Where‘s top picks for everyone on your Christmas list
By Jennifer Patterson
The Trendsetter
Ring in the holiday season with a piece of arm candy from Tiffany & Co. The Bracelet Bag comes in satin, velvet or leather, in colours such as Tiffany blue, burgundy or walnut.
Jacob’s new eau de toilette trio comes in Classique, with notes of pink pepper and citrus; Joie de Vivre, passion fruit and freesia; and Very Chic, vanilla and black amber.
The Swarovski tree and giant reindeer at the Toronto Eaton Centre (photo by Rasheed Clarke)
Each week, our intrepid interns reflect on life and times in the big city.
It’s amazing how Toronto residents go nuts at the first sight of snow. All it took was a few flakes falling yesterday morning for #snow to become a local trending topic on Twitter. That dusting didn’t really stick around, but the imminent arrival of the white stuff (along with the much-maligned early sunset) means it’s the time of year to test the power grid with millions of twinkling lights at the city’s festive displays.
The most unique setup I’ve seen so far has been at the Toronto Eaton Centre. While the mall is usually home to artist Michael Snow’s famous fiberglass geese, a few massive silver reindeer have found their way inside to graze near the Swarovski crystal wish tree. The spindly, sparkly creatures scattered throughout the shopping centre are part festive holiday decoration and part contemporary art installation, made up of dotted lights, shimmering ribbons and colourful stars. My colleague Alex, though, did point out that shoppers strolling into the Eaton Centre via the Yonge Street entrance near Roots are greeted by a giant reindeer’s derriere.
The Bay's holiday window display—along Queen Street west of Yonge (photo by Rasheed Clarke)
Venture a few steps south of the Eaton Centre and you’ll find The Bay’s holiday window display, which depicts Santa and his elves preparing for the jolly old man’s flight later this month. I had to press my nose against the glass to fully appreciate each vignette’s intricacies—like the nutcracker dolls being assembled in Santa’s workshop and the tiny stuffed animals peeking out of his sleigh.
Just about a couple of blocks away from The Bay, the lights get brighter and the spectacle gets bigger at Nathan Phillips Square. Skeletal trees sparkle, the skating rink shines beneath a blanket of golden lights, and the city’s Christmas fir towers in bands of green, red and white beside the violet glow emanating from the City Hall buildings. It was cold and rainy and deserted on the night I dropped by, but the scene had a certain serenity. That’ll change, of course, when skaters and other winter revellers fill into Nathan Phillips Square later on this month. Perhaps when the snow really starts falling.
—Rasheed Clarke
We asked. Where readers voted. Here are your top spots to shop.
Whistler Village photo copyright Hartemink/Dreamstime.com
Apparel
Roots.
Honourable Mentions
Lululemon.
Hatley Scoops.
Fine Art
Mountain Galleries.
Honourable Mentions
Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery.
The Plaza Galleries.
Black Tusk Gallery.
Outdoor Gear
The North Face.
Honourable Mentions
Affinity Sports.
Escape Route.
Souvenirs
Cows Whistler.
Honourable Mentions
The Trading Post. 604-938-6204.
Sea to Sky Souvenirs. 604-932-3201.
Spa
Scandinave Spa.
Honourable Mentions
The Spa at the Four Seasons.
Vida Spa.
To vote for next year’s winners, visit www.where.ca/whistler.
To see Vancouver’s winners, visit www.where.ca/vancouver.
2. Spirits by Karoo Ashevak (photo courtesy of the Museum of Inuit Art)
1. Crunching into stone-baked pizzas and grilled panini at Café Uno in the the Distillery Historic District.
2. Marveling at finely crafted stone and bone carvings at the Museum of Inuit Art.
3. Horses and llamas and cows (oh my!), plus a giant vegetable competition and more at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
4. Admiring Grace Kelly’s glamourous gowns, Oscar and more at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
5. Savouring straight-from-the-tandoor-oven naan—alongside chicken tikka and palak paneer—at Little India. (more…)
Spring into the season with a bold French tote ($158) from Roots. It’s a workhorse of a bag—one large compartment fits anything and everything you need for a busy day at the office or a jam-packed weekend—but its colourful prince leather body trimmed with vegetable-tanned leather ensures a supple material that only softens over time.
