We feel very lucky to live in a city with such an eclectic mix of vintage stores, and cannot wait to see them all come together for our pop-up sale this Saturday. To get a little bit more familiar with each store owner, we asked each of them a few questions about vintage fashion, NXNE and what serves as their inspiration when collecting for their collections. Today we hear from the lovely ladies behind Bridge + Bardot, Eskimeaux Vintage, Reservoir Vintage and Tomorrow Never Knows.

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Rose Broadbent, Gagan & Gurjeet Bassi from Bridge + Bardot

Who are you most looking forward to seeing at NXNE?
Bran Van 3000 (obv) & Ghostface Killah.

What is your favourite thing about vintage fashion and Toronto? 
We’ve shopped vintage worldwide and Toronto vintage is on par with major cities like London, New York and Los Angeles. Toronto is unique because there is an emphasis by young people to step outside the realm of big name brands and to instead buy vintage and promote recycling clothing.

How do you think others perceive your store?
We hope that we are perceived as a brand that breaks boundaries and welcomes all types of diversity and body types, while staying current in the fashion world.

Three vintage pieces you can’t live without? 
1. 100% silk blouse
2. Braided leather belt
3. One of kind, handmade sequined dress

What particular artists or other creative types do you draw your style inspiration from? 
We are so fortunate to be surrounded by such a creative community of artists in Toronto who we draw inspiration from in all aspects of our lives including style.

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Alyssa Trivelli from Eskimeaux Vintage

Who are you most looking forward to seeing at NXNE?
Bleached - a grungy chick band from California who I caught at the Horseshoe back when the snow was still falling. I would love to catch their entire set this time around. Also Imaginary Cities from Winnipeg, Of Montreal and John Maus.

What is your favourite thing about vintage fashion and Toronto? 
After aggressively scouring the best vintage shops in Brooklyn and San Francisco, I can proudly say that Toronto has some of the best vintage shopping in North America. And I think it shows when you take a walk around Parkdale or Bloor West. People in Toronto are not afraid to exhibit their personal style, especially in the summertime when they’re not covered up by a giant parka!

Is it possible to predict how style is transforming and what direction it will take? 
Ohhh ya, style always comes back around! That’s why I’m always hounding my mom when I see old pictures of her rocking high waisted jeans and floral crop tops that she threw out after Trudeau’s first term (big bummer). What is great about 2012 is that it seems to be including a mash-up of 70’s 80’s and 90’s styles rather than just one or the other. Floral prints/high waisted pants, jean vests and Doc Martens just to name a few, and I love them all.

Three vintage pieces you can’t live without? 
My Betsy Johnson jumper I snagged from the Penny Arcade last year, my black linen blazer I got in San Fran that goes with EVERYTHING, and my weird army/cheetah print canvas shoes I found at value village in Leslieville.

What particular artists or creative types do you draw your style inspiration from?
Usually people in the music industry who don’t take fashion too seriously and use it as a tool to express themselves creatively. Anyone who doesn’t follow the “rules” of fashion is an inspiration to me. Example: “seasonal”  dressing does not exist in my mind, I’ll wear skirts in the winter and boots in the summer, so long as I’m not hindering my personal style in any way . Zoe Kravitz and Erin Wasson are two of my style icons for sure. “What Not To Wear” should be banned from television.

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Airin McGuinty from Reservoir Vintage

What bands are you most looking forward to seeing at NXNE?
To be honest I haven’t had time to look through the festival lineup as of yet, but I am really psyched to see my friends’ band from Halifax, COUSINS play.

What is your favourite thing about vintage fashion and Toronto?
I love that our vintage isn’t confined to one area of the city and that you can suss out great pieces in almost every area of Toronto.  Also the growing number of shops popping up here every year is very exciting and encouraging, as I am in the process of finding a storefront for Reservoir.

If you could see any performer from any era, who would it be, and what would you wear to get backstage at their concert?
AH! This is such a tough one!  I am going to go with Beck, early 90′s, pre Mellow Gold tour.  Seeing him play at a house show or The Troy would blow my mind off.  As for clothing, an oversized tie-dye t-shirt and a pair of ripped up jean shorts.

If you didn’t own a vintage store what would you be doing?
I recently saw a job posting for a server in a dining room at a retirement home and thought, “that would be the best job!”

Three vintage pieces you can’t live without?
1. 1970′s Hang Ten Denim Overalls:  These guys have become a major all-seasons staple for me and I feel like I can accomplish anything when I put them on.
2. 1990′s Ocean Pacific long sleeved patterned beach shirt:  I turn to this shirt when I am feeling blue and it instantly snaps me out of a rut.  It’s amazing how certain pieces of clothing can have such a powerful effect on your state of mind.  When you find mood-altering garments, hold on to them tight!
3. Faded forest green fishing cap:  I recently dug up this hat that belonged to my Grandfather and have been wearing it every sunny day.  I don’t think it looks that flattering on me, but it conjures up some great memories and prevents my nose from burning.

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Eva Bowering from Tomorrow Never Knows