Sylvie and Shimmy

How does an east side girl trek ALL the way to the west side to Sylvie and Shimmy?! Let me tell you the story —
Last Saturday, my friend told me all about these shopping websites and it got my browsing — from online European clothing to Torontonians who rant about the need to support local and Canadian designers… that led me to searching Toronto boutiques and where I can find clothing outside of Queen Street West and the usual spots… that landed me to the Sylvie and Shimmy website. It was under construction… but that didn’t stop me from browsing their facebook and instagram… and that is when my obsession began.
All weekend, I looked through their pages and pages of photos, of items they currently have in stock, previously have in stock, prices, hours, location… sounds crazy right? Not when you’re just looking for a place that has clothes that makes your heart melt. I was determined to go Sunday (all the way from the East End) but something came up and I was sooo bumbed… so Monday it was — I just had to go.
I was already running 30 minutes late from work and it was pouring outside. I did not care. I’m doing this, I told myself and jumped onto the subway, and the streetcar. I even called the store to make sure they weren’t closed at 6 because I was not going to make it there in time.
No umbrella, pretty wet from the rain, I got to the store at 6:15 (plenty of time to shop!) There was no one there, except the girl at the cash register… I quietly went through the different racks, eyed everything I wanted to try on, and then picked it up on my second time around. Given my lack of fashion sense, I questioned whether anything I picked went together, but she reassured me that everything matched. giving me a bit of confidence.
While the winter screams maroons and deeper tones (which I thoroughly pass on), each item of clothing that catered to my tastes had a burst of brightness to it that made these tones not so «dull» (in my mind, of course). The cream coloured top I picked had golden lace on the shoulders which politely exemplified «glam» without bragging, the white top had black trim and an outline of a pocket that was unique and one-​of-​a-​kind. The wine-​coloured skirt had flowers in beige, bringing life to fall afternoon, and lastly — I was introduced to these black pants that were just different — but of so comfy and fitted so well.
While most of the items at S&S are «one-​size» there are some items that come in different measurements. And though they look very delicate, they can be washed in the machine, either by itself or in a mesh bag.
As I was paying, I was pleased to find out that the lovely lady in the funky glasses and pretty pink lipstick was one of the owners — «Sylvie» She was so sweet and I could not have been more happy to have made the trip despite the cold and miserable weather. It’s not often you find a shop and the person in it to give you so much attention and I only regret sharing to the world about this gem I’ve found in Parkdale because everyone is going to come by their clothes, leaving nothing for me.
It is the best money I’m going to spend — 4 items of quality clothing for $ 250. Pieces that are very selectively picked and ordered in minimal quantities. You’re going to probably be the only one wearing it (and bragging about it too).
Can’t wait to window shop on their website until my next trip there… LOVE!

At first glance, this store is super cute but once you take a good look at the clothes the quality is very questionable.
It’s almost all made in China and the store is constantly marking down their collections which makes it tough to want to buy something in fear that it will be half the price next week.
And lastly, I find the shop owners snoody. Each time I’ve gone in they have been very brief with me and don’t seem to be into carrying on a conversation… even though the store is empty.
WAY better stores east of here
:(

This store is absolutely beautiful, lots of great items with little details that you can wear to work or out to play. The ladies here are also lovely, very helpful and not at all pushy, I heard that sometimes that have a mani night which adds a nice personal touch compared to just any ol clothing store.