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Hot Shopping: Look Fit and Fine in lululemon

The newly renovated lululemon store in Westboro.

Yoga lovers, runners, and anyone who is looking to stick to their New Year’s resolutions should make a beeline for lululemon. This Canadian store made a name for itself with athletic apparel for men and women that is both fashionable and functional. Head over to the newly renovated Westboro location to stock up on hot products like the “Destined for Greatness Duffel,” the breezy “No Limits” tank, and other great gear for your sweaty pursuits. Two locations, 340 Richmond Rd., 613-761-1839, and Rideau Centre, 50 Rideau St., 613-230-6633.

Hot Shopping: Eileen Fisher Opens in Vancouver

Cashmere poncho by Eileen Fisher

Feminine Charm

The latest shop to join the boutique-filled neighbourhood of South Granville is Eileen Fisher. This opening marks the first Canadian store for the New York–based fashion company. The concept has always been the same: simple, high-quality women’s wear. For winter, look for holiday-ready dresses, structured coats and flattering sweaters (including the turtleneck poncho in merino cashmere, pictured).—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

EILEEN FISHER 2721 Granville St. 604-733-5225. www.eileenfisher.com

Hot Shopping: Outerwear by Icebreaker

Cascade full-zip jacket by Icebreaker

Woolly Warmth

Brave the elements with a piece from Icebreaker, a New Zealand label that makes stylish and sustainable merino wool clothing. The store carries everything from tops and leggings to socks and outerwear in a range of wool weights. Clothes are breathable, fast-drying and machine-washable. New this season is the RealFleece collection of soft mid-layers (including the Cascade Full Zip, pictured).—Jessie Colgan

More information:

ICEBREAKER 2089 W. 4th Ave. 778-329-2710. www.icebreaker.com

Hot Shopping: OLEANA Wool Blankets

Wool blankets by OLEANA, at Urbanity

NORDIC CHIC

When the weather outside is frightful, curl up with a super-soft blanket by Norwegian company OLEANA. These bright throws are made of merino wool (pictured) or alpaca and reference both Nordic culture and the Silk Road in their patterns. Stop by Urbanity to find OLEANA blankets, knitwear, silks and coats to perfect your Scandinavian style.—Kristina Urquhart

More information:
URBANITY 2412 Granville St. 604-801-6262. www.urbanity.ca

Hot Shopping: Designer Labels at Leone

Versace men's bag, at Leone

Fashionable Finds

Dior and Prada and Miu Miu, oh my! Find it all, plus runway-ready styles by labels such as Alexander McQueen and Roberto Cavalli, at Leone. The designer emporium stocks apparel and accessories for women, children and men, including this dapper Versace bag (pictured) for the stylish guy on your holiday gift list.—Kristina Urquhart

More information:

LEONE Sinclair Centre, 757 W. Hastings St. 604-683-1133. www.leone.ca

Hot Shopping: 2011 Where to Shop Awards Whistler

We asked. Where readers voted. Here are your top spots to shop.

Whistler Village photo copyright Hartemink/Dreamstime.com

Apparel
Roots.

Honourable Mentions
Lululemon.
Hatley Scoops.

Fine Art
Mountain Galleries.

Honourable Mentions
Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery.
The Plaza Galleries.
Black Tusk Gallery.

Outdoor Gear
The North Face.

Honourable Mentions
Affinity Sports.
Escape Route.

Souvenirs
Cows Whistler.

Honourable Mentions
The Trading Post. 604-938-6204.
Sea to Sky Souvenirs. 604-932-3201.

Spa
Scandinave Spa.

Honourable Mentions
The Spa at the Four Seasons.
Vida Spa.

To vote for next year’s winners, visit www.where.ca/whistler.
To see Vancouver’s winners, visit www.where.ca/vancouver.

Hot Shopping: Versace at H&M

Bright prints are a hallmark of Versace, which collaborates on a collection with H&M in November

Flamboyant Fashion

Swedish hot shop H&M takes us on a trip to Italy with its most recent designer collaboration: Versace. And this iconic fashion house isn’t playing it safe; it’s opened up the vault and brought back to life some signature outrageous prints (including the silk bustier and trousers, pictured). For men: fitted jackets with elaborate gold detailing and green leopard print, and studded leather pants. For women: silk and leather mini dresses, and two-tone leggings. Line up with the legion of devoted fans and collectors for the collection launch on Nov. 19.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

H&M

Pacific Centre, 609 Granville St. 604-692-0308.

