Yorkdale Shopping Centre: More to Love

I often call my relationship with Yorkdale Shopping Centre a “Bad Romance”. Everything starts out rosy – the finest retailers, fashion inspiration at every turn and that certain “je ne sais quoi” in the air… but when my credit card statement invariably arrives, sometimes, things turn ugly.

And yet, I keep going back for more. Holt Renfrew. Tory Burch. Pottery Barn. Ron White Shoes.

Yorkdale, I wish I knew how to quit you.

Hence, nothing pleases me more than an expansion. But not just any ol’ expansion – Yorkdale Shopping Centre is bringing shoppers an unprecedented shopping experience with the opening of its 145,000 (!!!) square foot expansion. Yorkdale’s collection of popular and first-to-market retailers delivers the widest range of new and interesting fashion, technology and luxury brands anywhere in Canada.

Think you know Yorkdale? Think again – last Friday, kate spade new york, LOFT, Microsoft, Ted Baker London and Tesla Motors all opened doors to the companies’ first Canadian stores. (Hands up if you felt a little faint at the mention of kate spade new york – I may have lost consciousness for a second or two.)

Other noteworthy retailers within the expansion include Ann Taylor’s second Canadian store, Anthropologie, Best Buy Mobile, David’s Tea, Diesel, JOEY Yorkdale Grill & Lounge, the North Face, L’Occitane, Papyrus, an exclusive Rolex boutique at Raffi Jewellers, Ta-ze and Wilfred Boutique.

(Honourable mentions: Apple, Bell, Bluenotes, Champs, Club Monaco, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Lululemon, Mappins, Starbucks and TELUS now have refurbished and larger locations within the expansion, and Holt Renfrew will be opening a flagship store within the expansion in 2013.)

Last Thursday night, I had the awesome opportunity to gain a sneak peek before retailers opened their doors to the public. Favourite stops include: kate spade new york, Ann Taylor, Diesel and Lacoste.

Above: Yes, I know it’s Club Monaco, so no need to stop the presses. However, I am duly impressed with their new store front; just enough finesse to earn a spot in the new wing. 

Below: A fashionista’s dream come true; Yorkdale’s collection of first-to-market retailers and luxury brands.

First stop: Ann Taylor, of course. Having attended her LOFT fashion show just a week prior, I was already on the Ann Taylor bandwagon (waving pom poms, no less). Her stunning mix of day-to-evening dresses, pantsuits and separates are perfect for the holiday season.

I peeked into the window at Anthropologie but decided that I needed a separate visit to tackle all the goodness inside. A long-time destination for women wanting a curated mix of clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor that reflects their personal style, the retailer finds the perfect home at Yorkdale.

At least two other bloggers in attendance that evening asked me, “What is Wilfred?” At first I was stumped, but recovered quickly and realized that I was looking at Aritzia’s cooler sister store. With only one other location in Canada (TO Eaton Centre), Aritzia fans will want to check out the upscale styling.

Next: Ah, Lacoste. You really know how to make a girl feel at home. Hands up if you don’t own a Lacoste golf shirt? Truth – it’s the best summer separate you’ll ever own. I often fantasize about taking up tennis just to wear the tennis dress pictured below… and they’ve upped the cuteness factor with Lacoste for Kids.

My husband is a Ted Baker superfan, hence, the following stop was for him. Yes, husband, I have already selected items that will appear under the tree… and after perusing their gorgeous accessories for women, I may treat myself.

Next, I popped into Hugo Boss because it’s the right thing to do. No surprises here – elegant styling, classic forms and the famous wall of dress shirts.

Although kate spade new york really deserves a separate post, I’ll let the pictures do the talking. Think bold colours, happy prints and her most coveted totes.

What do moms notice first at the new Diesel store? The kid’s line, of course. The store was chock-full of the usual suspects – denim, accessories, jackets and too-cool-for-school separates.

Finally, yes – you CAN purchase an automobile at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. TESLA Motors, the epitome of electric awesome, joins the new wing as the resident man cave. Trying to take a photo without men lying across the hood was challenging, but I managed to snap one.

Fashion lovers rejoice! The new Yorkdale expansion is now open for business. This holiday season, whether it’s a little window shopping or straight to the credit card, you’ll want to pop by for a visit. Want a tour guide? I’m always happy to oblige!

Click here to visit Yorkdale online.