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Hot Dates: Market Fresh

Beautiful baubles by Jen Ellis at Portobello Petite

August 4 to 27

There’s a new pop up shop in town: Portobello Petite, a mini version of the popular Portobello West Fashion + Art Market. This cute space showcases clothing, chocolates, jewellery (including pieces by Jen Ellis, pictured) and creations for kids by talented local artists and artisans. On Aug. 27 the store closes to rejoin the main market for the final summer show.—Jennifer Patterson

Portobello Petite, 186 Kingsway.

Vancouver Life: Cambie Street

Spend an afternoon exploring the sights and smells of Cambie Street between 17th and 19th avenues, a hotspot for great eats and the latest trends

By Carli Vierke

Cheese from Benton Brothers

The Local Gourmet
It’s foodies’ choice on Cambie. With both local and global fare, the restaurants, cafes and artisan shops offer a mix of flavours. Whether it’s gooey BC cheeses from the family-owned Benton Brothers or homemade tiramisu from Kreation cake shop, everything you need for the perfect epicurean feast is here. Feel like treating yourself without lifting a finger? Enjoy steak frites at the friendly French bistro Pied-à-Terre, or grab a slow-roasted pulled-pork sub to go at Las Tortas Gourmet Mexican Sandwiches.

Eye for Design

Suit up for a stylish stroll at Shop Cocoon, a boutique that features the latest trends in clothing, jewellery and handmade toiletries (think goodies such as hand-milled pomegranate soap), all crafted by local designers. For fashionable inspiration in the home and beyond, check out Walrus, a minimalist shop known for its fun, stylish lifestyle goods such as Scandinavian-designed lanterns or locally designed hot-pink rubber shoes. The space doubles as an art gallery and transforms one night a month into a packed cultural hub where Vancouver artists have their exceptional work showcased.

Ceramic birds from Shop Cocoon

Drink Up
No matter what type of buzz you’re looking for, you’re in good hands. At Beans coffee shop, grab a soy latte while getting cozy on one of the vintage couches or armchairs. For the beer connoisseur, Biercraft Bistro serves dozens of Belgian, imported and local beers. Develop your taste buds with a pint of the creamy Augustijn Blonde alongside a pound of fresh local mussels in a beer, cilantro and lime-butter broth. If you’re seeking libations to go, the Liquor Barn has a good selection of wine, beers and spirits from all over the world. Cheers.

Hot Shopping: Lookin’ Smart

In Halifax, discerning gentlemen find their fashions at Dugger’s Men’s Wear. Located on Spring Garden Road, the popular shop offers the latest styles from Canali, Hugo Boss, Diesel and many others.

Hot Shopping: Fashion Forward

Unicorn

•    Renaissance, Barrington Street: Casual clothing and footwear for men and women; lines like Converse, Chuck Taylor, Mexx, Dept and Matinique.

•    Unicorn, Lower Water Street: Fashionable boutique for women offering the latest European and North American ready-to-wear collections; also boasts footwear and jewellery by Canadian designers.

•    Big Apple, Barrington Street: Women’s fashions for varied lifestyles; career and casual collections from Montreal and New York.

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.

Hot Shopping: Where to Shop 2010

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

Whistler Village photo copyright Steve Rosset/Dreamstime

Clothing

Lululemon Athletica
Honourable Mentions
Helly Hansen;
Snowflake;
Roots.

Outdoor Gear

The North Face Store
Honourable Mentions
Helly Hansen;
Escape Route.

Fine Art

Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery
Honourable Mentions
Whistler Village Art Gallery;
Mountain Galleries;
Plaza Galleries.

Souvenirs

The Trading Post
Honourable Mentions
Sea to Sky Souvenirs;
Cows.

Spa (Tie)

The Spa
Vida Wellness Day Spa
Honourable Mentions
Avello Spa;
Taman Sari Royal Heritage;
Scandinave 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: Corner Store

Gorgeous garments line the racks at Oliver & Lilly's

Tucked just off the busy South Granville corridor sits style-savvy boutique Oliver & Lilly’s. Editorial-worthy items from Heidi Merrick and Steven Alan line the racks, and antique tables are stacked with hip designer goods and handcrafted jewellery.—Jennifer Patterson

TIFF List: 3 Styles for the Red Carpet

The Toronto International Film Festival is ramping up for its 35th excellent year, with more than 300 movies showing between September 9 and 19. Follow this space in the days leading up to TIFF 2010 for features on much-anticipated premieres, the Bell Lightbox—the festival’s exciting new headquarters—and scads of sites at which to spot visiting celebrities. During the festival itself, we’ll bring you details on each day’s film offerings plus what to do before or after your screening.

Gotstyle

TODAY: A-LIST ATTIRE
It’s rarely enough to be just a great thespian. One has to look the part, too. Toronto’s world-class selection of shops ensures the stars are dressed to the nines for their moment in the spotlight.

1 The luxe looks donned by Hollywood’s leading ladies can be found along Bloor Street West, home to international boutiques including Prada, Gucci and Chanel, plus high-end department store Holt Renfrew, which collects all manner of designer duds. Hermès, Cartier and others provide the jewels and accessories. Or for that timeless Audrey Hepburn look, go slightly north to vintage couturier The Cat’s Meow.

2 Men in the George Clooney mold—respectful of the classics, but mindful of modern trends—are rakishly attired by the likes of Nicolas Men and Harry Rosen. The latter’s bespoke tailors are sought-after, and have outfitted the likes of Dustin Hoffman and Christopher Plummer. Custom suits at King West’s Gotstyle are also in high demand—master tailor Joa Cavalcanti has designed for Leonardo Dicaprio, Daniel Craig and Daniel Day Lewis.

3 For stars who really want to shine, many on-trend shops offer youthful, eclectic apparel. Denim specialist Over the Rainbow has long catered to clients such as Ryan Reynolds and Renee Zellweger, while Julia Roberts was recently spotted perusing at Preloved. Canadian brand Roots also has hipster cred—its latest iconic collection was designed by artist and author Douglas Coupland.

Tomorrow: 10 Celeb-Approve Nosh Spots

Hot Shopping: Rain Ready

Be stylish on-the-go with Old Navy's Jacket-in-a-Packet

Come prepared for unpredictable weather with the convenient-to-carry Old Navy jacket-in-a-packet. Available in an array of spring-inspired colours, these portable raincoats quickly unfold from the built-in bag—perfect for the most surprising of April showers. And don’t think style is sacrificed: this coat offers double-breasted front snaps, roll-up snap-tab sleeves, a drawstring belt and a hood. At Old Navy.—Jennifer Patterson