Every week, if not every day, our favourite stores add new pieces we can’t help but add to cart. As self-proclaimed shopping connoisseurs, we are always looking for the next great buy to add to our wardrobe. Right now, there are so many great new arrivals to shop, many teasing the upcoming spring season!
Articles You May Also Be Interested In:
The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2024
The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts To Shop On Etsy
12 Stores With The Best Sale Sections To Have On Your Radar
13 Winter Beauty Must-Haves
7 Toronto Designers And Labels To Have On Your Radar
11 Of The Best Shops To Purchase Personalized Jewellery
The retail giant known for providing its customers with top fashion trends on a quick and accessible basis, is introducing a brand new category to shop, further expanding into the world of beauty. Zara Hair has officially launched with the help of legendary Hair Stylist and Creative Director Guido Palau!
Designed specifically with the holiday season in mind. Modelled on none other than model and actress, Kaia Gerber! The set includes: Give Me Glitter hair make-up spray, Give Me Gold hair make-up gel, a gold styling comb, and a set of 12 gold statement bobby pins.
Zara already has a collection of beauty products including makeup, nail polish, and fragrance, so its launch into the hair category seems fitting for the brand as a natural expansion.
As of today, November 30th, 2023, you can shop the Glitter In Gold collection online and in-store for C$65.90.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In:
9 Cold Weather Activities To Do In Toronto
What To Gift Each Zodiac Sign This Year
Holiday Decor You Can Shop On Amazon
10 Stylish New Arrivals We’re Shopping This Week
10 Cute & Practical Winter Boots To Shop
Chic Warm Wool Coats To Shop Right Now
Zara has just come out with a Barbie capsule collection and it’s a Barbiecore dream.
Zara’s Barbie collection is set apart from the rest becoming a quick fan-favourite, by including pieces that were directly inspired by what Barbie and Ken wore in the movie. Opposed to the more “merch” feeling pieces that some other brands have come out with.
The collection is out now, and we anticipate it selling quickly. So, if you want to unleash your inner Barbie (or Ken), we suggest you move quickly!
Articles You May Be Interested In:
8 Barbie Collab Items To Shop
Canada’s First Hard Rock Hotel Is Opening In Ontario
Kotn Has A New Location In Toronto And There’s A Twist
The Jonas Brothers Are Coming To Toronto This Summer
5 Places We Love In Midtown Toronto
The World’s Largest Banksy Exhibit Is Coming To Toronto
There’s no doubt that for the quality, style, and price, Zara is a goldmine for fashionistas who want to shop basics, trendy items, and runway-ready designer dupes at low prices. As one of the world’s largest fashion companies owned by Inditex, one of the world’s biggest distribution groups, Zara operates on the cutting edge of the fast-fashion world, always coming out with something new. With that being said, all the conveniences that come with buying the brand make it really easy to fill your closet with Zara, Zara, and oh, more Zara. But, if you’re looking to switch it up or support different or smaller businesses, we’ve got you covered.
& Other Stories was founded in 2010, with physical store locations all over Europe and a few in the USA. Luckily, the brand ships internationally, so we can snag some super cool pieces. Just like Zara, & Other Stories carries lovely basics, as well as unique trendy items. Definitely give them a browse if you’re looking to try new styles.
For even more affordable prices and styles that are similar to Zara, H&M is the place to go. While the brand is a bit more understated than Zara which is more trend-forward, you can still find some fabulous pieces.
With styles inspired by runway designs, Eloquii is a plus size clothing brand that definitely knows what they’re doing. Cute and chic pieces that will make you feel so confident with sizes range from sizes 14 to 18. Be sure to check out the site as there are usually always sales going on.
ASOS makes sure that everyone has an equal chance to discover all the amazing things that you’re capable of – no matter who you are, where you’re from or what you look like. The brand gives you the confidence to be whoever you want to be. ASOS Brands come in more than 30 sizes and are continuously committed to providing all sizes at the same price.
Everlane wants the right choice to be as easy as putting on a great T-shirt. That’s why it partners with the best, ethical factories around the world, and source only the finest materials. It offers beautiful fashion pieces that are so effortlessly chic.
