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
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
Artisan Alicia Browne-Wint and Harlen Dziuba’s little Fashion Central store Bibelot is a treasure trove of jewellery and accessories.
The romantic pieces are festooned with carefully crafted gemstones. Browne’s collection includes simple pearl necklaces, $175, as well as earrings set with uncut diamonds, $375, and iridescent blue labradorite, $45–$85. Complimenting the pretty rocks is a selection of cashmere scarves and English sweaters. 805 – 1 St SW. —Allison Onyett
Budding da Vincis and Michelangelos love designing their own buttons and t-shirts at Make on Granville Island. Staff can personalize lots of other items, too: printing meaningful text onto a pillow, transferring a family photo onto an apron, laser engraving a favourite quotation onto a leather journal. The colourful store definitely gets creative juices flowing, with its assortment of unique wares running the gamut from ninja-shaped cookie cutters to Scrabble-tile jewellery to stylish but sturdy bags made out of old bicycle tires. Make sure to check out the fun section devoted to toques—practical at this chilly time of year.—Sheri Radford
On the lookout for a perfect gift for that special someone? Look no further than a piece from Links of London, a UK-based company that took off in 1990 after producing, of all things, a pair of fish cufflinks. Now find gift-worthy watches, jewellery and charms, including Aquarius and Pisces zodiac charms for February babies. For Valentine’s Day: every sweetie bracelet purchased on Feb. 14 comes with a complimentary heart charm (pictured), available at Holt Renfrew.—Jennifer Patterson
February 14
Cupid takes flight—heart-shaped bow and arrow in tow—to celebrate all things lovey-dovey this February. Woo your sweetie with chocolate treats and fragrant blooms, or head to the newly renovated OMEGA boutique and give the gift of time. For her: the Planet Ocean steel watch encrusted with diamonds; for him: the Planet Ocean Chrono (pictured) with a clear sapphire back case. Both of these timepieces are water-resistant to 600 m (2,000 ft) and come from the new Seamaster range, a classic line dedicated to producing watches for divers.—Jennifer Patterson
OMEGA Boutique, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 W. Georgia St. 604-681-8266. www.omegawatches.com
Whether for yourself or that special someone, the best jewellery is unique in both design and sentiment. Our January/February issue showed off some of the city’s most desirable baubles; the bespoke jewellers listed below are glad to apply their skills to help achieve your own vision of the perfect, sparkling piece. (more…)
You can’t go wrong with jewellery at the holidays, whether it’s for your mom, your sister, or your lady friend. And if it’s eye-catching bling you’re after, then True Bijoux is the way to go. This boutique offers affordable, unique, and glamorous pieces that will fit the bill, no matter who you’re shopping for (especially if you’re treating yourself!). And the store offers all the must-haves for this season: rock and roll chic, bold statement jewellery that’s meant to be remembered, heirloom and vintage-inspired pieces, plus handmade items from the shop’s own studio. (We’re loving this ebony and crystal bracelet, $125.) 206 Sparks St., 613-232-2229.
November 18 to 20
If your boots are made for walking, step out for this weekend festival as it kicks off its 15th year. Download a map from the Crawl’s website and get set to visit over 300 artists in their studios on this free, self-guided tour. You’ll see tons of local talent, including printmaker and painter Afuwa, whose work explores myth and identity (“River,” pictured). Better yet, you’ll have the chance to talk to these sculptors, jewellers, photographers and other visual artists to see what makes them tick.—Kristina Urquhart
More information:
EASTSIDE CULTURE CRAWL (Nov 18-20). F 5 pm-10 pm, Sa-Su 11 am-6 pm. Printable map online. Free. 604-817-9130. www.eastsideculturecrawl.com
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
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