St.Clair & College st. (Little Italy)
beauty/spas
Shiatsu School of Canada
547 College St. 416 323-1818
There’s almost no one who couldn’t use a massage now and then. And for those who’ve experienced it, Shiatsu massage can be a downright addictive treat. That’s why the $30 massages by students at the Shiatsu School of Canada, offered at set times each Wednesday, are such a phenomenal deal. The prices are even cheaper if you buy several at a time.
$ to $$
Tracey Nails & Beauty Spa
677 St. Clair ave. W. 416 652-1623
This is one of those neighbourhood manicure shops meant for savvy
locals. If you want a stellar manicure at rock-bottom prices, this is place. As long as drab decor, bright lights, and bad TV don’t bother you, you’ll walk out happy as a clam and only $12 lighter—yes, that’s the price of a mani!
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accessories/clothing
Lit
762 St. Clair Ave. W. 416 792-1377
Find must-have brands here about six months before everyone else discovers them. Choose from Playdead Cult, Brave, Red Monkey and Elvis, plus faves like Monarchy, Seven and 1921. Also in stock: super-cool Fender Guitar Ts destined for daily wearing. Mix in various California collections of minis, Ts, tanks and hoodies for a laid-back look. Or add an awesome belt buckle, hula-dancer dog tag, dictionary definition pendant, or chalkboard necklace for creative accessorizing.
$ to $$$
American Apparel
533-535 College St. 416 920-7007
If you can plug it in, or it’s vaguely related to something you can plug in, it’s probably for sale here. From computers to wine coolers and 100-pack spindles of blank CD-Rs, deep discounts are the rule. Warning: because the deals are sweet, the lineups at the cash register are often long and slow-moving. Bring some required reading or your mp3 player.
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décor/lifestyle
La Boutique Parpar
649 St. Clair Ave. W. 416 657-3333
How to describe this confetti-ish explosion of pink, feathers, pearls, crystal and whimsy. Best to see it for yourself. Whether you’re in the market for brightly coloured panties, funky mid-calf slippers, rock ‘n’ roll tees or multi-coloured mini chandeliers, you’ll score in this estrogen-fueled den. Find pretty fabric message boards (that double as headboards or a place to collect your jewellery) cheeky cards, silky sleepwear in candy colours by Honeydew and Blush, furry pillows, bejeweled hand mirrors and loads more.
$ to $$$$
Factory Direct
290 College st. 416 962-7788
If you can plug it in, or it’s vaguely related to something you can plug in, it’s probably for sale here. From computers to wine coolers and 100-pack spindles of blank CD-Rs, deep discounts are the rule. Warning: because the deals are sweet, the lineups at the cash register are often long and slow-moving. Bring some required reading or your mp3 player.
$ to $$$
food
World Class Bakers
690 St. Clair Ave. W. 416 654-0606
It’s a big name to live up to, but if the constant crowds are any clue, they’re doing pretty well. Order up hot chocolate, lattes and other specialty drinks alongside, of course, something freshly baked (try the hermit cookies, macaroons or double-chocolate chip cookies). Or for a more substantial nosh, try the pizza, a calzone, lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, bruschetta, roasted peppers, or spaghetti and meatballs. The place invites lingering, which is good, since the recent addition of free Internet access gives you one more good reason to hang out for a while.
$
Legend: $ = Under $20 $$ = $20 to $50 $$$=$50 to $80 $$$$=$80 to $100
