Courage My Love

Hidden gem in the heart of Kensington Market — make sure you have time as there is so much to see and buy. The folks here are friendly and there’s plenty of vintage items to look through, I’m a fan of their jewelry and have purchased a few rings for my partner.

With the surplus of vintage stores in Kensington it’s hard to stand out but I think this place really does. CML is great if you’re looking for sweet vintage finds that aren’t overpriced. They also have one of the coolest collections of beads and gems so that you can make that bracelet or necklace you’ve been dreaming about.
Also they even make some of their own clothes using vintage fabrics, some of which are really interesting. If you’re looking for a non-​basic summer dress (I know it’s winter but a girl can daydream) I would check theirs out first for sure.
The people who work here are also super helpful and friendly. Keep up the great work!

Probably the best clothing shop in Kensington Market. Lots of vintage stuff but they also produce their own lines of many things. Eclectic and quality are the words. A must-​visit for Kensington Market.

Have you ever wanted to time travel? What would it be like to actually step back in time for a few hours? Instead of asking these questions, you can answer them today with a quick trip to Courage My Love, which has remained frozen in time since the 1980s. Not the neon and mullet 1980s of Hot Tub Time Machine, but the real deal 1980s that I remember as clearly as a waking dream every time I cross the threshold into this store. It was cool back then, and it’s still cool now.

Such a lovely little place. It’s more than just a vintage/​thrift shop — they have buttons and beads! Some handmade items from around the world as well. It’s a really fun place to look around. The prices are not too bad at all and it’s very well organized. It’s a must see in the market. I only wish their clothing section was a little easier to navigate sometimes, and maybe had better selection for women’s clothing? Though the mens section seems far above average.
Long live Courage My Love!

Courage has been an anchor in the market for decades and continues to pack in customers with its ecclectic and affordable clothing and jewelry. Stores like this with passionate owners are what help make Kensington world famous for unique items presented in a cool and fashionable way. There are three buyers involved in the store, and all three love what they do imparting an aura that you can almost taste. Walk in the place and your senses will be overcome with delight as your eyes scan the shelves. Stuck for a unique gift for someone who values items that don’t come from a chain store? Go here! Highly recommended.

The price of shoes at Courage My Love is amazing. The shoes they have are great styles, good quality and clean. I love finding vintage shoes but they are always hard to find — CML does a great job in this area.
They do a good job of sourcing cool vintage pieces. As as far as vintage stores go, their prices are quite reasonable. As I love Value Village, I always have to remind myself that vintage stores are different and will be more expensive… but I find similar stuff for so much cheaper at VV!
With that said, CML is definitely on my must-​frequent list. They always have great stuff to look at and inspire your wardrobe!

Courage My Love is an incense-​scented vintage wonderland. Buttons, jewelry, earrings, sweaters… you name it, they’ve got it. You can buy beads in any colour, shape, or size. There are ever-​changing baskets of fun trinkets such as miniature plastic mouths for 25 cents.
You can kill hours in this store just browsing through everything they have to offer. You’re going to find something you love, if you don’t already start loving everything the moment you walk through the door. There is no other store that can measure up to this.
But where is this cat you all speak of?

Probably the best thrift shop on the street — it has that stuffed, thrift store look without being cramped. It’s actually really big for a thrift store, and just has piles upon piles of trinkets.
They have a crazy selection of random things — drawers of stockings from the 50s, beads on beads on beads, and large buckets of just random clasps and charms. They have a large rack of ties and bow ties, and also buckets of scarves, not to mention a booth in the back that sells kohl and natural perfumes. Pretty awesome selection!
Some of their clothes are pretty overpriced, especially those that are made under the house brand themselves (50 $ for a basic, unlined tunic dress isn’t any cheaper than a regular retail store). They have a cashmere rack but the cashmere feels more like felt, and some of them have been «updated» by the store in a way that doesn’t really improve them — sewing on a birdy floral tape and a collar to a sweater, and the like.
But their SHOES are a great value — leather boots, wingtips, moccasins, all in pretty good condition. Last time we were there we found a pair of fleece lined Clarks that were basically new, and all of these shoes are ~20−25 $, which is an amazing value. Also, they have awesome bone and wood earrings.
If you’re shopping in Kensington, absolutely spend an hour (or a few!) here!

Be still my beating heart… I spent my teenage years right thru my twenties buying lovely treasures here. From my beloved vintage leather jacket to beads and baubles… I love the selection… you can find everything here — and then some… My heart longs for this store… I’m always in for a visit when I’m back in town… Still one of most beloved Toronto stores…

Everything here always smells like incense, but the selection is lovely so I just get over the sneezing.
They have actual top hats and tails.
And saris.
And wing tips.
And ‘coon skin caps.
And even gold lame dresses!
If you can dream it, they most likely have it.
I bought a pair of blue and yellow rollerskates here in 1998 that look like the ones Tootie on Facts of Life had. I love them still — even though they betrayed me one summer in 2005 and made me fall in the middle of Yonge St causing permanent injury to my pride.
Now I only wear them at night in laneways in Leslieville after I’ve been drinking. I refuse to admit if I wear my hair in pig tails while doing it.

One of my all time favorite stores for all your hippie needs.

