Where should I shop for women's clothing in Vancouver BC
March 2, 2016 1:49 PM Subscribe
I'm going up to Vancouver for the weekend soon and find myself with a bit of a clothing budget and a favorable exchange rate. I don't shop at the same stores as my woman friend up there due to differences in taste and size range, and my other woman friend there is off at a meditation retreat so I can't ask her. Given the preferences below the fold, where should I shop for clothes and shoes?
I've never been able to find anything I like at The Bay, and Holt Renfrew is a little too high-end for my budget. I tend to like classic basics with a little bit of an elevated style but nothing too trendy. I work in tech so I don't need to dress up for work but I like to look put together while still being comfy. Stores I like in the US include Uniqlo, LOFT, Gap, Lucky Brand, Madewell, Nordstrom, Banana Republic (occasionally) and some stuff at Zara. I wear straight sizes (not plus size or petite). Shoe brands I like include Born and Ariat (comfort shoes that have low heels but also some up-to-date style). I do intend to go to Icebreaker since we don't have one in my home city anymore.
I've never been able to find anything I like at The Bay, and Holt Renfrew is a little too high-end for my budget. I tend to like classic basics with a little bit of an elevated style but nothing too trendy. I work in tech so I don't need to dress up for work but I like to look put together while still being comfy. Stores I like in the US include Uniqlo, LOFT, Gap, Lucky Brand, Madewell, Nordstrom, Banana Republic (occasionally) and some stuff at Zara. I wear straight sizes (not plus size or petite). Shoe brands I like include Born and Ariat (comfort shoes that have low heels but also some up-to-date style). I do intend to go to Icebreaker since we don't have one in my home city anymore.
Best answer: Oh yeah, The Block in Gastown could be fun with your US dollars if you're into brands like A.P.C. and Nudie.
And for shoes, Gravity Pope.
posted by paperback version at 2:51 PM on March 2, 2016
And for shoes, Gravity Pope.
posted by paperback version at 2:51 PM on March 2, 2016
I might be too hipster to answer this question, but I'll try.
You can find many of the US brands you like in the Robson Street area or arty the various malls (Pacific Centre, Richmond Centre, Metrotown). But here are a few of my local favorites: the Fluevog mothership is in Gastown (comfy shoes with style). There's a cute little very well curated consignment shop called Hunter and Hare on W. Pender; I'm a fan. Front & Co. on Main has a great selection of clothing to suit various tastes (linked to above).
posted by bibliotropic at 3:30 PM on March 2, 2016
You can find many of the US brands you like in the Robson Street area or arty the various malls (Pacific Centre, Richmond Centre, Metrotown). But here are a few of my local favorites: the Fluevog mothership is in Gastown (comfy shoes with style). There's a cute little very well curated consignment shop called Hunter and Hare on W. Pender; I'm a fan. Front & Co. on Main has a great selection of clothing to suit various tastes (linked to above).
posted by bibliotropic at 3:30 PM on March 2, 2016
Response by poster: Looking for local or Canadian brands. I can get most US brands at home in Seattle. A little hipsterdom is fine. Not really into $350 shirts.
posted by matildaben at 3:32 PM on March 2, 2016
posted by matildaben at 3:32 PM on March 2, 2016
Best answer: For shoes - Lord's Shoes on South Granville and Gravity Pope on West 4th.
For clothing:
* Two of Hearts. I think their W 4th location has more selection than the Main Street location.
* You can get an excellent selection of the Spanish brand Desigual in Vancouver, I didn't find this in the US. There is a very helpful shopkeeper in a shop called Angel Vancouver - disregard the mess and ask her to bring you what you want. She will discount 20% if you buy sufficient quantity. This shop is in Gastown.
* Nicole Bridger is worth a visit for locally designed and solid staples. This shop is also in Gastown near Angel Vancouver.
Kit and Ace is also in Gastown but it is IMHO overpriced for quality. Main St. is definitely worth a visit for the vintage clothing selection.
posted by crazycanuck at 3:42 PM on March 2, 2016
For clothing:
* Two of Hearts. I think their W 4th location has more selection than the Main Street location.
* You can get an excellent selection of the Spanish brand Desigual in Vancouver, I didn't find this in the US. There is a very helpful shopkeeper in a shop called Angel Vancouver - disregard the mess and ask her to bring you what you want. She will discount 20% if you buy sufficient quantity. This shop is in Gastown.
* Nicole Bridger is worth a visit for locally designed and solid staples. This shop is also in Gastown near Angel Vancouver.
Kit and Ace is also in Gastown but it is IMHO overpriced for quality. Main St. is definitely worth a visit for the vintage clothing selection.
posted by crazycanuck at 3:42 PM on March 2, 2016
I'm a big fan of Oak and Fort. There's one in Gastown and there might be one in Oakridge Mall...? Pretty much entirely made up of affordable classic basics. They often have a lot of decent sales too, especially in-store.
posted by thebots at 4:05 PM on March 2, 2016
posted by thebots at 4:05 PM on March 2, 2016
If you can, I'd check out the newly arrived Simons over at Park Royal Mall.
posted by miles1972 at 4:59 PM on March 2, 2016
posted by miles1972 at 4:59 PM on March 2, 2016
Check out Smoking Lily and see if their stuff is your style. It's one of my favourite casual/comfy but stylish stores. The Vancouver store is on Main St.
posted by rozee at 6:30 PM on March 2, 2016
posted by rozee at 6:30 PM on March 2, 2016
I don't think you have Simons in the states. Their Park Royal location is not central, but I still recommend it for weird statement pieces that aren't like anything I've seen anywhere else. They often have different stuff in-store from what they have online. (Also, FYI, Twik brand clothes fit small, as that is their teen line.)
posted by monkeymonkey at 7:04 PM on March 2, 2016
posted by monkeymonkey at 7:04 PM on March 2, 2016
Seconding Smoking Lily! BC made, great quality. If it's your style you'll be in heaven. They have good sales sometimes. Also, the suggestion to wander along Main Street (Smoking Lily is at 3634 Main) is very good.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 9:56 PM on March 2, 2016
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 9:56 PM on March 2, 2016
When I was visiting Vancouver from the US last summer (at a favorable exchange rate even then), I made sure to visit Danier Leather--which is sadly closing, but that means the prices will be good!--and Kit & Ace. I'm a fan of John Fluevog shoes too. Kit & Ace and Fluevog are both available in the US, but they only have stores in a few major cities.
posted by serelliya at 11:26 PM on March 2, 2016
posted by serelliya at 11:26 PM on March 2, 2016
Adding to the above: stop into Mountain Equipment Coop, too. Awesome wellmade gear for any sport you may be into, plus just nice looking jackets and basics for all types of weather.
posted by spandex at 6:11 AM on March 3, 2016
posted by spandex at 6:11 AM on March 3, 2016
This thread is closed to new comments.
Plenty has some decent options if you go to their main store in Kits (on Broadway); their mall locations tend to have less selection.
Maybe hit up some of the boutiques along Main Street, like Front & Co or 8th + Main.
posted by paperback version at 2:40 PM on March 2, 2016