Amour Vert holds a major focus on taking eco-friendly initiatives. It partners directly with mills to develop fabrics that are sustainable, soft, and long-lasting. It always starts the manufacturing process with the most sustainable fibres and raw materials available. Plus, for every tee you buy, Amour Vert will plant a tree.
OAK + FORT is a fashion and lifestyle brand that provides attainable luxuries consisting of modern essentials in full collections of womenswear, menswear, accessories, jewelry, beauty, and homeware. It seeks to provide uncomplicated designs that focus on relevance and timelessness. The brand fosters individuality and uniqueness to offer versatile and functional pieces to enhance your personal style.
If you consider yourself a minimalist then COS is the shop for you. Design-forward staples in a range of neutral shades, make these pieces so easy to style. It believes that every piece should have a long lifespan and be able to continue to wear the clothes ten years from now.
Older sister to Garage, mall staple Dynamite offers a chic and more sophisticated collection of ladies casual wear still at a very fair price. Be sure to check out this retailer for extremely versatile workwear that can easily blend into your everyday wardrobe.
Pixie Market is giving us all of the contemporary vibes. From gorgeous basics to statement pieces, there is something for everyone’s personal style. The brand is also around the same price point as Zara, so if you want to change up your go-to brand, then check out Pixie Market.
Spanish fast fashion house Mango makes ready-to-wear clothing for truly contemporary women in exceptional quality for its price point. Though there aren’t any Mango stores in Ontario anymore, there is still one of the brands outposts in Quebec. However, you can always shop the retailer’s website for stand-out designs.
I’m sure you’ve all heard about Nordstrom Rack by now. The brand offers designer items at a tremendous discount. With stylish pieces that are designed by high-end brands, you’re sure to find that contemporary clothing inspiration, all while saving a tonne of cash.
Sabo Skirt creates exclusive, premium collections that are designed in Australia, just for you. The pieces are beautiful and unique! All of these products are made with lots of love from start to finish, just for you.
AllSaints is known for its iconic leather jackets, but the brand is also a great shopping alternative to Zara with its higher quality timeless basics like this plain ol’ white tee. Shopping at AllSaints will cost you a bit more, but the brand’s sale section offers amazing deals on pieces you’ll wear every day and have for a lifetime.
Club Monaco was founded around the idea to offer “better basics” to allow individuals to create classic, effortless looks every day. From the elegant staple pieces for both men and women that are always on-trend, it’s no wonder why this is a go-to brand for timeless apparel.
Aritzia is a well-known retailer that makes some pretty trendy items with a minimal twist. Think casual wear and dresses blended with a classy millennial vibe that make for the perfect substitute for Zara. We know the price point is a little higher than the fast-fashion giant, but you have to admit the selection is pretty cute, right?
Popping up all over Vancouver and Toronto, The Latest Scoop is like a smaller, boutique version of Zara in the sense that every week, the brand is filling up its retail spaces with fresh basics and trendy pieces from Paris, Italy, New York, Bali, Los Angeles, and Spain. Needless to say, you’re able to shop a wide variety of tastes in one place, similar to a shopping experience at, you guess it, Zara.
If you’re looking for streetwear that you can seamlessly tie into the rest of your wardrobe, U.K-based brand Topshop is where you need to be shopping. Living inside department stores like Hudson’s Bay or online at ASOS, Topshop always has an expertly curated selection of items like mom jeans, dresses, suits, and more, all readily available at prices that reflect Zara’s.
Frank And Oak is an awesome brand to snag some really great sleek pieces. Clothing that can seamlessly be added to your wardrobe. Perfect contemporary styles that make you look effortlessly put together. The brand is also super focused on using sustainable practices throughout its business, which is always a plus.
Tusk is an independent women’s clothing boutique located right near Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods Park. The store carries a great selection of dainty, Zara-like pieces that champion quality and female-led brands. Premium basics are the store’s specialty, and if you’re looking to support a number of local companies alongside ones you might already recognize, this is the place.
The Frankie Shop features understated yet elevated pieces that are timeless. A mix of feminine and masculine pieces, you’ll find sweaters in slouchy silhouettes, paper bag waist pants, and wide-leg trousers.
