Top 10 Tips to Achieve Financial Freedom While Having Fun in the Process
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When you’re saving up for your dream home or building a nest egg for your fantasy retirement, it’s easy to lose sight of how to enjoy yourself—sensibly—along the way. And balancing your long-term investment opportunities with your short-term savings requirements can be a recipe for fiscal disaster if you don’t do some careful calculating. Read on to find financial freedom, one fun step at a time. | |
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Money, Money, Money Step 1: Monitor your expenses. It sounds basic, but you can’t have a sense of where to redirect misplaced money if you don’t already know where it’s going…and where it’s going awry. For a month, note down every single expense, track all your purchases, list any debts, factor in your income, then figure out where you can stand to make some changes. If you need help, invest in a financial planner, or visit your bank for a free consultation. Once you have a sense of what you’re spending too much money on, you’ll have a better idea of where to trim and how to tighten accordingly. |
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Totally Trippy Plan your next vacation, now. Figure out when you’re going, what price range you want to spend, and then pad in a little extra to tote back irresistible souvenirs and indulge all your last-minute whims. Even if you’re only going to travel 11 months from now, you’ll know where you want to go, and have a sense of how much money you need to designate each month in order to get there. And knowing that your recompense will be the trip of your dreams will make it that much easier to set aside your monthly vacation allotment. |
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Date-Night Dough Set aside some funds for a couple of weekly dates with your lover. If you don’t use the money for a date one week, funnel it into the kitty for the following week, and spend that doubled amount the next time you hook up. The savings for one date night needs to be on the low-budget end of things—think a date involving a homemade dinner and DVD rental with popcorn—and the other date night can be a little fancier, with an allowance for a real meal out, so no one has to cook. If you are single or break up with your beau, keep putting away the date money—the rule is, if you don’t spend it all year, you get to cash it in after tax time to treat yourself to a fabulous, whimsical purchase, like a vacation or shopping spree! |
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Lunch, Honey One easy way to save a lot of cash is to eat a packed lunch rather than buying take-out or paying the price of costly restaurant menu options. Brown bag it at least three times a week, and you’ll not only see the savings, but feel less guilty spending money on pricey resto fare when you do eat out. Keep to a schedule—after your weekend grocery shop, plan your home-packed lunch on Sunday night for Monday and Tuesday, and then give yourself a day off. Wednesday night, think about what you’ll want Thursday, and for Friday’s lunch, treat yourself to eating out with coworkers. Keep some snacks like granola bars, plus a couple of cans—tuna, soup, tinned fruit—at your desk to pull out if you feel like noshing or forget to pack a lunch one day. A bonus: you’ll find that by making conscious meal choices in advance, you end up eating food that’s better for you. On weeks you find you really need to tighten the proverbial budgetary belt, cinch your lunchtime options by packing food five days a week. |
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Top Up That RRSP One really smart way to shelter your income from taxes while making your money work for you is to put as much as you can into your RRSP. If you can funnel more of your savings into your RRSP or even reach your maximum annual allowance, you’re going for the gold. Determine how much more you can afford to direct that way, then, have a larger percentage of your bi-weekly employment cheque plunked directly into your RRSP, so you don’t even miss it come payday. Do this now and reap the benefits come tax time. |
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No Small Change. Have you ever seen those sold-on-TV gizmos that separate your coins into their own respective denomination categories—the quarters with the quarters, nickels with other nickels, etc.? They may look like useless doodads, but they can actually go a long way toward converting the cents you won’t miss into useful spending dollars. There are lots of options of how to make your pocket coinage work better for you. At the end of each day, take all your small change and divide it according to its kind, into plastic containers with small slits in each lid. Wait ’til each container is full before you either roll your coins and trade them in at the bank, or cash them in for bills (you can do this easily at change-counting machines, available at many mass supermarkets). If you use a coin-operated Laundromat, save half the loonies and quarters for laundry, and dedicate the rest to your pot of gold, silver and nickel. Keep a separate savings account for this small change fund, and review what to spend it on once a year, again, just after tax time. |
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Go Shopping! That’s right. You heard it here first: go shopping. But don’t go all out, armed with a piece of plastic in hand, charging anything that strikes your fancy to your credit card…au contraire, you need to have a plan of attack in advance of hitting the stores. If your favourite shoe store has extremely discounted annual summer sales of fall stock, and you need a pair of close-toed shoes for your work wardrobe, plan to go shoe shopping during that summer sale for your fall footwear. By the same token, if you prefer to get the new season’s trendy shoe offerings, save up a bit more dough, knowing that currency has its price, and pinch elsewhere. Peruse warehouse outlets for your favourite stores, even if they’re a bit of a drive…it’s often worth the trek there, and you can make a date with your best girlfriends to pool the cost of getting there while acting as one another’s budgetary shopping conscience. Ask sales staff when their annual sales take place, so you can plan to outfit your home, and yourself, during those discounted days when you’ll get the biggest bang for your buck. |
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From Red To Black Unless you can afford to pay off your credit card bill right away, hold off on the bullish “charge it” behaviour. That means: if you don’t have enough dough in your bank account to cover whatever item you’re about to charge to your credit card, don’t allow yourself to hand over the plastic. The interest charges alone can reduce you to owing your first-born to your credit card company! Instead, pay with cash or debit. If you don’t already have debt, this is a great way to not accumulate more. Although it may mean that you are less permissive with yourself than you normally are, by living within your means, you’ll thank yourself when you can pay off your monthly credit card bill without having to pay any inflated interest fees. |
