Here is your guide to some of the best vintage and local boutiques in the city.
By Caroline Brown
Photos by Caroline Brown
There are so many elements to consider when going shopping, and the last thing anyone wants to stress over is where to stop. Even though Zara, H&M and Aritzia are viable options, it is important to complement trendy pieces with eccentric ones that have interesting detailing and luxurious textures, like velvet and silk. However, these are sometimes difficult to find in a market saturated with trends and man-made fabrics. Let’s face it: clothing is expensive, and in order to find that beautiful texture at an affordable price, vintage is one of the best options. Or, if you are looking for something fashion-forward but don’t want everyone to own it, then local boutiques are your best option. For this purpose, here is a list of some of the best shops on Main Street.
At the crossroads of 28th and Main sits Woo Vintage, with a modest storefront that doesn’t foretell the treasures inside. From 80s Levis for $34, to a men’s purple velvet smoking jacket for $66, Woo Vintage meets everyone’s inner eclectic self. The store provides costumers with a great selection of mid-century clothing and accessories, with an emphasis on Hawaiian and western shirts. The selection of the latter is a great option for the fans of Isabel Marant’s fall 2012 show, which featured an American western theme. The vintage western shirts had floral embroidery on the front as well as on the collar, and ranged from white cotton for $34, to a black and gold two-toned silk for $90. The employees are friendly and passionate about the products in their store. With a great supply of clothes for both men and women, this is a store that both sexes can enjoy.
Up North on Main between 22nd and 21st is Front & Company, known for its mix of consignment and new clothing. It caters to both men and women, and also has a selection of quirky gift items. The selection of men’s clothing is vast, providing affordable staples. There is a diverse selection of plaid shirts, denim, and a cotton army trench coat for $164. The best part of the women’s section is the second hand designer clothes. While I was there I found pieces from Diane von Furstenberg, Marni, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch and James Peace, all for under $100. In particular, a T-Alexander Wang nautical striped sweater caught my eye, selling for $58. The store also offers new clothing from brands like Pink Martini, Lovely Girl, and local brands like Push.
Across the street from Front & Company is Barefoot Contessa, the mecca for party dresses in Vancouver. The store is clean and crisp, and the clothes are divided by colour and style. Although they offer an arrangement of garments like blouses, sweaters, and pants, their greatest strength is their feminine dresses; most cost $79–110. One dress in particular had a black transparent fabric over a white slip, with a Peter Pan collar ornamented with square black sequins and a gold zipper down the back. A couple of dresses had statement collars, an ongoing trend in fashion.
Burcu’s Angels at 221 West 16th Ave is a vintage store that specializes in clothes from different decades. The philosophy behind the store is as follows: colour, texture, decadence, and magic. A sign hung high in the store epitomizes the store’s eccentricity: “I’m dreaming, I’m fancy, I’m sexy.” Personal styling at Burcu’s is one of the best in the city, and sitting on a couch in the back while they bring garment after garment out is an experience everyone should have at least once. It’s a great place for men to get well-made blazers for under $100, and for women, the sequined selection and retro jackets are a must. Even though the prices can skyrocket to well over $1,000, there is a large selection of well-made, one-of-a-kind pieces for under $100. Burcu’s has had a 17-year sale of three for two, and if money is a problem, there is always the option of raiding your grandparent’s closets.
