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
Hammered bags by Fiveleft Leather
Fiveleft Leather was created almost by chance. Owner Lincoln Heller got his start with animal hide when he was working in an Alaskan logging camp to pay for art school. It wasn’t long before he was taking discarded boots and turning them into tool pouches. After returning home he started collecting found objects—hood ornaments, bike spokes, etc.—and hammering them into vegetable-tanned leather. The result: eye-catching bags and accessories, each sporting a unique marbled finish. Available at Lloyd’s of Gastown, or visit www.fiveleft.ca for a list of stores.—Jennifer Patterson
The Bon Voyage Duffel from lululemon
Keep those New Year resolutions on track with great gear from lululemon. This Canadian company has made a name for itself with technical athletic apparel that is as fashionable as it is functional. The cheery “Bon Voyage Duffel” is a perfect example: with a washable pouch for sweaty clothes, interior mesh shoe pockets, and a place to put your laptop, it will make working out on grey mornings that much easier. $108. Rideau Centre, 50 Rideau St., 613-230-6633, and 340 Richmond Rd., 613-761-1839.
This cute tote is by eco-friendly, local label Lavish & Lime
Lavish & Lime is on a mission to help everyone reduce waste and go green. Started two years ago by a husband-and-wife team, this West Vancouver-based business carries planet-friendly products for the whole family: reusable sandwich wrap, bamboo utensils, stainless steel thermoses and lunch bags—check out the too-cool-for-school monkey lunchbox for kids ($36;
pictured). Shop online at www.lavishandlime.com.—Jennifer Patterson
A delicate, handcrafted coin purse from Ten Thousand Villages
A hand-embroidered clutch, tote or coin purse from Ten Thousand Villages—the oldest and largest Fair Trade organization in North America—is not your run-of-the-mill bag. Women individually craft every piece in this collection for St. Mary’s, a charitable group in India. Done in the traditional Gujarati style, each one begins as hand-loomed cotton before being delicately decorated and inset with mirrors.—Jennifer Patterson
Not only are these bags stylish, they're eco-friendly, too
F*@k Plastic! That’s one of the slogans from Me+You, a local company hoping to remind everyone that we can all make a difference by saying “no” to plastic bags. This eco-friendly line has just added four new designs to the roster, and all of the organic cotton totes are designed and sewn right here in Vancouver. Available for purchase at Whole Foods and Body Politic, and online at www.meandyou.ca.—Jennifer Patterson
Locals love Roots for its soft fabrics and classic style
Keep warm and show some national pride in a hoodie (pictured) from the Canada Collection or a sweater from the new International Collection, featuring countries such as China, Finland and France, all by Roots. This heritage brand has channeled northern lifestyle since 1973 and made a name for itself thanks to classic designs and leather bags. It’s definitely souvenir-worthy.—Jennifer Patterson
Stylish bags from Palmer and Sons are a great souvenir
Vancouver-based father-and-son duo Palmer and Sons pride themselves on designing and creating hand-crafted, high-quality leather products. Each item—including suitcases, bags (Leather Gladstone No 10 M, pictured), cuffs and belts—is made using traditional methods and vintage tools and isn’t constructed until the time of purchase, a rarity in this era of rapid production. Offered in different sizes, these limited-issue designs are available in a variety of classic-coloured leathers, making each one a timeless piece and a perfect accessory for both travel and everyday use.—Jennifer Patterson
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