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Bloor Street West
Yorkville Shopping District
Bordered by Bloor Street West, Avenue Road
Davenport Road and Yonge Street
Shopping on Bloor Street
By: Nancy Won
The Bloor-Yorkville neighborhood is Toronto's premiere stop for high-end designer fashion. On Bloor Street, glittery shops likes Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Hermes mingle with casual-chic retailers including Lacoste, Calvin Klein and Lululemon, while the picturesque avenues of Yorkville are home to some of the city's best upscale boutiques and couture shops.
Outshone only by its glamorous clientele (celeb sightings are commonplace), the area is recognized as one of the top shopping destinations in the world, often compared to Fifth Avenue in New York, Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles and Chicago's Magnificent Mile.
Anti-Hero
113 Yorkville Avenue
(416) 924-6121
An upscale men's boutique with a rock 'n' roll attitude. This is where Toronto’s grown-up rebels at heart shop for everything from slim cut suits a la David Bowie to in-your-face graphic tee’s with a punk-dandy twist.
Augustina
138 Cumberland Street, Old York Lane No. 5
(416) 922-4248
www.augustinaboutiques.com
Tucked away on what is probably the city's most glam alleyway, this chic boutique specializes in all things irresistible to style-saavy fashionistas. Look for delicate trinkets from jewelery designers Me&Ro, gorgeous handbags and pretty, vintage-inspired lingerie—all Toronto exclusives.
Banana Republic
80 Bloor Street West
(416) 515-0018
http://www.bananarepublic.com
Following a major renovation, this busy shop continues to draw moneyed Bay Streeters with its stylish business attire, classic cuts and preppy casual wear. Options for more dressy occasions abound, with sexy but tasteful cocktail dresses for ladies and dapper suits for the gents.
Birks
55 Bloor Street West
(416) 922-2266
http://www.birks.com
Originally founded in 1879 by jeweler Henry Birks, today Birks is Canada’s top name when it comes to fine jewellery, time pieces and elegant gifting. The impressive selection of gemstones, diamonds and pearls will keep you lingering at the cases.
Chanel
50 Bloor Street West
(416) 964-1085
http://www.chanel.com
For the ultimate in luxury accessories, what right-minded fashionista can resist Chanel? The chic layered necklaces, playful charm bracelets, and of course, the iconic quilted handbags are wardrobe must-haves.
Corbo Boutique
131 Bloor Street West
(416) 928-0954
Big name designer labels draw moneyed style mavens to this Bloor Street favourite. Coveted designers up for grabs include Yves Saint Laurent, Ann Demeulemeester, Chloé and Prada Sport. Jimmy Choo shoes are the icing on the cake.
Davids
66 Bloor Street West
(416) 920-1000
Toronto shoe lovers flock to Davids each season for designer shoes that are delectable enough to eat. Handbags, wallets and scarves are also available but it's the gorgeous shoes from such names as Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Marc Jacobs that draw the crowds.
Floriane
38 Avenue Road
(416) 920-6367
This French-inspired children's clothing boutique offers European elegance to North American tots in the form of pretty cardigans, dresses and sandals for girls and smart shirts, pleated chinos and sweaters for boys.
Gucci
130 Bloor Street West
(416) 963-5127
http://www.gucci.com
Stoic staff and a hushed atmosphere make this sleek boutique feel a lot like a gallery and for good reason—the wallets, handbags and clothing showcased here are works of art in their own right. Shoes, sunglasses and other accessories round out the mix.
H & M
13 Bloor Street West
(416) 920-4029
htp://www.hm.com
Boasting three floors crammed full of H&M's signature cheap-chic fashions, this massive location offers the same trend-conscious, runway-inspired styles as its posh neighbors at a price that's easy on the budget.
Harry Rosen
82 Bloor Street
(416)972-0556
http://www.harryrosen.com
For everything a gentleman needs to look his best, visit Harry Rosen’s 32,000 square foot flagship store. As Canada's premiere menswear retailer, in addition to its in-house line of apparel, designer labels include Canali, Armani Collezioni and Versace Classic.
Hermes
131 Bloor Street West
(416) 968-8626
http://www.hermes.com
Originally an equestrian accessories shop, this luxury French fashion house draws the city's elite with its famed silk scarves, must-have handbags and luxury home accessories.
