As the New Year begins, it’s time to say goodbye to the old and make room for the new. And while you’re doing that, you’ll probably begin to see a pattern; the things you’re saying goodbye to are things that you only used a few times.
Though those things can be donated — you know what they say, one person’s trash is another’s treasure — it’s hard not to feel remorse over money spent on something that only sparked joy for a handful of moments.
Luckily as the years go on, wastefulness and the dangerous harms of fast fashion are recognized more than ever before. Our options for shopping better quality, earth-friendly, and socially conscious products are ever expanding, so when we are consuming, we can be smarter about it.
Head over to All Things Being Eco to shop environmentally conscious and ethical home, baby, bathroom, cleaning products, and more. Our favourite section of All Things Being Eco is the zero waste page, where you can find refills on organic and natural products like shampoo, skin cream, deodorant, dish tabs, cleaning products, and more. Shop All Things Being Eco.
Whimsy + Row is an L.A.-based brand that makes stylish clothing collections in ethical conditions using deadstock textiles and materials. Each collection is made in limited runs and is built to last. Not only that, but you can take pride in knowing that Whimsy + Row don’t use any water when creating their collections, only ship items with 100% recyclable packaging, and choose fabrics and materials that biodegrade faster than synthetic fabrics and use less water to create. You can also find homewares, skincare, and gifts from brands with similar ethos. Shop Whimsy + Row.
Another one-stop on our list of sustainable online stores is Sustain Ecostore. The store was created by husband-wife duo Jonathan and Celine MacKay as a solution to toxins inside the home. Each and every product on the website — from kitchen and home, to skincare, baby, and more — has been personally researched and used by the founders, and puts the health of the earth and your family first. Shop Sustain Ecostore.
Another one of our favourite sustainable online stores is Logan & Finley. Based in Toronto, Logan & Finley is an eco-conscious general store that thoughtfully chooses everything features. Online you’ll find ethically sourced, sustainable giftables, clothing, skincare, cleaning products, and more that don’t compromise on style or quality. Shop Logan & Finley.
If you want to feel really good about where you shop, check out Ten Thousand Villages. The non-profit partners with artisans in developing countries, giving them a space to sell their goods, share their stories, and earn a living. Currently, Ten Thousand Villages works with over 20,000+ makers in 26 different countries, and offers everything from kitchenware to home decor, furniture, clothing, accessories, and much more. Shop Ten Thousand Villages.
Thrift stores can be daunting; sorting through racks and racks of clothing to find one perfect piece isn’t for everyone. But at ThredUP, the world’s biggest online consignment store, thrifting is easy and you’re saving a piece from making its way to a landfill! Using the filter option when you shop, you can easily sort through clothing sizes, styles, and brands. Plus, if you’re a first time shopper, you can get 50% off your first order. Shop ThredUP.
One of our favourite online designer consignment shops is The RealReal, which features thousands of gently used pieces of jewellery, clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories from luxury labels like Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and more. Each item is inspected and authenticated so that you know you’re getting the real deal. Shop The RealReal.
By now, you probably already know Reformation, the sustainable brand that’s loved by celebrities. But what you might not know is that the L.A.-based brand also has a section on their website that help reverse the negative effects weddings, flights, and individuals have on climate. You can buy carbon credits starting at $32, which support Gold Standard verified projects through NativeEnergy and invest in clean energy and carbon-reducing projects around the world. Shop Reformation.
At The Detox Market, only the best clean beauty products are featured. Each product features pure ingredients, performs exceptionally, and is cruelty-free. Online you’ll find notable brands like RMS Beauty, ILIA Beauty, OSEA, Pai Organics, Alima Pure, Goop, and more. But if you’re new to the clean beauty game, start with the best sellers, which can be found on the homepage. Shop The Detox Market.
After being diagnosed with chronic leukemia in 2007, Ingrid Doucet became super aware of everything she put in and on her body, leading her to start Clementine Fields with her husband Tom. The online shop sells beauty products that are not only effective and green, but have the lowest environmental impact and are worthy of being displayed on your vanity. You can also shop plastic-free items to lessen your footprint even more. Shop Clementine Fields.
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Subscription boxes are truly the gifts that keep on giving. Month after month, you can expect a curated package filled with new and unique pieces delivered right to your doorstep! Treat yourself or a friend to scheduled special deliveries that are expertly catered to your (or their!) style and taste. Although we don’t get letters through the post as often as we used to, we can now get on-trend clothing, accessories, and beauty products delivered! Plus, you get to skip the headache of traditional retail, with the long line-ups and busy crowds.
Instagram/@fabfitfun
This seasonal box gets you four generous boxes a year for $179.00 USD. You get 8-10 full-sized premium products, along with access to FabFitFun TV, members-only sales, and membership to the FabFitFun community. FabFitFun TV has new content that’s updated seasonally with on-demand workout videos! This box is endorsed by celebrities and influencers alike, and for good reason. Use code AMAZE for $10 off.
