The item beside this text is an advertisement

  • eat
  • shop
  • see
  • go
  • stay
  • daytrip
  • map
  • calendar
  • transport
  • weather
  • currency
  • tofrom
Home > The Bay

The Bay

Who Won the 2012 Vancouver Where to Shop Awards?

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

By Jennifer Patterson

Heritage department at The Bay. Photo by KK Law

Department Store
The Bay
This Canadian company, founded in 1670, is one of the oldest in the world. Over the past few years, this downtown hub has turned into a don’t-miss fashion destination. Label lovers visit The Room, a high-end space filled with the crème de la crème of designer goods, and young trendsetters head to the world’s second-largest Topshop, on the lower level. For holiday decor, see the Christmas Street department.
Finalists
Holt Renfrew; Army & Navy.

China & Crystal
Atkinson’s
Drop by this elegant South Granville space for classic collectibles, including Waterford Crystal or dinnerware by Iittala, Versace and Wedgwood.
Finalists
Birks; Chintz and Company.

Antiques & Collectibles
Antique Warehouse
There’s no time like the present to redecorate. Luckily, Antique Warehouse has over 1,115 sq m (12,000 sq ft) of vintage and antique home furnishings. There’s something for everyone, as this massive collection ranges from 18th-century decor to mid-century modern furniture, all sourced from France, England and Belgium.
Finalists
Antique Market; Scott Landon Antiques; Three Centuries Shop.

Children’s Clothing
GapKids
This popular shop for tots and tweens carries clothing and accessories perfect for school, a holiday party or just playing in the yard. Big-name designers (think: Diane von Furstenburg and Stella McCartney) often design limited-edition collections for the chain.
Finalists
Hip Baby; Beansprouts; Redfish Kids Clothing.

Men’s Clothing
Harry Rosen
Dapper gents head to this downtown store to fulfil all their style-related needs. The rich wood interior complements the custom-made suits, classic casual wear and colourful ties, alongside leather loafers and great-for-winter puffer jackets.
Finalists
Holt Renfrew; Roden Gray.

Ladies’ Clothing
Aritzia
Vancouver’s own Aritzia started life in 1984 as a store-within-a-store, inside Hills of Kerrisdale (page 27) to be exact. Now, many years and stores later, the edgy, on-trend fashions and multiple in-house labels cater to a loyal legion of customers, including much-photographed celebrities and fashionistas.
Finalists
The Bay; Holt Renfrew.

Glasses at Bruce Eyewear. Photo by KK Law

Eyewear
Bruce Eyewear
Stylish specs and cool sunglasses line the cases at this Gastown spot. Unique frames by sought-after labels such as Cutler and Gross, Oliver Peoples and Mykita are just a sampling of what’s in store.
Finalists
Eyes on Burrard; Spectus Eyewear.

Sporting Goods
Sport Chek
No matter what your age or sport, you’ll find all the gear you need—from skis to golf clubs to inline skates—at this mega chain.
Finalists
Mountain Equipment Co-op; Lululemon.

Lingerie
Change Lingerie
This Danish brand designs sweet skivvies and bras, with cup sizes ranging from A to K. Find pyjamas, slips and bathing suits, too. Free bra fittings.
Finalists
Dianes Lingerie; La Vie en Rose.

Books
Chapters/Indigo
Spend an hour—or four—exploring this palatial, multi-level bookstore. Everything from cookbooks to architecture to language has a dedicated section, as do the hottest best-sellers and magazines. Take the tots to the colourful kids’ section, then browse the expanded gift and decor area. Monthly author events.
Finalists
Banyen Books & Sound; Black Bond Books.

Chocolate
Purdy’s Chocolates
Since 1907, this iconic Vancouver chocolatier has satisfied sweet-tooth cravings with sweet Georgia browns, hedgehogs and mint melties. The recognizable gold and purple box—chock-full of assorted chocolates, nuts and caramels—makes a great gift, whether for a hostess or for that chocolate-loving friend.
Finalists
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory; Rogers’ Chocolates; Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie.

