5 Very Stylish Vancouverites Share Their Shopping Secrets

Vancouverites have a reputation for prioritizing athleisure comfort above all—but as any fashion-loving local will tell you, this is a city with plenty more than yoga pants to offer. We asked five Vancouver tastemakers to share their favourite sources for going beyond the Gore-Tex to help inspire your own style-hunting while you’re in town.

1. Malania Dela Cruz

Vice-president, Nine Point Agency

Has living in Vancouver impacted your personal style?

While I appreciate dressing for the elements, this fashion identity has actually inspired me to rebel against the city’s signature athleisure look. I love getting dressed up, experimenting with style and adding a touch of glam, even in times when the moment doesn’t require it.

Favourite local brands?

I’ve been fortunate enough to work with and be exposed to many local and Canadian designers over the years. Some of my current favourites include Adhere To, a low-impact, high-design outerwear brand by my dear friend, Alexandra Dean. I also love A Bronze Age for their local fashion production and sweet designs. And I always give a shout out to Brunette the Label, by Miriam Alden, who has been empowering women with her collections since 2014. For jewellery, Kara Yoo, Punch Jewelry and Oddities and Melodie Borosevich are great.

Latest big style score?

I recently bought a Sonya Lee Half Maya handbag at One of a Few. It has become a staple in my everyday wardrobe.

Where will we find you shopping?

I’ve been shopping at One of a Few for contemporary women’s designs since Michelle Rizzardo opened the store 20 years ago. She has impeccable buying skills and I can always find unique pieces that no one else has. Siista is a newer women’s fashion boutique started by a former intern of mine, Alejandra Rivera. I adore her collections of fun, trend-driven women’s fashion and her selection of jewellery by Canadian designers like Jenny Bird, Biko and Pilgrim. Nouvelle Nouvelle is another boutique I’ve been shopping at since they opened—I’ve purchased some of my favourite independent designer pieces here over the years.

Any favourite spots to treasure hunt for vintage pieces?

A Story of Things, a seasonal pop-up vintage shop, is one of my favourites. I also really like Collective Will, started by Randa Salloum, in Gastown. I also like perusing Mintage, Turnabout, The Only, Community Vintage and F as in Frank. We are lucky to have a plethora of vintage and thrift stores in Vancouver. I’ve bought some true vintage pieces here that I could have never found elsewhere.

2. Liz Bell

Modelling agency director, Lizbell Agency

How would you describe your style?

I’m forever a child of the ’60s and ’70s: a hippie with a rock-and-roll edge.

What’s your daily uniform?

Black basics from Simons [in West Vancouver]. I love their men’s V-neck cotton T-shirts. Oak and Fort has some lovely simple pieces that work with everything and are reasonably priced: I love their aesthetic and their branding is on point.

Local jewellers you love?

I love Pyrrha—like my chunky silver ring. My go-to earrings are from a truly incredible local designer, Tania Gleave.

What’s a favourite piece you’ve sourced in Vancouver recently?

I’m in love with my Catherine Regehr feathered cape. It goes with anything: it can dress up a denim jacket and boots, or it can be worn over an evening gown for a special occasion.

You’re on a shopping spree: where do you go?

Simons is definitely my first stop for anything special, and they have great sales too. I’ve bought some timeless, key pieces for my wardrobe at Boboli, and I’ve found some really beautiful secondhand pieces at Turnabout. Gravitypope is one of those stores that you think is only shoes, and then you walk in the door and they have a beautifully curated boutique as well.

3. Aleem Kassam

Co-founder and interior designer, Kalu Interiors

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my sense of style as fluid, inspirational and always evolving.

Beloved Vancouver brands?

I love local fashion designers such as Eduardo Ramos, Singh Styles, Laurence and Chico, Cape de Coeur, Jason Siu, Jason Matlo and Claudia Schulz for hats and accessories, to name a few. I also really enjoy some of the larger local brands, like Oak and Fort, Fluevog and One of a Few. Though, of course, I admire many international brands and creatives; I always say there’s nothing more beautiful than bringing both worlds together, mixing and matching high and low.

Best thing you’ve bought in Vancouver recently?

