op up shops: here one day, gone the next. Often, it's much to the disgruntlement of the folks who had grown affectionate for the brand which had spent a fleeting moment in their city. So is the case with Souvenir D’ete (also known as the Shared Shoppe), a limited edition store (they're only around until the end of August) brought to you by the Canadian manufactured, socially conscious folks at Shared. Just be happy you're getting the shop at all. Formerly only a wholesaler, the company has decided to test the Toronto waters and see whether we'll be hankering for some more.

The look of jeans and a t-shirt is a staple in so many people's outfit armature for good reason; proper bum hugging jeans and a finely tailored t-shirt can make the best out of anyone's sordid figure. That's because most often than not, people look their best in the simplest of clothing. Recently, we have found ourselves in search of some good basic tees. As much as we try to ignore Dov Charney's blatantly sexist indiscretions, we can only own so many colours of the same deep V.

These t-shirts are of the accurately designed, longer length variety. Going one step further, Shared sells the ever so trendy, not only long, but oversized t-shirt aptly named The Boyfriend T. Made of ultra soft supima cotton, these basic tees are displayed in their WQW outlet, where bars suspended from the dark grey ceiling allow the shirts to provide a pop of colour.

Given the name, it is no surprise that this company gives back. Typically, a retailer donates 50% of the profits from each shirt to the charity of their choice. So think of the items as half-priced, and maybe they won't throw such a curveball in your rent. If you purchase a $52 like the Boyfriend, it's really only $26, with a $26 donation to one of a range of Toronto charities. (Though these donations aren't tax deductible.)

To get the local arts scene involved with the brand, the retailer has paired with four Toronto figures, allowing them each to design their own shirt, as well as donate the proceeds to the charity of their choice. The designers include Marcos Chin, award winning illustrator (that guy who did all the Lava Life ads on the subway); Andre Ethier, an artist out of Toronto; Justin Peroff, drummer of Broken Social Scene; and DJ, wardrobe stylist, and band manager, Mikey Apples. Their design profits will go to Asian Community AIDS Services, Out of the Cold, The George Herman House, and The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, respectively. In addition, to commemorate their first retail shop in Canada, Shared has designed two limited edition tees.

Go quickly. Jeans and a tee might be a hot combo, but you would never be caught in just any old thing, would you? Plus, as of their opening event on July 9th, they are 50% sold out of all of their products. If you find yourself addicted but without a fix come September, remain calm; they will be launching an online store. Stay tuned for more from the brand.

Wed to Thu: 12pm-8pm; Fri to Sat: 12pm-10pm; Sun: 12pm-6pm

Souvenir D'ete, 1142 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON