Black Market Vintage is easily one of the best thrift/vintage/alternative clothing stores in Toronto, Ontario in Canada. I stopped by for an hour to shop with some of my friends on a quick trip to the city, and we were all very impressed with the selection of clothing (think lots of silk screened t-shirts, jean jackets, studs, leather jackets, jeans, etc.).
Located mostly underground, with a street-level entrance on Queen St., Black Market Vintage looks more like a storage basement than a shop, but that’s all part of its vibe. With most items sold for under $10 (and yes, that’s $10 Canadian), the store is perfect for any college students looking for fun new pieces. They also have an impressive collection of Records (some more than $10, however). I didn’t think to take any pictures while in the store, but you can check out some of its layout here. You should also make sure you follow them on Facebook and Instagram, and check out their website. You can order clothing from their online store, but I would highly suggest visiting in person if you’re able to.
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Jacket - Croft & Barrow women’s hooded pea coat
Sweatshirt - Goldtoe Leggings - Vera Wang Shoes - Converse high tops Crossbody bag - Kenneth Cole Reaction Here’s my outfit from UPMUNC (University of Pennsylvania Model United Nations Conference) in Philadelphia this past weekend!
Dress - Primark Tights - TJ Maxx Shoes - H&M (Divided) Bag - Target I am a huge fan of sweaters, especially in fall and winter when it’s cold outside (winters in upstate New York are no joke). Sweaters are very easy to style and pair with outfits, and can be as plain and simple or crazy as you want. I’ve compiled sweaters and cardigans from my favorite sweater stores below. I tried to find a range of different websites and prices so there’s some variety. Enjoy! Spine All Mine Cardigan from ModCloth Bad Witch Effortless Thermal (Wildfox) from Dollskill Weekday Sweater (in dirty black) from Wildfox Mega Babe Crewneck Sweatshirt (in black) from Stay Cute Omen Sweater (in black) from UNIF TALL Patchwork Cable Jumper from TopShop Effy Sweater (in black and white) from UNIF Knit Sweater (in black and white) from H&M Shredded Roses Venice Canal sweater from Wildfox Lofty Knit Seam Jumper from TopShop Tiger Mist Take Me Over Crossover Back sweater (in white) from Forever 21 Hit Color Abstract Thickened Brocade sweater (in white) from Maple Clan Cable Knit Zip Sweater (in olive) from American Eagle Outfitters Textured-Graphic Crew-Neck sweater (in black) from Old Navy Handknit Tenby Pullover from Anthropologie “Nope” Cropped Sweatshirt from Stay Cute
Remember, the time for sweaters is slowly coming. Make sure you’re prepared to stay warm, even when it’s well below freezing out (unless you’re fortunate enough to live somewhere without ice and snow). I didn’t list this, but another great resource for sweaters are thrift and consignment stores. Some of my favorite sweaters were purchased from local thrift stores, or even Goodwill or the Salvation Army. You never know what you can find, but it’s almost always worth the effort. ***NOTE: All images are not our own, and were taken from their corresponding links. We do not have any affiliation with any of the brands/stores listed. Let me first say that thrift stores are my thing. I live to dig through racks of boring to find that one amazing piece. I love my hometown thrift stores, and wherever I'm living I find at least one. In Oneonta, Shakedown St. was the Main Street mainstay (Post coming soon), but now that I'm living in Willimantic, I had to find a new favorite. On a lazy Sunday, my roommate and I decided we were on the hunt. There's a local Salvation Army, which is always fun, but it was closed on Sundays, so we continued to hunt. We landed at BLISS Boutique, located at 41 High St. (right next to Blarney's.) As soon as we parked, we had a good feeling. The outside was very welcoming, with a few racks of clothes outside labeled 'clearance.' The interior is just as welcoming, with tables and tables of fun jewelry, accessories, shoes, etc. Deeper in lie racks upon racks of clothing, all clean and neatly hung (which is definitely hard to find in the thrift store circuit.) With incense in the air, BLISS feels like a second closet. According to their Facebook: Welcome! BLISS Boutique is the unique boutique that offers an eclectic mix of gently loved and new clothing, accessories and more at the lowest prices! Note: Photo from the BLISS Boutique Facebook, and not our own. BLISS Boutique is opening a new location Storrs, CT so be sure to check out both the Willimantic and Storrs shops.
