Hello Darlings,
Just got home from a day of shopping at Queen Street and dining at a Ultra Restaurant. It was fun at the time, but left a bitter after taste. This was my first time shopping on Queen Street, and I just don’t get what is such a big deal?
I hear so much about how amazing is shopping on Queen Street West, but is it’s mostly trendy clothing boutiques trying too hard to stand out, or just the same stuff I can find in a big shopping mall like Sherway or Yorkdale. And, I was quite surprised at the high prices.
I know, very mature of me 
But someone's got to keep Andrew entertained while I try on a million things!
I did take the time to check out Urban Outfitters, which is cute but not really my style. Also I found the items overpriced and not particularly well crafted. And frankly, this is the general feeling that I had about the entire Queen Street West…. it’s overpriced!
From what I could tell, the trendy boutiques mostly jack up their prices to a degree that is just ridiculous. For example, Andrew picked up an amazing B.Scott cardigan for $210+taxes at Next Door boutique, which by the way is adorable. However when I researched this line later and found the cardigan actually costs $155 (NOT on sale at ssense.com, which is a Canadian boutique as well). That is 30% difference.
From what I understand boutiques boost their prices to compensate for the store expenses and although understandable, a wise shopper needs to know their are cheaper options online.
At the end of the day, at Aritzia I bought the cutest striped top that is exactly what I could have done at the mall minus the crazy parking fees or better yet check out online stores (which I swear by!). My favorite find was the cute Lush store, that carries fresh homemade cosmetics, where I bought Love Lettuce Fresh Face Mask, Big Blue Bath Bomb, Bubble Gum Lip Scrub. Then again, this is the joy that I can receive at the comfort of my own home while sipping espresso on Lush.com! I will have the review of the products when I make up my mind
As for the outfit of the day, I went for for cute and comfortable. It was our 3 years and 3 month anniversary, so we also went to Ultra Supper Club which is absolutely fabulous and delicious! I wore for my favorite tutu, semi-sheer tee, leather blazer and ballerinas. Easy for shopping and cute for dining 
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by my With Love Store! I am still adding lots and lots of items, it just takes so much of time as I nitpick through every detail of the garment! Also, With Love… is now on facebook!!! Plus, I have monthly newsletter heading your way, so if you would like to receive one sing up here!
Wishing Everyone a Lovely Weekend!!!
With Love…
Marta
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30 Responses to Queen Street…the overpriced!
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I think it’s ridiculous that the boutiques jack up their prices so much! I would definitely not shop in a place like that.
BUT - isn’t Lush fabulous?! I discovered it when I was about 13 and have been faithful ever since. Not only do they have good ethics, but I LOVE their haircare/bodywash/moisturizing products. They always smell amazing!
I absolutely love Urban Outfitters! They always have the cutest stuff! You should give it a chance:) If, not try their sister store Anthropologie! Have you ever been? I love it more than Urban. Antro. is more pricy,but you are getting what you pay for.
Hi Allie,
I’ve heard great thing about outfitters but couldn’t find anything for myself yesterday
I have yet to check out Anthropologie but definitely will as I’ve also heard great things about it. I just have the hardest time stepping outside of my comfort zone
Their online store looks fantastic as well!
I know that boutiques in Aspen, Colorado jack up the prices as well. I hate it and I always check online when I get home just like you did. I love that Free People skirt on you! I never get sick of it. x
I live just off Queen and I personally love shopping there. The area where you were shopping wasn’t the area that everyone raves about as much as furthur west, west of Bathurst. Thats where you get the little boutiques that have their own merchandise and then the pieces they stock are different then the bigger stores Spadina area.
Hi Claire,
Maybe then I will success and fall in love with the shopping scene 
It is truly wonderful that you have found great stores that you adore!
I was frustrated with the prices that it just killed it for me, unfortunately! I really do love the area and love dining out in it, but for shopping I am still not quite certain. I will have to have one of my girlies take me on a field trip and be my tour guide for the day
I must say I enjoyed this review…I have to agree that most boutique’s on Queen are way overpriced, including Aritzia, although i do find deals a lot and enjoy Queen for its atmosphere and cool vibe…what are some of your favorite places to shop in the city? I enjoy thrifting and vintage a lot and I only buy shoes online, I havent braved to purchase clothes just yet, any advice? Thanks for stopping by & your comment, hope to see you again soon
fashionableroad.blogspot.com
I’ve actually never shopped queen street either but I’m going to check it out soon. The overpriced thing makes me want to stay away, but there is nothing like a harmless stroll through a uber-trendy area in Toronto.
And I seriously adore that skirt on you, its so cute!
I like shopping on queen bc its nice sometimes to get away from being in a mall and I like the atmosphere of being outside. There are some cute stores but I agree, so over priced! If you walk past spadina theres some small shops there. I love lush! their fresh face masks are amazing! Loving your outfit by the way!
Girl, your pics are mamkng me miss Toronto soooo much!!
I agree about all you say about Queen St., plus I have too add it was such a “hip” neighborhood that I felt really out of place!!
But - I bought a beautiful long burgundy skirt, in one of these boutiques, and paid lots of money for it, but it’s still in my closet and I still love it. So it’s not all bad!
Have a lovely weekend@
I hate when people just go on buy thing because they’re on trend now, most of the times the items are overprised too.
You look absolutely adorable here <3
How beautiful you are !
im sorry to hear that your experience wasn’t that great and yes, it is definitely annoying how prices get jacked up. But anyways, I love your outfit!
Kisses,
Stephanie
Love your outfit. That skirt is simple too adorable.
