Vintage clothing stores on Toronto’s Queen Street East

Whether you’re looking for that perfect party-minded frock for a special occasion, or just some unique threads for day to day, the east end is Toronto’s undiscovered haven for sweet vintage finds. From deco to disco, Queen Street East is stacked with some of the best retro regalia in town. [Image credit: iStock.com/sergeyryzhov]

Vintage clothing stores on Toronto’s Queen Street East
Karen Lloyd By

Gadabout

1
1300 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1C4

Packed floor to ceiling (on two stories) with a medley of clothing, accessories, and household textiles, this whimsical vintage boutique in Toronto’s Leslieville district is a kaleidoscope of fashion’s past. Items, including a medley of dresses and coats, date back to the 1800s through to the 1970s. Although it’s a little pricey in comparison to other vintage shops in the neighbourhood, everything is in great shape including leather lace-up boots that can be best described as Laura Ingalls-chic ;)

Reflection Vintage & Antiques

2
839 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y8

Looking to channel Louise Brooks for that Gatsby-themed party you’re going to next month? This fun and flashy Gerrard Street shop has you covered, from tete to toe. You’ll find vintage and brand-new flapper dresses in just about every colour you can imagine – and all the necessary wigs, tiaras, crowns, sexy thigh highs to boot. Shop from the wide range of antique costume jewellery – it makes for the perfect NYE accessory or just a simple upgrade to your everyday jeans and t-shirt.

Thrill of the Find

3
1172 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1L4

Versace, Prada, Gucci, and Christian Dior are just a few of the designer labels to grace the racks of this super classy vintage clothing store in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood. Whether you fancy a Stella McCartney cocktail dress or a Fendi Hobo bag, there are literally thousands items to scour through at this shop – and the display racks change frequently, making the spot worthy of a regular peruse. Most of what’s in stock is hidden in the basement, so don’t be afraid to ask what you’re looking for.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Vintage Vibes Boutique

4
717 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

From white ruffled petticoat skirts and fascinators to chunky clip-on earnings and some truly fancy footwear, this vintage (and vintage-inspired) clothing shop in Riverside is everything playful and pretty. Since it’s located at the back of a massive antique furniture store, Vintage Vibes Boutique is easily missed by Queen Street East shoppers, so keep your eyes peeled – it’s definitely worth a visit.

Value Village

5
924 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1J5

Don’t underestimate the value of the double V on Queen Street East, especially when it comes to vintage. This Value Village has been known to carry Betsy Johnston cocktail dresses (for $10), 1980s Levis denim a-la-DJ-Tanner and dainty blouses that your grandma wore in her heyday. Unlike the other vintage clothing stores in Leslieville, you really have to dig for gold at this sprawling both, but regulars are sure to find some serious gems, gently used and on the cheap.

Arts Market

6
1114 Queen Street E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K7

In addition to the made-in-Toronto jewellery, greeting cards, ceramics and knitwear, this massive arts market in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood is a great source for cute-as-a-button vintage dresses, jackets and blouses at affordable prices. Vintage clothing racks are dispersed throughout the store, so be sure to check out every nook and cranny.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Karen Lloyd Karen Lloyd
Karen Lloyd is a Queen East scribe who fancies gritty dive bars, street meat smothered in French’s mustard and hanging out at dog parks. In addition to writing twisted non-fiction about her neighbourhood for The Local Rap, Karen also specializes in digital marketing, website design, food photography and social media.
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