On my first visit, I picked up an army green fall jacket with faux leather sleeves (2 punk rock 4 u), but I'll be back soon for some vintage looking rings I had my eye on and passed over. Within walking distance from my apartment, BLISS Boutique is going to be one of my new favorite places. My hypothesis is that it's where the cool girls shop, so stop by and treasure hunt soon. BLISS is a great way to still find amazing clothes, but not support the fast fashion industry or sweatshops. These pre-owned, vintage, or consigned clothes will live a second life with you, rather than filling up landfills and polluting the environment. Like BLISS on Facebook for updated pictures of new arrivals, and be sure to sign up for their mailing list to be notified of sales. In my opinion, the 90s was the best decade for almost everything. Gwen Stefani, Aaliyah, Nirvana, chokers, Clueless, ripped jeans and flannels, Lil Kim, fuzzy pink everything, the Disney movie renaissance, Lenny Kravitz, small backpacks, crazy sunglasses, and those are only some of the treasures of the 90s. Find inspiration through the old MTV cartoon Daria, Miley’s Instagram, and Zoe Kraviz's Instagram. Think about Freaks and Geeks (available on Netflix), and young Leo DiCaprio, teen Britney Spears, and Winona Ryder. Don't forget to embrace your inner grunge queen and love your inner crust punk. Also check out the following articles from MarieClaire, InStyle, and Babble. I’ve included pictures of some of my favorite trends and pieces that are coming back in style; namely chokers, crazy sunglasses, and giant black boots. If you’re interested in finding more clothes, I suggest looking at UNIF, Dollskill, and O-Mighty. Left: Window To My Heart by J Valentine (through Dollskill) Right: Candy Cloud Sandals by Current Mood (through Dollskill) Think pink and fluffy and super cute. Nymphette inspired mega babe status, anyone? If pink and fluffy is too much for you, think about adding accents of baby ice pink to your look, a simple easy way is nail polish. Try Ballet Slippers or Mademoiselle by Essie. Left: Millionaire Musket Boots by ROC Boots (from Dollskill) Right: Bundy shorts in black from UNIF Look for chunky black boots with thick heels and fun harness or buckle detailing. H&M has some great options as well. Also look for destroyed denim shorts. One Teaspoon and Urban Outfitters have great selections. They have the grunge vibe, plus they go with everything and are as comfy as it gets. Left: Dancing Queen Boogie Boots by Current Mood (from Dollskill) Right: Silk Kitten bralette in maroon (top) and Silk Kitten skirt in maroon (bottoms) from O-Mighty Chunky white shoes are an awesome statement and you can even find white platform sandals for summer. Crop top and skirt sets also look amazing and I love the deep blood color of this one. Left: Romeo Jeans in black by UNIF Right: Black knee high socks from ASOS Ripped up denim is always great and as summer transitions to fall, jeans are a solid option. You can even find jeans at your local thrift stores and have fun ripping them up and distressing them on your own. Knee high socks are always really cute, especially with shirts, skirts, and dresses. These can almost instantly add a 90's vibe to your look. Left: Striped Lurex Knitted Dress in Navy from Missguided Us Right: Riot Winona tee by Hips and Hair (from Dollskill) Tight longer dresses are a 90's staple, even look for spaghetti strap or halter options. Loose graphic tanks definitely lend themselves to the grunge vibe, and this one literally has Winona's face on it (!!!!) Left: Velvet Mondo Viva Creepers by T.U.K. (from Dollskill) Right: Wide Black Velvet choker necklace from Claire’s Creepers are always lovely, and the velvet ones are especially 90's. Look for black, white, and deep jewel tones like ruby, emerald, sapphire, etc. Chokers are super in right now. Velvet, again, is a really nice option, but the plastic tattoo chokers (and bracelets) are cute too. Also look for leather and slinky silver and gold ones. Nasty Gal, Claire's, ASOS, and Urban Outfitters have great ones. Left: Ryder Boots from UNIF