Envelop

Envelop is having their summer sale on right now. Not much of a discount but I bought a couple of shirts here for work wear. I work in an office so we have to look super nice almost all the time. The shirts were still pricey but they are made really well. The fabric is cotton but it’s a thick cotton with an almost sateen sheen to it. I need some new blazers for work so will come back in Sept when they have their fall things out.

Curated clothing. Clothing made in-​store with the Envelop label. You can talk to the designer, the maker of these creations. Or not. You can ask after the fabrics, speak of the merits of ¾ sleeves, tell of your love of color blocks and how you want to hour-​glass your inverted triangle figure.
Welcome to Envelop where you can get distinct looks, careful consideration, sweet fabrics, and delicious, flattering cuts of clothing.
It was raining. I tried on a heap o’ clothes, wanting to freshen my spring/​summer wardrobe. With the helpful manager (co-​owner?), I outlined my taste and with her help, found too many things that I wanted. And walked away with an A-​line skirt in an amazing vintage-​inspired print (bold blacks and greys on pinks and greens in a graphic floral arrangement – sounds weird but totally works and works hard).
What was really special is that I got to talk to the owner designer (Jim Smith, I discover later) and see the British design magazine clipping that inspired the skirt: a fabulous pic of a Brit fashionista. In the photo, she is pictured fabulously with a fur shrug and printed floral A-​line skirt– and it was clear that she is a real style person, i.e.: a person who actually *invents* style. Not a model who had been styled. Big difference! I love that this was the vision he had for his creation.
Since I had to limit today’s purchase, I bookmarked the clothes I couldn’t get for the future:
* Eggplant colored maxi dress
* V-​neck cashmere summer weight shirt in carbon grey
* Classic sleeveless black dress in a flattering dress-​up/​dress-​down hit-​below-​the-​knee style
I loved reading that Envelop designer Smith is quoted as saying that his clothes are «For women that read».
Says it all.
(I’ll be suggesting that my guy check out the Men’s clothes, too…)

Envelop is a men’s and women’s clothing store on the Danforth owned by Jim Smith. He has his own Envelop line, and sells other Canadian designers, such as Comrags, as well. Almost everything is made in Canada, including belts, jewelry and other accessories.
He has an avid local following, but the store is still quiet enough that you will get lots of personal attention and be made to feel right at home — bring your dogs, your kids, your partner, it’s all good (although maybe not all at once). He primarily caters to the professional woman (it has been described as the boutique for «women who read»), and men who love well-​tailored but hip shirts made out of quality material. If you need help putting things together, they will be happy to help. Otherwise they will let you be as you explore the merchandise.
The clothes are well-​made and well-​thought out– it is a good place to get conservative wardrobe staples if you can’t afford Max Mara (or even if you can). I can’t wait for him to design Alpaca wool women’s coats… hint hint.
One concern I have — and the only thing keeping this review from five stars– his clothes tend to fit the average woman and the long and lean type. If you are petite, choices are more limited. I think you can get pieces tailored to fit, so this may be an option.
The prices are very reasonable for the quality– maybe a little more then Banana Republic or Club Monaco– and you are supporting a Canadian retailer!