Ran's Closet in Riverside has a fresh take on fashion. 

The store, which has a second location near College and Spadina in Little Italy, was the fortunate end result of an unlucky set of circumstances.

Owner and founder, Ran Ryu was laid off from her former job as a retail manager at the beginning of the pandemic. 

Undefeated, Ryu seized the opportunity and set out to pursue her goal of opening her own shop.

"I didn't want to give up my dream, so I started my own business as soon as the restrictions were lifted," she explains. 

Ryu is the mastermind behind the store's distinct point of view.

The day I came to visit, Ryu was wearing a black Harley Davidson tank, a voluminous black maxi skirt and blue sneakers with matching flower ankle socks in the same shade.

Her personal style is a microcosm for the store's curation, which blends new, reworked and vintage pieces. 

"Everything is handpicked by me and shows my personal style," says Ryu. 

Ryu loves the vintage look. Band tees ($20-$40) and other second-hand items are always in stock. However, she explains the Riverside location skews a little more upscale, while the Little Italy location is geared towards Y2K and vintage. 

Ryu recommends visiting the other Ran's Closet location if you have a slightly lower price range. Ryu attributes the unique aesthetic of the Riverside location to her South Korean background.

Many of the new items in the store and some of the vintage ones are sourced through connections Ryu has built with Korean brands or on her trips home. 

These imports range from cropped, minimalist blazers ($95), to frilly, 'cottage core' tops ($42), to distressed mini skirts ($68-$85). 

As evidenced by the array of up-cycled garments for sale and abundance of plants scattered around the store, sustainability is another key facet to Ran's Closet. 

Reworked sweaters go for $115, while denim jackets go for $175. These items are not cheap. However, you are paying for something one of a kind and can rest assured it has not caused any harm to the environment. 

Ran's Closet is a stockist for a variety of local brands and small businesses. A Toronto-based jewelry line ($32-$44) and press on nail brand ($40) are sold in the store.

Other bits and bobs including candles ($25), a range of bath products ($10-$20) and socks ($10) can also be found in the shop. 

Ran's Closet is a must for shopping in Riverside. Not only for its rare finds, but the store's delightful owner/namesake.

Ran's Closet is located at 747 Queen St. East.