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This past weekend, while most Americans were savoring turkey, chowing down on stuffing, eating some lip-smackin’ good pecan pie, all while being thankful that the best sales of the season were about to commence, I was on my way to Toronto for a family surprise birthday party. (#RussiansLoveToParty). I knew I couldn’t have a complete trip to Toronto (or Torono as the natives say, eh?) without visiting Shenkin West.
Shenkin West is a family affair. It is a boutique that only carries Israeli designers and is run by Ellie Stern, along with her daughter Alex as her right hand (wo)man. Ellie started out selling Israeli apparel and accessories out of her basement. This endeavor was called, "Ellie's Closet". Having much success, she decided to open a pop-up shop and the rest is history. Shenkin West's now-permanent home is 1726 Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario.
The major designers carried there are Kedem Sasson (known for his Eastern-inspired influences, muted tones and eclectic vibes), Daniella Lahavi (she makes KILLER boots/booties and clutches that are that not-too-stiff, not-to-floppy happy medium) and Ronen Chen, who’s geometric-inspired dresses, are a breath of fresh air.
Here is my Shenkin West photo diary:
Daniella Lahavi booties and clutch
Cute pillowcases! One says "And it was evening" and the other, "And it was morning".
Alex Stern looking oh-so-chic
My bae's sister, Effie decked out in head-to-toe SW. (Minus the obligitory Russian pouf perching on her head and those killer boots). She is wearing a Kedem Sasson blouse, Kedem Sasson cropped turtleneck/ chic bib, Kedem Sasson pants and a Penumbra silver necklace that is perfect for ladies who love to layer.
I also fancied the aformentioned cropped turtleneck/chic bib
You can shop all of this and more here.
I found many treasured qualities between myself and the Stern duo. We both love fashion (clearly), we both LOVE Israel and we both strongly believe that New Yorkers and Torontonians (Torontins? Toronters?) should have access to eclectic, funky, rich and uniquely Israeli apparel and accessories. It also somehow connects us and brings us closer to the country we all love so much.