While the glitterati are flocking the French Riviera, we’ve had our nose pressed against la vitrine at Beaufort Décor.

This pretty east end shop stocks French-inspired homewares like black and white toile-patterned plates, apothecary jars ($20) and red metal lanterns that have us dreaming of al fresco evenings in Provence. We also fell for a repurposed Chippendale chair painted jonquille and geometric-print Alexandra Rose pillows (from $20) designed by the owner’s daughter.

Queen and Coxwell isn’t quite la Boulevard de la Croisette but it’ll do. —Marianne Wisenthal

Beaufort Décor, 1584 Queen St. E., Toronto, 416-850-7628, www.beaufortdecor.com

If you know more facts about Ghery’s Guggenheim than the AGO, and the last time you looked up at the Graduate House was on a drunken night in 1999, then it’s time to take a tour of your local architecture.

Margaret and Phil Goodfellow’s Guide to Contemporary Architecture in Toronto ($24.95) is all the inspiration you’ll need to map out your tour. From private residences (the Levitt Goodman house on Euclid) to eye-popping landmarks (the Eatonville Public Library), this handy book is packed with exquisite buildings you’ve likely walked past, but never even seen.

Case in point: I’m a stone’s throw from U of T and only just discovered the “Trinity College Quadrangle.” —Athena Tsavliris

At Good Egg, 267 Augusta Ave., Toronto, 416-593-4663, www.goodegg.ca

From Ikat to Navajo, simple silhouettes in bold prints will adorn the streets this summer.

The folks over at Model Citizen are bang on trend with a collection of calf-length peasant skirts ($85) in eye-popping African tribal patterns.

Tops are also in the works, but for now, I’ll be wearing mine with a simple white cami and demi-turban alla Stella Jean. —Athena Tsavliris

At Model Citizen, 279 Augusta Ave., Toronto, 416-703-7625, http://modelcitizentoronto.com

Once you have kids, there are a handful of retail stores you can add to your "danger" list (meaning highly tempting and potentially damaging to your wallet.)

Ella + Elliot is one of those stores which used to be primarily an online temptation (with a store in Toronto), but they’ve just opened shop in Vancouver. Don't be fooled though, the prices are sometimes deceiving. What looks like an expensive $2,400 crib converts into a bassinet, toddler bed, junior bed, AND sofa, which adds a great deal of value. And that $19 sippy cup is actually the most genius invention we've seen to date, with a weighted straw that means your little one can get to the liquid even if the cup is tilted.

So the prices aren’t as bad as you think. Unless you calculate the number of shoes you could have bought, instead of that crib. Then you’ll be the one crying hysterically.

Seimi Sleep System bed, $2400 and Lollacup, $19.
Ella + Elliot, 126 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, www.ellaandelliot.com

The last time I ate a taco was in a little cantina in La Condessa in Mexico City. The ones we gorged on last week at Grand Electric were just as memorable.

The tortillas are handmade and piled high with lightly breaded tilapia, shredded beef cheek or a spicy pork belly ($3.50 each). I stuck with the Baja fish taco (topped with a chiffonade of radishes and a creamy-lemony house-made dressing) and managed to devour four of them they were so belly-rubbingly good.

Warm, house-made tortilla chips are prefect for spooning up creamy guacamole and don’t leave without knocking back a Bourbonade ($8) or two.

This place is loud, hot and messy. On a first date? Get in-line. —Athena Tsavliris

Grand Electric, 1330 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416-627-3459, www.grandelectricbar.com