Lisa Anderson has a varied and interesting history. She’s studied archaeology; she’s had various stints in retail and she’s worked at the Gardiner Museum. So it comes as no surprise that her new retail store, Mint Boutique, houses a wide selection of items from a sizeable range of designers and companies. In her words, it’s a boutique that’s “traditional but contemporary.”
Opened on Dec. 1, this 600-square-foot shop in the Distillery District houses fashion staples, home décor and gifts. The shop itself has a modern loft feel with concrete walls and floors, but it keeps in step with the rustic nature of the Distillery District by using 150-year-old wood beams as shelving.
Anderson prides herself on stocking her shelves with unique pieces, including hand-blown glass containers by Ny Cruets — designed to elegantly house oil and vinegar ($75-$90) — or cheese boards by Nova Scotia’s The Toy Maker of Lunenberg, which are actually made from reclaimed parts of the Bluenose II ($58).
Several fashion items are also on display, such as a 100 per cent silk blouse by Rebecca Taylor that’s misty grey and tangerine orange ($298). Mint Boutique also carries some brands that are currently exclusive to Toronto, such as MZ Wallace, which makes fashionable bags with Italian leather fixtures and Teflon-coated nylon ($175-$395).
The store is tucked away a little past the heart of the Distillery District, but with a new store and a new restaurant planning to open up nearby, the area should start getting some newfound attention soon.
Mint Boutique, 6 Rack House Mews, 416-368-6468