The Bay

Canada > Archive by tag 'The Bay'

Hot Shopping: Runway Ready

The Room at The Bay

Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu, Roland Mouret, Charlotte Olympia and Azzedine Alaïa. If the mere mention of these five designer labels leaves you feeling faint, then The Room at The Bay is the place for you. This 2,100-sq-m (23,000-sq-ft) store-within-a-store carries covetable clothing, jewellery and footwear, all prominently displayed in a pristine, super-chic setting. Another reason to stop by: Erdem’s nine-piece collection, exclusive to The Bay—be still my beating heart.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

THE BAY Canada’s oldest department store features fashions for the home and family, as well as Canadian gift items and everyday essentials. High-fashion area The Room features pieces by Armani, Erdem and others. The heritage department stocks the iconic point blankets, outerwear and collectibles. 674 Granville St. at Georgia. 604-681-6211. www.thebay.com

Hot Shopping: Cool Canadian Fashion

Ooh la la, a cashmere travel set from the HBC Collection.

Show off your Canadian pride (whether you’re Canadian or not) with the HBC Collection. This signature line from the Hudson’s Bay Company offers a range of high-end items that boast the multicoloured stripes synonymous with the brand (we love this cashmere travel set, $350). The collection also features collaborations with a variety of designers, such as Smythe, Steven Alan, Caroline Fur, and Harry Barker, for products that range from apparel to fur accessories to pet products. The Bay, Rideau Centre, 73 Rideau St., 613-241-7511, and St. Laurent Centre, 1200 St. Laurent Blvd., 613-748-6105.

30 Things We Love About Toronto This October

3. Medieval Times

1. The wonder of liquid nitrogen ice cream from Colborne Lane prepared tableside.

2. Catching a live performance by the iconic Liza—with a z—Minnelli on October 28.

3. Jousting knights on horseback at Medieval Times.

4. Seeing the city on two wheels with the rental of Bixi Bikes; return them to many conveniently located docking stations in the downtown core.

5. Serpentine sculptures handmade by Native Canadian artists from Eskimo Art Gallery. (more…)

Hot Shopping: Fall Finds

Galion nail polish by NARS

Let’s face facts: fall colours are getting predictable. This season, trade in oranges and yellows for the bright blues and soft neutrals of the NARS fall collection (“Galion” nail polish, pictured). These luxurious cosmetics are loaded with star power—celebrities Madonna and Sienna Miller favour the flashbulb-friendly line. Stock your make-up bag at Sephora or The Bay.—Jill Von Sprecken

Hot Shopping: Cool Collaboration

Sac by Klaxon Howl for The Bay

The Bay asked hip menswear label Klaxon Howl to reinvent and reimagine the iconic point blanket. The results take the housebound blanket to the streets with a heritage sac (pictured), backpack, belted coat and zippered vest, all made from the striped, re-purposed wool.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Tick Tock

Kidrobot for Swatch

The countdown’s finally over for the launch of the Kidrobot for Swatch line of timepieces. The always-cool Gent watch comes decorated with designs by eight different Kidrobot–partnered artists (MAD’s Shout Out; pictured), leaving fans chomping at the bit for a piece of this arty arm candy and the collectable vinyl Dunny toy that comes with it. Time’s a tickin’ so head to The Bay or Swatch before it’s too late.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Fashionable Frocks

Give a jolt to your tired wardrobe with a fun summer dress from Banana Republic

Wondering what to wear to an upcoming summer celebration? Whether it’s an outfit for a wedding, beach or dinner party, Where’s got you covered. Grab some gal pals and head to Banana Republic for a wide range of both mini and maxi dresses (including the linen/cotton strapless dress, pictured). BCBG’s cutting-edge designs are perfect for glamorous nights. The Bay’s chic White Space on the third floor sits chock-a-block with party-friendly finds, or head down the street to Holt Renfrew for designer labels aplenty—a must for star-studded soirees.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Handbag Heaven

This cute bag from DKNY is a perfect summer staple

Looking for that perfect piece of arm candy to carry throughout the summer months? Stop by DKNY for seriously stylish purses (including the vintage leather round satchel, pictured) or head to Michael Kors for classic totes and clutches. For a wide selection of everything from beach bags to evening bags, visit the multitude of racks at Holt Renfrew and The Bay.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Dining: 75 Years in the City

White Spot founder Nat Bailey coined the term "carhop" and created the world's first carhop tray (photo circa 1950s). Photo courtesy White Spot

Back in 1936, when the Where brand was created, Vancouver was a much different place. Construction hadn’t yet begun on the Lions Gate Bridge. Granville Island housed nothing but factories that made industrial items such as paint, cement and machinery. And sliced bread hadn’t yet been introduced here (that came in 1937). But a few things haven’t changed over the years. In 1936, folks were already dancing the night away in the Commodore Ballroom, watching the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra perform, enjoying Triple O burgers at White Spot (pictured), shopping at The Bay and snapping photographs in front of the Hollow Tree in Stanley Park.—Sheri Radford

You Are Here: Queen Street West

The downtown segment of what is arguably Toronto’s coolest street becomes an even cooler destination as winter arrives.

View You Are Here: Queen Street West in a larger map

Kids can learn about animation in the NFB's winter wonderland workshop

HOLIDAY MOVIEHOUSE Edging into the Entertainment District you’ll find the National Film Board’s Toronto Mediatheque, an education centre and library of Canadian flicks that can be watched for free at one of many digital viewing stations. Like what you see? Sign up for a Winter Wonderland workshop, where kids (ages 6 to 13) can create animated films of their own.

DESIGN DEN Just north of Queen West is the distinctive facade of the Umbra Concept Store, the design company’s only standalone location in the world. Not only does this retail space feature the firm’s entire line of modern, affordable home products, it also showcases designers at work. For the holidays, nearly 100 brand-new items are on offer—perfect for stocking stuffers.

Chef David Lee oversees the action at Nota Bene (photo by Nikki Leigh McKean)

BOUNTIFUL BITE Nota Bene stands out on a section of Queen Street otherwise stocked with bars and Indian buffets. The stylish yet casual restaurant provides the perfect atmosphere for both intimate dinners and larger, more boisterous celebrations. For a winter warm-up, be sure to try chef David Lee’s Yucatan hot and sour soup, or pasta with hearty rabbit ragu.

MUSICAL GEM Home to some of the city’s top operatic and dance productions—including the National Ballet’s The Nutcracker, opening December 11—the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts is a local landmark. From street level it strikes a staid stance, but inside it’s a marvel of design. Take a docent-led tour on most Saturdays to learn more about the building’s architecture and incredible acoustics.

Marvel at The Bay's detailed holiday window displays

WINDOW SHOPPING Massive department store The Bay has eight floors of fashion, furniture, fragrances and more—something for everyone on your holiday gift list. As Canada’s oldest corporation, this store is an iconic part of our national history. The flagship location continues a Toronto tradition, too: each year its Queen Street frontage features intricate window displays with seasonal scenes.

GATHERING PLACE City Hall’s two curving towers overlook Nathan Phillips Square, an outdoor hub for concerts and cultural events. The multipurpose site offers something to look forward to when temperatures drop, as its reflecting pool turns into a public skating rink. Even in winter the square is bustling—the annual Citytv New Year’s Eve bash is just one can’t-miss activity.