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Time Is Money Last-minute or unexpected expenses that crop up can cost you much more than you’d wish—and with a little foresight and planning, you may be able to avoid them. Take lunch, for example: if you forget to pack it and need to buy, then eat your lunch quickly at your desk, you may have to choose from a couple of costly cafeteria options or local fast-food chains. But if you make your meal ahead, you can get more work done during your lunch hour without having to pay trumped up prices. The same goes for a coworker’s birthday. If you remember their birthday only at the last minute, you’ll end up buying them a card at the local stationery store, whereas if you plan ahead and review your calendar for the week in advance, you can either make your colleague’s card, email an interactive, online card, or buy a decent-looking one from the dollar store. Buying items in bulk when it makes sense to do so is another great way to maximize value for minimal hassle. |
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Treat Yourself to Cheap ’n’ Cheerful At the end of each week, buy yourself something small (as in, under $10) but special, as a reward for adhering to all your other strict yet sensible savings habits. It could be something as simple as a popsicle to a new beauty product to a bouquet of fresh flowers—whatever floats your boat. Respect your weekly sacrifices and compromises to ultimately surprise yourself with a small monetary thank-you token. It’ll make all that scrimping and saving seem worthwhile just as you’re wondering when it will all start to feel worth the wait. |
The Top 10 Ways to Save or Invest Your Money
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Are you sick of borrowing money from friends and family? Do you anxiously await payday every two weeks? We should all be saving for a rainy day-no matter how pathetic our paychecks and how insatiable our shopping desires-and it's never too early to start. | |
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| Everyday, thousands of Canadians are throwing their money away. Here are five ways to save a few bucks. | |
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Stop Paying Fees |
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Go the Extra Mile |
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Upgrade Your Account |
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Use A Proper Credit Card |
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Simplify Your Life |
| So you've got some money saved, but aren't sure what to do with it? Here are five investment options to consider. | |
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RRSPs |
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GIC |
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Canada Savings Bonds |
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Mutual Funds |
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Stocks |
The Top 10 Restaurants in Vancouver
1. Aurora Bistro
Chef Jeff Van Geest pre-dated the gentrification of the Main Street crossroads just a few years ago. Through regularly scheduled wine and beer dinners, he and general manager Kurtis Kolt have built a well-deserved affinity with neighbours and cross-town traffic. They come for the clean cooking conscientiously cast in locality and good ingredients such as mixed Fraser Valley organic greens with white balsamic dressing ($9), or Nicola Valley bison carpaccio ($11) with local asparagus, B.C. cheddar, lemon and white truffle oil. The smoked ham hock risotto ($13) studded with peas was deeply flavoured yet light; a larger plate of Red Devil ale-braised veal cheek shepherd's pie ($22) was also well conceived and crafted. Wonderful brunches feature cosseting dishes of poached eggs with duck bacon ($10.75) or truffle scrambled eggs with back bacon ($11). The terrific wine list is B.C.-only, and features tough finds such as Black Hills Alibi ($48), Joie Year One rosé ($40) and Kettle Valley King merlot ($60). Aurora has met its mark as a modern Canadian bistro where both the food and service are both accessible and convivial.-J.M. > 2420 Main St., 604-873-9944.
2. Brown's
Storyline: Cactus Club ex-pat Scott Morison and partner Derek Archer roll out incubator for what must surely become a chain. And nail it, too, in a neatly designed room that's as comfortable as its no-nonsense, greatest-hits menu. Brown's runs rife with quality burgers (the hickory version, $10, is a smoky treat), beef dip sandwiches, pad Thai bowls, and some interesting sides. We particularly liked the rendition of spicy wok squid ($8), cowboy salad ($5) and Thai chicken soup ($3/$5). Evening entrees see "Simple Fish" numbers one or two (market price), filleted inhouse and served with wild rice salad and vegetables. Back ribs ($23) and two certified Angus steaks ($24/$32) complete the snapshot menu. The wine list is short and directed with a dozen or so by the glass.-J.M. > 1764 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, 604-929-5401.
3. Burgoo
Could there be a neighbourhood restaurant more perfectly suited to a drizzly grey summer night in Vancouver? Or a drizzly grey winter night in Vancouver? Comfort food is the name of the game at Burgoo, a West Point Grey haunt serving up steaming bowls of flavourful soups and stews-it's a saving grace for anyone stuck for where to take granny, the kids, a first date, or the soccer team post-game. We fell under the spell of the saffron-infused tomato and cream seafood bisque ($6.95), even if we did wish there were larger bites of the prawns, mussels, squid, clams and snapper. The Caribbean jerk spiced chicken pepperpot ($8.95) with chick peas and sweet peppers kicked things up a notch, but winner of our popularity contest was beef Bourguignon ($9.25) with perfectly caramelized pearl onions, served on garlicky mashed potatoes. We went overboard and ordered the dark chocolate banana bread pudding ($4.25), and didn't regret a single bite, even if it meant rolling ourselves out the door and straight into bed.-R.P.
> 4434 W. 10th Ave., 604-221-7839.
4. Café de Paris
The city's oldest bistro (it's been drawing the punters in for nearly 30 years), Café de Paris is charmingly old school in many ways-not least in the time-warp décor-but the kitchen has been roused in no small manner by the arrival last year of Chef Scott Kidd. It's still very French, right down to the horse meat tartare on offer, but the menu's traditional favourites-a melt-in-the mouth lamb sirloin, punched to the top with anchovies, for instance, or the Cassoulet Toulousain (duck confit, braised pork shoulder, Toulouse sausage and white beans), a hearty plate of grandmére comfort-all come with subtle regional dashes. Diners get an elegant dish of the Café's justly famous pommes frites to share, Carol Pao's desserts are delightful (the chocolate paté with cassis sorbet is especially refreshing on a summer evening) and a window seat offers a charming view of the bustle of Denman street life.-M.M. > 751 Denman St., 604-687-1418.