4.5 STARS
How can you not LOVE Courage My Love?!
This place has been a mainstay of the Kensington and Toronto vintage scene for over 30 years.
VIBE
Vintage. Well, those mannequins on top of the bright blue roof give it away non? I love the racks outside with cool leather jackets and old suitcases.
THE GOODS
They have tons of beads here so you can make your own jewelry. I have found some fabulous purses here as well.
In addition to some wicked vintage clothes, there’s a plethora of other cool stuff: incense, fascinators (yes, we’re still using this word even though Kate married Wills last year), pretty frocks and shoes.
OBLIGATORY
I love it so much I heart it.
Definitely worth a visit.

I love this place! You will find so many funky things in this store. Some of the things in here are pretty expensive, but it’s because most of the things in here are hand-​made. When I was there recently, I bought a bottle cap necklace that had an image transfer of a fancy skull in the middle of the back and the edge was painted. A big plus is that all of their earrings are sterling silver. It’s hard to find fashionable sterling silver earrings, but Courage My Love is an excellent option.
Courage My Love is a store you absolutely must visit if you’re in the Kensington Market area.

Actual rating 4.5
YES!!! A must do in Kensington. I bought vintage pantyhose still in their original package in this crazy colour called «endive» for $ 1. And I was sorely tempted buy the $ 8 fancy ladies gloves, such colour selection! Jewelry? How about $ 1.50 for a wicked gold tie clip? Can’t beat that!
And then there’s the playful selection of Day of the Dead figurines everywhere smiling their bony grimace at me while I check out a basket of pastel cummerbunds. Fantastic! YES!!!

This place is just PACKED with fun finds.
I shopped Kensington this past weekend for Hallowe’en and found my costume here. They have a couple of racks of costume ideas in which they have put together items from around the store, a big help for those of us who lack time or inspiration!
I’m definitely coming back to check out the heaps of unique jewellery, buttons, and non-​costume attire.

This is one of the better consignment shops in Kensington market. Not to be rude, but there are some in the area that are total duds — filled with goods from China that are sort of cheap looking and not at all vintage or stylish in the least.
I also don’t like the ones that only sell tie-​dyed items or shapeless dresses and harem pants. I am not into that kind of style, and I am looking for rare things that are vintage, retro. but classic enough to stand the test of time.
I want to wear this stuff when I am well into my 80s.
So for other reasons, I LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. this store.
CASHMERE SWEATERS FOR CHEAP. OMG. $ 35 for a cashmere sweater! I only wish they stocked smalls or extra-​smalls, because the mediums were swimming on my Size 4 figure.
I also wish they had cashmere WRAP cardigans, not just the button up, turtleneck or pullover kinds. Alas. cannot be choosy in such an amazing store that sells REAL CASHMERE for $ 35. Look for the 2-​ply cashmere, it’s the most luxurious.
They also sell some jewellery and other cute things, but I am not a fan of beaded jewellery that looks too hippy if you know what I mean.
The other amazing thing about the store is their selection of obi belts. They run anywhere from $ 60 — $ 100, but are SO worth it. Beautiful, beautiful pieces. I think I want to buy 2 – 3 more just to hang them on my wall.
They also sell lovely kimonos and other such beautiful gems, and I purchased the most beautiful kimono there for quite a steal of a price (around $ 250, it was the most expensive one, as they had cheaper ones as well, but not as pretty in my opinion).
Must. Visit.
Oh and did I mention just how awesome the owner is? Love her.

It’s like a thrift store… but only the good stuff.
But because someone else bought it before you did, it’s way more.
My favourite part is the «treasure chest» where you can browse through little trinkets for 15c/​piece.

Great little shop that has been around for ages, but you can find some really great trinkets, kitschy things, random pieces and jewelery. It’s not cheap cheap, but it’s decent, although the prices keep rising along with its popularity.
What an enormous and awesome selection of beads and buttons! For those who like to make jewelery this is a definite must, and for those who prefer the ‘ready-​made’ it’s worth checking out too.
There are some real gems to be found here but you often have to look. A lot of cool vintagey stuff although the staff isn’t incredibly friendly in my experience over the…10 or so years that I’ve been a customer.
However it’s definitely worth not being smiled at or being spoken to in a bit of a rude tone to find that clutch that matches perfectly with your vintage dress… cool beans,

Courage, My Love? Courage My Love? Courage My, Love? We stood facing the storefront trying to decide how to best pronounce the store’s name, whether an added comma or other punctuation mark would make it more or less appealing. The bright, sky blue exterior, flanked by naked mannequins had already swayed me but my friend required more convincing. So, we settled on Courage My, Love and entered.
As it turns out, very little courage was required! This place is a gem. The store has an astounding selection of dresses, jewelry, and accoutrement, all at smart prices. We got to act out Madonna’s Like a Virgin video by trying on vintagey prom dresses and lace gloves and rolling around in only a vaguely inappropriate manner. Love it!
Although it is fairly dust free, we couldn’t dally long as the patchouli incense (sorry — hippie stank) was tickling my nose and the hint of cat dander bothering my friend’s eyes. However, I left victorious having snagged some swank hair barrettes. I would have picked up a pair of adorable, delicate earrings in addition if my own metal allergies didn’t make me wary of jewelry of unknown origins.
I will be back again to peruse and purchase, if perhaps only for brief intervals. For although no courage is required to shop here, the customer does leave fortified by both courage and love (as well as goodies).