AYA flip-flop by Claudia Alan
Summer days aren’t too far away. Give your tootsies a treat with a pair of AYA flip-flops by Claudia Alan. The Canadian company adorned its comfy rubber-soled sandals with frog and raven motifs by local First Nations artist Corrine Hunt, who designed the medals for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Now that’s what we call a winning combination. Available at www.claudiaalanstore.com. —Kristina Urquhart
Shiloh dress by Lifetime Collective
Locals love the easy breezy style of Lifetime Collective, an ever-evolving company that creates casual clothes for both sexes. New for spring/summer 2012: a women’s line by Jude Feller, owner and designer of popular label lily+jae. A few highlights include the wind-ready Town trench, the super-cute Shiloh dress (pictured) and the oversize Totally tote. Shop online at www.lifetimecollective.com.—Jennifer Patterson
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
4. Koerner Hall (photo by Neill Sturgess)
1 Exploring self-portraits by noted artists such as Alex Colville and Mary Pratt in a new exhibit at Mira Godard Gallery.
2 Checking out the latest kicks from Converse and Red Wing Shoes at Get Outside.
3 Putting on your detective hat to solve a classic “whodunit” at Mysteriously Yours Mystery Dinner Theatre.
4 The near-perfect acoustics of The Royal Conservatory‘s Koerner Hall.
5 A hot lunch from Food Cabbie, a food truck stationed at Queen Street East and Mutual Street. (more…)
Plattan headphones by Urbanears
Leave it to Swedish design collective Urbanears to up the ante on headphones and elevate them from an everyday gadget to a stylish accessory. Bid adieu to flimsy, blasé earbuds and instead choose from one of four cool and compactible styles (the Plattan, Medis, Bagis, Tanto), all available in a variety of funky colours (including the Plattan in mustard, pictured). Pick up a pair at Moulé or Walrus. —Jennifer Patterson
Now that spring is in the air we can’t resist anticipating the arrival of languid summer days. Good thing Tommy Bahama, the ultimate purveyor of laid-back apparel, has a new, 1,800-square-foot midtown shop that pays homage to the brand’s signature island-living style for men and women. The company’s philosophy, “Make life one long weekend,” is evident in its upscale-casual sportswear and swimwear separates. Women can hit the beach or the cottage in lightweight tunics, cropped pants, and sun and maxi dresses, while polos, cargo shorts and dockers are the look for men. A selection of accessories, including footwear and jewellery, plus home decor items are also available. Open daily. 2488 Yonge St., 416-440-4266.
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Stay, Dine, Do