Fine Art
Inuit Gallery of Vancouver
This elegant and spacious Gastown gallery has been in business for over 30 years. Peruse the fine Inuit sculptures, along with prints, original drawings and museum-quality Northwest Coast First Nations art. Regular rotating exhibits feature stunning pieces by both established and new artists.
Finalists
Jennifer Kostuik Gallery; Granville Fine Art.

Jewellery & Watches
Tiffany & Co.
This year marks the 175th anniversary for the coveted jewellery label. Expert craftsmanship and attention to detail—not to mention the recognizable robin egg–blue box—keep customers coming back. Don’t miss the eye-catching collections by Elsa Peretti, Frank Gehry and Paloma Picasso. Be sure to check out the selection of crystal, sunglasses, leather goods and home decor, too.
Finalists
Birks; Pandora Jewelry.

Bentwood box at Inuit Gallery of Vancouver. Photo by KK Law

Spas & Salons
Vida Spa
The goal of this chic, relaxing spa is to bring your dosha into perfect harmony, helping to promote well-being and restore energy. Treatments are based on Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old system of Indian medicine.
Finalists
Chi, the Spa; The Spa at the Wedgewood.

Shoes
Fluevog Shoes
Flights of fancy for your feet. Vancouver’s own Fluevog continues to push boundaries when it comes to footwear, with the help of custom buckles, curved heels and sculpted toes. The motto behind these whimsical shoes: unique soles for unique souls.
Finalists
Browns; Gravitypope.

Shopping Centre
Pacific Centre
In the heart of downtown sits this massive shopping mall housing some of the biggest brands: H&M, Apple, Sephora, Club Monaco, BCBG and Harry Rosen. It’s also home to ultra-luxe retailer Holt Renfrew.
Finalists
Metropolis at Metrotown; Richmond Centre; Park Royal.

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

Who took top spots in Whistler’s Where to Shop awards? Pick up the new issue of Where Whistler to find out, or click here.

Hot Shopping: Lady Gaga Offers Black Magic

No stranger to controversy—some might say she actively courts it—Lady Gaga has debuted a dark-hued fragrance called Fame, which the pop songstress says “smells like an expensive hooker.” Wondering what exactly that scent entails? Well, the opaque liquid, which becomes translucent when sprayed, is composed of belladonna, saffron, honey, apricot nectar, crushed tiger orchid and jasmine sambac for a floral and fruity scent. Inhale the aroma for yourself; pick up a bottle, $89 for 100 mL, at The Bay.

Hot Shopping: NARS Releases a Skin Care Line

The luminous bottles of NARSskin are beauty’s latest must-have items

The best things in life really do come in the prettiest packages. This month, make-up powerhouse NARS releases a line guaranteed to change the face of beauty: NARSskin. Illuminated skin is key in this new collection, and creator Francois Nars’ personal philosophy of “the best skin is skin that can reflect light” shines through. So treat yourself to some serious pampering with nine top-of-line items including a gentle cream cleanser, double refining exfoliator and aqua gel luminous mask. At The Bay and Sephora.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: The Perfect Gift for Fido

Only the finest for Fido. Photo: Adele Brunnhofer.

We are loving these cute dog bowls from The Bay’s HBC Dog Collection. Available in small, medium and large sizes, the Silhouette bowls retail from $24 to $25, while the striped bowls run from $20 to $28.

Available at The Bay’s five Calgary locations at Chinook Centre, Southcentre, Market Mall, Sunridge Mall and downtown in The Core. 

Hot Dates: Team Canada Gear for the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games

Show your pride with this patched denim jacket

July 27 to August 12

The countdown is on: Jul. 27 marks the opening day of the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games. Get ready to beam with pride as Team Canada marches onto the world stage, and show your support on this side of the pond by wearing Canadian Olympic merchandise, available at The Bay. A few favourites to snap up include the patch-laden denim jacket (pictured), maple leaf tee, fleece shorts and bright-red sunglasses.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Right as Rain

"Birdcage" from Fulton Umbrellas

Feel like royalty when you sport a Fulton Umbrella, the official umbrella brand of the Royal Family. From the classic “Birdcage” style that covers both head and shoulders (featured here in red, $30) to the lively prints and compact size of the “Tiny-2” designs, these umbrellas are flexible yet durable with a wind resistant frame. So anytime you encounter a summer shower, you’ll be ready (and posh). Available at The Bay, 73 Rideau St., 613-241-7511.

