I absolutely LOVED my experience AND everything I found at The Latest Scoop…read more I was at their brand new location in Dundarave. My recent shopping experiences elsewhere have been so lacklustre and disappointing. I just wasn't finding anything that I liked that looked good on me. I went to The Lastest Scoop very specifically, looking for a dress or two for upcoming functions I was hosting. The entire staff was incredible! I wished I had gotten all of their names. They helped me find gorgeous outfits, for my hosting engagements AND they found me jeans I actually LOVE (it feels like years since I've been able to say that). And the prices are GREAT! I can not recommend enough.

On an impromptu trip to Victoria with my daughter we found this beautiful shop with high quality…read moreclothing at reasonable prices! Cassidy, the sales associate, was professional, helpful and fabulous to work with. Can't say enough about her polished presence and sincere demeanor. We will be back!

Definitely one of my favourite Gastown clothing stores! I stopped in literally minutes before a…read moreshow to see if I could pick up a long skirt to wear at the semi-formal function. I got lost in the racks of gorgeous items - and ended up purchasing TWO incredible pieces. One a longer than floor length high waisted pleated a-line style skirt and a jersey style comfortable skirt with a high slit in the front. These two pieces were on sale and an absolutely steal! So classy and elegant. This store is awesome and filled to the brim with unique pieces made for a lady with an adventurous soul! So pleased I stopped in!!

One of my new favorite stores! I mainly came here because one of my favorite indie jewelry designer…read moresells her stuff through this boutique. Upon entering, I was amazed at the talent of the local designers' work. There are some beautifully tailored pieces made with high quality material/fabrics throughout the shop. I can't really afford much of the clothing right now because I am a student. However, I will be coming back again and again because of the jewelry. I am in love with the vintage reworks by the various local designers. Lots of the jewelry are one-of-a-kind and handmade. I bought 2 necklaces: one for $32 (on sale, regular $40), and one for $38. I'd say these prices are fair. The owner is awesome. She's extremely knowledgeable, talkative and friendly with everyone that comes in. She isn't pushy and you can tell that local fashion is her passion. If you are unable to attend the city's local craft markets, then this is the place to be! I plan on taking a peak at Little Dream on Granville Island very soon! I have a feeling Dream is just a taste of the one-of-a-kind stuff. There must be more at the other location!

When I went to vote in the last federal election, I just happened to pass by the Erin Templeton…read moreboutique on Carrall Street and I remember being pleasantly surprised to see a boutique shop right on the corner in Chinatown. This time around, I decided to make a special visit to Erin's store and I found within, gorgeous leather handmade bags and simple, pretty handmade leather sandals, Templeton's signature pieces. Along with her fab designs, she has in her store, a proper selection of vintage shirts, dresses, pants and footwear for men and women at true vintage prices. Templeton's designs are international and she sells her wares from all over Canada (and in various other shops in Vancouver) along with the States and Japan. While I was bowled over by the vintage and leather goods, I struck up a conversation with Templeton about the area which she chose to open up her shop and she quickly launched into a ballad about her love for Chinatown and its inherent quirkiness. She was quick to point out a few of her favourite spots to check out in the area and we talked for nearly half an hour about how Chinatown used to be, what it is now and its future potential (which, by the way, is high and interesting) as well as her want to have a Christmas craft show with a twist: a keg! Count me in Erin!

Well-made and timeless, every woman should own an Erin Templeton bag. I certainly plan on owning…read moreone of these beauties soon! Erin's designs are classic, without any "trendy" metal hardware or grommets. I love how you can change the length of the straps on the bags simply by repositioning the knots. You can dress these bags up or down. You can buy them in new leather or (even better!) recycled leather. I could go on and on about how these bags are superior to virtually every other bag on the market! The shop itself is a true gem. Located in historic Chinatown, the shop has a down-to-earth vibe and the sales people are wonderful. Wonderful! My friend and I came in the other day, and we ended up chatting and laughing with Erin herself and one of the associates. How cool is it to be able to actually meet the woman who creates your handbag? The bags ain't cheap, but considering how much other well-made handbags go for, it's well worth the price. Besides, with Erin's timeless designs, any gal would be able to carry these bags for years and years to come. The new leather bags come in various neutral shades, black and a beautiful olive green. For those of us who like to make a statement, the recycled leather bags come in a ton of fun colours; plus, the recycled leather is extra supple and drool-worthy. The day I buy my Erin Templeton bag will likely be one of the happiest of my life. I know I'm lame, but at least I can admit it, right?

The fact that I'm no Martha Stewart is no secret - I guess I was born without the home-decor gene…read more I find the whole thing - paint colours, window dressings, matching loveseats - totally mundane. And that's why I was surprised to find a quasi-furnishings store I actually liked. Granted, Provide in Crosstown carries more than just fixtures and accessories for your abode. Among the designer espresso makers are some pretty fashionable clothing items, which, for me, broke up the monotony of the selection of housewares (lamps, vases, tables, cushions, etc.). Someone must have had people like me in mind when they came up with the concept for this store. On to the fashion! I found some beautiful (although pretty high-end) tees by designer James Perse as well as some local style, like Vancouver's own Shereen De Rousseau's gorgeous cross-platform jewellery.

