Footwear

Canada > Archive by tag 'Footwear'

Hot Shopping: Ugg Puts its Best Foot Forward in Yorkville

photo by Oscar Mach

It’s the time of year when every other pair of feet you see is likely to be sporting a pair of calf-length caramel-coloured sheepskin boots. Although such footwear is synonymous with UGG Australia, the brand produces many other styles, too. Tony Yorkville is home to the company’s first concept shop here in Canada (a second is now open in Vancouver), where a curved zebra-striped ceiling and frosted glass walls serve as a backdrop for the brand’s entire collection of men’s and ladies boots, slippers, sneakers and accessories such as hats and handbags. Open daily. 23 St. Thomas St., 647-799-0300.

Hot Shopping: Runway Ready

The Room at The Bay

Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu, Roland Mouret, Charlotte Olympia and Azzedine Alaïa. If the mere mention of these five designer labels leaves you feeling faint, then The Room at The Bay is the place for you. This 2,100-sq-m (23,000-sq-ft) store-within-a-store carries covetable clothing, jewellery and footwear, all prominently displayed in a pristine, super-chic setting. Another reason to stop by: Erdem’s nine-piece collection, exclusive to The Bay—be still my beating heart.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

THE BAY Canada’s oldest department store features fashions for the home and family, as well as Canadian gift items and everyday essentials. High-fashion area The Room features pieces by Armani, Erdem and others. The heritage department stocks the iconic point blankets, outerwear and collectibles. 674 Granville St. at Georgia. 604-681-6211. www.thebay.com

Hot Shopping: Sweet Kicks

Super-comfy Native Shoes

Cool kids, hipsters and heck, even President Obama’s children have been spotted sportin’ a pair of Native Shoes. This collection of light-as-air footwear keeps shoe-a-holics on their toes with styles that range from the classic Jefferson slip-on to the sweetly named Paddington rain boot to the 2011 Red Dot Design Award–winning Fitzimmons hiking boot ($90, pictured). Find your ideal shoe in a multitude of colours at Gravity Pope, Pacific Boarder and Walrus.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

Gravity Pope, 2205 W. 4th Ave. 604-731-7673.

www.gravitypope.com

Pacific Boarder, 1793 W. 4th Ave. 604-734-7245.

www.pacificboarder.com

Walrus, 3408 Cambie St. 604-874-9770.

www.walrushome.com

Hot Shopping: Fancy Footwork

Trendy yet classic TOMS shoes, designed by the Olsen twins

The days as Michelle Tanner on Full House are just distant memories for Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Now they’re focused on their passion for fashion. Items fly off the shelves from their casual Elizabeth & James line and from their luxe label The Row. Recently they lent their star power to a good cause: designing a line of cashmere and wool shoes for TOMS (pictured), a company that for every pair of shoes purchased donates a pair to a child in need. Head to Holt Renfrew to buy items from all three projects, or purchase your pair of slip-ons at www.toms.com.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Walk This Way

Dayton Boots

Way back in 1946, Charlie Wohlford started Dayton Boots to make tough boots for tough men (think loggers, fireman, oil workers and police officers). In the early ’60s, Dayton kicked it up a notch and began producing badass boots for cowboys and bikers. Today the standards and techniques remain the same, with each locally produced boot made by hand. This local brand has amassed a large cult following that includes celebs such as Johnny Depp, Cindy Crawford and Angelina Jolie. Stop by the new shop on Granville Island to purchase a pair.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Art: Bata’s “Roaring” New Show

Andre Perugia designs on display at the Bata Shoe Museum

ON NOW One of the more prosperous and progressive decades of the early 20th century was, unsurprisingly, one of the most fashionable, too. The Bata Shoe Museum turns back the clock with its exhibition The Roaring Twenties: Heels, Hemlines and High Spirits, which uses footwear to examine everything from women’s suffrage to the rise of world travel, the popularity of jazz music to the peak of art deco style. This age of post-World War I exuberance produced numerous fine shoes, including fanciful Icarus-inspired bathing shoes and glamorous heels by French designer Andre Perugia that remain strikingly stylish almost 100 years later.