Madewell focuses on all the things you’ll want to wear with your jeans including effortless tees, keep-forever bags, cool jewellery, and compliment-worthy shoes. Browse through tops and sweaters in retro-inspired hues, corduroy bottoms, cozy sweaters, and flowy floral maxi dresses.
Know for its boho vibes, Anthropologie has more than just flowy dresses (although it does have that, too). The shop has a ton of great pieces with an overall feminine flare. So, if you love Zara’s more feminine stuff, Anthropologie has it in abundance.
Obviously, Reformation carries a much higher price point than Zara, but if you want to grab some high-quality, sustainable pieces that are still very much trendy and cute – Reformation is the spot.
If you love Zara for its basics, you’ll also love shopping at Uniqlo. Known for its well-made staple clothing pieces, Uniqlo is a great place to stock up on all your basics like tees, tanks, jeans, sweaters, and more. Its prices are also extremely fair!
En Saison, which you may recognize from The Bay, is all about providing classic silhouettes with a feminine twist. Its pieces look and feel high-end, and although it’s a bit more pricey than Zara generally, there’s some comfort in knowing it’s less mainstream than Zara, so you probably won’t be caught wearing the same thing as someone else!
Urban Outfitters doesn’t really need an introduction at this point, however, like Zara the store offers a seemingly endless inventory of trendy styles. Unlike Zara, it also carries a ton of different brands to shop from like For Love & Lemons, Champion, and BDG – just to name a few.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In:
5 Items That I Will Never Ever Buy At Zara
11 Secrets About Zara Revealed By Former Employees
6 Brands To Shop If You’re Obsessed With Aritzia
10 Designer Dupes You Can Find At Zara For Under $90
5 Brands To Shop If You’re Obsessed With Roots
Ever get the feeling that Zara employees know something we don’t? Where are the best sale items in the store? How often do new shipments arrive? Is it worth it to order items online? Who’s responsible for the elegantly dressed mannequins at the front of the store?
It’s no surprise really that stores tend to get busier in the afternoon. But at Zara, the lines get substantially longer as soon as 1 p.m. hits. The busiest times are weekdays in the afternoon when people are trying to squeeze in some shopping during their lunch break, and of course, weekends.
Naturally, Zara’s online collection is worlds larger than what they are capable of carrying in-store. The items that sell the best online, are first in line to be shipped to stores.
Every two weeks on Monday and Thursday morning, before the store opens, the new shipments are received. Most of the new stock, however, won’t make it to the floor. On top of that, sometimes throughout the day, the store may receive smaller shipments.
But here’s the real kicker: Not only do staff receive 25% off regular items, but sale items as well. A little goes a long way.
You might’ve noticed that purses are always set up on the floor next to where shoes are normally displayed. The reasoning behind this one is simple. They want everything to be in-reach, and as visually accessible as possible.
The most expensive sale items are located at the front of the store, in hopes that they are the first things to be sold. But, the further into the store you get, the better the deals are.
Every morning the “visuals team” rearranges the items on the floor, and puts new outfits on the mannequins. But because every store has a different team of visuals, every store will have different displays, based on that individual store’s visual team’s taste.
If you’re trying to avoid costly shipping and handling fees, you can ship your online purchases to your nearest Zara location, and pick them up there, instead of having them delivered to your home.
Throughout the day, employees are supposed to keep an eye out for items that are stained, ripped, or damaged, and pile them in the back where they are sorted by what needs to be cleaned, repaired, or disposed of.
Although they don’t offer any sort of discount on stained or damaged items, if you do still choose to buy it, you can request that they make a note on your receipt that indicates what was wrong with the item, allowing you to bring it back for a full refund.
If items don’t seem to be selling well, they’re shipped out to a warehouse in New Jersey, sorted, and then rerouted to new Zara locations, in hopes that they do better there.
This Zara secret will help you nail down the proper sizing. If you see Trafaluc on a Zara tag, then you should go up one size. All of the items in this collection are made about a size smaller.
