Accessories

Gifts and Accessories
Jewellery
Shoes

GIFTS AND ACCESSORIES

BEFINE SKIN CARE
Befine is a new skin-care line that uses rice and wheat proteins, which are easily digested by skin cells, and natural food ingredients like mint, ginger, almonds, mushroom, and pomegranate. At London Drugs, various locations

PREVIOUSLY HIGHLIGHTED

ABASA OPTICAL
Owned by sisters and second-generation opticians Azra Camrudin and Anar Mawji, this Davie Street institution carries an overwhelming selection of the most sought-after fashionista-approved frames. Our favourite is the leather-armed chartreuse specs from award-winning French eyewear label Lafont ($389). Abasa Optical, 1037 Davie St., West End, 604-687-3937

ALIFE
NYC-based Alife carries Everybody High Everybody Low tees, hats and shoes and ANYthing’s collection of men’s fleece, shirts and sweaters. It’s hard to diss their street cred when Raekwon from Wu Tang Clan has been known to shop and play there. 350 Water St., Gastown, 604-685-6400

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE
Need a shot of instant summer? Bumble and Bumble’s Creme de Coco hair mask leaves your hair soft, silky, and smelling like a tropical dream. Bumbleandbumble.com for retail locations.

COTTONMOUTH
It would be impossible to take in the, ahem, atmosphere of the West End without visiting Cottonmouth—artisanal hand-pipes and vaporizers offer a heady, colourful display. Extra-curricular activities aside, we appreciate a well-made bong when we see one. The double spiral of North Vancouver’s Red Eye Glass ($200) is beautifully sculptural and with the bowl removed, could double as an art piece if guests drop by unexpectedly. 1120 Davie St., West End, 604-331-1602

DERMALOGICA
The new Dermalogica Age Smart skin care line is chock full of antioxidants designed to address all the nasty things that lead to premature aging (wrinkles, dehydration, loss of elasticity). Dermalogica.ca for retail locations.

ESSENCE DU PAPIER
Montreal-based Essence du Papier offers a kaleidoscopic array of exclusive wrapping papers for every occasion as well as all things papetrie: leather-bound scrap books, luxurious writing implements and chic organizers. Main Floor of Sears (Pacific Centre), 701 Granville St., Downtown, 604-685-7489

FARFALLA
Farfalla is Italian for butterfly—fitting, considering the eclectic selection on display. A mother-daughter-run store with a cosy feel, Farfalla offers a broad range of gifts for the hard-to-shop-for and infuriatingly stylish friend (we hope our friends are taking notes). Choose from Italian table linens, Belgian table runners, Czech crystal, monogrammed silk pillows exclusive Santa Maria Novella bath and body products from Florence and Il Papiro archival-quality scrapbooks. 57 E. Cordova St., Gastown, 604-215-8707

GINCH GONCH
Underwear designer Ginch Gonch has only been around for four years but its playful Underoos-like designs have made for impressive buzz. Both their men’s and women’s lines are fun, colourful, playful, cheeky—and a hell of a lot sexier than Calvin Klein’s brooding and boring white, grey or black. $25.50-31.50 a pair. For a complete list of Vancouver retailers, Ginchgonch.com.

HERMES
Shopping downtown wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Hermès, if only to drool. Lucky for us it’s the fameuse scarf’s 70th birthday, and she doesn’t look a day over 30. The Carre 70 comes in six different drawings in a new 70cm square and is made of “vintage” silk (it has a more matte texture to give it the patina of time). The six themes feature recoloured Hermès archived motifs or completely new drawings inspired by the House’s favourite yearly themes. (Insider intel: they’ve re-done Jeux des Omnibus et Dames Blanches—the very first Hermès scarf, edited in 1937.) 107-755 Burrard St., Downtown, 604-681-9965

HOBBS GIFTS
Hobbs Gifts opens out to a small wisteria-covered courtyard crammed with distressed outdoor mirrors, Moroccan-inspired glass lanterns and hardy polyethylene rope mats that can withstand soggy west coast winters. Inside, you’ll find a great selection of hostess gifts and accessories. We love the weathered beachwood frames in blue and turquoise ($75-80)—perfect for you (or your host's) Gulf Island retreat. 2129 W. 41st Ave., Kerrisdale, 604-261-5998

