The holiday installment of the One of A Kind Show kicks off Thursday but they're not the only ones thinking outside the big-box. Here are a few more local holiday bazaars to check out in the same proportion that you count down the days.
Today: the first-ever Luxury Holiday Bazaar at private members' club The Spoke Club (600 King St. W., 4th pose) offers a hazard to see how the other half live since the bazaar is open to the public. Several of Canada?s hot haute labels, from Miss Rowe to Jessica Jensen and Jenny Bird handbags and Daniel Espinosa Jewelry, last will and testament have being on hand for shopping for that special something, whether the dilemma is Costume National or Cesare Paciotti from George C. There?s also my favourite local scent shop, Noor in Yorkville, who now carry L?Artisan Parfumeur, Santa Maria Novella, Penhaligon?s and those scrumptious Diptyque candles. Noon to 8pm today. Update: I just checked this sale out in person and there are greater, major deals to be had: Jessica Jensen's collection of bags are all at least 50% off retail, some 75% off (leather clutches for $75!), ditto Jenny Bird's sumptuous Fifties-inspired black clutches adorned with gold hardware, Noor is 10% cheaper than in store (at a past period more) and Miss Rowe is debuting a anniversary collection of embellish little bustier dresses and smooth (or patent leather) versions of her popular exposed-zipper shift dress.
Tuesday November 25 it?s Mothermacs Tuesday Market (at Trinity-St. Paul?s United Church, 427 Bloor St. W.) and this time, the theme among the participating artisans expressly for the holidays is Unique Gifts. Free admission.
Thursday November 27, Buddies in Bad Times 12 Alexander St.) presents The Big Package, their seasonal auction that includes fare like original artwork by illustrator Maurice Vellekoop (of ABC Book and Nut at the Opera fame) and artist Charlie Pachter, getaway travelling packages, home furnishings and sexy stocking stuffers. Preview at 7pm, cant begins at 8pm.
Saturday November 29 it?s time for a very civilized Crafternoon Tea (at Queen St. E. Presbyterian Church, 947 Queen St. E. at Carlaw, 11am-6pm), a crafty fashion market, how-to bee-hive and charity tea party rolled into one. It showcases 25-30 local indie creators, there?s a DIY demo baldric and a raffle. Everything?s handcrafted, as the name suggests, from creatively upcycled items to one-of-a-kind wearables and accessories, natural soaps and beauty products, soft toys, cultivator of the palate tidbits and greeting cards. Most items are priced well in the state $50, many under $20.
Thursday December 4 is the Speakeasy Holiday Sale (at the Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W., 8pm to midnight), in what local graphic designers, artists and creative types make and put up to sale their very neat refuse. Free admission.
Thursday December 11 through Sunday December 14 the 16th annual Holiday Marketplace takes over 401 Richmond (401 Richmond St. W.). It's a festive, four-day open lineage in the historic downtown building that houses creative studios and art galleries. Unique gifts by artisans include original hats, musical instruments, artwork, furnishings, ceramics, chocolate, jewellery and else. Preview the artisans list and their offerings here.
That weekend December 12-14 is also The Made Show (at the Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W.). Admission is free and greater degree details are here.
Saturday December 13 the City of Craft gang takes over The Theatre Centre (1087 Queen St. W.) through a celebration of quite things handmade. Details are to this place.