Shoe photo ©Loutocky/Fotolia.com
April 25 to May 6
High-heeled mavens and sneaker devotees duke it out over massive discounts at Army & Navy’s legendary shoe sale. This 12-day event sees big-brand footwear, including Steve Madden, Diesel and Marc Fisher, knocked down to wallet-friendly prices.—Jennifer Patterson
Local store Sharks + Hammers
Take a walk down Gastown’s cobblestone streets to find a couple of the city’s coolest tucked-away shops. Sharks + Hammers (pictured) carries a mix of in-house designs, pieces from other local designers and a select collection of items from labels such as iconic Pendleton and Ransom by Adidas. Popular purchases seen around town: eye-catching EastVan tees and the cheeky “I went to EastVan and all I got was mugged” coffee mug. Stussy, just around the block, stocks graphic tees, sunglasses, caps and shoes.—Jennifer Patterson
Local label Adhesif
April 22
Attention all bargain hunters: Nifty for Fifty, a Boxing Day–style blowout, returns to Main Street for one day only. Arrive early for deals on clothes and jewellery by popular local designers such as Adhesif (flora shorts, pictured), Erin Templeton and Toodlebunny, along with vintage labels, too. Find stuff for men and women, with everything priced at $50 or less.—Jennifer Patterson
J. Crew
After many swirling rumours, the official word finally landed that J. Crew arrives in Vancouver at the end of the month—thank the fashion gods. This brand, a long-time fashionista favourite, has shot skyward in recent years thanks to its much-photographed creative director Jenna Lyons and her covetable style. For spring: printed pants and colourful silks.—Jennifer Patterson
Necklaces by Foxy Originals
Support Earth Day Canada with the purchase of a bracelet or necklace (pictured), in silver or gold, from Foxy Originals’ new collection “Teach Today. Change Tomorrow.” At www.foxyoriginals.com.—Jennifer Patterson
Tea towels by local label The Tiny Fig
The Tiny Fig, a web-based store, started as a way for the owner to keep busy while not in university. And keep busy she did: she designs and creates every piece herself. This pet project flourished into a sweet little business with too-cute collectibles for sale: tea towels emblazoned with mushrooms, green sprouts (pictured) or elephants, cartoon-looking earrings and colourful, fun tees. Online at www.thetinyfig.com. —Jennifer Patterson
A 2009 Dare to Wear Love contribution from Farley Chatto
FEBRUARY 8 TO MAY 6 The Textile Museum
of Canada is not just about festive hats and historical tapestries; its forays into modern fashion and textile art are often its most captivating! At present, the institution boasts an exhibition of haute couture created from African cloth for the annual fashion fundraiser Dare to Wear Love—by such Canadian designers as Farley Chatto, Brian Bailey and Linda Lundström. Culled from three years of the event, the unique pieces emphasize how social awareness in the global milieu can be increased through artistic expression.
Leone photo by KK Law
If the mention of Alexander McQueen and Prada sends your heart palpitating, make your way to Leone—celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Peruse the multi-level 2,320-sq-m (25,000-sq-ft) space on your own or book a personal shopping appointment. Upstairs, splurge on high-end fashions for the whole family, then head downstairs to the edgier L2 Leone for items from uber-popular Vince and Y-3 by Yohji Yamamoto.—Jennifer Patterson
Photo by Carlos Mendoza
Yesterday we shared our hottest summer destinations to book now. Today, we’ll refer you to FashionMagazine.com on what to wear (emphasis on bright, retro separates) and how to wear it.
Get cracking on your summer vacation wardrobe (you eager beaver, you!) or gear up for a tropical winter getaway.
Heritage-inspired silk scarves at The Bay
The Bay continues to delight both fashion fiends and collectors with the reimagined Hudson’s Bay Company Collection. An item sure to tempt history buffs is the historic-looking charter scarf (pictured, $125 each). Every one of these silk kerchiefs features an intricate sketch of Canadian history on an archive scroll—textbooks be damned—and comes in warm yellow, blue and red.—Jennifer Patterson
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Stay, Dine, Do
