Shopping Guide
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A retail extravaganza, hosted by three confirmed shopaholics dedicated to the task of uncovering the city's best buys, hottest deals and newest locales. Consider this your official cheat sheet for shopping in Vancouver. By Amil Niazi, Rebecca Philps and Steven Schelling. Photographs by Clinton Hussey, Styling by Redia Soltis. | |
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Party: 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.
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.
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. Vintage & Consignment: 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.
[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.
[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. SHOES 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.
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. ACCESSORIES 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.
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. GIFTS 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. PETS [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 specialize in creating natural, modern settings for a variety of flora and fauna. With imported live plants from Singapore and German Sera products to create the perfect biotope atmosphere, owner Jeannie Lister wants to move beyond the classic fish bowl aesthetic to create lush landscapes. Everything from dense reef aquariums to blue sand sifting starfish is available at the store, including the fantasy of tropical locales and imported relaxation.-A.N. | |