Kristina bag from Roots
Treat Mom to one of summer’s must-have bags from Roots (including Kristina Bag $288, pictured). Bright, buttery-soft leather makes up every piece in this line of arm candy, which ranges in styles from satchels to boho totes to clutches. Each Canadian-made bag works as the perfect carryall to take from the beach to an evening out for dinner.—Jennifer Patterson
Winter’s on its way out; it’s time to get a head start on exploring. Guide yourself with our specialized itineraries, or contact one of Toronto’s many tour operators to delve deeper into this multifaceted metropolis. And don’t forget to check out previous Yours to Discover posts, here: Day One, Day Two, Day Three, Day Four.
Harry Rosen
SARTORIAL STROLLS
Get kitted out and catwalk-ready in Toronto’s most fashion-forward locales.
CANUCK COUTURE The touring fashionista’s must-visit strip, Bloor Street West, between Yonge Street and Avenue Road, is home to a bevy of Canadian-owned retailers with global cachet, including Holt Renfrew—Toronto’s answer to Saks Fifth Avenue—fine menswear mecca Harry Rosen, and distinguished beaver-emblazoned brand Roots.
INTERNATIONAL ICONS Bloor Street also showcases standalone shops representing world-famous fashion houses, including French favourites Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton, Italian labels like Gucci and Prada, as well as German stalwart Hugo Boss. Be sure to accessorize your new ensemble with baubles from Birks, Cartier or Tiffany & Co.
Eleven
SINGULAR STYLE Moving north from Bloor into tony Yorkville ensures encounters with boutiques offering personalized service and unique, on-trend attire. Ladies are encouraged to try 119 Corbo, Eleven, Hugo Nicholson and the Pink Tartan store Seventy-Seven. Finery for fellows is found at Nicolas Men and Anti-Hero, among others.
INDEPENDENT SPIRIT On Queen Street, west of Bathurst, you’re sure to make a contemporary fashion “find.” For women, Robber is one of many inspired indie shops that curate new looks by emerging and established designers from Canada and abroad, while Preloved offers more relaxed garments made from reclaimed fabrics. Modish men stride into Green Shag for bespoke shirts and suits, and attention-grabbing stores like Ruins, which stock exclusive labels in gallery-like settings.
The professional image consultants of The Refinery offer a variety of weekly shopping tours that take you to chic boutiques throughout the city.
We asked. Where readers voted. Here are your top spots to shop.
Whistler Village photo copyright Steve Rosset/Dreamstime
Lululemon Athletica
Honourable Mentions
Helly Hansen;
Snowflake;
Roots.
The North Face Store
Honourable Mentions
Helly Hansen;
Escape Route.
Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery
Honourable Mentions
Whistler Village Art Gallery;
Mountain Galleries;
Plaza Galleries.
The Trading Post
Honourable Mentions
Sea to Sky Souvenirs;
Cows.
The Spa
Vida Wellness Day Spa
Honourable Mentions
Avello Spa;
Taman Sari Royal Heritage;
Scandinave Spa.
To vote for next year’s winners, visit www.where.ca/whistler. To see Vancouver’s winners, visit www.where.ca/vancouver.
We asked. Where readers voted. Here are your top spots to shop
By Jennifer Patterson
'Tis the season for holiday chocolates at Purdys. Photo by KK Law
CHOCOLATE
Purdy’s Chocolates
For over 100 years Purdy’s has delighted sweet tooths with hazelnut truffle–filled Hedgehogs, Mint Melties and gooey Sweet Georgia Browns. Just in time for the holidays: decorative tins of assorted chocolates and peppermint bark. Yum!
Honourable Mentions
Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie;
Chocolate Arts.
SHOPPING CENTRE
Pacific Centre
Downtown’s largest shopping mall houses some of the biggest labels: H&M, Teenflo, Aritzia, Harry Rosen and Sephora. It’s also home to high-end retailer Holt Renfrew.
Honourable Mentions
Metropolis at Metrotown;
Park Royal;
Oakridge Centre.
FINE ART
Heffel Fine Art
Head to the gallery to purchase works by Canadian, American and European artists, or visit the website to bid in the online auction house.
Honourable Mentions
Inuit Gallery;
Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery.
DEPARTMENT STORE
Sears
The downtown location is hard to miss thanks to its bulbous white exterior. Inside find high-end cosmetics, apparel for the whole family, and small and large home appliances. There’s also a Starbucks on the main level.
Honourable Mentions
The Bay;
Holt Renfrew.
ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
Vancouver Architectural Antiques
VAA specializes in 19th- and 20th-century lighting. Find everything from art deco sconces to early Victorian lamps. Sculptures, furniture and paintings, too.
Honourable Mentions
Guild House Antiques;
Antique Warehouse.
EYEWEAR
Sunglass Hut
Keep those peepers protected from harmful rays with a pair of quality sunshades. Fashionistas favour Fendi, Burberry and Ray-Ban, while sporty types pick up Oakley and Bollé.
Honourable Mentions
Art Face Optical;
Eyes on Burrard.
Colourful yoga mats and apparel at Lululemon. Photo by KK Law
ATHLETIC SPORTING GOODS
Lululemon Athletica
This local success story first opened shop in Kitsilano, and the yoga-inspired athletic apparel, which ranges from hoodies and jackets to pants and bags, has become a wardrobe staple for Vancouverites.
Honourable Mentions
Mountain Equipment Co-op;
SportChek.
LINGERIE
La Jolie Madame
Opened in 1971, this ooh la la lingerie shop carries high-end European intimates as well as daywear and nightwear. Sizes range from 32A to 46H.
Honourable Mentions
Dianes Lingerie;
Scarlet.
LADIES’ APPAREL
Aritzia
Fashion-savvy women head to Vancouver’s own Aritzia for edgy designs and must-have wardrobe staples. In-house lines include Wilfred, TNA, Community, Talula, Wilfred Free and Talula Babaton.
Honourable Mentions
Roots;
Wear Else.
MEN’S APPAREL
Boys’ Co
This hip shop carries everything for the stylish man. Brands include J. Lindberg, Hugo Boss, G Star, True Religion and Justin Timberlake’s line William Rast.
Honourable Mentions
Dunn’s Tailors;
Harry Rosen.
CHILDREN’S APPAREL
The Children’s Place
Find fashionable clothing and shoes for newborns, babies and kids size four to 14.
Honourable Mentions
Dandelion Kids;
Please Mum.
FOOTWEAR
Freedman Shoes
For over 75 years this Vancouver company has been helping locals on the hunt for the perfect shoe. Brands include Calvin Klein, Sam Edelman, Michael Kors and Frye.
Honourable Mentions
Ecco;
Sterling Shoes.
Brilliant baubles line the glass cases at Blue Ruby. Photo by KK Law
BOOKS
Chapters
Spend an hour—or two—exploring this palatial, multi-level bookshop. Everything from cookbooks to self-help to art to language has a dedicated section, as do the hottest best sellers and the multitude of magazines. Great gifts ideas such as candles, calendars, blankets and music complete the space. In-store Starbucks cafe.
Honourable Mentions
Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks;
Book Warehouse.
CHINA & CRYSTAL
Atkinson’s
Find the perfect hostess gift, such as timeless Waterford Crystal and delicate Fabergé eggs, or style your own abode with dinnerware by Versace and Wedgwood. Linens, pottery, home decor and fragrances, too.
Honourable Mentions
Chintz & Company;
Herzog.
JEWELLERY & WATCHES
Blue Ruby
This local shop highlights jewellery designers from around the world but focuses on both Canadian and Vancouver talent. Find items great for gifting at a variety of price points. Pyrrha talisman necklaces and sterling silver Tashi earrings are eye-catching additions to any outfit.
Honourable Mentions
Birks;
Spence.
SPAS & SALONS
Absolute Spa
A perennial winner, Absolute Spa continues to charm locals and visitors alike at its citywide locations. Let your mind wander during the relaxing aromatherapy massage, or enjoy the toning and hydrating rose and tonic facial. It’s a hot spot for celebrities including Jennifer Garner, Janet Jackson, Chris Rock and Megan Fox, so you never know who you might run into.
Honourable Mentions
Spa Utopia;
Willow Stream Spa.
To vote for next year’s winners, please click here.
The globe’s most coveted brands—and our own national favourites—are readily available right here in YYZ. Click any of the slideshow images below to view Where Toronto‘s favourite international items for the holiday season.
Styled images with colour backgrounds photographed by Luis Albuquerque. Off-figure styling by Daniel Onori/Plutino Group.
The Toronto International Film Festival is ramping up for its 35th excellent year, with more than 300 movies showing between September 9 and 19. Follow this space in the days leading up to TIFF 2010 for features on much-anticipated premieres, the Bell Lightbox—the festival’s exciting new headquarters—and scads of sites at which to spot visiting celebrities. During the festival itself, we’ll bring you details on each day’s film offerings plus what to do before or after your screening.
