Our Faves

Champagne & Cupcakes

1114 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, M6J 1H9

Rated this place:

posted Mar 8 2009

affordable and stylish dresses: What's not to love about champagne and cupcakes? The name of this dress boutique is perfect, specializing in ultra-feminine and fun cocktail dresses. Owned by local dress designer Caroline Lim, the shop carries a good selection of Lim's ready-to-wear dresses, along with imported lingerie, jewelry and bath bomb cupcakes from Vancouver company Open Sundaes. The majority of Lim's dresses are priced between $140 and $250, and if you want something custom-made, no problem, Lim will design it for you at a reasonable rate. She's designed wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses too. Why pay high-end prices when you can get the same designer look for less? Lim also adds clients to her database with the name of the dress and event you'll be attending to ensure you show up in an original.

Andy The Anh

83 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5R 1C1

Rated this place:

posted Mar 17 2009

gorgeous dresses: It's like walking into a fairytale when you enter this store - beautiful clothes, stunning and ethereal dresses everywhere you look. Montreal designer Andy The Anh is one of my favourite Canadian designers because he pays attention to the tiniest details and really has a sense for what women want. The new boutique carries a little bit of everything from his collection including tops, suits, coats, jewelry, evening gowns and cocktail dresses. Toronto Fashion Week gave insiders a sneak peek at the spring 2009 collection -- expect colours like white, beige, coral and pink in flowy fabrics.

BCBG Max Azria

50 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON, M4W 3L8

Rated this place:

posted Mar 18 2009

women's fashion: BCBG is a women’s clothing line with stores all over the city. What you get is high design at somewhat reasonable prices (tops range $90 to $250). It’s a sure bet when you're in need of quality wardrobe staples like work shirts, pants, sweaters, shoes and accessories. There's also a wide selection of evening dresses. For the most part, you're guaranteed everything in the store is well made and tailored, with many pieces reflecting the latest trends. So when time is not on your side, this is the store to visit. It’s one-stop shopping for women. The clothing changes with the seasons, and in the spring and summer you'll also find resort wear and bathing suits. It's pricier than Bikini Village, but if looking chic while sipping cocktails by the pool is important, then shop BCBG.

White Toronto

19 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5R 2E1

Rated this place:

posted Aug 7 2008

dress and bridal boutique: They have a beautiful selection of wedding dresses from top designers including Oscar de la Renta, Nicole Miller, Carolina Herrera and Badgley Mischka. However, if you're looking for something to wear to a party or as a guest at a wedding, head up to the second floor of this Yorkville boutique for designer cocktail dresses and accessories. There's some cute frocks from Thread (out of New York).

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• dress boutique

Girl Friday

740 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, M6J 1E9

Rated this place:

posted Aug 7 2008

women's clothing and dresses: I love the Girl Friday line of dresses by owner and designer Rebecca Nixon. They are very flattering on all shapes and sizes, and the prices make me happy. Nixon comes out with a new collection every season. The shop also carries great clothes (from popular labels), accessories for every day (work or play), and always the latest styles. This is a place I visit regularly, like once a month. I'm not alone either -- Canadian celebrities Sarah Polley and Rachel McAdams are also known to be fans of Girl Friday.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• clothing boutique

Lemor

282 Queen Street West, Toronto, OM, M5V 2A1

Rated this place:

posted Mar 22 2009

party dresses: This store is known for always having full racks of trendy party dresses in almost every colour. It's the perfect place to shop for a dress when you really don't know what you're looking for because they carry a variety of styles. I also love that Lemor carries evening bags, fashion jewelry and high-heel shoes to match. If you're lucky, you can create an entire outfit in minutes. If you're more into separates, the shop also carries a ton of cute tops to dress up a pair of jeans or slacks. Let the friendly staff help you. They have a sense of what works on you and what doesn't.

Holt Renfrew

25 The West Mall, Toronto, ON, M9C 1B8

Rated this place:

posted Mar 22 2009

luxury brands and women's clothing: The ultimate in luxury shopping, Holt Renfrew has the best selection of women's clothing, hands down. That is, if you can afford it. The department store carries high-end fashion and some of the most coveted labels like Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Prada, Missoni, Michael Kors, Pink Tartan, Alexander McQueen and many many more. Shop here if you want to look like you walked off the red carpet. When celebrities come to Toronto this is where they shop. I love the selection of evening dresses and also what they have from trendy designers like Alice + Olivia, Theory and See by Chloé.

Fashion Crimes

322 1/2 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V 2A2

Rated this place:

posted Jun 1 2007

cocktail dresses: You’ll find a very unique selection of feminine and cutting edge dresses by local designer Pam Chorley. Many of the dresses are made here in Toronto at Chorley’s studio so if you’re looking for something particular, she may be able to accommodate you. The staff is friendly and very helpful, and the boutique itself is packed with frilly, fun and whimsical designs. A sudden smile comes on your face when you walk into this place. Chorely creates dresses for girls and women, for all occasions including weddings.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Dress Shop

Mendocino

131 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON, M5S 1R8

Rated this place:

posted Mar 20 2009

fashionista favourite: Every girl that loves fashion knows Mendocino is a must-visit shop for the latest trends. This store could be on Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles, but Bloor Street West will do just fine for me. The buyers for Mendocino travel to L.A., New York and Europe in search of the next hot thing, so you don't feel so jipped if you miss out on a shopping trip across the border. The shop carries a variety of designer brands including Rich & Skinny, Karl Lagerfeld, Rebecca Taylor, Jbrand, William Rast, Velvet, Language, Mackage and Soia & Kyo. Also, this is a great place to find cocktail dresses and party outfits.

TNT Woman

87 Avenue Rd. (Hazelton Lanes), Toronto, ON, M5R 3L2

Rated this place:

posted Mar 20 2009

hottest designers: TNT stands for "The New Trend", so it's not a surprise that this place carries just that - the latest and hottest international and local designers. The look is young and modern, but women of all ages can shop here. They carry a lot of clothes from popular women's line Theory, as well as Pink Tartan, Red Valentino, Vivienne Westwood, Dsquared and more. It's also refreshing to walk into a shop that is sorted so well, separating casual and evening wear, grouping clothing by colour scheme (blacks and whites, brights, blues etc.) and organizing accessories by type.