South Granville

AMERICAN APPAREL

Consider American Apparel your one-stop shop for casual weekend wear. Not only do you get long, light cotton T-shirts cut for actual human beings (as opposed to short and wide children) but the store practices sweatshop-free labour. They also carry a great line of boy-cut underwear and cotton wraps that do double duty as tops and scarves. 2242 W. Fourth Ave., Kitsilano; 872 Granville St., Downtown, 604-685-5904; 3070 Granville St., South Granville, 604-484-9447

BEDO

At Montreal-based Bedo, even the most basic pieces have a unique cut and finish. With their asymmetric tops, knitwear and cool prints, focus is on the detailing, and the price is just right. 2997 Granville St., South Granville, 604-734-1390; 776 Granville Street, Downtown, 604-694-2336

BOBOLI

An elegant boutique that caters to the Shaughnessy set, Boboli is the exclusive distributor in Vancouver for Roberto Cavalli designs and carries lines like Bluemarine, Issey Miyake, Missoni, Car shoes and Valentino accessories. Service is impeccable. 2776 Granville St., South Granville, 604-257-2300

CATTIVA

Cattiva remains a mecca for fashion-conscious city girls looking to grab the next new thing. Look for denim lines like Seven, Juicy and Paige Denim and an excellent, well-chosen selection of belts, bags and jewelry. It’s NY meets LA on South Granville. 2665 Granville St., 604-608-1141

DKNY

Donna Karan’s ready-to-wear collection is known for tailored silhouettes and decidedly urban sensibility. Guys in need of a wardrobe update should check out their well-cut, preppy Carnaby blazers and classic leather boots and loafers. For women, we’re partial to the Pure line, a collection of super-soft deconstructed basics in neutral tones—lightweight cashmere shrugs and cosy cableknits ideally suited to our damp climate. 2625 Granville St., 604-733-2000

EIGHTEEN KARAT

All natural textiles, table top items, décor and lifestyle products are modern, but infused with inspirations of nature (think rich shades of brown, green and gold). The company sources product from factories and cottage industry producers that maintain ethical business practices (the owners travel to each and every one of their suppliers), but best of all are the prices, which are more than reasonable. 3039 Granville St., South Granville, 604-742-1880

EQ3

Think Ikea without the trip to the ’burbs (though they have stores there too). The ever-expanding Winnipeg-based chain stocks modern furnishings and accessories that are both trendy and affordable. Think graphic print bed linens, white dishes, brightly coloured square-armed sofas—all perfect for young professionals tired of the post-student postered-wall-and-futon-couch aesthetic. 1039 Hamilton St., Yaletown, 604-681-5155; 2301 Granville St., South Granville, 604-681-5155 and two other locations in the Lower Mainland

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., 604-738-2700

K INTERIORS

Formerly J Interiors, K Interiors was purchased by Calgary designer Kathy Love. Chandeliers and glittering things still figure prominently as do rare woods and luxurious fabrics. Still a tasteful mix of old-world craftsmanship and more modern classics, K Interiors proves that impeccable taste can weather any storm. 2213 Granville St., 604-733-9823

LIBERTY

Liberty is less a store than an imagined lifestyle—where summers are spent abroad, shortbread cookies are served off sterling silver trays and living rooms have connecting sitting rooms. In 2006, the flagship store moved to a 13,500-square-foot space in South Granville and became the exclusive Vancouver distributor of Sarah Richardson furniture and the Liberty line of bath products, which are handmade on the Sunshine Coast. Other must-haves: crystal stemware from Royal Doulton, a sleek silver art deco lamp and mercury glass tea light holders. Where else can you find a stone dove or mermaid candlestick? We dunno, but we want ’em. Sale items on the lower level are not to be missed. A new Victoria location opens soon. 1635 W. Broadway, 604-682-7499, and two other locations in the Lower Mainland

ME AND JO

Occupying a corner of the sprawling Full House consignment shop, Me and Jo is a great source—perhaps the only source—for restored mid-century metal. Vintage filing cabinets, desks, salvaged medical cabinets and chrome starburst coat racks would make funky, if hefty, additions to your home office. Fair prices. c/o Full House Consignment, 1445 W. Eighth Ave., 604-733-7789 or 778-895-1565

MISCH

This adorable bell-sleeve dress with cotton tulle insert from 3.1 Phillip Lim ($620, right) shares a rack with French labels like Vanessa Bruno and Isabel Marant. 2960 Granville St., 604-731-1017

THE NEW ECLECTIC

Last-minute gift shopping? At The New Eclectic find these cheeky candles from A Scent of a Scandal, $22 (right) —with over 40 scents (and messages) to choose from, you’re bound to find something befitting. 2327 Granville St., 604-733-9797

PERIDOT

If Parisienne-pretty is your style, look no further than Peridot for scented candles, tasselled pillows, sparkling chandeliers and semiprecious stone jewellery made by local interior decorator Amanda Vogler. 1512 W. 14th Ave., 604-736-4499

PLUM

This locally based chain recently celebrated their 20th anniversary with the release of a new line of dresses called Simone. Pastel hues, voile patterns, cute empire-waist cuts…we know what you’re thinking (Plum has been known for little more than the most basic of basics), but trust us, it’s time to revisit. 2799 Granville St., South Granville, 604-737-0246; 2290 W. Fourth Ave., Kitsilano, 604-733-0603; and other locations across the Lower Mainland

POTTERY BARN

Like the haircuts that launched a thousand ships (and drove stylists to the brink of insanity), we once again have Friends to thank for another cult phenomenon. Pottery Barn sells those casual-classic home furnishings that draw people like bees to the hive. Then again, we can’t help but adore the plush bath towels and oversized alarm clocks. 2600 Granville St., 604-678-9897

SHAUGHNESSY ANTIQUE GALLERY

Lamaire pearl opera glasses ($375, right), one of many fab finds at Shaughnessy Antique Gallery, best known for their large collection of antique and costume jewellery. 3025 Granville St., 604-222-9099

STILL LIFE INTERIORS

All the sleek, clean-lined wood furnishings carried at Still Life are locally built using traditional joinery techniques. Check out the Barlow Tyrie line of outdoor furniture built of solid teak ($500-$5000). You’ll also find a great selection of Artemide and Isamu Noguchi lamps and hot-selling Jonathan Adler pottery ($50-500). 1462 W. Eighth Ave., 604-730-5770

TNA

TNA started as in-house line of workout wear (sweats that come in hot pink or baby blue, plus really short shorts, etc.) and casual clothes sold by Aritzia. But it took on a life of its own, especially among young teens. Naturally, the brains behind Aritzia (Brian Hill) opened TNA, the boutique, and expanded the offerings to include denim lines like Juicy, Chip and Pepper and Seven. 2899 Granville St., 604-714-5927

VILLA BEAU INTERIORS

Villa Beau Interiors designs custom chandeliers (our favourite is lone made with chocolate-coloured Austrian crystals, $749). 1450 W. Broadway, 604-733-2742