Vancouver Magazine

Aquariums West

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.

Aritzia

Brian Hill's fashion-forward boutiques began as an off-shoot of the family business (see Hills of Kerrisdale) and have become something of an obsession among women aged 15 to 30: they come for denim labels like Seven, Juicy and Rock & Republic and popular house brands like TNA (casual sweats that have since spun off into their own chainlet), Talula Babaton (preppy separates that are office-friendly), Talula (less office-friendly, more Friday night-friendly) and Wilfred (a line of refined, grown-up pieces).

Nouvelle Nouvelle

Amy Renee York and Mishel Savinkoff’s Nouvelle Nouvelle stocks vintage boots, recycled leather bags, and these Aztec-inspired tops ($99) by Like Sunday, made from ultra-soft pure bamboo.

Skoah

Skoah’s new Xtreme Facial treatment ($100) includes a soothing scalp massage and signature foot facial. Check out their new low-maintenance makeup line: face primer, cheek tints, lip gloss, and eye shadow trios can (and should) be applied with your fingers.

Temple of the Modern Girl

Twigg & Hottie

A Main Street mainstay, the boutique is owned by local designers Glencora Twigg, Christine Hotton and Jessica Vaira and stocks three house labels and pieces by 50 Canadian designers and counting. Look for Glencora's tailored wardrobe staples (selling under the twigg&hottie label), best-selling Marzio Fiorini’s line of recycled rubber jewellery out of Brazil and simple, sterling silver jewellery by Mindan Gunther-Moore.

18 Karat

The flagship store of 18 Karat is a mecca for the design-conscious. Look for oversize vessels, balcony-friendly stone planters and beautifully textured throws—all simple, earthy and graphic.

Abasa Optical

Owned by sisters and second-generation opticians Azra Camrudin and Anar Mawji, this Davie Street institution carries an overwhelming selection of the most sought-after fashionista-approved frames. Our favourite is the leather-armed chartreuse specs from award-winning French eyewear label Lafont ($389).