Le Château
Bold pieces from Le Château’s fall collection.
Yummy deals
Twice a year, Queen West fashion hub Lilith hosts the not-to-be-missed blowout sale of samples and discontinued merchandise from their popular label Yummy Mummy, www.yummymummy.net. If you’ve got a growing bump or know of a hip mom-to-be, make sure to get there next Friday and Saturday for deals on groovy tops, skirts, dresses and accessories. As a cool bonus, this line is wearable beyond pregnancy.
When: Friday, Sept. 29 and Sat., Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Lilith, 541 Queen St. W., 416-703-4111. Cash only.
Budget beauty
Sure, summer’s over, but that’s no reason to ignore your tootsies or to let your bikini line grow wild. FF recently discovered a notable spot for quick, lovely pedicures and almost-painless waxing. It’s clean, but not especially luxurious, so not a destination for major divas. The owner, Ann, is a waxing wizard — ask for her specifically, when you book. Pedicures are $28 (or do both hands and feet for $35); waxing starts at $10.
Where: Profession Nail and Spa, 2221 Queen St. E. at Wineva Avenue, 416-694-4111. Open seven days a week.
Fall for seasonal style
Once again, Le Château has kicked it up a notch with an impressive collection of wallet-friendly fall and winter separates.
All the season’s trends (equestrian, neo-Goth, military-inspired detailing, big collars and chunky knitwear) are represented.
Many jackets, vests, overcoats and dresses emphasize the waist, but it’s the lush fabrics that mark the season: velvets, tweeds and chiffons mixed with ultra-contemporary stretch. There’s plenty of dramatic black and punches of strong colour, especially garnet reds.
Supersize sale
The Shopping Addicts sale is consistently solid, delivering deep discounts on streetwear from coveted labels including Ben Sherman, Obey, Paul Frank, Penguin, Diesel, Citizens of Humanity, BCBG and lots more (more than 7,000 individual items will hit the tables tomorrow). With savings of up to 70 per cent off regular retail, however, it can be a little intense, so smart shoppers get there early with a coffee and endure the line-ups. It’s worth it.
Once inside, shop to the beats and score some designer denim.
Where: The Guvernment, 132 Queens Quay East
When: Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Vintage value
The INESRA (I’ll Never Ever Shop Retail Again) vintage clothing sale is on again this Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Expect some fab deals on carefully curated retro wear from the 1920s to the ’70s. FF has scooped some superb jackets and cocktail dresses at this semi-annual event. Cute beaded cardigans and well-cut coats are to be had as well.
Don’t miss it, but get there early and bring cash (no bank machines are onsite). As is the case with most vintage sources, there aren’t too many items beyond size 12, but you’ll find quirky accessories such as hats, bags and gloves plus a few above-average pieces for men.
Where: 315 Albany Ave., near Casa Loma; 416-699-5242.