Hot Dates: Fit for the Races

June 12

Red Bull Racing shoes at Geox

Start your engines! The Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada races into Montreal for a day of hot competition. Get a headstart on looking like a driver here in Vancouver. Geox, along with the Red Bull Racing Team, designed footwear inspired by the shoes worn by the pros.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Ecco Goes Back to the Future

Seeking inspiration for spring 2011, Danish company Ecco dug deep into its archives and brought back a bestseller from the 1970s. The Joke ($160 to $175), originally launched in 1978, is a comfy and colourful unisex walking shoe available in several tones: lava, mustard, retro blue and coffee.

Hot Shopping: Cool Kicks

Geox sneakers for kids

Make sure your little one has comfy shoes, sturdy enough for some rip-roaring good times on the playground. Geox (pictured) offers breathable high-tops, while Gravity Pope carries Camper boots and Adidas sneakers.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Kick-Ass Leather

These heavy-duty boots can be found at Inventory in Gastown

These boots were made for walking…and hiking, biking and hunting. Viberg Boot Co. has been handcrafting steel-toe, motorcycle, cowboy and work boots since 1970. Recently, the ever-growing trend of wearing heavy-duty shoes for fashion-only purposes has led to a massive following in Japan, Hong Kong and Europe. Coming soon: online shopping at www.viberg.com. Till then, find them at Inventory.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Too Hot to Handle

One of 2011's hottest bags is by Michael Kors

Fashion label Michael Kors just opened its first downtown location at bustling Pacific Centre. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as the spring and summer lines are already on shelves. A taste of what’s in store: candy-coloured shoes, beautiful maxi dresses and leather-that-looks-like-denim handbags (pictured).—Jennifer Patterson

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: Don’t Be a Grinch

Kids love these Grinch-inspired Converse kicks

Unless your heart is two sizes too small, you’ll get a kick out of treating your tiny tots to Converse shoes featuring colourful characters from Dr. Seuss’ classic tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Available at Jack & Lola and online at www.bagginsshoes.com.—Sheri Radford

2010 Where to Shop Awards

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

By Jennifer Patterson

'Tis the season for holiday chocolates at Purdys. Photo by KK Law

CHOCOLATE
Purdy’s Chocolates
For over 100 years Purdy’s has delighted sweet tooths with hazelnut truffle–filled Hedgehogs, Mint Melties and gooey Sweet Georgia Browns. Just in time for the holidays: decorative tins of assorted chocolates and peppermint bark. Yum!
Honourable Mentions
Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie;
Chocolate Arts.

SHOPPING CENTRE
Pacific Centre
Downtown’s largest shopping mall houses some of the biggest labels: H&M, Teenflo, Aritzia, Harry Rosen and Sephora. It’s also home to high-end retailer Holt Renfrew.
Honourable Mentions
Metropolis at Metrotown;
Park Royal;
Oakridge Centre.

FINE ART
Heffel Fine Art
Head to the gallery to purchase works by Canadian, American and European artists, or visit the website to bid in the online auction house.
Honourable Mentions
Inuit Gallery;
Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery.

DEPARTMENT STORE
Sears
The downtown location is hard to miss thanks to its bulbous white exterior. Inside find high-end cosmetics, apparel for the whole family, and small and large home appliances. There’s also a Starbucks on the main level.
Honourable Mentions
The Bay;
Holt Renfrew.

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
Vancouver Architectural Antiques
VAA specializes in 19th- and 20th-century lighting. Find everything from art deco sconces to early Victorian lamps. Sculptures, furniture and paintings, too.
Honourable Mentions
Guild House Antiques;
Antique Warehouse.

EYEWEAR
Sunglass Hut
Keep those peepers protected from harmful rays with a pair of quality sunshades. Fashionistas favour Fendi, Burberry and Ray-Ban, while sporty types pick up Oakley and Bollé.
Honourable Mentions
Art Face Optical;
Eyes on Burrard.

