With a name like Craft and Guile, Yorkville’s newest women’s boutique may seem like something worthy of Queen West. “But once you’re inside,” says co-owner Jason Vallysedigh, “you’re surprised by how luxurious and effortlessly easy our clothes are.”
And it’s not just the clothes that are easy; it’s the price tags as well — for a Yorkville boutique, at least. Craft and Guile’s clothing mostly hovers around the $200-$500 mark.
The store has chosen to showcase newly popular and up-and-coming designers from France and the U.S., rather than the expected established names.
On the racks are items from Harlyn, Edward Achour Paris, Hartford, Yumi Kim and For Love and Lemons, the latter a label that is popular with the likes of the Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton and other Hollywood celebrities.
Craft and Guile’s main demographic is “younger women moving up in the world, or women that are already there,” says Vallysedigh, but anyone with confidence will feel right at home. “If you’re willing to try something new, you’ll find something that you’ll be comfortable in.”
The 1000-square-foot retail space is soft and inviting, with a sprinkle of antique finds that Vallysedigh and his business partner, Chloe Liu, found while shopping together. A chandelier and an antique mirror give a rustic French feel to the place.
When we were there, Vallysedigh showed us selections from the store’s offerings, from affordable pieces to high-priced handmade goods.
First up was a black For Love and Lemons dress ($160) with rayon lining, which can be dressed it up with stilettos or dressed down with flats.
Next was a 100 per cent silk romper by Harlyn ($249), which could effortlessly transition from the office to nighttime cocktail hour (currently, Craft and Guile is the only boutique in Canada to carry Harlyn’s spring line).
Last but certainly not least was a paired jacket ($1,200) and shorts ($400) from Edward Achour Paris, both handmade in France. The shorts can be worn as is or paired with stockings without downplaying their luxury. From the material, it’s clear the designer was influenced by Chanel, though the end result is still distinctive.
Beyond the clothing, vintage bags on consignment can also be nabbed to finish off an outfit or to pick up separately.
Craft and Guile is currently in its soft opening phase, and it hopes to have a grand opening on March 29.
Craft and Guile, 70 Yorkville Ave., 416-924-4369