At Zara, you’ll find that there are three main sections in the ladies’ department which are Women’s and Women’s Studio, Basics, and Trafaluc. If you find something you love in the Women’s Studio, typically pieces that are over $200, be sure to grab them! These items won’t get restocked after it’s sold out.
Typically, items like dresses, shirts, shoes, etc., have a certain number of sizes that are on the floor. So, if you don’t see your exact size, it’s definitely worth it to ask a sales associate if they can check the back stock for additional pieces.
We all know and love Zara’s massive Semi-Annual Sale where you can grab all of the basics and trendy items at a major discount. Be sure to keep an eye out for when it starts, which is usually the week after Christmas and then in June, so you can get first dibs.
Posts you might be interested in:
The Tricks And Secrets Behind Zara’s Massive Success
Zara Workers Cry for Help Through Hidden Messages
Worst Purchase Ever: Woman Buys Zara Dress with Rodent Sewn Inside
UNIQLO Just Announced Two More Store Openings In The GTA
9 Retailers That Have The Best Sales On The Market
It’s, unfortunately, time to say goodbye to a major Zara location in downtown Toronto. The Zara at 50 Bloor Street West will be closing after operating for around 22 years.
The closing Zara location is two floors, which once was split between men’s and women’s fashion until a recent change to strictly womenswear throughout.
Plus, the retailer just had a massive sale, so you may be able to even snag some deals.
The fast-fashion brand has always been a staple shopping destination for low-priced basics, as well as ultra-trendy apparel, footwear, and accessories.
These include a storefront on Queen Street West and the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, and of course, if you don’t want to leave the house, you can make a purchase online!
Articles You May Also Be Interested In
Top Brands That Have Expansion Plans For Canada In 2022
40+ Top Brands That Have Expanded In Canada In 2021
The Running List Of Retail Store Closures And Bankruptcies In 2021
The Running List Of Retail Store Closures And Bankruptcies In 2020
6 American Stores Worth Crossing The Border For
Leather pants have seriously become all the rage these days and for good reason. The versatility of these bottoms is exactly what you need as a staple piece in your wardrobe. Dress them up with a chic blouse or down with your best hoodie, either way, you’ll strut the streets in style.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In:
25+ Brands To Shop If You’re Obsessed With Aritzia
I Tried Thrifting For Aritzia Inspired Clothing, Here’s How It Went
Aritzia To Start Testing Inclusive Sizing Up To Size 18
9 Aritzia Secrets To Know The Next Time You Shop
10 Underrated Shopping Destinations In Toronto
10 Online Retailers To Shop That Ship The Fastest
Across the globe, stores and restaurants are closing and people are living in isolation. Life feels less like reality and more like a simulation a little bit every day.
But while times are gloom and the future is uncertain, it’s great to see the world banding together. Bright moments are happening across the globe. In Toronto, we’ve seen local institutions pivot their businesses to provide people with hand sanitizer and grocery stores putting those most at-risk first. And across the beauty, fashion, and retail industries, we’re seeing conglomerates step up their efforts to help stop the spread of Coronavirus, too.
Luxury conglomerate LVMH was the first on the fashion and beauty front to offer up its support in helping to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. On March 15, the company announced that it would turn its perfumes and cosmetics business into a hand sanitizer manufacturer. LVMH has committed to deliver the hand sanitizer it creates free of charge to French health authorities for “as long as necessary” to help “enable a greater number of people to continue to take the right action to protect themselves from the spread of the virus.”
Under the L’Oréal beauty brand, La Roche-Posay said it would provide hand sanitizer to institutions in Europe that need it the most such as main partnering pharmacies, hospitals, and nursing homes. Garnier, also under the L’Oréal beauty brand, will distribute hand sanitizer to its European clients’ food distribution channels. In a statement to WWD, L’Oréal Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jean-Paul Agon said, “Through these gestures, L’Oréal wishes to express its appreciation, support and solidarity with all those who mobilize with extraordinary courage and abnegation to fight against this pandemic.”
Another of the retailers donating to COVID-19 prevention efforts is Los Angeles Apparel. In a statement made through Instagram, the company’s controversial owner Dov Charney (formerly of American Apparel) offered help to the municipal, state, and federal agencies. “Our experienced workforce and management team of over 450 people are ready and able to produce masks or medical products for any government agency,” Charney said.
