With the sprawl of vintage boutiques taking over Toronto, standing out in a sea of flannel and ’60s cocktail frocks can be a daunting task. Not so for Monique Nanton, owner of Boutique Monique, the newest retail offering on St. Clair West, where there’s nary a grungy plaid in sight.
Opening up shop in a hood that is distinctly different from the Queen West strip may be a seen as a surprising move, however for Nanton the range of customers is just what she hoped for. “There’s no judgment here — everyone’s welcome.” she says.
Nanton — who lives a hop, skip and jump away from the shop — has unearthed an extensive space in which to showcase her goods. More casual, daytime garb is kept in the main area, outerwear lines are in the hallway and shoes — including a selection for men — are housed in a room of their own. Eveningwear and finery are tucked away in the back, complete with an intimate living-room set-up and a fireplace to boot. Shoppers (and their companions) in it for the long haul will appreciate the change rooms fitted with seating for both parties, as well as hooks for coats and bags in addition to the garments.
Notable names are scattered throughout the boutique; Nanton, however, stresses that she selects based on cut and construction, not because of a label. A sequined Oleg Cassini number twinkles in the front window (Nanton mentions that Cassini used to dress the inimitable Jackie O); a duo of mannequins in the back have outfitted themselves in Nanton’s most-cherished pieces: an iridescent Bill Blass dress with patch pockets, and a 1960s Givenchy frock, complete with a dramatic feathered collar.
We fell for a circle-print Marimekko dress with bell sleeves, while what appeared to be a Caché mini-dress — with a bronze-studded collar — turned out to be a playful romper. Although shoppers may expect gasp-inducing prices, Nanton is a savvy buyer and, on average, pieces fall around the $80 mark.
“I love finding the right thing for the right person — nothing makes me happier,” says Nanton.
Boutique Monique, 1024 St. Clair Ave. W., open Wed. to Sat. from 11 a.m.