5. Casa Verde
Portuguese food is probably not first-date food. It's peasant cuisine, honest, pungent and messy, the sort of tasty stuff you consume only with people you've known and loved a long time. And Casa Verde, a homely little joint (on Commercial Street, not Drive) is the best place in town to dig in. It's a family affair, with a big TV in the corner tuned to Portuguese soaps and soccer games, run by the Barbosa family-Mr. Barbosa cooks in the back, while his lovely and ebullient daughter Sarah hosts out front. There's sports memorabilia all over the place, clumps of friendly middle-aged Portuguese men drifting about the room with glasses of red wine, and a banquet hall in back where Larry Campbell (a regular along with Jim Green) made his first-ever political speech, according to Sarah. Make sure not to fill up on the fresh Portuguese buns that'll keep on reappearing at the table and start things off with Sardinhas Assadas ($5.95), whole grilled sardines, and Camaroes Piri Piri ($17), pan-fried prawns in a piquant sauce that you'll want to use the buns to swab up. For mains try the classic Portuguese dish Carne de Porco Alentejana ($12.95), marinated and pan-fried pork cubes, steamed clams and chorizo (or chourico, as they say) slices served on a bed of homemade fries, or Lulas Grelhadas ($11.95), a whole grilled squid pan-fried in lemon and olive oil, with sides that include boiled potatoes and a boiled egg. And don't miss the house-legend, weekend-only Frango no Churraco ($16): BBQ-roasted piri piri chicken. -M.M. > 3532 Commercial St., 604-876-7647.
6. Dundarave Fish Market
You know it's fresh (they're in the trade) and now you know it's also very good value. Unfussed seafood in a delightful room, with a cosy bar that screams gemütlich. There are Kusshi and Stellar Bay oysters ($2.50) available all day, and a charming seafood ceviche ($14) that finds ahi, scallops, salmon, shrimp and crab acidulated in lime and cucumber. By night, grilled crab cakes ($11.95) are served with a red curry aïoli, and wonton prawns ($11.95) arrive with an unusual horseradish-spiked dipping sauce. "Rip Tide Squid," which is a variation of the now ubiquitous bar food, was served with a chilli and tobiko-laced aïoli: delicious. Our only disappointment? Finding sea bass on the menu. Lots of martinis; abbreviated wine list.-J.M.
> 2423 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, 604-922-1155.
7. Hamilton Street Grill
Chef-owner Neil Wyles' comfortable Yaletown steakhouse features a range of Angus steaks, seafood and braises. But insiders know to order the flavour-packed hanger steak (a.k.a. "the butcher's cut"), served with roasted garlic-mashed potatoes and a turn of seasonal vegetables. The roasted tomato soup ($8) is delicious, redolent of a backsplash of aromatic gin. Prices compare favourably to other Vancouver steakhouses: a grilled sirloin is $18, and a hefty 20-ounce New York just $32. Lamb shanks ($20), which are served in a bowl of their feisty tomato braise, are also an absolute bargain. Wyles is a charming fellow who knows his many regulars by name; many attend his monthly wine tastings, where appetizers, sample glasses and an explanatory talk from the winemaker are $20 or so. Last word: Don't leave without sampling the housemade gingerbread pudding.-J.M. > 1009 Hamilton St., 604-331-1511.
8. The Ivy
The vestiges of Hungary that pepper the menu in this pleasantly decorated west side space are best found in the chicken paprika ($18.95), which necessarily combines paprika-smothered braised chicken served with very good spatzle. But the real deal here is a Hungarian cucumber salad ($5.50) in sour cream and dill dressing, followed by a truly special dish of slow-roasted, crispy skinned duck ($20.95) bedded with braised red cabbage and shotgunned with red wine sauce. The chef might occasionally weary of its preparation, but we never do.-J.M.
> 3525 West Fourth Ave., 604-737-1818.
9. Japone
Eye-grabbing (for all the wrong reasons) strip mall reveals reasonably priced Japanese in several guises. Fresh fish shows up as pressed sushi (unagi battera, $9.25), rolls and more typical sashimi and nigiri. The uni (sea urchin) sushi is a cut-rate $2.75, the crabmeat freshly picked. But Japone also veers into interesting hot Japanese kitchen dishes, with crispy fried chicken cutlets ($8.25) and soft shell crab ($10.50). And elsewhere: "octopus hold" is slices of octopus in tomato-basil sauce, and asari is clam meat cooked in garlic butter. Excellent motoyaki, such as grilled oysters in an egg-based sauce ($4.95), seal the meal.-J.M. > 8269 Oak St., 604-263-6708.
10. Lucy Mae Brown
After opening with a bang in 2001 (and inheriting the Century Grill crowd with salacious appetites in tow) this room snuck under the radar for a few years; a recent visit however did confirm that Vancouver still loves Lucy. A newish patio dining area and the downstairs lounge have got it going on, especially on Friday nights when the crowd is young, handsome, a tad raucous (in a good, Friday-night kind of way) and looking to flirt. A visit to the upstairs dining lounge, however, lacked the same energy level. The room is sexy as ever, but service came in fits and starts. While both the farmhouse duck breast served with crispy potato and plum compote ($24) and the filet steak topped with creamy cambozola and served with potato gratin ($27) were good, the halibut special, lukewarm and-we hate to say it-mushy in texture, was anything but. A sticky toffee pudding, with caramel sauce, roasted banana anglaise and cinnamon ice cream ($8) rescued, although the when the final bill came we questioned whether, in a city full of better meals at half the price, the dining room had room to improve. But Lucy's extensive and well-thought-out wine and cocktail list reveals the owners' vast knowledge of drink-take advantage of that. -R.P.
> 862 Richards St., 604-899-9199.
