Best kept secret of Bloor West Village, TRIXIE first opened its doors in November of 2001. Husband and wife team, Joe De Paiva and Daniela De Paiva, are responsible for this hidden gem, which prides itself in catering to the multi-faceted woman about town. This includes a selection of casual pieces, smart business attire, and trendy-wear for a night on the town.

So what is co-owner Daniela most excited about this season – the return of a fitted silhouette! After years of maternity-chic and drinking tops galore the fashion world has finally come to its senses. Amen.

Jeans are second on Daniela’s list. She excitedly begins to list off cuts – fitted, skinny, wide leg, flared – this season anything goes. Jeans are ‘IT’ in all shapes and sizes, so whip out those salt-stained flares you discarded into the very back of your closet (wash salt off) and wear them proudly!

Third on her list – “COLOUR!” – Daniela’s eyes light up as she screams out the word. Not a fan of the stark funeral-wear trend of ‘06, Daniela couldn’t be more thrilled with this season’s must-have bright colours and prints.

Daniela’s charming, fashion-loving attitude is representative of the newly renovated space, which strikes the perfect balance of coziness and elegance.

“But what is it that sets TRIXIE apart from the sea of Toronto boutiques?” you ask. The fact that they carry between 8 – 10 Canadian labels each season, which is pretty freaking cool if you ask me! Here you’ll find meticulously constructed, unique garments that are not ‘made in china’ for a change.

The labels are super cool and playful, ranging from quirky tunics and dresses (YUMI) to an innovative Montreal line that specializes in patchwork called KOLLONTAI. The best part – these fashion-forward labels are completely wearable and reasonably priced.

Canada’s leading fashion line, KITCHEN ORANGE, has a strong presence on the shelves, which it shares with some equally groovy labels. Think RAFFIC, SOIA + KYO (maker of amazingly cut jackets), TRIXIE (their own private label), HOUSE OF SPY (another favourite of mine), and GENTLE FAWN (love love love their prints).

Jeans are another store favourite, with labels at every price point ranging from FIDELITY to DISH, and the as-of-yet undiscovered GUIDO + MARY.

Making it even harder to walk out empty handed, MATT + NATT bags occupy every corner of the boutique, while jewelry pieces by FOXY and CPACK are hidden away under glass, waiting to be snatched up on an impulse buy.

So from now on, I forbid you to think of Bloor West Village as just a ‘nice’ place to take grandma on the weekend or walk your dog. While TRIXIE may be a bit out of your way, you’ll be glad for the long-ish ride home as you reexamine all your purchases and mentally map out brand new outfits for the coming week.

FUN TIP: NOTHING GOES BETTER WITH A TRIXIE SHOPPING SPREE THAN A MOUTH-WATERING APRICOT PASTRY AND/OR CHOCOLATE ECLAIRE FROM LE PETIT PARIS BAKERY ACROSS THE STREET!

2313 Bloor Street West

416-762-0084