Coquitlam Centre, 2929 Barnet Hwy., Coquitlam. 604-945-2781.

Lougheed Town Centre, 9855 Austin Ave., Burnaby. 604-420-2470.

www.hm.com

Hot Shopping: Tee Time

Lacoste's t-shirt mash-up with Jonathan Adler

Lacoste’s classic crocodile is getting a bit of a facelift thanks to a partnership with popular American interior designer Jonathan Adler. Three limited-edition polo shirts (including the men’s orange polo, pictured) start lining shelves this month in a variety of colours for both sexes.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Crafty Creations

Glass jellyfish by Wayne Harjula, at Circle Craft Christmas Market

The always-popular Circle Craft Christmas Market returns for its 38th annual show from Nov. 9 to 13. You’ll find everything from eco-friendly clothing to handmade leather bags to gold and silver jewellery, thanks to the 280 vendors coming from across Canada. A conversation piece worth snatching up: the striking glass jellyfish (pictured) by Wayne Harjula of Mellon Glass Studios. After shopping, catch a glass-blowing demonstration then participate in a Ballz of Fire Workshop where you can design and create your own glass holiday ornament.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

CIRCLE CRAFT CHRISTMAS MARKET W-F 10 am-9 pm, Sa 10 am-7 pm, Su 10 am-5 pm. $12, s/s $8, under 12 free. Save $2 if you buy tickets online. Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place. 604-801-5220. www.circlecraft.net

Hot Shopping: The Clothing Show’s Cache

Find fab Sui Generis frocks at the Clothing Show

MAY 27 TO 29 No matter your style profile, you’re sure to find new additions to your wardrobe at one of Toronto’s largest showcases of original and unusual designer apparel. The Clothing Show has it all—from runway shows to sample sales and even a fashion photography contest. Scour the more than 300 booths for deals you can only find at this one-stop clothing shop, featuring fabulous frocks from Canadian indie labels such as Lux & Luster and Sui Generis. Unique handmade pieces from vintage-inspired Paper People Clothing are also a draw, as are the one-of-a-kind jewellery designs from Black Iris. Exhibition Place, Queen Elizabeth Building, $10 admission; call 416-516-9859 or click here for more information.

15 Things We Love About Vancouver: May

Photo by N. Vandergaag courtesy VanDusen Botanical Garden

1 Laburnum season (mid-May to early June) at VanDusen Botanical Garden.
2 Bargain hunting at Joe Fresh, H&M and Forever 21.
3 All the hypoallergenic, paraben-free, natural skincare products at Lavan.
4 Fresh seafood.
5 The two cheery, colourful levels of the Kids Market on Granville Island.
6 Taking an evening stroll through Stanley Park—and jumping when the Nine O’Clock Gun goes off. This 195-year-old cannon makes an impressive Boom! every night at 9 p.m.
7 Canada’s only Agent Provocateur store, which is located right here in downtown Vancouver. It’s filled with luxury lingerie, sexy swimwear and naughty nightwear.
8 Dining at award-winning restaurants.
9 The gourmet chocolate bar line “My Therapy Bar” by local company Deliss Chocolate (www.delisschocolate.com), which grew out of bitter beginnings (the end of a marriage) into something sweet. At Whole Foods.
10 Chapeaus of every size, shape and style at Edie Hats and Goorin Brothers.
11 Bright, cheerful umbrellas from local company Possum (www.possumumbrella.com). Each comes in a pouch that folds into a shopping bag. At The Gallery Store and Fine Finds.
12 Local artist Peng Liu’s floral art in In Full Bloom at Jacana Gallery (to May 22).
13 The 40th anniversary of the BMO Vancouver Marathon (May 1).
14 Rain. We might as well love it, since we’re stuck with it.
15 The special tin commemorating Vancouver’s 125th anniversary put out by 126-year-old local company Rogers’ Chocolates.