Right: Ruffle Lace Romper from Wildfox in color bordeaux Chunky lace-up boots are a great, more practical option for walking in. Wildfox also has a lot of great 90's inspired pieces, Left: Detention Dress from UNIF Right: Pixel Sunglasses by H0les Eyewear (from UNIF) Plaid is a fun 90's takeaway and this dress is a great take on it. Pairing it with a choker looks great too. Fun sunglasses are making a giant comeback. Look at Nasty Gal, Forever 21, H&M, Urban Outfitters, for super bizarre silly shades. Look for clear frames, reflective bug-eyed lenses, cat-eye shapes, etc. Left: 90s Crop Top from ASOS Right: Plaid Decisions Code Boots by Current Mood (from Dollskill) Crop tops have made a huge comeback. Look for neutrals to wear as basics. For an even more spin, look for halter tops and straps that mock halter tops. Think Mary Kate and Ashley in the early 2000's. Left: Loop Sweater in black from UNIF Below: Space Babe Halter Top from Dollskill Big huge loose knit sweaters are great for fall and will essentially feel like you're wearing a blanket. I see no problems. Look for alien inspired apparel, too. Remember, kids, the truth is out there. Left: Black Tattoo Choker Necklace with oval mood pendant from Claire’s Right: Mesh Dream Platforms by Y.R.U. from Dollskill Mood rings, (and chokers) are also really in. This option is super affordable and I'm pretty sure Susan has one. Chunky shoes don't always have to be boots. These slides are a cute version to wear out to the bars or a party, or wherever you like. Left: Women’s (or Men’s) 1460 Boots by Dr. Marten in cherry red Right: Men’s Long-Sleeved Fjord Flannel Shirt from Patagonia Dr. Martens and flannel are some of the biggest 90's punk staples out there. Utilitarian pieces like these will give you a lot of cute, comfortable wear, and will still look at least a little put together. Don't forget the eyeliner and dark lipstick though! Left: ‘90s Knitted Ribbed Crop Top from TopShop Right: Asymmetric Tartan Wool-blend bud skirt from Chic Wish Ribbed tops are also really in, especially in cropped form. Pair with plaid skirts for a 90's vibe with little to no effort. Above: Vintage Inspired Classic Round Circle Sunglasses with metal bridge from Amazon Remember not to forget the accessories and cosmetics. think mini backpacks, and sunglasses, and dark eyeliner and lipsticks. Frosted lipstick was huge in the 90's and is just coming back now, too.
Hopefully this resonated with some of you, and happy 90's hunting. Be sure to leave a comment if you think we forgot anything. Email us at [email protected] if you have any cute outfit selfies that reflect this 90's revival. Pantone released the Fall 2015 color report, and for those who enjoy following color trends, this will be your fall guide. Personally, I've been seeing a lot of "Oak Buff" and similar yellow based hues, and I feel as though they're becoming a lot more wearable than most people assume. Darker greens like "Dried Herb" and "Desert Sage" have been really popular in suede skirts, and are always a fun neutral to try. "Reflecting Pond," "Biscay Bay," and "Stormy Weather" are fairly straightforward jewel toned blues and should be easy to pair with. "Marsala," previously color of the year, is a fun darker color pop for the more neutral oriented people, whereas there's "Cashmere Rose," "Cadmium Orange," and "Amethyst Orchid" for the more daring color-oriented folks. Note: images not our own and belong to the respective links.
Here are a few of my favorite fairly understated neutral boots for Fall 2015. I live in short ankle boots almost year round, but lately I've been trying to branch away from simple black leather chelsea boots. Look for fun detailing, buckles, stitching, zippers, lacing, or cutouts to make your toes stand out. Some of the best quality boots I've ever found have been from Frye, but this collection should give you a head start in shopping. All merchant links can be found in this Polyvore collection.
Note: all photos not our own can can be found in the corresponding links on Polyvore. |
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