*article taken from: http://www.vanmag.com/bites.html
Top Places to Shop for Party Clothing in Vancouver
Owner Eva de Viveiros doubled our pleasure last year when she expanded her Barefoot Contessa (3715 Main St., 604-879-1137) boutique and gave us more of what we love: Betsey Johnson, Nougat, Blushing Designs and the prettiest silk and pearl tie-on halter tops from Jenny Han. The shoe selection will expand, as will everything fab for Fido (capelets from Ruff Ruff, tees from Dirty Laundry). Look for the Contessa to stock jeans in the fall, as well as a rack for men with Apartment cowboy shirts and belts, and T-shirts with ironic slogans.-R.P.
Avoid factory-produced garb at all costs: that was the mandate Chinchilla (330 W. Cordova St., 604-687-8539) owners Jessica and Amy had in mind when they scoured the world for unique one-offs -the store carries exclusive international imports like Israel's Anna K, whose pre-loved tops are a cross between Charles Dickens and prima donna Goth. Their in-house line, named after the store, features light cotton motorcycle jackets perfect for the summer, but the selling points are the beautiful handcrafted lace tops that promise buyers an inimitable look for any event.-A.N.
[NEW] Featuring local designs by Marina Mikulic, Mala Kuja Moda (1067 Hamilton St., 604-685-4414) has been swimming in attention since it opened its doors in Yaletown last summer. The store carries an eclectic mix of contemporary and global pieces with classic cuts and sleek lines. In step with the season's bohemian luxury, Mala Kuja Moda's latest lines of dresses are perfect for garden parties that take you long into the evening. A red silk one-shoulder peasant dress can be worn over jeans for day and transformed with a beaded necklace and heels for night.-A.N.
[NEW] Our new favourite need-a-fabulous-outfit-in-one-hour-or-less boutique continues to impress by carrying lines direct from N.Y.C. and L.A.: Inhabit, Wyeth, Birkett, Alexander Wang and Jungal. Look for new label Jenny Jen, whose designer used to work for the house of Chloe, plus fabulous cashmere sweaters by emerging designer Alexander Wang and the new ultrathin T-shirt by Zooey. Misch, 2960 Granville St., 604-731-1017.-R.P.
Leanne Dunic's darling little shop, Miss Coquette (4372 W. 10th Ave., 604-221-2888), is tucked away in far-west Point Grey: make a fashion pilgrimage for the large selection of Italian hosiery, carefully edited accessories (check out local label Sandpaper's exotic woods shaped into dramatic hoops and rectangle drop earrings), and did we mention dresses, dresses, dresses? Saucy girls must try local label Cuche's cut-away (very cut-away) one-piece bathing suit. -R.P.
[NEW] Little Joe, a new line by former '80s supermodel Gail Elliott, is a collection of gorgeous silk camisoles and dresses intended for nightwear but perfect for partywear. The ruched tops have gathered sides and come with matching tie-top underwear if one were inclined to bring the party home. The beyond-luxe camis and slips come in charming pastels and offer up subdued sensuality along with easy-to-carry elegance: you can afford to match your martinis to your outfit for the night. At Holt Renfrew (633 Granville St., 604-681-3121). -A.N.
article taken from: http://www.vanmag.com/buys.html
Top Places to Shop for Professional Clothing in Vancouver
Ladies, we're sending you to The Bay. Before you throw this magazine down in disgust we suggest that you read on. Quietly working its magic in the back of the third floor is a boutique oasis amidst the Hudson's Bay hoopla. Canadian by Design showcases the collections of, you guessed it, Canadian designers. Buyer Ruth Ho has brought together an impressive selection of labels: Montreal's Vex, Toronto's Lida Baday and Logic, and locals Jacqueline Conoir, Chloe Angus and Tension. This year, keep your eyes open for Lida Baday's exquisitely tailored pantsuits made from Radzmir (a synthetic blend with the feel of satin and the shimmer of a space shuttle).-S.S.
Looking for a different kind of shopping experience? Then get yourself on the e-mail list for the open houses at JC Studio (46 W. Sixth Ave., 604-688-5222), home of local label Jacqueline Conoir. The open houses are a veritable bazaar of all that is new and hot on the local scene. Shoppers can try on pieces from the Jacqueline Conoir collection and jewellery from local designers, and get makeup consultations, all while sipping a glass of chardonnay. Très civilisé, Jacqueline! The studio can also be booked for what designer RozeMerie Cuevas calls a Shopping Rendez-vous: private parties where the studio provides the wine, the appetizers, the clothes, the wardrobe consultant and the communal change room. If you can't have fun drinking and shopping with friends, then remind us to never invite you along again, party pooper.-S.S.
When it comes to shopping for men's suits, the choices are pretty clear: Holt's, Harry Rosen, Dunn's. Or so we thought. While these fine stores carry all the top designers and offer excellent service, why not look into having a suit custom-made? Manuel Mendoza, known primarily for his exquisite evening gowns, is also an experienced haberdasher. While the raw silk burgundy number we saw in his studio (692 Seymour St., 604-681-0183) might not be to everyone's taste, he has access to a wealth of England's finest wools in more traditional patterns: you could spend weeks just running through his swatches.-S.S.
