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where.ca > Shopping Vancouver

Shopping Vancouver

One-of-a-Kind Buys at Litchfield

By JILL VON SPRECKEN
Mar. 2019

Litchfield (Photo by KK Law)

Have home-decor hankerings? On the lookout for luxury goods? Then head to concrete-and-wood-trimmed Litchfield, a carefully curated Gastown boutique that has everything you want—plus a few things you didn’t know you needed (but really, really do). Most of the thoughtful decor, housewares and personal accessories are by emerging or unheard-of designers, while others are influenced by owner Jonathon Litchfield’s childhood in Japan. But everything is as functional as it is fashionable. On our just-gotta-have-it list: Hasami Japanese porcelain, WANT Les Essentiels bags, locally made Vitruvi fragrances, and Patchology’s On the Fly travel skincare kit. Guaranteed to satisfy any and all shopping desires.

Spring into Shopping Mode

‘Tis the season for a spring shopping spree

By SHERI RADFORD
Mar. 2019

Keep that little bouncing bundle of joy dry from April showers with a High Performance Rain Cover for your Bugaboo stroller. At West Coast Kids. (more…)

Truly Unusual Souvenirs

By JILL VON SPRECKEN
Feb. 2019

Chinese-takeout-themed mug by Main and Local

Because you can’t bring the Steam Clock or Granville Island with you, there are Canadian-inspired souvenirs by Main and Local. The Montreal-based company specializes in Canadian and city-centric—from Toronto to Vancouver—keepsakes, with the encouraging tagline “souvenirs that don’t suck.” Fun, displayable take-home tokens include a poutine snow globe, sushi air freshener and Chinese-takeout–themed mug. After all, nobody really needs another souvenir that sucks. Stock up at Make or at www.mainandlocal.com.

Signature Scents by Valmont

By CHLOË LAI
Feb. 2019

Gaggia Medio I, one of the five fragrances in La Maison Valmont’s Storie Veneziane collection

Move over, Chanel No. 5: Valmont’s latest collection of fragrances has arrived. The Swiss beauty brand—best known for its powerful anti-aging skincare products—whisks patrons away on an olfactory adventure with Storie Veneziane, five perfumes inspired by Italy’s most romantic city. Delicate notes of jasmine, sandalwood and damask rose are guaranteed to make even the most levelheaded lady swoon. And the bottles are works of art too, adorned with handcrafted Murano glass masks and Venetian leather in coordinating colours. Get yours at La Maison Valmont. Bellissima!

Look Sharp: Solid Brass Safety Razors by Well Kept

By CHLOË LAI
Jan. 2019

Local company Well Kept crafts elegant safety razors that’ll last a lifetime

Disposable razors just not cutting it? There’s no smoother operator than the sleek safety razor by local company Well Kept. Each one is equipped with a double-edged platinum blade that’s more effective and less irritating than its multi-blade counterparts. The razor’s handle unscrews for easy blade replacement, and it’s compatible with most standard safety razor blades. Plus, it’s crafted from solid brass and designed to last a lifetime—great news for those of us whose stubble shows no signs of vanishing on its own. At Nineteen Ten.

Fall in Love with Jewellery by Leah Alexandra

By SHERI RADFORD
Jan. 2019

Love Token necklace by Leah Alexandra

One look at a Love Token necklace, and you’re sure to fall head over heels. Vancouverite Leah Alexandra travels the globe, searching for ideas for her delicate creations, and this one was inspired by a 19th-century French love poem by Rosemonde Gérard. Find Alexandra’s rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces at Blue Ruby and The Cross, visit her studio in Gastown (call 778-320-3390), or shop the entire collection online.

New Year, New Healthy Nibbles by Naked Snacks

By CHLOË LAI
Jan. 2019

Healthy, travel-friendly treats from Naked Snacks

For those about to snack, Naked Snacks salutes you. This Vancouver company lures recovering junk-food fans away from artificial flavours and trans fats with healthy munchies made of 80 percent whole foods and 20 percent indulgent treats. Head to Urban Fare and take a walk on the sweet side with the Morning Bestie mix—featuring roasted edamame, cranberries and dark chocolate—or heat things up with Wasabi-Me, packed with spicy peas and wild-rice sticks. Snack on!

