The Boston Globe from Boston, Massachusetts • 243

hTpuIH Handcrafted STREETWISE Cambridge's Upper Mass. Ave. Just south of Porter Square, this busy stretch of road is a reminder of what Harvard Square used to be: funky, eclectic, original. us. -F- mi j.

ji i 1111 Mi ivi lM ASIAN SWEETS At Japonaise Bakery in the center of Porter Exchange, rolls stuffed with azuki beans, choco horns (sweet white dough surrounding chocolate filling), and green-tea cakes share counter space with finger sandwiches of tuna salad, egg salad, and ham that even have the crusts cut off. Perfect for lunch. (1815 Massachusetts Avenue, 617-547-5531) 2. AMUSE ME Joie de Vivre is a store filled with smiles in the form of wind-up toys, Scrabble-piece earrings, teensy snow globes, and not-your-standard-Hallmark cards. Even joke items like a furry cat's paw that is battery operated can add joie to your life.

(1792 Massachusetts Avenue, 617-864-8188) i MODERN ROMANCE Cut-velvet tops and Swarovski-crystal jewelry abound at Susanna and lend a touch of romance to any outfit. The free-flowing clothing hides flaws and creates mystery; the slinkier fabrics will make you want to go out dancing. (1776 Massachusetts Avenue, 617-492-0334) 4. MIXED BAG The colorful Day of the Dead pieces at Nomad are just part of its folk-art offerings. Bottle-top art and furniture from Central America, 10-inch wooden soccer players from Africa, and Haitian sequin flags hide among clothing and jewelry that are equally exotic.

(1741 Massachusetts Avenue, 617-497-6677, www.nomadcambridge.com) 5. A LA MODE(RN) Mid-century modem is Abodeon's niche from Russel Wright tableware to Bertoia chairs. Never-worn 1950s designer earrings like tiny Calder mobiles or an original Eero Saarinen womb chair and ottoman can bring classic modem style to your life. Contemporary-cool designs find their way here as well from glassware to fabulous doormats. (1731 Massachusetts Avenue.

617-497-0137) Rachel Travers If 7M a a a ON THE STREET Crazy for Shoes Elizabeth Lefavour, 45, calls herself the "crazy clog lady," though her business card reads "owner goddess." What she owns is Vintage Etc, selling comfortable footwear just outside Porter Square in Cambridge A fixture ELIZABETH LEFAVOUR on this stretch of Mass. Ave. for 18 years, her hopes to encourage store is well known by chefs, medical personnel, walking over driving, and biotech workers "anyone who stands all day," she says. Lefavour, an avid walker and bicyclist, has never had a car and believes in selling good shoes so people can comfortably choose walking over driving. You'd often see the Cambridge resident wearing unusual outfits.

She explains: "People give me things all the time and say, "You're the only one who can wear this heref R.T. THE BOSTON GLOBE MAGAZINE. JANUARY 23. 2005 11.