★ Seen on Queen ★
What is everyone wearing on West Queen Street West this summer?
It’s hard to put your finger on W Queen W fashion. On the one hand, you’ve got the Ossington baddies (lovers of KOTN, Reformation and blinding white basics). On the flip side, tattooed alt millennials still frequent Squirly’s dive bar donning band shirts and flannels. And then there’s the great unifier: Trinity Bellwoods Park, where all you need to have in common is a beer or a dog. And usually both. Plus whatever free chocolate bar or dry-shampoo the pop-up peddlers are giving out that day. As is the case with most of Toronto, pretty much anything goes — from chic madames in linen sets to 20-somethings wearing prairie skirts and Baggu crossbody bags (guilty).
Although Vogue named the neighbourhood one of the coolest streets in the world in 2014, West Queen West has been substantially yuppified since its glory days. No longer the edgy — affordable — artistic hub it once was, the street now mainly caters to a higher price bracket who can afford the $8 lattes. So why write about Queen Street? For one thing, I live here. And for another, the people-watching is good (especially after the Saturday flower-market at CAMH). So, curious about what people in my neighbourhood are wearing, I’ve started documenting what I see. This is what I’ve noticed:
Bag Charms are everywhere (ok, predictable I know! But also inescapable)
Below: silver TNA bowling duffle bag dressed with chains, braided straps, a Tamagotchi and other baubles.
Not personally a fan of Labubus, but admittedly I do have a small collection of Sonny Angels and blind box figurines. The cute-trinket-addiction is real! [Friend of the Editor Audrey’s note: The whole point of bag charms is that they’re personal and the problem with Labubus is that everyone has them. So that’s a fail.]
Below: mini LV monogramed handbag with rainbow plastic chain, scarf-wrapped purse strap and pastel Labubu.
Polkda dots (duh)
It has been a polka dotted summer. When I snapped this pic (below), I fell in love with this tulle x raincoat x polka dot skirt combo (and the stylish older lady with a white head of hair who was wearing it). Plus, the pink puma speedcat ballets are cute too. But polka dots have been all in over the place. In bag-form, I’ve been loving this Nina Bow bag and this A Bronze Age tote (shoutout Emma).
As for other spotty clothing, polka dotted dresses and tops are also exploding — mostly in b&w. For any doubters, I have sources. Plus, here’s Izzy being ahead of the trend last summer:
Metallic (silver)
Yes, silver is on top right now but my friend Stephy is doing it best (see below). I love her silver Chloé shoulder bag + Miffy keychain (callback: bag charms) and all-black layering.
So, what have I learned? For one thing, it’s difficult to snag a picture of someone’s fit without feeling like a creep (even with anonymity preserved). But I’ve also noticed that I’m so much more engaged with the world — and clothes — around me. Honourable mentions go to: interesting collars (sailor) — I like this — and knee high boots x thick white socks — I’m over this.