Commercial Drive

BLUE TERRA DESIGNS
The exotic furniture and handicrafts at Blue Terra Designs is a miniature Silk Road that detours through South Asia. Indonesian armoires of recycled teak mingle with goatskin lamps from Morocco, Turkish chenille throws with music motifs, nifty fish traps, snake baskets and other finds from afar. The only things missing are the caravans and camels. 1146 Commercial Dr., 604-253-1711

CANADIAN TIRE
Debbie Travis’ collection for Canadian Tire began with house paint and recently expanded to include everything from vases to tableware to curtain panels, all grouped by “mood” (what the rest of us call “style”). Standouts include the Denby-inspired Tantric Red dinnerware ($99.99 for a 16-piece set) and the gourd-shaped ceramic lamp in cream ($79.99). 1460 E. Hastings St., Commercial, 604-257-6383. Other locations: 1625 Chestnut St., Kitsilano, 604-257-6559; 2220 Kingsway, Kensington-Cedar Cottage, 604-257-6510; 8729 Heather St., Marine, 604-257-6487; 2290 Cambie St., South Cambie, 604-707-2290 and 14 other locations in the Lower Mainland.

DANDELION KIDS
Head straight to Dandelion Kids for the highly-sought-after wall stickers by dVider ($29.95-$56.95), pretty great for any room. We’ll let you use the kiddies as an excuse. And for those rocker parents who won’t give up the flame, the Peltor Ear Muffs ($39.95) protect the little one’s eardrums at concerts, or in your living room. 1206 Commercial Dr., 604-676-1862

DREAM DESIGNS
Dream Designs promotes the West Coast lifestyle with contemporary furniture, housewares and its own line of yoga mats, blocks and cushions. Organic fabrics, made with pesticide-free cottons that never see bleach or dyes, come in sheets, duvet covers and a line of baby futons, crib pads and bedding. Smaller items like handmade soap and soya wax candles are not to be missed. 956 Commercial Dr., 604-254-5012

THE FLOWER BOX
You don’t have to live near the Drive, or even in East Van, to take advantage of this flower mecca. Open seven days a week, Fridays and Saturdays till 7 p.m. (just late enough for all those last-minute dinner guests in need of a gift), The Flower Box serves all of Greater Vancouver thanks to its wide-ranging delivery service. 1704 Charles St., 604-254-3269

HIGH LIFE WORLD MUSIC
Twenty-one years in the same location on The Drive, this is your go-to music shop for hard to find CDs and vinyl, especially if they don’t fall into the chart-topping categories. Reggae, blues, folk and less mainstream musical tastes remain the focus. No plans for later tonight? Highlife usually sells tickets to the city’s more interesting live shows. 1317 Commercial Dr., 604-251-6964

KALENA'S SHOES
Commercial Drive, Vancouver’s little Italy since 1967, gives us great espresso and one serious selection of Italian leather shoes. Offering fashion forward and high quality footwear for men, women and children. 1526 Commercial Dr., 604-255-3727

LUCKY ROOSTER
Lucky Rooster is worth a visit just to see the lovely vignettes in the window. Inside you’ll find exquisitely selected vintage fashions, home décor, baby gifts, notecards, bath and beauty products. 1706 Charles St., 604-251-9119

RAYA
At Raya, cutting-edge denims and club wear get a splash of colour here and gash to the leg there. T-shirts appliquéed with rough petals nod to the '80s, while polka-dot-pretty Lucy Love dresses evoke ’50s ingénues. Matrix-cool shades, sophisticated Souldaisy designs, studded hipster belts. A saucy girl's one-stop shop. 1395 Commercial Dr., 604-254-5073

REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE
Joseph Mimran of Club Monaco fame is the man behind the cheap and cheerful President's Choice Home Collection. His penchant for clean lines is evident in simple bathroom accessories, linens, and neutral dinnerware. Check out the summery four-section server and coordinating tray ($7.99-9.99). Made from light melamine, it’s perfect for the patio, as are the tatami-like placements and matching cotton napkin rings ($9.99 for four place settings). 3185 Grandview Highway, Commercial. Second location: 350 S.E. Marine Dr., Marpole. (Note: no phone numbers)

RETRO ROCK
Modern style innovators like Kate Moss and Karen O aren’t pulling together their eclectic fashion statements just by shopping at posh boutiques. They’re mixing old with new, and high-end looks with a little grunge for that perfect combination of dishevelled elegance. At Retro Rock, you’ll find the means to their aesthetic with a great selection of rock concert T-shirts, fitted leather bombers, gently faded silk kimonos and colourful shift dresses that look great dressed down with a scuffed-up pair of riding boots. 2240 Commercial Dr., 604-872-7670. Other locations: 590 Davie St., West End, 604-872-7665; 3553 Main St., South Main, 604-872-7667

SPANK
Did someone say great shoes for under $100? We did, we did! Spank’s got the goods with styles by JC and Seychelles. Royal blue or fire-engine-red pumps, both in patent, are our picks. The vegan Matt&Nat bags deserve a nod as well, especially the Jorja Fox tote (try the canvas and dark brown trim colour way). 1027 Commercial Dr., 604-255-1131

WOMYN'S WARE
Whether you need to pick up some condoms, break up an engagement, or buy up some kicks that aren’t for your feet, Womyn’s Ware has all and more. Try the gift buckets: choices range from the Clit Kit to the Lord of the Rings. Really sweet is the galvanized bucket: all the bits come in for easy (and clean) storage. 896 Commercial Dr., 604-254-2543

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