By Nathalie

Ordering hearts and flowers is SO original. Instead, go directly past that display of long-stemmed roses down to Dundas West for a bit of respite from the romance overload. Tonight from 6pm to 9pm, the block’s kicky boutiques are hosting a Valentine’s sidewalk shopping night, wih 15%-70% off regular prices.
This trove of one-of shops, between Claremont and Bellwoods Avenue on the south side of Dundas (about 4 blocks west of Bathurst) is staffed with friendly mom-and-pop owners. First, there’s Georgia at every stylist in the city’s favourite clothing boutique Georgie Bolesworth, then practically next door it’s Mary at Sunshine Deli (hello, vintage glam). A hop, skip and a pink-awning jump away it’s Jamie at Skirt (sparkly trinkets and gingham bloomers galore), and the newest addition to this hip strip is Julian, proprietor of the former corner gallery that just opened under the name Model Citizen, featuring silkscreened pillows and tees for stylish girls and boys. Peruse the locally designed goodies for your sweetie, or shop for the most important sweetheart of all: yourself. Afterwards, sip a cocktail at one of the artfully disheveled watering holes nearby (ask one of the above for a recommendation).