El Kartel is by far my favourite clothing store. Originally…read morelocated on Granville st. But recently that shop closed after they relocated to Chinatown in an amazing space. They carry the raddest of clothing. local designers and unique stuff from Europe as well as some of your favourite (dare I say "hipster" brands). Nine, Cheap Monday, Rains, Zanerobe, Stussy, and more... In the store you will often find local art / artists. As well as great music always playing at a good volume. The staff makes this place amazing. Pablo, MJ, Natalie and more.. They are all fun, energetic and pleasant people. I have gotten to know them and sometimes stop in just to chat. I love this about El Kartel, it is literally a culture / family. Pricing is the only downside as many shirts cost $50-100 and other items easily reaching $130-200 mark. But, and there is always a butt. This pricing reflects the product, atmosphere, and everything. Their sale items are always solid (if I can find my size) and you have to remember these are all designer / brand names and they would cost the same anywhere else. EVENTS. Yep.. They often hold events at their space. And, im talking GOOD events. Live music, artists, and more.. Always a good time. Definitely check this place out if you are into fashionable, radical, fresh clothing and/or businesses doing it right. El Kartel deserves a gold medal. Shoutout to El Kartel, much love.

Yes I like both the male and female clothing and shoes in this casual store in this cool funky…read morecommunity that is morphing Chinatown into what it will become. Staff are friendly, style is key to this neighbourhood and it's form and fitness. This store has been here for a few years now and I'm happy about it. It adds character that is much needed. I'll have to come back next time I'm in the mood for shopping in the area.

I can appreciate that their items are made from sustainable fabrics, but the prices are a little on…read morethe high side. Maybe if I loved the styles more, I can justify it and perhaps if they had a sale. Then again, everyone has different styles since my friend just loved this store. The sales person never once greeted me as well, but they seemed nice and could have been really busy. She worked with a smile on her face, I like that.

12 months later and my love affair with this little shop stands…read more Last week, I was walking the Make It Festival when the infamous Karen jumped into the aisle in front of me. Not only did she remember me (i've bumped into her a few times at the shop, but not more then a handful) but she was still the incredibly energetic, totally genuine ball of sunshine that made me RUN home to pen that first review back in January. And so, as a tip of the hat to my top service ninja of the year, I thought it be best to share some new findings at Two of Hearts: 1. Karen has a jewellery line that she sells at the shop! Go buy it and support local crafters and an all around rad person! ...I don't remember the name, because I took a business card and had her write down the specifics on a few pieces. Such organization obviously means I will lose said card within 24 hours. I do however have a note that says: "Sounds like the muppets song Mahna Mahna." Because i'm an adult. So I will take that to the Twitterverse for further investigation. Stay tuned. 2. Hats!! If you are looking for the most fabulous fall hat, go check out the Andre felt hats from Montreal. I debated over mine last January and it is singlehandedly my second favourite purchase of the year (it's tough to compete with the Fiat...) They are an excellent price (under $100), made in Canada and just classic, beautiful pieces. But if you buy the red one in the window before, I will get mad at you. Bonus points: you can't even find this line online for a better price. Tip of the hat 2ofH. 3. Bags! I have beat the s%&t out of my bag over the year - every day, dual laptop wielding and it has survived. Definitely looking a bit worse for wear, but it's held up far better then I expected, considering the price point is so reasonable. Right now, they have super awesome colours like hot pink mailbags & bright red clutches. It's a rainbow money suck! 4. Still with the awesome people. Karen isn't an anomaly here. Honest to gosh, i've had nothing but the most fabulous service every time i've gone in. Everyone who works here is all sugar & spice. ...I still have yet to find any actual clothing that fits me properly here... but I don't care. Great accessories & fab people will keep this place as a go to. *** Meiku Designs!!! ... not even close.

Urbanity is a very special shop. This is the opposite of fast fashion. It is full of beautiful…read morequality clothing. The women there are attentive and knowledgeable. My colleagues and I go for a special splurge that adds a piece (s) of clothing to our closets that makes us feel beautiful and will endure.

What a terrible shop the lady behide the counter was so rude and caught her picking her nose and…read morerubbing it on one of the sun dresses ughhh disgusting, some people!!!!!!!

