Recently Toronto was blessed with a temporary new vintage store called “Jack Lux Vintage” a Toronto pop-up (536 Queen St. West) that is only here for a short 3 months or so (started July 23rd, 2014).
About the Store:
The store has one of the largest vintage collections in Canada much of which was acquired from Centre National du Costume (2005) which was a costuming trust established by the Quebec Government to curate and identify a wide-ranging (1920’s – 1990’s) and diverse vintage collection to be used by all the filmmakers and production houses that were shooting in the province of Quebec.  When the government’s changed — the organization was dismantled and JackLux was able to acquire the vast collection — which at last count included more than 200, 000 items of men, women and children’s apparel and accessories.
They have now brought those vintage pieces to Toronto and are selling them at low low prices of $20, $30, $40 and some a bit higher (with new pieces coming in all the time). Many of the vintage clothes need a bit of love to make them look new again and some just need to find the right buyer who is okay with some wear and tear that is unfix-able. But honestly who is going to complain with a $30, 1940s dress in their hands??? NOT ME!
Inside the store
The store has gotten the vintage community here in Toronto very excited and I know many of my friends have already made several purchases since it first opened. I personally have already been to the store multiple times and have walked away with several wonderful 1940’s and 50’s dresses (which you will see below).  Also if you are not a fan of the 40s and 50s like me, there are plenty of clothes from the 1960’s up to the 1990’s to fit anyones vintage shopping needs. And Guys…they have a whole section for you of coats, suit jackets, shirts, pants and shoes so you too need to stop by too. Looking for a Halloween costume? How about some adorable vintage clothes for your little kids? Jack Lux has got you covered. The back room of the store has a section for kids and a section of costumes like a medieval dress..or 2. Oh! there is also plus sizes! I have found several dresses for the beautiful plus size figure.
Now without further adieu lets take a look at my recent visit to the store and the vintage dresses I have now added to my collection.
Clothes all the way to ceiling!Tie’s and racks and racks of clothing
Pretty Skirts with pretty prices 🙂So many hats from the 40s all the way up to the 90s (large number are late 50’s and early 60s)I really like the yellow hat with the bow in the middle of these hatsLots of Men’s Jackets and even some dinner jacketsAdorable Children’s Vintage Clothes
So many shoes and right into large sizesThey also have Capes. Sherlock Holmes look anyone?1950s dresses with marvelous prints and buttonsBeautiful 1940s dresses with amazing detailsMen’s shirts with totally cool patterns
Now what I have gotten at Jack Lux (I’m not a model so excuse the bad photos lol):
My First Dress: Super pretty 1940s swing dress. Can’t WAIT to take this out onto the dance floor1940s Dress-The Green is much more vivid in real life and there is a bit of fading but still beautifulSuper Serious me IN My FAVORITE dress! 1940s dress with very little flaws (minor).1950’s Vintage Shirt Waist Dress. Will be so great for Fall
And there is what I bought my friends.
REMINDER! Jack Lux is only here a short time and they are bringing in new pieces all the time so make sure you hit up the store as many times as you can to stock up your vintage collection because before you know it..it will be gone and so will those amazing prices!
Happy Shopping! If you have gone shopping there, would love to know what you bought. Let me know!
P.S. In around August 29th, the Vintage Inn will have 2 Mannequins on display in the front window with outfits I picked from the store, stop on by and check them out.
I’m about to share below a great post created by the Toronto Vintage Society about the amazing and fantastic “Tatyana Designs” (formally known as Bettie Page) that is opening in Toronto ASAP!
But before I do this I want to quickly share my own story about this brand.
I have been wearing Tatyana clothing for many years now. In fact the Bettie Page brand (as it was called originally at start-up) was my first entry into the world of “Vintage reproduction clothing”. I was in Las Vegas and was wandering lost in Planet Hollywood when all of a sudden I saw the iconic image of Bettie Page staring back at me with racks of beautiful garments just begging to be tried on behind her. I purchased 2 dresses (which I still wear today) and have not stopped buying since.
