Lavish & Squalor

Wonderfully designed store with a nice selection of goods, some more authentic /​interesting than others. Antique furniture pieces are both in use and on sale, as are an assortment of knick-​knacks and giftables ranging from cute (animal mugs) to maybe-​kitschy-​still-​interesting (wooden toothbrushes) to thoughtful-​ethical (aboriginally-​produced moccasins) to hipster extreme (conspicuously unbranded extra-​slim men’s pants with large label tags very deliberately left blank). Coffee shop in-​store looks great, serves an adequate brew. Staff were exceptionally friendly, so was the little black store dog. Whoever runs this place sure knows how to make a retail spot fun and browsable. Money well spent, will come again.

My only wish is that this store had MORE in the way of men’s fashion, however as mundane as the current options seem to be — they are of great quality and curated from a seemingly diverse array of designers and interesting brands. As compared to Fred Segal or Kitson in Los Angeles (or Kitson Las Vegas), the clothing choices on offer are at best, simple: button down shirts, flannels, long sleeve cotton basics, jeans, khakis and the like. There is also a women’s section. Currently, the unisex standout item in the store is the «blanket scarf.» Literally made from a blanket. Super cozy and plentiful in length.
The true charm of Lavish & Squalor is in its kitschy home items: clothing and towel hooks, gourmet fruit jams, candles, also their fashion accessories — from handcrafted bronze quartz and amethyst crystal-​adorned necklaces to bracelets & wooden sunglasses, some purses, bags, wallets and well-​designed toiletry storage kits — they even offer cold-​pressed juice, though my choice for tonight was «out of stock.» Bummer.
I really wanted this place to be the «be all; end all,» and while it very much makes up for the lack of that in their effort as well as staff knowledge and friendliness — I’m still on the hunt for a mid to high-​end alternative and interesting casual clothier in Toronto. Though «Lavish» in their prices for offering the median of mens fashion items, you will not squalor your time at this very interesting and diverse collection on Queen Street. Take a visit. I have enjoyed my time in this store, and will be back. For me, however — it’s much more of a «browse and let your mind wander» kind of place than it is likely that I’d drop coin and leave satisfied with anything I’d be inspired to wear daily.

I love this place, it’s soooo hipster but it has such fun stuff and smells great!
The small antiques around the store are for sale, and I want all of them.
I’m not a coffee drinker but I do enjoy the aroma it creates by having their own coffee bar in the store.
The clothing is nice but too expensive to justify for my wallet. Why do hipsters want to pay $ 200 for jeans that are meant to look like they’re from Value village?
They have an umbrella stand for use on rainy days at the front of the store… why is this not in all stores?!

I found this place right after I moved to Toronto and it’s definitely continued to be one of my favorite stores in the city. I LOVE the carefully tailored collection of trinkets, home accents and clothing that the store offers and I’m so hooked! The trend I’ve noticed with the items I purchase from Lavish & Squalor is that they quickly become my favorites. For example, L&S introduced me to one of my current favorite candle lines, Aromabotanical. I am OBSESSED with the candles and the scents are so relaxing to come home to! I also purchased this infinity scarf from L&S not long ago that I’ve worn everyday this winter. I left my first one with my bf in NYC and I panicked that if I lost it for real I would never be able to find another one quite like it, so I immediately rushed to the store and bought more. They also have a collection of Hershel bags and cocktail/​coffee tools, which my friends love. The décor is very edgy and unique and there is a little sweetheart of a dog that sometimes runs around the store.
This is one of the stores that I make a point to take my friends to when they visit. Definitely stop by if you can! I guarantee you’ll be introduced to some of your favorite things here :).

I’ve spent a few hundred dollars on this store on occasions because it’s nice and its different. It definitely has a neat appeal. Staff for the most part are friendly. However, I bought this antique chest from there and maybe 2 days later I opened it and it was fucking filthy and disgusting, literally smelt like piss. Now for a store that charges $ 100 and up for a chest you would think they would at least clean the inside of their products. Won’t shop here again.

I had a great experience shopping here. The independent retailer is a breath of fresh air in an increasingly commercialized strip. Service was excellent, and the staff was extremely knowledgable and helped me find the right bag straight away, would definitely recommend to others. Also check out the one of a kind design inside! Only issue for some may be the price point!

A cool spot for sure. Wooden interior with known and stylish but not too trendy designer names at reasonable prices. Probably better quality than places like The Gap or H&M too. Staff are courteous and help when you need it.
Upstairs also some clothing items for sale but also has a small espresso bar or if it’s a hot day, you can come inside for a free glass of ice water.