It would have to be from local designer Eduardo Ramos: an epic hand-embroidered trench from the Ephemera FW24 collection. It’s double-faced Italian wool with lace, and is adorned with thousands of little sequins. It’s a piece that will certainly take me through the rest of my life. Strangers stop me on the street every time I wear it, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

Where do you love to shop?

Second-hand luxury shop Mine and Yours is a great source for luxury goods and items, in a sustainable way: upcycling at its finest. Neighbour is another favourite: they’ve got women’s, men’s and accessories, and they always draw my interest in the way they curate their designers and selections, offering items you might not normally find in the mainstream boutique scene of Vancouver.

Any hidden-gem boutiques to shout out?

The Leisure Center flies under the radar. Both local and international designers find a place in this sprawling space, and there are extensive vintage and consignment pieces… it’s a little fashion mecca tucked away in Yaletown with something for everyone, I believe. (They also have great sales, but, shhh, you didn’t hear it from me!)

What made-in-Vancouver clothing item makes the best souvenir?

A waterproof cape from Cape de Coeur. The technical fabric and construction are out of this world. I simply love my own piece and it represents Vancouver so well: practical but elevated.

 

4. Lydia Okello

Content creator, writer and model, @styleisstyle

What six words would describe your fashion vibe?

Prep, vintage-inspired, comfortable, bright, humorous, curious.

How has Vancouver shaped your style?

Practicality! It’s wet here, walking is normal and it’s a city where people like being outside. My clothes have to have a level of comfort and practicality for these activities.

Do you have any favourite Vancouver fashion brands?

For clothing, I love Nettle’s Tale, Fyoocher and Nena Hansen. For jewellery,  accessories or makeup, it’s Zaleska, Skwálwen Botanicals, Better Basics and Kunye.

What’s the most exciting recent addition to your wardrobe?

I have many! This winter I found a holy grail item: a leopard-collar velvet coat. I found it at Community Thrift and Vintage and it fit me perfectly. Felt like destiny.

Where do you love to source new pieces?

The Only Vintage on Davie and on Commercial Drive has the best prices and selection of vintage. Nettle’s Tale carries sizes 4X to XS—very fun and cool! Community Thrift and Vintage has a great selection of secondhand and vintage; so does F as In Frank in Gastown, which has lots of fun 1990s pieces. Woo to See You has great accessories and clothes.

What would you wear for grabbing a coffee with a friend?

Soft pants, big vintage collared shirt, fun jacket, good boots.

How about date night?

A suit with a bra and no shirt or a very tight and short skirt with a high-neck sheer top and a long jacket that’s almost the length of the skirt.

5. Justin Walls

Content creator, @justwalls

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my personal style as “elevated casual-ish.” I like to dress well enough to go out to dinner, but not business casual.

How do you think living in Vancouver has influenced your style?

Since moving to Vancouver from Toronto, my personal style has become a bit more functional as opposed to just casual and trendy. With the culture here focusing on nature and the outdoors, I’ve found myself going for more walks and being outside in the rain, so I’ve been more mindful about incorporating clothes that offer more practical and functional options.

What local brands make that cut?

My favourite brand would for sure be Duer Performance—their pants are stylish, functional and by far the most comfortable I’ve worn. Lululemon has become a bit more trendy and not so athleisure-focused these days, and I do like that Kit and Ace has high-performance, high-end pieces as well; I’ve found really nice, stylish bomber jackets and staple pieces at both of those stores. Herschel has us covered with raincoats and waterproof bags.

What finishing touches do you reach for when you’re getting ready?

I love Leah Alexandra jewellery. I have a few necklaces that I often layer from her; there’s a wide range of pieces that are unisex, plus they have really cute rings. I also really love local brand Salty Face for self-tanning. I’ve been using this product for years and stand by it. You can buy it at Formula Fig.

Where do you like to shop?

Plenty is one of my favourites because it has such a wide variety of products. I also love that it features other Canadian brands. Herschel’s Gastown location is their flagship. I love how the store has done art installations and activations with different collabs that they’ve featured in the past. I also really like 8th and Main—I always find something—and I like thrifting at Wardrobe on Main. I found my jacket for this shoot there, and it has a huge selection and is always moderately priced.