Shopping short in Toronto... If you're a woman of slight proportions and have difficulty finding clothes that fit, I empathize. At five foot nothing, 95 pounds, I know petite. Having lived and worked in downtown Toronto for over 25 years, I also know where to shop. My favorite spot for sophisticated, classy-with-an-edge suits and dresses is Price & Roman, a small boutique from a husband and wife Canadian design team. Located at (267 Queen) on the edge of the trendy Queen St. West strip, it's the only place in town I've been able to walk out the door, outfit in hand. No alterations needed. For casual and dressy gear, Muskat & Brown, (2528 Yonge) stocks many of the top designers in small sizes. If time is short (no pun intended) head to the Eaton Centre mall (Yonge & Dundas). There are also at least three specialty boutiques in the mall. Anne, Toronto, Canada

Take a ferry to Wards Island... I've lived in Toronto all my life except for the past eight years when I moved to the UK. Reading your latest newsletter and planning to visit Toronto I started reminiscing about the city. What I miss the very most is Lake Ontario and the community on Wards Island. On hot humid summer days or evenings I would take the ferry over to Wards and just walk the neighbourhood looking at the gardens and feeling the organic energy. This is such a lovely spot -- a village tucked away with the skyline of Toronto in full view. Another excellent ferry stop is Hanlon's Point (for a more country feel). Or just stay on the ferry back to Toronto and feel the breeze and watch the skyline. For info about the island and how to get there visit: http://torontoisland.org/index.html Andrea, Coventry, Britain

Another Wards Island fan writes... Enjoy breakfast lunch or dinner at The Rectory Cafe on Wards Island. Open Wednesday to Sunday: 11AM to 5PM. Located a five minute walk from the Ward's Island Ferry. Reservations are recommended. Website:http://torontoisland.org/rectorycafe/index.htm Catherine, Toronto, Canada

The Bra Bar in Yorkville... Want to see what the latest trends in clothing are? Simply take a stroll in Yorkville where the city's fashion conscious folk congregate to see, be seen and do their shopping. One boutique that attracts visitors and Toronto locals alike is the Bra Bar. Their offerings go from absolutely sexy, gorgeous expensive wear to practical bras in hard-to-find sizes. Ask for the bra that Oprah loves (Le Mystere) and they've got that, too. When Russell Crowe shot one of his films in Toronto, his wife Danielle picked up her lingerie here. This spot gets a gold star for service and fitting -- there's absolutely no attitude in sight. Address: 15 Hazelton Avenue Evelyn, Toronto, Canada

Fashion with a difference... If you are looking for elegant, Asian-inspired gorgeous shirts and suits you'll enjoy a browse through the offerings at Kamina (112 Yorkville Avenue). Created and marketed by the Korean sister-brother team of Yong Chang and Kimin Zang, each garment is a pleasure to look at. Mandarin collars dominate displays of wearable soft wools, crisp cottons, comfy linens and gorgeous silks. Perfect for day or evening wear --I always pop a few pieces into my JW suitcase. P.S. While I dry clean the wool pieces -- all others can be washed by hand or in the gentle cycle of your washing machine. Evelyn, Toronto, Canada

Architectural walk that won't cost you a penny... Fifties-style 'progress' cost Toronto many fine old buildings. But some survived - and they're worth a visit. My favorite is stately St. Anne's Church on Gladstone Avenue (Dundas and Dufferin). Murals on its soaring Byzantine dome, painted by members of the Group of Seven, are endangered by a leaking roof and a depleted building fund. Hurry - its days may be numbered. Another great ceiling atop a superbly proportioned space is the great hall at Union Station. Slip through the underground passage to admire the Royal York Hotel's magnificent lobby. Now head eastward to aptly named Church Street where St. Michael's, St. James and Metropolitan United bespeak this city's Victorian wealth. And finally, walk north toward Gerrard and Sherbourne to the exotic tropical greenery, (mixed with lovely seasonal flowers), of Allen Gardens greenhouses. That's my Toronto! Isobel, Toronto, Canada

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