Fast fashion behemoth Inditex — the owner of Zara, Massimo Dutti, and more — is also lending its workforce in the battle to prevent COVID-19’s spread. As one of the retailers donating to COVID-19 prevention efforts, the company’s factories and logistics teams will help the Spanish government by donating masks for patients and medical workers, stating to Vogue, that it “will make a delivery at least once a week of materials we purchase directly.” As of now, the company has donated 10,000 protective face masks and expects to have 300,000 surgical masks ready by March 21.
In a statement on Instagram, Moncler’s Chairman and CEO Remo Ruffini announced that the company would donate €10 million towards the construction of a hospital in Milan with 400 extensive care units. He said, “Milan is a city that has given us all an extraordinary time. We cannot and must not abandon it. It is everyone’s duty to give back to the city that has given us so much.”
Earlier in the month, Giorgio Armani donated €1.25 million to a number of Italian hospitals and institutions. According to WWD, “The Luigi Sacco and San Raffaele hospitals and the Istituto dei Tumori in Milan as well as the Istituto Lazzaro Spallanzani in Rome will benefit from the donation. The amount will additionally support the activities of Protezione Civile, the country’s civil defense.”
As reported by South China Morning Post, Kering — the luxury conglomerate that owns Gucci, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, and more — has donated 7.5 million yuan to the Red Cross Society Of China.
Versace’s Chief Creative Office Donatella Versace and her daughter Allegra Versace Beck have donated €200,000 to the San Raffaele hospital in Milan. In a statement, Versace said, “Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by this disease and to all the doctors and medical staff who have been working heroically non-stop in the past weeks in the effort to take care of our loved ones.” The company has also donated 1 million yuan to The Chinese Red Cross Foundation.
According to Business Insider, Prada co-CEOs Muiccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli, as well as Chairman Carlo Mazzi, have donated two resuscitation and complete intensive care units to hospitals in Milan.
One of the big retailers donating to COVID-19 prevention efforts is Walmart. On March 17, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced a pledge of $25 million to help organizations on the front lines in fighting COVID-19. The large sum will be split between food banks and meal programs in America, as well as global efforts in preventing, identifying, and managing the outbreak.
Articles You Might Be Interested In
How Shopping Malls Across Canada Are Responding To COVID-19
The Running List Of Retailers Temporarily Closing For COVID-19
What COVID-19 Might Mean For The Future Of Retail
Local Toronto Stores Are Now Offering Free Delivery In Response To Temporary Closures
A Toronto Distillery Is Producing Hand Sanitizer Instead Of Booze
Even though here in Toronto we just experienced an offensive amount of snow and winter boots are a must, once the ice melts, we can go back to wearing normal shoes. And for us, those are always a pair of classic black boots. You can never go wrong with black boots — they go with everything and are a timeless wardrobe staple, but if you’re looking to pick up a few new pairs of black boots that are far from basic, keep on reading.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In:
9 Brands With The Best Basics To Invest In
10 Cute Boots To Keep Your Feet Warm This Winter
10 Of The Best Designer Finds On The RealReal For Under $500
I Tried Thrift Store Shopping For Workout Gear – Here’s How It Went
I’m Obsessed With A $22 Lip Balm That Has Saved My Lips This Winter
Living in a city like Toronto definitely isn’t cheap, but that shouldn’t stop you from living your best life, and having an Insta-ready wardrobe. Affordable clothing isn’t hard to find if you know where to look. Take a gander at the places and stores below, and you’ll still have enough money left over to pay your bills.
Chinatown on Spadina is a beloved stretch of Toronto with its hodgepodge of clothing shops, markets, and restaurants. Here is where you’ll find great prices on many wardrobe basics like tees, sweatshirts, leggings, and sunglasses. Make sure to take time to sift through the many bargain racks, but take note: you won’t find very many trendy items here — just basics galore. Where else in Toronto can you get five t-shirts for $10?