HOLT RENFREW
The reasons to hit the new Holt Renfrew beauty and accessory department are myriad; currently on our radar is Edward Bess’s lipstick line. His Lip Wardrobe features 10 shades and five lip glosses in a comprehensive colour palette from nude to high-gloss red ($425 per lacquer case). When Catherine Deneuve and Kate Moss love it, who are we to argue? Plus, don’t miss the new Tokyo Eyelash Bar, or one of the 70 eyeshadow shades, at Canada's very first Shu Uemura counter. Their cleansing oils are a beauty cult fave. 737 Dunsmuir St., Downtown, 604-681-3121

KISS & MAKEUP
We don’t have Sephora, but we do have Kiss & Makeup. Cult beauty products here include Lippman Collection nail polish ($20) and REN Acacia Lip Honey balm ($14). The boutique now carries accessories like Andrea Breukner bags and shoes by Cynthia Vincent. Representing local talent are Linacare, Principessa and sassy Smart Ass thong undies. You’ll find lots for your boy here, too, such as the Fresh Tobacco Soap ($17)...but he probably won’t want to play with the products for hours, like you will. The Village at Park Royal, West Van, 604-922-6292

LOU LOU AND LOU LOU LUV
There’s Lou Lou, the stationary store that stocks lovely hand-screened wrapping paper and gift boxes and elegant greeting cards that will add presence to your present. And there’s Loulou Luv, the very girly, very glam accessories store next door. Glitzy jewelry, chic clutches, scarves and home décor items make it a great last-minute gift destination. 3067 W. Broadway, Kitsilano, 604-733-0466; 3071 W. Broadway, Kitsilano, 604-677-0682

LOUIS VUITTON
Cinque Terre or Kits Beach, you still need a stylish beach bag and flip-flops. Louis Vuitton offers the “That’s Love” sequin-and-pearls canvas tote and their Damier Azur flat thongs. 730 Burrard St., Downtown, 604-488-0602

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., Commerical Drive, 604-251-9119

OBSESSIONS
A little whimsy can go a long way when you’re wearing a business suit. While some men enjoy the yuks of a novelty tie, we highly discourage such a sad fashion faux pas. For the aspiring securities grifter, Simon Carter has cornered the market with his crystal dollar and pound sign cuff links, all the better to keep your eyes on the prize. 101–595 Howe St., Downtown, 604-684-0748; 289 Davie St., Yaletown, 604-683-0188; 1124 Denman St., West End, 604-605-8890; 102B-375 Water St., Gastown, 602-622-7494

THE ORIGINAL PAPER-YA
Before you buy another darn cute baby/kooky animal greeting card visit Paper-Ya on Granville Island where you’ll find subversively humorous designs and whimsical garland cards. Shop here for beautiful Midsummer Light lanterns by Tord Boontje, moleskine notebooks and that last-minute gift for your brother-in-law or the postman. #9-1666 Johnston St., Granville Island, 604-684-2531

ROOM 6
Pluck a gal from the American snowboarding industry, plant her in Deep Cove, and the result is Room 6. Owner Megan Curren’s eye for superior design backs up the store’s mantra: “special things for nice people.” Such as? Marimekko goodies (tablecloths, $85), artsy-but-cuddly Blabla stuffed toys (from $39), whimsical necklaces by locals Andrea Waines and Filou, and the best-selling Man, You Smell Good gentlemen’s bath line, which Curren whips up in-house. Never get across the bridge? It’s all available online. 4389 Gallant Ave., North Van, 604-628-8484

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO
It seems that Salvatore Ferragamo was a pretty focused young man: he entered the footwear business as an 11-year-old apprentice and opened his own store at age 13. Okay, we know what you're thinking: wealthy old lady shoes. But Vancouver's Ferragamo salon carries a very now range of accessories and handbags. 918 Robson St., Downtown, 604-669-4495

SJAL SKIN CARE
Trace amounts of gold, silver, and rose quartz go into the luxurious Själ skin-care line; Heidi Klum and Helena Christensen swear by it. At Kiss & Makeup, H2–925 Main St., West Van., 604-922-6292

SONY ERICSSON CYBER-SHOT
The new Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot C702 phone is the ultimate vacation buddy. Its integrated location-based imaging service means that when you take a picture, info about your exact location is added to the image. Sonyericsson.com

