(Image via London2012.)

See: Pre-Raphaelites exhibit at Tate Britain

Our design team is loving the Victorian era right now. Tate Britain is putting a spotlight on some of the artistic radicals of the 1800s with its stunning show. The exhibition is full of luminous Victorian Avant Garde paintings, sculptures and photography by champions of the movement, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Holman Hunt and John Everett Millais.

Shop: James Smith & Sons

If you're obsessed with quality and craftsmanship (like we are) then you must stop by this Victorian-era umbrella shop. Founded in 1830 and still owned and run as a family business, the master craftsmen here still construct umbrellas and walking sticks right in the basement of the New Oxford Street location—where attention to detail is of the utmost importance. Plus, we're pretty sure that every dashing haberdasher in London carries one of James Smith's well-crafted parapluies!

Imbibe: The Bar at the Dorchester

We adore this elegantly furnished watering hole, with its lacquered mahogany walls and Dale Chihuly-like glass installations. We suggest sticking to the classics here like the house specialty, the Martinez, which is made with Old Tom gin and recreated from an early 18th-century recipe.

Eat: Portrait Restaurant in the National Portrait Gallery

(Image via Telegraph.)

This rooftop resto may seem like an unlikely spot, but the views of London are breath-taking at this little known British gem. Anything but stuffy, we suggest noshing on Butternut squash soup and the Duck Breast while gazing at the London Eye, Big Ben and Nelson's Column.

Sleep: One Aldwych

(Image via Hotel Traveler.)

Sometimes sleeping in high-style is a must, and One Aldwych tops the haute list. We love this tradition-with-a-twist hotel—Edwardian style architecture with sleek modern updates. Central located in Covet Square, the building was actually constructed in 1907 by the same architects who designed The Ritz in Paris.

Stay tuned to Christiane's Twitter for live updates from London.

(Image via Wikipedia.)

See: Art Gallery of Ontario

With a sweeping exterior designed by the Toronto-born Frank Gehry, this artful oasis is one of our favorite out-of-the-way gems of the city. Right now we're obsessed with the Frida & Diego exhibition. It's a fascinating look at how this artist duo's passionate romance informed their paintings. We always leave a few minutes to sip coffee in the light-filled atrium after walking the museum, and you should too!

Shop: GH Johnson

(Image via EatDrinkBeMerry.)

This urban interior design mecca is always on our must list when we're in the area. They've been a Toronto mainstay since 1946. We love browsing their chic collection of modern, unique and vintage pieces. Plus you'll find some of our favorite DwellStudio products!

Imbibe: The Black Hoof

No classy Canadian cocktail hour would be complete without a stop and sip at this newly opened watering hole. We love their modern twists on classic cocktails... like the delicious Tea & Sympathy or the devilish Hoof Manhattan. Plus their cured meats and charcutier are not to be missed!

Sleep: Gladstone Hotel

Housed in a gorgeous Victorian building this forward-thinking hotel is equal parts art destination and chic sleep boutique. Each room was uniquely designed by a contemporary artist, and there's even a savvy gallery in the lobby. We love the artful concept here!

Eat: Ursa

We love the dark, moody interiors and local Canadian cuisine at this intimate resto. It's hard not to feel a little romantic noshing on Ursa's exotic mushroom dishes among their cascading filament lighting and sleek stained walls.

Stay tuned to Christiane's Twitter for live updates from her Robert Allen design talk today in Toronto.

Imbibe: The Bee Hive

(Image via Flickr)

Located in Boston's hip South End, this artful spot is always celebrating something. With live music, abstract paintings, low hanging chandeliers, dark interiors, moody wallpaper and exposed brick—design lovers and party-revelers alike will feel at home here. We love to stop in pre- or post-dinner for a cocktail and a little nighttime people watching!

Sleep: The Liberty Hotel

(Image via Swell City)

Housed in the former Charles Street Jail, this luxury hotel makes for a historical and haute stay in Boston. Built in 1851 by architect duo Gridley James Fox Bryant and Rev. Louis Dwight, the building's storied past is honored in three eating-and-drinking spots with playful references: Clink, Alibi and Scampo. An airy 90-foot central rotunda, which houses the main lobby, is topped by a cupola that was formerly covered over, and magnificent, original floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the landscaped patio.

Eat: Lala Rokh

(Images via Zagat)

Nestled in Boston's adorable Beacon Hill neighborhood, this Persian restaurant is a tasty romantic hideaway. We suggest leaving the food decisions to your waiter... then sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy every saffron and garlic-infused dish.

See: Mario Testino at the Museum of Fine Arts

(Image via MFA)

No one captures the excitement of fashion, royal life and wild happenings quite like Mario Testino. After strolling through the Chinese sculptures, European paintings and contemporary decorative art collections at this cultural mainstay make sure to linger a little longer among the oversized glossy images of celebs, socialites and beautiful people.