Considering what you spent on your Powerbook, why would you lug it around in shapeless leather laptop bag, or worse, a cheap nylon Old Navy number? Put a little more form into your function with Acme Made notebook carriers available at Inform Interiors (97 Water St., 604-682-3868). Made using top-quality fabrics from Japan, Denmark and the U.S., the slim, streamlined shape fits most laptops, and the quilted satin lining will smooth out any hard knocks.-S.S.
article taken from: http://www.vanmag.com/buys.html
Top Places to Shop for Weekend Clothing in Vancouver
Your ultimate Sunday brunch outfit? A Mono by Heather Martin shift dress in hand-dyed cotton, an Erin Templeton hobo bag and a Built by Wendy for Wrangler 47 three-quarter-sleeve jean jacket in dark denim. Where to buy said outfit? Why, The Block (350 W. Cordova St., 604-685-8885), of course-Style 101 on your lunch break. For the boys, silk-screened T-shirts in bright colours by local label Folk Hero, and preppy-cool pieces by Lacoste add some class to your act.-A.N. [NEW] The end-all of comfortable, staple T-shirts, American Apparel (872 Granville St., 604-685-5904) is a 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 practises sweatshop-free labour. So go ahead and ride the moral highroad in your classic white tee. American Apparel also carries a great line of boy-cut underwear that drives the lads wild, and hard to figure out (but undoubtedly great on) cotton wraps that do double duty as tops and scarves. The new Sustainable Edition line features six of their most popular styles in supersoft organic cotton. More locations opening soon in South Granville and Metrotown.-A.N. Injecting L.A. street style into Vancouver's sidewalks, Cattiva (new digs at 2665 Granville St., 604-608-1141) remains a mecca for fashion-conscious girls looking to grab the next new thing. One of the first stores to carry now ubiquitous denim lines like Seven and Juicy, Cattiva recently launched Paige Denim, introducing the city's legs to the kinds of seams that inspire Hollywood dreams. Paige Adams, the creator, is the world's foremost requested fit model for lines like Guess, Blue Cult and Citizens of Humanity. Her experience in the industry was the catalyst to design a line of jeans that offered women a revolutionary fit, promising to lengthen, highlight and accentuate the legs and butt-short of ensuring world peace, what else can you ask for in a jean? -A.N. [NEW] Goon Pack (109 W. Cordova St., 604-602-8119) is one of the newest boutiques to hit the booming fashion district of Gastown. Carrying designs by locals Paper Bird, Evolt, and Main and Hastings, the clothes are painstakingly crafted and handpicked for the trying-without-trying Vancouver hipster. A beige skirt by Main and Hastings ($85) looks woven by rope and feels weightless on. Shorts by local Sarah Mason ($65) are the perfect Bermuda length, keeping with the season's must-have for pants. Goon Pack also features gorgeous beaded flats by Xuan Li, which at $50 should be picked up in all colours. Graphic tees for boys and hoodies by local label Sodom & Gomorrah are all one-of-a-kind.-A.N. Lucky little west side ladies no longer need make the trek to The Drive to take advantage of fantastic price-points at Spank (1027 Commercial Dr., 604-255-1131; 2003 W. Fourth Ave., 778-371-9015). The store's new location in Kits still carries an impressive selection of local favs like Allison Wonderland and Chulopony, but owner Jana Sehic also delivers exclusive boutique lines from Europe and eastern Canada (think Snob from Montreal and 88 Queen Street from Toronto). Look for the complete fall line from hotter-than-hot Debbie Schuchat.-R.P. *article taken from: http://www.vanmag.com/bites.html
Top Places to Shop for Vintage & Consignment in Vancouver
Most people shop vintage for the experience of the chase. Like sport hunting, the ability to locate a silk Pucci scarf dress with a barely detectable rip in the hem is animalistic at its core. But for those who prefer a prepicked buffet, Deluxe Junk (310 W. Cordova St., 604-685-4871) is the crème of local vintage selection. Aside from the glass displays overflowing with Swarovski-laden brooches and Bakelite bracelet dreams, take in the delovely gowns from the '20s, '40s and '50s: a particular white crepe floor-length dress is reminiscent of the pink Chanel Nicole Kidman donned for the Oscars. -A.N.
[NEW] Opened in the summer of 2004, Used (831 Granville St., 604-694-0322) is a relatively undiscovered nook hidden by the jewellery merchants along the Granville strip. Known for its abundance of vintage leisurewear and reasonably priced '80s garb, the store has kept its best finds a secret, until now. Plucked from a warehouse of goods collected by Cherry Bomb owner Craig Taylor over the years, Used has one of the city's most glamorous and affordable shoe collections. With names like Bally, Charles Patou for Ingledew's and Ferragamo, the racks are packed with delicate stilettos, flashy lamé platforms and must-have cork wedges and cloth espadrilles. If you're lucky enough to wear a size 5, a jewelled pair of backless Charles Jourdans lingers in the display case, desperate for a wearer. -A.N.
[NEW] The ominously titled Fashion Junkeez was a "vintage" retailer that remained in business for many years, despite circulating the same stained suede peacoats for just as long. Luckily a fresh face has taken up the cause and introduced a sparsely stylish décor, new stock of vintage apparel and a bevy of local designs. Sarah Graves opened Midtown (438 W. Pender St., 604-682-6441) this past May and has worked slavishly to bring in the best of the city's reworked, restyled and refurbished. Greta is one of the store's best lines and features sugary peasant blouses in vintage fabrics-all you need now is a soft-focus lens and a field of buttercups.-A.N.
[NEW] Okay, so there's nothing new about a clothing line designed by a rock star, but how about one that makes a real political statement as opposed to one that simply builds on an already obnoxious empire? (Pay attention all you Olsen twins and Hilary Duffs). U2 frontman Bono, along with wife Ali Hewson and designer Rogan, has created a collection of denims and tees from organic fabrics that are made in small, family-run factories with fair-labour practices in South America and Africa. Each pair of jeans from the Edun (nude spelled backward) collection is embroidered with a poem inside the pockets-inspirational indeed. At Holt Renfrew (633 Granville St., 604-681-3121).-R.P.
