Guest Post by Emily Gillis
Enter Odd Finds General Store at 1178 Bloor Street West and you’re hit with a wave of homey nostalgia, and the kind of wide-eyed curiosity generally reserved for high school art students on their first trip to Kensington Market.
Look left; vintage suede ankle boots, pixie-toed sandals, rows of adorable floral dresses. Look right, a pastel collection of transistor radios, a curated table stacked with vegan and cruelty free candles ($8 each or 2 for $15), local jewelry brands, and Dee’s Teas – “a carefully picked, unique selection of delicious teas from around the world”.
The real excitement here lies not in the cool art deco ceiling, or the abundance of mirrors (for when you inevitably want to try everything on), but in how affordable everything is. While some pieces are on the higher end of the average twenty-something’s budget, the sisters make a point to keep prices reasonable and accessible.
Odd Find’s has a magical quality about it. The old-timey atmosphere combined with the eclectic variety and sheer quantity of merchandise creates a very fun environment to get lost in for an hour or two. The Collrin sisters handpick every item sold in the shop, and are open to any consignors that fit the store’s feel.
Of all the thrift shops in Bloor West, Odd Finds best combines the hip exclusivity of spots like Bellwoods’ 69 Vintage with the warm incense infused vibe of the curiosity marketplaces like Courage My Love in Kensington. It’s a wonderful culmination of Toronto-grown arts and culture, and definitely a proud moment in an up-and-coming neighbourhood.