For a fashion blogger, I do surprisingly little shopping. But that’s not to suggest that I have self-control when it comes to adding new items to my wardrobe and picking up adorable home decor items that I don’t truly need (but absolutely must have!) – and there is a lot of fabulous temptations in Vancouver. Expedia Canada asked me to share my favourite shopping destinations in Vancouver, and I was only too happy to oblige…
Clothes and Shoes
1: LYNNsteven – 225 Carrall Street
Located in hip Gastown, LynnSteven boutique is as eclectic as its neighbourhood; housed in an original neighbourhood store front, complete with vintage tile floor, LYNNsteven sells a variety of covetable brands like Anine Bing, Smithe and PartySkirts, as well as organic beauty products and lingerie.
2: Blubird – 1055 Alberni Street
All of your designer dreams will come true at Blubird. The stylish Alberni street boutique carries only most glamourous lines that the fashion world has to offer. Brands can change from season to season, but you can count on seeing favourites like Elizabeth & James, J Brand and Mackage year after year.
3: Rebecca Bree – 3680 West 4th Avenue
If you love pink, you will fall head over heels for Rebecca Bree. This shop, located in the heart of Kitsilano, is a girl’s paradise – decorated like the bedroom you always dreamed of, its worth a visit just to see the pretty paradise that is the boutique. But of course, since they carry brands like Tibi, Etre Cecile and Camilla and Marc, you’ll want to bring your wallet!
Accessories
1: Blue Ruby – Eight locations in the lower mainland
Blue Ruby will always have a special place in my heart, because it’s where I got my introduction to the wide world of costume jewelry many years ago. But it also gets the number one spot on this list because there is nowhere else like it; Blue Ruby is a unique concept, selling the widest array of costume jewelry lines you’re likely to see in a single store – and almost nothing else. From my favourite La Vie Parisienne by Catherine Popesco to cult favourites like Chan Luu and Alexis Bittar, as well as local lines like Leah Alexandra and Pyrhha, everyone will find something to love.
2: Mine & Yours – 1062 Hornby Street
Secondhand shopping isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but if you love a great deal on designer pieces, you can’t miss Mine & Yours. When shopping secondhand, there’s no guarantee what you might find, but that’s part of the fun – I took home a Celine cabas last December from Nine & Yours and I still can’t get over my good luck!
3: Cavalier – 217-207 W Hastings Street
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and you’ll find plenty of them at Cavalier Gastown. Whether you’re in the market for a wedding band or just an unusual piece of jewelry that you can treasure forever, you can’t go wrong at Cavalier, whose selection runs the gamut from fine jewelry to affordable local lines like Foe & Dear and Wolf Circus.
House and Home
1: The Cross Design – 1198 Homer Street
If you have plans to decorate your home, you’ll want to stop by The Cross Design before you make any decisions or purchases – their dreamy interiors are a source of endless inspiration, and of course, they’re also for sale. I’ve had my eye on a set of gold cutlery for what feels like far too long, and if I had my way, I’d redecorate my whole apartment with their pretty, often pastel, furniture and housewares.
2: Parliament – 115 Water Street
On the other hand, if your taste in home decor is a bit more on the vintage side, you’ll love Parliament. Earthy colours and retro-shapes rule at this Gastown home store, known for the exquisite gold owl that decorates its front window – and for all the owl products on sale inside. Parliament is a great destination for picking up unique housewarming gifts, including unusually shaped vases and adorable owl mugs in a multitude of colours.
3: L’Atelier Home – 452 W Cordova Street
When I worked in a downtown office, L’Atelier Home was my favourite stop for a little after work retail therapy. Their selection of candles, teacups and other small home accessories are just what a girl needs for a pick-me-up after a long day. But pretty accessories are just the beginning at this store, which also sources and refurbishes vintage furniture for customers.
