Ushering in our new neighbourhood shopping feature is a spotlight on shops in The Junction, an up-and-coming ‘hood that is quickly filling up with tons of great boutiques, catering to design-enthusiasts, bargain-loving ladies and stylish tots alike. Below, 12 of our favourite stores in the area.
The Beau & Bauble
A fresh new addition to the hood, the B&B caters to girls who eschew the Bieber-loving lifestyle, offering up spoonfuls of whimsy and fantasy with a teeny bit of a dark twist. Owner Kate Elia — who has a background in costuming — has plenty of fun finds for the young and young-at-heart alike: pick up some zombie mints ($2.99), a string of handmade hearts ($7.99), or a cloth-bound edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland featuring a graphic flamingo jacket design ($25).
3092 Dundas St. W., 416-904-6136
Mia Boutique
This unique boutique defies labels; displaying samples, designer one-offs, closeouts, vintage pieces and local lines alike, Mia is a girl who has a bit of everything in her closet. With garments arranged by colour, owner Sandra Muscat — who worked as a visual artist before opening shop — has sourced endless great finds at standout prices. Slip into a pair of Yves Saint Laurent suede heels ($75) and a Christian Dior pencil skirt ($125) for an evening filled with Manhattans, or wrap yourself in a leopard print seven-way scarf ($20) and a cozy turtleneck sweater from Spanish line Anjara ($86) for a walk to High Park. Those planning ahead for New Year’s should snap up a stunning blue paillette Betsey Johnson number before it’s gone ($120).
3109 Dundas St. W., 416-551-2740
World Headquarters
Don’t be fooled by the dusty exterior; this place is filled with tons of hidden gems, ranging from pieces of reclaimed wood in every size imaginable to blueprints for chairs from 1989. A cheery King of Kensington poster from the ‘70s will bring back memories for aging hippies, while budding scribes may enjoy a newsprint lithograph from a 1960s Stratford paper.
2885 Dundas St. W., 416-333-8078
Mjölk
Translating to "milk" in Swedish, John Baker and Juli Daoust’s beautifully curated shop specializes in Scandinavian and Japanese design pieces displayed in the museum-like environs. The HOI BO travel bag (pictured below) — made in the Distillery District and exclusive to the store — is created from waxed canvas and leather and can be worn multiple ways: as a rucksack, a messenger bag or slung over the shoulder ($740). Fortunately, not everything is quite as pricey: a charming tea towel featuring milk-packaging images is a collaboration between Mjölk, Kauniste and illustrator Maria Tolvanen ($24).
2959 Dundas St. W., 416-551-9853
Metropolis Living
Housing both antiques and modern/current pieces with a nostalgic feel, this emporium is stocked full of quirky finds that give a nod to the past. We love the iridescent mercury bottles ($70) and the huge selection of freestanding letters available in various sizes and styles; they’re a fun gift or a great way to spruce up a drab room ($40-95). An Art Deco dental cabinet would be a great — if slightly creepy — dining room addition ($1800), while a throwback double timer is a (cheap) way to add some colour to a kitchen ($25).
2989 Dundas St. W., 647-343-6900
Trap Door Boutique
Catering to the art-loving individual who has a fondness for atypical patterns, this boutique carries items sourced from around the country, including alternative and cyberpunk wear from local outfitters Plastik Wrap. Our favourite? We’re smitten with the jewellery, much of which has a slightly morbid twist: an anatomical heart pendant ($60) and vertebrae earrings ($75) from Missy Industry are picks suited to budding cardiologists and chiropractors, while various necklaces featuring animal skulls are just the right amount of weird ($42).
2993 Dundas St. W., 647-827-6994
Kid Culture
This fairly new addition to the strip carries quirky and charming (new word!) pieces for kids. A two-toned coat created from a retro pattern is a great find — it’s lined with vintage fabric and comes with a tiny stuffed creature in the pocket (pictured below, $120). Meanwhile, a fuzzy dinosaur hoodie is well suited for the young stegosaurus fanatic ($45). The store also carries fun cat-loving pieces from local artist Cathy Peng (we liked the Nine Lives stickers), while the innovative “tag blanket” is perfect for brand new babes who seem intent on guzzling toy tags ($34).
2986 Dundas St. W., 416-859-9006
Wise Daughters Craft Market
Full of fun hand-made pieces, owner Mary Breen has created a shop great for quick ‘n’ quirky gifts. Great finds include a streetcar-printed onesie for a Torontonian tot ($20) and a political finger puppet (pictured below), perfect for directing your rants at, should the need arise ($18). Hilarious illustrated cards feature middle-aged figures reminiscent of your not-so-favourite aunt ($5), while buttons announcing Hogtown’s subway stations will show fellow TTCers where your loyalties lie ($2). Various workshops — including silk-screening and bookbinding — are also held regularly.
3079B Dundas St W., 416-761-1555
Forever Interiors
Creating furniture from the likes of, oh, church pews, pieces found at this store are far from common. Using reclaimed wood and other materials, customers can select from rustic tables, simple benches or cupboards made from old doors, in addition to charming accessories like a mini chalkboard ($20). Don’t see something you like? Custom furniture can be created, mixing and matching different materials to create a one-of-a-kind piece. We liked a hefty table fit with legs crafted from metal ($1600), as well as a buffet featuring doors that were antique ceramic ceiling tiles in a past life ($1900).
2903 Dundas St. W., 416-291-2001
Black Daffodil
Suited for gals who have a bit of a thing for a retro silhouette, this women’s boutique has plenty of garb for both the Marilyn aficionado and indie design lover alike. We fell for a vintage-feel dress printed with wartime ladies ($129); a black and white striped shirt — complete with a floppy bow — felt rather Parisian ($89); while a pair of leather gloves fit with studs would be perfect for a glamorous soirée ($120).
3097 Dundas St. W., 647-726-9400
The Earth Collection
Aimed at those who have a bit of a thing for the planet (but have little interest in the backpacker look), this shop features clothing with a conscience: all of the garments are created from 100 per cent natural fabrics and are guaranteed to be created in ethical working conditions. We love the cropped red jacket with double buttons ($61.50) and a charcoal grey knit skirt with a drawstring waist, both of which are easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion ($59). For a pop of colour, throw on one of the many beaded necklaces and transport yourself to a sunnier place ($25).
3072 Dundas St. W., 416-767-3072
SMASH
Having recently hosted a trunk show from designer Philip Sparks, this cavernous space is usually filled with rare and wonderful finds for the home, showcasing antiques, salvaged goods and works of art. A three-piece luggage set is perfect for the individual who travels in style but is sick to tears of LV logos ($150), while a WWI bunk will not only up the design ante of any room, but is bound to inspire endless historical discussions ($2200).
2880 Dundas St. W., 416-762-3113
