Shopping at the Drake General Store

Most of us who have lived in Toronto will be quick to tell you that a visit to the Drake Hotel should be on your list of things to do when visiting the city. Whether you’re looking to grab a bite with friends and enjoy good cocktails or looking to enjoy some live music … it’s a spot that has survived the test of time. The Drake Hotel used to be called the Small’s Hotel back in 1980 and has since gone through many owners. Since 2004, the Drake Hotel has become a hub for art, music and culture. The space is so much more than just the 19 room boutique hotel. It’s our hangout spot and while I’m yet to experience the hotel, I have spent many of my Toronto moments at their lounge, dining room, roof top patio (Sky Yard) and Drake Underground (music venue).

Disclosure : This post is in partnership with the Drake General Store but, as always, opinions are TOTALLY ours!

As you can imagine such a fun and iconic hotel had art and decor items that we all wanted in our homes, so the Drake General Store opened its doors in 2008 and has become the go-to spot for cool Canadian items. They’ve always been the first place I go to for gifts when visiting family overseas or when visiting friends are looking for GOOD souvenirs. Forget the “someone I love went to…” shirts! What I didn’t realize until very recently is that the Drake General Store also carries clothing for the entire family! They have some very cute items for babies and kids featuring the work of local artists and designers.  The kids loved the  items coming out of the collaboration between the Drake General Store and Sesame Street.

We were recently invited to participate in a photo shoot and we had a lot of fun… as you can see! Photographer Louisa captured our fun loving side. Out of all the items I wore, the rain jacket was my favourite with the Shared Canada Day tee coming a close second. If you’re looking to do a family photo shoot, I highly recommend checking out the fun clothing items on feature at the Drake General Store-some items like the Canada Day tee comes in all sizes and so dad, mom and kids can be dressed the same. They also have the best onesie collection!

If you’re looking to purchase some items, be sure to swing by the Queen street store on a Tuesday between 1 and 3 p.m. during March and April as they’ll be offering 30% off most items, including the new spring apparel collection. Better yet, if you’re a new mom, first pop by the Highchair Hangouts. Classical chamber recital for moms and babies at the Drake Underground sounds like a fun experience and a way to connect with other cool moms!