Colourful yoga mats and apparel at Lululemon. Photo by KK Law

ATHLETIC SPORTING GOODS
Lululemon Athletica
This local success story first opened shop in Kitsilano, and the yoga-inspired athletic apparel, which ranges from hoodies and jackets to pants and bags, has become a wardrobe staple for Vancouverites.
Honourable Mentions
Mountain Equipment Co-op;
SportChek.

LINGERIE
La Jolie Madame
Opened in 1971, this ooh la la lingerie shop carries high-end European intimates as well as daywear and nightwear. Sizes range from 32A to 46H.
Honourable Mentions
Dianes Lingerie;
Scarlet.

LADIES’ APPAREL
Aritzia
Fashion-savvy women head to Vancouver’s own Aritzia for edgy designs and must-have wardrobe staples. In-house lines include Wilfred, TNA, Community, Talula, Wilfred Free and Talula Babaton.
Honourable Mentions
Roots;
Wear Else.

MEN’S APPAREL
Boys’ Co
This hip shop carries everything for the stylish man. Brands include J. Lindberg, Hugo Boss, G Star, True Religion and Justin Timberlake’s line William Rast.
Honourable Mentions
Dunn’s Tailors;
Harry Rosen.

CHILDREN’S APPAREL
The Children’s Place
Find fashionable clothing and shoes for newborns, babies and kids size four to 14.
Honourable Mentions
Dandelion Kids;
Please Mum.

FOOTWEAR
Freedman Shoes
For over 75 years this Vancouver company has been helping locals on the hunt for the perfect shoe. Brands include Calvin Klein, Sam Edelman, Michael Kors and Frye.
Honourable Mentions
Ecco;
Sterling Shoes.

Brilliant baubles line the glass cases at Blue Ruby. Photo by KK Law

BOOKS
Chapters
Spend an hour—or two—exploring this palatial, multi-level bookshop. Everything from cookbooks to self-help to art to language has a dedicated section, as do the hottest best sellers and the multitude of magazines. Great gifts ideas such as candles, calendars, blankets and music complete the space. In-store Starbucks cafe.
Honourable Mentions
Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks;
Book Warehouse.

CHINA & CRYSTAL
Atkinson’s
Find the perfect hostess gift, such as timeless Waterford Crystal and delicate Fabergé eggs, or style your own abode with dinnerware by Versace and Wedgwood. Linens, pottery, home decor and fragrances, too.
Honourable Mentions
Chintz & Company;
Herzog.

JEWELLERY & WATCHES
Blue Ruby
This local shop highlights jewellery designers from around the world but focuses on both Canadian and Vancouver talent. Find items great for gifting at a variety of price points. Pyrrha talisman necklaces and sterling silver Tashi earrings are eye-catching additions to any outfit.
Honourable Mentions
Birks;
Spence.

SPAS & SALONS
Absolute Spa
A perennial winner, Absolute Spa continues to charm locals and visitors alike at its citywide locations. Let your mind wander during the relaxing aromatherapy massage, or enjoy the toning and hydrating rose and tonic facial. It’s a hot spot for celebrities including Jennifer Garner, Janet Jackson, Chris Rock and Megan Fox, so you never know who you might run into.
Honourable Mentions
Spa Utopia;
Willow Stream Spa.

To vote for next year’s winners, please click here.

Hot Shopping: Converse for Kids

Perhaps if Dr. Seuss had known about these kicks he might’ve renamed a few of his iconic stories: Horton Wears a Shoe? Or How the Grinch Stole the High Tops? Converse presents a limited edition of their famed footwear for pint-sized fans, such as the Cindy Lou Who ($45 to $50), available at Get Outside.

