Welcome to Locals Only. In this series, we're tapping notable locals in the style space to share a tight list of their top recommendations of what to see, eat, and shop in their home city. They'll share off-the-radar recs that you won't find in your average guidebook, resulting in digestible mini guides revealing where the city's most fashionable residents are actually hanging out.
Jenny Bird is a regular name here at Who What Wear. A day rarely goes by that at least one of our editors isn't wearing her jewelry pieces or featuring them in our stories on the site. The designer herself is also a topic of conversation. Whether we're getting inspired by one the many cool outfits she's always displaying on her Instagram feed or DMing with her about the latest shopping finds that would be right up her alley, the eponymous brand is as much about the showstopping jewelry pieces as its founder. Bird was born in the tiny, artistic town of Elora, and Canada is and always will be home for her although the Ontario capital is where Bird lives with her family and runs JB HQ.
For all its culinary diversity, wellness innovations, and exponential growth, Toronto tends to get overlooked in favor of Canada's coastal capitals like Québec City and Vancouver, but the city is bursting with artistic expression and creativity at every turn, something Bird and her brand are proof of. "I also love that visitors can get out into the beautiful countryside in under two hours to experience the beauty of our farm country in the harvest season and our lakes and hills in the summer and winter," she adds. Talk about getting the best of both worlds. Here, Bird has shared her 13 essential spots, from where to source the best designer vintage to her favorite place to grab a cocktail.
What inspired you to start your jewelry brand, Jenny Bird?
I wanted a fulfilling life centered around creating things, a role I made for myself that wasn't just a job but a natural extension of who I was, so I took the leap and started my own business. I love everything about the life of a founder: the constant learning, the freedom, and the limitless possibilities. I just love fashion, and I'm addicted to the process of envisioning pieces and then bringing them to life. It's so rewarding. I've always enjoyed expressing myself through my personal style and collecting vintage jewelry as part of that, so creating my own line was so fun for me. These are little objects you create and get to wear and see others wear, and they become part of our style language.
What are some of your favorite neighborhoods, and where do you find yourself spending the most time?
I spend most of my time where we live—just west of downtown Toronto in Etobicoke. It is a leafy, lower-vibration respite from the hustle of the city and where we chose to raise our kids. Our office neighborhood, King East, is the most peaceful pocket in the core of the city, is home to a diverse community of residents, and is pleasantly dotted with local artists, coffee shops, and independent boutiques.
What does a typical day off look like for you?
A good sweat, nature (my number one reset), and clean food. A day to look after myself when the kids are in school. As a mom, getting a drawer organized feels pretty great, too, if I'm motivated enough.
What is the best part about living in Toronto? Is it the food scene, the shopping, etc.? What makes it exciting for someone to visit?
Toronto's diversity and growth coupled with a healthy founders community ensures there is always a new food, wellness, or retail destination to try. We are leaders in innovative experiences like Othership, The Detox Market, and Formula Fig. I also love that visitors can get out into the beautiful countryside in under two hours to experience the beauty of our farm country in the harvest season and our lakes and hills in the summer and winter.
What to Pack
With one glance at the moody interiors of newcomer Bar Prima, you'll understand why Bird and her team were inspired to shoot their recent gift guide campaign inside the space. Here, you'll find a menu that remixes modern Italian classics with old-world nostalgia. "The cocktails are as unique as the vibes," Bird adds. There are even rumors swirling around town that the restaurant is set to appear in the next Michelin Guide.
VSP is Toronto's buzziest designer consignment boutique, boasts Elle Canada and Coveteur. For over a decade, founder Britt Rawlinson has earned a reputation for sourcing iconic luxury brands like Chanel, Hermès, and Valentino alongside niche finds from Khaite, Nanushka, and the like.
Started in 2009 by husband-and-wife team John and Juli Baker, Mjölk specializes in homewares, art objects, and furniture from both Scandinavian and Japanese designers. The store is a case study in soulful minimalism and a favorite of Bird's for elevated interior décor pieces.
"I like to eat clean and on the go," Bird shares. "The smoothies and gluten-free offerings (I'm celiac) from Nutbar and are so nourishing and keep my energy up." From superfood smoothies, matchas, and wellness shots to salads and bowls, everything on the menu is made in-house from 100% organic ingredients, so the drinks and snacks aren't just nice to look at. They're charged with nourishing superfoods that are good for you too.
"Good Neighbour has some amazing gift ideas, as they have increased their lifestyle section. If the gift is for you or you just feel like a bit of retail therapy, it is also a great spot to pick up a staple for your closet," Bird says.
Come to Othership to recover and recharge, and walk out feeling like you've levitated onto another plane of existence. Having started in Toronto and expanded with a new New York City location, the wellness destination is all about combining cold plunges and saunas with breath work and meditation to make the most of the science-backed contrast therapy that's sweeping the wellness world these days. While you can book a time slot to explore on your own, the move is to attend one of the guided classes to maximize the benefits.
When we questioned Bird about where she heads to discover the most unique pieces that can't be found anywhere else, she had one spot to share: Absolutely Fabrics. Opened in 2023, the designer and vintage clothing store, studio, and event space stocks a variety of highly curated designer vintage and designers with distinctive POVs, and it functions as an inspiring space for community events and photo shoots.
With three locations across the city, independently owned Type Books is a must-stop for the newest novels, coolest magazines, children's books, and more in a cozy, exposed brick–lined space.
Toronto's Gardiner Museum is situated in the heart of the city's downtown and is one of Bird's favorite destinations to fill up on inspiration. Expect to find everything from Renaissance paintings to Chinese and Japanese ceramics, art classes, and an on-site restaurant.
"I love Indian and Thai. Some of my faves are Lao Lao Bar, Koh Lipe on Baldwin Street, and Adrak in Yorkville (lots of gluten-free options)," Bird says.
Clean beauty shines at The Detox Market, where each brand is thoroughly vetted to meet the retailer's standards of pure ingredients and transparency. With three locations across Toronto, the brands range from makeup labels like Ilia and Kosas to skincare favorites like Tata Harper and Vintner's Daughter.
"At 6 by Gee Beauty, you'll find everything from coffee table books to a great candle and unique pieces of jewelry," Bird says.
"I also always get gifts from Souvenir on College Street, especially when I want to buy someone a ceramic vessel or a print from The Toronto Ink Company," Bird says.
Here's the full list—screenshot away!
