Listed in Fashion Stores
Park & Province is the Trinity Bellwoods bachelor apartment of the hip-and-with-it older brother you never had. Aside from the hardwood floors, JM&Sons custom-built fixtures and plethora of plants, owners Chris Naidu and Gray Butler are the cherry on top of the menswear shop's happy, homey vibe.
"We just ran out of beer! We had some left over from opening weekend -- I wish I could offer you a drink," Gray said as he welcomed me into the space last week. I met Chris and Gray years ago while frequenting Oliver Spencer where they both worked. I guess opening your very own boutique after working for the man is the natural progression. 
Park & Province started as an online shop, but a few well-received pop-ups and a year of success brought them into a brick-and-mortar peddling the high-quality, fair-priced goods they're known for. 
"It's easier to sell obscure labels to people who can actually touch and feel the product," Gray explained, "We carry the staples that bring people in - like Levi's and New Balance - but we really love introducing the cool brands nobody's heard of."
With that I waltzed through the long and narrow room, many a new name catching my eye, like a white seersucker shirt by Portugese Flannel ($158), lightweight knit sweater by La Paz ($130) and minimalist leather sneakers by Thorocraft ($198) -- none of which are available online because they do so well here. 
They also carry housewares and apothecary, my favourites being Rose & Fitzgerald whiskey tumblers handmade in Uganda ($88) and Sydney Hale Co. soy candles available in a whole slew of scents ($40).
The back area leads into an open patio you can hang out on, complete with a picnic table and barbecue. Pretty soon, Chris and Gray will rotate different pop-ups in the space; workshops, clothing brands and restaurants are all on the table until winter rolls around again. Until then, make yourself at home -- Park & Province in-real-life is here to stay.
Photos by Hector Vasquez