Hot Shopping: Think Pink

Support breast cancer research when you buy these clogs from Alegria

Pin on a pink ribbon this month. Alegria’s heart-patterned clogs (pictured, $119.99) are available at Ronsons and a portion of sales benefit ReThink Breast Cancer. Sephora donates $1 from the sale of each Sephora Collection Pink Product to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. And just for the fun of it: the Lovely Jubblies breast cream ($24.95) from Lush—it’ll keep your blouse bunnies looking their best.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Entertainment: Walk This Way

Cute and comfy clogs by Okabashi

Whether you plan to stroll around Stanley Park or hit Robson Street for a day of shopping, don a pair of Okabashi clogs to ensure happy feet. These waterproof, anti-slip, antimicrobial, odour-resistant clogs have a massaging insole that prevents foot and back pain. And when they need cleaning, just toss them in the dishwasher. Available for men and women in red, yellow, olive, brown and black at Zellers ($19.99).—Sheri Radford

Hot Shopping: Chic Sandals

Cute, classy and eco-friendly sandals from De la Rue Shoes

Thanks to De la Rue Shoes, recycling has never looked so good. Recycled, you ask? Yup, these stylish designed-in-Vancouver slip-ons have a sturdy base made from reclaimed rubber tires, which makes them long-lasting, eco-friendly and more than just a lil’ unique. Keep it classy in silver (pictured, $120) or have fun with your summer style and take the rainbow-coloured ones for a spin. Purchase a pair at Eugene Choo or The Block, or buy online at www.delarueshoes.com.—Jennifer Patterson

2009 Where to Shop Awards

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

By Jennifer Patterson

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
Antique Warehouse
226 S.W. Marine Dr. 604-324-3661.
Find lovely French, Belgian and English period pieces at Antique Warehouse. The owners make regular trips to Europe and carefully select and inspect each piece before bringing it back to Vancouver. With over 1,100 sq m (12,000 sq ft) of space, the store has something for everyone.
Honourable Mentions
Second Time Around Antiques;
Vancouver Architectural Antiques.

ATHLETIC SPORTING GOODS
SportChek
Pacific Centre, 700 W. Georgia St. 604-687-7668.
Canada’s largest sporting goods store has departments dedicated to biking, hiking, golf and more. Test out brands such as Nike, North Face and Columbia before getting properly outfitted for an outdoor adventure—a must on the West Coast.
Honourable Mentions
Mountain Equipment Co-op;
Atmosphere.

Kid-friendly Chapters

BOOKS
Chapters
788 Robson St. 604-682-4066.
Gardening, homeopathy, travel, teen fiction, cooking—you name it, Chapters probably has it. This massive chain offers a huge selection of books, magazines, gift items, calendars and music. Purchase a new read, then enjoy a cuppa joe in the adjoining Starbucks.
Honourable Mentions
Book Warehouse;
Thompson Rare Books.

CHILDREN’S APPAREL
GapKids
1121 Robson St. 604-683-0906.
Big-name designer Stella McCartney has already created two GapKids collections, adding a too-cool-for-school factor to the shop already popular for classic kids’ clothes. Cute corduroys and summer dresses are perfect for a picnic or a day at the beach.
Honourable Mentions
Please Mum;
The Children’s Place.

CHINA & CRYSTAL
Atkinson’s
1501 W. 6th Ave. 604-736-3378.
Posh tableware, linens, crystal decor, high-end fragrances and pottery line the shelves in this chic shop located in the South Granville neighbourhood. The timeless Waterford crystal champagne flutes and delicate Fabergé eggs are great for gifting.
Honourable Mentions
Birks;
Herzog.

CHOCOLATE
Purdy’s Chocolates
Pacific Centre, 700 W. Georgia St. 604-683-3467.
This Vancouver company has been making tasty treats since 1907. The store is famous for its hazelnut truffle-filled hedgehogs and Sweet Georgia Browns and offers souvenir-worthy boxes of goodies.
Honourable Mentions
Daniel Le Chocolat Belge;
Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie.

DEPARTMENT STORE
The Bay
674 Granville St. at Georgia. 604-681-6211.
The Hudson’s Bay Company, or The Bay, as it’s more commonly known, is the world’s oldest continuously operating trading company. What started as a fur trading and blanket-making operation is now a department store chain located throughout Canada. Housewares, cosmetics, designer fashions and footwear fill the spacious, multi-level location in the city centre.
Honourable Mentions
Sears;
Holt Renfrew.

Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery

EYEWEAR
LensCrafters
Oakridge Centre, 650 W. 41st Ave. 604-263-2485.
This chain stocks a huge selection of prescription sunglasses and eyeglasses for men, women and children. Drop by for an eye exam, then choose a new spiffy pair of frames based on your face shape.
Honourable Mentions
Sunglass Hut;
Eyes on Burrard.

FINE ART
Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery
1024 Mainland St. 604-685-9298.
With two gallery locations—one in Yaletown, the other in Gastown—there’s plenty of space to show off the museum-quality artwork and jewellery by Northwest Coast First Nations artists. Ceremonial masks, hand-carved totem poles and argillite boxes make up just part of the collection. Find pieces from Maori and Inuit artists, too.
Honourable Mentions
Heffel;
Art Works Gallery.

FOOTWEAR
Aldo
1025 Robson St. 604-683-2443.
Founded in Montreal in 1972, Aldo has grown into an internationally recognized brand. There’s footwear for everyone in these bustling shops: ballet flats, sky-high heels, loafers, waterproof boots, flip-flops and more. Each store carries an assortment of trendy bags and jewellery—a new foray for this ever-growing Canadian company.
Honourable Mentions
Browns/B2;
Freedman Shoes.

JEWELLERY & WATCHES
Birks
698 W. Hastings St. 604-669-3333.
Founded in 1879, this Canadian jeweller and watchmaker stocks covetable accessories. The display cases are filled with diamond-encrusted watches and other finery, while the upstairs is stocked with deluxe items for the home. Splurge on gold and rubies at the Van Cleef and Arpels counter.
Honourable Mentions
Tiffany & Co.;
Blue Ruby.

LADIES’ APPAREL
Wear Else
2360 W. 4th Ave. 604-732-3521.
This local boutique chain carries well-edited, high-end clothing, accessories and footwear. A Vancouver fashion institution, it features a range of labels: Badgley Mischka, Cole Haan, Longchamp, Theory, True Religion, Kate Spade and Pink Tartan—a Canadian fave. The staff is happy to help with your hunt for the perfect black dress or summer sandals.
Honourable Mentions
Banana Republic;
Aritzia.

Pacific Centre's main entrance

LINGERIE
La Senza
1143 Robson St. 604-685-4201.
Canada’s answer to Victoria’s Secret carries everything from sassy leopard-print negligees to cute ruffled bras and undies.
Honourable Mentions
La Vie En Rose;
Dianes Lingerie.

MEN’S APPAREL
Harry Rosen
Pacific Centre, 700 W. Georgia St. 604-683-6861.
Style-savvy men have been heading to Harry Rosen since 1951 for custom-made suits, classic casual wear and colourful ties.
Honourable Mentions
Banana Republic;
Staccato.

SHOPPING CENTRE
Pacific Centre
700 W. Georgia St. at Howe. 604-688-7235.
Fashion-forward shoppers flock to Pacific Centre in downtown Vancouver to stores such as Sephora, Aritzia, H&M, the Apple Store, Holt Renfrew and Club Monaco. It also offers direct access to SkyTrain lines.
Honourable Mentions
Metropolis at Metrotown;
Park Royal.

SPAS & SALONS
Absolute Spa
1015 Burrard St. 604-684-2772.
A perennial winner, Absolute Spa continues to charm locals and visitors alike at its 10 citywide locations. Relax with a peppermint body wrap or indulge in the Absolute Diamond facial. A hot spot for celebrities—Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Affleck and Will Ferrell are former clients—this chain also boasts a male-oriented spa in The Hotel Vancouver. Yes, women are still more than welcome.
Honourable Mentions
Spa Utopia;
Vida Spa.

To vote for next year’s winners, please click here.

Hot Shopping: Wet Wear By SWIMS

Spice up the season with these preppy and practical loafers from SWIMS ($175), available at Harry Rosen. Seafaring men and their land-locked brethren are sure to make a splash with this versatile summer classic from the Norwegian brand. These waterproof shoes are made with a natural rubber and feature a hand-sewn anti-bacterial mesh lining for proper ventilation; non-slip, non-marking soles mean they’re perfect for skipping a boat or toting about town. Bright accent colours and a streamlined silhouette make this a no-fuss choice for the season.