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Most labels find it difficult enough to produce a modest clothing line. Perks and Mini produces a cool, casual cut-and-sew line that finds its way into hip clothing women's boutiques and a graphic T-shirt line that's in many a streetwear shop. When not busy doing this they publish art books and design toys and some funky sunglasses and shoes. What the Australian duo brings to all their work is a fun, buoyant perspective that's all their own. Plus they have quite the knack for graphics.

Find the clothes at Creatures of Comfort, the T-shirts at Sold Out, and other stuff everywhere from Australia to Denmark.

Art Star is one of those stores we inexpicably missed on our last visit to Philly. But thanks to the wonders of online shopping, we can still peruse their cheerly selection of artist-created wares. We've seen a few of these types of shops in our day and Art Star has executed the concept to perfection. They're picky enough to not let any old handmade item in their shop, but don't take themselves too seriously at the same time.

Besides what we've shown there are also a ton of artist T-shirts and hoodies, prints and original art. The store also holds monthy art shows. But, really, who doesn't these days :).

There are cheaper, easier ways to live a "green" lifestyle than a Prius. We like 3R Living because it's green without being preachy. They don't try to make you feel guilty for using chemical cleaners or plastic bags. And their products stand up just fine on their own, whether they're recylced, biodegradable, eco-friendly or not.

We sort of ran into Plastic Passion while looking for another toy store. We liked their no nonsense attitude towards the world of urban vinyl/designer toys. Not much attention is paid to careful merchandising. Some toys have artist "pedigree", others are from popular TV shows. Alongside toys are T-shirts, bags, prints, books, mags, and whatever else they feel like carrying. Welcome Plastic Passion!

This shirt is called "The Diplomat". Heh, he must be American.

There are a lot of interesting stores in Toronto, but none more memorable than Magic Pony. The store is a truly magical collection of designer toys (the best among Western and Asian toys, including the work of emerging Canadian designers), art, prints, T-shirts, books, magazines and a few other random bits. Their gallery space holds host to regular art shows from emerging and established artists and designers. Here's some of what they're carrying right now:

Cool T-shirts.

Wacky plushes.

Art books.