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Lavish & Squalor
Categories: Shopping Fashion Women's Clothing Shopping Fashion Men's Clothing Women's Clothing, Men's Clothing [Edit]
253 Queen St WToronto, ON M5V 1Z4
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Queen Street West, Downtown Core
(416) 599-4779
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 8 pm
Fri 11 am - 8:30 pm
Sat-Sun 11 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Lavish & Squalor
Review Highlights
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"Accessories, accessories, accessories." In 5 reviews -
"Tons of cool brands like Hellz Bellz and MOB." In 3 reviews -
"There are plenty of jeans on display and the coffee bar..." In 5 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Mochi M.
2/25/2012
I can't say that I would wear 100% of these pieces in here (very hipster-like), but there is a bit of a glamourous, rock and roll edge to some of their items, so I'm still in the game here.
I love that they carry the House of Harlow jewellery line and their prices are not unreasonable. I think the staff has outstanding customer service skills and it never feels like they're pressuring you to buy anything!
For the style of the place, think simple t-shirts, chunky knits, some sequin things, and everything kind of minimalist. -
Review from Chris P.
2/1/2012
Lavish and Squalor really saved me. I don't mean that in an abstract sort of way like when people say things like 'punk music saved me', I mean that I was in fact faced with adversity and L & S provided the rescue.
I used to work right around the corner from L & S and would pass by it countless times and each time I did I always thought 'I really have to go check this place out!'
Then one cold and winterly windy day had arrived and I was rushing down Queen St as I was running late, and then as luck would have it, the toque I was wearing actually got blown right off my head. Seriously. And here you thought you had bad luck.
However, L & S was only a few feet away so I ventured inside in the hopes of finding a new toque. And I did in fact find one and it is so amazingly awesome that I've worn it every day since. I love it because its funky and floppy and fuzzy and warm and because of its floppiness my hair is never flattend out after wearing it. This is exactly the kind of stuff that L & S carries, they are like basics but with a funky edgy sort of twist.
I was also very drawn in by huge selection of scarves very interestingly displayed in a few huge wooden crates. And ya I totally picked up a few of those too and every time I've worn one I always get tons of complments.
The is definitely the place to go if you're looking for that signature piece which will top off any ensemble, like my funky fuzzy floppy toque!!! -
Review from Mark S.
Vaughan, ON
5/13/2012
This is a good experience store. They have cute dogs and a really hipster vibe. I find the stuff isn't really my style. They carry some brands that aren't easy to find elsewhere in the city though.
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Review from Olivia O.
Toronto, ON
4/22/2012 1 photo
A lot of stuff here are overpriced (compared to the import cost), it's the lifestyle that they are selling.
Cool decorations in the store, give out a very relaxed atmosphere. -
Review from Vivek S.
10/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lavish and Squalor is a beautifully decorated independent clothing retailer on Queen street west. The exposed brick walls, creative displays and dark distressed hardwood flooring make for a cozy shopping experience. There are two floors of clothes with men and women's on each. The upstairs is more sparse and houses some shoes and accessories.
Unlike a lot of places on this strip, I was quick to be assisted and the service was enthusiastic and warm. I was shopping for jeans and happy to see both familiar brands and things I had not heard of. The chap who was helping me made haste when finding sizes, and was super friendly.
And as a final amazing gesture, after ringing up my order the cashier walked AROUND the counter to hand me my purchases. Oh, my. I normally hate clothes shopping, so if I leave a place like this smiling they must be doing something right.
Obligatory Title Pun: It's SQUAL to SQUAL excitement.
Menu Readability: Hells yes.
Need to mention: The place is indeed pricy.
What this place teaches me about myself: I need a personal shopper.Listed in: Queen Street Address, Clothing For Men
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Review from Laura T.
1/9/2011
Fantastic, fantastic store. If you're looking for unique shopping and funky store vibe, head to L&S.
The staff has never been anything but pleasant, but gives you space to browse, which is a refreshing experience.
The clothing is great, but even better is the jewelry, scarves, BAGS, even socks. Yes, the socks are funky beyond belief.
Love this store, check it out. -
Review from Chris P.