[NEW] Stylish wardrobe basics that are environmentally conscious and totally patchouli-free? Horray for Lululemon's new line Oqoqo (Upstairs, 2113 W. Fourth Ave., 604-732-6111), starring the softest form-fitting tanks and tees, made with soy and organic cotton and perfect for layering. The Renew reversible miniskirt and matching Sick and Twisted tank tops are reserved for sexy mammas only. Look for more structured pieces in the fall made from bamboo (the fabric mimics a slinky jersey knit), as well as fitted jackets, short trench coats and trousers for men and women.-R.P.
We've had a crush on local label Twice Shy's form-fitting sassy T-shirts for some time, so it's nothing short of full-blown, come-home-and-meet-my-mum love now that the line is expanding this fall to include new styles of tops for women-think asymmetrical batwing shirts, tunic V-necks, zip front jumpers and wrap dresses. Look for new line of denim in spring 2006. Find Twice Shy's organic wares at newcomer Lark (152 E. Eighth Ave., 604-879-5275). -R.P.
*article taken from: http://www.vanmag.com/bites.html
Top Places to Shop for Active Wear in Vancouver
NEW] Sometimes it's as important to look active as it is to be active. Fine, it's the only thing that keeps us nonathletes interested. In this regard, for the perfect postworkout or preworkout outfit, you've got to stop in at Occupied (221 Abbott St., 604-605-3322). The tees and sweatshirts designed by owner Jenelle Pratt are adorable-and if you ever do make it to the gym, even practical. Silk-screened girls with antlers and delicate stars emblazon the tops, and at $45 for the tees and $65 for the sweatshirts, it just may be worth renewing that gym membership. We said maybe.-A.N. [NEW] Even if you've never done a sun salutation or downward dog you've seen your fair share of derriere encased in Lululemon pants (2113 W. Fourth Ave., 604-732-6111). For the essential yoga and workout gear, you needn't look further, but vying for a piece of the spiritual spandex pie is Lotuswear (2131 W. Fourth Ave., 604-926-7169), who conveniently moved in next door. Known for their emphasis on fashion-forward cuts (see the trademark Shiva short and Pava roll-down boy short), Lotuswear will soon introduce a yoga appropriate, but perfect for the beach, line of swimwear. Heavy breathing in the sand-we like it.-A.N. *article taken from: http://www.vanmag.com/bites.html
Top Places to Shop for Kids' Clothing in Vancouver
[NEW] You'll be coolest auntie ever when you shop at Dandelion Kids (1206 Commercial Dr., 604-676-1862). Local label Rebuilt makes gorgeous blouses with handstitched French seams out of vintage scarves; Tragically Hemp shoes, despite the name, are made of the softest leather and fabric; Fooey T-shirts for boys are vintage-fit with pics of tools and sprinklers; linen Thai fisherman pants for the worldly tot come from local label Lino Baby; leather wrist bands stamped with Jolly Roger and Pegasus make an edgy statement on the monkeybars.-R.P.
Fourth Avenue in Kits is now Baby Grand Central, with maternity shops overtaking yoga stores-'cause babies are the new purse-size dogs, don't you know. Amongst all the hoopla stands Hip Baby (2110 W. Fourth Ave., 604-737-0603) who have been purveyors of all things, well, hip, for baby and mum for the past 10 years, well before west side breeders went bonkers. Their in-house line of basics (cloth diapers, hooded towels and fitted crib sheets, plus T-shirts, hats and bibs for newborns) are designed and manufactured in Toronto. Stylish Inglesina umbrella strollers from Italy and My Breast Friend (try saying that fast) feeding pillows are top sellers.-R.P.
Mum loves Lola (1076 Hamilton St., 604-633-5017) for delicate lingerie, vintage tea sets and ultrafeminine home accessories; little Lolitas will love the entire Burberry line for babies, as well as Petit Bateau fine cotton T-shirts and onsies, and Bebe, an Italian line of baby bath products including shampoo, conditioner and bubble bath. Only chic bambinos need apply. -R.P.
*article taken from: http://www.vanmag.com/bites.html
Top Stores for Shoe Shopping in Vancouver
When it comes to shoes, we worship at the altar of our very own Holy Trinity: Kalena's, 1526 Commercial Drive, 604-255-3727 (The Father), Gravity Pope, 2205 West Fourth, 604-731-7673 (The Son), and John Fluevog, 837 Granville St., 604-688-2828 (The Holy Ghost). This year, standouts are both at Fluevog: for men the white or baby pink Attache gives a serious nod to Miami Vice. The gold and white Lip Service for women will keep you surfing the crest of '70s retro as you channel the Divine Miss M onstage at the Continental Baths. If there's a more fun shoe to be had this year, we've yet to see it. (At Gravity Pope it's hard to know where to begin, but we loved a pair of kelly green sandals by Mark Jacobs.)-S.S.
We also strongly suggest you walk between the fluorescent aisles at Winners (798 Granville St., 604-683-1058). Please, stifle your contemptuous snorts. While ladies may swear that the store's name is a cruel misnomer when it comes to the shoe department, gentlemen can take heart that amazing, well-nigh impossible deals are to be had. The day we found a pair of D&G kicks on sale for $180 and Versace lace-ups for $250, it was love. Sure you have to return often and you can't be assured of your size, but this isn't "Where the Easy Buys Are," now is it?-S.S.
But if the crowded racks at Winners are simply too offensive for your delicate sense of aesthetics (we hear you), a trot down Gastown's cobblestone streets will lead you to Richard Kidd (65 Water St., 604-677-1880), a veritable cathedral of minimalism (someone is loathe to clutter the two tiers and the amazing views with actual merchandise). You'll find kicky couture numbers from Balenciaga and Tsumori Chisato sharing the acid-treated cement floors with the most darling kitten-heeled saddle shoe from PPQ. While there might not be much on display, what there is is mighty impressive.-S.S.
