One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: A Review of Flashback

On a recent shopping with my mother we were in need of something unique and slightly formal. I decided to take her to Toronto's Kensington Market to give her a tour of the T.O.'s vintage clothing capital. We strolled down the narrow streets in the summer sun and stumbled upon Flashback.

As we walked, in we were instantly surrounded by tons and tons of gorgeous leather, vintage handbags (my favourite) whose origins spanned a number of decades. Surrounding the cash desk were cute belts and printed scarves cleverly placed in a vintage stroller. The accessories were tempting but we were on a mission for the perfect outfit for our upcoming special occasion. Towards the back you can find a number a printed '60's shift dresses, gold brocade dresses, fuller flared skirts and the list goes on.

My mother found a few clothing items to try on and happily sat in the big velvety couch chair located in the middle of the store ready to voice my opinion of each outfit Nina Garcia style. Each outfit looked great. My favourites were a pink floral dress with a scoop neckline and a printed fuller flared skirt reminiscent on 1950's Cuba. The lovely sales associate was very helpful always suggesting different outfits and reminded me of Alice Cullen with her short hair and pixie-like demeanor.

This was a successful shopping trip. I may not have ended up with anything but my mom sure did! It just goes to show you that in a cool, hip vintage store like Flashback there is a little something for everyone.

Amanda

Vintage, Vintage, Vintage: My Venture Into One of the Trendiest Places in Town

Vintage. It is currently one of the most used terms within the fashion crowd. When viewing images of street style, made famous by Scott Schman's blog The Satorialist or viewing Toronto's fashionistas on fashionmagazine.com or flare.com, the common response for the source of the stylish outfits is vintage. As someone who has spent two years in fashion school and oodles of time surrounded by fashionable people, it seems the place to buy the most unique and affordable clothing is from your local Value Village or vintage hotspots such as, Courage My Love or Flashback.

I personally have not ventured into vintage territory. Despite the incredible finds and generally affordable prices I have always felt a little hesitant about purchasing something that someone else has worn and lived in. However that all quickly changed after a recent trip to none other than Toronto's Kensington Market. Although I have always passed by the quiet area, I haven't visited the clothing stores in quite some time and was pleasantly surprised during my recent trip. As I browsed through each store I was bombarded by oodles and oodles of GORGEOUS handbags. Old leather and evening handbags that I have not seen since reading my History of Costume textbook. There were beautiful skinny leather and gold belts. Fuller-flared skirts and dresses decorated with colorful, picturesque prints and exotic maxi dresses. I had not realized that Kensington Market was home to such beautiful treasures.

An added bonus to these great finds were the affordable prices! I saw a number of bags that cost no more than $30 and lovely dresses all under $50. In this economy, that is music to any recessionista's ears. As I continued my treasure hunt down the narrow streets I also stumbled upon great stores that sourced products from India such as, Eye of Shiva. This store had colourful and elaborate skirts, dresses, tunics and jewellery.

My experience has definitely changed my outlook on vintage clothes. I mean, who cares if someone wore the silk Diane Von Furstenburg dress you just bought for $40?

Amanda