Barmy for the British

When HRH Prince William weds Kate Middleton on Apr. 29, the world will be watching on the telly. These fab Vancouver spots will get you in a British frame of mind even before the big day

By Jennifer Patterson, Sheri Radford & Kristina Urquhart

Royal Romance, Modern Marriage: The Love Story of William & Kate courtesy Triumph Books

Cheers, Mate
British brews, such as Fuller’s London Pride, are on tap at Three Lions Cafe, which also serves staples such as lamb curry. Bangers ‘n’ mash is on the menu at Dover Arms Public House, a great place to watch Manchester United with your mates. Craving toad in the hole? The Cheshire Cheese Inn dishes up the sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding. Elephant & Castle is popular for bevvies.

The Tea Scene
If the thought of all that pub-going leaves you positively knackered, make like the monarchs and try afternoon tea instead. Indulge in dainties, scones and creams at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s 900 West Lounge or the Wedgewood Hotel’s Bacchus Restaurant. Adonia Tea House is brimming with British charm, from the floral wallpaper to the china pastry stands. Or get the royal treatment with service at The Urban Tea Merchant and Secret Garden Tea Company.

Chips or Crisps?
If it’s sweets from across the pond you’re after, you’ll be chuffed to peruse the selection at The Celtic Treasure Chest, Black Pudding Imports or Mary’s British Home Store—all stock British foodstuffs, including tasty treats from Cadbury and those addictive Walkers crisps, better known in Canada as chips. For true British chips (of the fish ‘n’ variety), try Go Fish, Mr. Pickwick’s Fish and Chips or Pajo’s at the Wharf.

Royal Wedding William & Kate: A Dress-Up Dolly Book courtesy Penguin Books

Take it Outside
To watch a cricket match, head to the Brockton Cricket Pavilion in Stanley Park. For a game of rugger, try the Brockton Oval in Stanley Park for local matches or UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium for international rugby. To simply bask in nature, visit Queen Elizabeth Park, named after Prince William’s great-grandmother, a “commoner” who married King George VI and who, along with her husband, visited Vancouver in 1939. While here the royal couple also officially opened the Lions Gate Bridge.

Dressed to the Nines
Jumpers and trousers aren’t up to snuff when prepping a wedding wardrobe. London’s own Agent Provocateur carries sexy knickers, the perfect underwear accompaniment to Burberry’s fine frocks and check-lined trench coats. Decorate nails with Butter London’s new shade, No More Waity, Katie—available online at www.butterlondon.com. Top it all off with a feathered fascinator or elegant chapeau from Edie Hats, then pop into The Flag Shop for a wee Union Jack to wave about.

Mini-Break
Fancy a trip to a city renowned for its British heritage and sights? Victoria is just a quick jaunt away via BC Ferries or floatplane.

To find out everything you ever wanted to know about William, Kate and their big day, visit www.theroyalweddingwilliamkate.com.

Hot Shopping: Get Enviro-Tot Trendy with Mini Mioche

Wee ones can reduce their carbon footprints thanks to Mini Mioche, a Canadian online brand with its first storefront location near Trinity-Bellwoods Park. From “mompreneur” Alyssa Kerbel comes organic cotton onesies ($26), T-shirts, pants and leggings in sought-after neutral shades like black and grey.

Yours to Discover: Day Six

Winter’s on its way out; it’s time to get a head start on exploring. Guide yourself with our specialized itineraries, or contact one of Toronto’s many tour operators to delve deeper into this multifaceted metropolis. And don’t forget to check out previous Yours to Discover posts, here: Day One, Day Two, Day Three, Day Four.

Harry Rosen

SARTORIAL STROLLS
Get kitted out and catwalk-ready in Toronto’s most fashion-forward locales.

CANUCK COUTURE The touring fashionista’s must-visit strip, Bloor Street West, between Yonge Street and Avenue Road, is home to a bevy of Canadian-owned retailers with global cachet, including Holt Renfrew—Toronto’s answer to Saks Fifth Avenue—fine menswear mecca Harry Rosen, and distinguished beaver-emblazoned brand Roots.