*article taken from: http://www.vanmag.com/bites.html
Top Stores for Beauty Products in Vancouver
Celebrating five years of keeping us looking and smelling fresh 'n' pretty, BeautyMark (103-1120 Hamilton St., 604-642-2294; 991 Denman St., 604-688-7407) delivers product junkies their fixes with niche brand cosmetics like Philosophy, Cargo and Inouvi Cosmetics. Linecare-"cosmetherapy" miracle creams created by local physician Dr. Henry Fung-has achieved cult status for its ultrahydrating effects. High marks for BeautyMark's impressive collection of accessories, including celeb-fav locals Mimi & Marge and their latest collection of 18k yellow-gold-plated pieces.-R.P.
[NEW] Kits girls now have their very own neighbourhood beauty haven at Beautybar (2142 W. Fourth Ave., 604-733-9000), where the shelves are crammed with cult boutique lines like City Cosmetics and Joey New York. Don't miss the sexy, serpentine designs of Double Happiness accessories, or the Elixr tonic bar that serves fizzy herbal remedies to combat a night of excess.-R.P.
[NEW] The quick and easy way to go from feeling drab to fab? A Pure Quickie manicure at Pure Nail Bar (1282 Pacific Blvd., 604-605-1282). Twenty minutes and 18 dollars later, you'll feel as polished as the gleaming mod interior of the salon itself. Highlights included Singles Mingle nights-where well-groomed Yaletowners share secrets for perfect nail beds over cocktails-and the new Preggie Pedi service that includes a leg mask and relaxing massage. -R.P.
[NEW] And for the lads: niche lines of shaving, skin care, anti-aging, body care and hair care products with ingredients all formulated especially for you! Yes we do, in fact, judge you on the contents of your bathroom cabinet. Visit Momentum (1237 Burrard St., 604-689-4636) for the city's first boys-only grooming shop, and pick up anything from Sharps and KölDesign, or go all out with êShave's handmade designs of sculpted razors, badger brushes and shave stands. True Gentlemen- a luxury line of pre-shave oil, English-style shave cream and after-shave lotion, each available with either lavender essential oil or scent-free-recently made its Canadian debut at Momentum. Trust us: you go boutique and you won't go back.-R.P.
*article taken from: http://www.vanmag.com/bites.html
Top Stores for Accessories in Vancouver
We all know the big boys like big-name watches-Tissot, Rolex, Bulova, et al.-but if you want something a little different and homegrown, we suggest Vancouver's own St. Moritz-offering an array of watches from sporty to elegant with Swiss timing and precision. The limited edition Alpine Collection is a personal favourite. Available at retailers throughout the city and at their head office, 1140 W. Seventh Ave., 604-732-2316.-S.S.
A little whimsy can go a long way when you're wearing a business suit. While some men enjoy the yuks of a novelty tie, we highly discourage such a sad fashion faux pas. If your workaday world is bringing you down, Obsessions (101-595 Howe St., 604-684-0748, and other locations) offers a bone china "Tit/Nuts" cuff link combination (settle down, there's a tit willow on one and Brazil nuts on the other) by Sonia Spencer. For the aspiring securities grifter, Simon Carter has cornered the market with his crystal dollar and pound sign cuff links, all the better to keep your eyes on the prize.-S.S.
Besides its impressive selection of jeans-check out Nudies, who have perfected the distressed look-Brooklyn Clothing Co. (418 Davie St., 604-683-2929) is the home to some of greatest men's street accessories to be found around town, most from local designers. The front counter is jumping with belt buckles made of recycled bike chains, sprockets and cogs from (no surprise here) Sprockets & Cogs, silver jewellery by Deucalion (Pyrrha's men's line), wooden wrist cuffs by Woodever and distressed leather murses (yes, a murse is a man-purse).-S.S.
For a murse of a different stripe, Eugene Choo (3683 Main St., 604-873-8874) is the only place in Canada carrying Freitag- colourful and highly unusual, these Swiss wundertaschen are made from 100 percent recycled Autobahn materials like truck tarpaulins and car tires. Recognized for their distinctive shapes and bold graphic elements, they are all over the trendy streets of New York's East Village. Taking into account Pacific Standard Fashion Time, you have three years before they really take off here. Make the most of it!-S.S.
Girls suffering from a clear-cut case of envy over the boy's Woodever cuffs know that Jeweliette (692 Seymour St., 604-687-5577) won't leave you in a lurch. While your wrist slips into something arboreal, cast your eyes over a few display cases to the ultimate in neo-boho luxury: Bitchin' Baubles' stunning, chunky Sienna chalcedony and citrine necklace. Hippy isn't always a dirty word. It's the sort of necklace you'd find in an abandoned Mayan temple or in the bottom of Karen Black's jewellery case, next to the drugs. If a reference to the star of Airport 1975 ain't retro enough for you, there's always mammoth tusk-real old school. Internationally renowned local sculptor Richard Marcus's square '80s-inspired mosaic bracelets incorporate semiprecious stones and 35,000-year-old mammoth tusk shards.-S.S.
Nothing hides one's nocturnal sins better than a good alibi or a pair of oversize sunglasses. Jackie O's have returned with a vengeance: check out Ralph Lauren's take on the timeless classic at Abasa Optical (1037 Davie St., 604-687-3937). Somewhere between a well-balanced black-rimmed Jackie O and an over-the-top bejewelled Elton John lies Carrie Donovan. Dug up and reimagined by Oliver Peoples in the pink or brown Tara, the spirit of the irrepressible fashion editor and later-in-life corporate shill for Old Navy is alive and well. Reconnect with fashion's crazy old aunt at Blink Optometry (130 Davie St., in the Roundhouse Mews, 604-669-7997).-S.S.
Carry all your new pretty things in a Spencer and Rutherford purse from Roost (1192 Hamilton St., 604-708-0084). Cate Blanchett is a fan of the Sydney, Australia-based company; we're fans of bags by local design team Gaya, also in store. The best part? Limited quantities promise you fewer copycats.-S.S.
