Holt Renfrew

Rated this place:

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

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.

Lemor

Rated this place:

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

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.

Girl Friday

Rated this place:

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

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

White Toronto

Rated this place:

19 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5R 2E1

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

Red Letter

Rated this place:

128 Cumberland Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1A6

delightful gifts: Red letter is a charming gift boutique for all occasions. You'll find pretty stationery and notebooks, fun little gifts like shrunken designer toy chairs from World of Design, girly cup and saucer sets (in the shape of hearts or in patterns like polka dot), candles in scents like buttercream, and bath and body products from Cake. Take your time as there's lots to look at in this store. And don't forget to pick up a couple of the colourful gift boxes, available in different sizes. They are so adorable and dainty.

Hazelton Hotel

Rated this place:

118 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5R 1C2

luxury hotel: Super sleek in design with all the modern amenities, this is one Toronto's most sumptuous hotels. It's located on Yorkville Avenue in the heart of city's most upscale downtown neighbourhood. Stately looking on the outside and elegant on the inside, there's a touch of 1940s glam to this hotel. It's very Hollywood and it's obvious they cater to an elite clientele with super spacious suites and features like motorized drapes and LCD TVs in the bathrooms, not to mention a private screening room to watch films. The hotel's restaurant One, owned by local celeb chef Mark McEwan, who also owns North 44 and Bymark, is one of the best in the city. The luxe decor is inviting and when the resto's very large sidewalk patio opens, it's always packed. Sit yourself down on one of the oversized couches under the umbrellas. Great place to lounge and people-watch.

10 Spot

Rated this place:

749 Queen St. W, Toronto, ON, M4M1H3

girls day out: A luxurious treat for you and also a good choice for a girls day out. I love the vibe because it's relaxed and fun, and the staff is sociable and friendly. Plus, the delicious drinks and DVDs available on hand to distract you if you choose to get waxed, are huge bonuses. 10 Spot also hosts private parties so if it's more than a few of you or you're having a bachelorette party, this place is ideal. Come for the manis, pedis, facials and massages, and stay for the loungy atmosphere, good conversation and gracious service. Also, it's located in one of Toronto's hippest 'hoods -- West Queen West, so after pampering you and your friends can check out some of the city's best shopping and dining along this strip.

Yonge-Dundas Square

Rated this place:

40 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON, M5G2C2

revitalized city hub: Before Yonge-Dundas Square was created, the intersection at Yonge and Dundas was not pretty – run down, questionable activities, homeless harassing tourists (of course, some of it still exists)… and thousands of visitors, locals and students pass through it every day. It was time to do something with this urban space. Not everyone likes the outcome, but I do. The square is a great space, especially during the warmer months when it hosts huge festivals, outdoor concerts and markets. And across the street the new Toronto Life Square, featuring shops and restaurants like Milestone’s and Jack Astor’s, plus the AMC movie theatre, is only going to help the area grow into the awesome tourist hub it is.

m0851

Rated this place:

23 St.Thomas St., Toronto, ON, M5S 2C1

leather bags: This brand from Montreal has a huge selection of classic leather bags that combine style and function. The shop is located across from the Windsor Arms Hotel. You'll find computer bags, handbags, totes, shoulder bags, travel bags etc. (for both men and women). High quality, soft leather comes in a variety of classic and trendy shades. The last thing I bought from this store was a cobalt blue leather travel bag that I absolutely love and use all the time. The model is called "hockey". It's the perfect size for traveling, with pockets on the sides and front. They usually always carry this model and it also comes in other colours.

Residence Inn Toronto Downtown

Rated this place:

255 Wellington Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V 3P9

quiet, family-friendly hotel: This hotel is a good choice when you're coming to Toronto and have tickets to a show or game at Rogers Centre, Air Canada Centre or Princess of Wales Theatre. It's literally a two to 10 minute walk from the hotel to one of these major venues. You're also right nearby many top restaurants on King St. West, shopping on Queen St., the Entertainment and Club District and Chinatown. The hotel is also a brand new Marriott property, tucked away on Wellington St., removed from traffic and surrounded by residential condos. The lobby is elegant and the suites are roomy, with living areas and kitchens. I always recommend this hotel to visitors, especially groups or families who are looking to stay one to two weeks.

Lucky Brand Jeans

Rated this place:

220 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M5B 2H1

cool T-shirts: Lucky Brand is known for its vintage and rock n' roll-inspired casual clothing for both men and women -- think laid back Venice beach in L.A. The jeans are very popular (with the catchphrase 'Lucky You' message in the fly) but I also love the T-shirts because they're soft and worn (like vintage), with funny sayings and cool logos that are hard to find elsewhere. If you're Irish or like Celtic humour, you'll find a lot of tees here that pay homage to this jolly clan.

Andy The Anh

Rated this place:

83 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5R 1C1

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.

Williams-Sonoma

Rated this place:

100 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON, M5S 1M4

seasonal dinnerware, kitchen tools and gifts: Some of us really get into the holidays, whether that's Christmas, Halloween or Easter. At Williams-Sonoma, when it's that time of year, you're surrounded by all kinds of seasonal sweet treats, kitchen gadgets, tools and dinnerware. It's one of those "fun" stores where you know you're likely not going to buy anything you actually need, unless you feel compelled to buy a potato peeler that costs twice as much as it would at Walmart. Sure, it's probably better quality and a name brand, but you get the idea. This store is as much fun to browse as it is to buy. More often than not you'll walk out with gifts -- expensive cappuccino makers and espresso machines, margarita mixers or even adorable bunny dinner plates (which I recently bought for a friend). Everything is so colourful, attractive, shiny and new.

BCBG Max Azria

Rated this place:

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

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.