Instagram/@sockboxca
Sick of always wearing the same boring black socks? Well then it’s time to get your hands on a Sock Box subscription where you can receive up to two pairs of fun and colourful socks right to your door. What we love about this subscription service is that it’s only available in Canada whereas most companies are U.S based. Starting at just $13/month, you can brighten and liven up your sock drawer!
Instagram/@boxofstyle
The OG Queen of Style, Rachel Zoe, has curated her own subscription box filled with luxurious fashion essentials. This quarterly subscription service costs $99.99 each season and each box has a retail value of over $400 USD. Select your pricing plan and share your style preferences to receive your seasonal trends picked by Rachel herself!
Instagram/@frankandoak
For the eco-queen, Frank and Oak’s fashion box ships out sustainable clothes to you monthly but its green thumb isn’t what makes the brand’s box stand out. The products in every box are chosen by an expert stylist and data algorithm that ensure each box is customized to you. You also get to authorize your picks and edit them to your liking, or skip the month altogether. Need some time to decide what you like? You can take a week to decide what you want to keep and send back what you don’t for free. Items range from $29-$149 so you can make sure your order is according to budget, with a monthly styling fee of $25. With a membership, you also get access to Frank and Oak’s full collection for 20% off.
Instagram/@thedetoxmarketcanada
This clean beauty subscription box from The Detox Market features a different brand each month and includes at least $110 worth of product. Expect brands like Indie Lee, Skin Owl, The Beauty Chef, and so many more. The Detox Market is home to an abundance of skincare, hair, and beauty products that are all natural, clean, and made without harsh chemicals. Its monthly box makes sure you always have some clean beauty in stock. Choose between 3 months for $64.99 or 6 months for $57.99.
Instagram/@adoreme
Hate shopping for bras? Skip it altogether with Adore Me’s personalized lingerie subscription service. Get your underwear and pyjama shopping done all without having to leave your bed. With over 500 styles and bra sizes ranging from 30A to 46G, you have a week to decide what you want to keep and what you want to send back. For $39.95 per month (plus $5.95 shipping and a $20 styling fee), get the perfect fit on all your favourite styles.
Featured Image: Instagram/@fabfitfun
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It’s never just about the merchandise… customers still flock to traditional retail stores for in-store experiences that online merchants just can’t mimic. These one-of-kind experiences are built upon superior service levels and strong store designs that strive to excite all of a customer’s senses. We kept our eyes peeled across the city and spotted 10 stores with the best design in Toronto.
We are obsessed with this Aesop store on Queen Street West in Toronto. With luxurious samples on hand before even stepping into the store, you know you’re in for a great retail experience inside. This store’s design is spa-like, modern and uber minimal. Test out any product of your choosing at the luxurious sink in the centre of the store. 880 Queen St. W
Inside Aesop (Image: Instagram/@aesopskincare)
We love this new Lululemon concept store on Queen Street West in Toronto. Not just a retail space, here you’ll find a cafe, interactive gallery, lounge area and studio space (not to mention, there’s an Instagram-worthy shot around every corner!) Our fave spot? It’s a tie between the oversized marquee sign at the entrance and the Toronto mural by the hemming station. 318 Queen St. W.
Inside Lululemon Queen St. (Image: Instagram/@lululemon)
Lululemon is at it again with another new store concept. Located on Ossington Avenue in Toronto, this one is just for the boys. The Local is half retail store, half community space. Strolling through this modern and masculine shop, you won’t spot a flashy red logo in sight. You will, however, find art on display, a bar, barber services and gaming area. 6 Ossington Ave.
Inside the Local (Image: Instagram/@c_mille)
Get ready to be wowed! Hop on over to the Instagram page of Black Rooster Decor and we bet you’ll be itching to redecorate in seconds. A shopping trip to their Queen Street East showroom in Toronto will leave you in awe. This is not a traditional decor store, but a house of unique and stylish, high-quality pieces for every room. 1025 Queen St E.
Inside Black Rooster Decor (Image: Instagram/@blackrooster)
Not your typical neighbourhood cafe, this Nespresso Boutique Bar in Yorkville is a treat for the eyes. Nespresso users know that you just can’t pop into your local grocery store to pick-up your next capsule. Therefore, a trip to this Toronto coffee boutique is worth the shopping trip in order to take in the bright product displays, high ceilings and stunning chandeliers. 159 Cumberland St.
Inside Nespresso (Image: Instagram/@sundaymorningcoffee)
There’s nothing like an Instagram-worthy shop where the design aesthetic is as good as the product. We are obsessed with the Village Juicery location on Roncesvalles in Toronto for its clean lines, natural materials and sleek design. This large store features a modern, multipurpose workspace for customers to sit, drink and work or play. 99 Roncesvalles Ave.
