St. Clair West

 

Sweet boutiques and boulangeries are bringing exuberance to a strip better known for its thrift shops and jerk chicken joints. Here are eight reasons to brave the endless construction and behold the rebirth of an avenue

 

By Olivia Stren

 

8. Parpar

 

This crystal-chandeliered boutique has the nostalgic coziness mastered by American chain Anthropologie. Wastebaskets (made of tempered glass in cream and turquoise) are decadent; memo boards lined with damask make Post-It notes seem romantic; and for babies, days-of-the-week socks from Trumpette might well be the sweetest tow warmers in town. 649 St Clair Ave W, 416-657-3333