Blue silk dress by Andy Thê-Anh.

EDITOR'S PICK

When news first struck about the opening of Boutique Andy—the first Toronto store of Montreal-based designer Andy Thê-Anh—local fashionistas cheered. Those lucky enough to get a sneak peek of his Fall 2008 collection this past March during L’Oréal Fashion Week saw it featured one strong trend: dresses with corset boning and belt-cinched waists. Known for his impeccable suits, ultra-feminine blouses and gorgeous dresses like a blue silk gown ($1,325), Thê-Anh completes each look with visionary flair. Long, fingerless leather gloves that extend to above the elbow complement his new jewellery line. Stunning necklaces ($450 to $750), made of glass-stone clusters and chain ropes intertwined with fabric and fur, lend a sophisticated look to any woman’s style. 83 Yorkville Ave., 416-921-2639.

Dress by Lucian Matis

Image © George Pimentel Photography

FALL FASHION: GO ROMANTIC

If your wardrobe needs an update, take inspiration from the Fall 2008 collections of top Canadian designers, available at the city’s finest boutiques.

Go romantic with the latest dresses from hot designers like Lucian Matis, Andy Thê-Anh, Talenti Moda Milano and Evan & Dean.

Dress by Slavka Plavsic

Image © George Pimentel Photography

FALL FASHION: GET STRUCTURE

If your wardrobe needs an update, take inspiration from the Fall 2008 collections of top Canadian designers, available at the city’s finest boutiques.

Add structure to your wardrobe with pieces from Mellinda- Mae Harlingten, Pink Tartan, Slavka Plavsic and Carlie Wong.

Marcello de Cartier Worldwide handbag

FALL FASHION: ACCESSORIZE

If your wardrobe needs an update, take inspiration from the Fall 2008 collections of top Canadian designers, available at the city’s finest boutiques.

Complete your outfit with fabulous accessories, like a pair of Manolo Blahnik Zebra pumps, $698, from Browns and the Swarovski Glacier ring, $280. Don't leave the house without your Marcello de Cartier Worldwide handbag, $1,800, from Cartier and Hermès. belt, $2,950.

Have fun while getting clean with Kiss My Face Bubble Wash.

FOAMY FUN

Get kids clean for back-to-school the smart way, with a new line of all-natural, deliciously orange-scented products from Kiss My Face, available at Whole Foods. Gentle enough to use on hair and skin, the self-foaming shampoo and body wash ($9.45) produces fun, flying suds. The shampoo and conditioner ($9.45) contains aloe vera and green tea extract to soothe children’s sensitive dermis, while the bubble wash ($10.51) can be used in the bath or shower. Who knew they’d be clamouring for more tub-time?

A perfectly pressed dress shirt from Mark's Work Wearhouse

WRINKLE-FREE TRAVEL

Are you looking for wash-’n’-go business wear that skips the need for both dry cleaning and ironing? Crease-free office clothing is a time-saver at home, but it’s a life-saver when you’re travelling. At Fabio, European-tailored wool-blend suits ($1,295) can be tossed in the washing machine, and dress shirts ($138) can skip the steam setting altogether. At Mark’s Work Wearhouse (65 Dundas St. W., 416-506-0430), perfectly pressed 100 per cent cotton dress shirts ($74.99) with patented pucker-free seam technology resist wrinkling and look professional all day long.

Image © Geoff George

ICONIC DRESS

Walk into girls’ and women’s retailer Peach Berserk and you’ll instantly realize why locals and visitors alike—plus celebs like Portia de Rossi and Jennifer Love-Hewitt—go bananas for this store. For a wearable souvenir of your trip, pick up a Toronto skyline-motif raw-silk skirt ($129) or one of the shop’s other self-described “crazy handprinted clothes” in a rainbow of colours.

Bump into a celeb while shopping at The Cat's Meow

Image © Claudia Hung

5 CELEB SHOPS

Shop where the stars do when in town for the film festival.

1. Drool-worthy designer suits, fashionable clothing, shoes and accessories at Nicolas Men make it a regular haunt for luminaries.
2. If you have money to burn, the place to do it is at Hazel Luxury for Women, where a gallery of the most exclusive clothing and accessories awaits.
3. Swank leather emporium M0851 is conveniently located across from the paparazzi hunting ground of a star-studded hotel.
4. Celebs flock to The Cat’s Meow for vintage couture from designers like Diane Von Furstenburg and Pucci, as well as one-of-a-kind costume jewellery.
5. Channel your inner rock star at Anti-Hero, a men’s den with hip designer clothing so cool even real rock stars have shopped here.