Toronto Shopping

  1. A Different Booklist

    Caribbean and African literature line the shelves of this cheerful bookstore, as well as a line of dual-language books for children (in English and Urdu/Portuguese/Swahili/Serbian, and many others). Course textbooks are available too.

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  2. Annie Thompson Studio

    Internationally known designer Annie Thompson's motto, 'Personality is a terrible thing to waste,' is obvious by the artistic and unique designs of the clothing, handbags and backpacks in this Queen West staple. Canadian-designed jewelry is available here too.

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  3. Arctic Nunavut

    Carved Inuksuk figurines, Taloyoak dolls, Inuit handicrafts, and Arctic-related books, music and DVDs are all sold at Arctic Nunavut. Every penny of the proceeds goes towards the Nunavut Development Corporation in support of artisans from Canada's Aboriginal-run territory. There's another store in Terminal 3 at Pearson International Airport (416-776-5100).

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  4. Arts On Queen

    It'll be hard to leave this cruisy store and gallery empty-handed. One-of-a-kind pottery, glassworks, photography and modern, fun art pieces are mostly made by Ontario-based artists, many who live in the Beaches area.

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  5. Bata Shoe Museum Gift Shop

    Gift up for every shoe-lover you know at this cute sideline to one of Toronto's most fascinating museums, with shoe occasion cards and notepads, calendars and books about shoes, shoe posters and even shoe-emblazoned scarves.

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  7. Bay Of Spirits Gallery

    The works of Norval Morrisseau - the first native artist to have a solo exhibit at the National Gallery of Canada - are proudly displayed in this atmospheric space, which carries native art from across Canada. Look for the Pacific West Coast totem polls (from miniature to 14 feet tall), Inuit carvings and inukshuks .

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  8. Beguiling

    Lovers of pop culture, indie comic books, 'zines and limited edition artworks and posters had best slot in some serious time on both floors of this shop. For upcoming events, check the associated website (www.torontocomics.com).

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  9. Black Market Megawarehouse

    Like the name implies, this megabasement is an outlet crammed with lesser high-end vintage and older printed T's, passed down from its older sister across the street.

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  10. Black Market Vintage Clothing

    A new paint job and new walls have given the Black Market a facelift, but this Queen Street landmark's still got the same soul. Follow the psychedelic stairway to a mecca for screened T's and retro gear.

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  11. Boa

    Boa's hip yet classy designs and bright, vibrant fabrics stand out in the Toronto crowd - perhaps because most of the clothes are imports from LA. There's another store on Yonge and Lawrence (416-895-9372; 3217 Yonge St).

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  13. Boj Décor

    If there were such a thing, Boj would be reminiscent of a Parisian boudoir that's traveled through time. With antique European furniture mixed with a seemingly random collection of quirky odds and ends - like a chandelier made of antlers - Boj seems like it would be more at home in a trendier location...but that's part of its charm.

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  14. Boomer

    Edgy menswear of a more forward than traditional variety line the racks of this exclusive boutique, where cooler-than-thou salespeople gladly guide dedicated followers of fashion through a sleek selection of suits, sports jackets, coats and denim.

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  15. Bounty

    This contemporary, not-for-profit craft shop can be found inside York Quay Terminal, just west of the Queen's Quay Terminal. Among its wares are creative cards and beautiful dyed scarves, and all proceeds from sales go towards programming at the Harbourfront. Artisans in the adjacent Craft Studio (416-973-4963; ; - Tue-Sun) blow hot glass, mould clay, weave textiles, design jewelry and teach classes.

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  16. Bungalow

    Vintage-loving guys and gals can search this spacious shop for used clothes and furniture, as well as freshly-made designs. The uncrowded, well-organized racks are a nice change from many of Kensington's cramped digs, and there's a good selection of vintage boots.

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  17. C-Pub

    Search through the new imports from Hong Kong and Japan here and you might stumble across a pair of jeans or a handbag you'd find on Queen West with a far smaller price tag. Though prices are low, watch for quality - some bargains are too good to be true.

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  19. C-Squared

    City-dwellers need shoes meant for walking - style is a plus, but comfort is essential. C-Squared provides both as HQ for imported famed European brands including Camper, Papillon, Birkenstock, Bench and Firetrap.

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  20. Cabaret

    Retro-philes should not miss this exquisite shop, which features an impressive selection of vintage wear. A fanfare of lace, brocade, tulle and top hats is organized by color and, given the mint condition of each piece, up for grabs at very reasonable prices.

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  21. Capri Boutique

    High end imported footwear is the specialty here, where sleek shelves are lined with shoes that come straight from the runways of Milan. Solid service that follows up with customers has created a cult following of shoe addicts.

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  22. Change Room

    Young urbanites can shop at this modish stop - the sister store to Showroom - for searing hot labels and a renowned selection of Ben Sherman dress shirts.

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  23. Chatelet

    Shabby chic is redefined in this pink and white paradise of style from the 1700s. A mix of antique and new, silk cushions and chandeliers, Chatelet is French Country life through rose-colored glasses.

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  25. Clay Design

    This pottery studio is one of Harbord Street's handful of eclectic shops, and features a host of earthenware treasures, from vases to plates to teapots. Classes are taught here and the shop also hosts pottery parties.

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  26. Cosmos Records

    If your soul aches for funk and rare groove, this shop's got it - on vinyl, and in pristine condition. Jazz, Latin and African beats are also on the menu.

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  27. Courage My Love

    'Peace on Earth' reads the sign above the door of this Kensington landmark and local favorite, which wheels and deals in vintage garb. Check out the incredible collection of buttons, the 1950s menus, as well as the constant stream of new handmade pieces.

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  28. David Mirvish Books

    The only specialty new art bookstore in the country, this former gallery is a calm, spacious atmosphere for browsing through books on architecture, photography, cooking, design, graphic arts, film and more. Those in the know come just to view the renowned Frank Stella painting, which adorns the back wall.

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  29. Distillery District

    Emerging phoenix-like from the 1832 Gooderham and Worts distillery - at one time the largest distillery in the British Empire - this slick, 13-acre arts complex features Victorian industrial warehouses converted into soaring galleries, artists' studios, pricey design shops, coffeehouses, restaurants, the new Young Centre for Performing Arts and the Mill Street Brewery. In summer expect live jazz, exhibitions and food-focused events.

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