Now every time I visit Vegas I go to the store in the forum shops and buy something and catch up with the shop girls that have now become our friends. My husband is also noted as the “guy who gave a mini swing dancing lesson in the store” to the Tatyana staff 🙂 I have also gotten my mom addicted to the brand and she sports many wonderful pieces in her closet too.
To show you the love here is a picture of my collection!
My collection
NOW for the post I promised you….Toronto Vintage Society’s Sneak Peak Post:
Toronto has been buzzing for months around rumours of getting the golden-era inspired dress company behind the Bettie Page brand – Tatyana!
Vintage and retro style lovers – from swing dancers to rockabilly fans – have been dying to get their hands on the full range of clothing since they were dreamed up in 2006. The Tatyana company has chosen Toronto to be it’s 20th location AND it’s first international store….and we couldn’t be more thrilled!
 “Our newest Tatyana boutique is situated in the heart of Toronto,” notes Tatyana Designs co-CEO Jan Glaser. “We continue to be gratified by the enthusiastic acceptance of Tatyana’s designs by women from all walks of life. This is especially true as we have an enormous Canadian following with thousands wearing our dresses representing a disproportionate percentage of our customers. Now we have the opportunity to honor their patronage with our first Canadian outlet in an amazing location.”
The Toronto Vintage Society are huge supporters of any new company that wants to join our ranks in bringing the retro inspired lifestyle to this city…and there is room for everyone!!! To find out more we reached out to the company. The lovely Hayley from the NYC Boutique and new Toronto Store Manager Martha made time to let the Toronto Vintage Society have a sneak peek at what’s in store.
The first thing we found out is that the SOFT OPENING event will be THIS SATURDAY starting at 2pm! The FIRST 10 people through the door will receive a goody bag, there will be bubbly drinks and tasty treats…more importantly there will a 20% discount to anyone who mentions “TORONTO VINTAGE LOVES TATYANA“
 Despite busily setting up for their opening weekend soft opening, they still managed to take the time to answer some questions for us!
 What is the company history of Tatyana?
Tatyana Designs is named after the founder and lead designer (Tatyana Khomyakova) who began designing retro inspired dresses when she founded her first clothing line, Bettie Page Clothing, in 2006. Born in northern Russia, Tatyana loved the arts and fashion from her earliest memories. After excelling at the University of Culture with degrees in theater and fashion, she began her modeling, Tatyana, after becoming a high fashion couture model, studied fashion design in France and London which led to her expertise in unique women’s vintage style design. Dismissing the “frivolous trends of the moment,” the high fashion model decided to bring into being a line that reflects the beauty and mystery of women without being vulgar or “Trendy.” Bettie Page Clothing was born.
 In 2006, we opened our first boutique at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on the strip in Las Vegas, NV. Soon thereafter, we opened Hollywood, Forum Shops in Las Vegas, San Francisco, San Diego, Boston, New York, Nashville and more so that we now have twenty Boutiques.
 In 2014, Tatyana emerged from the Bettie Page Clothing line to unveil her new company: Tatyana. The future of the line is as varied as women themselves. The nature of the dresses appeal to all demographics. Young people like the dresses because they are unusual and a “little crazy” so they can stand out in a crowd. Middle aged clients enjoy the elegance and “mystery” the dresses convey. Moreover, the older generation appreciates the nostalgia which reminds them of their youth. Everything from fabric content and design to the silhouettes themselves undergo constant change and evolution to meet the demands of clients.
Tatyana has found her place in the fashion world, which is fortunate not only for her, but for women everywhere.
 I feel you two are the main players in making this store come to life…tell us about yourselves!
Martha (Boutique Manager TO) and Hayley (Boutique Manger NY)
Hayley– Well I am just here in Toronto helping Miss Martha out, I actually live in Brooklyn and manage our Manhattan store at 303 Bowery. (Come say hi if you are ever in town!) I started with the company about four years ago when I opened our San Francisco location on Haight Street. Â It was a fantastic time to join the team, because the company was really taking off. Â We started opening boutiques all over the country, and I was fortunate enough to be involved in opening quite a few of them. Â When the decision to open in New York City was made, I had to jump on it. Â Obviously. I am a die hard vintage fan, and even more so just a fashion enthusiast. I love all things beautiful and retro.
