We now own a sweater that looks like a sheep. Well, it looks like we are wearing a sheep when we wear it. That is perhaps too graphic. We look like Violet in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as she turns into a blueberry, except we are covered in cream wool. But we love it. We bought it this weekend, in Toronto, at a vintage store called 69 Vintage. We tried it on and did this thing where you walk around in it for half an hour, refusing to take it off because there’s another girl in the store, who’s trying on similar sweaters and seems to keep looking at you. When we left it behind, convinced we could not afford it, we hid it from her, in a row of evening dresses. We are not proud, but this is true. There is, thank goodness, a happy ending: We went back, by cab, a couple hours later, and it will be ours, forever. Or until we leave it on a plane.
Here is a picture of 69 Vintage. We recommend!
Since we bought it (yesterday) we’ve noticed these sweaters everywhere. Way at the top, we have the one on the left, from Urban Outfitters. We believe this is the fisherman cardigan, which is $68.
And now! Because this is Canada Week, we present an interview with Kealan Sullivan of 69 Vintage—the just-about-perfect vintage store pictured above and discussed at top.
Bunnyshop: How would you describe Toronto street style?
Kealan Sullivan: Eclectic, resourceful, practical. Influenced by current “trends” but not drowning in them. Mixed and matched. Very fond and respectful of authentic vintage.
BS: What’s a cool girl in Toronto maybe wearing out on a Friday night these days?
KS: Black tights (ripped or not), boots, a short dress (sheer, floral or lace), oversized jacket, cardigan or blazer. Not too much jewelry, and tangerine or poppy colored lipstick…
BS: What’s special about vintage clothes in Toronto? I noticed an amazing selection of boots and sweaters—are there particular things at 69 Vintage that would be hard to come by elsewhere in the U.S. or Canada?
KS: I’m not sure. I have been around a lot in the last year and I didn’t see many stores with the same product mix that I strive for at 69. I know the price points in Toronto are considerably lower than N.Y., San Fran, Philadelphia, Montreal, Paris, London, Tokyo (everywhere I travel I am obsessed with visiting as many vintage stores as possible).
BS: Any recommendations for great local designers or other shops, whether fashion or otherwise?
KS: I love reclaimed furniture and collectible stores like Black Pug, Smash, Commute Home. Klaxon Howl has a great mix of W.W.1 and 2 era ”rugged” garments and is well stocked with their own designs. Chasse Garde, Fawn and Carte Blache (all on Queen St. W near 69 Vintage) are the tastemakers of Toronto’s independent retailers.
Et finit. If you’re in Toronto, don’t miss 69 Vintage—the selection of boots and sweaters (and jackets) is amazing.
69 Vintage
1100 Queen Street West
(416) 516-0669
