Toronto
is a city where you can find every type of food from around the world, hear a
million different languages just by walking down the street, and are able to
try a new coffee shop, restaurant, or bar every day of the week. Every step or
turn you take allows you a glimpse of the iconic symbols and landmarks that
define this city and bring a smile to your face, because you know you’re home.
And since I was home I took advantage of everything the city had to offer,
especially the fashion district. I went at least once a week to Queen Street,
even in rush hour (and if you have ever been in Toronto you know that it is
like going through hell, being stuck on the DVP with no end in sight), but I
made it through all this in the name of love for fashion.
My
little sister always came with me, since she loves the city almost as much as I
do and was on summer holiday. We would start by getting our Starbuck’s coffee, or if we were feeling
ambitious, go to Dark Horse Coffee and Espresso Bar, which I would rate as
almost as good, if not better, but don’t hold that against me! Then we would peruse
the vintage clothing stores and walk into every fabric store, which can be very
overwhelming, since they are usually filled from floor to ceiling with
colourful bales of cloth of every type. But I somehow let inspiration come to
me and decided to purchase fabric with a hound’s-tooth and checkered motif
for my fall and winter designs. I found some beautiful Italian silks, which
shockingly and not rightfully were less expensive than they would have been in
Italy, if you can fathom that! Then my sister would try on clothes at American Apparel and I would chat with
my vivacious friend Corona who works there. After that we would head to lunch,
visiting my favourite joint in Toronto called The Grilled Cheese in Kensington. My gosh their food is delicious and
grilled cheese is my favourite thing to eat. They do an amazing job of grilling
the most decadent of cheeses: I had the caramelized onion apple cheddar and
avocado grilled gooeyness and I savored every bite! On these days I decided to
go for an urban, more casual look, opting for long skirts with slits, pairing one
with a checkered bustier from the 50s and scarf wrapped on my upper arm (very
Carrie Bradshaw inspired) or layering a lovely evening gown with a cropped
loose tee, taking night to day, using my closet in a very versatile way. These
are my favourite type of days: being downtown, surrounded by a creative urban vibe
and enjoying everything this amazing city has to offer.
More Toronto to come....
xo Nicola
