room1It’s come-back time for HBC (aka The Bay). For those who grew up in Toronto, the historical “The Room” at one time brought to mind a few choice words: nostalgic glamour and sophisticated luxury shopping. For those who have no idea what I’m talking about, The Room is HBC’s designer-label showcase for the ladies-who-lunch shopping crowd at the Queen St department store. Last week they unveiled their much anticipated overhall of this high-end floor—from 5,000 sq. ft. to a sprawling 21,500 sq. ft.  To fill the racks with properly posh items, HBC has also introduced a roster of decadent new lines (70 to be exact), including Balmain, Balenciaga, Proenza Schouler, Erdem, Halston, an in-store Ralph Lauren Black Label and choice vintage pieces including a few from YSL. From sweet cocktail frocks and elegant suiting to very serious gowns and a cluster of shoes and eye-catching accessories (all with extremely grown-up prices) this is a new fashion destination for those who want to browse and splurge somewhere other than Holt Renfrew. There are a few additional features that are worth noting but are probably on the aspiration list for most of us, myself included: a private tea room complete with an intimate powder room exclusively for those who hit a certain spending threshold.

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In summary: marvelously modern yet old-school glamour all wrapped up in one location. I can’t wait to see what the rest of HBC has in store for us.