Wow, so many great reviews I'm almost not sure what to add! This place is fantastic. It's cool but a casual cool, not hipster cool. The prices of the products matches the quality you get.
It's not just clothing here either. They sell coffee, Red Bull, and an assortment of fun knick knacks. The staff were great, not pushy, no pressure, and totally helpful. It's great to see a store like this stand on it's own on this particular strip of Queen west with all the big chains next door.
Check this place out. You won't be disappointed.Listed in: The best of YYZ
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Review from Allison H.
Toronto, ON
3/9/2012
Two words: way overpriced.
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Review from Eric W.
Toronto, ON
9/25/2011
Really, it doesnt get better. I dress well due to this place, at least on my off time. always current, they take care of their customers, and they really really are alot of fun.
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Review from geraldine g.
Toronto, ON
12/11/2010 2 photos
A hipster place for clothing? A place on fashion trend? Actually, it is those things and more.
It's got a great vibe. Cool staff. Enough to keep you wandering for a bit instead of rushing to get out.
I have to admit this is a fun store to just go and see what interesting twists there are to clothing. On top of that they sell some pretty cool accessories for men and women as well as various products including chocolate.
The real kick in the pants is, you can buy yourself a cup of coffee for $1.00
Beat that on on Queen Street! And for you socially conscious folk, make note that it is a fair trade cup you be drinking. -
Review from Evan L.
12/12/2010
Lavish & Squalor was a lucky find while exploring the environs of our downtown hotel. The vibe of the shop was wonderful - warm and unpretentious. The staff was the same - helpful, friendly, and low pressure.
Though I didn't find any clothing that I fell in love with, there were plenty of neat accessories and knick knacks that were unique and fun to browse through, and i ended up buying a bracelet.
I definitely look forward to browsing through their fun and eclectic selection next time I'm in Toronto. -
Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
11/27/2008
Love this store. Gorgeous decor -- I love the homey feel of the place, with clothes draped over chairs and folded into drawers. It feels like you're walking into the closet of someone with awesome style, and you're allowed to pick and choose what you want for yourself.
They've got tons of jeans, some mainstream brands and some more obscure. More importantly, they put their jeans on sale! This is key. Everything here is pretty trendy, but on that ahead-of-the-trend curve that is pretty awesome to be on. And if you are totally against the trends, they have all sorts of vintage picks that will let you rebel through clothing.
Staff are super helpful and knowledgeable, too. The first time I came here I expected to be shunned for not being a huge fashion queen, but I got awesome service and advice on how to take care of the clothes. The store might be in the middle of the tourist strip, but it's worth checking out, especially if you care about looking good. -
Review from Melissa G.
North York, ON
3/4/2009
Lavish and Squalor has remained one of my favourite stores on Queen Street - both for its one-of-a-kind feel and its unique fashion sense. Although it is surrounded by mainstream clothing stores (Ie: The Gap, Roots, etc), it maintains the old Toronto feeling.
First off, it has a ton of items which offer the feelings of vintage, bohemian, chic and funky. Some of the store's amazing offerings are their interesting jackets and really cute tops that are far from ordinary.
The store also has a killer jean collection and carries hot demin labels like Hudson and Chip & Pepper.
And to top it off... Accessories, accessories, accessories!
Lavish & Squalor is on the ball with the latest shades, watches and jewellery to dress up any outfit.
And to complete its own interior look, the store has a small coffee bar with a retro image.
So if you are shopping in the heart of Toronto's fashion district, make sure to stop in to this truly original store. -
Review from Jay G.
Toronto, ON
4/20/2009
One of my favorite stores in this area. The decor and vibe of the place is great. Dark wood, exposed brick, iron accents, wooden crates, funky iron chandeliers, and glass displays. Everything is very casual. Clothes are draped wherever it's convenient. The staff is very knowledgeable, helpful, and most importantly don't pressure. The clothing found in here is always very fashionable but sometimes the prices are a little high for some items. There are plenty of jeans on display and the coffee bar rocks.
Overall, I recommend anyone to come in here to enjoy a nice coffee while shopping and update their fashion. Unfortunately you can't update style. That's something you have to bring to the table yourself. Be prepared to spend a fair amount of money here. A lot of people come here to look for cool items and buy them elsewhere because of the price. Finding those items, on the other hand, is very hard. -
Review from Kat F.