One for the Books: Indigo on Robson Street

By SHERI RADFORD
Jan. 2018

Indigo on Robson Street

Calling all bookworms and bibliophiles: a huge Indigo opened downtown recently, and it’s filled with everything to warm a booklover’s heart. More than 58,000 unique titles run the gamut from romances, mysteries and memoirs to cookbooks, travel guides and graphic novels. Browse the departments for children and babies, linger in the wellness area to test a meditation pillow or aromatherapy spray, and check out the impressive selection of board games. Make sure to visit Starbucks on the second level, where floor-to-ceiling windows boast a stellar view of Robson Street. Book paradise, found.

The Sweetest Resolution: Chocolates in Vancouver

This year, we resolve to eat better…chocolate

By CHLOË LAI
Jan. 2018

Photo by KK Law

The science is in: eating chocolate lowers cholesterol and reduces age-related memory loss—hey, we’re not getting any younger. Plus, it releases endorphins that make us feel like we’re falling in love. West Coasters are big on wellness (and love!), so we take these sweets seriously. Vancouver’s cacao connoisseurs craft the finest melt-in-your-mouth magic this side of Willy Wonka’s factory. Ask your chocolatier if these chocolates are right for you. Clockwise from top left: Crave-worthy cocktail chocolates from Beta5. Gourmet ganache-filled chocolate bars from Mink. Mini milk chocolate hedgehogs with creamy hazelnut filling from Purdys. Chic chocolates and truffles from Thomas Haas. Solid dark chocolate medallions with Haida designs, from Chocolate Arts. Beautifully bite-sized chocolate bonbons from Thierry.

Happy, Healthy New Year: Vancouver Edition

Making New Year’s resolutions is easy—keeping them is a little harder. Here’s how to make them stick while enjoying the wellness-friendly West Coast

By JILL VON SPRECKEN
Jan. 2018

YYoga’s airy Northshore Elements studio is ideal for breaking a sweat or finding your Zen (Photo by KK Law)

EXERCISE

Yoga Ready to get your om on? Mat-toting locals abound in yoga-obsessed Vancouver. At YYoga, say namaste to sleek studios that offer more than a dozen different styles of yoga, 800 classes per week, and (at select studios) infrared sauna. Prefer to mix it up? Spin classes, Pilates, floor barre and more can be found here, too. Semperviva also boasts bright and airy studios around the city, with 10 different styles of yoga on offer. Our advice: salute the sun at the Sea Studio on Granville Island where gorgeous waterfront views can be enjoyed from your mat. (more…)

Multi-Wear Clothing by Helene Clarkson

By JILL VON SPRECKEN

Versatile travel clothing by Toronto-based designer Helene Clarkson

To Mar. 2019 Are your travel wardrobe and carry-on suitcase, well… not a great fit? Then get ready to fall in love with the jet-setting pieces at the Helene Clarkson Pop-Up Shop at Royal Centre. The Toronto-based designer specializes in stylish separates and dresses that are reversible and versatile (think tops with a second neckline when worn back-to-front, and an additional pattern when worn inside-out). Plus, the made-in-Canada collection is wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying and non-fading. Sounds like there’ll be space for souvenirs after all.

The Perfect Jacket for Raincity (aka Vancouver)

By SHERI RADFORD
Dec. 2018

Defy the elements in a comfortable, waterproof jacket by Columbia

Most Vancouverites spend years searching for the holy grail of jackets, one that’s fully waterproof but also feels nice against the skin. That’s where the OutDry Ex Stretch Hooded Shell from Columbia comes in. Its outer membrane is both waterproof and durable, while its wicking fabric inside feels soft and comfortable. Try one on at Sport Chek or Atmosphere, and you’ll be a true believer.

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