Beautiful layout, amazing and unique accessories, and a wide range of clothing. Great and friendly service, don’t forget to check out the espresso bar (City Bar) upstairs.

This place is so great. Just my style. Unique finds, high quality, and super nice staff. Also? 10% off if you check in on Unilocal!As good as it gets pretty much.

Went in there like six months ago to buy some boots and I got some great boots BUT ALSO a button came off my coat and the woman working there sewed it back on for me, at no charge, and was totally obliging about it. I was aghast!

Great staff and a wonderful selection of items. The tea upstairs is great. They have a nice watch collection made from reclaimed wood.

One of the coolest places to shop in Toronto. The vibe is cool, but doesn’t feel stuffy though you know you’re shopping in a higher end shop. The other nice thing is I feel like not everyone will be wearing the same pieces as I am. The staff is laid back but also more than willing to help. Anyone can shop here no matter their style. Clothing fits true to size.

I can’t say that I would wear 100% of these pieces in here (very hipster-​like), but there is a bit of a glamourous, rock and roll edge to some of their items, so I’m still in the game here.
I love that they carry the House of Harlow jewellery line and their prices are not unreasonable. I think the staff has outstanding customer service skills and it never feels like they’re pressuring you to buy anything!
For the style of the place, think simple t-​shirts, chunky knits, some sequin things, and everything kind of minimalist.

Lavish and Squalor is a beautifully decorated independent clothing retailer on Queen street west. The exposed brick walls, creative displays and dark distressed hardwood flooring make for a cozy shopping experience. There are two floors of clothes with men and women’s on each. The upstairs is more sparse and houses some shoes and accessories.
Unlike a lot of places on this strip, I was quick to be assisted and the service was enthusiastic and warm. I was shopping for jeans and happy to see both familiar brands and things I had not heard of. The chap who was helping me made haste when finding sizes, and was super friendly.
And as a final amazing gesture, after ringing up my order the cashier walked AROUND the counter to hand me my purchases. Oh, my. I normally hate clothes shopping, so if I leave a place like this smiling they must be doing something right.
Obligatory Title Pun: It’s SQUAL to SQUAL excitement.
Menu Readability: Hells yes.
Need to mention: The place is indeed pricy.
What this place teaches me about myself: I need a personal shopper.

Really, it doesnt get better. I dress well due to this place, at least on my off time. always current, they take care of their customers, and they really really are alot of fun.

Fantastic, fantastic store. If you’re looking for unique shopping and funky store vibe, head to L&S.
The staff has never been anything but pleasant, but gives you space to browse, which is a refreshing experience.
The clothing is great, but even better is the jewelry, scarves, BAGS, even socks. Yes, the socks are funky beyond belief.
Love this store, check it out.

Lavish & Squalor was a lucky find while exploring the environs of our downtown hotel. The vibe of the shop was wonderful — warm and unpretentious. The staff was the same — helpful, friendly, and low pressure.
Though I didn’t find any clothing that I fell in love with, there were plenty of neat accessories and knick knacks that were unique and fun to browse through, and i ended up buying a bracelet.
I definitely look forward to browsing through their fun and eclectic selection next time I’m in Toronto.

A hipster place for clothing? A place on fashion trend? Actually, it is those things and more.
It’s got a great vibe. Cool staff. Enough to keep you wandering for a bit instead of rushing to get out.
I have to admit this is a fun store to just go and see what interesting twists there are to clothing. On top of that they sell some pretty cool accessories for men and women as well as various products including chocolate.
The real kick in the pants is, you can buy yourself a cup of coffee for $ 1.00
Beat that on on Queen Street! And for you socially conscious folk, make note that it is a fair trade cup you be drinking.

Wow, so many great reviews I’m almost not sure what to add! This place is fantastic. It’s cool but a casual cool, not hipster cool. The prices of the products matches the quality you get.
It’s not just clothing here either. They sell coffee, Red Bull, and an assortment of fun knick knacks. The staff were great, not pushy, no pressure, and totally helpful. It’s great to see a store like this stand on it’s own on this particular strip of Queen west with all the big chains next door.
Check this place out. You won’t be disappointed.

Although I feel daunted by how hip the staff seem to be, this is a good store. I am going to say that this place has the coolest name (and font) and best décor of any shop in Toronto. The owners are really cool too.
Lots of cool hipster and boho clothing and accessories. I don’t usually buy anything here because i’m a little grown out of my designer denim/​everything phase, so spending the cash seems silly, but if I had a disposable income and this was, like, 5 years ago, I’d probably buy the whole store.