If your name doesn't end in an 'i' or an 'o,' you needn't bother opening a shoe store on the Danforth (Labiri, Corso...) but lucky for entrepreneurs Rehlee Balisi and Cory Kierstead, theirs does. Their growing shoe and fashion...
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If your name doesn't end in an 'i' or an 'o,' you needn't bother opening a shoe store on the Danforth (Labiri, Corso...) but lucky for entrepreneurs Rehlee Balisi and Cory Kierstead, theirs does. Their growing shoe and fashion emporium Balisi (with locations in Little Italy and Queen West already) has within three years just added a third sibling to the family with the opening of Balisi in Greektown this weekend (at 439 Danforth Ave.). Shoes are the main love and they range from the affordable Bos & Co. brand, all made-in-Montreal from fine Portuguese leathers ($89.99 for a hot sliver-wedge sandal in fuchsia patent) to the colourful eco-chic El Naturalista Spanish label, plus Miss Moz, Tsubo and Fly London. Rehlee's favourites at the moment are four-inch wood platform Bonita sandals with neon green patent straps by Modern Vintage, ($315) --but conscious of the current cash crunch, most shoes for him or her hover around or below the $100 mark. On the left of the whitewashed space, it's menswear polos and shirts plus Firetrap denim for him; on the right, it's women's clothing and accessories, from gingham tunics and puffy supersized leather handbags to bright PVC clutches, minidresses, gold short-shorts and trendy dresses for Friday nights out or a weekend wedding (one stunner is a brightly printed 100% silk dress with a jewel-encrusted collar and fully lined, for $99). Guys will keep distracted browsing the selection of unique Tokyoflash watches from Japan while you try it all on, including the op art and floral print Celeste Stein footless tights ($44). Should you need style counsel, Elad Style Studio director Dale Hodder, who manages the new location, is on hand to offer stylist advice. And to think: this location was just a gleam in their eye six weeks ago when the space came up. The semi-annual M0851 Summer Sample Sale is in full swing all weekend (at the 23 St. Thomas St. boutique, just south of Bloor). It includes just about everything from their signature leather bags, accessories and garments (bombers, trenches and vests) to lightweight summer wear, cotton voile dresses, skirts, camis and also shirts for men. The prices are just about cost meaning up to 70% off. 10am-7pm today, tomorrow noon to 6pm. Two festivals are happening today, the Taste of Little Italy and the Big on Bloor Festival (which both enjoyed a happier sunny day last year than they will today, alas). I went to the latter and gorged on Ethiopian, Eritrean, Somalian and other delicious street food kiosk fare, both traditional cuisines and mixed with elements of the Indian diaspora (ah, fond memories of the hot peanut sauce pancakes from vendor Pondicherry). l also scored gorgeous traditional handmade batik (printed) cloth and clothing at several booths. It’s on Bloor St. West between Christie St. and Lansdowne Ave. today from from 9 a.m. until midnight. Bring your appetite, and check out who's exhibiting here. For some rawk with your pin-up inspired shopping, Doll Factory by Damzels has teamed up with neighbour Six Shooter Records for their annual NXNE Back Lot BBQ (enter through 1122 or 1118 Queen St. East). Today from 11am-7pm, with performances from 2pm. Sending Junior to camp? Don't forget new shoes. OLLY Shoes summer sale has 25% off sandals (at 2600 Yonge Street, Sherway Gardens and BayMac Centre on 1070 Major Mackenzie Drive). Over the Rainbow’s Up to 50% Off Spring Sale has started (101 Yorkville Ave.), with deals just like it sounds destroyed denim, accessories and the must-have jeans of the season, from Citizens to Rock and Republic. Down the street at the Wolford Boutique (126 A Cumberland), the sale of 40% off spring/summer 2009 stock and styles of the high quality Austrian-made bodywear and hosiery has begun. True Patriot Love, at a discount! Beginning Friday June 26 and running through next weekend, it’s the All-Canadian Department Store Sample Sale (at the Burroughes Building, 639 Queen St. W.) The who’s who includes pretty much every noteworthy designer producing in Toronto these days, from fashion to accessories Karamea, Desperately
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