Salon Daniel

Rated this place:

79 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON, M5R1C1

best colourist / colour technician: I have tried many salons in this city, and there's something I've discovered. To get the best haircut you go to a hairstylist and to get the best colour you go to a colourist! A friend told me to visit Oskar for highlights and colour at Salon Daniel, but I was hesitant. Why waste time going to two professionals when I can get one person to do the whole job? Well, I tried it out anyway and was amazed at the difference. Oskar takes hair colour to an art form. He's an expert who takes the time to give you a consultation and comes up with something that complements your lifestyle. He has a lot of high profile clients who have been coming back to him for years and now I can see why!

Urban Outfitters

Rated this place:

235 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, M5B1N8

head-to-toe retro: Ok, I know a lot of teenagers shop here, but that's not to say that this store is only for teenyboppers. I love this store, and I know a lot of stylists do too, for its fun and fashionable retro/vintage clothing (for women and men). A lot of the pieces in this store aren't far off from what you see on fashion runways because Urban makes sure to change it up to match current style trends. I especially like the casual dresses and fedora hats.

Civello Salon & Spa

Rated this place:

269 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M5V1Z9

best makeup artist: Tara Trdin at Civello (on Queen St.) is amazing with makeup and brow design. Forget getting a facelift, just visit this makeup artist to achieve instant beauty. She's been doing this for a very long time and it shows -- not only does she create gorgeous and natural looks, but she's also fast, in a good way. She knows exactly what she's doing whether you need to look good on the fly, or for a big event. Civello Salon also uses the all-natural Aveda line of products, and you'll smell them the minute you walk in. Sweet, soft and calming aromas fill the air!

Ivory Parade

Rated this place:

760 A College St., Toronto, ON, M6G 1C4

fun gifts and cards: I often have to buy a gift for the person that seems to have everything, so when I'm uncertain as to what to get, I stop by Ivory Parade. There's a huge assortment of unique gift items such as quirky and fun books, games and toys, quotable magnets and cups, photo albums, accessories, jewelry and lots more. I also love their selection of cards -- there's a card for everyone you know -- sarcastic, humorous, vegan, romantic and artistic, you name it. This is also a great shop when you're in the mood to spoil yourself with a little luxury. They carry a great selection of Thymes Indigenous fragrant poured candles that smell amazing and a variety of stylish hangbags from Suede.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• card shop

Baby on the hip

Rated this place:

969 Queen St East, Toronto, ON, M4M1K2

best eco-friendly baby shop: I was recently at Baby on the hip shopping for a baby shower gift. I was amazed at the quality and variety at this shop. They offer furniture, strollers, high chairs, clothing, accessories, toys and skin care. It's all sustainable, organic, non-toxic and natural. They also select fair trade products. I would definitely recommend this place for moms-to-be or anyone looking for beautiful, eco-friendly and functional gifts for baby. I ended up purchasing a Bebe au lait nursing cover -- it works when you need to feed on-the-go and it's stylish, which is always important (offered in a variety of prints)! Baby on the hip also has a registry service, which is a great alternative to big department stores.

jacflash

Rated this place:

1036 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M6J1H7

celeb-worthy fashion: Listen up all you gals and guys that want to covet the looks you see on celebrities like Blake Lively and Chace Crawford -- Jacflash is pretty much a one-stop shop for a style makeover. Pick up pieces from some of the hottest designers loved by young Hollywood, like Alice + Olivia, Ever and Modern Vintage, and keep up with the latest music at the boutique's listening station, where you'll find new and featured artists. This place is all glam, and a little rock n' roll.

Lululemon

Rated this place:

342 Queen St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2A2

best gym bags: I am starting to collect Lululemon gym and yoga bags, in addition to my existing collection of handbags. I seem to want a new one every couple of months. It's not that the bags don't last (they are very good quality), it's because Lululemon comes out with the cutest new designs every season, and I just can't help myself. Right now I have my eye on this hot pink gym bag that is perfect for spring, and it's so roomy and functional with plenty of pockets for your water bottle, phone, keys etc. It can also work as a weekend bag whether it's off to the cottage or Montreal (my other favourite city).

Charlie

Rated this place:

809 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, M6J 1G1

fashion-forward and trendy women's clothing: Charlie boutique carries a selection of feminine and fashionable clothing (which contradicts its masculine name). The owner of the boutique was a former buyer and manager for Girl Friday (located across the street), so if you like to shop at GF, then you'll like Charlie. What I like most about Charlie, however, is that while Girl Friday is awesome at offering trendy basics at affordable prices, Charlie takes it to the next level introducing fashion-forward designers and everything from classic cocktail dresses to rock n' roll tees.

Champagne & Cupcakes

Rated this place:

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

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.

Kreiss

Rated this place:

1212 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M4T 1W1

classy furnishings: I like furniture showrooms, call me crazy, but sometimes I enjoy just looking at how they put things together. At Kreiss, there's a cool yet luxurious feel. You'll see a lot of neutral and earthy colours, rich textures and modern designs. I love how it's casual and classy at the same time. It's not cheap, but then again this is the type of furniture you want to show off so I'm guessing you have a nice space to fill if you decide to shop here. For myself, I'll look for now until I can afford it.

Change

Rated this place:

315 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, M5V 2X2

grown-up lingerie: What I really like about Change is that it’s for real women. The lingerie shop caters to a sophisticated and grown-up clientele, so you won’t see many girls under the age of 22 shopping here… The undergarments are beautifully made, with the finest lace and fabrics, ultra-feminine details and delicate trimming. Change reminds me of the lingerie boutiques you’ll find in Europe. And with the brand being from Scandinavia it’s no surprise Change, along with other well-known European companies, is a pro at this, having designed lingerie for many decades. Change offers cup sizes 30A to 44H, bra fittings and even bathing suits in modern and fashionable prints.