Top of the shops: The best places to splurge in Yorkville

Recession be damned. Yorkville continues to thrive on the city’s most chi-chi fashions and wallet-busting home decor. Here are 11 of our favourite destinations.

Axispa
Waxing and facials are specialties at this subdued spa (ask for the ultra-professional aesthetician Lorraine), but the tranquil mani-pedi stations are also the perfect setting for catching up with gal pals during lunch break. 162 Cumberland St., 416-923-4772.

119 Corbò
Lovers of Euro fashions don’t need to hop the pond; veteran retailer Linda Perisa edits down the best of the Belgian designers—Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Martin Margiela—and adds a sprinkling of Stella McCartney, Miu Miu and Lanvin accessories. 119 Yorkville Ave., 416-928-0954.

Accessity
A quick fix at Oriella Stillo’s bazaar of beautiful accessories—colourful fashion jewellery, luxe leather opera gloves—is the easiest way to electrify a little black dress or instantly update a worn-out wardrobe. 136 Cumberland St., 416-972-1855.

Avec Plaisir
Now that this long-time lingerie fixture has moved into bigger digs, there’s more reason than ever to check out (and splurge on) sweet La Perla sets and sensational Swarovski crystal–encrusted bustiers. For the less adventurous, owner Vasilia’s Eros bust firming and body creams are worth a try. 136 Cumberland St., 416-922-7702.

Divine Decadence Originals
This oasis of vintage threads has become a necessary stop for Eddie Vedder whenever the Pearl Jam front man is in town and feels like picking out a party dress for his wife. Owner Carmelita Blondet stocks only luxe fur capelets, party frocks and costume jewellery that speak to her or tell a story. 128 Cumberland St., 416-324-9759.

UPC Boutique
The Universal Product Code, that clean black and white graphic, is manifested by this store’s cool, linear aesthetic. Upscale brand names tend toward the obscure—Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair, Chronicles of Never, KZO, Juma, Rodebjer and Mary Meyer—but owners Maha Zeibak and Anat Lowe earn gold stars for serious indie cred. 128 ½ Cumberland St., 416-929-9209.

Over the Rainbow
For over 35 years, Toronto’s unofficial denim destination has been drawing in uptown ladies, their downtown-wannabe daughters, and guys who take pride in sporting the latest Nudie or 1921 jeans. 101 Yorkville Ave., 416-967-7448.

The Paisley Shop
The longest operating antique business in Canada (since 1926) occupies a charming old house, which is filled with Chippendale, Regency and Georgian furniture that would feel right at home in a Forest Hill residence. 77 Yorkville Ave., 416-923-5830.

C-apsule
An understated cache of cool in this part of town, this lower-level shop carries collectible Air Jordan sneakers and other covetable kicks—displayed like works of art—and T-shirt brands rarely seen outside Tokyo or New York. 69 Yorkville Ave., 416-926-1845.

Rolo
If the kitsch can be overlooked—lip-shaped Andy Warhol plates, for example—shoppers discover an array of quality lifestyle accessories: kitchenware from Alessi and Koziol, funky Swatch wristwatches and high-design Artemide lamps. 24 Bellair St., 416-920-0100.

Kumari’s
Pashminas in every conceivable colour (Pantone, meet your match) are hand-dyed according to owner Kumari Colson’s expert specifications. Her regular trips to Nepal and other exotic locales produce the finest quality cashmeres, embellished accessories and unique boho jewellery. 94 Cumberland St., Ste. 104, 416-324-9830.