Fashion on the Atlantic

Illustration by Amber Solberg

While Halifax can sometimes feel like a barren style wasteland years behind major centres, there is far more going on in east coast fashion than those ubiquitous “East Coast Lifestyle” t-shirts. Admittedly we love our plaid lumberjack shirts, and *Trailer Park Boys* is a dominant sartorial inspiration, but HRM actually has a great selection of local designers, visionary boutiques and well-curated vintage shops.

For thrifting maniacs, Queen Street’s Vintage Row is a fantasy come to life. This collection of vintage and consignment shops sandwiched together makes an afternoon of browsing locally made jewelry and choice secondhand pieces bonkers easy.

Put Me On (1526 Queen St.) has local soap and all kinds of crafts alongside some seriously badass boots and any garment you can dream of.

Elsie’s (1530 Queen St.) is a Halifax classic, and you must rifle through the two dollar bin for some heavily discounted treasures.

When it’s true vintage you’re seeking, there is only one place to turn to: Dressed in Time (5670 Spring Garden Rd.) While there are some contemporary items floating around the shop, the knowledgeable staff and selection of items (sometimes dating back as far as a century!) can’t be topped.

For lovers of the strange and peculiar, the den of madness and oddities that is merchant’s co-op Plan B (2180 Gottingen St.) is best. Among the taxidermy and retro video games, you’ll find a variety of original designs and secondhand garments.

For new clothes beyond the familiar mall chains, former Plan B vendor, Japanese fashion-inspired Toxic Blossom has grown into their own space in Historic Properties (1869 Upper Water St.), where everything is cupcake adorable and overwhelmingly cute.

Argyle Street’s Biscuit General Store (1661 Argyle St.)is a staple, providing a quirky, retro atmosphere and covetable brands like Free People and Against Nudity.

This is only the beginning of your Haligonian style journey, my friends. Happy browsing!