NEW OSSINGTON SHOP BOASTS A SELECTION OF NEW & OLD
Story by Jacqueline Flaggiello
Photos provided by Rescue Vintage
Rescue Vintage is a breath of fresh air to anyone who dreams en français. The shop channels a clean, quaint and rustic bohemian aesthetic, with crisp white walls and antique accents; owner Renee Kaylor knows the importance of an authentic ambiance, well-edited selection, and an intimate setting.
After recently opening its doors at the beginning of June, word has spread fast about this hidden boutique. ““I haven’t had time to advertise yet. People are discovering Rescue on their own!” jokes Kaylor. Looking prim and proper in a little lace babydoll dress, one would never know that this energetic entrepreneur had just returned from New York less then 24 hours ago.
With an undergraduate degree in psychology, this southern California native always had a knack for dressing in quality clothing and unique finds, yet never truly pursued her passion until a impromptu day of shopping ultimately changed her career path. “I was shoe shopping at Fisher & Company to celebrate my new position as assistant to a psychology professor and I hit it off with the woman helping me,” Kaylor recalls. “It turned out that she was the owner and she offered me a position on the spot!”
After working with the company for 5 years as a style and wardrobe consultant, Kaylor was inclined to venture off in pursuit of her own creative vision. “I had experience in the industry, so I spent some time debating opening my own boutique. Finally, I came to the decision, ‘Why not now?’”
Choosing one of the best culture hubs in Toronto to open her boutique, Kaylor has continued to work hard to find unique vintage and timeless pieces to maintain her boutique’s high standards of quality and exclusive selection. Continually setting off to L.A and Manhattan to find old world pieces and contemporary collections, Kaylor describes her boutique’s aesthetic and clothing selection as a classy approach to trends. Carrying vintage gems such as a 1960s Pucci mini dress and a jaw-droppingly stunning Chanel gold chain belt, Kaylor doesn’t mess around when it comes to only having the best of the best vintage. She also appreciates well-made current brands, carrying a breathtaking rabbit’s fur vest by Heartloom, and another brand out of L.A., Sam&Lavi, which puts a contemporary spin on vintage clothing. Rescue is also home to a few Toronto-based brands, Jenny Bird and Eliza Kozurno.
Although only a recent entrepreneur, Kaylor has learned a lot along the way. “I use to be a perfectionist, yet I learned quickly that life doesn’t always flow that way, life has to grow organically,” she says. “You have to learn to roll with the punches, yet always try your hardest. It’s definitely a fine balance.”
Before wrapping up, one last question strikes; why the name Rescue Vintage? Kaylor divulges that, “It just came to me; I thought about what my goals were, and [about] my passion – it’s to bring new life to old pieces.”
Rescue Vintage, 102 Ossington Avenue, Toronto
