Shadyside, a well-tended neighborhood in Pittsburgh's East End, is a shopper's mecca that attracts fashionistas hunting their next big find -- a Cullen cashmere sweater, a pair of Badgley Mischka shoes or that show-stopping gown for a gala evening.

And if you need some tending, there's a slew of salons waiting to fulfill your every need -- the way Dorothy Gale was pampered before meeting the great and powerful you-know-who in "The Wizard of Oz." Shadyside is so well-heeled that it boasts three distinct shopping areas. The neighborhood is in Pittsburgh's 7th Ward, where $253,750 was the median price for all houses sold between June 2007 and June 2008, according to RealSTATS, a real estate information provider.

The neighborhood of more than 13,700 residents, mostly white-collar workers, has an average household income of $68,276. With stately Victorian homes and elegant condos, the neighborhood also is home to a large number of singles. Its median age is 29.

Nationally known retailers dominate Walnut Street, where you can buy a shower or a wedding gift, clothe your infant or teenager, update your computer or stock your refrigerator. Behind the sparkling glass windows of a gourmet market, the pears and apples are so perfect that they could star on a French Impressionist's canvas.

But even with the large chains, it's still possible to buy art or custom-made jewelry on Walnut Street and shop in boutiques for chocolate, elegant glass and china, lingerie, accessories and fine stationery. In addition, the side streets that run off Walnut Street -- Copeland, Bellefonte, Filbert and Ivy, are fun excursions.

Turn down Copeland and you'll find a delicatessen and a shop selling chocolates and gifts. At one end of Bellefonte is a gift shop and bookstore, where you are sure to find some appealing inspiration.

Filbert Street is home to a French cafe where you can order crepes that will satisfy your craving for breakfast, vegetarian preferences or dessert varieties filled with devilishly gooey chocolate.

On Ivy Street you can buy exquisite linens or find upscale children's clothes.

Pittsburghers truly appreciate the joy of basking in the sunshine while sipping coffee, lunching or snacking, and Shadyside abounds with outdoor tables as well as a variety of coffee shops. The neighborhood offers five pubs and 11 restaurants with a wide variety of choices, including sushi, traditional Italian, Chinese, Thai, pan-Asian and a new Mediterranean bistro. Many chefs plan their entrees based on the availability of local produce, so locavores should be pleased with their options.

Reviewing the passing parade from your sidewalk table is fun, but there's plenty to see on Ellsworth Avenue, too. The business district begins at around Negley and Ellsworth and stretches to Shady Avenue. Setting the tone here are a row of art galleries, two photo galleries, a vintage clothing shop and high-end antiques stores. There's even a cupcake shop.

Don't miss South Highland Avenue, the shortest of the three shopping streets. One of the newer boutiques sells antique cufflinks, handbags, candles, lamps, china, Rockwell Kent pottery, furniture and handmade stationery. In addition, there's a rug store, a tattoo parlor, a major furniture store, two antiques shops, a gym and an ice cream shop that boasts all manner of treats to add to your chilly dessert.