TANNIS HEGAN
Local designer Tannis Hegan sells her gorgeous, silk-lined, and wood-handled leather purses ($420) at Mooncruise, 235 Cambie St., 604-685-9575; and Lark, 2315 Main St., 604-879-5275

THE VANCOUVER ART GALLERY SHOP
The predictable coffee table books and postcards are here, but you’ll also find artisan jewellery (we recommend Elsa Smith and Andrea Russell), home accessories, clothing and textiles. Many of the products here—including clothing and bags by Smoking Lily are of a style you’d normally expect from Main Street. Very popular Astro Satchels are available here ($22-$100). 750 Hornby St., Downtown, 604-662-4706

URBAN YARNS
At Urban Yarns find—what else?—the city’s most luxurious yarns made from cashmere, silk, and merino. Newbies can sign up for a “Sock Boot Camp” in fall 2007. 4421 W. 10th Ave., West Point Grey, 604-228-1122

WOLFORD
Since leggings are the trend item du jour, it’s only fitting that this is the summer to nab a pair from Wolford. They’ve even got a collection featuring Zac Posen. Two names for the price of one—it’s like a 2-for-1 sale! Try Zac’s opaque black with starbursts or opt for Wolford’s simple leggings, full length ($48) or capris ($50). 753 Burrard St., Downtown, 604-647-0201

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



Back to the Top

JEWELLERY

BIRKS
Aside from the stunning collection of jewels (and the new in-house Van Cleef & Arpel boutique), a nice selection of baby gifts, watches, clocks and vintage pieces make Birks a one-stop shop for graduation and wedding gift ideas. 698 W. Hastings St., Downtown, 604-669-3333; 650 W. 41st Ave., Oakridge Centre, 604-266-2301

BLUE RUBY
When Jennifer Aniston was photographed wearing a Chan Luu shell necklace, there was one place in Vancouver fashionistas flocked to get one just like it. Blue Ruby carries celeb-faves straight from the pages of InStyle, as well as local designs from Amanda Vogler, Andrea Waines, Tarina Tarintino and Mimi and Marge. 1089 Robson St., Downtown, 604-899-2583; 51D-701 W. Georgia St., Pacific Centre, Downtown, 604-693-3118; 2125 W. 41st Ave. (in Hills of Kerrisdale), 604-266-9177; 650 W. 41st Ave., Oakridge Centre, 604-269-2583, plus three other locations in the Lower Mainland

ERA DESIGNS
Custom jeweler and owner Rosemary Bartram is known for her modern, clean lines and her Yaletown store also carries an impressive collection of vintage Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco jewels. 1266 Homer St., Yaletown, 604-688-2714

HELENE BOURGET
Goldsmith Hélène Bourget creates one-of-a-kind Beaux-Arts fantasies. Her specialty? Remounting engagement rings for women who, like Zsa Zsa, never hated a man enough to give back his diamonds. 503-525 Seymour St., Downtown, 604-669-5925

JEWELIETTE
One of our favourite shops, Jeweliette carries a wonderful array of bits ’n’ baubles both delicate and chunky, refined and gaudy. Look for one-of-a-kind vintage gold sea creature necklaces ($120) and the white agate earrings ($85) and necklaces ($200), both made in-house, as well as Lolo’s chunky, cubed swarovski jewellery ($100-$225). 692 Seymour St., Downtown, 604-687-5577

LOU LOU LUV
(see entry above, in Accessories)

ST. MORITZ
We know the big boys like big-name watches—Tissot, Rolex, Bulova, et al.—but if you want something a little different and homegrown, we suggest Vancouver’s own St.,Moritz—offering an array of watches from sporty to elegant with Swiss timing and precision. The limited edition Alpine Collection is our personal favourite. Available at retailers throughout the city and at their head office, 1140 W. Seventh Ave., Fairview, 604-734-2316

TIFFANY & CO.
These round, brilliant-cut diamond earrings are part of a travelling collection on display at Tiffany & Co. from May 27 to June 13. Make a stop at the new charm bar at Tiffany & Co. No glass cases for these lovelies—all the silver charms are out on display for you to caress and coddle. Clip them on to your bag, cell, belt loops, or stilettos, or go traditional and wear them on a long chain or link bracelet. Your charm is bound to shine through. (Individual pieces start at $160.) 723 Burrard St., Downtown, 604-630-1300

