If spag bog is a weekly staple in your kitchen, it’s time to let loose and get saucy.

After all, Italy’s staple food deserves more than a basic ragu.

At Scorcia, in the York Mills area, you’ll find a selection of pasta sauces (from $8) that would impress even the pickiest of nonnas. And for an Italian dinner that’ll knock your Tod’s off, don’t miss out on the antipasti, flavoured oils and aged balsamic vinegars.

One bite, and you’ll feel like you died and went to Rome.

Scorcia, 3421 Yonge St., Toronto, 416-787-8426, www.scorcia.ca

A new consignment store in the heart of Rosedale is like shopping in your wealthy girlfriend’s closet.

Haute Classics touts designer frocks, shoes, bags and baubles handpicked by fashion-savvy friends, Stella Kim and Jina Han.

Our last visit left us lusting after a pair of pink suede diamante studded Diors ($550), an adorable black leather Betsey Johnson bag with bow buckle ($75) and an embroidered vintage Valentino skirt ($120).

Now, how do we go about making Kim and Han our BFFs?

Haute Classics, 946 Yonge St., Toronto, 416-922-7900, http://hauteclassics.com/

You know that friend who always has the perfect twist to her scarf, the to-die-for bag and the most recherchez thrift store finds? She just set up shop in Toronto.

In 2009 Breanna Musgrove left her post as an Aritzia Creative Director, packed her things and moved to Puerto Vallarta with her BF.  Between Spanish lessons and trips to Sayulita, she launched Scout & Catalogue, a gorgeous collection of handmade bags, scarves and accessories, inspired by Mexico’s boho vibe. 

Now settled in Toronto, she has added new lines to the mix. We love the super-soft leather Market Day Bucket Bag (US$134) for fall.

And for covetable vintage finds, peruse the Scout & Catalogue Yard Sale, which is packed with secondhand gems that Musgrove has lovingly restored.

Scout & Catalogue: www.etsy.com/shop/scoutandcatalogue

Yard Sale: www.etsy.com/shop/scoutandcatalogueys

The late, great cosmetics queen Anita Roddick once said that "there is nothing on God's planet, not one thing, that will take away 30 years of arguing with your husband and 40 years of environmental abuse. Anything that says it can magically take away your wrinkles is a scandalous lie."

Indeed, we’re all skeptical about little tubes of cream with big claims, especially one that promises younger looking skin in just 40 seconds. Scoff if you will (we did), but Nanoblur (US$19) lives up to its claim.

Wear this advanced optical cream under your usual makeup and see how a smooth, matte finish takes hold of your face. Pores, pimples and fine lines soften and your skin becomes instantly luminous.

The effect won’t last forever, just long enough for you to sparkle through a day.

And sometimes, that’s all a girl really needs.

www.indeedlabs.com

If your bloke’s got swagger, there may be a few bow ties hanging in his closet already.

Up the ante on his collection with a stunning York Wu bow tie handmade with couture grade leather, silk or chiffon.

York, an interdisciplinary designer who spends his time between New York and Toronto, told the New York Times style magazine recently that he wants his Noeud Papillon ties to be the equivalent of a Lanvin dress,  “structured and strong on the inside, elegant and effortless on the outside.”

This is one gift you’ll want to steal.

Price upon request: www.wuyork.com