Pavilion

I love this place. They have modern furniture that looks good and is back and butt friendly. None of that stuff that looks great but you’d never want to sit on it for more than a minute. What you’ll find here are sofas and chairs designed with simple, clean lines and upholstered in wonderful fabrics. Most of the sofas are available in three sizes – love seat, standard and condo size. The selection of upholstery fabrics and colours are endless. The staff are very helpful and extremely knowledgeable about where the furniture is made, how it’s made and with what materials. They are happy to take customized orders.
I’m a big fan of chandeliers and Pavilion has them in different shapes and sizes with the unique touch of being enclosed in either rectangular or drum shaped organza shades. If new furniture is not in your budget, there is always an interesting selection of tealight holders, throw pillows and vases to choose from.
739 Queen Street W (west of Bathurst)

Pretty Paper

Essence du Papier has 75% off selected items. Unlike some stores, the selection of discounted items includes more than one or two things. Choose from single sheets of gift wrap or writing paper, boxed invitations and announcements, gift bags, bows, organizers, and notebooks. Other items to check out (but not on sale) are packages of facial tissue printed in a variety of designs such as flowers, animals and toile prints, embellishments for gifts or cards, note cards and their customized invitations.
2476 Yonge St, north of Eglinton (and other locations)

And So It Begins

It may only be the second week of July, but most stores End of Summer Sales are in full swing. In another four weeks, stores will be receiving their early fall merchandise and displaying racks of winter coats. Six weeks after that every stylist and editor will be heading to Europe to attend the shows of designers previewing their Spring/Summer 2008 collections.
Now is a great time to stock up on summer basics such as t-shirts, tank tops, shorts and flipflops to carry you through the rest of summer or to kick start your summer wardrobe next year.

Living Lighting is having their storewide summer clearance event. Sale ends August 19th.

Aldo Accessories - get 2 items for the price of 1 on selected merchandise. Check out the new line of purses/bags for fall; they're not on sale but worth the look.

Laura/Larau Petite/Laura Plus are having their mid summer sale with items up to 60% off.

Cleo is having their Beath the Heat sale with tank tops priced at $9.99, t-shrits for $16.99, selected tops/blouses for $19.99 and they have a section of already reduced items that are an additional 50% off. My friend bought some really cute cotton shells for $10 each!

Ricki's has pants and skirts for $29.99 and under. You have to look for the other sale items as the racks do not have a "sale" signs on them. But your search will turn up camis for $7.99, tank tops for $9.99, cute cotton sleeveless blouses starting at $14.99. They also have select jewellery buy 1 get 2 free.

Aldo has flip flops and canvas slip-ons for $19.95; sparkly thong sandals and regular sandals starting at $19.95; purses for $19.95 and $29.95. Don't forget they also carry men's shoes and have many styles on sale as well.

Smart Set has button front t-shirts in an array of colours for $4.99; hair accessories buy 2 get the third free; v-neck or round neck t-shirts for $7.99. They've just begun their buy 1 get 1 free on already reduced merchandise sale.

H&M has selected items up to 50% off and a few racks of (mostly) dresses that are 2 for 1. Also check out the new shoes they've received for fall - not on sale but now is the time to get your size!

LaSenza has selected bras on sale for as low as $8.50, they also have a good selection priced at $16.50; panties can be had for 3/$10 or 5/$25; pajama tops and bottoms are two for $34 and they have some great lounge sets for $19.50.

At Excetera Accessories everything is buy 2 get the third item free. Choose from their selection of earrings, necklaces, shoes, flipflops, belts, purses, headbands or hats. (416-204-9639 for locations)

Reitmans has selected merchandise up to 70% off. T-shirts for $6.99, assorted tops priced at $14.99 and capris for $19.99.

Town Shoes has select summer styles up to 50% off.

Bentley's end of summer sale has select bags at up to 60% off and 20% off luggage sets.

Fairweather has tank tops and regular tops for as low as $10; flipflops and thong sandals are two pairs for $15; select summer dresses priced at $19.99.

Cotton Ginny has up to 50% on selected items; flipflops 2 pairs for $9.99 and cotton sarongs for $7.99.

Find Your Type

TYPE books is a great change from the regular, huge bookstores. Just because they're small doesn't mean they don't cary all the newest releases or the most popular titles and authors. You can find everything from thrillers, murder mysteries and chic lit to art books and cook books. They have a good selection of magazine from Canadian, American and European publishers. The staff is very friendly and are willing to help you find what you're looking for.
Their childrens section (for babies to teens) is filled with classics and childhood favourites as well as new titles. Nestled in amongst the shelves of books are Sandy John's Little Zoo leather animals, that just call out to be touched and hugged. Little kids and big kids alike will enjoy the finger puppets of such notable figures as Freud, Frida Kahlo and Gandhi.
My favourite items, due to their usefulness and small price tag, are the scented pencils. They come in yummy flavours like rootbear, orange, chocolate and cinnamon.
Don't forget to check out the art gallery downstairs before you leave.
Located at 883 Queen St W

Brazen Hussy

Beyonce wannabes this place is for you! They even have a photo of Destiny's Child wearing Brazen Hussy dresses hanging in the store.
A relative new comer to Queen West, Brazen Hussy opened in April 2007.
Their sexy summer dresses are perfect for partying pool side (preferably in LA) and their tiny, colourful bikinis are a must for those who are bootylicious. I was tempted to buy an I heart Brazen Hussies t-shirt, because really, who could resist?
Definately check out the unique and beautiful jewellery by Josie Tecson to complete your new outfit or any outfit for that matter.
Located at 863 Queen St West

Châtelet

When you first enter Châtelet you should make sure to look up. What will you see? Chandeliers, chandeliers and more chandeliers. This shop is one of my favourite stops along Queen West just for this reason. I would have a chandelier in every room if I could and with the great selection Châtelet carries, this dream could one day become a possibilty. I'm also intrigued with their selection of drawer pulls. They have beautiful glass and ceramic drawer pulls in all shapes and sizes.
The white painted wood furniture has a homey, French country look and the handmade lampshades would add a touch of whimsy to any room. For bathing beauties there are bath products from Nougat London (love the girly packaging) and shea butter soaps from Lothantique.
If you take your time while looke through the store, you will come across little "gems" like Risque Ladies of the Theatre playing cards and the Cinderella Card Game. Châtelet is the store to satisfy the girly-girl in everyone. 717 Queen St W

The Dog Days of Summer

Timmie Doggie Outfitters is a boutique for the discerning pooch that also offers spa services. Even though I don't own a dog, I was fascinated by all the products this store offers. Their selection of collars and leashes was one of the best I've seen. They're available in all sorts of colours, as well as sparkles, metallics and studded. The selection of dog coats is just as varied and they also carry doggie life jackets and neoprene suits.
Don't forget to treat Rover to a home made dog cookie from the "bakery" counter after you've purchased him a squeaky or chewie from their cute and colourful collection of toys. I loved the little ceramic treat jars, available in both cat and dog "patterns" and was happy to see they carry a small selection of cat toys.
The most eye catching item in the store was OPI's Pawlish - Colors for nails. . . for those with tails. I kid you not.
Located at 867 Queen St W