I like Queen Street simply for wandering around, but unless I go to a vintage/thrift store I can’t afford anything. I understand why boutiques jack up their prices, but I think it’s more than satisfying their costs, but it’s also since most boutiques sell items that are from independent designers and everything is handmade, so they charge more for labour.
I do agree that many of the stuff at Queen St. W are overpriced, especially the “hip boutiques”. I do, however, love this vintage jewellery store on Queen St. W and enjoy looking through the antique stores. It seems like there’s so many stories buried there.
great inspiration darling
I find the majority of boutiques here carrying trendy brand names are overpriced. Lets talk Jeans for a minute. A pair of True Religion Jeans will cost anyone $350+ here in Toronto, in Miami, I picked up those bad boys for……wait for it…..wait for it……$79. My favourite pair of Rich and Skinnys in Sleek (rinse wash) I bought at Holt Renfrew for $205 (seriously, I would buy them again for that price, i love them soo much) but I cross the border and there they are, same pair, for $99.
I understand why clothes are more expensive here. The retailer has to pay duties and customs on the clothing they bring into Canada, plus they mark it up because rent is so high here. But I for one am sick and tired of it. I love shopping, alot, I love the feeling of buying something new but HATE it when I cross the border and find it for 60% off, it makes me feel ripped off. I personally don’t shop here anymore. Alot of my shopping is done online (from US retailers) and shipped to my US address (I’m lucky I have one) and I’m fortunate that every few months I get to head down south for some retail therapy.
As for Queen St. I don’t find it special at all. I think its a bit too hipster for me. Not my style. I do like the Mendocino on Queen but other than that. Not my cup of tea.
Love the blog Marta! and your tutu….sooo cute!
Hi
I was totally relate and say that I am very familiar with your frustration
I do shop here occasionally but majority of my purchases are also done on-line 
Maybe one day Canada is going to be able to develop a fashion scene as fantastic as the one in States but until that day comes all we have to do is complain 
Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
I’ll have to keep this in mind for future reference. I hate when things are jacked up. Urban Outfitters is definitely overpriced, though I love the style there. (Clearance!) But I remember I almost bought these $65 booties there when online they were only $25! Thank goodness I waited. I do love the internet for shopping!
(And if anything, you spent the day in an adorable outfit!)
Well, having been in the boutique industry for about 8 years, I can say it’s really hard to generalize.
Some boutiques feel the need to take a market share, and therefore mark up prices 3 fold from the
manufacturer’s price. This drives them into the high category, and I personally find it a little silly. I
appreciate boutiques that sell high-quality goods in a beautiful environment, with great service. This,
however, does cost more to do than a typical chain. I prefer when stores mark up their good in a
more reasonable way — twice or so the manufacturer’s price to the is about fair and regular. I’ve seen
it so often, though, where store owners get greedy and mark up a little more here and a little more
there, and then wow, all of the sudden, they are in a whole new price range! …Just a little of my
opinions
While I’m not a fan of UO at all, I adore Anthropologie. Their clothing is of quality, though I cannot say
the same about their service, which is why I still prefer boutiques. I will shop online, though, for Anthro.
My best friend just got me into Lush, and I’m completely addicted!
On another note, I adore your outfit, Marta! You, with such lovely legs can pull off that skirt like no other!
And, I love the blazer and top with it…perfect
sorry for the long, long comment — hope you’re having a wonderful Monday*
xoxo
I love Queen street but NOT for the boutiques…I like browsing through the vintage shops (which are also mostly overpriced compared to what I pay at thrift shops) just for fun…
I go mostly for the walk/stroll/East pad thai…haha
I would never shop at those little boutiques though bc as you mentioned…they are WAY overpriced.. so glad you popped into Lush! Thats one of my fave places…. other than the aroma…it is a little nauseating with all the scents mixed together in my opinion…
xo
Hahaha…that’s hilarious, I love East..go there for lunch in between classes! Their food is yummy
I am allergic to strong smells. I wonder how their employees take it :S By the way, have you ever purchased their products on-line?
As for Lush, love their items but the scent totally killed me
the price of fashion anywhere is absolutely absurd. i mean, i don’t mind paying a price for well made products, but i think that fashion has gotten out of control. it’s ridiculous. i live in a ridiculously small town. there are three independent boutiques… one borderlines on forever21… and the other two are super swank… where is the middle ground.
anyways, your look is stunning, that skirt is to die for. love.
http://laurenlanzaosias.blogspot.com
Your outfit is amazing! I love the skirt. Your legs look like they go on for miles!!! (They probably do. Being 5’2, everything looks like it goes on for miles!)
xo
I stopped into UO to buy a funny book for one of my friends, and I could NOT believe the “greater than thou” attitude of most of the employees and patrons! I wanted to shout to each and every one of them “GET OVER YOURSELF!”. I’m with you, Marta! UO is not my first choice unless I’m strongly convinced otherwise! BTW, cute outfit!
Hahahaha… yea, they definitely have a “too-cool-for-school” attitude
I just didn’t find anything that would work with my style.However, I am curious to check our Antropologie…just to see if there’s a difference (except higher prices 
)!
I LOVE that skirt - so pretty.
I’m a total self-professed mall shopper. I find boutiques too expensive (I personally wouldn’t say ‘overpriced’ - some people would pay a lot more for exclusive and original items that are shipped in from other areas and I think that’s ok …I’m just not sure I would). But at the same time, I enjoy shopping on Queen St, it’s like shopping at the mall but outside - I just skip the stores I don’t like or are out of my price range. And you should definitely try Queen West West, really interesting area.
I think it’s great that you’re so honest about how you feel. It’s your blog, and we’re coming here to read your opinions. And you look gorgeous!
I’m sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy your experience but the good boutiques are west of Bathurst - you should go there sometime!