FASHION Magazine

Anyone feeling the pinch this January after a season of power-shopping can take comfort in Guelph’s impressive selection of vintage and consignment shops.

With one of the most comprehensive selections of vintage purses in the city, Gadabout (1300 Queen St. E., 416-463-1254, gadabout.ca) is a household name among friends who I am convinced are members of Purseoholics Anonymous.

Lovely in…Beautiful brocade

Spotted: King and Jarvis

Recessionista (noun): Person who looks wicked awesome even during times of economic crisis.

I usually have trouble getting behind blend words. (I have one friend who always chirping about the latest bromance or tramedy she saw at the theatre, and I find it to be one hundred per cent cringe-worthy.) But recessionista is slang I can get behind, because it perfectly describes the money saving way I do Christmas. Read on for my favourite thrifts and crafty tips.

I just turned 26. (Yes, I put my age on the internet for the whole world to see.) I’m now closer to 30 than 20 and in celebration of becoming one year older (and most importantly, wiser), I decided to buy a scandalous little dress and show some leg, just to prove that I can still run with the best of them.

Lovely in…Modern vintage

Spotted: FASHION offices

There is nothing like a lazy day at the market. Be it for flowers or meat, as long as I have a fresh cappuccino in hand, I have the best time simply browsing for hours. Among my favorites is a name often overlooked by locals, the Sunday Antique Market (North Market, St. Lawrence Market Complex, 92 Front St. E., 416-392-7120).

My friends always argue about which of these dresses, wolf vs. bird, is the most fantastic, and while a verdict is rarely reached, everyone seems to agree that these two dresses are the Lennon and McCartney of the local fashion scene.

In a city with a highly reputable selection of vintage and consignment shops, Meow! (10 Carden St., 519-821-7442) tops the list with its impressive collection of women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. The underground shop is filled with stylish and classic pieces, picked by owner Kara Munn’s expert eye.  The selection of vintage hats alone is worth the trip (damn this cursed over-sized head of mine…women in the ’50s must have had teeny little noggins!)

It’s hard to describe the way I feel about certain local clothing companies. Phrases like ridiculously-enthusiastic-bordering-on-crazed-fandom, and completely-obsessed don’t even begin to cover the way I talk about and covet the pieces that a few of my most favourite Maritime designers produce. One of the most exciting of these small businesses is Rosebud Beads (rosebudbeads@gmail.com or join their Facebook group).

Lovely in…a vintage vibe

Spotted: Ryerson campus

I’ve retired my usual tangle of bracelets for something a little more understated, something simple that fits just right on my little wrist: a vintage Cartier watch that I found in a pile of unmarked, unorganized jewellery at the Ruby Slipper Vintage Shoppe (970 Sargent Ave. 204-237-4976).