If secondhand is more your vibe, make sure to check out Toronto’s long list of great vintage stores. Black Market Clothing is one of Toronto’s longest standing vintage clothing shops, specializing in vintages tees and casual clothing. You never know what you’re going to find here, but new or vintage band tees are almost always a guarantee, as well as the $10 price tag — not much is priced higher than that. Another fab option is Mama Loves You Vintage on Queen West which is great for beautiful dresses from years past.
Kensington Market is a well loved pocket of Toronto that’s known for its quirky shops, under-the-radar restaurants, and all around fun vibe. There are a ton of vintage shops, as well as stores selling an array of random basics like tees, harem pants, and sunglasses. But unlike Chinatown, you can definitely find trendy items here, especially vintage denim and jewelry. Next time you’re in Kensington Market take a stroll down Kensington Avenue and hit up stores like Courage My Love, Bubble Gum Fashion, and Sub Rosa Vintage.
In this day and age, it’s so important to try to recycle your unwanted clothing and not just toss it in the trash. Going to or even hosting a clothing swap is a really great way to stop clothing from going into landfills but it’s so true that another persons junk is another’s treasure. Wondering where to find a clothing swap? One quick search on Facebook will put you in the right direction. Happy swapping!
Over here at StyleDemocracy, we are pretty much thrift store obsessed so of course we had to include them in this list. While you have to pack your patience when shopping at your local thrift, you might be surprised at what you can find. Whether you’re after Aritzia-style clothing, plus size fashion, or workout gear, it can all be found at the thrift store for amazing prices.
What did we do before Bunz? Seriously, it might be the best invention since sliced bread and the Internet. For anyone not in the loop, Bunz is a trading app and yes, you need it. You can trade your items for pretty much anything — household items, clothes, bottles of wine, gift cards, the list goes on. And it gets even better because you can earn BTZ (Bunz currency) and there are actual stores where you can spend them.
Along with vintage, Toronto also has a number of consignment stores — whether you’re looking for more affordable secondhand clothing or designer labels. VSP on Dundas, as well as Fashionably Yours and Consign Toronto, both on Queen Street. West, have some of the best prices on second-hand designer clothing. Otherwise, if you’re just looking to strike a deal on lightly used contemporary and vintage items, head over to Common Sort.
Obviously, a list of places to buy affordable clothing in Toronto, wouldn’t be complete without including Winners and Marshalls stores. These off-price retailers specializes in giving you the best deals on labels we all love with many clearance items starting at only $20 or less. What we love most about Winners and Marshalls is the massive selection! Being a department store, there’s always a crazy amount of clothes to choose from whether it’s activewear, denim, jewellery, accessories, or apparel you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for off the runway finds without paying off the runway prices, then fast fashion retailers like Zara, and H&M are your best bet. You can always find the latest fads at these stores for a fraction of the price of their designer inspirations. On the contrary, if you’re in the market for basics and affordable office attire, try Uniqlo or Joe Fresh for budget-friendly button ups, shift dresses, blazers, and dress pants.
Nordstrom Rack is giving other retailers a run for their money, being one of the city’s favourite off-price department store to enter the Canadian market. You can expect to find all the contemporary and designer labels that Nordstrom is known for, but with some hefty markdowns. While you may not be getting the same bargains you’ll find in Chinatown or Kensington Market, the real win here is the affordable price on designer labels.
Whoever had the idea to group a bunch of outlet stores together and create a mall out of them, is our hero. While you’ll find outlet malls a little further out of the city, they’re definitely worth the trek to get to. In Halton Hills there are the Toronto Premium Outlets which include a Gucci outlet, Saks Off 5th, an Aritzia outlet, and even a Restoration Hardware outlet.
If bargain hunting is your thing, you’ll definitely want to do some shopping at upcoming warehouse sales. Make sure you stay tuned to StyleDemocracy so you’re in the loop on any upcoming warehouse sales from brands like Ted Baker, Triluxe, and Bugatti.
Articles You May Be Interested In:
11 Secrets About Zara Revealed By Former Employees
5 Places To Shop For Affordable Shoes In Toronto
I Tried Cheap & Expensive Skincare To See If Price Really Matters
10 Stores To Shop For Trendy And Affordable Furniture In Toronto
Style Test: I Tried Shopping Plus Size Vintage At Value Village