Gotstyle
TODAY: A-LIST ATTIRE
It’s rarely enough to be just a great thespian. One has to look the part, too. Toronto’s world-class selection of shops ensures the stars are dressed to the nines for their moment in the spotlight.
1 The luxe looks donned by Hollywood’s leading ladies can be found along Bloor Street West, home to international boutiques including Prada, Gucci and Chanel, plus high-end department store Holt Renfrew, which collects all manner of designer duds. Hermès, Cartier and others provide the jewels and accessories. Or for that timeless Audrey Hepburn look, go slightly north to vintage couturier The Cat’s Meow.
2 Men in the George Clooney mold—respectful of the classics, but mindful of modern trends—are rakishly attired by the likes of Nicolas Men and Harry Rosen. The latter’s bespoke tailors are sought-after, and have outfitted the likes of Dustin Hoffman and Christopher Plummer. Custom suits at King West’s Gotstyle are also in high demand—master tailor Joa Cavalcanti has designed for Leonardo Dicaprio, Daniel Craig and Daniel Day Lewis.
3 For stars who really want to shine, many on-trend shops offer youthful, eclectic apparel. Denim specialist Over the Rainbow has long catered to clients such as Ryan Reynolds and Renee Zellweger, while Julia Roberts was recently spotted perusing at Preloved. Canadian brand Roots also has hipster cred—its latest iconic collection was designed by artist and author Douglas Coupland.
Tomorrow: 10 Celeb-Approve Nosh Spots
Artist Douglas Coupland teams up with Roots for a techno-savvy line of clothing
Nobody channels Canadiana better than Roots. Founded in 1973, this iconic beaver-branded store continues to reinvent our national heritage with clothing and bags for men, women and children. In keeping with the times—think: age of computers—Roots has partnered with West Coast-based author/artist Douglas Coupland for a collection of shirts, sweaters, bags, passport holders, belts and jackets. The test-patterned dress ($68) and t-shirt (pictured, $40) are inspired by all things digital; motherboard-printed clothing and electric current–themed leather duffle bags ($598) also factor in prominently. And it doesn’t get more patriotic then a tee emblazoned with a pixelated maple leaf. These collectable items won’t be around for long, so purchase them now in-store or online at www.roots.com/douglascoupland.—Jennifer Patterson
Satisfy your sweet tooth with the treats at Cupcakes. Photo courtesy Cupcakes
1 Zimsculpt, an exhibition of impressive stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, at VanDusen Botanical Garden (Aug. 13 to Sep. 26).
2 Cheering on the BC Lions football team.
3 A “voyage” on False Creek Ferries or Aquabus Ferries to the Public Market on Granville Island for early-morning coffee and fresh baked goods beside the water.
4 Soaking up the sunshine along the seawall.
5 Sweet treats from Cupcakes and other tasty spots along Denman Street.
6 Riding the Canada Line SkyTrain right up front, with an unobstructed view of the tracks all the way to—or from—Vancouver International Airport.
7 Leisurely afternoons strolling through the Vancouver Art Gallery.
8 Douglas Coupland’s Digital Orca art installation, near the new Vancouver Convention Centre. The local author/artist also has an eye-popping clothing line in Roots stores this summer.
Flowers at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Photo by Kristina Urquhart
9 Blasts from the past such as Melissa Etheridge (Aug. 20) and Van Morrison (Aug. 7).
10 Meeting for dim sum at big and bustling Chinese rooms such as Floata, Kirin or Sun Sui Wah.
11 The hundreds of stores (not to mention the air conditioning) in Park Royal.
12 The world’s most spectacular golf. Don’t forget your camera.
13 Walking across Granville or Burrard bridge for the best free city views with an ocean and mountain backdrop.
14 All the restaurants with fantastic patios, ideal for summer dining.
15 Exploring local gardens.
On July 1 our home and native land marks its 143rd birthday. Even if you’re just adopting Canada for the day, these red and white products help you show some patriotic pride.
Clockwise from top left:
>> 100 Photos That Changed Canada book by Mark Reid, $45, Indigo.
>> Maple leaf key holder, $63, Swarovski.
>> Canadian Shield T-shirt, $32.50, Red Canoe.
>> Village Bag International, $158, Roots.
>> xcase Nation carry-on suitcase, $99.97, The Bay.
