As one does when they go downtown, you check if any of your favourite stores for clothes or books are close to your destination. As it so happens, last week, I noticed that Kensington Market was very close to where I was going to be for the day. So, after I had finished my errand, I booted it to the thrift store, Public Butter, and began my hunt for cute clothes and accessories.

I was, in my opinion, pretty successful that day and bought 6 items.

Clothes

Tommy Hilfiger Denim Skirt

My mom found this skirt when I was looking through the Y2K top section. The pocket and belt loop detailing at the front and the fact that it was made with stretchy denim, which is easier to sit and move in, really caught my attention. It is a little longer than I prefer, but it’s very easy to scrunch up and down, so I can wear it at any length, depending on the outfit and the occasion. I actually didn’t notice it was Tommy Hilfiger until I had already bought it, so for the quality alone I think it was a pretty good score!

Axara Light Pink Tank Top

Public Butter has a lot of this brand in the store, especially tops, one of which I had bought previously. The quality of this brand is really good, which is apparent also by the fact that they are made in France. I found both of these tops in the Y2K section, a section of the store I frequent often. I like the tops in this section because they are full length, not cropped, which is the style of top I gravitate towards most. I really liked the elastic cinch detail at the bottom, giving the top a cool and unique silhouette that I hadn’t seen before. The V-neckline also has some ruching details that are subtle but make it clear someone spent a lot of time designing it to perfection.

Isca Collection Colourful Stripe Tank Top

My mom spotted this top for me as well, which was also found in the Y2K section. She instantly stated that it was “so Gemma”, and lo and behold it is, because I love it, down to the colourful stripes, full length, adjustable straps and built-in shelf bra (my favourite feature). One thing about me that everyone around me knows is that I love colour (and stripes) and am not afraid to use a lot of it when creating my outfits. I believe you can never have too much colour in your life, whether it be clothes, home decor, accessories, stationery, or electronics, and trust me, I could go on and on. I think when you wear so much colour or even an item that brings you joy in some way, you exude that happiness towards others and yourself. If you’re scared to start wearing colour, I understand, it’s a process and as long as you’re true to yourself, it will look stylish because style is inherently personal, not based on trends or other people’s opinions. I got a bit off-topic there, but all that’s to say is this top represents all the things I love about fashion: colourful expression, comfort, and functionality.

I have already worn this top during a day jam-packed with outdoor and indoor activities alike and can confirm it was extremely comfortable and flattering.

Accessories

Sequin Disc Necklace

I am first and foremost an accessory lover, especially when it comes to jewellery. Less is not always more when it comes to my jewellery taste, as you will come to notice. This necklace, in particular, caught my eye because of the texture of the discs and the sound they make when they move. I thought it would be the perfect quintessential going out accessory for university. We shall see if it is a hit in the coming semesters as I start going out with friends because, to me, this necklace in and of itself represents fun and movement.

Colourful Geometric Beaded Bracelet

This bracelet reminded me of the colourful enamel bracelets I buy every time I shop at Haus of Assembly located in the cruise port in Nassau, Bahamas. My stack of these bracelets is ever-growing and currently stands at 3 in total. I thought this bracelet would be a perfect addition to this stack and was proven correct as I’ve already worn them together, loving the added texture and pattern that this bracelet adds to it.

Brown Tinted Sunglasses

Just as I was leaving the store, these sunglasses caught my eye. Most eyewear shapes don’t tend to suit me or my features, but these seemed promising, so I tried them on. I noticed they were flattering and also very comfortable, so I knew I needed to add them to my sunglasses collection right away. The lenses also wrap around the sides slightly to stop the light from creeping in on your periphery, which happens to look really cute too. Again, these glasses are the embodiment of my fashion favourites: aesthetics, comfort, and functionality.

Would you have purchased these items like me or left them behind? I would love to hear about some of your favourite Toronto thrift stores or your own thrift finds. Share your answers in the comments!