February has arrived, folks and with that comes all things Valentine’s Day. For some, V-Day is a day that is all about love, chocolate, and sex, but for some, it’s just another day of the week.
Regardless of how you celebrate, who says you can’t still treat yourself? One way to get in the festive spirit (too far?) is lingerie!
Lingerie can definitely be a treat for that “special someone” but it’s also a great way to boost your confidence and put a little spring in your step — even if you’re the only one who knows what you’re rocking underneath.
Instagram/@stolemyheart_to
If you’ve never been to this super sweet lingerie store, then you’ve definitely seen it on your IG feed. Expertly blending sex appeal with girly romance is Stole My Heart on Dundas West. They’re known for their carefully curated selection of stunning pieces with fun patterns and cheeky details that celebrate the diversity of women.
Instagram/@secretsfromyoursister
Specializing in bra fitting, Secrets From Your Sister believe that getting the right fit is something that every woman deserves because the right bra means you’ll not only look good but feel good too! With so much selection for everyone regardless of shape or size, you’re bound to find a few pieces that give you all the confidence in the world!
Instagram/@reverougelingerie
Located a bit north of the downtown core at Bayview Village is Rêve Rouge, and it’s there that you will find smart yet mega sexy lingerie. Carrying a wide assortment of lingerie brands plus their own in-house line, this is the place to go if you’re looking for more than one style or design — it’s the perfect one-stop shop!
Instagram/@fortnightlabel
Toronto-born Fortnight Lingerie is as iconic and well-known as it is gorgeous, so there’s no doubt why they made the list. Combining vintage design (think high waists and boning detail) with modern colours and details, these pieces are made to last and trust me, you’ll want to keep them. Plus, make sure you check out the latest collab with MISFITSTUDIO because who doesn’t love velvet rose-gold lingerie?
Instagram/@amanda.sobers
A Queen West staple, Tryst knows that us gals come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and so do our breasts. That’s why they make sure to stock a variety of bras that are inclusive to all. Their expert fitters are always there to help you find your best fit and their pieces are always gorgeous, comfortable and supportive!
Instagram/@loversland
Looking for dreamy lingerie? Get ready to fall in love with LoversLand! Inspired by all things bridal, this is probably the most magical and whimsical shops I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Their super cool and easy breezy pieces are chic without being over complicated. Even if you’re not getting hitched anytime soon, this store needs to be on your list!
Instagram/@avecplaisirca
Yorkville’s own Avec Plaisir is revered for their ultra fine selection of lingerie and fine it is! Its owner and founder, Vasilia, won’t allow any collections that don’t meet her standards to grace the shelves, so you know what you’re shopping is top notch. These pieces might be a bit more expensive than others but they’ll last you ages and have you feeling fabulous!
Instagram/@gisellafrancisca
With a mission to provide the perfect bra to as many women as possible around the world, Change Lingerie is definitely one to add to your knickers list. Designed to fit each one of our unique curves, their lingerie selections are functional but still sexy enough for, well, sexy time.
Instagram/@itsmaryyoung
Celebrating all things self-love is Mary Young and trust me, you’ll love yourself even more in one of these pieces. What’s unique about Mary Young is that they take comfortable everyday undies and blend it with what we everything we love about sassy lingerie. The result is lingerie that’s mega sexy yet still comfortable and wearable!
Featured image: Instagram/@stolemyheart_to
Articles You Might Be Interested:
Meet Mary Young: The Toronto Designer Who Sells Lingerie With Self-Love In Mind
Spotlight: Fortnight Lingerie
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9 Things Every Victoria’s Secret & PINK Shopper Should Know
Whether your big day is on the horizon or you’re just browsing for fun, the GTA has no shortage of one of a kind gowns regardless of your style. From over-the-top bedazzled beauties at Queen West’s Original to bohemian gowns at Ossington’s Loversland, there’s no shortage of selections for Toronto’s brides-to-be.
If your wedding daydreams involve a little less church and a little more beach, then Loversland is the place for you. The one-stop shop for all you lovers out there, Ossington’s Loversland carries everything from stunning gowns and cards to men’s fragrances. Their dress selection is full of relaxed, bohemian labels like Stone Fox Bride, & For Love, and A La Robe, as well as larger gown labels like Nicole Miller. They also stock Canadian-made labels Fortnight and cult-label For Love and Lemons for all your oh-so-lacy lingerie needs.
Cabaret vintage has been a west-end mainstay for twenty years, becoming a mecca for high-end vintage pieces, gowns, coats and accessories. Their brick-and-mortar boasts a variety of impeccable wedding dresses from the 1920s and beyond with prices ranging from $350-900. Although they recently shut the doors on their Queen Street location, they’re still offering up one-of-a-kind gowns via their online store or by appointment. In addition to Cabaret’s impressive vintage offerings, they also offer up their in-house line Cabaret Collections – a line of more contemporary gowns with a vintage flair. Dotted throughout their inventory is a treasure trove of accessories, from 1920s beaded clutches to silken ruffled garters. Bonus: pre-loved pieces are a perfect way to check a ‘something old’ off your list.
True to name, you will not find another store like Original. From princess tulle gowns in neon green to shorter feathered gowns, Original is a fiesta of a gown shop. The top floor of the two floor Queen West boutique is packed to the brim with over-the-top gowns, including frocks in every hue (something blue, perhaps?) and hem length under the sun for those girls looking for a switch up on the traditional floor-length cream gown. Bring a pal – the massive (we mean massive) selection takes some serious sifting. Dresses start at $200 and go upwards (way upwards!) from there, so there’s a little something for every budget.
Started in 2004, the Brides Project’s mantra is to provide gorgeous gowns at budget-friendly prices while giving back to the community. Every dollar from the project goes towards women suffering from cancer, so the locations are run by a passionate team of volunteers. Because all wedding dresses are pre-worn, you can easily score a high-budget gown or one of last season’s gems for a fraction of the regular retail cost. Note that all dresses are sold off the rack, so any alterations will have to be made elsewhere.
Sash & Bustle’s Queen East outpost has a perfectly curated selection of hard-to-find modern designers, including Alexandra Grecco, Saja Wedding, and Blush by Hayley Paige. Owner Cynthia Martin has a strong focus on customer experience – only one bride at a time is allowed in the shop so the team can focus on finding your perfect dress. Gowns begin at $1600 and top out at $5000.
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