Named for entrepreneur Joseph Bloor, this tony thoroughfare is the city’s chicest spot for shopping. Dubbed the “Mink Mile” for the many designer retailers who call this stretch between Yonge Street and Avenue Road home, the fashionable district is where you’ll find both visiting celebrities and Toronto’s upper echelon.
Click on any map marker for more information on Where’s neighbourhood favourites.
Locals love Roots for its soft fabrics and classic style
Keep warm and show some national pride in a hoodie (pictured) from the Canada Collection or a sweater from the new International Collection, featuring countries such as China, Finland and France, all by Roots. This heritage brand has channeled northern lifestyle since 1973 and made a name for itself thanks to classic designs and leather bags. It’s definitely souvenir-worthy.—Jennifer Patterson
1. Hugo Boss ups the ante on slick storefronts with the debut of its first Canadian flagship store along Bloor Street West’s Mink Mile. Opened in December, the three-storey, 12,000-square-foot space was designed by the company’s architectural team in Germany, and will serve as the model for all future Hugo Boss flagship shops. A modern exterior of matrix concrete is broken up by windows at each level where bedecked mannequins showcase the brand’s sleek and professional dresses, suits, jackets and accessories for men and women. Inside, a gallery-like boutique featuring glossy finishes, a glass staircase, stained oak and stone flooring provides a crisp and serene ambience for viewing the BOSS Black and BOSS Selection lines.
2. Although it has a stand-alone store down the street, renowned French perfumery Chanel doubles the pleasure with a luxurious shop-in-shop at the Bloor Street location of Holt Renfrew. Amidst cozy hues of caramel and gold, with tweed-upholstered chairs, an illuminated screen beams the company’s lineup of scents along with historical images of founder Coco Chanel and renowned master perfumers from its haute history. Chanel beauty and fragrance experts are on-site at six makeup stations to offer professional advice about the company’s cosmetics and skincare lines, and provide olfactory “tours” of 12 scents from the “Les Exclusifs de Chanel” collection, including its latest, the floral-infused BEIGE.
3. Although the 21st winter games, from February 12 to 28, are being hosted on Canada’s west coast, the fervor of the competition can still be honoured here in Toronto. With glowing hearts, show your patriotic pride by picking up these items.
>> Douglas Duffel from the International Collection, $398, Roots.
>> Omega Vancouver 2010 Seamaster Diver watch, $4,500, Birks.
>> Torchbearer mittens, $10, The Bay.
>> Olympic team quilted vest, $70 and up, The Bay.
>> Sterling silver with 18K gold tag pendant, $225, Birks.
This supple leather sack from Roots is perfect for travelling
Make a stylish statement as you tour the city with a super-soft leather knapsack from Roots. It may seem like a throwback to school days gone by, but there’s nothing out-of-date about this vintage-inspired bag. It’s perfect for toting purchases and keeping hands free for coffee or for the latest issues of Where Vancouver and Where Whistler. With the eye-catching Canadian flag adorning the back, this classic souvenir will no doubt be snapped up quickly, just in time for the 2010 Winter Games.—Jennifer Patterson
Rogers' Chocolates is a popular local brand
It’s no secret West Coasters take pride in shopping local. To get a better sense of what makes us Canucks tick, take a tour of these beloved Canadian shops.
1 Roots. No one has captured the Canadian spirit quite like this old-school company, specializing in warm outerwear and buttery-soft leather bags.
2 Lululemon. This province-wide favourite turned yoga wear into trendy, everyday apparel. Perfect for cold weather are the oh-so-cozy hooded sweatshirts, available for men and women in a variety of colours and patterns.
3 Aritzia. This hipster boutique is a one-stop-shop for anything and everything fashionable. Sister shop TNA carries casual apparel.
4 Rogers’ Chocolates (pictured at right). It started in Victoria in the late 1800s and is popular with locals and visitors alike. An official licensee for the 2010 Olympic Games, it has the sweetest souvenir out there—literally.—Jennifer Patterson
TIME TO CHANGE
Support finding a cure for breast cancer with this sleek watch
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To help in the fight, Roots and Rethink Breast Cancer have created watches that feature the iconic pink ribbon, including the Moonstone (pictured). Ten percent of proceeds go towards breast cancer research, so be sure to pick one up.—Jennifer Patterson
Do you have great photos from your travels in Canada that you'd like to share with us? Submit them to the Where Canada Flickr pool and they'll show up here.
Stay, Dine, Do
