The leaves are changing and fall is in full swing. It’s the perfect time to grab a large coffee & pop over to The Leslieville Flea to go digging for treasure.

The Leslieville Flea is a curated, Toronto-based market that specializes in vintage, upcycled and handcrafted goods. Vendors search far and wide for unique, one-of-a-kind items. You’re bound to find something that screams, “TAKE ME WITH YOU.”

For the Love of Vintage

SDTC: Who are you and what do you make/curate?

We are Sinem and Holly, two friends who have a love of vintage and second-hand clothing, accessories & furniture. Over the years we have built an eclectic collection of pieces that we love. Now we’d like to find a whole new life for our pieces where they will be loved, worn and enjoyed.

What is your piece of the week?

Our piece of the week is a vintage denim dress with a flower detail.


Why did it catch your eye?

When it comes to denim, we both don’t have much control over ourselves. Especially Canadian denim. Craftsmanship with quality materials is what really pops for this dress. And denim gets better with age, so we know that this dress still has a lot of wear left in it.

Is there a story behind the item?

This dress is from the closet of a 75-year-old happily married stylish lady, Jean (Holly’s grandmother). She was a beautiful lady and always dressed with love and confidence.

How do you see it living out the rest of its days?

We would love for this amazing vintage dress to be loved and enjoyed by someone who loves their clothes. For us, vintage clothes tell stories…and we hope the new owner of this denim gem wears it as much!

K-STAR

Tell us who you are and what you make/collect/curate?

I am Korey of K*STAR – I curate fashion collections predominately made by female artists and designers. You can find it all in my fashion truck – it’s a mobile boutique.

What is your piece of the week?

Millie + Lou reworked denim jacket.

Why did it catch your eye?

Reworked denim is very hot right now. This vintage jacket is a completely unique piece of fashion with the added touch of original art on its back.

Is there a story behind the item? What is it?

Millie + Lou take their inspiration from sculptor Alexander Calder by making their own impression of the art on the backs of vintage denim jackets.

How do you see it living out the rest of its days?

This is for an original woman with super cool style. It’s a classic rockin’ look with an artsy flair.

 


UK Designer Sale

Tell us who you are and what you make/collect/curate?

I am Teresa D’Souza of UK Designer Sale. I sell gorgeous one-off fashion samples all made in small design sample rooms in and around London, England. Each one is uniquely sewn by paid British sample makers – some of them even have their name written on the interior label! I used to be a fashion designer in London and these are all people I used to work with!

What is your piece of the week?

Our signature item for the winter season must be our coats – we have so many funky individual styles that I couldn’t pick just one.

Is there a story behind the item?

The one pictured is a beautiful cashmere blend fashion coat with a wrap around collar. You’ll find our styles are very fashion forward using unusual fabrics, and of course very British styling. We try to curate the collections in an interesting and eclectic way and we have a lot of loyal fans who love the compliments they receive while wearing UK Designer sale outfits.

How do you see it living out the rest of its days?

Keeping a very stylish Canadian woman very warm!


My Frugal Father

Tell us who you are and what you make/collect/curate?

I am Kathleen from My Frugal Father.

My Frugal Father honours my own father’s sensibility. His waste-not approach applied to most everything and I got more than a bit of that. I don’t throw out what I think has aesthetic or practical value and have been a collector [as long as] I can remember.

As well as a career in Interior Design, I have designed furniture, worked with stone, wood, pottery, created art in fibre, painted with watercolour, oils and acrylics, and participated in group art shows. I love rescuing things, enjoy the thrill of the find and am inspired by the objects I discover. My current collecting passion is Vintage, Modern and Antique Sterling Silver Jewelry.

What is your piece of the week?

A tasteful, weighty Modernist silver bracelet.

Why did it catch your eye?

This piece appears to have a new latch and one end has holes to connect to other links. Could it have originally have been longer, or even a necklace?

Is there a story behind the item? 

There are no makers or hallmarks (but tested as silver) and the fasteners have a fresher patina supporting the idea that it started its form as something longer.

How do you see it living out the rest of its days?

A treasure with a bit of drama for a dress up or everyday taste of the 1970s era.

For dates and locations visit here.