INTERNATIONAL ICONS Bloor Street also showcases standalone shops representing world-famous fashion houses, including French favourites Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton, Italian labels like Gucci and Prada, as well as German stalwart Hugo Boss. Be sure to accessorize your new ensemble with baubles from Birks, Cartier or Tiffany & Co.

Eleven

SINGULAR STYLE Moving north from Bloor into tony Yorkville ensures encounters with boutiques offering personalized service and unique, on-trend attire. Ladies are encouraged to try 119 Corbo, Eleven, Hugo Nicholson and the Pink Tartan store Seventy-Seven. Finery for fellows is found at Nicolas Men and Anti-Hero, among others.

INDEPENDENT SPIRIT On Queen Street, west of Bathurst, you’re sure to make a contemporary fashion “find.” For women, Robber is one of many inspired indie shops that curate new looks by emerging and established designers from Canada and abroad, while Preloved offers more relaxed garments made from reclaimed fabrics. Modish men stride into Green Shag for bespoke shirts and suits, and attention-grabbing stores like Ruins, which stock exclusive labels in gallery-like settings.

The professional image consultants of The Refinery offer a variety of weekly shopping tours that take you to chic boutiques throughout the city.

Hot Shopping: Oliver Spencer Arrives from England

Anglophiles rejoice! Oliver Spencer has brought his eponymous brand to Toronto. The hip British designer is admired on both sides of the Atlantic for adding playful but not too flashy touches to standard menswear, such as a rich brown toggle jacket with bold red plaid lining. His Queen West outpost—his third retail location and first in Canada—reflects this modern aesthetic: amidst exposed brick and blue-grey walls, beakers and test tubes are displayed along with wooly cardigans, while butterfly specimens under glass serve as artwork above a mannequin attired in a lumberjack-esque shirt. Established in 2002, Spencer’s collection of signature shirts, outerwear, and handmade shoes and boots is carried here, along with a discerning selection of accessories and footwear from other designers, including Quoddy shoes and leather goods from Il Bussetto.

Hot Shopping: Treats for Feet

Converse and Marimekko have teamed up to create some sweet kicks

Marimekko + Converse = a match made in fashion heaven. The iconic Finnish design house collaborated with the equally iconic shoemaker to release a spring line of too-cool shoes (pictured, $80), aptly titled Converse ♥ Marimekko. Finland’s pride and joy started in the 1950s and reached royalty status in North America after Jackie Kennedy wore a number of their dresses during the 1960 US presidential campaign. Now everything from dishware to bedding has been emblazoned with their graphic prints. The American footwear company Converse was founded in 1908, and celebs and athletes continue to sport the classic star-adorned Chuck Taylors. Purchase a pair at Marimekko.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Let’s Get Physical

The new Adidas store on Granville Street

Sports fanatics and athletic types get their fix at the new Adidas store. Only a couple doors down from its other downtown location—which focuses on urban street apparel—this spot stocks everything from high-tech running gear to soccer jerseys and jackets. Also in store: the sought-after Stella McCartney collection.—Jennifer Patterson

Cool Clothes for Chilly Conditions

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you should forsake all sense of style.
With this seasonal wear—everything from hats and boots to gloves and goggles—
you’ll be weather-ready whether you’re taking a stroll in a winter wonderland
or battling a blizzard.

Hot Shopping: Fashion in Ruins

Unisex boutique Ruins is best described as part art gallery, part concert venue and a whole lot of edgy, urban style. Co-owners Mikey Apples and Josh Reichmann, both of whom originally hail from the music industry, set up their shop in the fashionable Queen West neighbourhood and stock designer exclusives by Assembly New York and Patrik Ervell, plus such coveted labels as H by Hudson, Loden Dager and Thomas. In addition to of-the-moment apparel, jewellery and fashion books, an in-house salon called Leonard’s offers cuts and shaves at the back of the store—a salvaged church archway marks the entrance. Along the exposed brick walls hang works by local artists, and some evenings, the store transforms into a concert venue to showcase up-and-coming musicians. Tuesday to Sunday. 960 Queen St. W., 647-351-0960.