The Shopping Diary: January/February 2008

The ever-expanding Pure Nail Bar empire touches down in Kerrisdale. 2267 W. 41st Ave., 604-263-9622.

Blink and you might miss it—lifestyle and home decor shop Provide proves good things come in small packages. The tiny shop packs a punch with pieces from Rina Menardi, Klein Reid, Heath Ceramics, Alessi, Martha Sturdy, Terence Conran by Royal Doulton, and much more. 529 Beatty St., 604-632-0095. Providehome.com

Yaletown’s Blo Bar has opened a new space, and launched a new concept. Back Bar Beauty Lounge (located right next door to Blo) is billed as an à la carte beauty lounge. Translation: it’s a 600 square-foot spare and modern space, equipped with a kitchenette and sound system, available to rent by the hour. Blo staff can provide blow-outs, makeup, manis and pedis, Mhendi henna tattooing, pole dancing lessons—just about anything you can dream up. 1150 Hamilton St., 604-961-6155. Backbarbeautylounge.com