Accessories shops in Toronto’s Kensington Market
In the winter months, it’s easy to let your wardrobe start sagging. Practicality seems to take the place of style and sass. There’s no better place to spice up a drab outfit than Kensington Market, the headquarters of self-decor. Follow this guide and reclaim your own unique style with some one-of-a-kind outfit adornments. [Feature image: Courage My Love]
Bungalow
273 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2M1Bungalow is one of the most popular spots in the market for hip trimmings. Behind its retro window dressing, this spacious store carries a mix clothing and accessories that are both brand new and second hand. New lines like B.B. Dakota, Obey, and Richer Poorer are mixed with hand-picked vintage as well as their own remade fashions. This is the place for sunglasses, reading glasses, and bags of all kinds. Bungalow has a solid selection of purses, sports bags and knapsacks for city slickers on the go. They also offer a collection of locally made jewellery and watches.
Model Citizen
279 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2M1Originally a silkscreen studio, Model Citizen is curated with an appreciation of fine materials, prints and quality craftsmanship. Unlike most of the dress-up shops in the market, this one will appeal to the more masculine inclined. Model Citizen features local designers and will have you looking sharp in labels like Chapter, Kovalum, and Sully Wong. Styles lean toward the sophisticated and preppy, with a dash of eccentricity. Printed ties, bow ties and belts are the perfect finishing touches for a suave modern outfit. As one the shop’s slogans says, "you deserve a better dressed boyfriend."
Fashion Old and New
27 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2J8Fashion Old and New is an unexpected hideout for some classic accessory staples. While the front of the shop shows off vintage plaid and denim, the back of the store is always stocked with designer leather purses and shoes in neutral colours that are great for work, dressing up, or just a casual, everyday look. In the colder months, you’ll find some quality second-hand boots, including Doc Martens.
Courage My Love Inc
14 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2J7Courage my Love is the longstanding Queen of accessories in the Kensington Market. Find unique and imported jewellery from around the world (everything from glass bead necklaces to aged brass bangles). It is also one of TO’s few spots with a wide array of antique 1930s glass buttons for customizing your clothing. If 1950s and 60s style is your look, try some authentic cat eye sunglasses, long lady gloves or silk scarves. For men, check out the selection of colourful, patterned ties and fedoras.
Tibet Lungta
60 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2K1Easily one of the most colourful and alluring shops in Kensington, Tibet Lungta is a treasure trove full of ornate jewellery made by Tibetans, and imported from Nepal and India. As the front store for Kensington Market, you won’t miss the display of bright scarves, brass bangles with red and turquoise stones, and prayer flags. Other unique trimmings include Nepalese wool hats, beaded earrings and hand-knit wallets. The oversized silver rings and necklaces displayed in the window seem to be designed for looking royal.
The Rage
13 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2J8The Rage is the spot for funky streetwear and accessories in Kensington. Painted fuchsia pink, this tiny store packs a mean punch with over 40 local artists and independent designers. Representing a more whimsical, dont-take-yourself-so-seriously style, The Rage in an immediate market standout. Here, you may find hand-screened ties and handpainted and bejewelled shoes (heels and runners). Absurd pop culture-inspired jewellery conjures memories of the 1990s and will bring some spunk back to your accessory drawer.