Holt Renfrew
50 Bloor Street West
(416) 922-2333
http://www.holtrenfrew.com
A Bloor Street staple and the Saks Fifth Avenue of Toronto, this high-end department store offers stylish shoppers the hottest trends, the best beauty products and designer names all at one, glitzy location.
Lacoste Boutique
131 Bloor Street West
(416) 513-1212
http://www.lacoste.com
Home of the world famous logo polo, this trendy boutique features luminescent white on white displays to showcase the rainbow of candy-hued apparel. Shoes and accessories are also up for grabs.
Louis Vutton
111 Bloor Street West
(416) 968-3993
http://www.louisvuitton.com
LV's iconic hard-cased trunks grace the windows of the luxury brand’s shimmering Bloor Street post. The main floor, which houses the famous monogrammed handbags, shoes and accessories, is the main attraction.
Lululemon Athletica
130 Bloor Street West
(416) 964-9544
http://www.lululemon.com
Whether you're an advanced yogi, a first-timer or just looking for some comfortable casual wear, Lululemon's stylish yoga gear boasts figure-flattering cuts that have customers hooked and coming back again and again.
Nike Toronto
110 Bloor Street West
(416) 921-6453
http://www.nike.com
No matter what sport you're into, you'll find all the equipment and accessories you need at this giant Nike emporium. Be sure to check out the White Room, a themed room featuring rotating installations of work by local artists.
Noir
151 Bloor Street West
(416) 962-6647
This chic, gallery-style boutique draws Toronto trendsetters with impossible-to-find, avant-garde fashion labels like Yohji Yamamoto, Viktor & Rolf and Vivienne Westwood Red Label.
Over the Rainbow
101 Yorkville Avenue
(416) 967-7448
http://www.rainbowjeans.com
With every cut, wash and rise imaginable, this Yorkville stalwart since 1975 is the city’s favourite one-stop shop for designer denim. Trendy casualwear and accessories help complete the look.
Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids
100 Bloor Street West
(416) 961-2276
http://www.potterybarn.com
Bringing contemporary furnishings with a classic feel to posh Bloor Street, Pottery Barn's four-poster beds and deep-seated sofas keep the grown-ups happy, while upstairs, kid-sized furnishings keep the little ones occupied.
Roots
100 Bloor Street West
(416) 323-3289
http://www.roots.com
Proudly Canadian and a part of this country's heritage, Roots is the world’s leader in authentic athletic clothing. Premium leather bags and jackets are also a specialty.
Stollery's
1 Bloor Street West
(416) 922-6173
http://www.stollerys.com
A Bloor Street fixture since 1901, this old world gentlemen's store offers proper British menswear options from the likes of Daks, Burberry and Aquascutum.
Teatro Verde
Hazelton Lanes
87 Avenue Road
(416) 966-2227
http://www.teatroverde.com
An eclectic home accessories and décor shop located in tony Hazelton Lanes, products range from garden containers and scented candles to hand-beaded cushions and Kate Spade teacups.
Tiffany & Co.
85 Bloor Street West
(416) 921-3900
http://www.tiffany.com
The pristine cases at this legendary jewellery boutique showcase the sparkling diamonds and sterling silver charms that Tiffany has become famous for. China, accessories and décorative objets can be found on the second floor.
TNT
Hazelton Lanes
55 Avenue Road
TNT Woman: (416) 975-1810
TNT Blu/TNT Kids: (416) 972-1593
TNT Gallerie: (416) 975-1960
http://www.tntthenewtrend.com
A favourite with local stylists, the TNT empire continues to bring trend-conscious threads to Hazelton Lanes through TNT Woman (dressy, sophisticated), TNT Blu (hip, trendy), TNT Kids (for budding fashionistas) and TNT Gallerie (showcasing the crème de la crème of the fashion industry).
Uncle Otis
26 Bellair Street
(416) 920-2281
http://www.uncleotis.com
For urban streetwear with a shot of sophistication, in-the-know guys head for Uncle Otis. Labels carried include coveted names such as Stussy, Wings & Horns, PRPS and rare gems from Mhi and Alife.
United Colours of Benetton
102 Bloor Street West
(416) 968-1611
http://www.benetton.com
This ultra-neat European boutique specializes in designer casual attire for men, women and children. Brightly-hued basics in fun colours are a strong point—look for pretty pink turtlenecks, lavender-hued cardigans and smart fall coats.
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