In the Net Loft mall on Granville Island, (across from an entrance to the food market) lives a gift…read moreshop that is a cut above the rest. First Nations artwork reproduced and applied to hundreds of everyday items make this a great gift stop for tourists to the Island. I would definitely think of stopping in here to pick up some unusual items for our friends south of the border. Okay so these aren't "one of a kind" pieces as found elsewhere in the plethora of fine art galleries in and around the Island -that isn't an Island ;-), but they're certainly more affordable!

Though slightly underwhelmed by Granville Island, I was impressed with the Wickaninnish Gallery…read more Lots and lots of Native art, in the form of jewelry, clothing, wood, glass, silver and more. I picked up a gift for my niece or nephew. The salesperson was very helpful when I mentioned I was looking for a gift. From the website I learned this is a Native - owned shop opened in 1987. In fact the owner is a relative of Chief Wickaninnish! They also work with artists and are able to assist customers with ordering custom made items. I also thought this was an interesting tidbit: "The Wickaninnish Gallery is named after a powerful First Nations chief, Chief Wickaninnish of the Tla-o-qui-aht People from Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island. The name Wickaninnish translates to "having no one in front of him in the canoe". During the time of European contact, Chief Wickaninnish was a highly revered leader and was very influential in the fur trade." There is no shortage of NW Coast art in Vancouver, but this little gallery is affordable, Native - owned, and carries some nice pieces. May you have no one in front of you in the canoe!

One of my favorite vintage shops to stop in when im in Vancouver. There are so many pretties and…read morethe prices are great. I picked up a beautiful 50s dress that I can not wait to wear!

Really big and cool vintage selection and really awesome vibe. Service is good but a little pricey.read more

I just stopped by and the lady who owns it (I am so sorry, I did not get your name) was super nice…read moreand very helpful. The clothing is a bit pricey (standard for plus size swimsuits), but they are super cute and have plenty of sizing. I cannot recommend this place enough!

I stopped in today to pick up a bathing suit and it was such a great experienc! the two gals…read morehelping me went out of their way to ensure that I was happy and were so kind. I definitely will be returning! As a plus size woman who also wants organic materials and ethically sourced products, Nettle's Tale has a lot to offer!

This adorbs import shop on Commercial Drive drew me in with its bright colors and beautiful…read moredisplays. It's one of those shops I'm glad isn't close to my house or I'd be over there wayyy too often adding various colorful furniture, knick-knacks, and bric-a-brac to my stale beige apartment. The shop features two rooms devoted to all things imports. The first room is mainly small items, from jewelry and candles to clothing and other decor items. If you're looking for a gift for that hard-to-shop-for friend, this is the place. The second room is full of seriously gorgeous furniture and larger household decor items. Dressers, chairs, beds, dining sets, tapestries, lamps, rugs...it's all in here and it's all just begging you to dig out the ol' credit card and re-dec your place to look like you just returned from a six month excursion through Southeast Asia. The staff are super helpful, too. I was looking for a wall tapestry for my daughter (who is trying desperately to add a boho vibe to her bedroom). The store employee showed me the different sized tapestries and helped me pick one that most suited my kid's vibe. She said if my daughter didn't like it I was welcome to come back and exchange it for a different one. (Luckily, she liked it!) Someday when I win the Mega Millions I'm going to head to Wander and buy one-of-everything.

When the long time occupant of this retail space vacated the location there was a real gap, I…read moreadmit. But then newcomer Spirits Free arrived, and although at first it seemed the store had an identity crisis, leaving the sign blank with no name for months, the character of the shop, now aptly named 'Wander', really took an independent form. The space was brightened up considerably and filled with affordable merchandise from around the globe. Add nice music and an uncluttered layout and voila! You have an inviting, warm place to buy lovely things for yourself or gifts for friends. The merchandise includes home decor and objects of self adornment. From tribal style to Yoga style, there's something for everyone and every season. You can't just pass by, you have to wander in :)

One of a Few came before Two of a Few. This is fashion retail wonderkind Michelle Rizzardo's…read morefirstborn. The styles are airy, flirty and unique. Everything carries subtle charm in all the little quirks that differentiate these designs from the cookie cutter styles that haunt Vancouver's Robson Street. Much of the stock carried in this little space is exclusive to One of a Few. Little pictures hang on the walls, each one framed differently. A desk sits in the middle of the shop... no additional wooden bar sectioning off from patrons. The store looks out onto both Water Street and Cordova. The atmosphere is warm and friendly. It feels more like you've wandered into your friend's older sister's closet for a quick gossip session than a standard store.

Love this store! I can never leave without a coveted new piece. The shoes are amazing and it's…read morealways a great experience.