Oakridge

ARITZIA
Brian Hill's fashion-forward boutiques began as an off-shoot of the family business (see Hills of Kerrisdale) and have become something of an obsession among women aged 15 to 30: they come for denim labels like Seven, Juicy and Rock & Republic and popular house brands like TNA (casual sweats that have since spun off into their own chainlet), Talula Babaton (preppy separates that are office-friendly), Talula (less office-friendly, more Friday night-friendly) and Wilfred (a line of refined, grown-up pieces). Small selection of footwear includes Havaianas flip flops, and Ugg boots. 1110 Robson St., Downtown, 604-684-3251; Pacific Centre, Downtown, 604-681-9301; Oakridge Centre, 604-269-0892, plus three other locations in the Lower Mainland

BANANA REPUBLIC
The look is more traditional than trendy, more work than play. It's the place to find a crisp white shirt, classic black wool trousers, linen-blend chinos, ultra-soft pima cotton golf shirts and basic cashmere sweaters. Jewellery and buttery-soft leather handbags are more au courant, and at end of season, priced to sell. 1098 Robson St., Downtown, 604-331-8285; Pacific Centre, Downtown, 604-688-1630; Oakridge Centre, 604-267-3741, plus three other locations in the Lower Mainland

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

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

HARRY ROSEN
Impeccably-dressed, knowledgeable sales staff guide you through this up-market emporium's classic men's wear labels including Brioni, Canali, J.P. Tilford by Samuelsohn, Versace Classic and more fashion-forward lines like Hugo Boss, Armani Collezioni, Ermenegildo Zegna, Cole Haan and Dolce and Gabbana. If your budget is slimmer than an Etro tie, check out the Harry Rosen private label, a line of simple, high-quality wardrobe staples. Pacific Centre, Downtown, 604-683-6861; 650 W. 41st Ave., Oakridge Centre, 604-266-1172

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

LACOSTE
A nautical homage to Brittany was the inspiration behind the Lacoste men’s collection—think tight and tailored corduroy jackets, slim-fit trousers, and leather bombers with shearling collars. Oakridge Centre, 604-263-1221.

LULULEMON
Even if you’ve never done a sun salutation or downward dog you’ve seen your fair share of derriere encased in Lululemon pants. For the essential yoga and workout gear, in a variety of cuts, styles, lengths and colours, you needn’t look much further. 1148 Robson St., Downtown, 604-681-3118, Oakridge Centre, 2113 W. Fourth Ave., Kitsilano, 604-732-6111; 925 Park Royal Village, West Vancouver, 604-921-6125; Metrotown Centre

MICHAEL KORS
We were thrilled when Michael Kors opened its freestanding store with a full range of accessories from all the collections, including beauty products like the new Island Capri fragrance (pictured right). Oakridge Centre, 604-629-0286

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

RK
Power dressers take note. Waisted jackets, voluminous sleeves, and fine wools are all part of rk’s Sinfully Noir collection at their first west coast boutique. Oakridge Centre, 604-266-0275.

WEAR ELSE?
Victorinox Swiss Army’s hi-tech, military-inspired clothes are functional (water-repellent fabrics, multi-tool pockets), and look like a million bucks. At Wear Else?, Oakridge Centre, 604-266-3613.

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