Words – Naeme El-Zein, Photo – Lauren Stryer

: If you were to wake up tomorrow as a fabulous individual with an equally fabulous life, your closet would probably look a lot like I Miss You, a vintage store located in Toronto’s Parkdale area. Every inch would reveal a sumptumous coat, a whimsical hat, a chic clutch or a breathtaking cocktail dress. Your biggest decision while getting dressed would be “how much style is too much style?” From beyond the serene white walls and streamlined shelves a voice would whisper, “you can never be too chic.” Eyes would open to the fairy godmother of style and owner of I Miss You, Julie Yoo.

I Miss You is an answer to all the lost souls roaming crowded malls, searching desperately for the ever elusive “wow” factor. Offering vintage gems from every era, the pieces are so amazing you want to run home, burn all your H & M “classics” and while you’re at it, buy a subscription to Vogue. In Yoo’s words she is, “not out to recycle older pieces or a bargain-basement…seven-dollar dress on a wire hanger in a dark corner.” Walking into I Miss You is more an experience than an activity, and every corner is well lit to highlight the beauty of each piece. As you move from rack to rack, showcasing top labels and names from the 40’s through to the 80’s, you are truly getting an education in the who’s who of fashion design.

Seeemingly small but surprisingly spacious, the boutique is intelligently organized by colour, era and occasion. The backroom walls are bursting with “where did you get that?” finds like a show stopping 1970’s graphic mod Lavin gown ($225) or a modern classic Missoni wool sweater vest ($195). There is no lack of glory in the main room, where accessories are laid out in a glass cas,e and a plethora of designer bags from Chanel to Dior line the shelves. The big names do not necessary mean big bills. Yoo makes a point of offering merchandise at a range of prices; jersey dress with lines that translate into this season’s silhouettes might be gentler on the wallet but no less rich in appearance.

Yoo has been at I Miss You for just under two years, and her youthful appearance belies the fact she has been working in the industry for over thirteen years. What started out as a hobby selling online, both privately and independently, has evolved into a full-time passion. Her background in art curatorship shows in the beauty of the store’s layout and merchandising. When asked how she differentiates herself from the rest of the Queen West vintage operations, Yoo replies without hesitation, “I offer stylishly and individually picked pieces.” Yoo’s enviable eye and instinct make shopping at I Miss You like tiger hunting at the zoo. You don’t need to be lucky to find something spectacular, because everything is spectacular. Now, if she could only make our social calendars as easy to fill as she has our wardrobes.

I Miss You Modern Vintage Fashion

63 Ossington, Avenue (Unit K)

Mondays: closed

Tues, Wed, Sat: 12-6

Thur, Fri: 1-6

Sun:12-5