An Evening at Saks

An Evening at Saks

Since many of you have asked for more blog posts about shopping in Toronto, I thought it would be a grand idea to give you a sneak peek inside the brand new Saks Fifth Avenue, first ever Canadian flagship, which opens tomorrow on Queen Street. Thanks to Alex, who allowed me the pleasure of being his +1 last night, I got to tour the store before it opens and sip champagne amongst the Alaïa racks.

The space is gorgeous – really clean, modern and the shoe section is just like any Saks store you’ve come to love in the US. I mean, you’ll find the largest selection of Chloé shoes and bags, ever. Cannot wait to buy the scalloped ballerina flat! Previously I only found two colour ways on SSENSE – Saks has about ten. This is the big leagues of contemporary luxury shopping. Hallelujah!

I would say the accessories (bags, shoes, sunglasses) is the most impressive of their offerings. The apparel does play it safe in some areas (especially evening gowns) however more upbeat lines such as Stella McCartney, IRO, Acne Studios and Balmain have all the right stuff, if you’re looking for that good good. Anyway, you’ll find me in the shoe section drooling over Jimmy Choo and Dolce & Gabbana. The staff was also really friendly – unlike Holts where you practically have to get down on your knees and beg a salesclerk to see them in a size 7.

“They’re gonna put Holts in its grave,” was overheard last night.

It’s so interesting that so much pent up hostility towards a department store finally found a release last night amidst the canapés and laughter. Torontonians deserve luxury shopping, and we deserve to have a wide selection of luxury pieces to choose from – not just pieces that were obviously selected to please a certain type of clientele (white and old; Asian and rich). What about us working girls who just want a place to play with Céline bags on our lunch break? After last night, I feel like Saks could be that for us.

Of course, there are still super exclusies like The Fifth Avenue Club (not to be confused with The First Wives Club) if you want to shop privately or get a makeover. But if you just want to play with Céline bags and meet for lunch, Pusateri’s, Oliver & Bonacini, Beaumont Kitchen and Leña are just some of the dining options, and you can call me on my cellphone because Saks is now walking distance from my house.

As you’ve probably guessed this post is not sponsored and subsequently will probably incite some unsavoury reactions. But if you love Saks as much as I do, here’s a selection of some of my favourite pieces available now at SaksFifthAvenue.com and at the Toronto flagship! Happy Shopping!

Chloé // Céline // Alaïa // Valentino // Dior // Saint Laurent // Prada // Givenchy // Louis Vuitton // Stella McCartney // Fendi // Miu Miu // Tom Ford // 3.1 Phillip Lim // Acne Studios // Jimmy Choo

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Photo courtesy of George Pimentel

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5 Comments

  1. February 19, 2016 / 5:49 pm

    the store looks gorgeous, and I totally agree! When Nordstrom opened in Ottawa I breathed a sigh of relief too… it really makes all the difference when sales staff are friendly and eager to please. While we might not fit into the typical luxury demographic, when I do put down the plastic, it’s nice to do it in a positive environment! It’s also about building future clientele too.

    • Justine Iaboni
      February 21, 2016 / 10:54 am

      So well said!!! I like the part about building future clientele! It’s the luxury brands that treat you nice whether you’re buying a keychain or a fur coat, three bags and an entire shoe collection. AMEN!

  2. February 24, 2016 / 11:45 pm

    I just found your blog..I’m from Toronto as well. Love your style!

    I’m so glad Saks finally opened here!! We really did need better shopping options here.

    • Justine Iaboni
      February 28, 2016 / 10:00 am

      Hey!!! Thanks so much :) Have you been to the new Saks yet?

      xoxo J

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