Inside Vancouver

Vancouver Christmas Shopping: 6 Holiday Markets and Pop-Ups

by Taraneh in Shop on December 14, 2012

Holiday Cards at We Are Local. Photo credit: We Are Local

With just two weekends to go before Christmas, it’s time to start or finish your holiday shopping. I respect both camps of shoppers: the early birds and the swift’n’serious. Early birds know what they’re after and exactly how long it takes to secure such a prize. The swift’n’serious crew relies on last minute inspiration.

Whichever camp you belong to, here’s a round-up of Vancouver’s most exciting, Christmas-only shopping options. You’re already familiar with the big malls and shopping districts. These are the seasonal gems that feature unique, often locally-made goods.

From holiday craft markets to holiday pop-up shops, here are some ideas to help you find something special for everyone on your gift list.

6 Holiday Markets and Pop-Ups

1) The Great Canadian Craft Fair: Saturday, Dec. 15 – Sunday, Dec. 16
Bah-zillion (200) B.C. vendors take over the iconic Salt Building in False Creek selling handmade indie wares including ethical baby clothes, quilts, terrarium globes and so much more. There will be cocoa and face painting for the kiddos, plus workshops and music. It’s open 10am-6pm. Tickets are $7 on Eventbrite. Continue reading:
Vancouver Christmas Shopping: 6 Holiday Markets and Pop-Ups

Find Holiday Gifts at Vancouver’s Largest Indie Craft Fair, “Got Craft?” Dec. 8 – 9

by Taraneh in Shop on December 5, 2012

Why shop the indie craftacular market? Because “mall” is a four letter word. If you need another reason, this week is also Vancouver’s first ever Buy Local Week.

The holiday edition of Got Craft?, Vancouver’s largest indie craft fair, takes place December 8-9 at the Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive). The immensely popular Christmas shopping event features 80 talented, local vendors selling hundreds of great potential gifts that range from macarons and chocolates, to kids’ toys, beauty products, clothes and accessories. The unifying theme? Everything is handmade.

Vancouver has many craft fairs, to be sure. Got Craft? stands out from the pack with the care it applies to curating a balanced mix of vendors around a common theme. This time, the theme is the holidays.

Preview some creative holiday gift ideas from Got Craft? below. Continue reading:
Find Holiday Gifts at Vancouver’s Largest Indie Craft Fair, “Got Craft?” Dec. 8 – 9

Holiday Shopping? Check out the Örling & Wu Christmas Pop-Up Shop at Holt Renfrew

by Taraneh in Shop on November 27, 2012

Holiday shopping can be daunting. The new Örling & Wu holiday pop-up shop in the downtown Pacific Centre’s skybridge to Holt Renfrew has the seasonal charm that encourages a lazy linger rather than hurried, list-based browsing. The Gastown-based retailer has curated a lovely selection of Christmas decor and hostess gifts which will be on sale there through Dec. 24.

The Örling & Wu holiday pop-up is Holt Renfrew Vancouver’s first-ever home decor pop-up shop. It’s reassuring that the 175-year-old queen bee of exclusive fashion made it a point to work with a local business. The pop-up has old-fashioned holiday decorations by Jan Constantine, festive tea cozies by Poppy Treffrey, historical bone china mugs by Cole of London, sparkly Sabre serving spoons and clever ornamental creations by Italy’s Miho Unexpected.

“Our business has always been about making homes and lives feel beautiful. Adding beauty to simple moments is what makes the holiday season memorable,” explains Julie Wu, co‐founder of the local biz.

Holt has also partnered with Vancouver-biz Soirette Macaron on a Christmas macaron and tea shop in Holt Renfrew, so you can power up with gingerbread and mint-choc macarons while shopping.

And now for a montage of glamour shots from the Örling & Wu holiday pop-up. Continue reading:
Holiday Shopping? Check out the Örling & Wu Christmas Pop-Up Shop at Holt Renfrew

Discounts and Drinks at the Gastown Fall Shop Hop, Nov. 15

by Taraneh in Shop on November 15, 2012

Shop hop fun at Community Thrift and Vintage. Photo credit: Community Thrift

Get a head start on holiday shopping. Find that slinky holiday cocktail dress. Or just enjoy a drink with friends at the Gastown Shop Hop, this evening, Nov. 15, from 5 to 9pm.

Gastown, Vancouver’s chicest ‘hood and historic heart, was recently ranked the fourth most stylish neighbourhood in the world after greats such as Paris’ 1st Arrondissement, Harajuku in Tokyo and NYC’s Soho. The fashionable neighbourhood’s annual fall shopping event is bigger than ever in 2012, with discounts at over 50 boutiques and restaurants.

How does the Gastown Shop Hop work? Browse and shop for discounted men’s and women’s fashion, home decor and accessories at Gastown’s local, independent businesses. The shops stay open late, serve drinks and have DJs and/or games. By shopping, you receive vouchers to use to dine/drink at participating Gastown bars and restaurants.

Find party highlights and a map with participating shops and restaurants after the jump. Continue reading:
Discounts and Drinks at the Gastown Fall Shop Hop, Nov. 15

Maison Martin Margiela for H&M Launches at Pacific Centre, Nov. 15

by Taraneh in Shop on November 14, 2012

Photo credit: Paul Wetherell for H&M

Hang on to your (deconstructed) hats. H&M has, once again, collaborated with design royalty, partnering with Maison Martin Margiela on an edgy collection that lands at the downtown Pacific Centre Thursday, Nov. 15.

Rain or shine, this is the type of fashion event that draws a crowd. Only 6 out of the 60 Canadian H&M stores will receive the collection. H&M at the downtown Pacific Centre is the only store on the West Coast to feature Margiela.

Martin Margiela founded his Maison 23 years ago and continuously shoves the boundaries between art and fashion. The Belgian designer’s first collection in 1989 included a leather butcher’s apron reworked into a sultry evening gown. His early use of sculptured silhouettes are responsible for current trends such as high-waisted skirts, capes and leggings. Despite all the buzz about his work, Martin Margiela has never once been photographed for the press, adding to the designer’s mystery and allure.

Read on to preview looks and prices from the Maison Martin Margiela for H&M collection. Continue reading:
Maison Martin Margiela for H&M Launches at Pacific Centre, Nov. 15