Once, not too long ago I went through this crazy knitting phase. I learned to knit and purl with a…read moreconnected set of sticks, I bought yarn and wool and books and delved into my new hobby with gusto....I was determined to make scarves and funky hats, wool booties and sweaters. I even contemplated making and trying to sell my masterpieces, but like many hobbies that come on a whim, it passed as quickly as it had come into my life.... Until two days ago. I happened to be in Kensington again (a place I love but don't go to as often as I once did) and I stumbled back into Fresh Baked Goods. No, not a cookie shop, but a funky store packed with knitwear and unique and cute clothing and hand made jewelry. As I browsed the tiny shop, that old nostalgia started creeping in. I even saw a DVD for learning how to knit and I was inspired again! This store was founded about 10 years ago by a knitter who made sweaters and all things knit-able. They once had a knitting bee (class) in the shop but have since removed that part of Fresh Baked Goods, and now just do the selling. Fresh Baked Goods is actually a clothing label (from the founder of the store) and all of her creations are sold there (and their sister store on Queen St). Fresh Baked Goods also sells many other hand made knit ware and designs by over 30 local creators. The prices are not cheap, but they often have items for sale, and if this kind of clothing or craft is your thing, you'll love this store! I haven't knitted anything in years, but just walking into Fresh Baked Goods has inspired me to pick up my sticks again and start working on that scarf I left unattended years before. FBG is definitely not just a store, but a collective of a unique subculture that is no longer something just for your grandma. If you are into knitting, or just starting out, you must check out Fresh Baked Goods!

Love Love Love! The clothes fit real women. The fabric is…read moregood quality. The stitching holds. The jewelry works. The style is modern classic retro whimsical and fun all grown up. It is everything a women's clothing store should have and it is all designed and made right here in Toronto. The prices are right. If you want to pay less, buy the made-in-china ditch-it-tomorrow clothes down the street. These are forever. Clare

So I haven't been here in a while, mostly because I no longer live downtown, but for a while I was…read morepretty much buying up the whole store. They have super cute vintage dresses that I was particular taken with and still love to look at (even though during covid my preferred outfit is sweats). I got so many compliments on dresses I bought from that store, whether I wore their stuff socially or at work. Actually it kind of made me feel like I was one of those glamorous women in Mad Men. I'll always have a soft spot for this place - highly recommend if you're into vintage, pretty dresses. Most of that part of Queen Street has great vintage finds.

The storefront says, "Buy Fresh, Buy Local." But in reality, it should be "Buy Local? Buy Fresh."…read more The Collective (note not co-op) is a wonderful little haven of handmade crafts and goods. There were more adorable earrings, purses, and clothes than I could fathom. My friend and I wandered the store for nearly an hour alternately exclaiming, "cute!" with mouth agape or chatting up the staff. As Erin H mentions, each showcased artist/designer works onsite once a week. The only downside to this is if inquiring minds have questions about something other than the artist du jour personally made, there won't be any answers. And as a person with some hard core metal allergies, I won't buy jewelry unless I am certain that it doesn't contain anything that will make my earlobes swell. However, I was lucky to encounter the artist who crafted the earrings that fell in love with and so, got to take them home with me (and support the local arts). Plus, I was able to be a helper that day (I love being of assistance). As the resident artist handed me a credit card receipt, I was able to pass along this little tip: legal colors only please! I passed on the pink pen handed to me and instead signed with a my own, handy blue plume. For, although I wasn't planning on contesting the charges, anyone could attempt to do so and without either a customer's blue or black ink signature on file, the store might end up "out" some fundage.

Great selection and Great staff - so patient and helpful. Knowing exactly what was best for the…read moreoccasion.

Need a party dress? Or a decent looking frock for functional every day good looks? A great…read moreselection of small labels and a genuine welcoming fun atmosphere. Prices are decent for the working class.

I needed a gift for my brother in law. I wanted something a little upwards of casual. I've known…read morethat this establishment has been here for years, and figured it was time to give it a try. I could see from their window displays that there would be a good selection of better than average clothing. Upon going inside, we were cheerily greeted by Sandy (short for Santino, I presume.) He asked what we were looking for, and what budget we wanted to work with. I was specifically looking for a black, V-neck sweater. Sandy immediately knew what options he had in the store. It didn't take long at all for him to bring over a few selections. I was quickly able to make a choice. This sweater was made in Italy, and had some cashmere content. I couldn't believe how quick, easy, and pleasant the whole experience was. My purchase was nicely boxed and bagged. Sandy provided a gift receipt with a relaxed time frame in case the recipient needed to come in for an exchange. My husband meantime enjoyed browsing the imported clothing and made a note to return for himself. They create custom made suits on addition to the designer off the rack wares. High likelihood we will return when the time comes.

