Bodega Thirteen

While for the most part, it remains inconspicuous with its minimalist exterior, Bodega Thirteen will sometimes showcase its edgier side. “Because of some of the shows that we've had, or the window installations that we've done, we’ve gotten some interesting comments from the more traditional, older members of the community, but I think that they're relatively accepting of what we do,” says owner/founder/director Elizabeth Arlow.

And Elizabeth’s dark sense of humour, DIY sensibilities and great taste imbue every object in her Little Portugal lifestyle boutique and gallery.  With its unfussy yet stylish in-house clothing line, practical lifestyle wares, small-run periodicals, and the occasional nude image in the window display, the spot is known for neighbourhood locals as a diamond in the rough.

“I don't really like precious things," says Elizabeth, who was born in Toronto but grew up living all over the world "I don't like pink. I like a mix of rough and pretty, high-end and low-end, which I feel is represented in what we do."