 

Hot Shopping: Canada Day Apparel

Canadians should scoop up this patriotic polo from Lacoste while it lasts

Yes, it’s only June, but what better time to stock up on patriotic gear for upcoming Canada Day (Jul. 1)? Lacoste takes top prize for its fun approach to making the national flag a year-round wearable polo (pictured). The Bay celebrates the Great White North with maple leaf–emblazoned Team Canada Olympic apparel—serving double loyal duty as the 2012 London Olympics begin Jul. 27. And Roots channels its northern heritage with beaver insignia galore.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Anna Sui Designs for Hush Puppies

Sandals by Anna Sui for Hush Puppies

Fashion designer Anna Sui’s new collection for Hush Puppies proves that comfort and style really can co-exist. In fact, each uber-chic pair mixes whimsy with an oh-so-comfortable sole. Add some height with the patent toe oxfords, channel Coachella with fringed booties, set the mood with kissing-fish slip-ons, and savour the summer weather in cute sandals—with a cherry on top, naturally. At The Bay and www.hushpuppies.com.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Toni Plus Celebrates 20 Years of Style

Toni Plus founder Toni Tiraborelli

In an industry whose unspoken mantra is “thinner is better,” Toni Plus is a successful standout. The plus-size label, which this month marks its 20th anniversary, embraces curves and style for women in sizes 14 to 22. Like many memorable concepts, the branchild of founder Toni Tiraborelli began with a simple wish: to provide quality, on-trend wardrobe options for full-figured women. The first store opened in 1992 at Bayview Village Shopping Centre—the mall’s then-owner, Ori Fidani, was Tiraborelli’s biggest champion—followed by five more boutiques and, most recently, a shop-in-shop at The Bay’s Queen Street location. Bright shades prevail for this spring’s collection, whether in colour blocking for a graphic look or punches of coral and mango for a bold burst of hue; or go wild with tribal prints, garden or paisley.

Hot Shopping: Scene in the City: Spirited Downtown

The long-awaited return of the NHL has brought new life to Winnipeg’s downtown shopping scene.

Steeped in history, The Bay at the intersection of Portage Avenue and Memorial Boulevard sells designer fashions, furnishings and cosmetics. Face east, and let your nose lead you across Vaughn Street to Perfume Paradise, where hundreds of popular, rare and even discontinued fragrances stock shelves. At Portage Place, head upstairs to Argento World of Silver to peruse beautifully hammered sterling silver jewellery. The Winnipeg Jets are back, baby, and Jets Gear has team merchandise for every fan. Take the skywalk from Portage Place to the MTS Centre to pick up a pint-sized souvenir (pictured). Walk a block east on Graham Avenue to Millennium Library to find clever literary themed accessories and objects at Best of Friends Gift Shop.

Dishing With a Real Housewife of Vancouver

Reiko Mackenzie, of The Real Housewives of Vancouver

Where The Real Housewives of Vancouver’s Reiko Mackenzie Shops, Eats and Plays

By Caitlin Dawson

If variety is the spice of life, then Reiko Mackenzie is hot as habañero. Not only is The Real Housewives of Vancouver star an über-glamorous housewife and mom of two with a minivan, she’s also a martial artist with a collection of luxury cars.

Following in the Prada-clad footsteps of Orange County, New York, Atlanta, Beverly Hills, New Jersey and Miami, The Real Housewives is a no-holds-barred peek into the lives of five of Vancouver’s most affluent women. In true Housewives style, Mackenzie has a personal chef, but she lists Vancouver stalwart Don Francesco as her top spot for eats. Why? “They treat us like family,” she explains.

(more…)

Hot Shopping: Lighten Up

Luminaze Catalytic Skin Tone Illuminator

Want a flawless complexion? Try Luminaze Catalytic Skin Tone Illuminator. This new product targets excess pigmentation, evening out skin tone and eliminating dark spots and discoloration. Whether your skin is pale or dark, damaged by age or acne or the sun, you’ll see results in as little as a week. Consider it cosmetic surgery in a bottle. Visit www.luminaze.com for more information. Available at The Bay for $120.—Sheri Radford

« Older posts