and some great hand-painted sugar skull beads. You have to spend some time looking, but it is worth it! read more

They might have some good stuff, but they are overpriced and they have an no cash refund policy and they have some unbelievably rude employees working there. There is one 40 year old or so female who is extremely rude to customers, sarcasm is never a way to keep customers. If you have a credit note, it means you have to keep going into the store over and over again to find something you like while they have your money. Which also means you have to deal with some real ignorant people working there. When will store owners get it, that the way you interact with the public is EVERYTHING and people let their friends know every time. read more

so disappointed in this store.....on the phone they told me they had lots and lots of kimonos (thats what im looking for) and they had not one in store (and no it was not because they sold them all in one day!!!) no fans on in store so was so hot you couldnt look even if you wanted to....cramped and hot and smelly.....was so glad i popped into Flashback 2 across the street cause got two kimonos and will go back for more!!! airy store...not cramped and had plenty of fans to keep customer "cool" while they spent money!!! read more

there silver rings are way overpriced. tourists beware don't be fooled. the sales associate Flower is a complete B. she took out a pair of earrings to show me and she had the nerve to accuse me of stealing one earring asking me "where is it, i put it here, where is it" she then realized it was on the glass counter still and she never apologized. i also bought earrings which i thought were sterling silver for $25. they made my ears green, they were fake silver. Flower, the asian woman sold me this pair claiming they were sterling silver, they felt very light weight wise i should have trusted my gut and not buy them. i'm never going to this store again. read more

I called a couple of stores looking for a vintage hat from the 60's. No one had a clue what I was talking about. I called Courage My Love and immediately I knew I was dealing with a knowledgeable salesperson. He went and checked for me an lo and behold found exactly what I was looking for at the right price. When I went in to pick it up, it was perfect. The staff makes all the difference here. The quality and variety of items is outstanding. No wonder the store has survived as long as it has in the Market. These people know what they are talking about and the service is stellar. Turns out that my daughter loves the store as well and has purchased numerous items here. I would highly recommend a trip to see their AUTHENTIC vintage things and not the Chinese knockoffs that are everywhere in the market. At the end of the day you will pay about the same price for a beautiful vintage piece as you would for a piece of garbage that is worthless. You won't regret checking out this gem. read more