Vintage shopping has become something of a sport for me over the years. I’ve scoured and canvassed many a thrift store, worked in an old favourite (Junk & Foibles) and found some classic designer pieces that are still with me today. Fancy is the latest addition to Queen Street’s Vintage Row, and adds a unique spin on vintage offerings. Since I’m always keen to discover how each new vintage boutique differs, I popped by to visit and find out for myself.
Fancy co-owner Sherry Lynn Jollymore.
The new shop opened in February and is a collaboration between Fancy Lucky Vintage business owner, Amy Honey, and Fancy Pants designer, Sherry Lynn Jollymore. Located on the second floor above Put Me On, Fancy occupies two rooms with carefully displayed items. Jollymore graciously shows me around and gives me a sense of the shop’s sensibility. As the name would indicate, Fancy offers an array of occasion wear such as sequined tops, full length dresses, feathered and fur hats, corset tops and delicately beaded cardigans.
“We want to highlight genuine vintage and keeping it fancy and high-end,” she says. “We’re trying to offer occasion wear vintage for special events that is very high quality.”
After a peek around, I can confirm that there are some show-stopping pieces on display such as a long-sleeved disco inspired black sequined top (which I would totally wear), a black Stetson hat in mint condition and Edwardian capes that look as if they should be on display in a costumes exhibit. Fancy is also offering a wide selection of vintage lingerie (think lacy silky slips and structured bra/corsets) in pristine condition, which are very hard to find these days. While Jollymore assures me that they will be sourcing out street wear for daily casual dressing, I have to admit that I enjoy that this boutique will be curating higher-end evening out looks.
With the popularity of vintage on the rise, I think that this will set them apart. With all the items hand laundered and carefully pressed and displayed, it’s clear that attention to detail has gone into selection. Simply put, Fancy lives up to its name and is, in fact, just that.