Courage My Love

This place was like a market within a market. From the outside it looks like a small store like the other vintage stores on Kensington Market. The front is painted blue and has mannequins on the upper story, you can't miss this place.
Inside it goes on and on, a long room with lots to see. It's separated as if in little stalls for jewelry, beads, incense, scarfs and more more more. It smells a bit weird but don't all thrift stores?
The staff were really welcoming and fun to talk to. The experience of this place was so pleasant and I didn't even buy anything!
If you like thrift store and find yourself in Toronto, go here.

I really enjoy browsing through this store and stop in whenever I can. It's a wonderful space filled with eclectic items both vintage and not so. There's always something interesting to be found there. The store is a good example to the spirit of Kensington Market. It's a little of this and a little of that and a bit of "je ne sais quoi" that's the hallmark of the Market. If I had to say something negative about it would be that it's a tad smallish. That's not the store's fault but the fact space in the core of Toronto is always at a premium. But, that's what we love and hate about city life being crammed in together and finding ways to cohabit in crowded places. If you like vintage, or the not your usual fare, this is a good place to shop in. Drop in, you might find something you like, and then buy it.

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!!

A staple in Kensington Mkt.
Very subjective, this may appeal to you differently at 45 than it did at 20...
They have a stocked shop, bit on pricey side. Very well organized.

I was there today. An older woman with short blondish hair was sitting in the back area on a personal call. I looked around for a bit, then decided on two pairs of earrings $75 bucks. The woman comes to the counter where im being served by a younger girl and continuing her conversation on the phone. The sales person informs me that she can't process my debit purchase because the phone line is being used. I waited and waited ...the girl remained on the phone staring me down the sales girl informed her that we need the line. I withdrew my debit card and walked out. Sooo rude !!

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.

Always visit when I'm in town! Great selection, always something new to see, captures the heart of Kensington

Amazing place, great selection, friendly staff and an they had nice music playing.
I bought a few accessories..
I Bought 2 ascot for $30...
$15 each.
Compared to pricing outside I saved $90
It was great day shopping here!

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).

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.