Back to the Top



SHOES

JOE FRESH
Joe Fresh thriftily delivers runway-to-reality with these punchy neon pumps. Right on trend and only $24, they’re easy to part with, too. Joe.ca

PREVIOUSLY HIGHLIGHTED

ALIFE
Classic Chuck Taylors will never go out of style, but sneaker geeks go nuts for Alife; its eccentric designs make this one of the most sought-after collections of limited-edition sneakers. 350 Water St., Gastown, 604-685-6400

B2/BROWNS
When the UGG was popular, Browns flooded the shelves in every size and colour; when the mukluks were the “it-thing” they had the best selection in the city. Here’s where you find the most of-the-moment, fashion-forward footwear (even basic ballet flats or casual walking shoes feature kicky designs). 1112 Robson St., Downtown, 604-687-3383; 650 W. 41st Ave., Oakridge Centre, 604-261-3071

BROWNS SHOES
At the new Browns flagship store in Pacific Centre find supple leather moccasins and textured and crumpled leather dress shoes for boys, plus all the designer brands (Costume National, Manolo Blahnik, Pucci) for girls.

FLUEVOG
Fluevog took over the stunning space vacated by Richard Kidd—all the better to showcase its new line
of handbags ($239). 65 Water St., Gastown, 604-688-6228

GIA
Brimming with the trendiest footwear on Robson, Gia carries superstar brands like the nascent Jessica Simpson line and Naughty Monkey, makers of footwear for Beyoncé and Tina Knowles’s House of Dereon. Oh, and girl, don’t be thinking that they ain’t got nothing but shoes. Bags by Kimora Lee Simmons’s Baby Phat and Danish accessory label Friis Company guarantee your empty wallet will have a fashionable place to call home. 1193 Robson St., Downtown, 604-623-3130

GOODFOOT
For an array of sneaks unlike anything you’ve seen, stroll over to Goodfoot. (We’re willing to bet on it since Goodfoot ranks among the top 10 in sneaker stores in North America.) Proof is in the limited run of $3,000 leather and crocodile Nikes they carry. Only 100 pairs available worldwide. (If they don’t have your size you could always try Colette in Paris.) 36 Powell St., Gastown, 604-806-3613

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., Kitsilano, 604-731-7673

HEADQUARTER
If the selection of limited-edition Nikes (like the Jordan III or the LeBron James Air Force 20th Anniversary Hi Top) at Headquarter aren’t exclusive enough for you, how about the pimped-out Dunk Hi basketball shoes ($700)? Made in Mexico, the hand-tooled leather and horsehair (or snakeskin and horsehair) kicks are impressive enough to be worn with a Dior suit, and street enough to swing a wife-beater. 1232 Burrard St., West End, 604-688-0406

JACK AND JILL
Although the selection is minimal, the offerings are exceptional. Noteworthy lines like Fly London, Michael Kors and Naughty Monkey work for the office or a night on the town. 2825 Granville St., South Granville, 604-738-2700

JOHN FLUEVOG
Local shoemaker to the stars (Madonna is a fan) recently introduced two new eco-friendly lines: “Dogs” are completely vegetarian (using nonleather synthetic); “Earth Angels” have a tiny footprint not matter what your size—they’re 100 percent biodegradable. Ladies can steal a Hepburn look with the Listens line and Gents will become boot lovers with Future Angel’s leather pull-on boots. Women’s Fellowship flats and Operetta block-heels give a cute kick to causal footwear. 837 Granville St., Downtown, 604-688-2828

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

KRIS + CRIS
Notable for the selection of Geox, Camper, Fly London, Tsubo and Jeffrey Campbell for both men and women. 650 W. 41st Ave., in the Oakridge Centre, 604-269-9118

NINE WEST
The go-to place for basic black pumps. Prices are reasonable and the service is always helpful. You will wear these shoes into the ground and they still won’t fall apart. 700 W. Georgia St., Pacific Centre, 604-899-9406; 650 W. 41st Ave., Oakridge Centre, 604-261-4222

UMEBOSHI
The best shoe selection on Main, sure, but Umeboshi is also flush with oversize eelskin coin purses from Denmark’s Becksöndergaard Copenhagen. Twice the size of grandma’s coin purse, they have just enough room for nighttime basics: money, cards, cell phone and lipstick. 3638 Main St., South Main, 604-909-8225

Back to the Top

BACK TO SHOPS GUIDE HOME