Handbag by Vancouver-based label GAYA
A haute handbag by local brand GAYA is the final cherry on top of a femme-fatale outfit. The new fall line, in stores this month, takes inspiration from Joan of Arc, one of history’s most badass ladies. GAYA channels this warrior-turned-saint, and mixes hard angles, exotic materials and bold hardware with feminine colours, for an end result that’s worthy of being toted around town. Pick up one of these stunners at Shop Cocoon.—Jennifer Patterson
Cheeky cards for Father's Day from Hug and Kiss Designs
June 17
Show your ol’ man some love this Father’s Day with a rip-roaringly hilarious card from local company Hug and Kiss Designs. He’s sure to get a kick outta zingers such as “I love you Dad. But I love Mom more,” and “You did a great job raising me, Dad. But I wouldn’t be so proud of the others.” A personal favourite: “Let’s make this the best Father’s Day ever. Because next year I’m putting you in a home.” Available at Shop Cocoon and online at www.hugandkissdesigns.com.—Jennifer Patterson
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.
This unassuming greeting card features a fun, sarcastic message inside
Share holiday greetings with a delightfully cheeky card from Hug & Kiss Designs. This local line of fun—yet obscene—cards bring the cheer and the laughter with deceptively innocent outsides but sassy seasonal sentiments inside, such as What did you get me? and You materialistic bastard. Purchase birthday cards as well, at Paboom, Shop Cocoon or online at www.hugandkissdesigns.com.—Jennifer Patterson
Mad for Plaid
Local label Adhesif channels fall on the West Coast—think red, yellow and green leaves—along with a sprinkling of old-world romance in the new autumn collection. Tweed blazers, angora sweaters and chic dresses are all made by hand and effortlessly accessorized with cool pillbox hats. Available at Blushing Boutique and Shop Cocoon.
Team Spirit
Only five months are left before all eyes will be on Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Games, so show your support by sporting some of the official merchandise. This fun, colourful apparel has all the bases covered with ponchos, bags, scarves, toques (Canadian for knitted hats), umbrellas, hoodies and even key chains. These collectable items are sure to be snapped up quickly, so head to The Bay before it’s too late.
Walk This Way
Before a walking tour of the city, slip on Sano Shoes. With built-in shock absorbers and a unique shape that stimulates usually ignored muscles, these shoes help increase circulation, improve posture and burn excess calories. Walk on! Grab a pair at Mephisto.
Best Face Forward
September means one thing here: back to school. Don’t let the stress of a new semester rear its ugly head; keep it at bay with Clean Start by Dermalogica. This new line for teens offers everything from a foaming skin wash to the aptly named Smart Mouth Lip Shine. Available at Spruce Body Lab. Over at Lush, stock up on natural degreasers such as Grease Lightning Spot Treatment to banish blemishes and Hair Doctor to dry oily roots.
Rain Ready
With showers on the horizon, it’s a good time to invest in rain gear. Danish designer Ilse Jacobsen offers an assortment of breathable waterproof jackets, and brings on the funk with a colourful collection of lace-up rubber boots in such colours as red, lime and beige. At Gravity Pope and GumDrops.
Local Luxury
What do you get when a Vancouver textile artist joins creative forces with a New York industrial designer? Rajboori, an eco-friendly line of organic bedding. This colourful collection of pillows, quilts and coverlets is made from peace silk—a process that leaves the silkworm unharmed—and handcrafted using looms that take 15 days to assemble. Included on Time magazine’s Green Design 100 list, Rajboori is available at Provide.
Cute as a Button
The perfect West Coast souvenir for your little one: a darling hoodie from local company Milkshax. These sweet pieces are made in Vancouver, using organic cotton and bamboo, and feature windmills, lollipops and Whistler’s Peak 2 Peak Gondola (pictured). At Vie Maternity Boutique and Barefoot Contessa.
–Jennifer Patterson