A forewarning that this post is going to be too long for your email, so you’re better off reading on your desktop or in the Substack app.
I love the resurgence of the Toronto brick-and-mortar retail scene. From the openings of River Crossing Shop on Queen West to Absolutely Fabrics, it makes me hopeful to see shopping spaces curated with intention.
There are tried and true boutiques that I also find myself constantly going back to - 119 Corbo in Yorkville is one of them. Known for their exceptionally refined selection and elevated, minimal taste, I find some of my most coveted pieces here. The price tags aren’t cheap, but then again, neither are the prices as River Crossing or AF. But what I found to be more reasonable in price yet uncompromising in quality was 119’s in-house label, One Nineteen.
One Nineteen is perfect for lovers of The Row who don’t necessarily feel ready to bite the bullet on the full price tag. It is the perfect capsule wardrobe of (mostly) black pieces that will seamlessly integrate with the rest of your wardrobe. Take, for example, this wide leg pant that I invested in. They are not cheap, but fall into the price range of what I think people consider “mid-range.” Some considerations that swayed me with purchasing this:
The material doesn’t wrinkle, which makes them perfect for travel
I disdain the thought of sweatpants in public, but these feel like a chic equivalent. I can wear these with sneakers, flip flops, sandals, and heels. They suit every type of occasion (even black tie, if you’re creative enough)
These pants are the perfect luxe loungewear in just about every season, except maybe in a heatwave (though - pair with a little mini bra top or sheer tank and you are golden!)
Okay, we pivot for just a second to the much more expensive stuff. But I promise it’s just for a moment! I did make some purchases from The Row! SUE ME! It was my birthday! I bought it for myself!!! With my money that I saved! Follow along for the story, if anything! Consider it escapism!
We begin with this colour story.
I was in LA - I’d be a fool if I didn’t visit The Row there. The most pretentious oasis at Melrose Place. What was first a mission to “just go look at shoes” quickly took a turn. My friend picked out the Aria blouse for me, here in a gorgeous Yves Klein blue, and while at first I was skeptical, I quickly became smitten.
The drape, the silk, the blue of it all! I formally decided I was in my Blue Period and caved with these shoes as well:
I don’t share these out of trying to get you to buy them. They were not cheap (though, scarily, on the lower end for The Row). Rather, I share so I can divulge my thought process prior to purchasing these, because the two together is maybe one of most expensive clothing purchases I’ve ever made:
I have already spent years building my core wardrobe and no longer really need any basics. Perhaps, one day, I’ll do a feature on my core wardrobe if anyone is interested (the wide leg pants above are a part of this).
Thus, I am more interested in collectible/statement pieces that will transcend the test of time. The canal slip-ons come back every season in different colours, so the style itself is a classic. Colours come in and out of style.
These are casual, everyday shoes.
The Aria is another classic. As an Yves Klein enthusiast, this is a really beautiful, sophisticated standout piece in a colour that is difficult to achieve, yet so elegant when pulled off.
The Aria top can be worn with just about any bottom. I’m exploring the option of wearing them with mini shorts.
This text from my mother:
Thank you for humouring my indulgences. I promise that’s it on the ridiculous scale of things. I’ve been saving for a little while and feel very good about these purchases.
It occurred to me, a woman in my (now late) twenties, that I do not own a single proper bra. I’ve dabbled in the likes of Cuup (comfortable, yet stretchy, and for the sake of this discussion I was looking for a t-shirt bra). I don’t even know my size anymore. This all started when I saw a picture of myself in a tank top, braless, and felt that a simple adjustment would make the top all the more flattering.
So I went to Knix and took matters into my own hands! I got sized, tried on different samples, and left with beige and black iterations of the WingWoman bra and I have not looked back.
Is it the sexiest thing I’ve ever worn? No. The bras aren’t visually the most appealing. But oh, my goodness, I absolutely love the way they make me look in a t-shirt and tank top. The price point is fair, and, as a brand, I love what they’re doing in terms of sizing and inclusion. It’s refreshing to see.
Other noteworthy items for your consideration:
I was gifted a few pieces from the Dôen pre-fall collection and it is truly so stunning. You’ll see the usual classics - I opted for this romantic chocolate brown silk set and it feels absolutely delicious to wear. If you’re to pick just one piece from the set, I’d opt for the top. You can wear it with jeans and dress it up and/or down. And it comes in a versatile ivory option, though I think brown is more exciting if you’re not lacking for white tops. Although one could counter and say the skirt is equally versatile in the sense that it can be paired with a t-shirt, tank, or sweater. I guess the conclusion is that you can’t go wrong here.
Other highlights from pre-fall include this knit deep navy tank top - the bateau neckline is simply darling. Best worn on a boat.
Howwww on earth is this top CAD$199? There’s plenty of sizes left - this is a Totême classic!
I was recently introduced to Buck Mason and I love their Rider Jeans! I consider it TTS, if even slightly on the small side. I needed a good, classic pair of straight leg, ankle-length jeans, and got these in size 26. It fits quite perfectly, with little stretch. If you’re worried, I would size up.
I wore this incredible, classic Reformation dress for our most recent Yu+Mei dinner in collaboration with Monica Vinader. Confirming it’s the Reformation piece I’ve ever noted Brenda Hashtag wearing.
And finally, some links for you from outfits I’ve worn recently:
i would love to see more about your core wardrobe pieces