Slowly but surely, this end of downtown Vancouver is becoming a hot spot for lovely boutiques…read more cafes and restaurants and the inclusion of Provide home decor store in that group is a great choice. The general vibe of the store is very bright and open but still warm and cozy. Soft, luxe James Perse casual wear for the ladies and the gentleman inn your life will be welcome with very open arms as a gift for someone else or yourself. Unique pillows and throws will have you wrapping yourself up on the couch and hibernating next to your decadently scented boutique candle from Europe and a cup of Nespresso from that handy little machine that spits out espresso exactly how and when you want. The aforementioned scene is courtesy of Provide and there is more where that came from. Royal Doulton tableware, Niche Modern lighting, Dwell and Publique Living decor items from gorgeous picture frames done in stone to massive and stunning ceramic bowls, you are sure to be entranced by some very fab finds at Provide.

Boutique in size and style and catering to the mid to high end priced clientele…read more Cutting edge decor and amazing scents in a very small space. Located almost opposite the Fort Langley Community Centre in beautiful Fort Langley. We venture here regularly to add to our collection or to just get ideas. They carry designs from local distributors, such as"18 Karat." A Langley company that shops the world for modern design products. A beautiful interior space that, smell as good as it looks inside. Prices can be a bit on the steep side for the larger items, so be prepared.

Such a cute boutique! My go to spot for cute jewelry and gifts…read more The staff is so friendly and incredibly helpful. They carry locally made products which is always a plus and have a nicely curated seasonal fashion. On the pricier side but worth it if you are looking for quality garments.

Remember that part in Disney's Aladdin where the desert sands morph into a huge lion's head that…read moresays something about "a diamond in the rough?" OK, so maybe Yaletown isn't exactly a "rough" neighbourhood, but if it were, Fine Finds would be its hidden gem. Don't be surprised if a quick peak inside the store transforms into a trendy-yet-affordable accessory purchase, must-have clothing cop or cute stationery grab. The items in Fine Finds are as eye-catching as they are irresistable - and they won't necessarily cost you a lion's share. (See how I did that? Years of practice, my friends. Years of practice.) Inside you'll find pieces by Lily + Jae, jackets by Mackage, shoes by Colcci and Block London, High Fashion Handbags and jewelry by Dotted Loop and Papaya Blue.

Great store in the heart of gastown. I was here to pick up a gift for the bf and I was running late…read moreand called the owner and he was kind enough to stay a few minutes after closing as I was stuck behind some fire trucks. Thank you! This store carries a wide range of house items which make great gift ideas for everyone. Great quality and good service.

I've decided to no longer shop here after being treated like I'm invisible. Every time I walk in I…read moream never greated with a hello. There is always someone on the computer at the cash desk more fascinated by what is happening on it, and if you do say hello to one of he staff who work there, you're given a quick hello and not even asked if you're looking for anything -- nothing. This is a story re that is severely pretentious, knows it, and loves it. The only time anyone looks or smiles at you is when they notice you are going to buy a lot of things, then the woman who works there and the owner starts up the conversation with full smiles. It's very transparent, and leaves you not feeling important but feeling exploited for cash, only to live like look at what you bought and realize it's overpriced, easy to find the same brand and item online for 50% less than what you paid, and with better selection. This place hasn't changed its inventory since I first shopped here two years ago. All in all, there are plenty of other places like this that sell these products. My wife found a lot of stuff that they sell in the store at many big box stores. If you visit the store and worry that what you want to buy won't be there, it will. Most of the items are the same, outdated, and easy to find at an IKEA or Chapters, or a few blocks away in Chinatown.

The last Sunday of every month the Railway Station is home to some of the coolest designers and…read morecrafters that you can find in the city. Jewelry, clothing, art, baby attire, pottery, accessories and (yes!) they even have guys stuff too. It's a bit overwhelming for a first timer. So here is my Portobello Survival Guide: I really haven't seen a difference between arriving early or late. However, bring $2 for admission and if you're public transiting it, get off at Science World. There's a shuttle that picks you up from Station Street and Terminal running every 20 minutes. Or there's a big parking lot to park in. Nourish your body and your brain - you don't want to get lightheaded looking at a cool necklace or bracelet or while trying something on. Luckily the crepe stand outside tastes as good as it smells! I always make sure I've had my coffee beforehand - too many things to touch and feel once I'm inside! Make the rounds with stealth effectiveness. My "circuit" takes me from the entrance way straight down the first row and then moving my way to the back skirting along the wall. In the back there is a room on the right that I hit up before I zig zag through the 4 aisles in the middle. I then find myself back at the entrance. If executed properly, you won't miss a thing. Just be careful to note the very back window-wall of pretty things as you zig zag and the front row of stalls as you make your way back towards the front. Be a market star and bring your cash! Most of the vendors love it more than credit. I've noticed that lots more have their own credit equipment. There is also a communal debit/credit stand near the window-wall at the back. You'll be directed to pay there if you make a credit card purchase from a vendor that doesn't have their own. There's also an ATM machine, just before you start the zig zagging. Every month brings new designers and artists with different wares, so a frequent trip is a must do! And, if you're lucky like me this past weekend, you'll can find a great deal, like Two of Heart pants for $25! (They were marked down from $100...I'm a girl who likes to shout out my good finds) I also like to ask what boutiques they might be sold at -just in case I'm not into an impulse buying mood.

This market started out optimistically as a venue for local artists to sell their work and get more…read moreexposure. Unfortunately the high priced tables and poor marketing has driven most of them out. All that is left is off-the-rack, end-of-line sales from local stores and jewelry. Lots and lots of jewelry. Last weekend the public turn out was minimal and they didn't even sell all their table space so they had to cordon off part of the station. Lame. For the gals, it's good for some fashion, jewelry and knickknacks. For the boys, even metrosexuals like me, not so great.