The Village Juicery (Image: Instagram/@emily_evs)
We are obsessed with green products for the body and home, but who knew that we could get them all in one elegant and unintimidating store? Located on King Street West in Toronto, you’ll love The Detox Market for its natural and inviting store design, informative staff and wide product assortment (all without the sales pressure and bright lights of traditional department store beauty counters). 420 King St W.
Inside the Detox Market (Image: Instagram/@fullyfearless)
Eyeglasses store or library? We love the design of this sleek little shop in Toronto. The Warby Parker store on Queen Street West is worth a peak for your next pair of specs. It’s all in the details here with shelves lined with books by Canadian authors, elegant brass lamps and a Reference Desk as a checkout counter. 684 Queen St W.
Inside Warby Parker (Image: Instagram/@WarbyParker)
Popping into this colourful Kensington Market shop in Toronto is always a fun experience. From its bright pink exterior, you know you’re in for a treat before even stepping foot inside the ½ oz. Cocktail Emporium. We recommend checking out this creative retail space with Miami-inspired vibes if you love to mix a good drink or simply appreciate a pretty bar cart. 20 Kensington Ave.
Cocktail Emporium (Image: Instagram/@raizacostaofficial)
We love this Yorkville Deciem location with a subtle storefront that is meant to surprise and delight busy Toronto commuters. This pint sized ‘abnormal’ beauty boutique is nothing like what you’re used to. Here you’ll find bright white walls, open industrial shelving and a large workspace in the centre of the store to test out products. 1240 Bay Street, Unit 113.
Deciem (Image: Instagram/@deciem)
Featured Image: Inside Deciem via Instagram/@andreannewrites
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Since expanding to Toronto from West Hollywood in 2011, The Detox Market has become a go-to for green beauty lovers.
With two locations on King West and in Yorkville, each store is chocked full of the best clean skincare and makeup brands around. The company’s co-founder is a breast cancer survivor so the brand takes the use of toxic ingredients very seriously; you won’t find any at all inside, providing Torontonians with the opportunity to easily shop organic beauty alternatives to their everyday products.
Although you’ll find the classic major green beauty lines here including RMS Beauty, May Lindstrom and Tata Harper, there are a lot of great products available from lesser known brands that are both of high-quality ingredients and affordable. Here are some of the best all-natural beauty products we found at The Detox Market.
This is basically the green version of Bumble Surf Spray. The sea salt adds texture to hair while the organic aloe vera gently holds waves in place, all while providing moisture to your mermaid locks. Plus, its essential oils of rose geranium and palmarosa give it an irresistible scent.
If you want an oil-based cleanser to remove your makeup and balance your skin, but still want it to feel exceptionally light and silky, this is the cleanser for you. The Province Apothecary Moisturizing Cleanser + Make Up Remover contains avocado and raspberry oils to ensure its mild enough for all skin types. The result is a gentle cleanser that keeps blemishes at bay without over-drying skin.
Loved by The Detox Market staff and shoppers alike, the Odacite Wild Carrot Serum Concentrate is a go-to for maintaining skin’s natural radiance. Extremely concentrated in antioxidants, each drop of this powerful serum works to keep your complexion fresh and glowy while maintaining the overall health of the skin.
Goop products can teeter on the pricey side of skincare, but its Exfoliating Instant Facial is well worth it. The natural alpha and beta hydroxy acids sweep away dead skin cells as the plant-based cellulose beads exfoliate deeper, while releasing soothing vitamin B5 to leave skin soft and revitalized. Go ahead and skip your next facial appointment and try this instead!
The Black Clay Facial Soap from Osmia Organics works for even the most delicate skin types that are breakout prone. The soap also aids in the healing of highly irritated skin conditions such as perioral dermatitis and keratosis pilaris. If you struggle with any sort of acne, this black clay cleanser is sure to calm your skin in no time.
While it’s typically difficult to find an antioxidant-rich, non-nano zinc day cream that is easy to blend into the skin and doesn’t feel heavy, the Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream does just that and more. It’s protective and nourishing for the skin and helps to restore its vitality, health and luminosity over time.
With multiple shades and a soft, whipped texture, anyone can wear this foundation. The formula is buildable but never greasy and provides a demi-matte finish those with oily or combination skin can really appreciate. It also contains a unique Greek resin that refines pores while you wear it.
ILIA believes clean beauty is more than just leaving out harsh chemicals and toxins. It’s also about adding skin-healing ingredients to keep our skin healthy and glowing. The multi-stick combines organic ingredients with the healing properties of vitamin E and shea butter to add a pop of colour and nourishment to the cheeks, lips and eyes.
As one of the top-selling cleansers at The Detox Market, One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil works to lift away impurities without stripping skin of its natural moisture. The enzymes in this cleanser work well to break down any excess buildup leaving the skin smooth, balanced and dewy.
Featured image: Instagram/ @
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