4/17/2009 1 Check-in Here
I like this store a lot. Granted, I never actually buy anything, but I keep coming back.
It has beautiful decor and window displays (the furniture is awesome), and the staff are pretty low pressure. Their mannequins look good and the layout of the store is fun.
For some reason I always come in here with the best intentions but end up leaving empty handed. The few things I've bought here have been jewellery - they have a nice display case of chains, charms and earrings and I always want to buy everything inside.
As for clothing, everything I've tried on has been kind of ill-fitting or just too expensive for what it is. I saw a piece of fabric in the window draped across a chair and was like "oooOoh I love that wacky printed scarf" and when I went to inspect it closer I learned it was actually leggings. Boo. -
Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
9/25/2008
Lavish & Squalor is the bomb on Queen St.
The street has turned major cheese in the past few years, and Lavish & Squalor is still holding it down heavy.
They have men's stuff too, but this thing only let's me pick one category. Lots of great vintage shoes and purses. Tons of cool brands like Hellz Bellz and MOB. They also carry a lot of cool local brands like Oligarchy too.
My fav are the Insight jeans. Good jeans. Good price.
The staff are really on their game when it comes to the brands and price points, and they all willingly wear the goods in the store.
You can also get a decent espresso while you shop too.
Service, on Queen? I know, dope right? -
Review from Cyn C.
6/30/2010
Although I feel daunted by how hip the staff seem to be, this is a good store. I am going to say that this place has the coolest name (and font) and best decor of any shop in Toronto. The owners are really cool too.
Lots of cool hipster and boho clothing and accessories. I don't usually buy anything here because i'm a little grown out of my designer denim/everything phase, so spending the cash seems silly, but if I had a disposable income and this was, like, 5 years ago, I'd probably buy the whole store. -
Review from Daisy C.
5/2/2011
I visited the store after reading so many good reviews, but after actually visiting the place, I don't understand where all the hype is from. The selection is very limited; everything is kinda bland and plain. Price is not that great either.
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Review from KL M.
Toronto, ON
11/2/2010
Not one of my go-to places but will check out the selection every so often. Once in awhile there is something that catches my eye. It has an edited selection of trendy denim and it's one of the few local carriers of Kaylee Tankus, a hip Korean label picked up by independent boutiques in other fashion capitals. I only wish they had more of certain things and less of others. It skews a little young for my liking, and at 25, that's saying something.
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Review from howard d.
York, ON
1/30/2011
Cool store but its just something I can't put my finger on to buy stuff from there, not sure what it is
Maybe too hipster? -
Review from Jeff S.
North York, ON
6/17/2010
I really really really really didn't want to like this place. From the name to the decor, I was seriously predisposed towards writing it off as Urban Outfitters-expensive edition.
One day, however, I uncharacteristically decided I wanted to drop a lot of cash on something extravagant, and the Creative Recreation shoes purchased elsewhere proved to not be enough, so I wandered in, not really expecting to get much. After aimlessly wandering around a bit, one of the employees came over, asked what I was looking for and, again somewhat uncharacteristically, I actually gave in. I left with a really nice pair of Ksubi jeans (handmade in Australia, $200 off) and felt alarmingly fulfilled.
Pretty much sums up my experience since. -
Review from eune y.
Toronto, ON
6/28/2009
Really the only place left to shop east of Spadina on Queen for clothes and interesting shoes. They take risks in their buying and showcase new talent and have an eye for quality that is diminishing at that price point. Maybe I just like the place 'cause the sales staff don't annoy the crap out of me like the effin' over excitable girls at Aritzia (ladies, no matter how loudly you exclaim it, no article of clothing is that cute and if it is, I don't want it) or the intimidated suburban kids that they employ at Get Outside who are aloof 'cause they're too afraid to sell you... or maybe it's just 'cause they know that Converse aren't as cool as their quantity of inventory suggests. But I digress into bitichiness...I like the stuff at L & S, the staff actually have a sense of style that isn't cut out of a celebrity magazine and they've even mixed in a bit of choice 2nd hand items that shouldn't be overlooked (shoes). I hope they survive this recession.
