If we were living our lives based on pop culture stereotypes, spring break would mean bikinis and beer pong poolside in Fort Lauderdale. But the reality of the warm weather break is that flutter of fear that comes with acknowledging the imminent bathing suit season.

Wade modestly into those sometimes rough waters with online retailer Shabby Apple. Its Silent Era swimsuit collection is inspired by 1920s starlets, art deco and the beauty of black and white. The swim separates include briefs, skirts and wide-strapped tanks with a smattering of ruching and carefully placed ruffles.

There are few words to describe our delight in full coverage swimsuits, but silent era star Greta Garbo may have said it best when she said “Is there anything better than to be longing for something when you know it is within your reach?” —Jaelyn Molyneux

www.shabbyapple.com

The sisters have infiltrated the brotherhood of free thinkers that is Lifetime Collective.

The Canadian brand is what happens when a bunch of artists and friends get together to create a fashion collection they’d wear. Lily+jae designer, Judith Feller created the women’s collection: Think comfy, slouchy separates that have a touch of tomboy. The tanks, henleys and high-waisted denim are the type of clothes you’d throw in a bag for an impromptu road trip.

A few clicks on the new online store and you’ll feel like you are among friends. —Jaelyn Molyneux

Shop online at www.lifetimecollective.com

If Suri Cruise taught us anything in 2011, it’s that stylish pre-school attire is just as important as learning to tie your shoes.

Inspired by shopping trips to Paris and, of course, les chic petits enfants, Canada’s Dote Baby was born, a brand-new online baby boutique for fashionable parents with a discerning eye.

The store’s extensive international brand selection (shipping to: everywhere) includes adorable, trendy pieces from Sweden’s Cheap Monday, Bébé by Australia’s Minihaha, as well as the must-have, celebrity-adored Minnetonka Moccasins.

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, for the little ones in your life, yourdoting hours are about to go into overdrive. —Caroline Gault

www.dotebaby.ca

We asked our editors to share their favourite places to shop online:

Revolve
My husband (admittedly a bit of a clotheshorse) has just discovered Revolve and now there's no going back. These trousers from Closed shipped for free and fit him perfectly. Here's hoping he gets his Christmas shopping done so efficiently!  —Sarah Bancroft, Editor-in-chief

Room in Order
When I lived in London, childless and fancy free, I surfed shoe porn on luxury etailers, but nowadays it's all about ways to make my life easier. Room in Order, who's tagline is "Organize, Declutter & Simplify", provides solutions for my current, less glamorous life: stylish dishracks, modern storage boxes, slick coat hooks and fancy white boards. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, Vancouver Fashion Editor

Etsy
Etsy is the besty! The virtual home of thousands of artists and artisans, it’s filled with unique pieces that are made with love and shipped right to your door. Like those from Canada’s own Scout & Catalogue, whose beachy, bohemian pieces would look great under my tree. —Kelsey Dundon, Vancouver Lifestyle Editor

Sophie’s Closet
This finely-curated jewellery destination offers the best costume baubles from both present and past, from hip and studded Edie Borgo, to glamorous and glitzy Erickson Beamon, to rare and timeless vintage like Chanel and Dior.  —Anya Georgijevic, Vancouver Beauty Editor

Foley + Corinna
I'm picky when it comes to bags. I like 'em simple and clean but in the current sea of designer handbags there are often way too many chains, buckles and other extras. Enter Foley + Corinna. Their streamlined clutches and dream totes have me continuously scheming up ways to justify one more bag in my closet.—Kelsey Mulyk, Managing Editor

Modcloth
Sure you can get yourself a lovely fabric frock on Modcloth.com. Vintage inspired, of course, and from designers including Betsey Johnson, Cheap Monday and Skinkfunk. You can even vote on whether a design should go into production at the Be The Buyer tab. But ’tis the season to give so click on the gifts tab and peruse the fashion, accessory, home décor and novelty items categorized by person, price or interest. —Jaelyn Molyneux, Calgary Editor

Present & Correct
I’m a total paper geek, with drawers jammed full of letterpress, notepads, post cards and ephemera. Present & Correct is a newly discovered playground of mine with more fabulous paper goods than a girl like me could ever imagine. Only my very special friends get vintage glitter on their xmas cards though. —Athena Tsavliris, Toronto Editor

Paris Couture Antiques
Everything on this site is incredible. I am always particularly taken by the jewellery section, but for quirky antique Parisian finds- there is no competition. For the creepy crowns alone, you need to take a look for yourself… —Katherine Holland, Toronto Contributor

Ibrilo
Though we love gifts we can wrap in a bow, we turn to ibrilo for unique experiences we can share with those we love, like a 3-hour brunch workshop ($75) with Olive & Gourmando, an upside-down yoga workshop at Naada Yoga ($99), or personal styling featuring local designers from BeSleek ($450). Big things come in no packages.
—Jennifer Nachshen, Montreal Editor