Combat against aging while smelling great with Duchess Marden products
A dash of pure rose water, a sprinkle of jojoba beads and a squirt of palm fruit. What sound like cool cocktail ingredients are actually elements in Duchess Marden creams, cleansers, serums and exfoliants. All of these plant-based products are anti-aging and free of parabens and chemical preservatives. Find your summer beauty kit at Whole Foods.—Jennifer Patterson
These unique luggage tags depicting Vancouver scenes are a fun souvenir. Photo by Caroline Toth
Celebs are always at their best while travelling—so what’s your excuse? Start with travel charms from Tiffany & Co. to spruce up your outfit, tuck no-name carry-on inside a luxe tote from Louis Vuitton and make sure everyone knows the drool-worthy bag is yours with luggage tags from Casa (pictured). Each tag captures an iconic spot on the West Coast in an art print.—Jennifer Patterson
The new INOA hair-colour bar at Suki's salon
L’Oréal Professionnel recently launched INOA, an ammonia-free product that promises flawless hair colour coverage without the use of harsh chemicals. Head to local chain Suki’s to give this new odourless dye a whirl.—Jennifer Patterson
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
Quagmire stocks stylish apparel for the young golfer
Head to one of the city’s many golf courses decked out in gear fit for the fairways. Newbie Canadian company Quagmire brings its A game with fresh, young designs that are perfect both on and off the green. Available at Sport Chek.—Jennifer Patterson
Look great while swimming with CARGO's budge-proof make-up line
Let’s face it: the raccoon-eyed look is not attractive. To the rescue is CARGO’s Swimmables line of waterproof, smudge-proof eye pencils; so splash around, because your make-up isn’t going anywhere. Available in summer-ready shades such as hot turquoise and electric green, these $18, paraben-free, limited-edition pencils are found at Murale and Beauty Mark.—Jennifer Patterson
Graphic prints and bold colours are always in store at Finnish favourite Marimekko. Photo by KK Law
Funky patterns, gorgeous colours and a whole lotta creativity are behind the iconic prints from Scandinavian brand Marimekko. Famous for handbags and classic clothing, this shop also offers ample accessories to perfect your picnic table or decorate your home. An arty alternative: choose a block of fabric, have it mounted on a frame and voilà—instant artwork! The first and only concept store in Canada devoted solely to this Finnish company is located in the heart of Yaletown.—Jennifer Patterson
Relax and rejuvenate with a coconut refresh massage at Vida Spa
They taste good, they smell good, but who knew coconuts were helpful for relaxation, too? Turns out the tropical fruit is great for the body, both inside and out. The 30-minute coconut refresh massage at Vida Spa starts with a coconut water beverage, to hydrate from the inside (and deliver electrolytes, calcium, potassium and magnesium), followed by a coconut oil massage, to hydrate from the outside, relieve tired muscles and protect against damaging UV rays. It all adds up to a relaxing summertime experience.—Sheri Radford
Heavenly lotions, candles, soaps and more line the shelves at Bath & Body Works
Opening soon in Pacific Centre is Vancouver’s first Bath & Body Works location. It’s a one-stop shop for both men and women’s beautiful gifts and bath products: body washes, lotions, scrubs and aromatherapy spa items. Pick up some eucalyptus spearmint body mist for those hot summer nights, or treat yourself to a luxurious spa-at-home with Shea Cashmere body lotion and Caribbean Escape scented candles.—Monica Miller
Photo copyright VANOC/COVAN
The official commemorative book for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games has finally arrived. With Glowing Hearts/Des plus brillants exploits (VANOC, $85) celebrates the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games with 400 pages of beautiful photos, iconic moments and inspiring stories. Purchase your own copy—and keep the memories alive—at local bookstores.—Jennifer Patterson
Delicate baubles from local designers are great gifts for a loved one or yourself
Slip on a piece of Shereen de Rousseau Jewellery and you’ll have everyone asking, “Where’d you get that?” These exclusive pieces are handmade locally using the long-lost art of wax casting and feature semi-precious stones and vintage coins—so they’re literally worth their weight. Find select items at Kiss & Makeup and Blubird, or shop the entire collection online at www.shereenderousseau.com.—Jennifer Patterson
Protect against harmful UV rays with proper sunscreen
If window-shopping has you humming “Hot Child in the City,” it’s time to hit the beach. Before you offer yourself up to the sun gods, grab these skin-friendly items to stave off the ill effects of overexposure.