*article taken from: http://www.vanmag.com/bites.html
Top Home Stores in Vancouver
Sometimes it what's on the outside that counts, especially when we're talking exquisite antique wrought iron gates and architectural iron pieces imported from the Middle East, available at Antique Market (4280 Main St., 604-875-1434). From Victorian scrollwork all the way to the more geometric wholeness of art deco, owner and bonvivant Harry Stryer scours the planet for just the right finds.-S.S.
With coral motifs strutting down last year's couture runways, it was only a matter of time before they appeared in the home. The Cross (1198 Homer St., 604-689-2900) offers a delightful selection of coral appliquéd throw cushions that impart a subtle stylishness to your so-last-year sofa.-S.S.
And according to all the design mags, the look today is modern and clean with a touch of cultural appropriation to offset the sterility. When you need an infusion of handcrafted teak, mango wood or an oversize mirror with a West Indies feel, Blue Terra Designs (1146 Commercial Dr., 604-253-1711) will help you find just the right Buddha or basket to create the illusion of far-flung adventures. Parisienne-pretty more your thing? Look no further than Peridot (1512 W. 14th Ave., 604-736-4499) for scented candles, tasselled pillows, sparkling chandeliers and semiprecious stone jewellery made by local interior decorator Amanda Vogler.-S.S.
[NEW] What a difference one year and a few dead trees can make! Formerly owned by designer and socialite June Matheson under the name J Interiors, K Interiors (2213 Granville St., 604-733-9823) was purchased this February by Calgary designer Kathy Love. Chandeliers and glittering things still figure prominently as do rare woods and luxurious fabrics. While the name may have slid down the alphabet, the store's aesthetic hasn't slipped in the least. Still a tasteful mix of old-world craftsmanship and more modern classics, K Interiors proves that impeccable taste can weather any storm.-S.S.
*article taken from: http://www.vanmag.com/bites.html
Top Gift Stores in Vancouver
Buying a gift that's sure to please can be a trial of Jacksonian proportions. There are as many perfect gifts out there as there are people to receive them-and nearly as many stores that offer curios, chachkas and knickknacks all screaming for your attention. Whether you've found that perfect pressie or are left holding the dollar store bag, presentation can score you high marks. Montreal-based Essence du Papier (Main Floor of Sears Downtown, 701 Granville St., 604-685-7489) offers a kaleidoscopic array of exclusive wrapping papers for every occasion as well as all things papetrie: leather-bound scrap books, luxurious writing implements and chic organizers.-S.S.
Here's a novel idea: why not substitute a small hardbound book for a ubiquitous greeting card. Pick a subject that is of interest to the recipient, and your good wishes stand a chance of ending up on the coffee table or the bookshelf rather than in the back of the hall closet or worse, the recycling bin. We're loving the small Thames & Hudson picture books on the lives of great fashion designers. Choose from Donna Karan, Valentino, Thierry Mugler and others, available at Book Warehouse stores throughout the city. Also available for your fave fashionista is the ultimate coffee table book: Taschen's The Complete Costume History, with over a thousand pages of illustrations covering over 2,000 years of fashion. At The Cross (1198 Homer St., 604-689-2900).-S.S.
[NEW] When a little old-world charm is in order, it's worth visiting Farfalla (2010 Commercial Dr., 604-215-8707). The name is Italian for butterfly-fitting, considering the eclectic selection on display. A mother-daughter-run store with a cosy feel, Farfalla offers a broad range of gifts for the hard-to-shop-for, picky and infuriatingly stylish friend (we hope our friends are taking notes). Choose from Italian table linens, Belgian table runners, Czech crystal, monogrammed satin pillows, English bath products and Il Papiro archival-quality scrapbooks. The reek of good taste hangs heavy here. Inhale deeply.-S.S.
*article taken from: http://www.vanmag.com/bites.html
Top Pet Stores in Vancouver
[NEW] The first thing you'll encounter at Barking Babies (433 Davie St., 604-647-2275) is, in fact, a barking baby. Quintin, Nancy Howatson's sprightly Jack Russell, is the store's unofficial greeter and spokesmodel. Clad in the industry's latest puppy couture, Quintin is the diva of the dog block and paves the way for Yaletown's trendiest pooches. With an exclusive clothing line from Tokyo and imported Italian leather carriers, Barking Babies is the Fred Segal of Vancouver's pet royalty. This season's hot items? A camouflage sundress for the ladies and sexy denim jackets for the men. And after decking the little one out, you can pick up a matching PuchiBag with genuine silver clasps, throw on the Bling Bones Swarovski collar and you're ready as you'll ever be for a 5 a.m. walk in the park.-A.N.
[NEW] You've been working late; she's been having "accidents" in the shoe closet. Do the right thing for this relationship and take her out for a meal. Doggy Style Deli (985 Denman St., 604-488-0388) specializes in the Pandean dog diet that has been de rigueur for puppies in Australia for the last 10 years. Something like our raw food craze, the Pandean diet consists of fresh meat and veggies lightly cooked and served hot. The meals range from $2.50 to $6 and are available for eat-in or take-out. Yes, they're for dogs only. The deli's liver brownies are like crack for pooches and fly off the shelves. Baked fresh every day, the snacks are allegedly irresistible (even for a dog's "discerning" taste) and run at $3.99 a pop.-A.N.
Doggy culture getting you down? There are other ways to reap the emotional benefits of having a little (less dependent) one to love and care for. If visions of plastic skulls and lackadaisical fish linger in your memory from childhood, now is the time to reinvest in the calming allure of underwater pets. At Aquariums West (1262 Burrard St., 604-669-9249), they spe