PER LUI is a men's clothing and accessories store that has been operating since 1988. The store…read moreoffers an extensive but yet evolving collection of men's clothing and accessories that represent the latest styles. I headed to PER LUI as I was looking for a couple of dress shirts and few accessories as I have a couple of upcoming formal events. I have not been in the store for a while but wanted to check it out because they obviously are doing something right as they have been operating for 31 years. I tell you my wife and I were extremely impressed. Not only did they have a fantastic selection but the customer service was absolutely outstanding. They had an extensive selection of dress shirts so it was quite overwhelming in a good way but with the help of the gentleman that served me I was able to find what I was looking for while staying within my budget. The store has a very relaxed atmosphere. You can take your time browsing while enjoying an espresso from their espresso bar. I ended up purchasing 3 dress shirts, a couple pairs of socks and a pocket square. I am extremely happy with my purchases. Top notch store with top notch customer service. No doubt about it this is my go to men's store.

My wife asked me to buy some pantyhose for her as we are going to a wedding. I think pantyhose…read moredefinitely completes an outfit, so I obliged. Service was pretty good although the amount of inventory is intimidating. No real high end brands like Wilford or CdR, which is what I was really looking for. Might come back again.

Cool selection but it's very expensive and I was sold a pair of tights that ripped while putting…read morethem on for the first time (carefully). I called right away, 20 minutes after leaving the store, and was told there was nothing that could be done. Bad business practice. Won't be back.

My FAVORITE place to shop! This brand is a closet staple for me, I can always count on them to have…read moreunique and cute pieces that will last for decades! I literally have a blazer that I purchased in 2008 that I STILL wear and it still looks good and relevant. The prices are somewhat on the high side but I feel they are justified for the most part. I've visited all locations in the ATL and surrounding areas and the Avalon location is by far my favorite. They have the friendliest and most helpful girls working there. Definitely recommend FP.

Located in Yorkville (across from Anthropologie which I think is owned by the same company…read moreanyways), this store has a downstairs (separate entrance) where the lingerie, shapers and some pjs are kept. I did love some of the bras - they were just unique and sexy and just beautiful. And expensive....one bra I really loved was $88. I just couldn't justify it. I didn't see one bra that had any padding - mostly all sheer which is unfortunate because if you aren't blessed in the chest department I don't think they would look as well as compared to someone who could fill it out. Go outside and then upstairs is where the clothing is. Located on 2 levels it of course has the feel of Anthropologie and similar pricing. This week they have 30% off their sale items. Some jewelry, shoes but mostly clothes I wasn't that impressed by the clothing. I more so loved the lingerie. If you have any sexy time coming up (Valentines Day??!) and just want something that makes you feel lovely then definitely check out their bras.

I've been wearing Mandala Designs clothes for years, and Mandy's designs continue to be stylish,…read moreclassy, timeless and comfortable. I'm so glad to be able to visit the boutique store with friendly staff and products from other local designers.

This is Mandala Design's new boutique store. I normally have to go to Fresh Collective to buy their…read moreclothing so I love that they opened this store which is closer to me. The store is sorts by size and category. So you'll find all the medium sized tops, skirts & dresses in one spot. The sales clerks were very nice & helpful. It's a nicely laid out store & I'm definitely coming here again to buy more made in Canada clothing by one of my favourite designers!

All I can say is WOW! Every bride-to-be needs to know about Ana Koi Bridal. Since getting engaged,…read moreI've been to numerous bridal boutiques. So much so, that I was actually getting pretty burnt out and discouraged in finding "THE dress". From looking at dresses online and trying on so many different dresses, I knew exactly what I liked and what I didn't like in a dress. I knew custom was the route I needed to go, however I didn't want to pay over a certain amount and I assumed going custom would mean going over budget. After researching and reaching out to different places that do custom wedding dresses, I found that they either charged well beyond my budget or if they were more reasonably priced, I didn't have the confidence that they would be able to make my dress exactly how I wanted. Then I came across Ana Koi Bridal. They have many beautiful dresses already made in the boutique, but they also do custom dresses (which I think is so underrated and should be advertised more)! Their atelier is in Europe, as that's where the owner has connections. Looking at some of the custom dresses they did for brides, I felt really confident in their ability to get the design pat down, using all the materials I would be happy with. Beverly, the consultant I worked with, was amazing! I highly recommend her. She's such a sweet person and really made me feel at ease during the process. She had me try on dresses they currently had to see which elements I like from each and noted them down. I also showed pictures and videos of elements from other dresses I wanted for my dress. She's very organized and makes sure to ask about small details. The entire design process is collaborative, with approvals from the client along the way as it's being made. I should mention that the pricing is also excellent! It's comparable to the pricing for dresses pre-made. They are transparent about pricing, plus their alterations are super reasonable. Some places charge $600+ for alterations, but Ana Koi Bridal doesn't charge anywhere near that. You can check out their website for dresses they carry. If you want a custom dress, definitely pay them a visit!

stunning dresses. the only store that is not pushing you into anything but truelly help you find…read morethe only dress. once you deal with them and see their gowns you do not need to look anywhere else