1 Sunscreen: The Daily Defense Kit from Dermalogica (pictured) has SPF for your face, body and lips. At Spruce Body Lab.
2 Hat: Head to The Bay for floppy wide-brimmed hats and trendy fedoras.
3 Sunglasses: Visit The Sunglass Hut to protect your peepers.
4 Aloe Vera: London Drugs stocks various forms of the soothing green gel.—Jennifer Patterson
Vancouver Special is a hip store for design divas
Design aficionados go wild for one of Main Street’s coolest shops, Vancouver Special. Named after a distinct West Coast style of architecture, this bright space stocks textbook-sized tomes that run the gamut from photography to travel to the best in condo living. Colourful clocks, notebooks and tchotchkes are perfect as take-home gifts, and the collection of furniture is just plain inspiring.—Jennifer Patterson
Violet Boutique is filled with pretty pieces
Nestled in the heart of South Granville, amid high-end art galleries and pricey eateries, sits Violet Boutique. This dreamy shop—with just a hint of Parisian flair—is a labour of love for owner Genevieve Allen. The store carries a range of delightful frocks, shoes and accessories from the likes of Sachin & Babi, Rachel Comey and local fave, dace.—Jennifer Patterson
This cute change purse from Track and Field will add charm to your wardrobe
This city has a vibrant artisanal community. Sasha Freeman, the talent behind Track and Field Designs, uses vintage-inspired prints and fabrics to create one-of-a-kind laptop cases and coin purses (pictured). Toodlebunny Designs outfits budding fashionistas with handcrafted jewellery. Find items from both of these designers at Dandelion Emporium, The Original Paper-Ya and Portobello West Fashion & Art Market.—Jennifer Patterson
The tiered
Holt Renfrew is a chic, multi-level department store that caters to those seeking a lil’ luxury: Prada purses and YSL suits, anyone? Don’t feel you have to break the bank: Jo Malone Cologne—the orange blossom scent screams summer—and Marc by Marc Jacobs totes are affordable must-haves.—Jennifer Patterson
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.
Decor divas flock to The Walrus
They say home’s where the heart is, so just because you’re on vacation, there’s no reason to forsake your humble abode. Head to some of the city’s hippest home decor shops: Walrus (pictured), for the funky monkey candelabra; Vancouver Special, for a rainbow-coloured carpet from Danish brand Hay; Inform Interiors, for classic Eames chairs; and Parliament, for silver owls and nesting tables.—Jennifer Patterson
This cute tote is by eco-friendly, local label Lavish & Lime
Lavish & Lime is on a mission to help everyone reduce waste and go green. Started two years ago by a husband-and-wife team, this West Vancouver-based business carries planet-friendly products for the whole family: reusable sandwich wrap, bamboo utensils, stainless steel thermoses and lunch bags—check out the too-cool-for-school monkey lunchbox for kids ($36;
pictured). Shop online at www.lavishandlime.com.—Jennifer Patterson
A delicate, handcrafted coin purse from Ten Thousand Villages
A hand-embroidered clutch, tote or coin purse from Ten Thousand Villages—the oldest and largest Fair Trade organization in North America—is not your run-of-the-mill bag. Women individually craft every piece in this collection for St. Mary’s, a charitable group in India. Done in the traditional Gujarati style, each one begins as hand-loomed cotton before being delicately decorated and inset with mirrors.—Jennifer Patterson