Martha– I am from Prince Edward Island and new to Toronto! Â Simply pleased and tickled to be the store manager for Tatyana Boutique first International location. Â I have a background in retail & customer service that has allowed me to collect passport stamps from also being a retail buyer. Â I feel like fashion is in my blood since my ‘Granny’ wore dresses everyday and taught me you can never be over dressed!.
Why did the Tatyana company decide to open its next store on Toronto?Â
H-Martha, how many people did you say live here? Â Toronto is fabulous city and full of energy. Â Where else would we want to open our first international store?
M- 2.5 Million!
The line has vintage/retro inspired feel…are your clients only vintage / rockabilly / swing fans?Â
H- Not at all. Â Of course we have tons of clients that are into the scene (and we adore you!) but we also cater to a wide a range of clients, we literally have something for everyone. Â In NYC I have a great mix of rockabilly pin up gals, professionals, and just girls into fashion. Â Our clients are women from all backgrounds that just want to feel beautiful in what they wear.
M- I am just learning about all the vintage styles. I have more of a classic or lady-like look so I appreciate the cut and style that Tatyana Boutique offers to suit a real women’s body. Â I plan to mix in circle skirts and get a few make-up lessons so that I fit right in here.
Tell us about the most iconic Tatyana dress and how it was inspired and designed.Â
H- That is a tough one! Â I would have to say the Brigit, the Alika and the Captain are our most iconic dresses. Â All three of these have been in to many magazines and tv shows to name. My personal favorite at the moment though is the Shirlee Tegee! We had a “bring it back contest” last year where clients sent in photos of their mothers and grandmothers in beautiful garments. Â One of the winners was this little number, a dress that the first Miss USA wore in 1947. Â I am obsessed with the fabric, cut, and the print was so ahead of its time! Oh, and it has pockets!!
M- I have my eye on a few! Â I think that Annie’s Garden with a bow belt is the new one I will purchase!
Shirley Tegge Dress
The Stunning Creator of TVS-Jacquie at the recent “Hats and Horseshoes” event
What do you hope to happen for Tatyana in Toronto specifically? Â Do you see it as a simple walk-in Queen St W business or do you seeing it having an impact on the community?
H- If this city falls in love with Tatyana the way we have fallen in love with you, we hope to make this Boutique a destination shopping location. Â Yes, tourists will shop with us… but we really want to get involved. Â The city has so much to offer and we are thrilled to be apart of it.
M- Toronto has been patiently waiting for these dresses with the correct mixture of bright, fun, and flirty…we are all going to look like ladies!
What else will Tatyana have to offer in Toronto other than great clothes and accessories?
H- Exceptional customer service. Â We pride ourselves in taking client satisfaction to the next level. Â Our prices may not be that of a high-end designer store, but our mentality is. Oh, and we are also having a fabulous party mid September! Have you heard of Tempest Storm? Â We have something killer in the works…stay tuned!
One that note, we will be helping out Hayley and Martha to make their Grand Opening happen in true Toronto Vintage style! Â A little bit of everything should do the trick! You DO truly want to stay tuned!
Here are some fun sneak peek pictures of what to expect from Tayana’s Toronto Boutique:
Lines ups…inside and out!Some studio lighting…perhaps for some in-store pin-up shoots??!! The “Archie” Dress in Diamond BlueMartha with the “Sweet Berries” dressStairs to the upper levels which may include “community space”!Colour…and lots of it!Steaming the “Captain’s Circle” in NavyHayley looking glamorous no matter the task in the “Ping Pong” dress!Nautical Playsuit!Vintage lamps picked up at Courage my Love in Kensington Market!Almost ready to go!
Don’t Forget! SATURDAY, AUGUST 2nd at 2pm
Location: 322 Queen St. West- Goody Bag for the first 10 people through the door
– bubbly drinks and tasty treats for everyone
– 20% off if you remember to tell them that…. “TORONTO VINTAGE LOVES TATYANA”Stay tuned for news about their Grand Opening Event in September!Toronto Vintage Society Team!
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On a side note…I think I want to buy this dress and channel my inner urge to be Anita from West Side Story. -Liz-
