Best Buys
Shop Kitsilano - continued
By Rebecca Philps published May 1, 2008
Additional Images click to enlarge
FAB
Browsing the overstuffed racks of Fab is like taking a crash course in what labels are hot, right now. Tops by C+C, Ella Moss and Splendid are extra long in the sleeves and body, made for layering. Fab boasts the most comprehensive selection of jean brands in the city (True Religion, Fornarina, Yanuk) but this is the one store you won’t find Sevens or their Citizens of Humanity counterpart—“because everyone else has them,” says the owner. 2177 W. Fourth Ave., 604-734-0139
GRAVITY POPE
A montage of high heels, wedges, knee-high boots, clogs, mules, sandals, sneakers and fuzzy slippers makes up some of the 3,000 pairs of shoes on display. Handbags by Betsey Johnson and Vic Matie compliment any footsie purchase. We live for their famous boxing week sale—up to 50 percent off every pair of shoes in the store. 2205 W. Fourth Ave., 604-731-7673
HIP BABY
Hip Baby has been the purveyor of all things, well, hip, for baby and mum for the past 10 years, well before west side breeders went bonkers. Their in-house line of basics (cloth diapers, hooded towels and fitted crib sheets, plus T-shirts, hats and bibs for newborns) are designed and manufactured in Toronto. Adjust-2-fit diapers are top sellers at $10.95 each. 2110 W. Fourth Ave., 604-737-0603
JC STUDIO
Get yourself on the e-mail list for the open houses at JC Studio, home of local label Jacqueline Conoir. The open houses are a veritable bazaar of all that is new and hot on the local scene. Shoppers can try on pieces from the Jacqueline Conoir collection and jewellery from local designers, and get makeup consultations, all while sipping a glass of chardonnay. 46 W. Sixth Ave., 604-688-5222
KARMA
Some days Lululemon blankets the city with an almost communistic uniformity. But this is still a democracy, and you do have another choice for yoga wear. Try Karma, for example. The colour palette is more muted, and the style details make the clothes more wearable outside the yoga studio, which is the point. 2066 W. Fourth Ave., 604-731-7747
